Category: In the Spotlight

Sept. 18, 2020 By Christian Murray We talk to Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist who will be representing the 36th Assembly District in Albany next year. Mamdani, 28, is an Astoria resident who won the Democratic primary against incumbent Aravella Simotas in June in what proved to be a very competitive race. He was the… Read more »

Sept. 3, 2020 By Christian Murray Council Member Robert Holden, who represents the 30th Council District, considers himself to be a “common sense” elected official—something he says is in short supply among legislators in New York City. Holden, whose district includes Glendale, Middle Village and Maspeth, says that the progressive and socialist policies of Mayor… Read more »

June 10, 2020 By Christian Murray The Democratic primary for the 14th Congressional District takes place June 23 and incumbent Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez seeks another term. The congresswoman is running against former CNBC reporter Michelle Caruso-Cabrera and community organizer Badrun Khan. We speak to Ocasio-Cortez about what she has been doing in congress and why she believes… Read more »

June 1, 2020 Staff Report Council Member Costa Constantinides, who represents Astoria and East Elmhurst, is running to be the next Queens Borough President. We spoke to Constantinides early last week, before the national outrage following the death of George Floyd took hold. The focus of the discussion was largely about the looming budget problems… Read more »

May 11, 2020 By Christian Murray The biggest issue for bars and restaurants right now is paying rent. We talk to Luca DiCiero, founder and CEO of the real estate firm NYSpace Finders in Astoria, about the challenges these businesses face and the willingness of landlords to negotiate with them. DiCiero has brought many business… Read more »

May 2, 2020 By Christian Murray In upcoming months Queens residents will see for themselves the economic carnage COVID-19 has delivered to the borough’s small businesses. Store fronts will be empty; cherished restaurants will be gone; and neighborhood business owners who residents adored and could count on to sponsor local events will disappear. The number… Read more »

August 5, 2019, Sponsored Story Preventing water waste and promoting energy conservation is the focus of a new state-of-the-art laundromat that opened in Jackson Heights last month. Aquarelo Laundromat, located at 82-01 Northern Blvd, is the brainchild of Queens native David Velasquez and his brother Samuel. Their vision was to open an eco-friendly laundromat in… Read more »