May 20, 2021 By Ryan Songalia A bill aimed at combating anti-Asian hate crimes passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday with overwhelming support and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. The bill, known as the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, would simplify the reporting and review process pertaining to racially… Read more »
May 20, 2021 Op-Ed By: Julia Forman As a pandemic that brought disproportionate harm to our senior neighbors raged through the city, our government sputtered. Communications were focused on text and internet messages and those on the other side of the digital divide struggled to get the same information as our younger citizens. Vaccine sign-ups… Read more »
May 20, 2021 By Ryan Songalia A historic tavern in Woodhaven will receive a much-needed financial grant in recognition of its cultural significance. Neir’s Tavern, which opened in 1829, was one of 25 restaurants that will receive a $40,000 grant from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Washington D.C. based non-profit…. Read more »
May 19, 2021 By Allie Griffin Congress Member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced a joint resolution Wednesday in opposition to U.S. weapons sales to Israel. The resolution — also introduced by Reps. Mark Pocan and Rashida Tlaib — aims to stop the sale of $735 million worth of weapons to Israel that are currently in the process… Read more »
May 19, 2021 By Michael Dorgan The Tribeca Film Festival will be held across all five boroughs this summer with screenings set to take place at a number of outdoor venues in Queens. Movie-goers will be able to watch films on a 40-foot tall cinema screen next month at Astoria Park, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and… Read more »
May 19, 2021 By Ryan Songalia Forest Hills Stadium will host its first concert since the COVID-19 pandemic began when Brandi Carlile performs at the outdoor music venue on Friday, July 23. The venue, which can seat a maximum capacity of 13,000 people, canceled last year’s summer concert schedule, which was to include major acts… Read more »
May 19, 2021 By Ryan Songalia Queens voters aged 50+ view crime as their number one concern, a recent poll found. An AARP-Siena College poll published Monday found that 67 percent of Queens respondents 50+ named crime as their biggest concern, followed by the availability of affordable housing at 59 percent. The concern relating to… Read more »
May 19, 2021 By Christina Santucci The city’s hospitality association is calling on state legislators to pass a bill sponsored by state Sen. Jessica Ramos that would allow city bars and restaurants to get the authority they need to sell alcoholic beverages more quickly. Currently, only businesses outside of New York City are allowed to… Read more »
May 17, 2021 By Allie Griffin A prominent Long Island City restaurant owner has come under fire for tearing up a city council candidate’s campaign poster and uploading a picture of its remnants to social media — accompanied by a strong anti-socialist message. Josh Bowen, the owner of Mothership Meat Company who was an outspoken… Read more »
May 18, 2021 By Christina Santucci The Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden in Astoria will open its doors Wednesday – after being closed for several months. “We are actually doing a soft opening tomorrow. By this weekend we should be full force,” Daniel Finger, the hall’s new general manager, said Tuesday. The popular beer garden,… Read more »