April 28, 2021 By Ryan Songalia A bill that redefines the definition of rape passed the State Assembly on Tuesday. The legislation, typically referred to as the “Rape is Rape” bill, aims to expand the definition beyond vaginal penetration. Currently, oral and anal sexual assaults are charged as “criminal sexual acts,” not rape. While criminal… Read more »
April 28, 2021 By Allie Griffin A slew of state-imposed COVID-19 restrictions on bars and restaurants will be lifted next month. Previous executive orders that Governor Andrew Cuomo imposed on the businesses at the height of the pandemic — such as curfews, the required food with alcohol purchase rule, and the suspension of bar service… Read more »
April 28, 2021 By Allie Griffin Students attending St. John’s University in the fall will need to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before class begins. The university announced last Wednesday that all students who plan to attend in-person classes next semester will be required to be fully vaccinated. COVID-19 shots are now available to all… Read more »
April 27, 2021 By Allie Griffin A bill that would ban the sale of cats and dogs at pet stores in New York is making headway in the state legislature. The legislation — sponsored by Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal and State Sen. Michael Gianaris — is set to move for a full vote on the… Read more »
April 27, 2021 By Ryan Songalia Two Queens politicians announced Monday that they are endorsing one another in their upcoming primary races. Assemblymember David Weprin, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for NYC Comptroller, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards exchanged cross endorsements. Richards is seeking another term for the office he won last year… Read more »
April 27, 2021 By Michael Dorgan Queens’ first-ever professional soccer franchise has a new home. Queensboro FC announced Tuesday that it will build a new 7,500 seat stadium at York College in Jamaica, where the first team will play its home games in its inaugural 2022 season and beyond. The club said it was entering… Read more »
April 27, 2021 By Christina Santucci The Community Council for the 114th Precinct in Astoria is holding a virtual meeting this evening – the group’s first meeting in more than a year. Information about how to attend was posted on Twitter by the 114th Precinct’s account, and the Zoom meeting is scheduled to begin at… Read more »
April 27, 2021 Op-ed By John J. Ciafone Crime is out of control in the City and in our neighborhoods. Every day citizens are being victimized by the criminal element which is unabashed in committing violence. There is no more safety, whether at home, on the street or in the subways. We have succumbed to… Read more »
April 27, 2021 By Allie Griffin A major home goods chain opened its first New York City location in Rego Park last week. At Home, a Texas-based home decor superstore, opened at 61-35 Junction Blvd. inside the Rego Center mall last Wednesday. “We are thrilled to open our first New York City store in the… Read more »
April 27, 2021 By Ryan Songalia A city council candidate is under fire for racist and misogynistic social media posts he made as a teenager. Juan Ardila, who is challenging incumbent city council member Robert Holden in District 30, has apologized after the New York Post published a story Sunday reporting on the posts. The… Read more »