Jan. 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed legislation to legalize most e-bikes and e-scooters as part of his executive budget plan for Fiscal Year 2021. Cuomo wrote the legislation into his budget that was released Tuesday less than a month after he vetoed two Queens lawmakers’ bill to legalize the electric… Read more »
Jan. 22, 2020 By Kristen Torres A Lyft driver was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday for sexually assaulting a passenger who had fallen asleep in his car in Queens. Welinton Fernandez, 31, of Corona was convicted in November of first degree criminal sexual act and first degree sexual abuse for sexually assaulting… Read more »
Jan. 21, 2020 By Christian Murray and Allie Griffin Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer announced Tuesday that he is dropping out of the race to be Queens Borough President. Van Bramer, in an email released by his campaign this morning, cited family reasons. “Prioritizing my responsibilities as a son and brother is where my attention… Read more »
Jan. 20, 2020 By Allie Griffin and Christian Murray Two candidates vying to be the next borough president traded barbs at a forum in Sunnyside last week when the topics of Amazon, real estate contributions and the Queens County Democratic machine were raised. Council Members Jimmy Van Bramer and Donovan Richards — two of the… Read more »
Jan. 17, 2020 By Kristen Torres (Updated Jan. 20) The MTA says it’s listening–and that Jackson Heights residents have been heard loud and clear. MTA officials said Friday that they will re-work the bus routes that link to the 74th Street Subway Station in Jackson Heights– among other network changes. The current draft plan, which… Read more »
Jan. 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin A 62-year-old man has gone missing from an Elmhurst assisted living center. Victor Alejandro was last seen leaving Queens Adult Care Center, at 80-08 45th Ave, yesterday, Jan. 16 at 5:24 a.m., police said. He is approximately 5’10” and 130 lbs with black eyes and gray hair. He was… Read more »
Jan. 16, 2020 By Kristen Torres A Queens lawmaker has introduced legislation that would ensure immigrants facing deportation have access to an attorney. Assemblymember Catalina Cruz—who represents Corona, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights—introduced the Access to Representation Act on Wednesday, which would provide immigrants facing deportation with the legal right to an attorney, even if they… Read more »
Jan. 16, 2020 By Allie Griffin Straphangers who ride the 7 train will be hearing the voice of Awkwafina every time the subway pulls into a station. The conductor announcements will feature the recorded voice of the Golden Globe-winning actress from today through Wednesday, Jan. 22. Awkwafina arranged the deal to voice the subway intercom… Read more »
Jan. 15, 2020 Staff Report Two brothers who opened a state-of-the-art laundry center on 82nd Street last year have recently added a trendy cafe to their corner space that can be accessed from inside or outside the laundromat. David and Samuel Velasquez opened the doors to Parva Bakeshop & Café at 82-01 Northern Blvd. in… Read more »
Jan. 15, 2020 By Kristen Torres One of the nation’s largest immigration rights groups has endorsed Bernie Sanders for president. Make the Road Action (MRA)—which has a large New York chapter—announced its decision to endorse Sanders on Wednesday, citing his commitment to workers rights, universal healthcare and national rent control. “Bernie Sanders has shown us… Read more »