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 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 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 18, 2021 By Ryan Songalia Queens Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan endorsed Kathryn Garcia on Monday in the race for New York City mayor. Nolan cited the former Sanitation Department commissioner’s experience in government for her endorsement, saying she is the right person to lead the city out of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Kathryn Garcia is the… Read more »
May 17, 2021 By Christian Murray Vaccinated New Yorkers will be able to go mask-free in most settings starting Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced at a press conference this morning. Residents who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to ditch their masks starting Wednesday—in line with CDC guidance announced last week. “If… Read more »
May 17, 2021 By Christina Santucci More than a dozen Queens elected officials and community leaders praised a plan to send medical supplies from New York City to India – to help the country deal with the pandemic. Mayor Bill de Blasio had announced the arrangement on Friday, saying that the city would tap into… Read more »
May 13, 2021 By Ryan Songalia City council member Jimmy Van Bramer and mayoral candidate Dianne Morales cross-endorsed one another today as they both seek office. Van Bramer, who is running to be Queens Borough President, joined Morales for the announcement this morning at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights. Morales of Brooklyn says she is… Read more »
May 12, 2021 By Christina Santucci In-person voting in New York City’s Primary Election gets underway one month from today. New York City voters will be able to fill in their ballots – for mayor, public advocate, comptroller, borough president and City Council – at the polls starting Saturday, June 12. The Board of Elections… Read more »
May 11, 2021 By Christian Murray A Queens lawmaker has introduced a bill in the state assembly that would establish Diwali as a school holiday. Jenifer Rajkumar, who represents the 38th Assembly District in central Queens, says that it is time for Diwali to be recognized as a school holiday—and points to how Eid and… Read more »