March 11, 2021 By Allie Griffin More than 55 state legislators, including 14 from Queens, are calling for Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign amid mounting sexual harassment allegations and the state’s nursing home death scandal. The Democratic lawmakers released a joint statement Thursday demanding Cuomo resign and allow the lieutenant governor to take over for… Read more »
Author: Allie Griffin
NYC Eateries Can Increase Their Indoor Dining Capacity to 50 Percent Next Week
March 10, 2021 By Allie Griffin New York City eateries will be permitted to increase indoor dining to 50 percent capacity starting on March 19, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday. Cuomo upped the capacity from its current level of 35 percent in a joint announcement with Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey. Murphy said New… Read more »
Van Bramer Calls on Fellow Borough President Candidates to Demand Gov. Cuomo’s Resignation
March 10, 2021 By Allie Griffin Queens Borough President candidate Jimmy Van Bramer is calling for Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign amid sexual harassment allegations — and now wants his opponents in the BP race to do the same. Van Bramer is asking his fellow borough president candidates to join the growing number of lawmakers… Read more »
Mayor Unveils $65 Million Relief Fund for Taxi Medallion Owner-Drivers; Critics Say It Does Little to Help
March 10, 2021 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio unveiled a plan Tuesday to provide $65 million in relief funds for taxi drivers plagued by the city’s taxi medallion crisis. The plan, however, was quickly criticized by cab drivers and progressive lawmakers–such as State Sen. Jessica Ramos–who say it doesn’t begin to address the… Read more »
New Yorkers as Young as 60 Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccine Starting Wednesday
March 9, 2021 By Allie Griffin New Yorkers as young as 60 will be eligible to be vaccinated for COVID-19 starting Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today. Cuomo lowered the current vaccine-eligibility age — which is 65 in the state — by five years. He also expanded eligibility to additional categories of essential workers, who… Read more »
New York City Launches Effort to Vaccinate Homebound Seniors for COVID-19
March 8, 2021 By Allie Griffin New York City launched an effort last week to vaccinate thousands of homebound seniors for COVID-19. The city is utilizing its supply of the newly-approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine to bring the shot directly to seniors inside their homes. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is easier to transport because… Read more »
MTA Adds COVID-19 Vaccination Sites to Live Subway Map
March 8, 2021 By Allie Griffin The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has added COVID-19 vaccination sites to its live subway map to help eligible New Yorkers plan their route to get the shot. The new feature allows straphangers to easily find the vaccination sites closest to subway stops and plan their trips accordingly. Each vaccination… Read more »
NYC Public High Schools to Reopen In-Person Classes Later This Month
March 8, 2021 By Allie Griffin New York City high schoolers will be welcomed back to the classroom at the city’s public schools later this month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. Roughly 55,000 high school students who signed up for in-person learning in the fall will return to school buildings, starting on March 22… Read more »
Three Queens Men Wrongfully Convicted in 1996 Double Homicide Released From Prison
March 5, 2021 By Allie Griffin Three Queens men who were wrongfully convicted in a 1996 double homicide returned home to their families today after nearly a quarter century behind bars. A Queens Supreme Court judge vacated the convictions of George Bell, Gary Johnson and Rohan Bolt Friday in the murders of an Astoria business… Read more »
Governor Andrew Cuomo Apologizes Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations; Says He Won’t Resign
March 3, 2021 By Allie Griffin In his first public appearance since multiple women accused him of sexual harassment, Governor Andrew Cuomo apologized for his behavior, but refused to resign from office as several Queens legislators have called for. Cuomo issued the apology on Wednesday after two former staffers accused the governor of sexual harassment… Read more »