April 22, 2021 By Ryan Songalia A new bill that aims to protect workers from contracting airborne illnesses in the workplace—such as COVID-19—passed both the New York State Senate and Assembly this week. Businesses, under the legislation called NY Hero Act, will be required to meet minimum safety standards to reduce the risk to workers… Read more »
April 22, 2021 Op-Ed By Aleda Gagarin I worry now more than ever about my children growing up on an uninhabitable planet. The science is loud and clear that we need to act urgently. If I were in City Council now, during these final months of budget negotiations, I would fight to restore and expand… Read more »
April 21, 2021 By Ryan Songalia Elected officials across Queens praised the verdicts in the Derek Chauvin case Tuesday, but said true justice remains a work in progress. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was found guilty on all three charges related to the May 2020 killing of unarmed Black man George Floyd, including second-degree… Read more »
April 21, 2021 By Ryan Songalia Mayor Bill de Blasio unveiled a new plan Tuesday that will add more cops in high crime areas as a means to combat gun violence. The announcement comes at a time when the number of shootings continues to spike across the city and New Yorkers have been calling for… Read more »
April 20, 2021 By Ryan Songalia Juan Ardila who is running to represent the 30th Council District added another prominent endorsement last week as he aims to unseat Bob Holden, the incumbent. Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, who is running to be the next Queens Borough President, endorsed Ardila on Friday—as the newcomer aims to… Read more »
April 20, 2021 By Christina Santucci What do the homes of Louis Armstrong, William Steinway, Jackie Robinson, Malcolm X, Ella Fitzgerald and Rufus King have in common? All are featured in the new book, Historic Houses of Queens, scheduled for publication next month. The book – written by Rob MacKay, Director of Public Relations, Tourism… Read more »
April 19, 2021 By Christina Santucci New Yorkers 50 and older no longer need an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at multiple city-run sites – including seven locations in Queens. The mayor announced the expansion to walk-in vaccinations on Saturday – the first day that the new guidelines were put into place. Previously the… Read more »
April 16, 2021 By Christian Murray The Queens Public Library announced Thursday that it will be reopening the Middle Village branch—along with four others for “to-go” service Wednesday. The library system currently has 34 branches open for to-got service and after Wednesday it will have 39 up and running. The branches to be added in… Read more »
April 16, 2021 By Christian Murray A lucrative state tax break that has benefited a number of high-profile developers has come to an end. State Sen. Mike Gianaris passed legislation that was included in the state budget that scraps a handsome tax break that allows developers who invest in designated “opportunity zones” to defer and… Read more »
April 14, 2021 By Allie Griffin Former Council Member Elizabeth Crowley officially announced Wednesday that she is running for Queens Borough President once again. Crowley, who was surrounded by well-wishers, made the announcement at an event held on the steps of the Flushing Library Wednesday. “Our borough was facing crises on many fronts even prior… Read more »