June 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Playgrounds opened for New York City children today, but Big Apple pups will have to wait longer to play inside public dog runs. Playgrounds reopened today as the city entered Phase Two of the reopening plan, while other defined spaces inside city parks remain closed — including dog runs… Read more »
Author: Allie Griffin
Transit Group Calls on Mayor to Shift Portion of NYPD Funding to DOT
June 19, 2020 By Allie Griffin A street safety advocacy group is calling on the mayor to redistribute a portion of the NYPD budget to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and shift traffic enforcement away from police officers. Transportation Alternatives released a report Friday in which its members argue that police enforcement of traffic laws… Read more »
Queens Leaders Celebrate Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Trump from Ending DACA
June 18, 2020 By Allie Griffin Queens leaders celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision today blocking President Donald Trump from ending the DACA program. The Court ruled, 5-4, that Trump cannot terminate the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” or DACA program that protects people unlawfully brought into the country as young children from deportation. The news… Read more »
New York City Will Enter Phase Two of Reopening Monday With Outdoor Dining Open
June 18, 2020 By Allie Griffin New Yorkers will be able to dine out at their local restaurants Monday, as New York City begins the next phase of reopening. Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed today that the five boroughs will enter Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan Monday, noting that restaurants will be able… Read more »
Queens Public Library to Reopen Some Branches Next Month
June 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin Queens Public Library will reopen some of its branches next month as New York City begins to return to pre-coronavirus normalcy. Six to eight branches in the borough will open for pick up and drop off services in mid-July, with more to follow, President and CEO of Queens Public… Read more »
New York City On Track to Enter Phase Two Monday: Hair Salons, Outdoor Dining to Reopen
June 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin New York City is on track to enter Phase Two of the state’s reopening process Monday, with hair salons, barbershops and outdoor dining to reopen. Governor Andrew Cuomo made the announcement today just hours after Mayor Bill de Blasio refused to give a precise date for when the city… Read more »
Residents May Have to Wait Until the Beginning of July Before Restaurants Can Reopen For Outdoor Dining
June 16, 2020 By Allie Griffin New York City residents may have to wait longer before they can get a haircut or eat out, as Mayor Bill de Blasio warned today it could take longer than expected to reach Phase 2 of reopening. The city is the only region of the 10 regions in the… Read more »
Queens Electeds Celebrate Supreme Court Ruling Against Workplace LGBTQ Discrimination
June 15, 2020 By Allie Griffin The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that employers cannot fire workers based on their sexual orientation or gender identity and Queens elected officials are celebrating the historic decision. The Court ruled that an employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII of the… Read more »
Queen District Attorney Launches Hate Crimes Bureau
June 15, 2020 By Allie Griffin Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has launched a new bureau dedicated to combating hate crimes. The announcement comes amid a national discussion on systemic racism following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, as well as a recent uptick in biased attacks against Asian Americans during the coronavirus pandemic…. Read more »
Proceeds from Sunday Drive-In Movie Night to Feed Queens Residents in Need
June 12, 2020 By Allie Griffin Queens residents can enjoy a drive-in movie in Long Island Sunday, while supporting their neighbors in need. The nonprofit Commonpoint Queens is hosting a drive-in screening of the 1996 hit Space Jam in Great Neck Sunday. Tickets cost $35 per car, with all proceeds going towards the Commonpoint Queens… Read more »