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 Allie Griffin Congress Member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced a joint resolution Wednesday in opposition to U.S. weapons sales to Israel. The resolution — also introduced by Reps. Mark Pocan and Rashida Tlaib — aims to stop the sale of $735 million worth of weapons to Israel that are currently in the process… Read more »
May 19, 2021 By Michael Dorgan The Tribeca Film Festival will be held across all five boroughs this summer with screenings set to take place at a number of outdoor venues in Queens. Movie-goers will be able to watch films on a 40-foot tall cinema screen next month at Astoria Park, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and… 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 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 Allie Griffin The NYPD will be adding 250 extra cops to patrol the subway system—which will result in the network having the largest police presence in more than 25 years, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday. The additional cops will bring the total number of officers securing the subways to 3,250,… 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 14, 2021 By Allie Griffin A dozen Queens Public Library (QPL) branches throughout the borough will open for in-person browsing and computer use next week. The 12 locations will reopen on Monday, May 24. They will be in addition to the 14 branches that opened for in-person use on Monday, May 10. The branches… Read more »