July 16, 2021 By Allie Griffin Overdose deaths in Queens surged at an alarming rate during the pandemic, the Queens District Attorney revealed in a report Friday. Nearly 50 percent more Queens residents died of a fatal overdose in 2020 compared to 2019 — in a devastating shift that mirrors a nation-wide trend. “There is… Read more »
July 16, 2021 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio called on state officials Thursday to enact congestion pricing by next year. He urged the MTA to put its long-delayed plan to charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street in place by July 2022. “It’s time for the state to get in gear, get congestion… Read more »
July 16, 2021 By Allie Griffin The board of Socrates Sculpture Park named a new interim director this week as the search for a permanent director continues. Suzy Delvalle was named interim director of the Long Island City park following the departure of former Executive Director John Hatfield. The park is located at 32-01 Vernon… Read more »
July 14, 2021 By Allie Griffin The number of council women of color representing Queens will more than quadruple next year as the New York City Council is on a path to be the most diverse class yet. Women of color will likely hold as many as nine out of the 15 Queens council seats… Read more »
July 13, 2021 By Allie Griffin A local nonprofit and a cultural center are joining forces to host an online film premiere tonight as part of a fundraiser for food distribution. Queens Together, a nonprofit representing restaurants and food businesses throughout the borough, and the Museum of the Moving Image are screening the premiere of… Read more »
July 12, 2021 By Allie Griffin New York City Restaurant Week returns next Monday with deals from more than two dozen Queens eateries. Restaurants across the five boroughs — including 31 in Queens — will be offering discounts on their menu items from July 19 through August 22 as part of an extended Restaurant Week…. Read more »
July 8, 2021 By Allie Griffin City officials announced a multi-million dollar plan today to reboot New York City public schools after the majority of students spent a year learning online. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter outlined a $635 million “academic recovery plan” Thursday that focuses on improving early literacy… Read more »
July 7, 2021 By Allie Griffin A Republican running for the Astoria City Council seat is kicking off her campaign with the grand opening of her campaign office Saturday. Felicia Kalan is running against Tiffany Cabán for the Council District 22 seat representing Astoria, East Elmhurst and parts of Jackson Heights and Woodside. Kalan is… Read more »
July 7, 2021 By Allie Griffin Queens borough president candidate Elizabeth Crowley slammed her opponent’s allegations of racism as “slanderous and untruthful” in a statement Wednesday. Crowley said there was zero evidence to back up the claims made by incumbent Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who accused her of racism in a series of tweets… Read more »
July 7, 2021 By Allie Griffin Queens Borough President Donovan Richards declared victory in his bid for re-election Tuesday, while blasting his opponent as an alleged racist on Twitter. Richards, the presumptive winner of the Democratic primary for borough president, released two victory statements — one via Twitter and one via a spokesperson — with… Read more »