Author: Allie Griffin

Three Queens Council Candidates Get Endorsements From Major Union and Activist Groups

Feb. 25, 2021 By Allie Griffin A coalition made up of a powerful labor union and two activist organizations announced new endorsements in three Queens council races Tuesday. Road to Justice NYC — comprised of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Community Voices Heard Power and Make the Road Action — named its picks for districts… Read more »

NYC Public Schools to Welcome Back Middle Schoolers Tomorrow

Feb. 24, 2021 By Allie Griffin New York City’s public schools will welcome back middle schoolers for in-person learning tomorrow. Public schools that serve grades six through eight will hold in-person classes beginning Thursday. The schools have been closed since November when COVID-19 cases spiked. “I am very excited that tomorrow our New York City… Read more »

Astoria Native Lorraine Grillo Appointed as ‘Recovery Czar’

Feb. 23, 2021 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio has created a new position, “Recovery Czar,” to lead the city’s recovery from the pandemic and accompanying economic crisis. De Blasio appointed Astoria native and CEO of the City’s School Construction Authority (SCA) Lorraine Grillo to fill the position as the senior advisor of the… Read more »

Queens Lawmakers Gather on Steps of Borough Hall to Denounce Spike in Hate Crimes

Feb. 22, 2021 By Allie Griffin Queens lawmakers and community leaders joined together on the steps of Borough Hall Monday to denounce a recent string of hate crimes against the Asian American and Jewish communities in the borough. The press conference was organized by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards following three bias incidents in the… Read more »

New York City’s Vaccine Supply Delayed due to Snow Storms

Feb. 18, 2021 By Allie Griffin/ New York City is scheduling fewer COVID-19 vaccination appointments this week since a shipment of the life-saving shots has been delayed due to winter storms. Snow storms across the country have delayed the arrival of a vaccine shipment that will replenish the city’s supply, Mayor Bill de Blasio said… Read more »

Queens Candidates Bring in $3.7 Million in Matching Public Funds: CFB

Feb. 18, 2021 By Allie Griffin More than $3.7 million in public campaign funds was distributed among 40 candidates in Queens who are running to represent various districts in the borough. The candidates, who each received varying amounts, were awarded the money by the NYC Campaign Finance Board (CFB) through the city’s matching funds program…. Read more »

More Than 90 Percent of NYC Restaurants Couldn’t Afford December Rent: Report

Feb. 17, 2021 By Allie Griffin Restaurant owners are struggling to keep their businesses afloat after relying on outdoor dining alone during the cold winter months. Indoor dining just reopened in the city at 25 percent capacity last Friday, but a new report shows the toll its absence has had on city eateries. More than… Read more »

New York City Pharmacies Now Offering COVID-19 Vaccine for Older New Yorkers

Feb. 12, 2021 By Allie Griffin New York City pharmacies are now offering the COVID-19 vaccine to New Yorkers 65 and older through a federal program that significantly boosts the city’s vaccine effort. More than 250 pharmacies across the five boroughs are now administering the potentially life-saving vaccine, including 188 Walgreens/Duane Reade stores, 75 Rite… Read more »