May 8, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Queens Council Members Robert Holden and Eric Ulrich have called on the mayor to fire Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Steven Banks for failing to properly manage the city’s homeless crisis. The lawmakers, along with fellow city council member Joe Borelli, wrote to Mayor Bill de Blasio Monday demanding… Read more »
May 7, 2020 By Christian Murray The Asian-American community has borne the brunt of a number of bias attacks since the COVID-19 outbreak and Congresswoman Grace Meng wants the federal government to keep tabs on it. Meng has introduced legislation—called the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act– that would require the Department of Justice to review all… Read more »
May 7, 2020 By Christian Murray Two Queens legislators are putting on notice publicly-traded companies that have cashed in on the federal stimulus package. Assembly Member Aravella Simotas and State Sen. Jessica Ramos introduced a bill last month in their respective chamber that would prohibit these companies from receiving New York State tax credits should… Read more »
May 7, 2020 By Michael Dorgan The Irish Cottage, a popular Irish pub and restaurant that has operated in Forest Hills since 1960, has closed due to the COVID-19 economic shutdown. The family-run traditional Irish bar, located at 108-07 72nd Ave., was run by the McNulty family and was a staple for locals and members… Read more »
May 7, 2020 By Christian Murray The operator of a well-known Long Island City theater company announced Tuesday that he is closing his doors for good. Richard Mazda, who founded the Secret Theatre in Long Island City more than 10 years ago, took to social media Tuesday to notify residents and the arts community that… Read more »
May 6, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Queens Taste, the popular annual food-and-networking festival, has been canceled for 2020 due to issues pertaining to COVID-19. The event had already been postponed from May 5 to Oct. 6 but organizers have decided to terminate the gathering for this year. Safety concerns surrounding COVID-19 along with ongoing economic… Read more »
May 6, 2020 By Christian Murray Mayor Bill de Blasio said that he may be forced to cut frontline workers and other municipal employees if the federal government does not provide funding. He said that New York City is in a big financial hole and may lack the funds to pay people such as health… Read more »
May 6, 2020, By Michael Dorgan Three people were arrested at a crowded vigil for a dead rapper in Queensbridge yesterday after violating social distancing rules, police said. Police said that they tried to break up a crowd of about 75 people just before 2 p.m. in the vicinity of 40th Avenue and 10th Street…. Read more »
May 5, 2020 By Christian Murray Gov. Andrew Cuomo took aim at Washington today, particularly Republican leaders who are reluctant to fund state governments hard hit by the coronavirus. Cuomo, speaking at his daily press briefing, called on federal lawmakers to put partisan politics aside and include aid for state and local governments in its… Read more »
May 5, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Brooklyn’s annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel has been canceled due to the coronavirus– although an alternative date might be set for later this year. The Italian-American celebration was scheduled to take place in July but – like so many other parades this year – it has… Read more »