April 23, 2020 By Michael Dorgan McDonald’s restaurants are offering free meals to healthcare workers and first responders as a token of appreciation for their efforts during COVID-19. The fast-food chain is dishing out one free meal per day to medical staff, police officers and firefighters at its stores in Queens and across the country… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Council Member Costa Constantinides is backing state legislation that would cancel the rent for tenants who are unable to meet their monthly obligation as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown. Constantinides introduced a resolution in the city council Wednesday seeking the support of his colleagues to put pressure on… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Christian Murray A federal loan program designed to help small businesses stay afloat is likely to get a $310 billion injection in cash in coming days—but critics argue that it will not do much to save Queens businesses. The Payment Protection Program, which essentially provides business owners with a forgivable loan… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin The number of Queens residents killed by the coronavirus is inching towards 4,000, according to city data released today. In total, 3,915 people have died from the virus in the World’s Borough as of yesterday evening, according to the city’s Department of Health. The figures consist of 3,002 people… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin The annual Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show will go on this year despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. “One way or another, the show will go on,” he said at his daily briefing. “One way or another we’re going… Read more »
April 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Six new COVID-19 testing sites are opening to serve residents of public housing in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. Three testing sites will open in community health centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx on Friday to serve NYCHA residents and three will open next… Read more »
April 21, 2020 By Michael Dorgan The organizers of the Queens Pride Parade have announced that they are canceling the popular June celebration in compliance with the Mayor’s decision Monday to suspend all June events. The annual event was expected to take place in Jackson Heights on June 7 but organizers have confirmed that plans… Read more »
April 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin The inmate population in New York City jails has dropped below 4,000 for the first time since 1946, following the release of approximately 2,000 prisoners as a result of COVID-19. Mayor Bill de Blasio and City officials have released inmates who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19 complications —… Read more »
April 21, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Nursing home providers will soon be required to notify the families of patients within 12 hours if a staff member or a resident at a home tests positive or dies from COVID-19. The announcement made by the Trump administration on Sunday follows calls from Congresswoman Grace Meng urging the… Read more »
April 21, 2020 Staff Report A number of real estate firms have come together to fund hot meals that are being distributed to health care workers and western Queens residents in need. The group, which consists of 20 real estate companies, has launched the “Real Estate Has Your Back” campaign and has paid for 3,000… Read more »