June 25, 2021 Op-Ed By: Council Member Daniel Dromm I founded Queens Pride 29 years ago to be a welcoming space for all the borough’s diverse communities. Through the years, I excitedly watched as this colorful celebration, with a serious political message, grew. It seems every country is now represented. The transgender presence, always there… Read more »
June 24, 2021 By Ryan Songalia A temporary provision allowing alcoholic beverages for takeout and delivery will end on Thursday. The announcement was made Wednesday, and comes in conjunction with the lifting of New York’s COVID-19 emergency order. “Licensees please be advised that with the ending of our state of emergency and the return to… Read more »
June 22, 2021 By Christina Santucci A Queens Criminal Court judge granted District Attorney Melinda Katz’s request to dismiss thousands of cases for people who had been charged with low-level marijuana offenses—during a virtual proceeding Tuesday morning. Katz had sought to have the 3,255 unresolved misdemeanor cases be dismissed – after New York state legalized… Read more »
June 22, 2021 By Christina Santucci Voters can expect to find out some initial vote tallies from today’s Primary Election following the close of the polls – but election officials estimate that the final results will not be certified until mid July. The Board of Elections (BOE) plans to release preliminary, unofficial results of in-person… Read more »
June 22, 2021 By Ryan Songalia State lawmakers have taken a big step to rid the streets of souped-up vehicles that have been keeping residents awake at night. A bill, called the Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution (SLEEP) Act, passed both the Assembly and senate on June 10 and awaits the signature of the… Read more »
June 21, 2021 By Christina Santucci More than 35,000 Queens residents cast their ballots during the past nine days of Early Voting for the Primary Election, the city’s Board of Elections said Sunday night. Early Voters in Queens made up about 18.5 percent of the total 191,197 people citywide, according to unofficial and cumulative counts… Read more »
June 17, 2021 Op-Ed By: Heidi L. Sieck As New York City voters begin voting early, filling out and mailing in their absentee ballots, or heading to the polls in person on Election Day, New Yorkers will be voting like we have never done before. This is the first election where New York City voters… Read more »
June 1, 2021 By Christina Santucci New Yorkers who are behind on their rent and have suffered financial hardship due to COVID-19 can submit applications for rent relief starting Tuesday, the governor announced. Those eligible and approved by the program can receive funding to cover up to 12 months in past due rent – as… 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 10, 2021 By Christina Santucci Queens Congressmember Grace Meng announced last week that she has introduced legislation to promote education about the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders – in an effort to combat anti-Asian racism. The bill, titled the Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act, aims to help eliminate discrimination and prejudice… Read more »