Category: Uncategorized

Rep. Meng Introduces Legislation to Make Lunar New Year a Federal Holiday

Feb. 1, 2022 By Allie Griffin Queens Rep. Grace Meng introduced legislation last week to make Lunar New Year a federal holiday. Meng introduced the bill Friday and—if passed—it would add Lunar New Year to the list of federally recognized holidays in the U.S. The bill, called the Lunar New Year Day Act, would amend… Read more »

Albany’s Congressional Maps Protect Democrats, Put NYC’s Lone GOP House Seat at Risk

This article was originally published by The CITY on Jan. 31, 2022  By Clifford Michel and Claudia Irizarry Aponte Democrats in the New York State Legislature released new congressional lines that protect some of the city’s sitting representatives from primary challenges and puts its lone-Republican congressmember’s hold on her district in jeopardy. Incumbent Democrats, like… Read more »

Walgreens To Shutter Astoria and Bayside Stores Next Month

Jan. 28, 2022 By Michael Dorgan The pharmacy chain Walgreens plans to close two of its stores in Queens next month. Walgreens will close its 47-07 Broadway store in Astoria on Feb. 15, according to a company spokesperson. The company will also shutter its Bayside location at 39-20 Bell Blvd. on the same day, the… Read more »

Albany Democrats Seize Control of Redistricting, With Unclear Role for Public

This article was originally published by The CITY on Jan. 27, 2022  By Clifford Michel and Farah Javed  After years of championing an “independent” commission to control the crucial redrawing of congressional and legislative districts, Democratic state leaders are taking over the process. A wide coalition of advocates is demanding public hearings before Albany acts…. Read more »

Queens Lawmaker Hosting Vigil in Ozone Park Sunday for Slain NYPD Cops

A vigil is being held Sunday for slain NYPD Police Officers Jason Rivera, 22, and Wilbert Mora, 27. (Photos: NYPD)

Jan. 26, 2022 By Michael Dorgan A Queens lawmaker is hosting a candle-light vigil in Ozone Park Sunday for the two young police officers who were killed in Manhattan last week while responding to a domestic disturbance. Council Member Joann Ariola is hosting the vigil at 5:30 p.m. at Police Officer Nicholas Demutiis Park, located… Read more »

Five Queens Precincts Will Get NYPD Anti-Gun Units: Report

Jan. 26, 2022 By Christian Murray Several Queens precincts will be getting plainclothes teams as part of Mayor Eric Adams’ crackdown on illegal guns. Adams announced Monday during a press conference at City Hall that he would be placing plainclothes units in 30 precincts across New York City. The 30 precincts, he said, are where… Read more »

Traffic Deaths Were High in Several Queens Council Districts in 2021: Report

Jan. 26, 2022 By Christian Murray The number of people killed on New York City streets in 2021 was the highest it’s been since 2013, according to city data released by Transportation Alternatives. There were 273 people killed on New York City streets in 2021, a 33 percent increase over 2018, the safest year in… Read more »

Queens Legislators Split on Mayor Adams’ Plan to Combat Gun Violence

Jan. 25, 2022 By Allie Griffin Queens lawmakers are split on the mayor’s recently released plan to combat gun violence — with some applauding it while others denounce it. The 15-page plan titled “The Blueprint to End Gun Violence” was unveiled by Mayor Eric Adams Monday following a number of high-profile shootings this month, including… Read more »