Dec. 28, 2020 By Christian Murray The New York State legislature is set to pass a bill Monday that would block the eviction of struggling New Yorkers until May 1. Elected officials are convening a special session to pass the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act that aims to help residents remain in their… Read more »
Dec. 24, 2020 By Allie Griffin The number of chain stores in Queens dropped by more than 10 percent over the past year, according to a new report. In all, 198 chain stores shut their doors in the borough — an 11 percent drop over the past year, according to the Center for an Urban… Read more »
Dec. 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio wants the nearly 1,000 speed cameras placed throughout the city to be able to ticket drivers going over the limit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. De Blasio called on state lawmakers to allow New York City to run speed cameras around the… Read more »
Dec. 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin Nursing home residents and staff across New York state began receiving the COVID-19 vaccination today. Other essential workers also began receiving the shot — including workers at federally-qualified health centers, EMTs, medical examiners and other congregate care workers, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced. The groups are among the first to… Read more »
Dec. 18, 2020 By Allie Griffin The NYPD used excessive force in responding to the George Floyd protests over the summer and further inflamed tensions with the public, according to a scathing new report. The NYC Department of Investigation (DOI) released a report Friday detailing the NYPD’s response to the protests that were triggered by… Read more »
Dec. 18, 2020 By Allie Griffin Governor Andrew Cuomo believes New York will be able to avoid a second COVID-related shutdown, he announced today. “I believe we can avoid a shutdown and I believe we will avoid a shutdown — I’ll go that far,” Cuomo said during a press briefing Friday. He said that a… Read more »
Dec. 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin A coalition of community-based groups from across the city held a rally at City Hall Wednesday demanding that the de Blasio administration block all rezonings that would bring luxury apartment buildings. The organizations called on Mayor Bill de Blasio to end all future rezonings that permit luxury rental and… Read more »
Dec. 16, 2020 By Allie Griffin With high-risk health care workers now being vaccinated for COVID-19, Governor Andrew Cuomo is putting plans in place to bring the vaccine to the public by the end of next month. Cuomo said New Yorkers with underlying health conditions could be vaccinated by the end of January along with… Read more »
Dec. 16, 2020 By Allie Griffin The City Council passed a bill last week that will allow performers to host ticketed events on city streets. The bill — sponsored by Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer — will establish an “Open Culture” program, modeled after the city’s “Open Restaurants” outdoor dining program. The program aims to… Read more »
Dec. 16, 2020 By Allie Griffin Elmhurst Hospital — once seen as the epicenter of the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. — became the first public city hospital to administer the vaccine in the five boroughs. The hospital was the scene of a photo-op Wednesday as two staff members were vaccinated in… Read more »