July 23, 2020 By Allie Griffin The State Senate passed a bill Wednesday that aims to make sure that people are not detained longer than 24 hours if they have not been charged. State Sen. Mike Gianaris introduced the bill after seeing protesters at Black Lives Matter rallies being held for extended periods without being… Read more »
July 23, 2020 By Allie Griffin Brooklyn activist Emily Gallagher has unseated 46-year incumbent Joe Lentol to represent Greenpoint and Williamsburg in a stunning defeat. Gallagher beat out Lentol, one of the longest-serving members of the State Assembly, with the support of absentee voters in the Democratic primary for the 50th Assembly District. She trailed… Read more »
July 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin A gun trafficking ring in Queens has been dismantled after its ringleaders were arrested Tuesday. Three Queens residents who oversaw the operation were arrested and arraigned Tuesday for smuggling guns from Virginia to New York, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced. A Virginia man was also arrested Tuesday as… Read more »
July 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Progressive newcomer and housing counselor Zohran Mamdani has beaten incumbent Aravella Simotas in a close Democratic primary to represent Astoria in the State Assembly. Simotas — who was first elected in 2010 — conceded to the first-time candidate and Democratic Socialists of America member today. “I congratulate @ZohranKMamdani for… Read more »
July 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin A new drive-in movie series is coming to Flushing Meadows Corona Park next month to offer Queens residents a safe film screening experience with a retro flair. Rooftop Films is partnering with the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) and the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) to bring… Read more »
July 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin The State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would ban pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits that come from commercial breeders. The bill, introduced by State. Sen. Mike Gianaris, aims to end puppy mills and breeding farms, where animals are typically overbred and often confined to poor living… Read more »
July 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin Elizabeth Crowley has conceded to Council Member Donovan Richards in the Democratic primary for Queens Borough President. Crowley, a former council member, came in second behind Richards on June 23 when in-person ballots were tallied on election night. She took to Twitter this afternoon to congratulate Richards. The official… Read more »
July 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin The state has suspended the liquor licenses of three Queens establishments after their customers were found to be disobeying social distancing rules and mask requirements. Two bars in Astoria and a pizzeria in Maspeth each had their liquor licenses suspended by the State Liquor Authority Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo… Read more »
July 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin Con Edison is asking customers in multiple Queens neighborhoods to reduce their energy usage, despite the current heat wave rocking New York City. The company has asked customers in Glendale, Forest Hills, Forest Hills Gardens and Middle Village to keep their air conditioners turned off — if not needed… Read more »
July 20, 2020 By Allie Griffin An Astoria council member wants the liquor license of a Steinway Street lounge revoked, citing overcrowding problems and an alleged history of violence. Council Member Costa Constantinides wrote a letter to the State Liquor Authority (SLA) on July 15 — prior to this past weekend’s mayhem along the stretch… Read more »