Author: Allie Griffin

Hundreds at Rikers Protest Living Conditions, Stage Hunger Strike

Jan. 12, 2022 By Allie Griffin Approximately 200 men detained at the Rikers Island jail facility have organized a hunger strike —claiming that it is in response to being denied basic services and being forced to live in inhumane conditions. The men started the hunger strike to protest what they say is an unacceptable level… Read more »

Council Member Paladino Apologizes for Comparing Vaccine Mandates to Nazi Germany

Jan. 12, 2022 By Allie Griffin Queens Council Member Vickie Paladino, who came under fire Tuesday for comparing the city’s vaccine mandates to Nazi Germany, has apologized for her remarks. Paladino made the comparison during an interview with NY1 when explaining that she wouldn’t disclose whether she had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Her statement came about… Read more »

Three Queens Council Members Join GOP-Backed Lawsuit to Block Noncitizen Voting Law

Republican Council Members Joann Ariola and Vickie Paladino as well as Democrat Council Member Robert Holden have signed onto a lawsuit with leaders of the New York state Republican Party arguing that the new law is unconstitutional.

Jan. 11, 2022 By Michael Dorgan Three Queens Council Members have joined a Republican-led lawsuit that aims to block a new city law that allows legal noncitizens to vote in local elections. Republican Council Members Joann Ariola and Vickie Paladino as well as Democrat Council Member Robert Holden have signed onto a lawsuit with leaders… Read more »

Four Borough Presidents Call on State Legislature to Extend Eviction Moratorium

Jan. 10, 2022 By Allie Griffin Queens Borough President Donovan Richards joined three other borough presidents in a joint call Friday demanding the state and state legislature extend the eviction moratorium. Richards together with Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso issued a joint statement calling… Read more »

Deadline to Apply to Gotham Point Affordable Housing Lottery Extended

Jan. 10, 2022 By Allie Griffin New Yorkers have more time to try their hand at grabbing an affordable apartment inside a luxury tower on the Long Island City waterfront. The deadline to apply for an affordable unit at a new development called Gotham Point has been extended to Jan. 17. Applications for the 270… Read more »

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Tests Positive for COVID-19

Jan. 10, 2022 By Allie Griffin Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has tested positive for COVID-19, her office announced Sunday. The Queens-Bronx congresswoman said she is symptomatic and is quarantined at home. Her results were announced shortly after she went on vacation to Florida. She said she had been vaccinated twice and boosted. “The Congresswoman received her… Read more »

New Youth-Led Organization Aims to Empower Young People in Western Queens

Jan. 4, 2022 By Allie Griffin A new, Woodside-based youth organization has launched with the goal of engaging and empowering young people in western Queens. Youth On The Move, a youth-led offshoot of the local organization Woodside On The Move, was created in mid-October and held its first “general interest” meeting in November to recruit… Read more »

Queens Legislators Call on Mayor Adams to Offer Temporary Remote Option for Schools

Jan. 7, 2022 By Allie Griffin More than two dozen city and state lawmakers are calling on Mayor Eric Adams to offer a temporary remote learning option for students at the city’s public schools—amid a record-breaking surge of COVID-19 cases. Three Queens legislators, who are parents of young children themselves, are spearheading the call as… Read more »

Queens-Based Cookie Chain Opens Forest Hills Location

Jan. 6, 2022 By Allie Griffin A Queens-based cookie chain is opening a location in Forest Hills next week. Chip City, which was founded in Astoria, is opening a store at 72-34 Austin St. The grand opening will be on Friday, Jan 14 at 11 a.m. and the first 100 customers will receive a free… Read more »