Dec. 24, 2020 By Allie Griffin An Italian restaurant in Astoria received a $100,000 in donations just in time for the holidays, after its owner posted a viral video of himself dining outside in last week’s snowstorm. The video posted by Trattoria L’Incontro owner and chef Rocco Sacramone grabbed the attention of Dave Portnoy, founder… 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. 23, 2020 By Michael Dorgan An 81-year-old man is dead from a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning incident in Maspeth Wednesday. Nicholas Kehagias was discovered inside a warehouse building, located at 54-19 Flushing Ave., just after noon by police and firefighters, according to the FDNY and NYPD. They were responding to a 911 call of… Read more »
Dec. 23, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Two Queens construction company owners were busted Tuesday for defrauding the New York State Insurance Fund out of more than $2.6 million. Charges were filed against Manuel Sanchez and his East Elmhurst company, Lagos Construction, for failing to pay more than $2 million in employee insurance premiums, according to… Read more »
Dec. 23, 2020 By Allie Griffin The Queens Public Library released its list of the top books checked out by readers this year. During a year of uncertainty, many Queens readers turned to popular titles, the list shows. “Our list suggests that readers in Queens, the epicenter of the pandemic when it first came to… Read more »
Dec. 23, 2020 By Christian Murray Congresswoman Grace Meng has announced that she has secured $180 million in federal funds to help places of worship and nonprofit entities protect their property against attack. Meng, who represents much of central Queens, said that the federal funds would help improve security at churches, mosques, synagogues and educational… Read more »
Dec. 23, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Mad For Chicken, the Korean-style chicken chain, is opening a restaurant in Forest Hills next month. The new restaurant, which will be located at 71-37 Austin St., will be the company’s fifth venue, with three currently in Queens and another in Brooklyn. Given COVID-19 restrictions, the new eatery will… Read more »
Dec. 23, 2020 By Julie Won and Jenny Low The holiday season is here, and in this extraordinary and challenging year, we’re finding ways to safely celebrate. We’re getting together with family over Zoom, having small, socially-distant outdoor gatherings, or simply sharing a meal with those we live with. As we spend time with loved… Read more »
Dec. 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law today that establishes an automatic voter registration system in New York. The new law — sponsored by state Sen. Michael Gianaris — requires specific state agencies, like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), to established an automatic voter registration system. The… Read more »
Dec. 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin New Yorkers who are struggling to pay their rent as a result of coronavirus-related layoffs or pay cuts can now apply for a rental relief grant–once again. Governor Andrew Cuomo opened applications for the “COVID Rent Relief Program,” which provides a one-time payment of rental assistance directly to a… Read more »