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 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 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 »
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. 21, 2020 By Christian Murray Chip, the famed Astoria cookie bakery, is opening a shop in Sunnyside–near the 40th Street subway station. The Sunnyside location is scheduled to open at 45-05 40th St. Tuesday and will be the company’s sixth bakery since it was founded in Astoria in July 2017. The shop is known… 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 »