City Creating Special Task Force to Crack Down on Illegal Fireworks

May. 19, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez is leading a congressional effort to pressure SkyHop Global, a national airline crew transportation company, to return to the bargaining table with striking shuttle drivers serving New York City’s major airports.

New York attorney general Letitia James will not be charging four police officers from the 101st Precinct in Far Rockaway in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Geoffrey Parris at the Ocean Bay apartments on Feb. 12, 2024.

Following a thorough probe, her Office of Special Investigations (OSI), which included a review of footage from body-worn cameras, audio from a 911 call, interviews with involved officers, and a comprehensive legal analysis, concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s actions were justified under New York law.

May. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The energy of May is on full display across Queens, with a lineup of local races that invite runners of all levels to hit the pavement and the trails. With mild temperatures and sunny skies setting the stage, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the spring weather before the summer heat sets in. From the Forest Park 4 Mile Road and Trail Classic to the festive Great Hawaiian Luau 5K at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, these events offer more than just a workout—they foster community spirit and personal growth. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before lacing up and heading out. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, these May races offer a chance to challenge yourself and connect with others in motion.

Police from the 101st Precinct in Far Rockaway are looking for a gunman who shot two women at the Ocean Bay Apartments in Arverne on the night of Saturday, May 10.

The suspect is seen on video surveillance at around 9:35 p.m. approaching the southeast corner of the NYCHA complex at Beach 54th Street and Arverne Boulevard, where he pulled out a handgun and opened fire at a group of people, striking two women before running off. When officers responded to a 911 call of an assault in progress at the complex, which is also called the Oceanside Apartments, they found the two victims: a 34-year-old woman who was shot in both legs and a 32-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to her leg. EMS responded to the location and transported the victims to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where they were both listed in stable condition.

May. 16, 2025 By Athena Dawson

Resorts World Casino New York City (RWNYC), Cirrus Workforce Housing Advisors, LP, and a coalition of labor unions announced a landmark agreement to build up to 50,000 units of workforce housing citywide over the next two decades.

May. 15, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

The New York State Assembly has overwhelmingly approved legislation that would allow Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International to transform 50 acres of Citi Field parking lot into Metropolitan Park, an $8 billion entertainment complex anchored by a casino.

A 72-year-old man was pistol-whipped during an armed robbery at the Soul Deli in St. Albans on the night of Thursday, May 1, and the perpetrator remains at large weeks later.

Police from the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica responded to the scene at 203-01 Hollis Avenue and found the wounded senior bloodied and battered inside the Black-owned deli, known across Southeast Queens for its hospitality and soul food.

May. 15, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

More than 50 Queens-based vendors showcased their signature dishes at the 21st annual Queens Taste, the borough’s signature food and networking event spotlighting its rich culinary diversity.

Mayor Eric Adams marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of the city’s “Operation Padlock to Protect” initiative at a pizzeria on the Rego Park and Middle Village border on Wednesday and touted the significant progress in shutting down more than 1,400 illegal smoke shops across the five boroughs and seizing more than $95 million in illegal product since last May.

“The city was fed up. We heard it at every town hall. This time last year, there were thousands of illegal smoke shops plaguing our city with unlicensed cannabis endangering our children,” Adams said. “One year later, we are proud to announce that we have turned the tide. Thanks to the tireless efforts by our city’s law enforcement officers, we’ve padlocked thousands of illegal shops and created safer streets for children and families. But we’re not stopping there.”

May. 14, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

Service workers union 32BJ SEIU has welcomed life-changing benefits for thousands of workers at both LaGuardia and JFK airports in the recently-approved state budget, which includes measures to expand paid vacation and improve health insurance for all airport workers across New York State.