🌱 COVID On The Rise In NYC + Queens Theatre Hosts National Festival

Up and at 'em, Queens! Let's get you all caught up to start this Monday, May 16 off on an informed note. Here's everything worth knowing today in town.

First, today's weather:

A heavy t-storm in the p.m.. High: 73 Low: 57.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Queens today:

1. COVID-19 infection rates continue to tick upward in New York City. According to the city health department, approximately 69 communities had 100 or more infections between May 4-10. New York remains in a “medium” alert status, meaning New Yorkers are advised, but not required, to wear masks in public indoor settings and take other precautions to guard against infection. (AMNY)
2. Robbers stole thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise from a store on Grand Avenue in Ridgewood, police said. Surveillance footage shows the robbers zip-tying a store employee and holding him at gunpoint during the crime. The employee was not harmed, but the thieves remain at large. (PIX11 New York News)
3. A national festival hosted by Queens Theatre will highlight the artistry of deaf and disabled performers. The first-ever Forward Festival for the Arts will be a multi-week, multidisciplinary festival showcasing circus, theater, dance, reading, and development. The goal of the festival is to spark change on the big screen. (PIX11 New York News)

Today in Queens:

• Life Connection Series: Introduction To Microsoft PowerPoint - Glen Oaks Branch Library (11:00 AM)
• Gabriel Guerrero: Jazz Piano - Long Island City Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• New York hospitals have launched the HoPE Doula Program, which is designed to help promote birth equity and healthy babies among people of color. The program provides free community-based doula support to any pregnant person seeking care at either Elmhurst or Queens Hospitals. (New York City Health and Hospitals)
• A Roxbury native wants to be a voice to those who stutter — through music. Since he was eight years old, singer Ryan Hays says he has struggled with stuttering, but he discovered when he sings he doesn’t stutter. Hays, whose first album “Beautiful Stranger” was released on Saturday, wants those who have difficulty speaking to realize they have a superpower — and to know how strong they are. (CT Insider)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Belmont Uncorked (May 21)
• Local Musicians team up with Clean Rite Center and Subway Restaurants for Clothing Drive (May 21)
• Electronics Recycling Event, Saturday the 21st, 10 am to 2 pm (May 21)
• Accentuate the Positive (May 28)
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Announcements:

• Suffolk Sports Hall Of Fame – Class Of 2022 (Details)
• Tryouts @ Port Washington Soccer Club (Details)
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• 2 Bdrm 1 Bath 66-10 Yellowstone Blvd. 4J Forest Hills, NY 11375 (Details)
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• Marble Pedestal for Sale (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander, now living in New York. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.