🌱 NYC To Offer Free Abortion Pills + Teens Stabbed In Linden Hill

Morning, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this chilly morning to walk you through all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Periods of rain. High: 42 Low: 40.

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Here are the top three stories in Queens today:

1. New York City's health department will be the first in the nation to provide free abortion pills. According to a recent announcement by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the pills are going to be available at four city-run clinics; as of Wednesday, they are available at a Bronx clinic. According to the health commissioner, Dr. Ashwin Vasan, three additional clinics in Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan will roll out pills within a year due to federally mandated training for the healthcare workers. (The Guardian US)
2. On Wednesday, the NYPD released photos of teenagers who are wanted for stabbing two boys in Linden Hill. Five teens kicked, punched, and stabbed two 17-year-old boys between 34 Avenue and Parsons Boulevard after a verbal fight, according to authorities. Police are now searching for the suspects — five boys, described as ages 14 to 17. (Queens Patch)
3. Three women were shot in front of a Far Rockaway religious center on Tuesday night, according to police. The incident took place at around 9:00 p.m. at 1425 Central Ave, when the three women — ages 48, 46, and 26 — were shot at. The women were hospitalized; it's unclear if they were the targets of the shooter. No arrests have been made. (Queens Patch)

Today in Queens:

• Karaoke At True Colors (5:00 PM)
• Open Mic At QED. (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Celebrate the Year of Rabbit with a lion dance, Chinese dances, K-Pop, and a fashion show at Queens Center on Jan. 21, starting at 1:00 p.m.! Learn more about the event here. (Queens, New York via Facebook)
• Are you in the market for a new home? These five Queens area properties are hosting open houses that are worth taking a look. Click the link to view photos and information about each listing. (Queens Patch)
• Looking for something to do this upcoming week? Check it these fun events that are taking place in Queens, including dancing, exhibitions, and celebrations, starting tomorrow, Jan. 20, through Jan. 26. (Western Queens Gazette)

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Events:

• 3K & 4K Pre-k For All Registration Opening Soon!!! (January 20)
• Berkeley College Master of Business Administration Information Session (January 31)
• Vampire Cirque Cabaret Dinner Show (February 11)
• Big Game Sunday at Bourbon Street (February 12)
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Housing:

• OPEN HOUSE COOP 67-25 Clyde St 2M Forest Hills 11375 January 15 12:30 - 2pm (Details)
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Other classifieds:

• Behind The Scoreboard – Determination Brings Success To Local Powerlifter (Details)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.