The police nearly outnumbered the protesters at an anti-lockdown protest outside New Park Pizza in Howard Beach during Memorial Day weekend.

A group of around 10 women, who organized through the Howard Beach Moms Facebook group, claimed that Gov. Cuomo’s limited definition of essential businesses is hurting small businesses in the area. Read more

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn on Tuesday granted its churches in Brooklyn and Queens clearance to open for private prayer, weddings, baptisms and funerals — all under certain restrictions.

In a statement released by the diocese last Friday, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio said masks are required of all who enter a church. Funerals and limited celebrations of baptisms and weddings can have no more that 10 people in attendance in accordance with state guidelines. Read more

It took until early in the morning on May 21, but the city’s Panel for Educational Policy approved temporary co-locations for Success Academy charter middle schools beginning in September at IS 238-Susan B. Anthony Academy in Hollis and Brian Piccolo MS 53 in the Rockaways.

The final vote was cast at 1:01 a.m. after seven hours and scores of speakers including students from existing Success schools in Queens, MS 53 and the Village Academy, which also shares MS 53 with an existing Success elementary school. Read more

Arc De Triomphe Bicycles on Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill went through roughly two months of inventory in three weeks in the early days of the pandemic.

Many bike stores have similar stories. But because of a shortage of parts, those numbers don’t look like they will last. Read more

After 53 days in the hospital, Brian Morales was given a “Clap Off” by staff at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills-Northwell Health last Monday as he was discharged and went back to his Elmhurst home.

“A lot of goosebumps and a lot of tears,” said Rosemarie Robinson, the hospital’s ICU assistant director of nursing. “Happy tears for a change.” Read more

The drama between Third District congressional candidates Michael Weinstock and Melanie D’Arrigo reached an apex after Weinstock posted to his personal Facebook page that “if [D’Arrigo] were a man, I’d consider giving her a good old-fashioned throat punch.”

The post appeared following weeks of accusations between the Long Islanders looking to challenge Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Nassau, Suffolk, Queens) in the upcoming June 23 Democratic primary for the seat that contains several northern Queens neighborhoods. Read more

Dedicated to feeding the hungry in even the best of economic times, City Harvest and Citymeals on Wheels knew they would have to up their game to prepare for the coronavirus.

Then it hit New York City. Read more

Northeast Queens was not able to observe Memorial Day with its traditional ceremonies and parades, so elected officials gathered virtually to honor the holiday and commemorate those who gave their lives while serving for the country.

“We observe a tradition that has gone unfailingly for as long as anybody can remember,” said ceremony host state Sen. John Liu (D-Flushing), referencing the College Point and Douglaston parades and Whitestone ceremony which were cancelled to reduce social gatherings during the pandemic. “This is not just a day to potentially go to the beach — walking around only, no swimming! — or to grill hotdogs and hamburgers. This is the day that we remember those Americans who paid the ultimate price so that you and I can live free here in America, the greatest nation on this earth.” Read more

Throngs of patrons have been routinely observed crowded around Forest Hills food and drink favorites like Mojo Latin Cuisine, Martha’s Country Bakery and Austin Public.

And not all of them have been following social distancing guidelines. But last weekend saw less crowding than prior ones had. Read more

New York City this past weekend opened up more than three more miles of streets in Queens to cyclists and pedestrians among 13 miles dedicated throughout the five boroughs.

The additions bring the total length of open streets citywide to 43 miles, exceeding the de Blasio administration’s target of 40 miles by the end of March. Read more

Ron Jeremy’s childhood tree has not yet been taken down.

The Department of Parks and Recreation determined the tree, which Jeremy’s father planted in front of the family’s home the day of the adult film star’s birth, was in “poor condition” and ordered its removal. Jeremy took to Twitter in an effort to save the 61st Street and Bell Boulevard tree, but the Parks Department has not swayed in its decision, though did say it poses “no imminent safety threat” and has not yet scheduled a date for its removal. Read more

The Department of Homeless Services anticipates relocating the men at 78-16 Cooper Ave. in Glendale in the coming weeks, the agency told the Chronicle in an email last Wednesday.

The city is moving shelter residents to hotels to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Single-adult shelters with congregate settings are being targeted. Read more

Rep. Grace Meng distributed personal protective equipment to residents in Elmhurst and Glendale on Monday.

The congresswoman teamed up with Community Board 4 to hand out 1,000 face masks in front of Elmhurst’s St. James Episcopal Church at 84-07 Broadway. Read more