Page 6 - QT Edition #6 (02-05-26)

PAGE 6 THE QUEENS TIMES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026

Queens District Attorney’s Office Hosts Workshop to
Strengthen Awareness of Human Trafficking

In recognition of Human
Trafficking Awareness Month,
the Queens District Attorney’s
Office hosted a virtual workshop
designed to help school leaders
and staff at community-based
organizations better identify and
support young people who may
be at risk.
The webinar brought together
educators, counselors, youth-serv-
ing professionals, and community
partners for a focused training on
recognizing the signs of traffick-
ing, understanding the vulnerabili-
ties that traffickers exploit, and
responding to concerns with care who interact with youth daily play edge of those on the front lines, we
and trauma-informed practices. a critical role in early detection create safer school environments
The program was led by the of- and prevention. By equipping and ensure that young people have
fice’s Human Trafficking Bureau school communities with practical trusted adults who know how to
in partnership with the Youth tools and stronger awareness, the respond,” organizers said.
Empowerment Unit, both of which Queens District Attorney’s Office The workshop is part of the
work year-round to protect young aims to build a more protective office’s ongoing commitment
people and connect survivors to network around vulnerable young to combating human trafficking
meaningful services. people. through education, prevention, and
Officials emphasized that adults “By strengthening the knowl- survivor-centered support.
Council Member Nantasha Williams Takes on Expanded Park Side Restaurant
Leadership Role as New Term Begins

The start of the new City Coun- Queens’Finest Italian Restaurant
cil term has brought a shift in
responsibility for Council Member
Nantasha Williams, who now bal-
ances her work representing Dis-
trict 27 with a broader leadership
role inside City Hall. Her expanded
portfolio places her at the center of
how the Council governs, exercises
oversight, and shapes major deci-
sions affecting New Yorkers.
Williams described this phase
as one focused on strong, practi-
cal leadership. Her work includes
collaborating closely with Council About Park Side Restaurant - An Italian Landmark in the heart of Corona,
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Mayor Mamdani Launches 2026 Tax Season With Expanded
Free Prep Services, Crackdown On Predatory Preparers

Mayor Zohran Kwame
Mamdani joined the Depart-
ment of Consumer and Worker
Protection (DCWP), NYC Health
+ Hospitals, and MetroPlusH-
ealth on Tuesday to kick off the
2026 tax season, announcing the
return of NYC Free Tax Prep
and a strengthened enforcement
push aimed at curbing deceptive
practices in the paid tax preparer
industry.
The city’s free tax prepara-
tion program, available to New
Yorkers earning $97,000 or less
as a family or $68,000 or less as
an individual or couple without avoid hidden fees and tax scams.” your budget and skip pricey
dependents, served 110,000 fil- Expanded Enforcement on Paid paid tax preparation if you can,”
ers last year. Officials estimate Preparers said DCWP Commissioner Sam
the program saved residents an This year’s rollout includes a Levine. “We’re ramping up ef-
average of $346 per return—to- citywide sweep of paid tax pre- forts to protect New Yorkers from
taling more than $38 million in parer locations to ensure compli- sketchy tax scams.”
avoided fees. ance with consumer protection Services Available Across All
“New Yorkers shouldn’t have laws. DCWP is issuing notices Five Boroughs
to jump through hoops or pay reminding preparers of the city’s More than 140 Volunteer In-
outrageous fees just to file their ban on illegal overcharging, hid- come Tax Assistance (VITA) and
taxes,” Mamdani said. “We’re den fees, and misleading “rapid Tax Counseling for the Elderly
helping people file for free, get refund” loan products.
the refunds they’re owed, and “To New Yorkers: protect (Continued on page 8)