Author: sobrien

Long Island City’s Hunter’s Point South Park named one of NYC’s best parks

Jan. 28, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  Hunter’s Point South Park has been named among the best parks in New York City, according to a new NYC Parks initiative aiming to improve greenspaces across the city and provide New Yorkers with information about the city’s parks. Vital Parks for All, a $3.2 billion vision for improving… Read more »

Mother Cabrini Foundation awards $208M to nonprofits, including $54M for healthcare workforce in Queens and Brooklyn

Jan. 24, 2025 By Shane O’Brien The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, the state’s largest grantmaking nonprofit focused exclusively on advancing the health and well-being of New Yorkers, has announced that it has awarded 209 grants totaling $208 million to nonprofits across the city, including $54 million in grants for 109 programs across Queens and Brooklyn. … Read more »

Social workers rally in Albany to back González-Rojas’ Social Work Workforce Act

Coalition of social workers gathers in Albany. Photo: Social Workers for Justice.

Jan. 24, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  A coalition of New York social workers rallied in Albany on Wednesday in support of the Social Work Workforce Act, sponsored by Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas. The legislation seeks to repeal the exam requirement for applicants pursuing licensure as master social workers. The Social Workers for Justice Coalition—comprising the… Read more »

Council Member Tiffany Cabán criticizes Hochul and Adams over controversial mental health and involuntary commitment policies

Jan. 22, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  Council Member Tiffany Cabán has spoken out against recent proposals by Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams to expand involuntary commitment standards for individuals with mental illnesses, a move that has sparked significant debate among disability and mental health advocates. Gov. Hochul, in her recent State of the… Read more »

Queens officials condemn Trump’s first day in office and sweeping executive orders

Jan. 21, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  Elected officials in Queens have sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s first day in office, condemning the flurry of executive orders he signed immediately after his inauguration. The sweeping directives, many of which target immigration, environmental policy, and social issues, have sparked outrage from the left. Trump’s initial actions as… Read more »

Q.E.D. Astoria enters a new era: Celebrating 10 years and a leadership shift

Jan. 21, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Astoria comedy club and entertainment hub Q.E.D. is celebrating a milestone 10th anniversary as it prepares for an official ownership transition on March 1. The popular venue plans to mark the occasion by introducing new events and programs while expanding its operations to seven days a week, ensuring even… Read more »

González-Rojas to lead State Assembly’s Task Force on Women’s Issues amid bold new agenda

Photo provided by the office of NY Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas

Jan. 20, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas has been appointed chair of the State Assembly’s Task Force on Women’s Issues, which promotes gender equality and women’s rights in the state legislature. González-Rojas, who represents Assembly District 34, which includes parts of Astoria, Corona, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Woodside, was appointed chair… Read more »