Sep. 16, 2025 By Shane O’Brien A New York City-based non-profit empowering youths through school-based hydroponic farming recently celebrated hitting 5,000 pounds of fresh produce delivered to older adult centers throughout Queens. Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) reached the significant landmark in June, distributing healthy produce to various JASA older adult centers through the…
Sep. 15, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Council Member Joann Ariola has defended her decision to support a vote overriding Mayor Eric Adams’ veto of legislation decriminalizing illegal street vending amid fierce criticism from City Hall, describing her vote as a “protest” against what she described as previous mayoral inaction on the issue. Ariola had…
May. 22, 2025 By Colum Motherway Council Member Joann Ariola continues to expand access to arts education across her district, with recent funding supporting live theatrical performances for students at schools in Howard Beach and Glendale. As part of her ongoing commitment to cultural enrichment, Ariola’s office funded two school-based productions this May through…
May. 5, 2025 By Colum Motherway Queens senior citizens have been taking center stage this spring, thanks to Inside Broadway’s vibrant and engaging arts programs made possible through a partnership with the NYC Council’s SU-CASA initiative. The nonprofit, long celebrated for its work with public school students across New York City, is once again…
Apr. 25, 2025 By Colum Motherway Council Member Robert Holden has introduced two new pieces of legislation that target fire hydrant misuse and abusive rodeo practices. The two bills—Intro 1255 and Intro 1256—seek to bolster public safety and protect animals from inhumane treatment. The first bill, Intro 1255, known as the Rodeo Animal Protection…
Apr. 24, 2025 By Colum Motherway The Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens will honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis with a Vigil Mass of Repose on Friday, April 25, at Saint Bartholomew Church in Elmhurst. Bishop Robert Brennan will preside over the bilingual English and Spanish liturgy at 43-22 Ithaca St. at…
Apr. 17, 2025 By Colum Motherway The City Council’s bipartisan Common Sense Caucus has filed an amicus brief with the New York State Court of Appeals in support of municipal retirees fighting to maintain their traditional Medicare supplemental health insurance. The brief, submitted in a closely watched class action lawsuit, marks the third time…
Apr. 8, 2025 By Colum Motherway A group of City Council Members known as the “Common Sense Caucus” is gearing up to introduce legislation next week aimed at making New York City’s recently implemented mandatory household composting program voluntary. The caucus, which includes Council Members Robert Holden, Kristy Marmorato, Vickie Paladino, Joann Ariola, Susan…
Apr. 3, 2025 By Colum Motherway Council Member Robert Holden spearheaded a rally on Wednesday, April 2, to oppose the proposed construction of a large-scale lithium-ion battery storage facility at 64-30 69th Place in Middle Village, directly across from PS/IS 128. The rally, which brought together local residents, political leaders, and concerned parents, demonstrated…
Mar. 4, 2025 By Colum Motherway Rockaway Beach celebrated Irish heritage and community spirit on Saturday, March 1, when the 50th annual Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicked off. The milestone event honored local leaders and kicked off a month of St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the city. The day’s celebrations began at…