Tag: joann-ariola

Common Sense Caucus backs NYC retirees in Medicare Advantage legal fight

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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…

Community rallies to stop proposed lithium-ion battery storage site in Middle Village

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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…

Photos: DA Melinda Katz honors Queens leaders at Women’s History Month celebration

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Mar. 24, 2025 By Ethan Marshall and Ramy Mahmoud Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz recently held her annual Women’s History Month celebration on Wednesday, March 19, in the Benjamin S. Rosenthal Building at Queens College, located at 65-30 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing. Co-sponsored by Queens College, the Queens County Women’s Bar Association and the Center for…

District 30 candidate Alicia Vaichunas secures key endorsements at sold-out fundraiser

Alicia Vaichunas

Mar. 18, 2025 By Colum Motherway Alicia Vaichunas, a candidate for City Council in District 30, welcomed dozens of supporters at a soldout fundraising event held at Villa Erasmo in Middle Village. The event, held on March 6, featured prominent political figures and grassroots leaders who rallied around Vaichunas as their preferred candidate to…

Joann Ariola rises to Minority Leader in NYC Council after contested vote, appoints Vickie Paladino as Minority Whip

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Feb. 7, 2025 By Colum Motherway The Republican Delegation of the New York City Council has elected Council Member Joann Ariola as the new Minority Leader.  Ariola’s election follows an internal dispute over a controversial vote in late January, in which half the caucus members contested the results. Ariola’s election marks a historic moment…

Ariola fights for Queens representation in GOP leadership amid disputed City Council vote

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Jan. 31, 2025 By Athena Dawson A trio of Republican council members are contesting the recent election of Council Member David Carr as the Republican Caucus Minority Leader. The vote took place in person at City Hall on Tuesday, Jan 28, with only three of the six Republican Caucus members in attendance. The members present…

What you need to know about the 17-week A train shutdown hitting Rockaway

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Jan. 16, 2025 By Athena Dawson Rockaway residents are urged to plan ahead as the A train line closure begins Friday, Jan. 17, impacting commutes across the area. The A train will be temporarily shut down beginning Jan 17 and running through May 19. This will affect nearly 9,000 daily riders living on the…

Queens DA Katz and CM Ariola address crime, quality of life at CB10 meeting

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Jan. 9, 2025 By Athena Dawson Queens Community Board 10 (CB10) kicked off the new year with its first meeting on Thursday, Jan. 2, drawing notable attendees, including Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and Council Member Joann Ariola. CB10 represents the neighborhoods of Howard Beach, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Tudor Village…

New laws require DOT to consult FDNY and notify council on roadway closures and parking changes

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Dec. 23, 2024 By Athena Dawson The New York City Council passed two transparency-focused bills during its Stated Meeting on Thursday, Dec. 19, aimed at improving communication around roadway closures and parking space suspensions. Council Member Joann Ariola, who represents District 32, which covers neighborhoods including Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Glendale, Howard Beach, Ozone Park and Woodhaven, sponsored the legislation and expressed…

Council Members Holden, Ariola and Paladino team up to host winter essentials drive for homeless veterans

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Dec. 6, 2024 By Athena Dawson Three Queens council members have partnered to bring cold weather essentials for veterans in the borough.  Council Members Robert Holden, Vickie Paladino and Joann Ariola have partnered with local organizations to launch a Veterans Winter Drive for homeless veterans at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence.  From now until Dec. 16,…