May. 9, 2025 By Colum Motherway In a groundbreaking moment for the Catholic Church and American history, Queens elected officials are proudly celebrating the appointment of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. The 69-year-old Chicago native becomes the first American to be elected pope, assuming the role of the 267th successor to…
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. 16, 2025 By Colum Motherway The Newtown Historical Society, in collaboration with Council Member Robert Holden, has unveiled its latest exhibit, ‘Historic Maps of Newtown.’ It is now open to the public at Holden’s district office, located at 58-38 69 St., 2nd Floor. The exhibit is available for viewing during regular business hours…
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. 4, 2025 By Colum Motherway Council Member Robert Holden announced on Thursday, April 3, that the Mayor’s Office has confirmed the closure of two controversial migrant shelters in his district. The emergency shelters, located at the Ridgewood Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood and the Rabbinical Seminary in Maspeth, will cease operations in June 2025.…
Mar. 24, 2025 By Colum Motherway Council Member Robert Holden praised a March 20 decision by the New York State Court of Appeals striking down New York City’s plan to let noncitizens vote in local elections. The Court’s 6-1 decision firmly rejected the City’s 2022 law, which had aimed to grant voting rights to…
Mar. 6, 2025 By Colum Motherway The resurgence of avian flu at two animal slaughter markets in Queens has renewed urgent calls to shut down New York City’s densely packed wet markets. The latest outbreaks come just weeks after a temporary closure in February, when an undercover investigation by NYCLASS and Council Member Robert…
Feb. 25, 2025 By Colum Motherway President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, Feb. 23, that Glendale’s own Dan Bongino has been named Deputy Director of the FBI. The appointment places Bongino at the side of fellow New Yorker Kash Patel, who hails from Garden City in Long Island. The newly confirmed FBI Director signals…