By Bob Hennelly
The radical rollback by the Trump administration of the schedule of vaccines required for the nation’s tens of millions of children and a resurgence in measles nationally, prompted the New York City Council’s Health Committee to convene hearings this week to hear from New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin.
WBAI carried these hearings LIVE as well as a LIVE call-in show hosted by Jenna Flanagan and Dr.
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On March 5, following the New York City Council’s Health Committee Hearing on access to childhood vaccines in New York City, Chair Lynn Schulman joined WBAI to debrief the hearing. Tune in around minute 49 to listen!
By Shane O’Brien
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced that School District 27 in Queens will be among the first four communities that will receive free 2K seats this fall.
Mamdani on March 3 announced that 2,000 toddlers will receive free full-day child care this fall as part of his 2K rollout, with seats concentrated in communities that the Mayor says have the greatest economic need and childcare gaps.
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A strong New York City means a stronger New York State and today’s announcement of $1.5 billion in additional state operating support over two years reflects the kind of partnership New Yorkers deserve. We commend Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani for stepping forward with a renewed commitment to collaboration between Albany and City Hall.
Today’s agreement reflects a long-overdue victory for Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas and State Senator Gustavo Rivera whose legislation addresses inequity in Article 6 public health funding.
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By Dominique Jack
NEW YORK (PIX11) — Should the five boroughs face another public health emergency, dentists could be the ones administering vaccines, under a proposed New York City Council bill.
Resolution 0273-2026, sponsored by Lynn C. Schulman, seeks to allow dentists to give vaccines for the flu, COVID-19, HPV, or any other illnesses during a public health emergency.
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I’m deeply troubled that New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) employees launched a so-called ‘working group’ focused on foreign political issues—during work hours and using city resources—while New Yorkers face serious and urgent public health challenges at home.
We are in the midst of a health crisis in this country: health care costs continue to skyrocket, preventable and eradicated diseases are re-emerging, vaccination rates are slipping, and too many families are struggling to access basic care.
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CITY HALL, NEW YORK – At today’s New York City Council Stated Meeting, Council
Member Lynn Schulman reintroduced eight bills, building on the progress she made last session
to improve how city government delivers essential services and responds to the real, everyday
needs of New Yorkers.
Together, these bills focus on strengthening public health infrastructure, supporting working
families, expanding housing accessibility, improving street safety, and ensuring city systems
function with clarity, accountability, and compassion.
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We are outraged by the antisemitic attack that occurred in our district, in which a Rabbi was verbally harassed, physically assaulted, and threatened for being Jewish. This was a targeted act of hate, and it has no place in our community or anywhere in New York City.
No one should ever fear for their safety because of their religion, identity, or beliefs.
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Four Queens pols on speaker’s team; new and continuing committee chairs
By Stephanie G. Meditz
The City Council last Thursday voted to approve a slate of new leaders and committee appointments, as Speaker Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) led her first stated meeting.
Four Queens Council members will serve on Menin’s leadership team, which includes representation from across the city.
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By Ryan Schwach
Queens may no longer be in possession of the City Council speaker’s office, but several members of Queens’ Council delegation were appointed to significant leadership roles by Speaker Julie Menin on Thursday.
Southeast Queens Councilmember Nantasha Williams was named deputy speaker, and Councilmember Sandra Ung was tapped to serve as one of two deputy majority leaders.
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