Page 3 - qt edition #37

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 THE QUEENS TIMES PAGE 3

Near Record Powerball Jackpot Generated More Than Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams
$75 Million For NY Schools And Lottery Retailers Champions Community-Centered Vision
at Jamaica Neighborhood Plan Hearing
Even though the recent Power- additional excitement, which in- winners of $100,000; and
ball jackpot of $1.787 billion was turn delivers increased sales that 5. Eighty-nine Powerball third
won in Missouri and Texas, New directly benefit New York’s public prize winners of $50,000.
York State’s public schools and schools and small businesses. About the NY Lottery - The
Lottery retailers continue to win Plus, more than 100 lucky New New York Lottery continues to
big with ticket sales and commis- Yorkers won life-changing prizes be North America’s largest and
sions totaling $154 million during during the three-month run. The most profitable Lottery, contrib-
the most recent jackpot rollup. New York Lottery is proud to uting $3.6 billion in Lottery Aid
The multi-state Powerball deliver such fun, beneficial, and to Education for FY 2024-2025
jackpot started building on June lucrative games for New Yorkers to help support education in New
2, 2025 and culminated with the of legal age to enjoy.” York State.
September 6, 2025 drawing for In addition, New York State sold The New York Lottery is com-
$1.787 billion. During that time, 110 winning Powerball prizes of mitted to providing players with a
Powerball ticket sales in New York at least $50,000 during the three- range of fun, entertaining games
State generated $64.3 million for month rollup, including: in a socially responsible man-
public schools and $11 million in 1. Seven Powerball second prize ner. Those seeking help can visit
commissions for lottery retail- winners of $1 million; NYProblemGamblingHelp.org or
ers – many of which are small 2. Two Power Play third prize call New York State’s confidential
businesses. winners of $200,000; HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY
New York State Gaming Com- 3. Five Power Play third prize (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPE-
mission Chair Brian O’Dwyer winners of $150,000; NY (467369). Standard text rates At a pivotal City Council hear- growing concern over several
said, “Massive jackpots generate 4. Seven Power Play third prize may apply. ing held by the Subcommittee on November 2025 ballot proposals
Zoning and Franchises, Council that could significantly alter the
Meng Reintroduces Legislation To Combat Excessive Member Dr. Nantasha Williams Council’s authority over land use
Airplane Noise Over Queens joined Chair Riley, Speaker Adri- decisions. Dr. Williams warned
enne Adams, and a coalition of that these proposals would shift
(Continued from page 2) increased the frequency of flights Mike Levin (D-CA), Stephen Southeast Queens residents to power to mayoral appointees and
newly formed boards, undermin-
advocate for the Jamaica Neigh-
over residential neighborhoods in Lynch (D-MA), Dave Min (D- borhood Plan—a transformative ing the transparent, community-
federal government addresses Queens, and the substantial rise CA), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Jerry rezoning and investment initiative driven process that has defined
this issue from an environmental in aircraft noise has negatively Nadler (D-NY), Joe Neguse (D- two years in the making. the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan.
perspective.” impacted borough residents. CO), Norton-Holmes (D-DC), Dr. Williams emphasized the “Today’s process stands in direct
Although airplane noise has This legislation was introduced Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Scott importance of accountability and contrast to these proposals, which
long existed over Queens due to in the House with 21 cosponsors Peters (D-CA), Brad Sherman concrete commitments to ensure would silence neighborhood voic-
the proximity of New York City’s including Representatives Don (D-CA), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and the plan delivers on its promises of es and diminish accountability,”
airports, the increased sounds of Beyer (D-VA), Julia Brownley Shri Thanedar (D-MI). It must be housing, infrastructure, schools, she said.
jets significantly increased in 2012 (D-CA), Salud Carabajal (D-CA) approved by the Committee on parks, cultural institutions, and As the plan moves toward a full
when the FAA implemented new , Ed Case (D-HI), Sean Casten Energy and Commerce and the economic opportunities for the City Council vote, Dr. Williams
flight patterns over the borough. (D-IL), Judy Chu (D-CA), Steve Committee on Transportation Jamaica community. “This hear- reaffirmed her commitment to a
These routes, which are for air- Cohen (D-TN), Brian Fitzpatrick and Infrastructure before it can ing is proof of what it means to planning process that balances
planes departing LaGuardia, have (R-PA), Dan Goldman (D-NY), be brought to the floor for a vote. center community voices in city growth with accountability and
As The Federal Government Balks At Vaccine Oversight, planning,” she stated, highlighting delivers lasting, tangible benefits
the extensive engagement with to Southeast Queens. Her leader-
Senator Liu Introduces Bill To Expand Access To residents, small businesses, faith ship continues to reflect a deep
leaders, and youth that shaped the dedication to honoring the voices
Vaccinations In New York plan’s vision. and needs of the community she
The hearing arrives amid serves.
As pharmacies across the state State Senator John Liu stated, vulnerable populations at risk.
are forced to stop offering the “The CDC is no longer doing its As states like Florida move to end Statement From NYC Council
COVID-19 vaccine due to fed- job, and New Yorkers should not vaccine mandates, and pharma-
eral inaction, State Senator John have to wait on federal inaction cies at home stop stocking COV- Spokesperson on The Board of
Liu on Wednesday introduced to protect their own health. New ID-19 vaccines, New Yorkers are Elections’ Vote on Mayor Adams’
legislation, S8495, to ensure York needs to pick up where the already feeling the impact: days
New Yorkers can access lifesav- federal government is failing us before the start of school, Sena- Ballot Proposals
ing immunizations at their local by allowing pharmacists, who tor Liu’s office received inquiries
pharmacies. are the most accessible healthcare from constituents asking why they Following the New York City not to and instead is attempting
Currently, pharmacists in New providers in our communities, to couldn’t get the latest COVID-19 Board of Elections’ vote to certify to trick voters with buzzwords
York only administer vaccines ap- provide timely vaccines to anyone shot at their local pharmacy. Mayor Adams’ ballot proposals, and slogans. We as New Yorkers
proved by the federal CDC Advi- who needs them.” Recently, Governor Hochul a spokesperson for the New York shouldn’t be surprised that this
sory Committee on Immunization By granting the Commissioner announced she would issue an City Council, Julia Agos, issued effort to give the public’s power
Practices (ACIP). But after Secre- of the Department of Health the executive order temporarily au- the following statement: to developers comes from Mayor
tary of Health Robert F. Kennedy ability to authorize pharmacists to thorizing pharmacies to admin- Adams, someone who has been
Jr. purged all 17 members of the administer vaccines, New York- ister COVID-19 vaccines, under- “Trying to deceive voters selling our city out to Trump and
committee, major pharmacies ers can sidestep federal inaction, scoring the need for a permanent into giving away their power in aiding in his authoritarianism at
like CVS and Walgreens stopped empower the IAC, and gain access legislative fix. a democracy through misleading nearly every turn. We will take
offering COVID-19 vaccines, to FDA-approved vaccines. Cre- Liu added, “I applaud Gov- ballot proposals that hide their action to protect democracy from
leaving New Yorkers without ac- ated in 1994, the IAC comprises ernor Hochul’s quick action yes- true impact is fundamentally Mayor Adams’ dishonest ballot
cess to this critical vaccine just healthcare providers, vaccine terday to ensure access to the undemocratic. Mayor Adams’ proposals, which would strip
as students head back to school. developers, insurers, consumer COVID-19 vaccine. Now we need Commission could have offered Black, Latino and Asian neigh-
The legislation empowers the advocates, and public health of- a permanent solution that allows honestly worded ballot proposals borhoods of their power to secure
New York State Commissioner ficials, and meets several times a New Yorkers to receive vaccines to give voters the choice to make more affordable housing and com-
of Health to fill this void by au- year to review and make recom- without any reliance on the dys- informed decisions, but it chose munity investments.”
thorizing licensed pharmacists mendations for improving im- functional CDC.”
to administer FDA-approved munization coverage and access. Liu’s legislation was endorsed Attorney General James Warns
vaccines recommended by the Senator Liu’s legislation comes by Dr. Howard Zucker, who New Yorkers of Three-Phase Scam
New York State Immunization amid growing concerns that the served as state health commis-
Advisory Council (IAC) or the federal government is hamstring- sioner during the Covid-19 pan- Targeting Seniors
Department of Health. ing public health policy, putting demic.
AG James Provides Tips to Protect ing scenario for victims. First, vic-
ACS Launches Bold Three-Year Strategic Plan to Strengthen Seniors from Scam Targeting Sav- tims receive a text, call, or email
Family Services Across NYC ings and Retirement Accounts claiming that their account was
hacked, and they are instructed to
The NYC Administration for munities, with a renewed focus on was developed with input from New York Attorney General contact a customer support phone
Children’s Services (ACS) has un- transparency, collaboration, and families, staff, provider partners, Letitia James issued a consumer number. Once individuals contact
veiled a comprehensive three-year best practices. and advocates, and outlines five alert warning New Yorkers of a the scammers, they are instructed
strategic plan aimed at enhancing As part of the plan, ACS an- key priorities to guide the Division’s scam that gives scammers access to download a software program
the effectiveness and responsive- nounced the renaming of its Divi- efforts through 2028. to bank and retirement accounts. that allows the hackers access to
ness of its family support services. sion of Prevention Services to the “ACS is committed to sup- The scam, known as the “Phantom their computer. Then, to convince
The initiative marks a significant Family Services Division, a move porting New York City children Hacker,” usually occurs in three the victims that this is a legitimate
shift in how the agency engages designed to better reflect the scope phases, where each phase builds on
with families, providers, and com- and mission of its work. The plan (Continued on page 8) the last phase to create a convinc- (Continued on page 4)