Lunar New Year Lights Up Our City and Our Island Spirit
By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily As winter settles in and the days stay short, a burst of color, tradition, and renewal arrives across New York City with the Lunar New Year. While Roosevelt Island may not host a large…
In Context: Why Independent Media Still Matters After the Don Lemon Arrest
Friends, this week the national news cycle delivered a story that has been buzzing far beyond its original coverage. Former CNN journalist and now independent reporter Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles in connection with his…
Winter’s Grip Holds On: Is There an End in Sight for NYC’s Cold Stretch?
By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily Friends, if it feels like winter has parked itself on Roosevelt Island and refuses to leave, you are not imagining it. After days of bitter cold and frozen mornings, many of us have been…
Howard Polivy Was Always There
Eleanor Rivers’ essay on Howard Polivy depicts a troubling portrait of institutional continuity. Polivy exemplifies a governance strategy where consistency outweighs dissent, allowing systems to maintain power without accountability. This piece serves as a preparatory bridge to future discussions on how committee structures reinforce this dynamic, highlighting the complexities of governance.
Big Moves in City Hall: Mayor Mamdani Mandates Chief Savings Officers Across NYC Agencies
Friends, this week brought a major shift in how New York City plans to tackle fiscal challenges facing our city government. Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed Executive Order 12, an initiative that directs every city agency to appoint a Chief Savings Officer whose job…
A Heart-Warming Valentine’s Celebration with Flavor and Friends
By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily Hello friends! As winter gives way to thoughts of spring and community gatherings, here’s a cozy event on our island that invites us to explore flavor, culture, and connection. On Saturday, February 14, join iDig2Learn for MAGIC OF…
IN OUR CITY HALL: Mayor Mamdani’s Bold Push to Tax the Wealthy and Close New York City’s Budget Gap
Friends, today brings big news from City Hall that’s sure to spark conversation across our five boroughs. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is stepping up with a major proposal to raise taxes on the city’s wealthiest residents and businesses…
Storm Aftermath on The Beat: Post-Storm Snapshot and What Comes Next
By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily Hello neighbors. We’re finally on the other side of Winter Storm Fern, and while the snow has eased, the effects are still very much with us. Our island and the broader Tri-State area have…
A Policy Shift, a Platform, and a Pattern Emerging Underground
New York City is shifting its approach to homelessness under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, moving from police enforcement to civilian outreach. This change affects Roosevelt Island’s subway station, which now sees increased homeless presence due to recent service disruptions. Residents seek clarity on the situation as many unanswered questions remain.
Storm Update for The Beat: Winter Storm Fern Tightens Its Grip on Our Region
By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily Hello friends, I’m checking in with the latest on the powerful winter storm that’s drawing eyes and preparations across New York, New Jersey, and beyond. Officials are now moving with urgency, and the forecast…















