NYC Campaign Finance Board Approves $19.9 Million in Public Funds Payments

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYC Campaign Finance Board (CFB) approved $19,903,652 in public matching funds payments to 162 candidates in the 2021 primary elections during a public meeting held on May 27. With these payments, the Board approved more than $32.3 million to seven candidates running for mayor. The CFB has now issued nearly $96 million to candidates participating in the 2021 elections — the most in the history of New York City’s campaign finance program — and more than the candidates have reported raising in private contributions (nearly $60.3 million as of May 21). Public funds dwarf the amount spent thus

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York City will pay youth from designated city areas $1,200 to take online courses this summer, following the success of the NeON Summer initiative which was launched in 2020. Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced the 2021 initiative will enroll 2,700 youth in six weeks of online instruction. It is hoped the program will help the city’s youth build skills, focus their career goals and express their creativity. According to City officials, participating eligible New Yorkers will receive a stipend, and could earn up to $1,200. NeON Summer is open to three groups: young people aged 14 to

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Hate crimes across New York City rose by 366 percent during the week ending May 30, compared to the same period last year, according to NYPD data. In the Bronx, year-to-date hate crimes have risen by 200 percent, compared to 2020. Attacks against the Asian American community, fueled by ignorance regarding the spread of the coronavirus have been widely reported by various news outlets, while Norwood News has previously reported on hate crimes carried out against the LGBTQ+ community and the Jewish community in recent months. In an effort to address this, a Stop the Hate rally was held

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Fire Officers’ Association (UFOA) announced its endorsement on Sunday, June 6, of judicial candidate, Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor, in her run for a civil court judgeship in Bronx County’s Second Municipal Court District, marking the candidate’s second union endorsement from a major city union. Jake Lamonda, president of the UFOA, wrote in the letter of endorsement, “The executive board of the UFOA unanimously and enthusiastically voted to endorse life-long New Yorker, Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor, an ambitious attorney and long-time advocate for civil servants.” The letter continued, “Her experience, commitment to justice, and passion for public service will make

By SÍLE MOLONEY

A 20-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man have been arrested on murder charges in connection with a homicide that occurred in Fordham Heights on Sunday, June 6, On June 14, police confirmed that Fatimah Adegoke, 20, of Yonkers was arrested on charges of murder, manslaughter, robbery and criminal possession of a weapon On June 9, Marlon Gardner, 23, of New Rochelle, had been arrested on charges of murder, manslaughter, robbery, burglary and criminal possession of a loaded firearm. On Sunday, June 6, at around 2.14 a.m., police responded to a 911 call regarding a man who had been shot

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York Lottery announced on Sunday, June 6, that one top prize winning ticket was sold for the June 5 TAKE 5 drawing. The ticket, worth $62,606.00, was purchased at Kingsbridge Tobacco & Convenience Store, located at 271 E Kingsbridge Road in the Fordham Manor section of The Bronx. The five winning numbers for the TAKE 5 game are drawn from a field of one to 39. The TAKE 5 drawing is televised every day at 10:30 p.m. A lottery draw game prize of any amount may be claimed up to one year from the date of the drawing. New

By SÍLE MOLONEY

A 56-year-old man was stabbed during a verbal dispute over money by another man in the vicinity of East Fordham and Elm Place in Fordham Manor, in the 52nd precinct. Police responded to the incident on Saturday, June 5, at around 1.13 p.m. The victim said the dispute escalated and the suspect stabbed the victim in the back. EMS transported the victim to St. Barnabas Hospital in stable condition. The suspect fled the location to parts unknown and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information with regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Below is a list of upcoming events in various Bronx parks, courtesy of NYC Parks. Sunday, June 6, 2021 Estuary Paddle on the Bronx River 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at Concrete Plant Park, Bronx Historic New York: The General Slocum Disaster 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Monday, June 7, 2021 Monday Morning Pitch-In at Williamsbridge Oval Park 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Monday Morning Pitch-In at Walter Gladwin Park 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Monday Morning Pitch-In at Starlight Park 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2021 Arts, Culture & Fun: Jazz Concert with Joaquin Pozo y la Clave Suena 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Arts, Culture & Fun: Watercolor Painting Workshop 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Thursday,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

One of the most heated rivalries in sports returns to Yankee Stadium this weekend, and Metro-North Railroad is marking the series by adding service to ensure fans can cheer on the Bronx Bombers as they take on the Boston Red Sox in night games at 7:05 p.m. Friday, 7:15 p.m. Saturday and 7:08 p.m. Sunday. Extra trains to deliver fans will run on the New Haven and Hudson lines. Cathy Rinaldi, Metro-North president said Metro-North is the fastest and easiest way to get to Yankee Stadium. “By adding extra service, we can ensure that all fans make it