Johnson Calls for Return of Indoor Dining as New Jersey Restaurants Open on Friday

New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson released a statement on indoor dining on Wednesday, Sept. 2. “It’s time to allow indoor dining in New York City with reduced capacity and clear guidance to ensure social distancing and safety,” Johnson said. “This is crucial for restaurant owners, who have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic and the resulting drop in tourism. Summer is winding down, and they need to begin planning for the colder months. Of course, we will continue to monitor the City’s COVID-19 rates, just as we must for all of our businesses.” Johnson added, “We know


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United Federation of Teachers & Allies React to School Reopening Delay

In response to an announcement on Sept. 1 by New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio and United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew of an agreement to delay in-person instruction for the 2020-2021 school year by two weeks, the MORE-UFT caucus released a statement on Sept. 2, giving their lukewarm reaction to the news. MORE UFT is made up of members of UFT, and members of school communities, and their allies.   “We welcome a slight delay of in-person school reopening in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, and recognize that our advocacy with our parent, student, and


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Recurring Park Clean-Up Events Continue at Azalea Garden at Jerome Avenue and East Mosholu Parkway 

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, who formally announced her intention to run for Bronx borough president at the end of August, joined some of her staff members, Friends of Mosholu Parkland and members of the City Parks’ department on Monday Aug. 31 for another park clean-up, as part of the ongoing “Meaningful Monday” initiative. This time it was at Azalea Garden at Jerome Avenue and East Mosholu Parkway in the Bronx.   The campaign which is trending on social media under the hashtag #meaningfulmonday was launched in July by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in an effort to gather members of


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Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and RecruitMilitary host Virtual Career Fair

To get transitioning military, veterans and military spouses back to work, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and RecruitMilitary will host the New York Virtual Career Fair for Veterans on Thursday, Sept. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST online.   According to the City’s Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), there are 37,495 veterans residing in the Bronx, while the New York City greater metropolitan area is home to over a million service members, veterans and their families. DVS estimates there to be 189,808 veterans of “active duty” and 21,000 estimated National Guard and reservists.   According to the most recently available


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Event Postponed: Charter School Leaders Panel Discussion on Best Practices for Maximizing Hybrid Learning Environment

This event has been postponed until further notice.   On Wednesday, Sept. 2, charter school leaders from schools across New York City – independents, replicators, and CMOs, alike – who have already opened or plan to open this week with virtual or hybrid learning will share best practices and lessons learned in preparing for the 2020-21 school year.   The charter school leaders have spent the summer months planning and developing comprehensive plans to maximize student learning in various learning environments. Their personalized plans account for student and staff safety and seek to meet the needs of their English language


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Mayor Says School Reopening to be Delayed, Local Parents Give their Views

Following the threat of a teachers’ strike, and subsequent negotiations, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza, UFT President Michael Mulgrew, CSA President Mark Cannizzaro, and DC 37 Executive Director Henry A. Garrido announced on Tuesday, Sept. 1, an agreement to delay in-person learning in schools to Sept. 21.   Teachers will report to buildings on Sept. 8 as originally scheduled, but will have dedicated time for training, professional development, and readiness to collaborate and prepare for blended and remote learning before in-person learning begins on Sept 21. Beginning Sept. 16, teachers will begin to engage students in


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Op-Ed Financial Focus: How Does the City Get Needed Money in this Coronavirus Year?

There is no doubt that New York City needs help.   With a current unemployment rate of 20 percent and City government threatening even more layoffs, the City is going to need increased revenue, quickly.   There was outcry last week when City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson were alleged to have tried to save revenues by savagely cutting many areas of the City budget, an allegation they denied. They said they were looking for federal government assistance first.   In the absence of that, and knowing it might be difficult to get money from the


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MTA Announces Service Details for Labor Day

Most Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) services will operate on Sunday schedules for the Labor Day holiday, Monday, Sept. 7, with subway and bus options for customers traveling to NYC-area beaches. Metro-North Railroad will operate on a regular weekday schedule.   Front door-boarding and fare collection has resumed on MTA buses. Customers are reminded to wear masks and social distance when possible while using the system. Wearing a face covering on public transportation is required by law under executive order 202.18 issued by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo effective April 17. The MTA launched its “Mask Force” on July 20 as part


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Bronx D.A. Moves To Dismiss over 300 Summonses for Violating Curfew in June 4 BLM Protest

        Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced on Sept. 1 that her office will file a motion with the supervising judge of Bronx Criminal Court to dismiss more than 300 summonses issued for disorderly conduct and violation of a prevailing emergency curfew during a large protest that took place in the Bronx on June 4, 2020. Protestors were decrying the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020.            Clark said, “I believe in and encourage our Bronx residents to raise their voices to protest social and racial injustice


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