Blog

Update: City’s $98.7 Billion Budget for FY2022 Passes in Council after Earlier Agreement with Mayor

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  The New York City Budget of $98.7 billion for the Financial Year 2022 was voted on in-person at the Council on Wednesday, and has passed, with 39 in favor, 6 against, and 4 not present.    New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, finance committee chair, Danny Dromm, capital budget subcommittee chair, Helen Rosenthal, and Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the billion dollar budget agreement earlier on Wednesday, June 30, during a press conference. The Council said it includes major investments and restorations in education, seniors, youth and quality of life enhancements like sanitation services.   The Council said the budget


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Con Ed Calls To Curtail Unnecessary Power Usage; New Yorkers Say “Turn Off Times Square!”

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Con Ed requested on Wednesday, June 30, that its customers refrain from using energy-intensive appliances, such as washers, dryers, and microwaves unless necessary, and to set air conditioners to the highest comfortable temperature possible, but many New Yorkers were quick to hit back in indignation, coming up instead with what they believed was an alternative quick fix to energy conservation: turn off Times Square…   Con Ed said NWS forecasted maximum heat index values of 100-104 degrees for June 30, with heat indices on Thursday July 1 set to drop to the mid-80s.   https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/1410324925064351754?s=20 As of 10 a.m. on


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Pelham Parkway: Muslim Community Holds BBQ, Toy Giveaway & Car Rally for Mark Eid

By MIRIAM QUIÑONES & SÍLE MOLONEY
  ICNA Relief/Muslims for Humanity, the NYPD, Smiles through Cars, the Muslim & Immigrant Coalition for Justice, Bronx Community Council for Unity, Faith & Humanity, the Chaplain for the State of New York, and Empire Blue Cross, Blue Shield joined forces for an Eid celebration on Sunday, May 16, at 2141 Bronx Park East, in Pelham Parkway, following the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.   The celebration consisted of a barbecue, a toy giveaway and a car rally and was billed as a historical event in which “all faiths and community leaders were invited to participate.”  


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UPDATE: Scott Stringer Joins Andrew Yang, Drops Out of Mayoral Primary Race

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Editor’s Note: Please refer to the notes at the end of this story for the latest available updates on certain legal proceedings. New York City comptroller and mayoral candidate, Scott Stringer, confirmed he has dropped out of the mayoral race. The news was confirmed in a statement issued by his campaign on Tuesday evening, June 29, and comes on the back of underwhelming Round 1 results for the candidate post Primary Election Night, on June 22, and a campaign that was, in the latter stages at least, marred by controversy amid allegations of sexual misconduct which the comptroller has denied.


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Mount Hope: 72-Year-Old Man Punched in Head during Traffic Dispute

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance identifying the person seen in the attached surveillance video who is sought for questioning in connection to an assault that occurred in Mount Hope, in the 46th precinct. It was reported to police that on Saturday, April 24, at 1.10 p.m. in the vicinity of Jerome Avenue and Featherbed Lane, in Mount Hope, a 72-year-old male victim got into a verbal dispute over a traffic incident with the unidentified male suspect. The suspect subsequently punched the victim in the head, causing a laceration, before fleeing the location, westbound, on


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Immigrant Heritage Month: Espaillat Holds Roundtable on Immigration Reform

By SÍLE MOLONEY
U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), FWD.us and New York community leaders and immigrants will hold a roundtable on Tuesday, June 29, to mark Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM), a month which has been celebrated each June for the last eight years, and recognized by many state and federal leaders, including President Joe Biden.   As IHM comes to an end, Espaillat’s office representatives said the roundtable discussion will celebrate the many contributions made by immigrants to New York, will highlight the benefits that immigrants bring to the State, and will discuss what they describe as the critical need for legislation to


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Norwood: Second Double Shooting Reported near East Gun Hill Road

By DAVID GREENE
  For the second time in a little over five weeks, two men were shot near East Gun Hill Road in Norwood and once again, police are searching for the gunman responsible.   According to Detective Annette Shelton, the shooting took place outside of 3511 Hull Avenue, between East Gun Hill Road and East 211 Street, and was reported at 12:05 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29.   Shelton stated, “Two 24 year-old males were shot in the back by an unidentified individual who fled eastbound on East Gun Hill Road.” A Citizens App video shows both men being placed on


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Update: MTA Clarifies Position on Acceptance of Cash for MetroCards, Citing Employee Health Concerns

By SÍLE MOLONEY
In response to a recent story by the NY Daily News in which it was reported that the MTA had permanently ended cash transactions at subway booths, having temporarily implemented the measure amid the pandemic in efforts to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, a torrent of criticism was unleashed towards the MTA on social media, with many, including local Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernández (A.D. 80), and recent candidate for Bronx borough president, blasting the decision, categorizing it as discriminatory.   “We are judged as a society by how we treat our most vulnerable,” the assemblywoman wrote. “This decision is discriminatory


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University Heights/Morris Heights: Father Robbed, Dragged Along Sidewalk by Motorcyclists

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individuals seen in the attached surveillance video and photos who are sought in connection with a robbery that occurred in the 46th precinct.   It was reported to police that on Sunday, June 6, 2021 at approximately 3.30 p.m., in front of 66 Burnside Avenue, on the border of University Heights and Morris Heights, a 35-year-old male victim was standing on the sidewalk at the location buying ice cream for his 5-year-old son, when he was approached by two unidentified individuals riding a motorcycle on


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