In Last Meeting Before Break, the 52nd Pct. Outlines Anti-Crime Strategy

By IMANI HALL The 52nd Precinct held its last community meeting before going on a two-month hiatus. At the meeting, Inspector Nilda Hoffman outlined the nagging spike in reported crime this year, focusing her attention on any impending increase this summer.

52nd Precinct Celebrates One Member’s Centennial Celebration

By IMANI HALL At the 52nd Precinct’s Community Council meeting June 25, members of the Council paused to recognize long-time member Mary Vallati, who will turn 100 this month. As part of the celebration, Vallati was presented with a proclamation from Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. with her family by her side.

Death of Kalief Browder Provokes Talk of Criminal Justice Reform

By JASMINE GOMEZ “I can’t take it anymore,” were the words Kalief Browder, a 22-year-old Bronx man, uttered to his mother, the night before he hanged himself on June 6 from his home.

For the Mentally Ill, a Daily Refuge Found at North Central Bronx Hospital

By DAVID CRUZ The debate over whether institutionalization of the borough’s mental health population rages fiercely, with state officials seeing it as vestige of a bygone era. In the last few years, the state has closed its institutions, shifting away from housing the mentally ill and seeking different forms of treatment instead.

Be Healthy – Federal funds for ER-decongestion Plan Come to the Bronx

By DAVID CRUZ Vital Stats: $438 Billion – Costs of Medicaid nationally. (Source: Center of Budget and Policy Priorities.) Hospitals across the Bronx have begun receiving an infusion of federal monies aimed at a plan that ensures Medicaid-covered patients stay on top of their health to avoid a costly emergency room visit. The plan is aligned with a larger goal of shrinking Medicaid spending, officials from St. Barnabas Health System (SBH) announced.

New Trees on Mosholu Parkway Have Residents Divided

By KIMBERLY JACOBS Norwood residents may or may not have noticed the new dogwood trees planted throughout the lawns on Mosholu Parkway. But for those who have, there have been some cheers and jeers.

In Norwood, Open Fire Hydrants Inspires Jubilation and Fear

By TATYANA TURNER Norwood residents are trying to find measures to beat the heat as the summer settles in, by cracking open a fire hydrant. But as children turn open hydrants into neighborhood gatherings, a slew of open fire hydrants throughout the summer has members of the FDNY shutting them off, pointing out the dangers in leaving them open.

Inquiring Photographer

By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers their thoughts and plans for the much-anticipated summer season. I’m actually looking forward to getting together with some old friends, visit with family and enjoy some much needed time off. I hope the weather cooperates. Lisa Jenkins

Albany Nears Free MTA Transfer Extension

The Albany Legislature has approved a bill to save commuters some money by adding an extra free transfer between MTA buses and subways within a two-hour window. Currently the MTA pay-per-ride fare costs $2.75, which includes one free transfer that can be used for up to two hours. However, bad service and train delays can force commuters to pay another fare if their transfer expires. Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz does not believe that commuters should pay for an extra fare due to service delays. He empathized with commuters who have a difficult daily commute and wants to rid the burden of