Community

Unity Democrats Announce Endorsements in Upcoming Democratic Primary

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The Unity Democratic Club announced their official endorsements for multiple political races in the upcoming 2025 primary elections in late February. These included City Council Member Justin Brannan (C.D. 43) who represents parts of Brooklyn for the role of NYC comptroller, a role currently held by Brad Lander, City Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. (C.D. 17) for Bronx borough president, a role currently held by Vanessa L. Gibson, Danielle Herbert Guggenheim, a Unity Democrat member and former vice-president, for City Council District 11, a role currently held by Eric Dinowitz, and finally incumbent City Council Member Pierina Sanchez for District 14.

Second Man Arrested in Hit & Run Collision in which Bronx Buccs “Coach D” was Killed

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Following the death last November of 60-year-old local, volunteer football coach Dwight Downer as a result of a hit and run car crash, police said a second person has been arrested in connection with the incident. Downer coached local football team the Bronx Buccaneers, who regularly practice in the Williamsbridge Oval in Norwood, as well as Bedford Park’s DeWitt Clinton football team.

NYPL Kicks Off Anti-Prom at Clason Point Library

By SÍLE MOLONEY
To close out Bronx Week 2025 with an evening of fun, the New York Public Library is hosting its annual Anti-Prom event on Friday, May 16, at Clason’s Point Library, 1215 Morrison Avenue.

NYC Department of Transportation Encourages New Yorkers to Get Healthy on Bike-to-Work Day

By SÍLE MOLONEY
NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez is encouraging New Yorkers to join him in partaking in Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 16, to promote cycling as a healthy, environmentally friendly, and accessible form of transportation. DOT officials said bike ridership is at an all-time high in New York City, with an estimated 226 million cycling trips each year across the five boroughs.

Gary Axelbank is The “People’s Choice” for Bronx Week 2025

By ARIEL PACHECO & SÍLE MOLONEY
The Bronx Tourism Council, along with The Office of the Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, kicked off Bronx Week 2025 during an opening ceremony at the Bronx Museum of the Arts on May 6, with the announcement of this year’s Bronx “Walk of Fame” inductees. This year, the People’s Choice Award went to journalist, DJ, and longtime BronxNet TV host, Gary Axelbank.

DCAS Announces Major Expansion of High School Equivalency & College Credit Program to All City Agencies

By SÍLE MOLONEY
NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and the Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) announced a major expansion of the EPIC @ MCNY program for municipal employees on Friday, May 16. Initially launched as an innovative pilot program for DCAS staff, the program will now be open to participants across all city agencies, allowing them to earn their high school equivalency and 27 college credits over the course of four semesters.