Community

NY Legal Assistance Group Urges U.S. Senate to Reject Increased ICE & Border Patrol Funding

By SÍLE MOLONEY
As the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on a funding bill for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Tuesday, Jan. 27, the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) joined hundreds of civil rights groups in signing on to an open letter demanding that Congress members refuse to vote for any FY2026 appropriations bill that includes increased funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol.

UPDATE AM Amanda Septimo Suspends Congressional Campaign against Torres in NY-15 amid Health Diagnosis

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Assemblymember Amanda Septimo (A.D. 84) has announced that she has suspended her congressional campaign for the Democratic primary in New York’s 15th congressional district in light of a recent health diagnosis. As reported, the assemblymember, who broadly represents the South Bronx neighborhoods of Concourse, Port Morris, Mott Haven and Hunts Point, Melrose and Longwood, announced on Dec. 11, 2025, that she was the sixth candidate to run for the seat currently held by Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15).

Second ‘No Kings’ Rally Held in Northwest Bronx

By DAVID GREENE
For the second time in less than three months, a large crowd gathered in the Riverdale section of The Bronx to protest the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration after American military forces attacked Venezuela on Saturday, Jan. 3, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shot and killed Minneapolis protester Renee Nicole Good on Wednesday, Jan. 7.

52nd Pct Community Council Ends Year in Festive Spirit

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Deputy Inspector Chase Maneri, commanding officer of the 52nd Precinct, announced he would be moving on to a new, as yet unannounced, role during the final 52nd Precinct Community Council meeting of 2025, held Dec. 18 at Estrella Restaurant in Norwood.

UPDATE Eastchester: Man Arrested after Fatal Fire and 14 Hurt in NYCHA Building Explosion

By SÍLE MOLONEY
One person has died, one person is critical, and 14 people have been injured following a residential, overnight explosion and fire at a Boston Secor Houses NYCHA complex building in the Eastchester section of The Bronx, according to the City’s fire department. The building is currently undergoing renovations under the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together or PACT program, and the fire followed a gas explosion, FDNY officials said.