UPDATE Norwood Neighbors Mourn Tragic Death of “Very Good” Neighbor, Father & Husband, Nate Rivers

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Norwood neighbors of 35-year-old young husband and father, Nathaniel “Nate” Rivers, were still processing his sudden and tragic passing on July 21, just hours after a horrific, fatal stabbing ended his life as he sat in his car, sharing a pizza with his wife in the midst of a summer thunderstorm. His murder is one of 11 to have taken place in the 52nd Precinct so far this year, a jump of 450 percent in the precinct’s murder tally, compared to the same period last year (2). Just under two weeks later, on Aug. 2, Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell

By EMILY SAWAKED

Donning a green cap and gown, and cheered on by countless family members, one Bronx native had an extra special reason to celebrate receiving her associate degree from Bronx Community College (BCC) last month. Having first embarked upon her collegial path in 1961, Mercedes Yordan walked, for the first time, in a college graduation ceremony this past June, following a long life and varied career. Yordan said she got married and had children soon after she started her studies the first time around. She said it meant she had to leave college, bringing her foundational time in academia to a

By DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY

A 59-year-old man was murdered in cold blood outside a smoke shop in University Heights on Saturday afternoon. Police said the incident unfolded on Saturday, July 30, at around 12.07 p.m., when officers responded to a 911 call regarding a man who had been stabbed at Magic 7 Smoke Shop, located at 174 West Fordham Road in the 52nd Precinct. “Upon arrival, officers observed 59-year-old male, unconscious and unresponsive male with a stab wound to the neck,” a police spokesperson said. “EMS responded and transported the aided male to NYC Health and Hospitals/Jacobi where he was later

By SÍLE MOLONEY

District 14 City Council Member Pierina Sanchez will host a community block party on Morris Avenue, between 181st Street and Burnside Avenue, on the border of Fordham Heights and University Heights on Saturday, July 30, from noon to 4 p.m., during which she is expected to announce a number of investments in the district. With a large variety of activities, food, and more, according to the councilwoman’s office, District 14 residents are welcome to attend. The event is being hosted in partnership with the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families (CHCF), Fidelis Care, and the Union Community Health Center

By DAVID GREENE

With U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand calling for an investigation into potentially unfair business practices by the airline industry during record delays and cancellations, we asked readers about their recent experiences at City airports. “I’ve had some problems changing flights; we had delays, yes, all of that. Right now, my grandson is coming back from Florida, and they just switched his flight to Sprint. So right now, we’re waiting for his COVID test. He’s been stuck for two days already. No, the airline didn’t put him up in a hotel; my son took him home and now he has to go

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Friday, July 25, NYC Parks held a celebration to mark the $5.2 million reconstruction of Wakefield Playground in The Bronx. NYC Parks first deputy commissioner, Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81), District 11 City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, representatives from Bronx Community Board 12, Friends of Wakefield Playground, teachers and students from P.S. 16, children and teachers from Demores Childcare, and members of the community for the occasion. “Wakefield Playground is a true neighborhood playground, and I’m thrilled that we have been able to completely rebuild it for the community,” said

By SÍLE MOLONEY

State Sen. Luis Sepúlveda (S.D. 32) announced a historic collaborative agreement with the senate of the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, July 20, which will include an official visit by a delegation from the New York State senate to the senate of the Dominican Republic. “Today, I announce, with great joy, a historic agreement to strengthen relationships between both governmental parties, on behalf of our diaspora, throughout the Great State of New York,” said the senator, who represents parts of the South and Central Bronx. “New York State is home to more than one million Dominicans who have a rich

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Woodlawn Cemetery board of trustees announced on July 19 that it has selected Christopher “Chris” Jeannopoulos to be its 11th president and CEO. Jeannopoulos will also serve as president of Woodlawn Conservancy. Described by the board as an ardent supporter of historic preservation and a dynamic leader with especially strong financial management experience, Jeannopoulos will assume his new responsibilities in September, when acting president, Edward F. Markiewicz, will retire. The board said that they are grateful to Markiewicz for his many years of service at Woodlawn, which date back to 1989. According to the board, the appointment

Editor’s Pick Ailey Moves NYC! is a 10-day, free series of outdoor activities for all ages across the five boroughs which is taking place from July 23 to August 1. New Yorkers will be able to enjoy performances by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II, dance in classes and workshops led by Ailey’s Arts In Education and Ailey Extension teachers and musicians, and watch the stirring documentary ”AILEY,” out in the open air. Ailey Moves NYC! heads to Gil Scott-Heron Amphitheater at St. Mary’s Park, The Bronx for a Latin-Style Dance Workshop on Sunday, July 24, at 3 p.m., with

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Community

UPDATE Norwood Neighbors Mourn Tragic Death of “Very Good” Neighbor, Father & Husband, Nate Rivers

1961 Freshman Graduates from Bronx Community College and She’s Just Getting Started!

University Heights: Man Murdered outside Smoke Shop on Fordham Road

Pierina Sanchez to Announce Community Investments at Block Party on Saturday, July 30

Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Travel Experiences amid Calls to Investigate Potential Unfair Airline Business Practices

$5.2 Million Wakefield Playground Renovation Sees Two Basketball Courts, Soccer Field & Spray Showers

Sepúlveda Announces Official Visit by NYS Senate Delegation to the Senate of the Dominican Republic

Christopher Jeannopoulos Named 11th President of Woodlawn Cemetery & Conservancy

UPDATE Out & About: Ailey Moves NYC, Disability Pride Month, Anti-Prom & More!