Elected Officials Appear in Court for Civil Disobedience Case in Defense of Immigrants

By SÍLE MOLONEY

State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33) and City Comptroller Brad Lander, appeared in federal court on Nov. 18 in relation to their arrests on Sept. 18, along with several other elected officials, inside or near 26 Federal Plaza courthouse in Lower Manhattan for their respective acts of civil disobedience against immigration agents. As reported, the group had been protesting the treatment of immigrants during their court appearances by immigration agents. An anti-ICE [U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement] protest had also taken place near 26 Federal Plaza the same day [Sept. 18].

UPDATE NYC Department of Education Employee Arrested for Alleged Sexual Abuse

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Police said a 60-year-old, off-duty, male employee of the NYC Department of Education (DOE) has been arrested for sexual abuse.

UPDATE Gibson Hosts Celebration of Italian Heritage at Fordham University to Mark Italian Heritage Month

By SÍLE MOLONEY & ARIEL PACHECO

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson hosted “A Celebration of Italian Heritage” at Fordham University’s McShane Campus Center in honor of Italian Heritage Month on Tuesday, Oct. 14. The annual event recognized what Gibson said is the “enduring cultural, civic, and economic contributions of the Italian American Community to The Bronx.”

MacKenzie Scott Foundation Gifts Further $50 Million to Lehman College to Total $80 Million

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Lehman College received a $50 million gift from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation on Friday, Dec. 5, amplifying what the college said was a new era of opportunity and ensuring a legacy of success for years to come. As reported, the Bedford Park-based college announced in October that it also recently raised $30 million as part of its “Forever Forward” fundraising campaign.

Belmont: Teen Slashed at Fordham School, 2nd Teen Charged

By DAVID GREENE

A 17-year-old student was slashed inside a Belmont high school, and a 14-year-old student was arrested and charged in connection with the incident, which unfolded just before lunchtime on Friday, Nov. 21, police said.

Williamsbridge: “Debutante Cotillion” Returns after 20 Years Hosted by Bridgefield Civic League

By MIRIAM QUIÑONES

Bridgefield Civic League nonprofit, founded in 1968 and based in the Williamsbridge section of The Bronx, celebrated the return of its historic Debutante Cotillion after a 20-year pause at Eastwood Manor Catering Hall, also in Williamsbridge, on Nov. 7.

UPDATE Van Cortlandt Park: Open Call for Architects, Artists, and Designers to Reimagine African Burial Ground

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance (VCPA) and Design Trust for Public Space NYC are calling on architects, artists, and designers to reimagine the African Burial Ground located in Van Cortlandt Park through a Design Ideas Competition.

UPDATE Fordham Manor: Person Sought for Reckless Daylight Shooting

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD is asking for the public’s help identifying the person seen in the attached photos who they say is wanted in connection with a reckless endangerment incident that occurred in the Fordham Manor section of The Bronx.

UPDATE Bronx Teen from Ecuador Held by U.S. Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Reunited with Family after Detention

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Five leading child advocacy organizations had filed an amicus brief in federal court supporting 16-year-old Bronx teen, Joel, from Ecuador who had been held by the United States Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). His case was heard at a White Plains federal court on Monday, Nov. 17. Norwood News reached out to the advocates for an update on the latest court proceedings, as well as asking which part of The Bronx Joel lives in. While we’re still waiting on the latter, we’ve since been informed that a judge has since ordered Joel released into the custody of a legal guardian and has been reunited with his extended family in the area, while his legal case continues.