MTA Will Resume 24 Hour Subway Service Beginning May 17

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Monday, May 3, that the MTA will resume 24-hour subway service in New York City beginning Monday, May 17. In April, MTA New York City Transit officials announced 2,009,025 trips were recorded on the subway on April 8, the first time that more than two million trips were taken on the subway since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the city. The resumption of 24-hour service will coincide with the governor’s announcement lifting the 12 a.m. food and beverage service curfew for outdoor dining areas. “COVID-19 is on the decline in

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner, Basil Seggos, announced on Sunday, May 2, that “New York State Compost Awareness Week” is taking place from May 2-8. Compost Awareness Week raises awareness statewide of the environmental benefits of composting, and the declaration was formalized in a recent proclamation signed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Recycling food scraps, grass, leaves, yard clippings, and other organic materials through composting reduces New York’s dependence on landfills and combustors and helps to lower climate-altering emissions while producing valuable, nutrient-rich compost that improves soil health and water quality. Seggos said New

By PS/MS 95 Staff

Members of the PS/MS 95, The Sheila Mencher Van Cortlandt School community in Van Cortlandt Village, held a socially distanced, outdoor remembrance event on April 21 in tribute to our colleague, Omara Flores, beloved, long-time assistant principal at the school who died tragically and unexpectedly on April 6, 2020 of COVID-19. She left behind a husband and two adult children, both graduates of PS/MS 95. The event which was attended by about 35 people was filled with sweet remembrances of an esteemed and admired colleague, with the participants immersed in a collective sea of sorrow. Under the leadership of

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Rite Aid announced on Friday, April 30, it is now administering the COVID-19 vaccine at all locations, spanning more than 2,500 stores in 17 states. “Following the latest guidance from the Biden Administration, all those aged 16 years or older are now eligible for vaccination, and Rite Aid encourages everyone to schedule an appointment as soon as possible,” the statement read. While scheduling appointments in advance is recommended to reduce wait time and guarantee availability of the vaccine, Rite Aid is now also accommodating walk-in vaccines on a limited basis in every store. “Enabling walk-in appointments supports customers who

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department confirmed on Tuesday, May 4, that Keira Robles, 12, of Apt #4E, 271 East 197th St. in the Bedford Park section of The Bronx, who was reported missing in the 52nd precinct on Saturday, May 1, has returned home. It was reported to the police that Keira was last seen Friday, April 30, 2021 at 7.40 a.m. inside her home. She is described as being approximately 5 feet, 1 inch tall, weighs 110 pounds, Hispanic, has a thin build, light complexion, and has brown eyes and black hair. Her clothing description at the

Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner (D-Bronx, 77th A.D.) is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine and food giveaway in the Highbridge section of the Bronx on Saturday, May 1. The event is free and open to the public, with a special emphasis on families living in Highbridge. It will start at 9 a.m. and will take place all day. “This event brings the COVID-19 vaccine to the families in Highbridge as we fight back against this dread[ed] virus,” Joyner said. “I want to specially thank Insta-cart for providing the food for our free giveaway, and Morris Heights Health Center for administering these vaccines

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Fordham Anti-Racist Alumni Collective (FAAC) announced on Monday, April 26, that the group had compiled a list of student grievances against the faculty, administration, and staff of Fordham University, which were submitted by victims through the group’s Instagram accounts. “These powerful accounts of racism, sexism, classism, xenophobia, sexual harassment, lack of professionalism and institutional neglect expose Fordham University’s record of failure to hold faculty, administrators and staff accountable for harm caused in the classroom and on campus,” a statement from FAAC read. The alumni group, which is committed to amplifying the demands of Black students at Fordham University,

By DAVID GREENE

It’s been a long, emotional year for everyone, ever since the coronavirus pandemic hit our shores last spring. For the NYPD, policing compliance with the statewide lockdown took its toll, as public frustration, then anger mounted, bodies piled up, and PPE was initially in short supply. That was before mass, almost daily, street protests took off in the wake of the horrific killing of George Floyd by now convicted, former police officer, Derek Chauvin. Public condemnation was swift regarding the handling of the protests by the NYPD and more negative press and vitriol ensued when video emerged of police vehicles

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Woodlawn Cemetery held an “Earth Day Celebration” on Saturday, April 24, 2021, following the official Earth Day on Thursday, April 22. The event took place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and well over 200 people attended. Both adults and children enjoyed trolley rides, tree carving, (small grey fox) tree planting workshops, tree identification walks, arts & crafts, yoga on the lawn, and a free hot dog lunch, complete with a bag of chips and bottled water. Kids did not go empty-handed either and received a goodie bag filled with the Woodlawn Arboretum coloring book and