AOC, Fernandez Get In Line as Early Voting Commences in the Bronx and across New York State

Ahead of Election Day 2020 on Nov. 3., long lines of patient voters, some with kids in toe and pushing baby strollers, were seen at a number of voting centers across the Bronx during the first few days of early voting in New York State, which kicked off on Saturday, Oct. 24.   On Sunday morning, Oct. 25, the wait time to vote at a temporary Parkchester polling center, a former Boltons store, located at 1380 Parkchester Road, was about two and a half hours, while the outside temperature was in the low fifties.   Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined about


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Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on the U.S. Supreme Court Nomination Process

  For our latest print edition, we asked readers for their thoughts on the U.S. Supreme Court justice nomination process.   “I believe the Supreme Court should be expanded, especially if we get too many conservatives on the Supreme Court and not enough moderates. I think there needs to be a balance. Even though justices swear to be neutral, I believe people are swayed by their opinions, how they are raised. You have Catholic judges who’ve had strict Catholic upbringings as being pro-life and that’s a big worry for women, that they will repeal Roe vs. Wade. It shouldn’t even


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New Elevators Finally Installed at Bedford Park Blvd Subway Station

  The grand opening of long-awaited ADA compliant elevators at Bedford Park Boulevard subway station took place on the Grand Concourse on Thursday, Oct. 15. MTA Construction & Development President, Janno Lieber, launched the opening alongside a group of MTA colleagues, and was also joined by elected officials, Congressman Adriano Espaillat and State Assemblyman José Rivera.   Speaking at the launch, Espaillat said, “There are three elevators, one up here [street level], and two downstairs [at subway level], and they were built at a cost of $38.2 million,” he said, adding that it was an extraordinary project.   He then


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Health Check: How Oral Health Affects Our Overall Health

October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a perfect time to remember to take care of our oral health. When people think about a healthy lifestyle, eating more fruits and vegetables, increasing physical activity, limiting alcohol, getting more sleep and making time for self-care often top the list.   But, taking care of our oral health is also an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and the health of our mouth, teeth and gums affects the way we talk, smile, eat and present ourselves to the world.   Just like the rest of our body, the mouth is full of good


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Artwork Channeling Michael Jordan Honors Healthcare Heroes

Artist in Residence at the Empire State Building Jeremy Wolff, together with Legion Paper Corp, recently gifted six pieces of artwork to Montefiore Health System. The work, created during the height of the pandemic in New York, is called “Air Frontline” and depicts frontline workers in famous poses by basketball legend, Michael Jordan.   On Thursday, Oct. 15, the artwork was installed at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore and it will rotate around various Montefiore sites to remind associates that they are healthcare heroes. Jeremy Wolff is a New York City based, Contemporary Artist with a focus in pop culture and


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AG James Blocks Trump Administration’s Changes to SNAP

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Monday, Oct. 19, that a federal court yesterday granted a motion for summary judgment, permanently blocking the Trump Administration’s attempts to deny food assistance to hundreds of thousands of Americans by changing the rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).   “At a time of national crisis, this decision is a win for common sense and basic human decency,” said James. “This Trump Administration rule was cruel to its core and ran counter to who we are and what we represent as a nation. If implemented, this rule would have not


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Public Advocate Staff Members Announce Unionization

Staff members of the Office of New York City Public Advocate, Jumaane D. Williams, announced on Oct. 19 that they have formed a union and will be represented by the Campaign Workers Guild. They said their unionization drive has the support of Office staff, with more than two-thirds of eligible workers signing authorization cards with the Campaign Workers Guild.   The union covers all non-managerial staff in the Office, and it has formally submitted a demand for voluntary recognition to the Public Advocate. “Our groundbreaking union is made up of grassroots community organizers and advocates who live in a City


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POTS Celebrates Bronx Resiliency on Oct. 22

Part of the Solution (POTS), a nonprofit dedicated to feeding neighbors and nourishing the community, is helping the Bronx bounce back. On Thursday Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. EST, POTS will livestream their first virtual benefit, “Helping the Bronx Bounce Back,” a feel-good virtual benefit that will showcase the resiliency of the Bronx community.   The group hopes to leave the public inspired to take action and support their work. POTS stayed open throughout the worst of the pandemic and helped over 40,000 low-income Bronx neighbors. The group said that donations are critical to their ongoing mission. Gifts made between now


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Public Art Installation by Fran Sisco Now at Pelham Art Center

A public installation of sculpture by artist, Fran Sisco, is now on view in the Pelham Art Center courtyard. The installation, entitled Nature Culture Sculpture, consists of three found wood assemblage sculptures by Sisco that reflect a message of unity and positivity.   The three sculptures, “My Kelly,” “Blessings of Trans Unicorns” and “Two in Love” are in the courtyard through March 2021.  The colorful pieces are constructed from dead tree limbs and emphasize the beauty in natural simplicity. Visitors can view the installation outdoors at Pelham Art Center, located at 155 Fifth Avenue, Pelham.   Public Art Installation Opening


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