Politics

UPDATE Court Orders New Redistricting Maps, Primary Election Postponed to August 23

By SÍLE MOLONEY
A new deadline of May 20 for revised 2022 redistricting maps for the congressional and State senate districts has been ordered by the New York State Supreme Court, according to court documents filed April 29, and the 2022 primary date for congressional and State elections has been postponed to Tuesday, August 23.  The court also ordered a new deadline for receipt of overseas and military ballots for the primaries of July 8.   The orders were documented in court paperwork filed with the State of New York Supreme Court, Steuben County on April 29. The orders follow the April 27


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Espaillat, Torres Confirm $3.35 Million in Federal Funding for Montefiore’s School Health Program

By DAVID GREENE
The former congressman and current congressman for Norwood, Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Ritchie Torres (NY-15), joined Montefiore president and CEO, Dr. Philip Ozuah, at Bedford Park’s P.S. 8 Isaac Varian School to confirm approval of $3.35 million in federal funding for Montefiore’s School Health Program (MSHP) on Wednesday, April 13. The program currently provides 42,000 students with access to doctors, dentists, and therapists at 33 locations and 99 schools that offer the program, across The Bronx and Westchester counties.   The additional funding will assist MSHP to expand its digital infrastructure and broadband capabilities, expanding its telehealth program to the


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Cuomo to Bronx Supporters: “I Am Not Going Anywhere!”

By DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY
The following is an extended version of the story that recently appeared in our print edition. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned from office on August 24, 2021, amid a sexual harassment scandal, made his second public appearance on Thursday, March 17, since he escaped being hit with sex crime charges by State prosecutors. Cuomo addressed a group of Bronx supporters alongside former District 18 city councilman, Rev. Ruben Díaz Sr., during a regular meeting of The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, a group founded by Díaz.   The standing room only crowd packed the Christian Community Neighborhood Church, located at 1437


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Lime Says “Break Up With Cars” but Not Everyone in Bronx Community District 7 Agrees

By SÍLE MOLONEY & JULIAN NAZAR
Lime e-scooter company is one of the many organizations hosting events this week to celebrate Earth Day and New York City’s Car Free Day. However, as previously reported, not everyone is on board when it comes to the impact transportation alternative programs like e-scooters and e-bikes are having on day-to-day living in The Bronx. Perhaps because of the additional focus on such green programs around Earth Day, the topic has heated up once again.   On Friday, April 22, Lime hosted a helmet giveaway at the Westchester Square Business Improvement District (BID)’s Earth Day celebration, which was focused on planting


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Elections 2022: Biaggi Wins Backing of More Westchester Elected Officials in NY-3 Race

By SÍLE MOLONEY
State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (S.D. 34) announced that she had earned endorsements on Thursday, April 14, from three prominent Westchester elected officials: Ken Jenkins, Westchester deputy county executive, Yadira Ramos-Herbert, a New Rochelle councilwoman, and Martha Lopez, another New Rochelle councilwoman. All three highlighted what they said was Biaggi’s record on delivering progressive wins for Westchester families and her commitment to prioritizing community safety.   “Alessandra Biaggi is a proven fighter, and I’m excited to endorse her for Congress in NY-3,” said Jenkins. “I’ve seen how hard Alessandra has fought for the people of Westchester and all her constituents. She


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UPDATE Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin Resigns following His Arrest for Campaign Finance Corruption

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Editor’s Note: On Jan. 17, 2025, the charges against Benjamin were dropped following the death of a co-defendant and witness in the case, as reported. Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin resigned on Tuesday, April 12, following his arrest on campaign finance corruption charges. In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “I have accepted Brian Benjamin’s resignation effective immediately. While the legal process plays out, it is clear to both of us that he cannot continue to serve as lieutenant governor. New Yorkers deserve absolute confidence in their government, and I will continue working every day to deliver


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Pierina Sanchez Sworn in as District 14 City Council Member at Bronx Community College

By DAVID GREENE
Despite the frigid temperatures, a host of City, State and congressional elected officials showed up for a 3-hour inauguration ceremony for Pierina Sanchez as she was officially sworn in as the duly elected city councilwoman for the 14th City Council District, her first term in office.   The ceremony was held outside the North Hall and Library of Bronx Community College, located at 200 Hall of Fame Terrace in the University Heights section of The Bronx on Sunday, March 20. The event had been postponed due to the college having been shut because of COVID-19. However, when it finally came


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Bronx Buccaneers Herald Sport as Path to Academic Advancement  

By JULIAN NAZAR
Editor’s Note: The following is an updated version of the story that appears in our latest print edition.   Bronx Buccaneers presented their case for getting kids more involved in sport during the March meeting of Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7) Education, Youth & Libraries committee. The local sports group are of the view that sports ultimately help students advance along their educational path and do all they can to support kids on that journey.   Keith Spivey Jr., president of the Bronx Buccaneers Youth Football Program, spoke at length about the group’s football program. He thanked the committee for


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Vanessa Gibson Sworn in as the 14th Bronx Borough President

By DAVID GREENE
Editor’s Note: The following is an updated version of the story that appears in our latest print edition.   Surrounded by family and close friends, as well as a large contingent of local elected officials, former District 16 city councilwoman, Vanessa Gibson, was officially sworn in as the 14th Bronx borough president during a ceremony at her alma mater, Lehman College, in Bedford Park on Sunday, March 27. She is the first woman and the first member of the Black community to hold the position. Gibson also previously served as assemblywoman for the 77th assembly district.   Deputy Bronx Borough


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