AG James Warns New Yorkers to be Cautious in Charitable Giving Amid Ukrainian Crisis

  New York Attorney General Letitia James warned New Yorkers on Thursday, March 3, to be wary of sham charities attempting to take advantage of the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis and to ensure they are donating to credible organizations. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) also provided tips to those seeking ways to support the Ukrainian people amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia military forces which began on Feb. 24.   “At a time of great chaos, confusion, and destruction, it is imperative that New Yorkers be on alert for potential risks to when donating to charitable causes,”


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Our Revolution Endorses Melanie D’Arrigo in New York’s 3rd Congressional District Race

Our Revolution announced its endorsement of organizer and mother-of-three, Melanie D’Arrigo in New York’s 3rd congressional district race on Tuesday, March 1. The organization is described as “the United States’ leading grassroots-funded, political organizing group,” launched by Bernie Sanders following the 2016 election to help everyday Americans take on the corporate establishment.   Campaign officials for D’Arrigo said the organization’s endorsement of her candidacy shows that her progressive platform – centered on getting dark, corporate money out of politics – is resonating both across the district and across the country. “Melanie is dominating the ‘Left Lane’ in this race, and Our


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Biaggi Earns Endorsements of 12 New York State Senators in NY-3 Congressional Race

State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (S.D. 34) announced on Feb. 18 that she had secured the endorsements of twelve New York State senators in her bid to win the race for NY congressional district 3, the parameters of which have recently been redrawn and now encompass parts of the senator’s current senatorial district 34 in The Bronx and Southern Westchester, as well as the area spanning the Sound from Northern Westchester to Suffolk County.   In the context of the announcement, Biaggi’s campaign said the senator quickly earned support from her colleagues in the State Senate who campaign officials said have


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UPDATE New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics Hit with Malicious Cyberattack

New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) has provided an update on the cyberattack reported at the end of February. The commission reported that it had learned that it had been the target of a deliberate malicious cyberattack, specifically to the web server that houses, among other systems, JCOPE’s Lobbying Application and Financial Disclosure Statement Online Filing System.   JCOPE officials released a statement on Friday, Feb. 25, confirming the commission’s systems were taken down as a precaution earlier that week by the State Office of Information Technology Services (“ITS”) when the agency received an alert of suspicious


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UPDATE New Homeless Shelter for University Heights as Mayor Vows to Clear Subway Encampments

  New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a plan on Friday, Feb. 18, to address the City’s worsening homelessness crisis, starting with the removal of those who are homeless from the City’s subway stations. “It is cruel and inhumane to allow unhoused people to live on the subway, and unfair to paying passengers and transit workers who deserve a clean, orderly, and safe environment,” the mayor said.   “The days of turning a blind eye to this growing problem are over.” But what comes after that? Where will those without housing or shelter go? The answer is pretty clear:


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UPDATE Out & About: A True Bronx Tale Exhibition, Black History Month, Irish Dance Show at Lehman & More!

Editor’s Pick As reported, NYC Parks announced on Monday, Feb. 7, that is is proud to present the Poe Park Visitor Center’s virtual exhibition as part of the agency’s Black History Month celebration. The online show is in addition to “The NYC Parks Renaming Project: Celebrating Black Leaders,” at the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park, as well as other events and tours taking place this month. Both shows are free and will be available to view through February 28, 2022.   EVENTS The New York Botanical Garden’s Grow More Vegetables Certificate Series is an edible gardening course designed to equip


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Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Subway Safety

This week, amid the mayor’s plan to remove people experiencing homelessness and who have mental health issues from the subway system, we asked readers if they felt safe riding the subway.   “I take the subway. Sometimes, I feel safe, depending on the time of day. I think they’re making efforts; I’ve been watching the news recently. I think they’ve made long-term efforts, but as of today, I think the police are relaxed when it comes to looking at potential perpetrators [of crime]. I think they can strengthen their efforts and can use more soft training skills in interacting with the


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2022 Redistricting Brings Changes to The Bronx, Norwood Now under Congressional District 15

  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81) shared in his regular newsletter dated Feb. 2 that the New York State legislature would likely approve newly redrawn maps of The Bronx’s congressional districts, supported by the majority of State legislators, as part of the ongoing redistricting process which follows the 2020 census. The legislature, which is controlled by Democrats, did just that on Feb. 2, and Gov. Kathy Hochul approved the new maps on Feb. 3. The result is that Norwood no longer falls within New York’s Congressional District 13, represented by Rep. Adriano Espaillat, and instead, now falls into Congressional District


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NYC Voter Assistance Advisory Committee Holds Public Meeting February 23

  New York City’s Campaign Finance Board (NYCCFB) announced that the next public meeting of the New York City Voter Assistance Advisory Committee (VAAC) will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 5:30 p.m. Members of the public may join the meeting via Zoom.   According to NYCCFB, VAAC advises the board on its nonpartisan voter engagement initiative, NYC Votes, by promoting voter registration, participation and civic engagement in New York City through its many programs and partnerships. It also recommends legislative and administrative changes to improve NYC elections, sponsors the City’s official debate program, produces the citywide voter guide,


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