UPDATE: Congressman Jamaal Bowman Released following Arrest in D.C. Amid Protests Over Voting Rights

By SÍLE MOLONEY & JOSÉ A. GIRALT

Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D (NY-16) who represents parts of the Bronx and Westchester counties, has been released following his earlier arrest on Thursday, Jan. 20, at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington D.C., his communications’ team has confirmed to Norwood News. The congressman was arrested, alongside at least 20 others, including faith leaders and youth who have been hunger striking to protect the country’s democracy, amid the ongoing debate in Congress over the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. The congressman released the following statement on Friday, Jan. 21. “Throughout the last year, my first year in Congress, I’ve spent a

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson is inviting Bronx residents to make a difference in their community by applying to join their local community board. The Office of The Bronx Borough President will be accepting applications for all 12 Bronx Community Boards from city residents who reside, work or have professional or other significant interests in the borough. “Participation on local Community Boards can provide Bronx residents with a forum to share with their community their expertise and talents,” said Gibson. “There are great things happening in The Bronx that involve the participation of community boards. It is important that

By Dr. DEBORAH JENKINS

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Those are perhaps the most famous words uttered by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday we celebrated this week. They are also the words that run through my mind when I think about the withering injustice of mass incarceration. 160 years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, we still are not free. In many ways, we have made progress, but

EDITOR’S PICK Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernandez, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, will perform at The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, Feb. 20, at 4 p.m. The company’s US tour in Fall 2018 was a coast-to-coast success, packing out houses across the country and receiving an enthusiastic response from audience members new and old. Founded in 1952 by dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernández, Ballet Folklórico brings together the music, dance and costume of Mexican folklore from pre-Colombian civilizations through the modern era. For tickets, go to: https://mpv.tickets.com/?agency=LEHV_PL_MPV&orgid=54429&pid=8975819#/event/8975819. EVENTS Discover NYBG GLOW

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

Amid the ongoing pandemic, the Bronx has been labelled the hardest hit borough. From a health perspective, though the number of actual deaths was not the highest in the City at 4,884 people, the borough’s COVID-19 death rate per head of population is the City’s highest, so far, at 0.34 percent. Staten Island’s COVID-19 death rate is 0.26 percent, Manhattan’s 0.20 percent, Brooklyn’s 0.30 percent, and Queens 0.33 percent. But the borough’s economy has suffered badly too. Last summer, as reported, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released a report and accompanying statement, substantiating the similarly harsh impact on its economy. “More

By SÍLE MOLONEY & DAVID GREENE

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) addressed the Senate floor on Monday, Jan. 10, regarding the devastating fire that broke out at the Twin Parks North West housing complex, located at 333 E 181st Street in the Fordham Heights section of The Bronx on Sunday, Jan. 9. As reported, seventeen people lost their lives in the tragedy, including eight children, despite the reported valiant efforts by 200 firefighters at the scene. According to the NYPD, at approximately 10.55 a.m., police responded to a 911 call regarding the incident. Upon arrival, officers encountered FDNY personnel attempting to suppress a large

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Office of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez released the following statement on Sunday, Jan. 9, confirming that the congresswoman, who represents congressional district 14, covering parts of The Bronx and Queens, had tested positive for COVID-19. “Representative Ocasio-Cortez has received a positive test result for COVID-19. She is experiencing symptoms and recovering at home,” the statement read. It continued, “The Congresswoman received her booster shot this Fall, and encourages everyone to get their booster and follow all CDC guidance.” For information on what to do if you're exposed to COVID, test positive or want to schedule a test or

By DAVID GREENE

As the COVID-19 Omicron variant continues to spread across the Bronx, local residents have been seen waiting on increasingly longer lines for vaccination boosters, for COVID-19 testing and for food. Meanwhile many local restaurants have, once again, suspended in-person dining. On Wednesday, Dec. 19, at the COVID-19 mobile testing bus, parked outside St. James’ Park at Jerome Avenue and East 192nd Street in Fordham Manor, moments after being tested, one woman who declined to be identified was asked if she was feeling sick. She replied, “No, but somebody at work got sick, so I’m just being cautious that I

By DAVID GREENE

Dozens of still grieving local, Bronx family members and survivors of crime and street violence gathered in early December in the Wakefield section of the Bronx, together with members of the Crime Victims Assistance Bureau (CVAU) and with Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, for the annual “Tree of Angels,” tree-lighting remembrance ceremony, held in memory and in tribute to the families’ loved ones who were the tragic victims of street violence. Canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the somber and poignant tree-lighting and tree-decorating event was held on Saturday, Dec. 4, and began in Bronx Community Board 12’s

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Politics

UPDATE: Congressman Jamaal Bowman Released following Arrest in D.C. Amid Protests Over Voting Rights

Bronx BP Urges Bronx Residents to Apply to Their Local Community Board

Op-Ed: From Dr. King’s Dream to Parole Justice

Out & About: MLK Days of Action, Ballet Folklórico de México, Ballet for Kids & More!

Bronx Townhall Addresses Complexity of COVID-19 Business Regulations

UPDATE Schumer Addresses Senate on Twin Parks Fire, Investigation Continues & Union Reps Describe Scene

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez Tests Positive for COVID-19

COVID Closures Return Across The Bronx with Long Lines for Testing, Boosters & Food

Annual “Tree of Angels” Tree-Lighting Event Held in Tribute to Loved Ones Killed on Bronx Streets