Politics

Mamdani Appoints Dina Levy as Housing Commissioner, Announces Series of “Rental Ripoff” Hearings  

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Newly inaugurated New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani paid a visit to The Bronx on Sunday, Jan. 4, to announce the holding of a series of “Rental Ripoff” hearings in defense of tenants, and the appointment of longtime housing leader Dina Levy as the new commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD). The announcement was made during a press conference held at the birthplace of Hip Hop at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Morris Heights section of The Bronx.

UPDATE Norwood: Family of Allan Feliz Holds Rally outside NYPD HQ Calling for Justice

By DAVID GREENE
Family and friends of Allan Feliz, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop near Woodlawn Cemetery in the Norwood section of The Bronx on Oct. 17, 2019 by a police sergeant, held a rally outside NYPD headquarters in Lower Manhattan on July 8, to urge Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to change course after she announced on July 3 that she decided not to fire the involved sergeant, now an NYPD lieutenant, Jonathan Rivera. Tisch took the decision not to fire Rivera despite the recommendation of NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Trials Rosemarie Maldonado. 

Gibson Sworn in for Second Term as 14th Bronx Borough President

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Following what her team described as a decisive victory in both the 2025 New York City primary in which she garnered 71.7% of the vote, and the general election in which she won 82.7% of votes, Vanessa L. Gibson, surrounded by supporters, elected officials, and community leaders, took the oath of office once again on Monday, Dec. 15, to serve her second term. 

Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Impending Cuts to Health Care

By DAVID GREENE
This week, we asked readers if they were concerned about the impact on their families and themselves of the impending cuts to health care. As reported, in November, amid the recent federal government shutdown, according to CBS News, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a funding package, extending funding for most agencies until Jan. 30, which includes three full-year funding bills for parts of the government.

Elected Officials Appear in Court for Civil Disobedience Case in Defense of Immigrants

By SÍLE MOLONEY
State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33) and City Comptroller Brad Lander, appeared in federal court on Nov. 18 in relation to their arrests on Sept. 18, along with several other elected officials, inside or near 26 Federal Plaza courthouse in Lower Manhattan for their respective acts of civil disobedience against immigration agents. As reported, the group had been protesting the treatment of immigrants during their court appearances by immigration agents. An anti-ICE [U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement] protest had also taken place near 26 Federal Plaza the same day [Sept. 18].

AM Amanda Septimo is Latest Candidate to Challenge Congressman Ritchie Torres in NY-15

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Assemblymember Amanda Septimo (A.D. 84), who broadly represents the South Bronx neighborhoods of Concourse, Port Morris, Mott Haven and Hunts Point, Melrose and Longwood announced Dec. 11, that she is the sixth candidate to announce a run for Congress in New York’s 15th congressional district, a seat currently held by her Democratic colleague, Ritchie Torres. Septimo said she is launching a platform built around cost-of-living relief, safe and secure neighborhoods, access to truly affordable housing, and defending essential national programs for working families.

Jose Vega Challenges Rep. Ritchie Torres in New York’s 15th Congressional District

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Jose Vega, a self-described journalist according to his X profile and member of the international LaRouche Youth Movemement, announced his campaign to run for Congress in New York’s 15th congressional district on Nov. 2. Held in the Crotona Park East neighborhood of The Bronx, the Bronx town hall launched was called, “The Bronx is Gaza West, Rebuilding Starts Here and There.”