Politics

“Letter to the President” Music Video Release Party and Panel Discussion

By SÍLE MOLONEY
“Letter to the President” is a highly anticipated/controversial single featuring some premier Hip-Hop artists from “The Young Millennials,” aka The YM Squad, RNB Nah (Bronx) featuring Big Boos, Nene Ali (Bronx), Lil Legin, Destiny Rae and JSA.   On Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Community Board Athletic Leadership League (CBall) will host a virtual launch party and panel discussion to coincide with the music video release. CBall is a non-for-profit organization which, among other objectives, works to provide children from New York City with opportunities to participate in sports activities.   Joining the artists


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Johnson Calls for Return of Indoor Dining as New Jersey Restaurants Open on Friday

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson released a statement on indoor dining on Wednesday, Sept. 2. “It’s time to allow indoor dining in New York City with reduced capacity and clear guidance to ensure social distancing and safety,” Johnson said. “This is crucial for restaurant owners, who have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic and the resulting drop in tourism. Summer is winding down, and they need to begin planning for the colder months. Of course, we will continue to monitor the City’s COVID-19 rates, just as we must for all of our businesses.” Johnson added, “We know


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United Federation of Teachers & Allies React to School Reopening Delay

By SÍLE MOLONEY
In response to an announcement on Sept. 1 by New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio and United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew of an agreement to delay in-person instruction for the 2020-2021 school year by two weeks, the MORE-UFT caucus released a statement on Sept. 2, giving their lukewarm reaction to the news. MORE UFT is made up of members of UFT, and members of school communities, and their allies.   “We welcome a slight delay of in-person school reopening in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, and recognize that our advocacy with our parent, student, and


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Recurring Park Clean-Up Events Continue at Azalea Garden at Jerome Avenue and East Mosholu Parkway 

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, who formally announced her intention to run for Bronx borough president at the end of August, joined some of her staff members, Friends of Mosholu Parkland and members of the City Parks’ department on Monday Aug. 31 for another park clean-up, as part of the ongoing “Meaningful Monday” initiative. This time it was at Azalea Garden at Jerome Avenue and East Mosholu Parkway in the Bronx.   The campaign which is trending on social media under the hashtag #meaningfulmonday was launched in July by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in an effort to gather members of


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Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and RecruitMilitary host Virtual Career Fair

Washington Greys Military Cadets Working to Return to Kingsbridge Armory Annex
By SÍLE MOLONEY
To get transitioning military, veterans and military spouses back to work, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and RecruitMilitary will host the New York Virtual Career Fair for Veterans on Thursday, Sept. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST online.   According to the City’s Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), there are 37,495 veterans residing in the Bronx, while the New York City greater metropolitan area is home to over a million service members, veterans and their families. DVS estimates there to be 189,808 veterans of “active duty” and 21,000 estimated National Guard and reservists.   According to the most recently available


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Op-Ed Financial Focus: How Does the City Get Needed Money in this Coronavirus Year?

By ANTHONY RIVIECCIO
There is no doubt that New York City needs help.   With a current unemployment rate of 20 percent and City government threatening even more layoffs, the City is going to need increased revenue, quickly.   There was outcry last week when City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson were alleged to have tried to save revenues by savagely cutting many areas of the City budget, an allegation they denied. They said they were looking for federal government assistance first.   In the absence of that, and knowing it might be difficult to get money from the


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Bronx D.A. Moves To Dismiss over 300 Summonses for Violating Curfew in June 4 BLM Protest

By SÍLE MOLONEY
        Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced on Sept. 1 that her office will file a motion with the supervising judge of Bronx Criminal Court to dismiss more than 300 summonses issued for disorderly conduct and violation of a prevailing emergency curfew during a large protest that took place in the Bronx on June 4, 2020. Protestors were decrying the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020.            Clark said, “I believe in and encourage our Bronx residents to raise their voices to protest social and racial injustice


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11th City Council Race: Dionel Then Drops Out, Endorses Dan Padernacht

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Dionel Then has withdrawn from the 11th City Council District race in the Northwest Bronx and is endorsing candidate, Dan Padernacht, for the position, it was announced on Aug. 31. The 11th district comprises the neighborhoods of Bedford Park, Kingsbridge, Norwood, Riverdale, Van Cortlandt Village, Wakefield, and Woodlawn, and the seat is currently held by Councilman Andrew Cohen.   The news means there are now five remaining candidates in the race, as reported recently by Norwood News. Marcos Sierra officially filed last month to join Eric Dinowitz, Jessica Haller, Padernacht and Abigail Martin.   In a press release coinciding with


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Gillibrand visits Food Pantry in Bronx, Announces New Nutrition Bill for Students

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the senate committee on agriculture, nutrition and forestry, visited three food pantries in Queens, the South Bronx and Washington Heights on Monday, Aug. 31. Gillibrand met with community stakeholders on the frontlines of feeding New Yorkers and announced her bill, the Ensuring Nutrition for America’s Student’s Act.    With food pantries across New York facing unprecedented and growing demand, and with schools set to reopen in just a few days, the bill will provide nutritional resources to families who have lost access to free or reduced lunches due to school closures caused by the


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