Politics

AOC Leads Reintroduction of Bill to Combat Non-Consensual, Sexually Explicit Deepfake Imagery 

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) led the reintroduction on May 21 of the “Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act” (DEFIANCE Act), bipartisan legislation that would grant survivors the right to take civil action against people who knowingly produce, distribute, solicit and receive or possess, with the intent to distribute nonconsensual, sexually-explicit, digital forgeries.

Gillibrand Announces New Bill Covering Free Childbirth for Families with Private Insurance

By SÍLE MOLONEY
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced on Wednesday, May 21, the introduction of her bipartisan bill, “Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act,” bipartisan law that, if passed, would require insurance companies to fully cover the costs associated with childbirth, including labor and delivery and prenatal, neonatal, perinatal, and postpartum care.

Unity Democrats Announce Endorsements in Upcoming Democratic Primary

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The Unity Democratic Club announced their official endorsements for multiple political races in the upcoming 2025 primary elections in late February. These included City Council Member Justin Brannan (C.D. 43) who represents parts of Brooklyn for the role of NYC comptroller, a role currently held by Brad Lander, City Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. (C.D. 17) for Bronx borough president, a role currently held by Vanessa L. Gibson, Danielle Herbert Guggenheim, a Unity Democrat member and former vice-president, for City Council District 11, a role currently held by Eric Dinowitz, and finally incumbent City Council Member Pierina Sanchez for District 14.

Gary Axelbank is The “People’s Choice” for Bronx Week 2025

By ARIEL PACHECO & SÍLE MOLONEY
The Bronx Tourism Council, along with The Office of the Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, kicked off Bronx Week 2025 during an opening ceremony at the Bronx Museum of the Arts on May 6, with the announcement of this year’s Bronx “Walk of Fame” inductees. This year, the People’s Choice Award went to journalist, DJ, and longtime BronxNet TV host, Gary Axelbank.

DCAS Announces Major Expansion of High School Equivalency & College Credit Program to All City Agencies

By SÍLE MOLONEY
NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and the Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) announced a major expansion of the EPIC @ MCNY program for municipal employees on Friday, May 16. Initially launched as an innovative pilot program for DCAS staff, the program will now be open to participants across all city agencies, allowing them to earn their high school equivalency and 27 college credits over the course of four semesters.