Politics

Politicians & Gun Control Activists Hail Passage of Additional New York State Gun Control Bills into Law

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Alongside gunshot survivor, gun control activist, and former Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, New York government officials, and other gun safety advocates, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into State law a new package of six bills on Wednesday, Oct. 9, which elected officials say will strengthen New York’s gun laws, by taking action against dangerous “pistol convertors,” by requiring gun sellers to post tobacco-style safety warnings on their products, and by providing other new tools and resources to help protect more New Yorkers from gun violence. 

Maria Springer-Torres Announced as New First Deputy Mayor, Replacing Sheena Wright

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday, Oct. 8, that Maria Torres-Springer, deputy mayor for housing, economic development, and workforce, will become the next first deputy mayor, replacing  following former First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who resigned on Tuesday, as reported. It comes amid the ongoing turmoil at City Hall surrounding the recently announced federal bribery charges brought against Adams, which has shaken the Adams administration to its core. The mayor pled not guilty to the charges on Sept. 27 and has moved to dismiss the case.

UPDATE Former City Hall Official Mohamed Bahi Charged with Witness Tampering, Destruction of Evidence

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Federal prosecutors unsealed a criminal complaint on Tuesday, Oct. 8, charging former New York City Hall official Mohamed Bahi with witness tampering and destruction of evidence in connection with “a federal investigation of unlawful contributions to a particular 2021 mayoral campaign.” Bahi, a senior Muslim liaison to Mayor Eric Adams, resigned on Monday, Oct. 7, according to reporting from the NY Daily News.

Police Step Up Presence on Rosh Hashanah

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Police were seen stationed outside the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center at 3880 Sedgwick Avenue in Van Cortlandt Village on Wednesday, Oct. 2, while inside congregants presumably celebrated the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, marking the new year in Judaism.

UPDATE Inquiring Photographer: Opinions on Faith in Integrity of Elected Officials

By DAVID GREENE
After New York City Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty on Sept. 27 to bribery charges following a federal investigation into his 2021 mayoral election campaign, has since moved to dismiss the charges, and on Oct. 1, sought sanctions on the federal prosecutors who charged him, alleging the prosecutors leaked grand jury material and other sensitive information in “brazen violations” of the rules, this week, we asked readers if, generally, they have faith in the integrity of elected officials. The mayor is deemed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law. Read our latest related coverage on the topic here, here, and here.

Bronx Supporter Compares Mayor to Jesus Christ

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Three days after New York City Mayor Eric Adams was hit with bribery and other charges by federal prosecutors following an investigation into his 2021 mayoral campaign finances, and two days after he pleaded not guilty to charges relating to his alleged actions going back a decade or so, which he later moved to dismiss, the mayor continued his weekend citywide tour of religious institutions, visiting the Emmanuel Presbyterian Reform Church in Woodlawn Heights on Sunday, Sept. 29, to mark its 25th anniversary.