First Annual Bronx Aging Advocacy Day Held

By ARIEL PACHECO

Amid proposed budget cuts, the first annual Bronx Aging Advocacy Day was held on May 1 on the steps of Bronx Borough Hall as elected officials, advocates, community organizations and seniors gathered to help fight for the protection of equitable services for the elderly population. Mayor Eric Adams’ proposed City budget for fiscal year 2024 was set to see reduced city funding for many programs that provide essential services to the elderly, including cuts to older adult centers and home-delivered meals. The City Council’s budget response called for increased funding for these programs, however, along with calls to

By JOSÉ A. GIRALIT

The University Neighborhood Housing Program (UNHP) was created in 1983 by Fordham University to help Bronxites take ownership of community-based redevelopment efforts. On Thursday, April 27, the organization celebrated 40 years with an event entitled “40 & Still Fighting Fiesta” held at Serviam Hall in Bedford Park. The organizers also used the occasion to honor UNHP board president, Joe Muriana. It was as a member of Fordham University’s Office of Government & Urban Affairs that Muriana began his relationship with UNHP. “I was the assistant director for urban affairs,” he told Norwood News. “[UNHP] was in part a creation

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Vegan Street Fair, known for its North Hollywood, California annual festival that garners 40,000 attendees from all around the world, according to organizers, has set its sights on eight new markets in a mission to continue making veganism mainstream for the masses. The Bronx is its first stop on the tour. Taking place on May 20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 1055 Jerome Ave in the Highbridge section of the borough, the Fair boasts free entry and family friendly fun for vegans and non-vegans alike. Dubbed “the largest vegan event in the world,” the Fair’s mission

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) approved on May 15 “matching funds” payments to various 2023 city council candidates for election in the upcoming June primaries. New York City’s landmark small-dollar public matching funds program helps candidates rely on New York City residents, and not special interests, to fund their election campaigns. The voluntary program “matches” small contributions from NYC residents paid to candidates, allowing candidates who participate in the program to receive up to $2,000 in public funds per eligible contributor. CFB officials said the latest approved funds totaled $733,844 for 18 city council candidates citywide,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

NYC Department of Records & Information Services has been hosting a Humanities New York Listening and Discussion program on their podcast series Amended during the month of May and there are two sessions left. The department is inviting New Yorkers to listen in and add their voices to the discussion to co-create what is described as a more holistic picture of the fight for equality for all women and women-identified beings, guided by scholar Gunja SenGupta. They encourage participants to end the month on an empowered note, and join the conversation surrounding the complexities of women’s suffrage. They

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Following the passage of a new law in the Florida state legislature that would require employers of 25 employees or more to step up requirements to check the immigration status of workers, Democratic Bronx Assemblyman Kenny Burgos (A.D. 85) and Democratic State Sen. Jessica Ramos (S.D. 13), who represents parts of Queens, released a statement on Monday, May 9, condemning the move. According to reporting by the Tampa Bay Times, part of the new bill requires all businesses with 25 or more employees to use the federal E-Verify system to check the immigration status of workers. Since 2021, such

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Described by one speaker as a room filled with love, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined Bronx Tourism Council, the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, Montefiore Hospital, Essen Health Care, and other community partners to kick-off Bronx Week 2023 at the new Bronx Children’s Museum in the South Bronx on Monday, May 8. The highlight of the event was the announcement of the 2023 Bronx Walk of Fame inductees. “Bronx Week is our marquee event of the year meant to celebrate everything that makes the Bronx a beautiful place to live, work and raise a family,” said Gibson. “Following

By SÍLE MOLONEY

National Fentanyl Awareness Day, marked on Tuesday, May 9, underscores the deadly public health crisis afflicting the nation, New York City and The Bronx. According to law enforcement, local prosecutors and health officials, fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, such as xylazine, are widely distributed in mixtures and quantities that significantly raise the risk of overdose deaths. In New York City, Bronx County has the highest rate of overdose deaths, and is also a main distribution hub for illegal drugs, according to law enforcement officials. On Tuesday, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor

By SÍLE MOLONEY & DAVID GREENE

U.S. Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15), who represents parts of Bronx Community District 7, including Norwood, issued a statement on Tuesday evening, May 9, following media reports that federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York have filed criminal charges against U.S. Rep. George Santos (NY-03). CNN reported on Tuesday, May 9, that the Republican lawmaker was expected to appear as soon as Wednesday at federal court in New York’s eastern district, where the charges had been filed under seal. The outlet reported that the exact nature of the charges couldn’t immediately be learned but that the FBI and

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Politics

First Annual Bronx Aging Advocacy Day Held

UNHP Celebrates 40 Years as New Report Ranks Bronxites among Worst Affected by Housing Crisis

Vegan Street Fair, the World’s Largest Vegan Event, Coming to The Bronx

UPDATE Elections 2023: CFB Approves May “Matching Funds” Payments to City Council Candidates

NYC Department of Records Hosts Podcast Series on Equality for Women

Burgos Condemns Use of E-Verify System for Immigrants as Federal NYC Delegation Calls to Allow Asylum Seekers Work

Bronx Walk of Fame Inductees Unveiled at Bronx Week 2023 Launch

On National Fentanyl Awareness Day, Bronx DA & NYC Drug Prosecutor Warn of Evolving Opioid Crisis

UPDATE As Rep. George Santos is Charged with Fraud & More, Torres Gives Reaction