Police Advisory as Series of Schools Receive Envelopes Containing White Powder

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Friday, March 19, at 7.27 p.m., the NYPD issued a general press advisory, advising that from March 10, 2021 through March 19, six schools in Manhattan were mailed a similar-looking white envelope containing a white powdery substance. In each instance, the material was screened and determined to be non-hazardous. Each envelope has a U.S. flag stamp and a handwritten address in block letters. The NYPD shared an example of the envelope for public awareness. New NYC Schools Chancellor, Meisha Porter, had recently written an op-ed about her plans in her new role, and reassured children, parents

By DAVID GREENE

A few dozen home care workers held a rally in the Bronx on Friday, March 12, to push for the passage of the “Fair Pay for Home Care Act,” which aims to guarantee workers better conditions. Low wages and poor conditions have been causing a mass exodus from the profession, affecting both elderly and disabled people, who are usually cared for in their homes by such workers. However, due to the shortage, seniors and people with disabilities are increasingly being forced to enter already overburdened nursing homes. The Fair Pay for Home Care Act (S-5374) was introduced on

By MEISHER PORTER

This week, I began leading the nation’s largest public school system, a school system that serves more than one million students, including, many years ago – me! I am both excited and honored to take on this role. Not only because I am a New Yorker, born and bred, but because education is in my blood. Both my mom and auntie were teachers, and between them have 40 years of changing young people’s lives. I became a New York City public school educator because of them, and the amazing teachers I had as a student, myself – like Ms. Pearlman, my

By DAVID GREENE

Employees and students at the City University of New York (CUNY) held a noisy, caravan-style protest on Jan. 30, in opposition to ongoing cuts and lay-offs which have affected both students and faculty alike. The group taped signs to their cars, hung out their windows, honked their horns and generally shattered the usual, peaceful tranquility known to some residents of the Northwest Bronx. The estimated 20-vehicle, caravan rally formed outside Herbert H. Lehman College on West Bedford Park Boulevard, between Paul Avenue and Goulden Avenue in Bedford Park, and later deliberately drove past the homes of Bronx Community College

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) and NYC Department of Education (DOE) announced on March 10 that they are calling on DOE student filmmakers to conduct on-camera interviews with leading film industry professionals, as part of the 3rd Annual New York City Public School Film Festival taking place May 6, 2021. The interviews, designed to inspire young people across the city to consider careers in media and entertainment, will be available online following the festival. Representing five distinct leadership roles in the filmmaking process, the professionals to be interviewed by student filmmakers include: Kristan Sprague, award-winning editor

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who represents New York’s 13th congressional district (NY-13), released a statement on Thursday, March 4, to encourage high school students throughout New York’s 13th congressional district to submit entries to this year’s Congressional Art Competition. The national contest is open to high school students from around the district to showcase their artistic talents and provides an opportunity for students to display their winning art in the United States Capitol for up to one year. Espaillat serves as a national co-host of this year’s art competition, which is open to high school students from around the nation. The

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The following article is an extended version of the story that appears in our latest print edition. Shanti Sledge was 24 when he took the courageous step to return to education after a seven-year absence, attempting, once more, to obtain his high school diploma, having dropped out of public school in his mid-teens. “I feel like the first time around, I wasn’t as motivated or felt like I really paid attention,” he said. “I was just all over the place. I had dropped out of high school and I went to Job Corps to pursue my trade, my career.

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Teddy Cars, a car dealership in Nissans and Volkswagens based on Boston Road in the Bronx, is continuing its monthly commitment, which began in 2020, of awarding $20,000 to various music education programs in the Bronx, as part of the Teddy Cars Bronx Music Grant Program. This month, the recipient is Bronx House School for Performing Arts. Teddy Cars General Manager, Julio Batista, visited Bronx House in December 2019 to see the program in action, first-hand (see the video). “It’s an excellent program,” he said. “At Teddy Cars, we feel strongly about doing things to help the community and

By MARGARET GROARKE

Presidential elections are important. But your vote also matters, probably even MORE so, in local elections. In New York City elections, we choose the people who will be in charge of many of the things that affect our daily lives. If you care about the quality of local schools, the way NYPD polices your community, the state of the parks, how safe it is to walk, drive or bike on our streets, those are all issues that are dealt with by the mayor and the City Council. So, why did five times as many people vote in the