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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.

Second Man Arrested in Hit & Run Collision in which Bronx Buccs “Coach D” was Killed

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Following the death last November of 60-year-old local, volunteer football coach Dwight Downer as a result of a hit and run car crash, police said a second person has been arrested in connection with the incident. Downer coached local football team the Bronx Buccaneers, who regularly practice in the Williamsbridge Oval in Norwood, as well as Bedford Park’s DeWitt Clinton football team.

NYC Department of Transportation Encourages New Yorkers to Get Healthy on Bike-to-Work Day

By SÍLE MOLONEY
NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez is encouraging New Yorkers to join him in partaking in Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 16, to promote cycling as a healthy, environmentally friendly, and accessible form of transportation. DOT officials said bike ridership is at an all-time high in New York City, with an estimated 226 million cycling trips each year across the five boroughs.

Bronx Victims of Car & Tire Theft Fed Up

By DAVID GREENE
Vehicle owners from across the borough have been expressing their frustration over criminals stealing both their vehicles and their auto parts, as well as what some see as the NYPD’s inaction on the issue. As of May 11, year-to-date Bronx auto theft statistics were up 8.1% (to 1,531), and for the 28-day period ending May 11, they were up 19.1% (to 386). The latest reported statistics, including auto theft, for the 52nd, 50th and 46th Precincts specifically are included further below.

Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Rise in Vehicle Thefts across The Bronx

By DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY
This week, we asked readers for their opinions on the rise in car thefts in The Bronx, along with an apparent rise in car tire theft and car break-ins. As of May 11, year-to-date Bronx auto theft statistics were up 8.1% (to 1,531), and for the 28-day period ending May 11, they were up 19.1% (to 386). See our Crime File for the latest (reported) statistics for the 52nd, 50th and 46th Precincts specifically.

Conflicts of Interest Board Settles with De Blasio in First Enforcement Action Against an NYC Mayor

Bronx Elected Officials Back a Snowstorm Hearing
By SÍLE MOLONEY
After three years of litigation, the New York City Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB) has reached a settlement with former Democratic NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio to resolve his violations of the City’s conflicts of interest law in connection with his 2019 presidential campaign, board officials announced Wednesday, May 14. As part of the settlement, De Blasio will pay the City a total of $329,794.20 in restitution and fines. They said he has already paid $100,000 of this sum to the Board.

UPDATE Agallas Equities Responds to Mayor’s Remarks on Possible Microchip Production at Kingsbridge Armory

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Agallas Equities, a Manhattan-based real estate firm, has blasted recent comments made by New York City Mayor Eric Adams on possible plans to start microchip production at the Kingsbridge Armory. As reported, Agallas filed a lawsuit on March 28 against NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Andrew Kimball as CEO of EDC, 8th Regiment Partners LLC, a joint venture of Maddd Equities and Joy Construction, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and now former Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero over what it alleges was “the controversial selection” of the rival, chosen developer (8th Regiment Partners LLC) for the Armory redevelopment project announced in January.

UPDATE District 11 City Council Candidate Danielle Guggenheim Responds to Eric Dinowitz on Medicare Advantage

By SÍLE MOLONEY
City Council candidate in the upcoming District 11 Democratic primary election, Danielle Herbert Guggenheim, a self-described single mother and Black and Caribbean American who has served 25 years with the City’s Board of Education, has responded to a letter to the editor published in The Riverdale Press on April 25 titled, “Closing the door on Medicare Advantage,” by incumbent Councilman Eric Dinowitz.