Out on Errands, Teen Murdered on Jerome Avenue

Michael Beltre, a 17-year-old high school student who recently moved to the Bronx from the Dominican Republic, was murdered last night in front of 2622 Jerome Ave. just after 7 p.m. Police say Beltre was shot in the face and transported to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Hunger Advocates Say SNAP Bill On the Clock

Last month, House Republicans voted to enact a harsh SNAP bill that, according to USA Today, will result in 3 million people losing their benefits entirely and 850,000 people experiencing a reduction in benefits. Then in early October, we were all witness to the first government shutdown since 1995-1996, because Congress could not agree on a set budget for federal funding. There are roughly 48 million people, 1.8 million in New York, who rely on SNAP (previously known as food stamps), which is scheduled to be reduced — regardless of the government shutdown — on Nov. 1. Republicans are proposing


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Victor Pichardo Wins Controversial 86th AD Primary

By the slimmest of margins, Victor Pichardo emerged with a victory in the heated and congested special election for the 86th Assembly District, which includes University Heights and Morris Heights. Though the Board of Elections finally declared him the winner by 72 votes last week, Pichardo did not emerge unscathed and a lawsuit looms.

Northwest Bronx School Zoning Hearing Thursday Night

The Department of Education is holding a public hearing at Community Education Council District 10’s monthly meeting tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at PS 32, 690 E. 183rd St. The hearing will be to discuss proposed zoning changes for several schools in the northwest Bronx — specifically PS 20, PS 56, PS 8, PS 280, PS 46 and PS 54 — that will be affected by the opening of the new elementary school opening in a new building on Webster Avenue next year.

Leaner and Cleaner, Westchester Square Hospital Gets a New Life

Now cracked and crumbling, the limestone slab above the old entrance to the Westchester Square Medical Center still reads “Westchester Square.” But now, a new Montefiore sign juts out onto the sidewalk. Aside from two delivery trucks, there are few other signs of life. Inside the air conditioned lobby, a snack station advertizes Starbucks coffee. A man with a bandaged head leans on the counter in the waiting room as a TV glares in the background. In March 2013, Montefiore Medical Center acquired the assets to the former Westchester Square Medical Center (WSMC) which has been bankrupt since 2006, in a $15.3 million bid.

Bronx Girl Comes Home to Head 5-2

The mood was bittersweet last week as Inspector Joseph Dowling tearfully removed his 52nd Precinct Commanding Officer’s pin and handed it off to Nilda Hofmann, a hometown girl who grew up in the community she will now oversee.

Local Dems, Hospitals Hype ‘Obamacare’ Benefits

As House Republicans attempted to demonize the Affordable Care Act in Washington, DC, local Democratic lawmakers in the Bronx began promoting the healthcare reform package, often referred to as “Obamacare,” as a significant improvement in how Americans pay for and receive health care.