The Bronx Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center could absorb an influx of additional patients from the closure of the Manhattan VA facility as early as next year, a possibility that alarms officials and veterans’ advocates.

Is a mantra repeated by Bronx Democratic Party chief Jose Rivera and his allies: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz wanted the water filtration plant built in Riveras district at Fordham Landing.

Could it be? The incessant drone of those dastardly motorized mini-motorcycles that terrorized our communities over the summer has disappeared or at least dissipated?

The year started on a high-note last week at PS/MS 15, PS 94 and MS 206 as the schools were recently removed from the states list of schools in need of improvement. The three local schools were the only ones in the district to join the 65 schools citywide that demonstrated sufficient improvement over the last two years.

In the Martin Luther King Auditorium, housed above the offices of SEIU 1199, the health care workers union, on West 43rd Street in Manhattan, the final performance of “Baile Cangrejero” is in full swing and all eyes are on one slight man. His grin is wide and mischievous, and the dips of his white hat alternately hide and reveal crow’s-feet. He dances loosely and carelessly, as if he were hosting a beach party instead of performing on a stage.

The race for Senate in the 33rd District pits against each other two well-acquainted adversaries — incumbent Efrain Gonzalez and his one-time boss, former state senator Israel Ruiz, Jr. While yet to face a serious primary during his seven terms, Gonzalez has faced political turbulence in recent weeks as he was hit with news that he’s the subject of an investigation by the U.S attorney’s office.

Federal prosecutors are investigating whether State Senator Efrain Gonzalez improperly funneled campaign contributions and government grants into three nonprofit organizations that employ family and associates of the Bronx Democratic lawmaker.

By HEATHER HADDON The gloves came off at a debate last week for candidates seeking the Democratic nomination in the 80th Assembly District. A flurry of bitter exchanges centered on current Party head Assemblyman Jose Rivera and former leader George Friedman, whose progeny are competing for the rare open seat.  While lawyer Anthony Chiofalo and community activist Joe Thompson accused their opponents of being opportunists too closely tied to the party machine, Anthony Friedman and Naomi Rivera scrambled to cast themselves as political independents with their community’s interests at heart.  The forum, sponsored by the 204th Street/Bainbridge Avenue Merchants Association

Read More

While the country and the world focus on an important presidential election, it’s important to keep in mind that choosing the president is only one of our civic obligations. Local races for state legislature are also critical and arguably have more of an effect on the lives of our communities than the occupant of the White House.