civil rights

UPDATE Flaws in DOCCS Drug Testing Led to Unsupported Discipline of Inmates, New DOC Commissioner Appointed

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang released a report on Nov. 30, detailing defects in both the manufacturing and administration of drug tests used by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to detect the presence of contraband in correctional facilities. According to the NYS Offices of the Inspector General, the flaws in these drugs tests, based upon unreliable evidence, resulted in the disciplining of more than 2,000 incarcerated individuals across the State. These disciplinary sanctions included solitary confinement, delays in parole eligibility, and suspension of family visitation, among others.

UPDATE Edenwald: Mayor Eric Adams Addresses Impending Budget Cuts at Town Hall

By DAVID GREENE
During an event held with senior citizens at JASA Bay Eden Older Adult Center in the northeast Bronx on Thursday, Nov. 30, Mayor Eric Adams addressed what he referred to as “the pink elephant in the room,” fielding questions on cuts to the City Budget, announced in mid-November and affecting all city agencies, and defending himself against an allegation of sexual assault, as reported, filed in a recent civil lawsuit under the New York State’s Adult Survivor Act. He also addressed a separate, ongoing federal investigation, as also reported, into his campaign finances in 2021, when as then-Brooklyn borough president he was running for the office of mayor.

UPDATE Van Cortlandt Park: First Annual Veteran Appreciation Month Marked during 17th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

By MIRIAM QUIÑONES & SÍLE MOLONEY
In recognition of New York City’s first Veteran Appreciation Month, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined veterans, District 11 City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81), NYC Department of Veterans Services Commissioner James Hendon, officials from Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Sergio Villaverde, vice chair of Bronx Community Board 8, other board members and guests on Sunday, Nov. 5, for Van Cortlandt Park’s 17th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony.