Smoke Shop Raids by Sheriff’s Department Continue to Yield Results

Smoke shops raids continued across the borough in recent weeks in efforts to crack down on unlicensed premises. The Office of Democratic City Council Member Marjorie Velázquez (C.D. 13) and the New York City Sheriff’s Office said they carried out retail inspections on Tuesday, Nov. 14, of Williamsbridge and Westchester Square stores to combat the proliferation of the unlicensed and unregulated sale of cannabis.

Elections 2023: Democratic CM Marjorie Velázquez Concedes District 13 Race to Republican Kristy Marmorato

Democratic District 13 City Council Member Marjorie Velázquez conceded the general election in her district held Nov. 7 to her Republican opponent, Kirsty Marmorato, on Thursday, Nov. 9. As reported, Marmorato had a narrow lead on Velázquez on Election Night at poll closure with 49.97 percent of the vote to Velázquez’s 49.25 percent, but a few hours later, with 98.33 percent of voting scanners returned, Marmorato’s lead had stretched to 52.46 percent (6,571 votes) to Velázquez’s 46.81 percent (5,863 votes), based on Election Day and early votes. The Republican candidate who ran a campaign based on quality of life and public safety concerns, declared victory in the race later that night.

Troon and Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point Announce Consulting, Sales & Marketing Partnership

Troon, described by company officials as a leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, and Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point in The Bronx, announced a new consulting agreement and sales and marketing partnership on Wednesday, Nov. 8. Bally’s officials said they selected Troon to provide support with operations, procurement, sales and marketing, retail merchandising, and agronomy.

TAKE 5 Top-Prize Lottery Ticket Sold in The Bronx

The New York Lottery announced one top-prize winning ticket was sold in The Bronx for the Oct 31 TAKE 5 Evening drawing. The ticket was sold at Fairfield Food Inc., located at 2525 3rd Avenue, and was worth $17,751.50.

Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on the Number of Illegal Smoke Shops Opening Up in The Bronx

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the proliferation of illegal cannabis stores opening up in Bronx communities. As reported, Assembly Member John Zaccaro Jr. recently carried out two different raids in Assembly District 80, targeting illegal stores, as community boards across the City continue to assess the situation in efforts to balance everyone’s rights in the context of the license application process. 

Wage Increases & Student Benefits Part of Draft Labor Agreement with School Supervisors & Administrators

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Commissioner Renee Campion announced on Saturday, Oct. 21, that the City of New York has reached a tentative five-plus-year contract agreement with the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA). They said the agreement will cover approximately 6,400 municipal employees, bringing the total workforce under contract, once ratified, to approximately 88 percent. 

Mexican Independence Day Celebrated in The Bronx

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson joined the Consul General of Mexico in New York and community partners to host a celebration outside Bronx Borough Hall on Friday, Sept. 15, in recognition of Mexican independence. On the sunny September day, the mood was cheery, amid music, laughs, and the raising of the Mexican flag.