Families

Fordham University Holds Climate Summit, Receives $50M Grant

By ARIEL PACHECO
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15), gathered at Fordham University for a climate summit on April 8 to celebrate the awarding to the university of $50 million in grants for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Region 2 environmental justice initiatives. According to Fordham, it is the largest grant the university has ever received in its 183-year history.

Op-Ed: Skip Dog Pageants & Adopt Instead

By MELISSA RAE SANGER
Beneath the polished facade of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show [which took place in Queens County from May 11-May 14] lies cruelty obscured by overgroomed coats and circumscribed poses: the suffering caused by deliberately breeding and inbreeding dogs to meet human-dictated “beauty standards.”  

UPDATE Swimming Pool Access Debate Resurfaces as Summer Beckons

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Debate over the lack of swimming pools in The Bronx has been raging in recent years, a situation further exacerbated during the pandemic. Frustration was evident during recent summers when, on hot days, long lines were witnessed outside Van Cortlandt Park’s renovated public swimming pool, while inside, only half the pool was open for safety reasons amid an ongoing lifeguard shortage.

Dinowitz Introduces Bill to Combat Concealment of Identity During Public Protests

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81) has introduced a new bill (A.10057A) to curb identity concealment in lawful assemblies, unlawful assemblies, or riots. According to Dinowitz, the bill addresses a concern that individuals hide their identities during public gatherings, evading accountability for their actions. He said the proposed legislation specifies exemptions for wearing personal protective equipment during declared public health emergencies, and attire worn for religious observance or customs.

South Bronx: Gibson Delivers 2nd State of the Borough Address at Cardinal Hayes High School

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson delivered her 2nd Annual State of the Borough Address at Cardinal Hayes High School in the auditorium named after Bronx legend and Bronx Walk of Fame inductee Regis Philbin, on April 18, 2024. The borough president outlined major accomplishments that include an investment of over $35 million in education and over $8.9 million in capital allocations to public and private health facilities. 

UPDATE Op-Ed: A Plea for a Path to Peace

By VIRGINIA KROMPINGER
I recently traveled to Israel as a member of the Bronx delegation of Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15), sponsored and masterfully organized by the United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York (UJA). The purpose was to send a message of solidarity to Israel. Torres is the strongest supporter of Israel in Congress, certainly on the Democratic side of the aisle.