Maria Springer-Torres Announced as New First Deputy Mayor, Replacing Sheena Wright

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday, Oct. 8, that Maria Torres-Springer, deputy mayor for housing, economic development, and workforce, will become the next first deputy mayor, replacing  following former First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who resigned on Tuesday, as reported. It comes amid the ongoing turmoil at City Hall surrounding the recently announced federal bribery charges brought against Adams, which has shaken the Adams administration to its core. The mayor pled not guilty to the charges on Sept. 27 and has moved to dismiss the case.

UPDATE Former City Hall Official Mohamed Bahi Charged with Witness Tampering, Destruction of Evidence

Federal prosecutors unsealed a criminal complaint on Tuesday, Oct. 8, charging former New York City Hall official Mohamed Bahi with witness tampering and destruction of evidence in connection with “a federal investigation of unlawful contributions to a particular 2021 mayoral campaign.” Bahi, a senior Muslim liaison to Mayor Eric Adams, resigned on Monday, Oct. 7, according to reporting from the NY Daily News.

Police Step Up Presence on Rosh Hashanah

Police were seen stationed outside the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center at 3880 Sedgwick Avenue in Van Cortlandt Village on Wednesday, Oct. 2, while inside congregants presumably celebrated the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, marking the new year in Judaism.

Tim Burton’s “Nightmare Before Christmas” Lights Up NYBG

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is currently home to an exciting light exhibit based on Tim Burton’s 1993 musical film, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Fans of the movie can now visit the new “Light Trail” exhibit which opened to the public on Friday, Sept. 27.