Food
UPDATE VA Dismisses An Additional 1,400+ Probationary Employees as Hochul Announces Plans to Hire Some
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced Feb. 24 the dismissal of more than an additional 1,400 employees in non-mission critical positions. It followed a previous VA announcement of 1,000 dismissals on Feb. 13, which is part of what the Trump Administration says is its government-wide effort to make agencies more efficient.
Op-Ed: The Impact of DOGE on Catholic Relief Services
The Catholic News Agency reported on Jan. 31 that U.S. bishops have asked Catholics to reach out to their members of Congress and request the resumption of foreign aid programs following the Trump-Vance administration’s decision to temporarily pause funding for many programs, including those provided by Catholic Relief Services, pending review.
UPDATE Trump Administration Layoffs on Advice of DOGE Worry Bronx Vets
Hours after rumors circulated on social media on Feb. 13 that members of the new U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), run by unelected billionaire Elon Musk, a special federal government employee, would visit the Bronx VA Medical Center in Fordham Manor on Feb. 14, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the dismissal of 1,000 employees at unspecified VA sites across the country.
UPDATE Poultry Markets Reopen & Zoo Tackles Bird Flu
Live poultry markets in New York are back open after a five-day closure was implemented by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday, Feb. 7, after the avian flu/bird flu or H5N1 virus was discovered in bird flocks at seven live bird markets in The Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. Officials said the ordered closures were mandated for testing, cleaning and disinfection of poultry markets in New York City, Westchester and Long Island.
City Health Department Issues Guidance on Bird Flu After Multiple Birds Test Positive including in The Bronx
Norwood: Decatur Ave Home Allegedly Used as Stash House for Guns & Drugs Seized by Feds via Courts
Following the raid by federal agents of the dilapidated building located at 3267 Decatur Avenue in the Norwood section of The Bronx on Nov. 4, 2024, as reported by Norwood News last year, and after years of complaints by residents, federal authorities announced on Friday, Feb. 7, the Decatur Avenue home has been seized via the courts via the filing of a civil forfeiture complaint in which it is alleged it was used by members of the “Drilly Gang” as a stash house for drug trafficking and guns.
Health Check: A Healthier Heart, The Power of Plants
When it comes to taking care of our heart, what we put on our plate matters. Research has consistently shown that eating more plant foods and less animal foods can improve heart health, lower cholesterol, and even reduce the risk of heart disease. Plant foods are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds and nuts, and beans and legumes. Animal foods include meat and fish, eggs, milk and foods made from milk.