UPDATE Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on MTA Extending Cash Transaction Elimination at Subway Booths

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on reports that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) may extend the elimination of cash transactions at subway booths, a policy first brought in March 2020 to halt the spread of the coronavirus. “I don’t think it’s a good idea because a lot of people don’t have the means to acquire a bank card or debit card or credit cards to pay for the subway. How would ending cash transactions make the subway safer? Everyone that has to go somewhere will use the subway, so what would make it safer? I don’t understand how that would

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The City’s emergency management (EMS) and health departments issued a warning to New Yorkers on Monday, July 5, to take precautions to beat the heat as temperatures are expected to rise dramatically from Tuesday, July 6, until Wednesday, July 7. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory which will be in effect in the City from 11 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. High heat and humidity are in the forecast for Tuesday, with heat index values ranging from 95 to 102 across the City. Heat indices in the middle to upper 90s are also anticipated

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department announced on Friday that street closures will take place during the Macy’s Annual Fireworks Display over the East River. The event takes place on Sunday, July 4, 2021, beginning at about 9.20 p.m. and ends at around 9.50 p.m. The department reminds spectators that no large backpacks, large coolers, lawn chairs, lawn blankets, umbrellas or alcoholic beverages will be allowed in the viewing areas. All restricted items are subject to search and seizure. Drivers are advised to use public transportation and avoid the following locations between 2 p.m. and 2 a.m. MACY’S

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Con Ed requested on Wednesday, June 30, that its customers refrain from using energy-intensive appliances, such as washers, dryers, and microwaves unless necessary, and to set air conditioners to the highest comfortable temperature possible, but many New Yorkers were quick to hit back in indignation, coming up instead with what they believed was an alternative quick fix to energy conservation: turn off Times Square… Con Ed said NWS forecasted maximum heat index values of 100-104 degrees for June 30, with heat indices on Thursday July 1 set to drop to the mid-80s. We need New Yorkers to take

By MIRIAM QUIÑONES & SÍLE MOLONEY

ICNA Relief/Muslims for Humanity, the NYPD, Smiles through Cars, the Muslim & Immigrant Coalition for Justice, Bronx Community Council for Unity, Faith & Humanity, the Chaplain for the State of New York, and Empire Blue Cross, Blue Shield joined forces for an Eid celebration on Sunday, May 16, at 2141 Bronx Park East, in Pelham Parkway, following the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The celebration consisted of a barbecue, a toy giveaway and a car rally and was billed as a historical event in which “all faiths and community leaders were invited to participate.”

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Emergency Management Department (EMS) and the City’s health department advised New Yorkers on Saturday, June 26, to take precautions to beat the heat. High heat and humidity are in the forecast Sunday, June 27, through Wednesday with heat index values in the mid-90s to low 100s. To help New Yorkers beat the heat, New York City will open cooling centers throughout the five boroughs beginning Sunday. Attendees must wear face coverings inside all cooling centers and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Cooling center locations may have changed from last year. To find a cooling center,

By ARACELIS BATISTA, DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY

The following is an extended version of the story that appears in our latest print edition. Music industry professionals have joined forces to form the concept for the International Salsa Museum (ISM) in The Bronx and organizers recently held a press conference in Kingsbridge Heights, outside the massive Kingsbridge Armory which they hope will, someday, be the home of “El Condado de la Salsa.” The ISM is a non-profit which was created to educate and increase the public’s awareness of salsa and to “preserve salsa music’s rich cultural history.” It was founded by musician, music director, and producer, Willy

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York Lottery today announced one top-prize winning ticket was sold for the June 23 TAKE 5 drawing. The ticket, worth $57,982.50, was purchased at Los Castillos Mini Market Corp, located at 1601 University Avenue in the Morris Heights section of The Bronx. The five winning numbers for the TAKE 5 game are drawn from a field of one to 39. The TAKE 5 drawing is televised every day at 10:30 p.m. A Lottery draw game prize of any amount may be claimed up to one year from the date of the drawing. The 5 winning numbers for the TAKE 5 game are drawn from a field

By DAWN CLANCY & MIRIAM QUIÑONES

Hip Hop enthusiasts across the five boroughs gathered on Sunday, June 5, at Gun Hill Playground in The Bronx to celebrate African American Music Appreciation Month and honor the legacy of hip-hop’s first female emcee, MC Sha-Rock. Against the backdrop of ample sunshine and live music, some of hip hop’s earliest titans, including Melle Mel of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Lil Rodney C of Funky 4 +1, DJ Breakout, and battle rapper Sparky D, paid tribute to MC Sha-Rock, whose musical talents and contribution to Hip Hop culture helped shape the scene for women in Hip Hop