AG James Blocks Trump Administration’s Changes to SNAP

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Monday, Oct. 19, that a federal court yesterday granted a motion for summary judgment, permanently blocking the Trump Administration’s attempts to deny food assistance to hundreds of thousands of Americans by changing the rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). “At a time of national crisis, this decision is a win for common sense and basic human decency,” said James. “This Trump Administration rule was cruel to its core and ran counter to who we are and what we represent as a nation. If implemented, this rule would have not

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Staff members of the Office of New York City Public Advocate, Jumaane D. Williams, announced on Oct. 19 that they have formed a union and will be represented by the Campaign Workers Guild. They said their unionization drive has the support of Office staff, with more than two-thirds of eligible workers signing authorization cards with the Campaign Workers Guild. The union covers all non-managerial staff in the Office, and it has formally submitted a demand for voluntary recognition to the Public Advocate. “Our groundbreaking union is made up of grassroots community organizers and advocates who live in a City

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Part of the Solution (POTS), a nonprofit dedicated to feeding neighbors and nourishing the community, is helping the Bronx bounce back. On Thursday Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. EST, POTS will livestream their first virtual benefit, “Helping the Bronx Bounce Back,” a feel-good virtual benefit that will showcase the resiliency of the Bronx community. The group hopes to leave the public inspired to take action and support their work. POTS stayed open throughout the worst of the pandemic and helped over 40,000 low-income Bronx neighbors. The group said that donations are critical to their ongoing mission. Gifts made between now

By SÍLE MOLONEY

A public installation of sculpture by artist, Fran Sisco, is now on view in the Pelham Art Center courtyard. The installation, entitled Nature Culture Sculpture, consists of three found wood assemblage sculptures by Sisco that reflect a message of unity and positivity. The three sculptures, “My Kelly,” “Blessings of Trans Unicorns” and “Two in Love” are in the courtyard through March 2021. The colorful pieces are constructed from dead tree limbs and emphasize the beauty in natural simplicity. Visitors can view the installation outdoors at Pelham Art Center, located at 155 Fifth Avenue, Pelham. Public Art Installation Opening

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio joined the Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) on Oct. 14 to release thorough guidance for city restaurants planning to stay open and serve customers outdoors with heating devices this fall and winter. The announcement furthers New York City’s efforts, laid out in the Mayor’s recovery agenda, to become the world’s capital for healthy outdoor living. In September, the mayor announced that the City’s popular Open Restaurants program will be extended year-round and made permanent. The program, which has enrolled more than 10,500

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) announced on Friday, Oct. 9 the completion of bus priority lanes and related infrastructure on 149th Street in the Bronx. The 2.7 miles of bus lanes along the highly-trafficked 149th Street corridor are now equipped with transit signal priority (TSP) technology. In addition, new enforcement cameras will also help ensure that only buses and other essential vehicles utilize priority sections of the roadway. The corridor is home to four popular bus routes (Bx2, Bx4, Bx17, and Bx19) and runs through some of the busiest destinations in

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New Yorkers use an estimated 23 billion (not 23 million, 23 billion) plastic bags every year, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. That’s 1,182 bags per person, with each bag being used for about 12 minutes. Approximately 85 percent of this staggering total ends up in landfills, recycling machines, waterways, and streets. Here’s something else everyone should reflect upon. The Ecology Center (ecologycenter.org) wrote, “Like many other plastics, we can’t guarantee that plastic film is getting recycled, even if it is clean, dry, and disposed of in the “right” place. We also know that all plastic ever

By SÍLE MOLONEY

After ten years of honoring powerful women, Kings of the Bronx 2020 marked an inaugural event to celebrate successful men who made an impact on their community. On Sept. 17, 2020, Mitch Rose, president, chief executive officer and trustee of The Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy, was honored at the Kings of the Bronx 2020 virtual event, in collaboration with Schneps Media, the Bronx Times and the Bronx Times Reporter. Rose was recognized along with other male honorees for their leadership, vision, community service and contributions to the Bronx. Receiving his award, Rose said, “It is a great privilege to

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. attended the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Enid A. Haupt Conservatory palm dome which was recently completed. The iconic venue reopened in accordance with “New York Forward” safety guidelines, with very limited capacity. The magnificent glasshouse, which includes galleries, features aquatic plants and vines, lush tropical rain forests, cactus-filled deserts, and its palm dome, an architectural gem, newly replanted with majestic soaring species from around the world. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. also helped the NYBG kick off their annual