Out and About

Bronx Zoo Gets $17 Million Energy Upgrade

By SÍLE MOLONEY
NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), the New York Power Authority (NYPA), and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) announced the completion on Friday, March 22, of mechanical work to the heating system at the Bronx Zoo, marking what they described as a significant upgrade to the beloved zoo’s infrastructure.

Soccer Referees Wanted!

By RANDY VOGT
The reasons for becoming a referee with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) are as diverse as the personalities of our roughly 3,000 referees and assistant refs.

Applications Remain Open for the City’s Summer Rising Program Among Others

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Applications remain open to apply for the City’s Summer Rising program, as well as a number of other programs. Commissioner Manuel Castro of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) and Commissioner Keith S Howard of NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) are encouraging applications to various summer programs from the City’s youth such as the Summer Youth Employment Program, Summer Rising and Saturday Night Lights, along with adult literacy programs.  

Health Care Expands March 5 to All Vets Exposed to Toxins during Military Service at Home or Abroad

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The U.S. Department of Veterans Services announced on Monday, Feb. 26, that all veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military, at home or abroad, will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care beginning March 5. VA officials said this means all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.

Ice Spice is People’s Choice

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Rising female Bronx rapper, Ice Spice, took home the 2024 People’s Choice Award for New Artist of the Year at the 49th People’s Choice Awards held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California on Sunday, Feb. 19.  The Fordham native saw off competition from Coi Leray, Jelly Roll, Jung Kook, Noah Kahan, Peso Pluma, PinkPantheress and Stephen Sanchez.