UPDATE Elections 2022: Republican Candidate, Phyllis Nastasio, on Education, Crime and NYCHA Housing

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this online story and some copies of the print edition incorrectly referenced Phyllis Nastasio as a Democratic candidate in the upcoming election for A.D. 80. In fact, Nastasio is running on the Republican/Conservative ticket in this race. We apologize for this error. Our profile on Democratic nominee, John Zaccaro Jr., for A.D. 80 can be read here.    Raised on Arthur Avenue, Pelham Parkway resident, Phyllis “Tiz” Nastasio is running on the Republican/Conservative ticket in the November general election in A.D. 80 to succeed incumbent, Democratic Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez. She faces John Zaccaro who


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Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Housing Asylum Seekers at Orchard Beach Temporary Shelter

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the plan to house asylum seekers at a temporary shelter that was being built on the Orchard Beach parking lot in the Northeast Bronx, but which has, in the meantime, been moved to Randall’s Island.   “I think it’s completely irresponsible for anybody to be putting something over there based on the fact that it’s in a flood zone, based on the fact that there’s no form of transportation for these people, which is pretty much inhumane. Why do they always consider The Bronx the dumping ground for society’s problems? They started


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Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Saudi-Sponsored Women’s Golf Tournament at Trump Golf Links

With a recently released U.S. government report implicating some individuals in the Saudi Arabian government in having assisted the 9/11 hijackers, this week we asked readers for their thoughts on Trump Golf Links, located in Ferry Point Park in Throggs Neck, hosting a Saudi-sponsored, women’s golf tournament next month in The Bronx. Listed sponsor, Aramco [officially the Saudi Arabian Oil Company] is a Saudi Arabian public petroleum and natural gas company based in Dhahran.   “It’s so funny you mention that because I was just watching something on that. What took place was really different because what went down was


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Tradition Continues after Two Decades of 9/11 Remembrance

Bronxites across the borough marked the beginning of a third decade of remembrance of the human toll suffered during the September 11th attacks on America in 2001, earlier this month as the 144 Bronxites who died on the day the world changed forever were fondly recalled and honored.   Overseeing her first such event in her current role, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson joined dozens of police officers, firefighters, and court officers in recalling the fateful day and the loss most Americans still feel 21 years later.   Once again, a large crowd packed Lou Gehrig Plaza, across from Bronx County


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Fundraiser Underway for Bedford Congregational Church to Upgrade Heating System

A GoFundMe page has been set-up in support of efforts to upgrade the heating system at Bedford Congregational Church, a 501c3 charity and designated landmark since 2000, according to the NYC Historic Districts Council. According to the fundraisers, Bedford Park Congregational Church, located at 309 East 201st Street in Bedford Park, was founded in 1889. The stone sanctuary building was built in 1892 and was awarded landmark status in 2000 by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.   “It may be warm now, but Bedford Park Congregational Church is facing a cold future,” organizers of the fundraiser said. “The 1080-gallon


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Biaggi-Backed Bill Establishing Rape Kit Tracking System Passes Assembly & Senate

State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (S.D. 34) announced that on June 2 the State senate majority passed the bill she sponsored to establish a rape kit tracking system in New York State. The bill was also passed in the assembly, where it was sponsored by Assembly Member Amy Paulin, and now awaits sign-off by Gov. Kathy Hochul.   Bill S7867A/A9596 will direct the Division of Criminal Justice Services, in consultation with the State Department of Health, Office of Victim Services, Division of State Police, and the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Abuse to develop and implement a statewide electronic tracking


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Eid Al-Fitr Celebrated in Norwood Ending the Holy Month of Ramadan

Thousands of worshippers from Norwood’s North Bronx Islamic Center were looking forward to the annual, collective prayer service observance, known as Eid al-Fitr on the football field of Williamsbridge Oval Park to mark the end of Ramadan in May. The weather, however, forced them to move services indoors.   The leadership team at the Islamic Center was forced to make alternate plans due to rainfall the night before the May 2 holy day. “We had permission [for Eid al-Fitr prayers] in Oval Park,” Mohammed Hussain, secretary of the North Bronx Islamic Center, told Norwood News. “But due to weather conditions,


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Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on the Possibility of the Overturning of Roe vs. Wade Expanding to a Potential Ban on Contraception

    This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the possibility of Roe v. Wade being struck down and whether, in their view, such a Supreme Court decision could potentially lead to the banning of contraception. “I do believe everyone has a right to their own bodies, especially women. I also believe people have rights to do whatever they want with their bodies, but sometimes too many rights are given to people and it’s misused. Let’s just say, for example, if a woman is pregnant at a certain stage, that pregnancy should not be terminated, you understand? If the


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