The Legal Aid Society called on Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to release New Yorkers who are vulnerable to COVID-19 as cases of the virus continue to skyrocket within New York State’s prison system, including, as of November 30, 2020, 43 new confirmed cases at Attica C.F.
Since March, 18, 2020 New Yorkers have died in DOCCS’ custody from COVID-19 and over 1,800 have tested positive. For those who have been infected, the lingering effects and long-term complications of the virus remain unknown.
Multiple state prisons are grappling with new COVID-19 outbreaks, including Cayuga C.F., Clinton C.F., Fishkill C.F., Midstate C.F., Sing Sing C.F., and others.
Last week, Legal Aid condemned Governor Cuomo and DOCCS for failing to promptly free vulnerable New Yorkers who qualify for New York’s early release initiative under which incarcerated individuals who are within 90 days of their release date and who are serving sentences for non-violent, non-sex offenses are eligible for immediate release. The State’s failure to competently administer its early release initiative has trapped hundreds of medically vulnerable people in a prison system overrun with a deadly pathogen.
“With each new case comes further confirmation that DOCCS cannot contain this virus,” said Tina Luongo, Attorney-in-Charge of the Criminal Defense Practice at The Legal Aid Society. “Close to 2,000 incarcerated New Yorkers have already been infected by the virus in DOCCS facilities. Instead of releasing enough people to enable…
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Today, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer released theOne Book One Bronx: The Ballad Of Black Tom By Victor LaValle
In the wake of the hit HBO sci-fi drama LovecraftTeresita Rosario, 59, Murdered
On Saturday, November 28, 2020, at approximately 2012 hours, policeMosaic Literary Conference: Black Utopia
The 2020 Mosaic Literary Conference: Black Utopia will explore theVerrazzano-Narrows Bridge Split Tolling To Take Effect At Midnight
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is reminding motorists that splitCompletion Of Roadway Work At Henry Hudson Bridge
MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Daniel F. DeCrescenzo, Jr. andIMMIGRATION
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Sweeping, Unlawful Increases To Immigration Fees
New York Attorney General Letitia James, as part of a coalition of 19 attorneys general, today took legal action to support efforts to immediately block a new Trump Administration regulation that arbitrarily and dramatically increases fees for immigration-related applications. As…
Victory Against Trump Administration’s Public Charge Rule
New York Attorney General Letitia James yesterday secured another major victory for immigrants across New York and the rest of the nation in her lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s Public Charge Rule. Attorney General James led a coalition — that…
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NY Working Families Party Endorses Four Bronx Community Leaders For New York City Council
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Legal Aid Calls On Cuomo, DOCCS To Release Medically Vulnerable Clients
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Local Bodega Saves Mott Haven Community Refrigerator
By Jonas BronckLegal Aid Calls On Albany To Amend New York’s Rent Relief Program
By Jonas BronckAmend Rent Relief Programs To Benefit More New Yorkers
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By Jonas Bronck
The Legal Aid Society today called on Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature to act immediately to avoid the impending forfeiture of statewide rent relief program funds earmarked for New York tenants who are suffering COVID-19-related financial hardships.
The state has until December 30, 2020 — just 30 days from today — to distribute the remaining $60 million to New Yorkers. Only $40 million out of $100 million in rent relief funds has been distributed so far, and only 15,020 out of 94,000 people who sought relief have been approved for the program.
A recent analysis by Legal Aid found that other states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, and Washington State, amended their respective rent relief programs earlier this year to maximize the number of needy families eligible for relief. Albany so far has failed to do this.
“New Yorkers need rent relief now, and we are just 30 days away from forfeiting $60 million back to the federal government if Albany fails to figure out how to get these funds to families facing…
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NOTABLE
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Street Renaming Petition To Honor Mario D’Agostino
Mario D’Agostino, who passed away June 14, 2020, was a true leader in his community in the Bronx and left his mark on the neighborhood and everyone, who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Mario was an honorable man, who changed people’s lives with his beautiful mind, strong work ethic, positive outlook on life and investing in his favorite part of NYC, the Bronx.
Brenda Jimenez Wins Four Silver & Bronze Stevie ® Awards For Women In Business In 2020
Brenda Jimenez, a Bronx native, has been named the winner of four Stevie ® Awards in the 17th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business including two silver awards and two bronze awards.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run– worldwide. The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world’s premier business awards.
More than 1,500 entries were submitted this year…
Editorial
You should know that Fausto Pichardo, Chief of Patrol of the New York City Police Department, has unexpectedly resigned.
Chief Pichardo is the second person of Dominican origin with a high position, who has suddenly resigned from the Police Department of this City, causing another loss among many in the Hispanic community, especially the Dominican community.
Chief Pichardo joins Inspector Flerida Vera, another Dominican, who also suddenly resigned from her position as a Commanding Officer of the 41st Police Precinct in the Bronx.
We all know that the Dominican community, because of the egotism and infighting within its political leadership, has recently lost some important positions. Among the losses are, Senator Marisol Alcantara, Senator Jose Peralta and Assemblywoman Aridia “Ari” Espinal.
It is important for you to know that the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization will be meeting this Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., at 1437 Longfellow Avenue in the Bronx.
The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss among other things, what we think is an act of discrimination, abuse and lack of respect for Hispanic police officers within Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Administration.
Statics show that 33% of the population in the City of New York is Hispanic and 30% of the police force are Hispanic, but in positions of power and leadership, within the Police Department, Hispanics are close to zero.
I am Councilmember Rev. Rubén Díaz, Sr. and this is what you should know.
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Mosaic Literary Conference: Black Utopia
The 2020 Mosaic Literary Conference: Black Utopia will explore the idea of how our futures can be explored through health, education, art, and activism; and present a cohort of creative thinkers and scholars who will share how we can envision, explore, and expand discussions around urban environments, creative practice, and health & healing.
The annual Mosaic Literary Conference…
Books, Culture & Education Build A Community
For 20 years, the Literary Freedom Project has been committed to creating spaces that center literature and explore cultural narratives that help build pride for Black and Latinx culture.
Your donation will help One…
City Sued For Failing To Provide Vulnerable Students At NYC Shelters Reliable Access To Remote Schooling
The Legal Aid Society and Milbank LLP – representing the Coalition for the Homeless and certain individual shelter residents and their children – filed a lawsuit today in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the de Blasio Administration for its failure to provide students who reside in City shelters access to reliable internet service…
Family Affair: Bring The Museum Home!
Join us for an afternoon of art making you can do from your home!
You must register to attend. Please do so here. We will send a link and password to enter this online event to all registered families.
FREE recommended art materials will…
ENTERTAINMENT
REEL
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Virtual Women’s Film Series
Art , Culture , Entertainment , Featured , News , Society , Video
Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnel Doris announced three financial assistance programs available for small businesses in low-to-moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods. The NYC LMI Storefront Loan, Interest Rate Reduction Grant, and Strategic Impact COVID-19 Commercial District Support Grant will provide critical resources to small businesses to help them build back and grow beyond the pandemic.
“Our fight against COVID-19 has been costly for the small businesses that anchor New York City’s neighborhoods. We are proud to offer real relief to help these business owners keep their teams together and continue serving their communities for years to come,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“This crisis has brought devasting consequences to our local economy and impacted our most vulnerable communities. To achieve economic democracy, we must respond quickly with resources and capacity,” said J. Phillip Thompson, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives and Co-Chair of the Racial Inclusion and Equity Task Force. “These robust financial programs will aid small businesses to help them build back stronger than before.”
“Now more than ever, Black, Latinx, and Asian businesses are struggling with access to capital. The launch of these programs is a targeted approach to provide relief efforts in communities that need it most,” said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services and Co-Chair of the Racial Inclusion and Equity Task Force. “The City is committed to making sure all small businesses have the resources they need to get them back on their feet during these extraordinary times.”
“Advancing a strong recovery means providing the communities hardest hit by COVID-19 with the resources they need to rebuild,” said James Patchett, president, and CEO of New York City Economic Development Corporation. “Our minority-owned businesses were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and their resurgence is key to the City’s long-term success. These funds will provide a critical lifeline that will help these businesses recover and continue to enrich and strengthen their communities for years to…
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Save Our Stages Act
Standing alongside fellow Brooklynite Jerry Seinfeld, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer pushed a plan, today, to save the many stages of New York. Schumer explained how the stages…
SPORT NEWS
On Saturday, November 07, 2020, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., in conjunction with The Bronx Tourism Council, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Transportation Alternatives, and Ride with GPS app hosted a bike ride to end the Tour de Bronx 2020 season.
Members from the RWB Bronx Chapter joined Borough President Diaz, Jr. to take part in the “Bronx Riviera” route, using the Ride with GPS app, to visit the neighborhoods, parks, greenways, and waterfronts of the borough seen during the Tour de Bronx event.
Originally slated to take place in late October, The Tour de Bronx — largest free bicycle event in the state — was cancelled due to the gathering restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In its place, the Bronx Borough President’s office and The Bronx Tourism Council partnered with Ride with GPS app to create virtual cycling routes where cyclists ride one of the three paths — “Bronx Riviera,” “Boogie Up The Bronx Jr.” and “8 Wonders of the Bronx.”
The Tour de Bronx 2020 routes were sponsored by Montefiore Medical Center, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Target, Zipcar, Citi Bike, BronxCare Health System, SBH Health System, Transportation Alternatives and Patricia Lynch Associates, and will ran on the Ride with GPS app from October 10 to November 08, 2020. Borough President Diaz, Jr. and The Bronx Tourism Council launched the revamped Tour de Bronx on Saturday, October 10, 2020, riding with borough residents along the “Boogie Up The…
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Tour de Bronx 2020
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