Articles by: Michael Benjamin

Governor Cuomo performs part of a three-step disinfectant process of a New York City Subway #7 train car at the Corona Maintenance Facility in the borough of Queens, NY Saturday morning May 2. Photo credit: Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Governor Cuomo Tours NYC Subway Cars Being Disinfected for COVID-19

On Saturday, May 2, Governor Andrew Cuomo toured a Queens train facility where he observed NYC Subway workers using chemical disinfectant on and cleaning subway cars. Afterwards, he delivered a daily briefing on the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. “We want people […]

Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds teams conduct a flyover New York City to honor medical workers on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office.

Blue Angels, Thunderbirds soar in ‘America Strong’ tribute

On Tuesday, US Navy Blue Angels and US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstratiom teams conducted a flyover New York City to honor medical workers, first responders and other essential workers who are battling the coronavirus pandemic. Dubbed “America Strong,” the planes […]

by · April 29, 2020 · News
New York State Attorney General Letitia James

NY AG James Responds to US Attorney General Barr’s Plan to “Monitor” States

New York Attorney General Letitia James tonight released the following statement after U.S. Attorney General William Barr released a memo threatening to “monitor” and be “on the lookout for state and local directives that could be violating the constitutional rights […]

by · April 29, 2020 · News
Matters of Faith: A Time For Encouragement

Matters of Faith: A Time For Encouragement

By Rev. J. Loren Russell, MDiv. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” […]

by · April 19, 2020 · Faith, Matters of Faith, Religion
Credit: Amazon

NY State Ed Cancels June Regents Exams

State Board of Regents Chancellor Dr. Betty Rosa announced today that New York’s high school Regents exams scheduled for June will be canceled. Also, the Board of Regents today adopted emergency regulations to ease the burdens and provide important flexibility […]

by · April 6, 2020 · Education, Education News, News
Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz, Sr.

Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz urges immigrant medical professionals to join fight against COVID-19

You should know that there are about 65,000 certified doctors with licenses from other countries who cannot practice their professions due to not having the requirements that this nation demands. These medical workers, for the most part have vast experience […]

by · April 6, 2020 · Health, News
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. (Flickr)

BP Diaz Visits Mobile Testing Site in Co-op City

Back on March 31, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. greeted workers setting up the new mobile testing site based out of Co-Op City that will help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The mobile testing site will provide […]

by · April 6, 2020 · Health, News
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chancellor Richard Carranza at City Hall

City Cancels Spring Break

In light of the threat generated by the coronavirus, Mayor de Blasio on Friday instructed Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza to cancel the planned April 9-17 spring break for teachers and city schoolkids. “We are confident that continuing remote learning will […]

by · April 6, 2020 · Education News, Government, News
Assembly Passes Emergency Coronavirus Appropriations Bill

Assembly Passes Emergency Coronavirus Appropriations Bill

This week, we learned of the first confirmed case of novel coronavirus — or COVID-19 — in New York State.   “The Assembly Minority Conference stands ready to assist in the prevention and containment of the coronavirus. We have seen […]

by · April 3, 2020 · Government, Health, News
Photo by Lizabeth MENZIES / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

COVID-19 AID: Filing for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

Congress passed the CARES Act on Friday, March 27, 2020. The New York State Department of Labor set up the CARES Act web page to provide information about how the Act may affect unemployment (UI) benefits.

First Lady Chirlane McCray attends a book reading by Jennifer Jones Austin at the Brooklyn Historical Society. CREDIT: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office.

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS JENNIFER JONES AUSTIN AS CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF CORRECTION

Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the appointment of Jennifer Jones Austin as Chair of the Board of Correction. The Board provides critical oversight for the City’s jail system, and as Chair of the Board, Jones Austin will serve to […]

by · April 1, 2020 · Government, News
September 20, 2017-Bronx, NY- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announces Bronx Civic Center as $10 Million New York City region winner of second-round Downstate Revitalization Initiative.

NYS Opens COVID-19 Testing Site in Co-op City

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, Senator Jamaal T. Bailey and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto have secured a critical new COVID-19 mobile testing site for the Northeast Bronx. “Our main strategy to slow the spread of this virus […]

by · March 30, 2020 · Government, Health, News
Freshdirectdrivingacademy.com

FreshDirect Partners with Borough Presidents to Roll Out “Operation 5-Borough Food Drive

FreshDirect, in partnership with all five of New York City’s Borough Presidents, Ruben Diaz Jr. from the Bronx, Gale Brewer from Manhattan, Eric Adams from Brooklyn, James Oddo from Staten Island and Sharon Lee from Queens, today announced the launch […]

Financial Focus: Coronavirus and what you should do for your financial health

Financial Focus: Coronavirus and what you should do for your financial health

By Professor Anthony Rivieccio MBA PFA In this sad state of affairs that we now see ourselves in because of the coronavirus, we will not comment on the health concerns, except to say, please be safe and careful. But while […]

Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie

Assembly Passes Legislation Providing Sick Leave for All New Yorkers During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that will immediately provide all New Yorkers with sick leave during the coronavirus pandemic (A.10153, Nolan). “No one should have to worry about losing their job should they […]

by · March 18, 2020 · Government, News