Sunday, August 16, 2026

This week on Talking Politics

 

This week, City public school test scores down, Bronx Democratic Party did not file required disclosure forms for years is Treasurer Michael Benedetto incompetent, new governor poll as Blakeman narrows the gap, Anthony's Political Money segment, and lots more anytime on YouTube at the link below.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tD4JGwVjTY

Fort Walton Beach Felon Indicted for Federal Drug & Gun Offenses

 

Anthony Bernard Allen, 54, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance involving more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 28 grams of cocaine base; one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance involving less than 500 grams of cocaine. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.

Allen appeared before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Michael J. Frank for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for September 21, 2026, in Pensacola before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

If convicted, Allen faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute count; and up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon count.            

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Okaloosa County Sherriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brooke D. Lindsay.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Riverdale Main Streets Alliance - This Thursday... RMSA Summer Social!

 

Your Are Invited to RMSA's
Annual Summer Social Event!

Thursday, August 20
6:30-8:30pm
Cote Wine Bar
5639 Mosholu Avenue

Theme: Colorful Summer Chic


Please bring your wallets and join us to support Cote Wine Bar at this happy hour-like event, and connect with fellow neighbors, merchants, colleagues, and the RMSA team!

There will also be a special live Bossa Nova style music performance by Marcelo Cardozo and accompanying vocalist, as well close-up card magic tricks done by local magician, Matt Martin.

RSVP appreciated but not required: https://forms.gle/QmfrwMW2B79rWQwp9



Your Membership Makes a Difference

The Riverdale Main Streets Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes a positive neighborhood environment.  Our mission is to provide community friendly “main streets” while expanding the economic growth and vitality of Riverdale. An all volunteer organization. 100% of all proceeds go to beautifying our special corner of New York City.


Contact Us

Instagram: @rmsabx
Facebook: Riverdale Main Streets Alliance

Permits Filed for 1740 East Tremont Avenue in Van Nest, The Bronx

 


Permits have been filed for a five-story mixed-use building at 1740 East Tremont Avenue in Van Nest, The Bronx. Located at the intersection of Rosedale Avenue and East Tremont Avenue, the lot is near the East 180th Street subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Leo Klein is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 43-foot-tall development will yield 20,028 square feet, with 16,417 square feet designated for residential space and 3,611 square feet for commercial space. The building will have 23 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 813 square feet. The concrete-based structure will not have any accessory parking.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in June for the single-story structure on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Wave Hill Weekly Events (Aug 20 – Aug 27) | Story Time Awaits at Wave Hill!

 

Summer isn’t over yet! Find some shade under the tall trees of Wave Hill and appreciate the foliage that cools us off from the August sun. Escape the sticky air of the city and take respite in this oasis on the edge of the hustle and bustle. As you wander the paths of the gardens and notice the little things, the late season blooms complement the scenery, sway in a sweet warm breeze, and add depth to this natural picture. 


Stories in the Garden

Join Wave Hill and Literacy in Community Educators for storytime in the garden! Stories will come to life through interactive book readings and related activities.


Nature & Wellness


Garden Highlights Walk

Free with admission to the grounds    
Registration not required.   

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide; each walk varies with the Guide leading it.


Art


Dots and Loops: Jen Chen-su Huang, Rita Maas, and Audra Wolowiec

Free with admission to the grounds     
Registration not required.   

Dots and Loops brings together the work of multidisciplinary artists, Jen Chen-su Huang, Rita Maas, and Audra Wolowiec, who take up the musical score as a visual and conceptual framework to investigate questions around language, legibility, and perspective. Working site-specifically, the artists in Dots and Loops engage with themes relating to the natural world, presentness, and interpretation. 


Family


Family Art Project: Botanical Blueprints

Free with admission to the grounds

Registration not required. 
Discover the magic of cyanotypes, a photo process that uses sunlight to create beautiful blue-and-white art. We’ll make one-of-a-kind imprints that remind us of how plants can brighten our everyday spaces. 


Stories in the Garden

Free with admission to the grounds     
Registration not required.

Join Wave Hill and Literacy in Community Educators for storytime in the garden! Stories will come to life through interactive book readings and related activities. Ideal for children ages three to six with an adult. Drop-in with limited capacity, first come first serve.


Special Events


Afternoon Tea 

7-day Advanced Registration required 

Enjoy delicious tea sandwiches and delectable pastries with a specialty tea selection every Tuesday and Thursday with seatings at 11AM or 2PM. Served on the Kate French Terrace or in our quaint Tea Room at historic Wave Hill House, Afternoon Teas are provided by our exclusive partner Great Performances whose menu uses local and seasonal ingredients, inspired from their own organic farm, Katchkie Farm.


HOURS STARTING MARCH 15: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday  
Shuttle Service free from Subway and Metro-North, Saturday–Sunday

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.  


This Week: New York State Comptroller DiNapoli Issues NYC Adopted Budget Report


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Comptroller DiNapoli Issues NYC Adopted Budget Report

NYC Skyline

New York City’s $127.8 billion fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget, inclusive of prepayments of certain expenses, is nearly $5.9 billion more than projected at the same point last year, a significant increase that includes addressing known costs that were left out of previous financial plans. While the city was able to achieve budgetary balance in FY 2027, it shows a structural imbalance that could worsen if sustainable solutions are not found, according to a report released by Comptroller DiNapoli.

Comptroller DiNapoli presented his findings at the August 12, 2026 meeting of the New York City Financial Control Board.

Learn More
Read Comptroller DiNapoli's Full Remarks

Audit Finds Improvements Needed in Oversight of Recycling Facilities

Recycling bins in New York City

An audit by Comptroller DiNapoli found the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) lacks reliable information on how much material is recycled across New York State. Auditors found missing reports, inaccurate data and inconsistent oversight of recycling facilities are limiting the state’s ability to accurately measure recycling efforts and track progress toward its environmental and emissions reduction goals. According to DEC, solid waste accounts for about 12% of New York’s greenhouse gas emissions. The audit examined whether DEC’s monitoring, inspection, and enforcement actions provided adequate oversight of recycling facilities.

Learn More

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Social post of the week- Social Security Act