Assemblymember Zaccaro's Shred Fest is THIS FRIDAY

 

Friends,

Shred fest is back!

I'm thrilled to announce that we will be holding a community shredding event on Friday, September 4th

Please join us at Tracey Towers (outside Building 40) to shred your unwanted personal documents and unwanted papers.

• WHEN: Friday, September 4th - THIS FRIDAY!
• TIME: 9AM - 11AM
• WHERE: Tracey Towers Outside Building 40 - 40 W. Mosholu Parkway 

As a reminder, we are not able to shred anything that is bound, so we ask that you remove all bindings before stopping by. Of course, if you need help doing so, we’ll be glad to assist.

Looking forward to seeing you on September 4th. LETS GET SHREDDED!

In Gratitude,

John Zaccaro, Jr.

More than 120 Illegal Aliens Arrested at Memphis Nightclub

 

Federal and state warrants were executed during ICE’s Operation Corral Light

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after an operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more than 120 illegal aliens at a nightclub in Memphis, Tennessee.

On August 30, ICE New Orleans arrested 121 illegal aliens during a multiagency targeted enforcement operation, “Operation Corral Light” at the “El Corralon” nightclub in Memphis. The operation resulted in the arrests of illegal alien offenders with criminal histories that include larceny, drug possession, domestic violence, driving while intoxicated, assault, child endangerment, and prostitution.

“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, crime in the city of Memphis has plummeted. A big part of that success comes from arresting and deporting illegal aliens in the city,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Through Operation Corral Light, ICE arrested more than 120 illegal aliens in a single day, including childabusers, drug traffickers, and violent assailants. Under the Trump Administration, the brave men and women of ICE have been unleashed to remove illegal aliens from our communities and make America safe again.”

“This criminal enforcement operation to arrest illegal aliens and eliminate drug activity in our community is part of the highest priorities of this administration,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New Orleans Acting Field Office Director Scott Ladwig. “Our officers remain committed to enforcing the law professionally, protecting the public, and upholding the trust placed in us by the American people.”

Among those arrested during Operation Corral Light are:

Ricardo N Rodriguez Arteaga, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, whose criminal history includes a conviction for larceny and an arrest for commercial sex – homosexual prostitution.

Sergio Vieyra Torres, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, whose criminal history includes arrests for child endangerment and driving under the influence of liquor.

Maryari Pamela Lopez Urivina, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, whose criminal history includes an arrest for aggravated assault.

Jeronima Giron Cisneros, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, whose criminal history includes an arrest for domestic violence.

Miguel Galeas Rodriguez, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, whose criminal history includes a conviction for cocaine possession.

Being in detention is a choice. The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now with the CBP Home App. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.

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Justice Department Sues Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools to Stop Secret Gender Transitions

 

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, joined by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas, filed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit against Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) to stop the district from facilitating secret “gender transitions” for children at school without their parents’ knowledge or consent.

KCKPS’s conduct violates the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) — laws designed to safeguard parental rights, including the rights to access and oversee information collected and maintained about their children in public schools. The lawsuit follows extensive efforts by the Department of Education to secure KCKPS’s compliance with federal law.

“Parental rights are paramount in the operation of America’s public schools, and Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools does not know children better than their own parents,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department will not tolerate school districts playing fast and loose with federal law in the service of radical gender ideology.”

“For decades, schools operated with little accountability as federal parental rights laws like FERPA and PPRA went unenforced, allowing some districts to cut parents out of deeply personal matters involving their own children,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “That era is over. The Trump Administration is enforcing these laws at an unprecedented scale and making clear that schools cannot hide sensitive information from parents and expect to operate with impunity. We are grateful to the Department of Justice for taking this next step and for its continued partnership with the Department of Education to enforce federal law and protect the fundamental rights of parents.”

“This lawsuit should not come as a surprise,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser for the District of Kansas. “Public education functions effectively only when schools and parents engage in a genuine partnership. When schools withhold information from parents, they undermine trust and disrupt the essential balance between families and public educators.”

As detailed in the Department’s complaint, KCKPS’s Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students Internal Guidance Document (Transgender Guideline) directs staff to develop and implement “transitioning” plans for children’s so-called “gender identity” without informing or obtaining consent from their parents. KCKPS implements its Transgender Guideline without the knowledge of many in the KCKPS community, including parents.

FERPA prohibits a school district from maintaining any policy that denies or effectively prevents a parent from exercising the right to inspect and review his or her child’s education records. PPRA separately requires prior written parental consent before a school may require children to submit to any survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals sensitive information about the student or the student’s family. Because KCKPS’s policies and practices violate core parental rights secured by FERPA and PPRA, the lawsuit seeks an injunction to halt the Transgender Guideline’s enforcement, among other relief.

Mexican National Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Meth

 

A Mexican national and former California resident was sentenced on August 27, 2026, to 13 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Jose Alfredo Moreno Hernandez, 35, conspired with other individuals to distribute methamphetamine. From December 2020 to the fall of 2025, Moreno Hernandez mailed packages containing a total of more than 35 pounds (16 kilograms) of methamphetamine to locations in Iowa and Florida. Moreno Hernandez received packages containing drug proceeds at his Delano, California residence and distributed the proceeds to other co-conspirators.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Moreno Hernandez will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. An immigration detainer is in place.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Investigation Service, Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force, and Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement – West investigated the case.United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Information

 

Dear Neighbor,

Tour de Bronx is back! The largest free cycling event in New York State that allows you to explore our borough from the comfort of your own bike. You can partake in a 10-, 25-, or 40-mile ride from the iconic Grand Concourse to the world-renowned New York Botanical Garden. In partnership with the Bronx Tourism Council, the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, and all of our amazing partners and sponsors, we are excited to bring this event back to the Bronx! Registration opened yesterday, and we are encouraging both novice and expert riders to participate. If you're unable to ride, volunteer opportunities are also available. Click this link to learn more and to get involved!

September is National Preparedness Month, and we are urging our residents to have a plan if there is an emergency. Just this year alone, our borough has experienced extreme heat, fires, coastal storms, flooding, hurricanes, and other weather-related incidents that have had a devastating impact on our communities. We want you to stay ready, so you don't have to get ready. Review the tips below and start developing a plan for before, during, and after an emergency. 

• Sign up for Notify NYC to get real‑time emergency alerts.
• Monitor trusted sources such as NYC Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and local news outlets.
• NYC has designated Evacuation Zones (1-6). Check your address through NYC.gov/knowyourzone.
• Build an emergency kit and include water and non‑perishable food.
• Ensure drains and gutters are clear to prevent flooding.
• Review NYC’s Coastal Storm Plan.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.

Lastly, we are excited to announce that we will host our finale concert this Labor Day weekend at Orchard Beach. Our special guest is singer and Grammy Award winner Elvis Crespo! We look forward to seeing you as we close out our summer series at the Bronx Riveria. Thank you to everyone who joined us this year and to all the sponsors who helped to make our free concert series a huge success.  

Warm Regards,

Vanessa L. Gibson

IN THE COMMUNITY

We proudly joined NYC Parks and our elected officials for the ribbon-cutting of the newly reconstructed Zimmerman Playground in Allerton, celebrating a $7 million investment that will give Bronx families a safer, more vibrant space to play, exercise, and gather.

Named after Corporal Louis Zimmerman, a former police officer and Bronx resident who served in the U.S. Army, this playground carries an important piece of our community’s history.

Our Annual Back-to-School Health & Literacy Fair at P.S./M.S. 29 was a huge success.

A special thank you to Montefiore Einstein, the P.S./M.S. 29 The Melrose School leadership team, NYC Parks, Chancellor Kamar Samuels, and all our vendors and service providers for joining us to support our borough’s children and families.

At Lincoln Hospital, we joined Governor Kathy Hochul and our elected officials to announce a $9 million state investment to complete a cardiac catheterization laboratory right here in the Bronx.

This investment, alongside our $2 million allocation towards this project in FY 2027, represents a $14 million commitment to strengthening health care access and outcomes for Bronx residents.

¡Que viva la República Dominicana!

We proudly joined thousands of residents, families, community leaders, elected officials, and visitors for the Annual National Dominican Day Parade, celebrating the rich culture, history, heritage, and contributions of the Dominican community in New York City.

From the music and dancing to the vibrant floats, flags, and generations of Dominican pride along the parade route, our City was once again filled with the spirit of Quisqueya.

We were proud to join residents, community organizations, first responders, colleagues in government, and our law enforcement partners at National Night Out events across the borough to reaffirm our shared commitment to public safety.

Thank you to everyone who organized, participated, and helped make this year’s National Night Out a success.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nos Quedamos Inc. - Laugh, Celebrate & Create Change in the South Bronx

 

CEO MESSAGE

Laugh with Purpose:

A Night of Comedy for the South Bronx

Get ready for an unforgettable evening with us at our Preservation, Purpose & Punchlines-Comedy for a Cause Supporting Affordable Housing & Community Preservation fundraising event where laughter creates lasting impact. Join Nos Quedamos for a night of comedy featuring two of the most exciting Puerto Rican comedians on the scene, all while supporting the work to preserve affordable housing, strengthen community leadership, and advance climate resilience in the South Bronx on our special designated We Stay/Nos Quedamos Day! 

Headlining the evening is GREYLOWW, whose high-energy, Spanglish-infused comedy has earned her a loyal following and sold-out performances across the Northeast. Known for her viral Puerto Rican characters and relatable storytelling, GREYLOWW brings an authentic perspective that celebrates culture, family, and the everyday moments that connect us all.

Taking the stage alongside her is Geovany Sepulveda, better known as Tio Pito Colon. Blending the experiences of Puerto Rico and New York with sharp wit and heartfelt storytelling, Tio has become a rising star through his viral sketches and sold-out live performances. His comedy shines a light on the Nuyorican experience with humor that is both deeply relatable and undeniably entertaining.

Every ticket purchased helps fuel Nos Quedamos' mission to protect deeply affordable housing, empower resident leadership, preserve the cultural identity of Melrose, and build a more resilient future for the South Bronx. Come laugh, celebrate our community, and be part of the movement creating lasting change.

To learn more about the comedians check out their social media below



Greyloww • Tio Pito Colon • Rafael Gee • Osei Caleb

Make sure you get your tickets HERE

Where Youth Power Took Root:

International Youth Day “Go Green, Everywhere!”

Our International Youth Day celebration was more than an event—it was a powerful reminder of what happens when young people have the space, resources, and support to lead.

Under this year’s theme, “Go Green: Everywhere,” youth and families came together for a day filled with creativity, connection, and community power. From live performances and hands-on activities to conversations about financial literacy, health and wellness, and opportunities for a stronger future, young people were not simply participants—they were at the center of the experience.

The day reflected what we know to be true: youth leadership is community leadership. When young people are equipped with knowledge, encouraged to use their voices, and connected to resources and opportunities, they can help shape healthier, more resilient communities.

Check out our IG to see more!

When residents lead, Neighborhoods Thrive!

WE STAY/Nos Quedamos is proud to be a recipient of the Latinos United for Change Equity Fund (LUCHA)—a historic $11.3 million investment supporting organizations advancing workforce development, education, immigrant services, food security, and community well-being.

For more than three decades, Nos Quedamos has worked alongside Melrose residents to preserve affordable housing, strengthen community power, and ensure that the people who call Melrose home have a voice in shaping its future. This investment comes at a critical moment.

As Melrose approaches a new chapter in the protections that have safeguarded affordable housing, culture, and community for more than 30 years, this grant will help residents build the knowledge, tools, and collective power needed to navigate complex housing and planning decisions and influence the policies and investments that will shape the next generation of Melrose.

Together with Pratt Center for Community Development, the Center for Urban Pedagogy, and Moira Studio, we are creating new opportunities for residents to strengthen civic leadership, understand how decisions about land, housing, and investment are made, and help determine what comes next for their community.

“The LUCHA Equity Fund is more than an investment in organizations—it is an investment in the people who have the vision, commitment, and lived experience to shape the future of their communities.”

— Jessica Clemente, Chief Executive Officer, WE STAY/Nos Quedamos

This grant recognizes something we have believed from the beginning: preservation is about more than protecting affordable housing. It is about protecting the people, history, culture, and community power that make Melrose home.

We are deeply grateful to Hispanic Federation, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, the Fund for the City of New York, Assemblymember Amanda Septimo, and Senator Sepulveda for investing in Melrose and in the residents who have been building, leading, and shaping this community for generations.

The future of Melrose should be shaped by the people who call it home. And we are building the power to make that future possible.

To learn more about this funding, check out the article below!

Link Here!

Justice Department to Conduct Election Monitoring for Massachusetts Primary Election

 

The Civil Rights Division is monitoring polling sites in Massachusetts for the Commonwealth’s primary election to ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law.

“Monitoring is an essential duty for the Civil Rights Division during election season,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Nonpartisan, nondiscriminatory monitoring efforts promote transparency, accountability, and most importantly trust in our federal elections.”

The DOJ, through the Civil Rights Division, enforces federal voting laws which protect the voting rights of all eligible citizens. The DOJ regularly deploys staff from the Civil Rights Division and other Department offices to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in communities across the country. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is providing personnel to assist in the effort. 

The DOJ is monitoring polls in Boston, New Bedford, and Lowell with 12 monitors. Thus far the DOJ has deployed over 80 monitors across eight states and over 200 polling locations this primary season. By comparison, during the 2022 midterms the DOJ sent monitors to nine states during the primary season.

The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces various federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Civil Rights Acts.

From now through the general election on Nov. 3, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available to receive questions and complaints from the public related to federal voting rights laws. If you have a question or complaint or would like to request election monitoring in a particular jurisdiction, please contact the Voting Section at VEM@usdoj.gov.

CO-DEFENDANT IN MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR FRAUD SCHEME INVOLVING A FORMER NYC-FUNDED NONPROFIT HOMELESS SERVICES PROVIDER SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS OF SUPERVISED RELEASE, INCLUDING TWO YEARS OF HOME CONFINEMENT

Former CEO at the nonprofit was sentenced in June to six months in prison 

Nadia I. Shihata, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), issued the following statement on the sentencing of PETER WEISER, 83, on charges relating to a scheme through the City-funded nonprofit, Childrens Community Services, Inc. (“CCS”), which provided temporary housing and homeless services. WEISER was the business partner of THOMAS BRANSKY, 50, the former Chief Executive Officer of CCS. The two conspired to defraud the City of New York of millions of dollars through a multifaceted scheme to corruptly profit from the nonprofit. U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick sentenced WEISER to three years of supervised release, including two years of home confinement, and ordered WEISER to pay $7,687,583 in forfeiture and $7,687,583 in restitution. Judge Broderick sentenced BRANSKY on June 22, 2026 to six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay approximately $7.69 million in restitution and $1.2 million in forfeiture. Bransky is scheduled to surrender to prison on November 17, 2026. In October 2025, WEISER pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 and BRANSKY pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. DOI investigated this matter in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, which is prosecuting the case.

DOI Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata said, “These defendants committed crimes that exploited the essential work of a City-funded nonprofit tasked with aiding the unhoused — undercutting the resources available to an exceptionally at-risk population. With today’s sentencing, these two defendants have been held accountable and must pay back the money they defrauded from the City. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for its ongoing partnership to protect public funds and raise awareness about the consequences of using City-funded nonprofits for illegal, self-enrichment.”

According to the indictment and superseding information, BRANSKY was the Chief Executive Officer of CCS, a not-for-profit homeless services provider that had over $900 million in contracts with the City. As CEO, BRANSKY and others engaged in a scheme to defraud the City through CCS and a group of affiliated entities owned and controlled by WEISER, including by making, and causing to be made, false statements to the City of New York in order to obtain money. The scheme was furthered by electronic communications and bank wires and included submitting false statements and documents to the City to conceal WEISER’s role and ownership of the affiliated companies. CCS, and ultimately the City, paid over $50 million to WEISER’s companies for various goods and services—many of which were provided by other, legitimate companies and then simply marked up as much as three times their actual cost. Through this scheme, WEISER collected more than $7 million in illicit profits, while BRANSKY earned more than $1.2 million in salary.

Commissioner Shihata thanked Jamie McDonald, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, for his office’s partnership on this case, which is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas Chiuchiolo, Ni Qian, Jaclyn Delligatti, and Matthew Weinberg are in charge of the prosecution. Commissioner Shihata also thanked the City Department of Social Services for its cooperation with the investigation.