As part of his re-election campaign, Mayor Eric Adams made a vibrant stop at the Rochdale Village Shopping Center in Jamaica, Queens, on Tuesday, where he was met with overwhelming support from local residents of the southeast Queens community.

The atmosphere inside the bustling shopping center quickly turned electric as soon as the Mayor stepped through the doors. Shoppers and business owners erupted into cheers, chanting « Four more years! » and eagerly rushed to take photos with him. The energy reflected a community eager to connect with its leader—and Adams did not disappoint.

Rather than making a quick appearance, Mayor Adams took time to walk through the mall, engage in real conversations, and hear directly from constituents. He listened to concerns about public safety, housing, youth programs, and economic development in Southeast Queens.

One young man who spoke with the Mayor shared his experience:
« I told the Mayor about our daily issues and also shared the project that I have for young New Yorkers with him, and he directed me to people that could help me make that happen. I really appreciate that, » he said.

Throughout the visit, Adams emphasized his administration’s ongoing efforts to invest in underserved communities, improve city services, and uplift the voices of everyday New Yorkers.

This campaign stop comes as part of a broader outreach effort ahead of the 2025 mayoral election. The Mayor is expected to continue his community engagement on Wednesday, with scheduled meetings in Harlem with both Muslim and Jewish community leaders.

As election season gains momentum, Mayor Adams’ hands-on approach and visible presence in neighborhoods across the city seem aimed at building both trust and momentum for a potential second term.

Bronx, NY — On Saturday, September 13th, Crotona Park was filled with the rhythms, colors, and spirit of Africa as the African Heritage Festival took center stage from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The vibrant event, celebrating African culture and unity, was proudly organized by the Office of Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson in collaboration with the African Advisory Council of the Bronx.

Bringing together a rich tapestry of African nations, the festival welcomed communities from Ghana, Senegal, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Liberia, Togo, Guinea, Mali, Rwanda and many more. The park buzzed with cultural pride, joy, and togetherness as attendees of all ages celebrated their roots and shared their heritage with neighbors and visitors.

Guests were treated to the flavors of African cuisine, with popular dishes like jollof rice, fried plantains, and other traditional delicacies. The festive atmosphere was amplified by live African music, with artists delivering performances that had the crowd dancing, singing, and waving flags high in the air throughout the day. 

“This event is about more than just food and music — it’s about unity, pride, and honoring the African diaspora here in the Bronx,” said Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “We are so proud to host this celebration that brings our communities together in joy and solidarity.”

The African Heritage Festival not only highlighted the richness of African cultures but also emphasized the importance of community engagement, cultural education, and representation in the Bronx — one of the most diverse counties in the nation.

Among those celebrating was Annie Malembe, President of Congolese Queens of USA, who expressed her appreciation for the event:

“I truly enjoyed the African Heritage Festival,” said Malembe. “There is nothing like coming together with fellow Africans to celebrate who we are — our traditions, our food, our music, our spirit. These are the moments that remind us of the strength and beauty of our unity.”

The African Heritage Festival continues to grow as a signature annual event in the Bronx, serving as a joyful reminder of the borough’s cultural richness and the enduring contributions of African communities to New York City.

Demonstrators held signs reading, « Israel’s repeated evacuation orders take toll on already weakened Gazans. Displaced Palestinians in Gaza with nowhere safe to go. » The message referenced the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where continuous Israeli evacuation orders have left over a million displaced civilians with few options for safety, shelter, or medical care.

As the crowd chanted « New York Times to be heard now, » the protest quickly drew attention from onlookers and passersby. Many demonstrators voiced frustration at what they believe is a lack of critical media coverage from one of the world’s most influential newspapers.

“Israel’s primary justification for its deadly blockade of Gaza was based on a falsehood — one that The New York Times echoed for months,” said one activist. “We are here to demand accountability—not only from governments but also from the media that enables them.”

The protest is part of a broader wave of actions aimed at media institutions, which activists say have too often repeated official narratives without challenging their validity or exploring the human impact on civilians.

As tensions remain high and the conflict continues, demonstrators say they will persist in holding media institutions accountable for what they report—and what they choose to leave out.

“We will not be silent,” another protester declared. “Because silence enables suffering.”

No official response has yet been issued by The New York Times regarding the demonstration.

The violence began in Tremont, where crime scene investigators were seen collecting evidence on Anthony Avenue. A 32-year-old man was shot in the back and later died at the hospital. Police have yet to make any arrests in the case.

Shortly after, in the Soundview neighborhood, police responded to reports of gunfire on Croes Avenue. There, they discovered a 34-year-old man unresponsive with a gunshot wound to his torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbors reported hearing a single gunshot.

Later that afternoon in West Farms, a 31-year-old Amazon contractor was injured while delivering packages. The driver was shot in the ankle while parked near Bryant and East Tremont avenues.

“He was literally inside the van, digging through his bags,” said a co-worker. “He heard gunshots and just got shot.”

Amazon confirmed it is supporting the injured driver as police search for two suspects in the case.

An hour after that incident, a 26-year-old man was shot twice in the leg in an unrelated shooting on Adams Place in Belmont.

As investigations into each case continue, community members are urging action to stem the violence that has once again shaken Bronx neighborhoods.

Organized by the NYC African Council, the event called on African immigrants to publicly show their support for Mayor Adams, recognizing his administration’s ongoing efforts to include immigrant voices in city government and support the African Diaspora’s economic and social advancement.

Mayor Adams made a memorable entrance, joining the celebration with a djembe drum in hand—a powerful and symbolic gesture that honored the rich cultural heritage of his African supporters. The moment resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom viewed it as a sign of mutual respect and genuine connection between the mayor and the city’s African communities.

“This is more than politics. It’s about building bridges,” said one of his supporters. “Mayor Adams has opened doors to African leaders, listened to our concerns, and taken real steps toward making New York City a more inclusive place for all.”

The event featured traditional African drumming, dance performances, and speeches from community leaders, elders, and youth representatives. Several speakers highlighted the mayor’s commitment to supporting immigrant-owned businesses, expanding language access services, and strengthening community-based organizations that serve African populations across the five boroughs.

In his remarks, Mayor Adams thanked the African community for their unwavering support and emphasized the importance of unity among New Yorkers of all backgrounds.

“We are one city, and every culture, every community makes us stronger,” Mayor Adams said. “The African Diaspora is the heartbeat of this city. Your values—hard work, family, faith, and community—are the same values that built New York.”

As the 2025 election season approaches, the endorsement from the African Diaspora community could prove influential in a city as diverse as New York. For many attendees, the event was not just about politics—it was a celebration of identity, empowerment, and shared vision for the future.

Standing under a tent outside 102 West 124th Street, Adams was greeted with cheers and umbrellas as he cut the ribbon to the new office, part of a broader citywide push to connect with voters in key neighborhoods.

“This campaign is about results, not rhetoric,” Adams told the crowd. “We’re delivering on affordable housing, making our streets safer, helping our homeless neighbors, and giving young people real opportunities to thrive.”

Adams highlighted his administration’s work in preserving affordable housing units—a point of pride as the city continues to grapple with a rising cost of living. According to City Hall figures, over 229,000 affordable units have been built or preserved since 2022, with nearly 200,000 more projected through ongoing and future rezonings.

He also pointed to citywide reductions in violent crime, investments in youth job programs, and expanded services for unhoused New Yorkers.

“Our record is clear,” Adams said. “While others talk, we’ve been building, protecting, and creating real change in communities like Harlem.”

Despite the rain, dozens of Adams’ supporters stood outside the new office, waving signs, chanting slogans, and showing their commitment to his re-election campaign. Many cited his focus on public safety and affordable housing as reasons they remained loyal.

The event came during a pivotal week in Adams’ campaign, as he faces pressure from the Board of Elections to choose between two independent ballot lines—“Safe & Affordable” and “End Anti-Semitism”—for his November campaign. While his team has signaled a preference for the former, a final decision is still pending.

For Harlem residents, the new office serves as both a campaign hub and a symbolic gesture that the community remains central to Adams’ political vision.

Quels sont les projets phares de ce programme ?
Du côté Marocain, nous avons sa Majesté le Roi Mohamed VI qui a eu à présenter trois initiatives en la matière. La première concerne la réalisation d’une structure de coopération, de coordination diplomatique entre les 23 pays. La seconde initiative concerne la facilitation de l’accès à l’atlantique du Sahel aux pays qui se sont pas Atlantique, qui n’ont pas de côte sur la mer. Enfin, la troisième initiative concerne le gazoduc. Donc le Maroc et 13 autres pays, en commençant par le Nigéria, sont en train de travailler à la réalisation du gazoduc Maroc-Nigéria. Cette installation va traverser 13 pays. L’utilité d’un tel projet tourne autour de son impact sur le niveau de l’énergie, de l’industrie, de l’agriculture etc. L’énergie est une question fondamentale, un besoin vital pour ces pays  qui ont un gros problème lié au déficit dans la fourniture d’électricité. Donc toutes ces questions seront réglées par ce projet. Le transport et l’exportation du gaz va passer vers le Maroc puis vers l’Europe. Mais aussi il y a l’impact que cela va produire sur l’économie, sur nos sociétés, sur la transformation de nos systèmes de production et de l’ensemble de nos systèmes productifs.

Quel rôle le Sénégal pourrait-il jouer dans la réalisation de ce projet ?
Nous avons parlé du Maroc, du Sénégal et de la Mauritanie. Le rôle du Sénégal est capital, parce que le Sénégal est à la fois producteur de gaz – donc exportateur – mais aussi, il est le point de départ du premier tronçon du gazoduc vers l’Europe à travers la Mauritanie et le Maroc. Donc le rôle du Sénégal est primordial et vous connaissez la qualité exceptionnelle de nos relations. Cela a été souligné par tous les intervenants de ce séminaire : les universitaires, les diplomates, la société civile et les représentants de son Excellence El Hadji Malick Ndiaye, notamment le vice-président chargé des questions de santé à l’assemblée nationale, qui a insisté sur la qualité exceptionnelle de cette relation. Donc, nous comptons énormément sur le soutien et la coopération du Sénégal pour la concrétisation de l’ensemble de ces projets. Mais, il faut ajouter que le Sénégal est présent dans toutes ces initiatives. Il y a une coordination et des échanges qui se font sur l’ensemble des aspects du projet

Quelles sont les fortes recommandations issues de ce séminaire ?
Globalement il a été demandé d’aller vers l’accélération de tous ces processus, de travailler pour l’appropriation de ces projets par la société civile et par les différents opérateurs économiques.  D’autres recommandations ont été abordées à savoir les aspects économiques, de financement et de réalisations d’infrastructures. Toutes les réflexions ont été très sages. Les intervenants ont tous loué cette initiative prise par sa Majesté le Roi Mohamed VI ; ils ont salué sa vision pour l’Afrique. Et il se trouve que le Maroc et les nouvelles autorités sénégalaises adoptent la même politique en matière de panafricanisme.

Comment se porte les relations Sénégalo marocaines actuellement et le volume des échanges ?
Nos relations sont très bonnes. Et, en réalité, elles ne se mesurent pas en termes de volume des échanges. Ce sont des relations très anciennes. Et ce qui pèse le plus lourd c’est le côté humain, culturel et religieux. C’est une relation d’une nature extraordinaire. Coté échanges, la politique de sa majesté le Roi Mohamed VI c’est d’adopter la politique de partenariat. Nous avons beaucoup de projets de partenariats à travers des sociétés de droit sénégalais. Ce sont des projets très importants et coûteux avec un impact très positif sur le plan économique et social. Sur le plan des échanges nous avons atteint, en fin 2024, un total de 370 millions de dollars, sans compter le secteur informel. C’est déjà bien, mais il faut dire que ce n’est pas plus élevé par rapport au potentiel existant. En matière de commerce et d’échanges, nos autorités  sont entrées en contact et sont en train de travailler pour que les exportations marocaines et sénégalaises augmentent. Nous sommes en train de voir avec les techniciens de commerce des deux côtés  ce qu’il y faut améliorer. Nous avons aussi des milliers d’étudiants sénégalais au Maroc et aussi il y a des milliers d’étudiants marocains au Sénégal.

Le président Moustapha Niasse a réaffirmé avec force la marocanité du Sahara. N’est-ce pas une position qui est également au centre aussi des relations entre le Sénégal et le Maroc ?
Exactement, c’est une position constante qui n’a jamais changé. Avec les nouvelles autorités, on nous a signalé dès le départ l’idée de hisser ces relations à un niveau jamais atteint. C’est le Premier ministre Ousmane Sonko qui l’a dit ouvertement. Donc les relations entre les deux pays sont extraordinaires et chacun travaille de son coté à les relever. Sur le plan de l’intégrité territoriale, sur les questions politiques, il y a une convergence totale.

Vous avez évoqué les points forts, quels sont les points faibles de la coopération ?

S’agissant des points faibles, nous considérons que ce qui a été réalisé est en deçà des attentes. Quand on parle des étudiants, le Maroc veut envoyer des étudiants au Sénégal et le Sénégal veut envoyer des étudiants au Maroc. Quand on parle du commerce, nos deux ministres viennent de se retrouver il y a deux semaines. L’idée est comment faire pour que l’exportation des produits marocains augmente en volume vers le Sénégal et inversement. Nous avons des ambitions et quand on voit les choses lointaines, on peut améliorer cette relation en allant plus haut, plus vite ; c’est tout à fait légitime. Je ne pense pas qu’il ait un point négatif mais il y a des défis que nous nous sommes fixés et il faut les relever.

Propos recueillis par Cheikh Tidiane MBENGUE

The violence began with a verbal altercation between the suspect and a 32-year-old man, which quickly escalated. Both the 32-year-old and 28-year-old man were stabbed and later transported to Bellevue Hospital, where they were reported in stable condition.

30-year-old Gavin Ferguson was arrested and charged with attempted murder and assault with a weapon.

The FDNY reported that nine people were hurt in the incident. Eight victims sustained minor injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals, while one person, listed in serious condition, was taken to Kings County Hospital.

The fire erupted shortly after 8 p.m. at 1432 Nostrand Avenue, between Church Avenue and Martense Avenue.

Authorities say the blaze began in the basement of a three-story building. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.