In the South Bronx, where miracles are short in supply, somebody up there must really like St. Pius V High School. It also has a few Earth-bound angels on the case. Read more

First generation immigrants tend to cling to their culture by speaking the language, preparing special dishes and maintaining other traditions.

But how do second and third generations hang on to their heritage?

Many Americans are researching their lineage through a raft of genealogical services on the Internet.

But for Puerto Ricans in the United States, tracing the family tree presents unique challenges.

As descendants of African, Spanish, and Taino Indian cultures they must sift through family folklore and legions of documents to understand their identity.

On a recent Sunday afternoon East Harlem, about 30 people attended a workshop sponsored by the Hispanic Genealogical Society of New York to help Puerto Ricans and other Latinos trace their ancestry.

Second Avenue from 93rd to 97th streets is lined with pizzerias, supermarkets, locksmiths and hardware stores, all in the shadow of high-rise apartment buildings.

But it’s plans for below ground — the construction of the long-stalled Second Avenue Subway line — that has merchants concerned these days. (more…)

A court order won by the owner of the Oak Point rail yard has forced the city Department of Correction to postpone a hearing to review controversial plans for a new jail in Hunts Point.
The announcement brought hoots and hollers of elation from a group of about 100 local residents who had marched to the site of the proposed jail to protest the city’s plans. (more…)