Voices That Must Be Heard has been renamed and relaunched and can be found at

Voices of NY more>

The Obama administration's new policy of classifying young undocumented immigrants as low-priority for deportation has caused celebration in some circles, consternation in others and a whole lot of confusion for undocumented individuals who have been desperate for a resolution of their situations. more>

When the Department of Education learned that a Bronx school was contaminated with a toxic chemical and decided to move its students to a school two miles away, parents were surprised and angry, EDLP reports. According to The Riverdale Press, P.S. 51, the Bronx New School, was not tested for contaminants because of a loophole in the law. Read EDLP's story here and The Riverdale Press here.  more>

The corner of Canal Street and Broadway has been transformed into a counterfeit night market of sorts run by African-Americans who spread their goods on sidewalks and openly sell to passersby, a tactic more blatant than the one used by their Chinese counterparts.

For original click here more>

The 'masa' are millions of underprivileged and improvished Filipinos who make up 75 percent of the voting population and would be a "significant" force that could reshape the Philipines if given the opportunity. However, the country exports large numbers of ambitious individuals from the 'masa,' maintaining the status quo of the government, according to a Wikileaks cable by the U.S. embassy.

For original click here more>

As monthly benefits run out, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers turn to food pantries. -- Photo by Just Food NYC

With many people who need aid not receiving food stamps -- and with the benefits too small to cover the expenses of many of those who do -- private, nonprofit organizations provide an increasing amount of food assistance in New York City. A number of organizations say they simply cannot handle the task -- and should not have to.

For original click here more>

In a new study, researchers found that among Muslims from South Asia, the Arab states and African-Americans, the perceived role of God in illness and recovery is a primary influence upon the health care beliefs and behavior. It recommends outreach and education efforts by the health care community to help address Muslim concerns and improve health care quality in this rapidly growing population. 

For original click here more>

As the number of Latino Muslims grows in the United States, Long Island Wins takes a close-up look at one man's decision to convert to Islam while serving as a Marine in Iraq.

For original click here more>

Attorney Hak Tung Lam was charged with allegedly conspiring to smuggling people into the United States.  Officials said that Lam was caught in an undercover operation providing false advice and making false filings for a person working for Homeland Security. For original click here more>

New York City's senior centers avoided a disastrous budget cut this year. But the passing of that threat masks a subtler one: the gradual erosion of an array of services the city offers its elderly. Case manager Javier Osorio visits Grace Moore in her Brooklyn apartment. City Limits/Patrick Egan

Although New York City's senior centers avoided budget cuts this year, a gradual erosion of service cuts to the elderly exists. City services that help the elderly arrange for home-delivered meals and finding transportation are declining because of cuts. For original click here

 more>

Amsterdam News Staff gives an analysis of an interview with Governor Andrew Cuomo at their offices in Harlem in January 2011. The AmNews staff grilled Gov. Cuomo on charter schools, unemployment, budgets cuts in education and social services for people of color and the poor. The report, however, concluded that there is still time for Cuomo to help the Black community. For original click here more>

Does series have legs? The 'Dolls' themselves on the boardwalk. lifetime television

A new reality show "Russian Dolls" has caused controversy in the Russian-American and Russian immigrant communities. Critics and community activists claim that the show reaffirms long-held, negative stereotypes about the Russian community. But supporters say that show shouldn't be compared to another reality TV show "Jersey Shore" because it focuses on intergenerational relations in Russian-speaking communities. For original click here more>

Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito announces Wednesday (August 17) a bill that would protect immigrants held at the Rikers Island correctional facilities from what she calls unjust deportations. The bill would limit the cooperation between the city's Department of Correction and the federal government's Immigration Customs Enforcement. (Ivan Pentchoukov/The Epoch Times)

A new bill being proposed may limit deportation of immigrant inmates. If approved, the legislation would limit the cooperation between the Department of Corrections and federal agencies. For original click here more>

Mayor Bloomberg during the 2010 Census campaign. He is now formally challenging the bureau's findings.

Afghan leaders in Queens are questioning Census numbers that claim that there are about 6,600 Afghans in the borough. Mayor Bloomberg has challenged the Census numbers for undercounting several communities in the city, including Astoria and Jackson Heights, by reporting housing units as vacant when they are fully occupied. For original click here more>

Residents at 235 West 146^th Street apartments say that their apartments are filled with rats, cockroaches and bedbugs, and ceilings and floors are crumbling. Residents have turned to community organizations and city officials to make building owners accountable for repairs. For original click here more>

A recent panel held in Lower Manhattan concluded that gay rights activists must remain vigilant despite New York State legalization of gay marriages. During the discussion, which was led by State Senator Daniel Squadron, panelists agreed that they must continue to fight discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. For original click here more>

Prepaid phone cards, used largely by immigrant communities, are a multi-billion dollar industry in U.S. However, recent reports found that these prepaid cards come with undisclosed fees, higher-than-advertised rates, charges for calls that never went through, and poor or non-existent customer service, causing many to complain to government agencies.

For original click here more>

Residents at the Marcy Houses in Brooklyn say that vermin infestation is a long-standing concern. The recent sightings of extra-large wild rats, however, are a relatively new problem. The large rats appear to be the size of a large raccoon or possum.

For original click here more>

Listen to Abdulai Bah, a Liberian-born New Yorker, talk about free conference call 'radio' in the Fi2W podcast. African immigrants are using innovative ways to disseminate information to their communities, using free conference call services to host debates, share news stories, educate and engage the members of their community.  

For original click here more>

Avrohom Mondrowitz, alleged to be one of the worst sexual predators in Brooklyn history, was accused of abusing boys. Now living in Jerusalem, Mondrowitz's case highlights the shame and secrecy of sexual abuse in the Jewish Orthodox communities, the complexities of extradition between Israel and the U.S. and limitations in the justice system in both countries.

For original click here more>

Muslim American friends Aman Ali and  Bassam Tariq are traveling from Alaska to New York City during the holy month of Ramadan, visiting 30 mosques. They are blogging about their journey and experiences of talking to fellow young Muslims about controversial societal issues affecting the Muslim communities throughout the nation.

For original click here more>