On this episode of OPEN, we recognize Parkinson’s Awareness Month with John L. Lehr, President and CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation, alongside Robert Baittie, who has been living with Parkinson’s disease. Then, we take a look back at our conversation with Estela Starr, founder of Healing Through Unity, an organization working to raise awareness around domestic violence through education, advocacy, and community care. Next, we’re joined by Johnathan Hornig, Director of Well-Being Services at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center and a member of Smile Train’s Cleft Community Advisory Council. He shares his experience on Smile Train’s “Journey of Smiles” in Mexico, meeting children and families receiving cleft care. And lastly, actor Christian Gunn joins us to talk about his journey in the industry and what’s next as he continues to grow his career.

OPEN Wednesday is BronxNet’s weekly morning show focused on current events, local news, and community issues that impact the Bronx and beyond. Hosted by Daren Jaime.

On this episode of OPEN, John King Oppermann, Executive Director of Earth Day Initiative, discusses the upcoming Earth Day Festival in NYC, and ways people can take action for the environment. Then, Yolanda Durant, Stakeholder Liaison at the IRS, shares tips for filing taxes at the last minute, avoiding common errors, and requesting extensions. Next, Mario Armstrong, Digital Lifestyle Expert, offers tech tips for home safety, productivity, and lifestyle upgrades. Lastly, Robert Whelan and Deivid R. Valdez highlight the 48th annual Run The Bronx, a community event promoting health, fitness, and wellness.

OPEN Wednesday is BronxNet’s weekly morning show focused on current events, local news, and community issues that impact the Bronx and beyond. Hosted by Daren Jaime.

On this episode of OPEN, we are joined by A. Curtis Farrow, producer and director, to discuss this year’s McDonald’s Gospelfest and its impact on faith, music, and community. Next, Kayla Paulino, director of Camp Junior at The Fresh Air Fund, shares how Bronx youth are gaining transformative summer experiences filled with fun, friendship, and personal growth. Then, we revisit a conversation with Shauntay L. Dunbar, author and relationship expert, on recognizing early warning signs in relationships and strategies to respond before small issues escalate. Lastly, Alexandra Wynters, director of JustUs at Rising Ground, breaks down how the program supports girls and LGBTQ+ youth involved in or at risk of involvement in the justice system.

OPEN Wednesday is BronxNet’s weekly morning show focused on current events, local news, and community issues that impact the Bronx and beyond. Hosted by Daren Jaime.

On this episode of OPEN, Tara N. Gardner, Executive Director of the Day Care Council of New York, breaks down NYC’s new 2-K program for two-year-olds and what it means for families seeking accessible, affordable childcare. Then, Shinobu Hindert, Certified Financial Planner and best-selling author discusses how AI is reshaping tax filing with smarter organization, improved accuracy, and enhanced security for financial documents. Next, Bryan Ribeiro, Festival Founder and Filmmaker, shares how the Mount Vernon Independent Film Festival is uplifting emerging voices and building community through film. Lastly, Jared Logan, Director of Renewable Energy, along with Anthony Torres, Solar Sales Consultant at Smarter Energy Services, explore no-cost EV charging solutions and solar energy options for homeowners and businesses.

OPEN Wednesday is BronxNet’s weekly morning show focused on current events, local news, and community issues that impact the Bronx and beyond. Hosted by Daren Jaime.

On this episode of OPEN, we are joined by David Adams, CEO of Urban Assembly; along with Tia Morris, Executive Director and Alex Amaya, Managing Director of Leadership Development at Teach For America New York, to discuss Project CAFE.
Then, Manny Claudio, Creative Director of PW School of Art, and Alumnus, Walter Nance, share how the school is empowering underserved communities through creativity and arts education. Next, Vanessa Joseph, Regional Director of Bronx SBDC, joins us to highlight support for local entrepreneurs, resources for small business owners, and workshops helping Bronx businesses thrive. Finally, Sándie Luna, Executive Director of ID Studio Theater, talks about the productions featured in the Teatro Fest NYC 2026, a citywide festival celebrating Latinx theater, storytelling, and community-driven performance.

OPEN Wednesday is BronxNet’s weekly morning show focused on current events, local news, and community issues that impact the Bronx and beyond. Hosted by Daren Jaime.

On this episode of OPEN, we’re joined by Joe Pressley, Vice President of Public Policy & Government Relations at Amida Care, who breaks down what potential federal Medicaid cuts could mean for New Yorkers living with HIV and for the broader healthcare safety net. Next, Rey Hollingsworth Falu, President of the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS, joins us to discuss the latest housing data for the Bronx and the Hudson Valley. Then, we revisit a conversation with Colette Tomasiak, Director of Product Marketing at SpyCloud, who explains how outdated data from past breaches can continue to put individuals and organizations at risk. Lastly, in recognition of Social Work Month, Jestin Jennings, Vice President of Foster Home Services, Preventive and ORR Programs at JCCA, discusses the urgent need for foster homes across New York State and the critical role social workers play in supporting children and families.

OPEN Wednesday is BronxNet’s weekly morning show focused on current events, local news, and community issues that impact the Bronx and beyond. Hosted by Daren Jaime.

On this episode of OPEN, Patrick Nowak, Manager of Exhibitions Operations at the New York Botanical Garden discusses The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle, a vibrant celebration of orchids and NYC-inspired street culture. Next, Nicole Johnston, Senior Director of School-Year Programs at The Fresh Air Fund talks about City Explorers, a mentorship program helping NYC youth discover the outdoors, build leadership skills, and connect with dedicated mentors across the city. Then, Danny Pearlstein, Policy and Communications Director at Riders Alliance discusses the city’s new offset bus lane plan along Fordham Road and its impact on transit equity in the Bronx. Lastly, Eman Rimawi-Doster, Senior Community Organizer for NYLPI’s Disability Justice Program breaks down the report “Left Behind Across New York State,” highlighting transportation disparities for wheelchair users and advocating for accessible, equitable ride options.

OPEN Wednesday is BronxNet’s weekly morning show focused on current events, local news, and community issues that impact the Bronx and beyond. Hosted by Daren Jaime.

On this episode of OPEN, Rosa Caballero-Li, Senior Director of BookOp discusses the New York Public Library’s new partnership with The New York Times, offering free unlimited online access at branches citywide. Then, Debbie Kross, Co-Recording Secretary of PLACE NYC, breaks down new survey results on proposed changes to NYC’s Gifted & Talented programs. Next, Charles Komanoff, Mathematician and Policy Analyst, reflects on one year of NYC congestion pricing and its impact on streets and transit. And finally, Roy Secord, Public Artist, Photographer and Storyteller, is joined by featured immigrant and multidisciplinary artist Tijay Mohammed to discuss “From Home There to Home Here,” a Bronx-based project highlighting African immigrant stories.

OPEN Wednesday is BronxNet’s weekly morning show focused on current events, local news, and community issues that impact the Bronx and beyond. Hosted by Daren Jaime.

On this episode of OPEN, we’re joined by Dr. Carlos Navarro, Cardiologist at Montefiore to discuss American Heart Month and what you can do to protect your heart. Then, Sarah Oltmans, Chief of Grant Strategy at Robin Hood, breaks down new data from the Poverty Tracker on child care hardship in NYC. Next, Allia Mohamed, CEO & Co-founder of Openigloo, shares how the platform helps renters find apartments and trusted landlords. Additionally, Yolanda Durant, IRS Stakeholder Liaison, walks us through key updates for the 2026 tax season. Lastly, Dr. Susan Burns, President of the University of Mount Saint Vincent, and M. Quentin Williams, Founder & CEO of Dedication to Community, discuss the launch of the D2C Justice Institute.

OPEN Wednesday is BronxNet’s weekly morning show focused on current events, local news, and community issues that impact the Bronx and beyond. Hosted by Daren Jaime.

On this week's edition of OPEN Wednesday, host Daren Jaime starts off with taking a look at local Bronx news with the Around the Bronx segment. The first story is about Healthy Choices at bodegas for Bronx residents. The second story is about the 8th annual block party hosted by Bronx Natives. Then Daren sits down with Dr. Sheila Hankin of Lehman College to talk about breast cancer awareness month and to remind women of the Bronx to get screened for breast cancer. After that, we are joined by Explore and CEO of HASAN Justin Fornal to talk about his recent projects in Somalia. Finally, we sit down with Executive Director Shanequa Charles and Art Director The Artist from Miss Abbies Kids. Here to tell us about the 13th Annual Miss Abbie's Kids Halloween Health and Wellness event. 

OPEN Wednesday is BronxNet’s weekly morning show focused on current events, local news, and community issues that impact the Bronx and beyond. Hosted by Daren Jaime.