NYC and EmblemHealth Settle Senior Care Co-Pay Class Action for $53 Million

By SÍLE MOLONEY
In a major development, the City of New York and EmblemHealth agreed to pay $53 million to settle a class action lawsuit on behalf of more than 250,000 elderly and disabled retired City workers enrolled in EmblemHealth’s GHI Senior Care Plan, lawyers for the workers said on Monday, Aug. 3. They said the suit was brought by the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees and a handful of retirees, and the signed settlement papers were sent to New York County Supreme Court Justice Lyle E. Frank for the Court’s approval. 

Einstein College Opens IGNITE Community Teaching Lab to Expand Access to Bronx Science Education

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in Morris Park, has opened the IGNITE (Inspiring Growth in Next Generation Investigation, Training and Education) community teaching lab, the first of its kind in The Bronx. College officials said the state-of-the-art research lab provides high school and college students in Einstein’s pathway programs and across The Bronx with opportunities to experience science through hands-on learning and discovery.

Bronx Film Week Returns for a Second Year Featuring 42 Films at 14 Locations

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx Film Week is back for its second year, running from August 13 to August 22. Kicking off with a community party on Aug. 13, at SoBro Garden, 26 Bruckner Blvd, Bronx, NY 10454, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the event will feature filmmakers, Eif Rivera and Rashaad Ernesto Green, and will offer press, partners, and film lovers an early look at the week ahead.

UPDATE Tracey Towers Tenants Opposing +28% Rent Hike Take Fight to City Hall, as Rent Freeze for Other Tenants Prevails

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Tenants at Bedford Park’s Tracey Towers took their fight to resist a further, proposed 28%+ rent hike to City Hall on July 15, providing testimony on the ongoing repair problems they face at the Mitchel Lama building. Residents are especially frustrated by the latest rent hike proposal given the numerous complaints they say have been filed regarding the longstanding, required structural and other repairs, especially those relating to broken elevators, flooding and leaks.