FIres & Accidents

City Council Votes to Pass More E-Bike Safety Rules to Address Dangers of Fires Caused by Lithium-Ion Batteries  

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York City Council voted on Wednesday, Feb. 29, to pass new legislation that will increase e-bike regulations in the interest of improved safety. The new laws come after one person died and 22 were injured in a Harlem fire caused by an e-bike on Friday, Feb. 23. Council members said that over the past few years, as e-bikes, e-scooters, and powered mobility devices have become more prevalent, the City has experienced a rapid increase in lithium-ion battery-related fires in both residential and commercial properties that not only destroyed property but resulted in injuries and fatalities.

Montefiore Einstein Medical Students Receive Free Tuition in Perpetuity

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Medical students at Montefiore’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine learned on Monday morning, Feb. 26, that they will receive free tuition in perpetuity thanks to a gift from Dr. Ruth L. Gottesman, Ed.D., chair of the Einstein Board of Trustees and Montefiore Health System board member.

Bronx Talk Show Host Gary Axelbank Launches New Music Podcast

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx talk show host Gary Axelbank has announced a new podcast, The Bronx Music Podcast with Gary Axelbank, and the release of the debut episode, recorded on Sunday, Feb. 4, in front of a live audience at The Artist performance venue on City Island.

Mt. Hope: Group Sought for Reckless Firing Shots on Street

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The NYPD is asking for the public’s help locating the people seen in the attached video and photos who they say are sought in connection with an incident in which shots were reckless fired on the street in Mt. Hope on Feb. 10.

Soundview: Woman Arrested & Charged in 2022 Hit & Run Killing Cyclist

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Police announced on Friday, Feb. 23, that a 28-year-old woman from the Unionport section of The Bronx has been arrested following a 2022 “hit & run” collision in the Soundview section of The Bronx which resulted in the death of a 21-year-old male cyclist. 

Norwood: Reopening of CVS Pharmacy on Bainbridge Avenue Expected in Spring

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Following the early morning commercial fire which destroyed several small businesses on Bainbridge Avenue, located between East 205th and East 206th Streets in Norwood in October 2023, workers were seen working on the interior of the shuttered CVS Pharmacy on Wednesday, Feb. 21, signaling a potential reopening.