Bronx BP Calls for Policy Changes to Improve Black Maternal Mortality

By JULIAN NAZAR

To mark Black Maternal Health Week, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson joined a host of mothers and advocates fighting for access to safe childbirth support on the steps of Bronx County Courthouse on Wednesday, April 13. The group were gathered to demand policy changes at State level to combat the high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity seen in the borough. According to data published by Fatoumata Diallo, city research scientist for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, The Bronx had the highest severe maternal morbidity (SMM) rate among all five boroughs as of

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Olivia and Liam remain America’s most popular baby names, based on newly released 2021 data from the U.S. Social Security Administration. Liam has been the top choice for new parents for five years in a row, while Olivia has topped the list for three years. During what was described by the agency as an unprecedented time, parents chose to stick with familiar names. Out of both Top 10 lists combined, only one name changed, with Theodore replacing Alexander in popularity. The name Theodore joins the Top 10 list for the first time. “Welcome to the club Teddy!” agency representatives

By DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY

The following story is an extended and updated version of the one that appears in our latest print edition. District 11 Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Assemblyman Jeffery Dinowitz (A.D. 81) visited Webster Avenue with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), the Department of Sanitation (DSNY), and members of the 47th Precinct on Friday, April 29, to observe firsthand what was described as an escalating situation regarding the increased presence of mobile car washes along the avenue, as first reported by Norwood News in 2016. The council member and assemblyman discussed with agency representatives how

By DR. AMANDA ZAYDE and DR. OLIVIA DERELLA

Parents have been asked to carry a heavy load – balancing work demands, childcare, changes in school format, and worries about COVID-19. Many people have noticed changes in how they feel and respond to others. Stress can affect mood, leading to irritability, anxiety, or withdrawing from close relationships. When your mind is crowded with many different priorities and worries, and your body is drained from poor sleep or limited self-care time, parenting can feel more challenging. Stress can lead you to a “reactive” mode where frustration takes over. When overwhelmed, it’s hard to tune in to what children need

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Among a record number of healthcare entities which participated in the compilation of the 15th Human Rights Campaign health equality index (HEI), Montefiore Health System scored a perfect 100, and earned the designation of “LGBTQ+ healthcare equality leader.” The HEI serves as the gold standard in benchmarking healthcare institutions on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees. Montefiore has received this top designation now for eight years in a row. The 2022 HEI scorecard evaluated healthcare institutions on criteria related to four key areas, and Montefiore received the top score in each one:

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the apparent increase in the various curbside car washers who have sprung up across the city since the pandemic and who are using city fire hydrants for their businesses. “I’m aware of them. I usually see them where I live in Soundview, and I see them in Fordham and in different areas. I think if it could be a hazard to the firemen or a hazard for the community, then yes, they must take them out. They can’t be allowed if it brings down the pressure of the water and it’s hampering

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Bronx Week 2022 is back in full swing. The Bronx Tourism Council has employed Bronx-based, event management company, E218 Events Management, to manage the Bronx Ball, one of the highlights of the 10-day-long Bronx Week 2022 festival which is packed with various activities.The black-tie gala honoring the Bronx Walk of Fame inductees will take place on Saturday, May 14, and the Bronx Week 2022 Grand Finale Concert will take place on May 15. This year the Bronx Ball will be held at The Penisula, located at 1215 Spofford Avenue, Bronx, NY 10474, in the a brand new facility that,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced on Thursday, May 5, that two Bronx brothers have been charged with murder and manslaughter in connection with a shooting in Fordham Heights that left a 61-year-old female bystander dead after she was hit by a stray bullet. According to the investigation, and as previously reported by Norwood News, on April 4, at approximately 7:05 p.m. in front of 164 East 188th Street, the defendants, Donald Johnson, 20, and Rakell Hampton, 34, both of 2403 Creston Avenue, allegedly got into an argument with three men and then pulled out guns. Johnson allegedly

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Bridge lift testing at the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge Manhattan span is scheduled for the early hours of Friday, May. 6, according to the MTA. Intermittent Closures Planned for Both Directions Intermittent, full closures at the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge’s Harlem River lift span to and from Manhattan are scheduled for Friday, May 6, from midnight to 5 a.m. for bridge lifts to test mechanical functionality and allow routine preventative maintenance. Each closure will last approximately 20 minutes. Customers traveling on the M60 bus, which offers service to LaGuardia Airport, should expect delays. Motorists may wish to consider