Update: Applications Now Open for Bronx College Students for “Brandon Hendricks Scholarship”

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Applications are open for a scholarship program for local Bronx youth headed to college. The Bronx Rising Initiative (BRI) has opened applications for the Brandon Hendricks Scholarship, offering $5,000 to multiple, high school seniors from The Bronx who have recently been admitted to college. The money is to be put toward their education, as the winners choose. BRI representatives said the scholarship program launched last year in honor of and in partnership with the family of a rising star from the community who, as reported by Norwood News last year, was shot on June 29, 2020, one week before

By SÍLE MOLONEY

A Bronx man has been charged in connection with the 2012 murder of Michael Perez. Audrey Strauss, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Dermot Shea, NYPD commissioner, announced on Wednesday, May 5, that Shareef Landsmark, a/k/a “Reef, a/k/a “Wreef,” was charged with the murder, which took place in the Olinville section of the Bronx on September 17, 2012. Landsmark was arrested on May 4 and was presented before U.S. Magistrate judge, Katharine H. Parker, the next day. The case is assigned to U.S. District judge, Lorna G. Schofield. Referring to the case, Strauss

By SÍLE MOLONEY

As a reminder, in accordance with alternate side parking (ASP) reform, streets without parking meters will be cleaned no more than once per week, per side. Parking meters remain in effect. Non-metered streets that have multiple ASP days will be cleaned – with vehicles required to be moved – only on the latest day in the week on each side, as indicated on each street’s currently posted signage, until further notice. Streets that have just one day of ASP regulations on each side will not change. Streets with multiple ASP days will be cleaned on the last day

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOH) published additional information on its website on the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, April 29. As reported by Norwood News, the vaccine is available in New York City for people aged 18 and older following a short pause in use to investigate a potential health issue. DOH officials said the agency continues to have confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine and of other authorized COVID-19 vaccines. “Vaccination remains the most important step you can take to protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Monday, May 3, that the MTA will resume 24-hour subway service in New York City beginning Monday, May 17. In April, MTA New York City Transit officials announced 2,009,025 trips were recorded on the subway on April 8, the first time that more than two million trips were taken on the subway since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the city. The resumption of 24-hour service will coincide with the governor’s announcement lifting the 12 a.m. food and beverage service curfew for outdoor dining areas. “COVID-19 is on the decline in

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Intermittent, full closures at the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (Harlem River Lift Bridge) to and from Manhattan are scheduled on Friday, May 7, and Friday, May 14, from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. for bridge lifts to test mechanical functionality and allow completion of routine preventative maintenance. Each closure lasts approximately 20 minutes. Motorists may experience delays and should consider an alternate route. Motorists can sign up for MTA e-mail or text alerts at www.mymtaalerts.com for the latest information on this planned work.

Off Duty NYPD School Safety Agent Arrested for Assault, Endangering a Child

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Monday, May 3, 2021 at 8.39 p.m, Valerie Collins, 55, an off-duty New York City employee was arrested and charged in the 45th precinct with assault and with endangering the welfare of a child. Collins is an NYPD school safety agent. No information was available for Collins on the NYPD’s public records site. The 45th precinct contains six miles of park area, and 10.6 miles of waterfront. It covers the Bronx neighborhoods of Co-op City and City Island. A person arrested and accused of a crime is innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance identifying the person seen in the attached photo regarding an assault that occurred in the 52nd precinct. It was reported to police that on Monday, April 19, 2021 at approximately 2.30 p.m., in front of 2406 University Avenue in the Fordham Manor of the Bronx, a 13-year-old male victim was approached by the unidentified male suspect. The suspect stabbed the victim multiple times in the left leg with a cutting instrument, before fleeing the scene, on foot, towards Father Ziezer Place. EMS responded to the location and transported

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced on Tuesday, May 4, that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in the Bronx in 2017. Clark said, “The defendant followed a 12-year-old girl, who was on her way back home from a store, and sexually assaulted her in broad daylight. He also terrified the child by threatening to kill her and her family. We hope today’s sentence brings some solace to the victim and her family.” Clark said the defendant, Malcolm Lugo, 24, last of 3988 Bronxwood Avenue in