Families

Gillibrand Announces New Bill Covering Free Childbirth for Families with Private Insurance

By SÍLE MOLONEY
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced on Wednesday, May 21, the introduction of her bipartisan bill, “Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act,” bipartisan law that, if passed, would require insurance companies to fully cover the costs associated with childbirth, including labor and delivery and prenatal, neonatal, perinatal, and postpartum care.

Unity Democrats Announce Endorsements in Upcoming Democratic Primary

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The Unity Democratic Club announced their official endorsements for multiple political races in the upcoming 2025 primary elections in late February. These included City Council Member Justin Brannan (C.D. 43) who represents parts of Brooklyn for the role of NYC comptroller, a role currently held by Brad Lander, City Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. (C.D. 17) for Bronx borough president, a role currently held by Vanessa L. Gibson, Danielle Herbert Guggenheim, a Unity Democrat member and former vice-president, for City Council District 11, a role currently held by Eric Dinowitz, and finally incumbent City Council Member Pierina Sanchez for District 14.

NYC Department of Transportation Encourages New Yorkers to Get Healthy on Bike-to-Work Day

By SÍLE MOLONEY
NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez is encouraging New Yorkers to join him in partaking in Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 16, to promote cycling as a healthy, environmentally friendly, and accessible form of transportation. DOT officials said bike ridership is at an all-time high in New York City, with an estimated 226 million cycling trips each year across the five boroughs.

Gary Axelbank is The “People’s Choice” for Bronx Week 2025

By ARIEL PACHECO & SÍLE MOLONEY
The Bronx Tourism Council, along with The Office of the Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, kicked off Bronx Week 2025 during an opening ceremony at the Bronx Museum of the Arts on May 6, with the announcement of this year’s Bronx “Walk of Fame” inductees. This year, the People’s Choice Award went to journalist, DJ, and longtime BronxNet TV host, Gary Axelbank.

Bronx Man Working as Former Manhattan NYCHA Super Gets 18 Months for Bribery & Extortion

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Hector Colon, a 47-year-old Bronx man and former superintendent for the New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for soliciting and accepting approximately $30,000 in bribes from contractors in exchange for awarding repair contracts or approving repair work worth at least $400,000, federal prosecutors said on Tuesday, May 6.

Norwood: Decatur Ave Home Used by Gang Broken into Again

By DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY
Nearly five months after federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) raided a Norwood building used by gang members at 3267 Decatur Avenue, and almost two months after federal prosecutors announced the seizure of the building through the courts, to the relief of block residents, workers were seen sealing the two-story home at the end of March. One month later, on April 30, the home was broken into and not for the first time.