NY AG Urges Caution Against Rising Threat of ‘Revenge Porn’ in Time of Coronavirus

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an alert on Wednesday, Nov. 18, to warn New Yorkers about potential invasions of privacy while they are engaged in intimate online or mobile conversations with their partners. Her office wrote that as New Yorkers practice social distancing in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, an increased number of individuals are engaging in intimate conversations with distanced partners with webcams and video chat apps, or are meeting new partners online and dating virtually.   Unfortunately, some users have chosen to take screenshots or recordings of their partners without their knowledge or consent


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Three Small Business Supports Launched for Low and Moderate Income Communities

By SÍLE MOLONEY
 Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City’s Small Business Services (SBS) commissioner, Jonnel Doris, announced on Nov. 25 three financial assistance programs available to small businesses in low-to-moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods. The NYC LMI storefront loan, interest rate reduction grant, and strategic impact COVID-19 commercial district support grant will provide critical resources to small businesses to help them build back and grow beyond the pandemic.   “Our fight against COVID-19 has been costly for the small businesses that anchor New York City’s neighborhoods. We’re proud to offer real relief to help these business owners keep their teams together and continue serving their communities for years to


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Bronx Weekend Bridge and Street Closures: November 27-29

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The following street and bridge closures will be in effect over the weekend from Nov. 27-29 in the Bronx. East 178 Street between Anthony Avenue and Grand Concourse: This street will be closed Saturday from 8am to 6pm and Sunday from 9am to 6pm through 12/30/20 to facilitate crane operation. Bergen Avenue between East 152 Street and Westchester Avenue: This street will be closed Friday from 9am to 7pm through 12/25/20 to facilitate crane operation. Fox Street between Westchester Avenue and East 163rd Street: This street will be closed from 8am to 6pm Saturday through 12/30/20 to facilitate crane operation. Mount Hope Place between


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University Heights: Friends of Aqueduct Walk Partner with Photoville to Document History

By SÍLE MOLONEY
As many Bronxites were digesting the latest news and results regarding the presidential election, around 15 volunteers from the University Heights community and Friends of Aqueduct Walk gathered for a park clean-up event along the Old Croton Aqueduct Walk between 183rd Street and Fordham Road on Sunday, Nov. 8. The group also used the occasion to plant a series of crocus bulbs along the route as well.   Friends of Aqueduct Walk member, Samantha Cardenas, told the Norwood News, “The event was hosted in collaboration with Partnership for Parks with Park Catalyst extraordinaire, Pilar Maschi.” Maschi is a “Catalyst” initiative


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Take-5 Top Lottery Prize Tickets Sold on Fordham Road

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York Lottery announced on Thursday, Nov. 26, there were multiple top-prize winning tickets sold in the Nov. 25 Take-5 drawing. The tickets were sold in the Bronx at:   Fordham Conv & Groc Mart Inc., located at 38 W Fordham Rd in the Bronx, which sold 2 prize winning tickets worth $62,362.50   Take 5 numbers are drawn from a field of one through 39. Drawings take place every evening at 10.30 p.m. Winning tickets at all prize levels may be cashed up to one year from the date of the drawing.   About The New York Lottery


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As Bronx COVID Cases Trend Upwards, Hotels Offered to Those Who Cannot Quarantine at Home

By SÍLE MOLONEY
During the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the spring, it became quickly apparent that many residents of the Bronx, particularly those living in high-rise apartments, could not easily practice social distancing nor easily quarantine. This was especially true for multi-generational families living in the same dwelling.   Various studies, reviews and hearings on how the City handled the first wave of the crisis showed this to be a major point of concern, along with the increased risk of domestic violence, among other factors. Now that COVID-19 cases are once more on the rise, the City has sought to


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Highbridge: Bus and Bike Lanes Added to Bronx Corridor – Hub for Cyclist Injuries

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx cyclists and bus commuters were given a boost on Friday, Nov. 20, when officials from the de Blasio administration announced that the City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) completed a major transformation of the Edward L. Grant Highway in the Highbridge section of the Bronx.   Administration officials, elected officials and advocates cut the ribbon on signature transit and bicycle safety improvements to the corridor, including a combined 2.4 miles of dedicated red, center bus lanes and green protected bike lanes (PBL). Both lane types will run in both directions and the center bus lanes will serve 56,000 riders every


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Search for 61-Year-Old Man, Last Seen Nov. 21

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Edwin Fontanez, 61, who was reported missing in the 42nd precinct.    It was reported to police that Fontanez was last seen inside his home at 917 Home Street, Bronx, NY 10459 on Saturday Nov. 21, 2020 at 9.30 a.m. He is described as male, Hispanic, 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds, has brown eyes, gray hair and was last seen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and black sneakers.   Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the


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