Jashawn Parker submerged himself in a bathtub to stave off the fire in his apartment, but that quick thinking wasn’t enough to protect him from years of landlord neglect. The landlord, Eric Gladstein, is currently on probation for stealing funds from a government program that provides rent money to poor tenants; an accomplice awaits sentencing on related charges. more>

Leasing a candy store is a small but profitable venture; it’s appealing to more and more Bangladeshis. Now Bangladeshis lease, run and work in most of the candy stores around the city. But the workers, who are mostly newcomers, make little and prefer to move to better jobs as soon as they can. more>

A four-year battle over who can share living quarters at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University ended this month when the school quietly changed its policy, avoiding a trial in a lawsuit by lesbian students who claimed discrimination. The president of the Orthodox Union is disappointed by the decision. The university is unclear about whether its new liberal policy will extend to all its campuses. more>

Read through any Chinatown tour guide and you will always find the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory on Bayard Street gets high marks. Founded 25 years ago by five second-generation Chinese brothers, CICF has attracted a large group of loyal customers, both Chinese and Western, with its special flavors. more>

Irish bar owners are hopping mad about Mayor Bloomberg’s new proposal to ban smoking in bars and restaurants. Many bar and restaurant owners believe it will have a devastating affect on their businesses and are banding together to tell the mayor to butt out. more>