Up Close: Preventing fires started by lithium ion batteries; NYU hires its 1st female president

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- The FDNY, the country's biggest fire department, is pleading with the federal government to help squash the city's newest epidemic: fires caused by lithium ion batteries.

Many of the fires are started when people leave their e-bikes to recharge, leading to injuries and even deaths.

We speak with Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh about the dangers and what she is asking the government to do.

Also in this week's episode of Up Close, we speak to a former New York cop, who is now representing the fourth congressional district of New York on Long Island, Republican Anthony D'Esposito.

We hear his take on the new congress and his thoughts on how to fight crime.

Plus, another ceiling smashed. New York University hired Linda Miles as the school's first female president in its nearly two centuries of education.

WATCH Up Close on our Connected TV apps for Fire, Roku, Apple TV and Android TV. Click here to learn more.

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Up Close with Bill Ritter airs Sunday mornings at 11:00 on Channel 7.