Education Advocates to Discuss Troubled JHS 80 Amid Reports

Despite a New York Post expose detailing a history of problems at JHS 80, teachers came in defense of its principal, embroiled in controversy. But teachers, five of whom declined to give names to the Norwood News, spoke highly of Polanco and his ability to turn the school around. Dayana Nunez, a 14-year veteran of the school, praised Polanco’s administrative performance and the the school’s performance. “They tell a little truth and expand it with a bunch of lies,” said Nunez. “This school has been a transformation. A total transformation. Our classrooms are clean, our hallways are clean.” Nunez, who teaches

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers their thoughts on several new laws that took effect in New York State on Jan. 1, which included Paid Family Leave, an income tax cut for 4.4 million New Yorkers, and a minimum wage increase to $12 for New York City residents. I feel like some of these laws are good. The raise is great, but I wonder if it will raise the cost of everything else with inflation. But overall a lot of these new laws are good for the residents of New York State and the City of New York. With all

Out & About: Parranda Comes to the Bronx

Editor’s Pick Afro-Caribbean Holiday Comes to the Bronx The public is invited to learn about and celebrate Kingsbridge Octavitas Community Parranda, Afro-Caribbean holiday caroling tradition, with Bomba Yo at the St. James Recreation Center, 2530 Jerome Ave. (between 190th and 192nd streets), on Jan 13. Events include history and singing practice from noon to 2 p.m. and Parranda on Kingsbridge Road from 2 to 4 p.m. Free hot chocolate and refreshments will be served. For more information and to RSVP, contact SamelysLopez@gmail.com. Onstage Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents Hasta Siempre, featuring Luis “Perico”

Michael Cotto of Norwood, along with his wife and two kids, are among those lucky to be alive in the Knox Place blaze that disrupted them and the lives of many others on Dec. 27. They escaped the four-alarm inferno unscathed. When compared to the devastating fire at Prospect Avenue in Belmont that claimed 12 victims a day later, the Cottos were presented with a silver lining. The fire happened at 3414 Knox Pl. a building notorious for its subpar living conditions, according to the New York Public Advocate’s Office. For the last few years, the city has placed the

NEWBORN MARINA ALSAYEDI is welcomed to the world on Jan. 1 by medical staff at NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx, making her among the first newborns of 2018. Baby Marina was delivered at 4:36 a.m. at the city-owned hospital in Norwood. Mom and dad are said to be doing well. Photo courtesy NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx

Local Faces, Old and New, Surface on Bronx Political Scene

By DAVID CRUZ

With seats on the city and state level up for grabs in 2018, several faces both familiar and in the background, have emerged well before the political season truly gets under way in the Bronx. All this comes as the Bronx Borough President welcomed his new second-in-command. Special Elections With Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj having vacated his post at the 80th Assembly District to become the next Councilmember for the 13th Council District, his Norwood seat is up for grabs. And though Governor Andrew Cuomo hasn’t formally announced it yet, he is expected to call for a special election sometime in

Bronx Braves First Storm of 2018 (Picture)

By DAVID CRUZ

The first major snowstorm of 2018 forced the closure of the entire public school system, lawmakers offices, while emptying streets usually busy. The storm began at 1 a.m., intensifying during the morning rush. Trains operated smoother, with no outrageous delays. The MTA warns anyone traveling via the Metro-North should anticipate possible train delays. By noon, some six to eight inches of snow fell in the Bronx. For the last few hours, officials have warned New Yorkers to stay home and only travel if absolutely necessary. They’ve also asked loved ones to check on neighbors. Hazardous travel warnings have also been

By DAVID CRUZ

The Norwood News produced a total of 284 stories (not counting Public & Community Meetings, Neighborhood Notes and Out & About) throughout the 25-issue print run for 2017. The issues the paper called attention to ranged, though some stories bore greater urgency in the hopes action from local legislators could be taken. Below are some topics that surfaced and resurfaced throughout the last 12 months, and are once again highlighted in the Norwood News’ annual Year in Review: Homeless Crisis Norwood was not immune to homelessness, an issue that continues pressing across the city. In the 25 Norwood News issues

Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, As you stay snug in your homes or brave the temperatures in your winter coats, you might want to check out the latest edition of the Norwood News. The first issue of 2018 is packed with plenty of Bronx community news. We begin the first issue of 2018 by looking back at 2017 in our annual Year in Review write-up anchoring the paper. Our two-page spread takes you back to some of the more pressing stories of the year, with some numbers to support it. If there’s a local story we missed, be sure to send us a