Hot Off The Digital Press! Latest Edition of the Norwood News Hits Streets

by David Cruz The Norwood News is out with its latest digital edition. It’s also hit the nearly 200 locations Bronxites can go to read up on what’s happening in the northwest Bronx. As usual, we have our own teaser for you to enjoy: First up, the big news in the Bronx political sphere is Congressman Charles Rangel securing a 23rd term as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Find out what his chief rival, State Senator Adriano Espaillat, has to say about the vote count. Coverage was largely due in part to our reporters Imani Hall and Brittney Williams.

Klein To End IDC Alliance With Senate Republicans

by David Cruz State Sen. Jeff Klein, who’s coalition as the Independent Democratic Conference president increased his a status as a key political figure in the Bronx and Albany, plans to end his relationship with Senate Republicans to rejoin the Senate Democrats in January. The move raises the political influence of Senate Democrats, who were cast aside during the Legislative Session. Klein, a Democrat, was heavily influenced to rejoin Senate Democrats by Governor Andrew Cuomo, a fellow Democrat, who believes more progressive goals will be achieved under Klein’s decision. Klein told the Daily News that his decision to rejoin Democrats

By IMANI HALL Soledad Franco has called the Bronx home for over 40 years, having raised her children and grandchildren in the same apartment. But rent has ballooned dramatically for Franco, who was compelled to testify at the only Rent Guidelines Board meeting in the Bronx.

Jazz Tribute for Late Musician Ibrahim González

By BRITTNEY WILLIAMS The late Ibrahim González is described as a bridge between different communities. “He made everyone his family,” said Bobby González, a longtime friend of González and the organizer of the Bronx chapter of American Indian Powwow.

Rangel Wins 13th Congressional District Primary

By David Cruz, Brittney Williams and Imani Hall History repeats itself. For the second consecutive contest, the political landscape of the 13th Congressional District remains unchanged as Norwood woke up to learn Congressman Charles Rangel would remain the federal legislator representing the neighborhood following a nail biter of an election race against a resurfaced rival.

Congressional Primary Day!

by David Cruz This morning, Norwoodians could hear the echo of Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj’s uttering throughout the neighborhood. The voice came from the assemblyman’s Gjonaj C.A.R.E.S. van encouraging registered voters to take time out today to vote. His talk on civic responsibility came with a slant–he encouraged folks to vote in the 13th Congressional Primary race between incumbent Congressman Charles Rangel and rivals State Sen. Adriano Espaillat and Rev. Michael Walrond. Gjonaj’s shuttling around the neighborhood came on behalf of Espaillat. With twelve hours left before the polls closed, both sides are ramping up their mobilization efforts Bronxites to head to

Are Your Taxes Via Discretionary Funding Working in Your Community?

by Elisabeth von Uhl, Special for the Norwood News It’s not always evident the work our taxes does for us as a community. Now, the new Speaker of the New York City Council, Melissa Mark-Viverito, wants to make that work more visibly and equitably to New York City residents by a group of proposed reforms. These reforms will also change how a Council Member’s discretionary funding is doled out in their Council Districts.

BMCA Honors Park Advocate

Elizabeth Quaranta, president of Friends of Mosholu Parkland (l), receives the annual award for community service on June 4, standing with Barbara Stronczer, president of Bedford Mosholu Community Association (r). The Friends of Mosholu Parkland is a community group that strives to protect the environment and better the community by creating awareness of parkland issues and actively enhancing the parks’ landscape.Photo courtesy Bedford Mosholu Community Association

Second Chances Found at Boricua College

By BRITTNEY WILLIAMS Brenda Rodriguez’s life-changing moment came on Feb. 28, 2012. It was then she realized that having a college degree can be vital.