Suspect in Norwood Rape Arrested and Charged

By DAVID CRUZ

Police have arrested a registered sex offender accused of raping a 64-year-old woman after following her across Norwood. Ugan Smith (below), 40, was arrested on Jan. 11, a day after police say he stalked the victim, following her to her apartment in the area of East Gun Hill Road and DeKalb Avenue at around 6:45 p.m. Smith, who lives in transitional housing managed by the Bronx Psychiatric Center, followed her all the way to her apartment, pushed her in it, and brutally raped her before saying, “I have a gun, and I am going to kill you and have sex

State Ethics Panel to Probe Forcible Kiss Claim Against Jeff Klein

By DAVID CRUZ

A state investigative body is looking into claims Bronx State Senator Jeff Klein, leader of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC), forcibly kissed a former employee in 2015. The former staffer, Erica Vladimer, told the Huffington Post that the incident happened on April 1, 2015 at an Albany bar. Klein and his staffers were celebrating the passage of the New York State budget, according to the report. Vladimer and Klein then exited the bar to smoke a cigarette. “All of a sudden there was a hand on the back of my head and he shoved his tongue down my throat,” Vladimer said in

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA, PFA

So is it really true? Will the new tax bill that put caps on mortgage interest and property taxes stop people from buying a home? Will it prevent them from receiving numerous tax deductions? Well, according to the IRS, the caps on these areas will only affect four percent of the nation. Now, while I’m sure, many (including me) question this number, their next projection might be more accurate: In high state areas like New York this will effect over 60 percent of home ownership. “Capping” deductible areas like mortgage interest and property taxes are designed to shift you from being

By ROSSE MARY SAVERY

As a sixth grade teacher at MS 80, I was deeply disheartened to see recent negative news stories that have attacked our students, staff and community. Our students are upset and hurt that they have been made to look like delinquents. Simply put, what has been written about MS 80 is false—if you take the time to talk to our students and teachers, it is easy to see that there are amazing opportunities and programs at our school. Not only are teachers coming in prepared to provide the strongest academic experience possible, students are eager to learn each and every

By DAVID CRUZ

Bronx State Senator Jeff Klein, leader of the Independent Democratic Conference, has blasted accusations that he forcibly kissed a former employee at a bar in Albany in 2015. The former staffer, Erica Vladimer, told the Huffington Post that the incident happened on April 1, 2015 at an Albany bar. Klein and his staffers were celebrating the passage of the New York State budget, according to the report. Vladimer and Klein then exited the bar to smoke a cigarette. “All of a sudden there was a hand on the back of my head and he shoved his tongue down my throat,” Vladimer said

By DAVID CRUZ

Police are searching for a rape suspect who followed a 64-year-old woman into her apartment and raped her. The suspect, described as a black man standing at over six feet with a medium complexion and mustache, stalked the victim, following her to her apartment in the area of East Gun Hill Road and DeKalb Avenue in Norwood on Jan. 8 at around 6:30 p.m. He then stormed the apartment, leading her inside and raped her, according to police. The suspect got away but was captured on video. This ranks as the first reported rape that happened with the

Despite a New York Post expose detailing a history of problems at JHS 80, teachers came in defense of its principal, embroiled in controversy. The New York City Department of Education is now reportedly investigating the school, a pledge already made by the New York City Council. But teachers, five of whom declined to give names to the Norwood News, spoke highly of principal Emmanuel 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

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”