The Norwood News Last-Minute Gift Guide

‘Tis getting a little late in the holiday gift buying season, which is why we pounded the trails of the local shopping districts in the Norwood News’ coverage area — from Fordham to Kingsbridge to Gun Hill Road, from Bainbridge to Jerome Avenue and East 204th Street to Southern Boulevard — to find the best deals, merchandise and innovative ideas for presents in 2011.

Livery Cab Bill ‘Victory’ for Bronx and Commuters, Pols Say

Gov. Cuomo and state lawmakers announced yesterday that they’d reached a deal on legislation that will expand taxi services in the outer boroughs and bring more handicapped cabs to the city. The bill, which has been in negotiations since last June, will allow livery cabs–largely the only car service available here in the outer boroughs and upper Manhattan–to legally pick up street hails (yes, it was illegal before). The new law will also permit the Taxi and Limousine Commission to issue 18,000 new livery cab licenses 2,000 new medallions for traditional yellow taxis, reserved for cars that are wheelchair accessible.

Bronx Crime Report: Murder on Marion Ave.

Acting on a 911 call early this morning, just minutes after midnight, police say they found a 51-year-old Hispanic man inside a Fordham-Bedford area apartment with a gunshot wound to his torso.

What Were The Top News Stories of 2011? You Decide

Next week, the Norwood News unveils it’s annual Year in Review issue. But first, we want to hear from you. What, in your mind, were the biggest, most interesting, most impactful stories of this year?

Bronx New School Parents Still Fighting for Meeting As Council Approves Toxins Bill

The City Council voted unanimously to pass two bills yesterday that advocates and supporters say will increase transparency from the Department of Education concerning chemicals found in school building. The legislation comes at a time when the DOE has faced biting criticism from Bronx parents over their handling of the discovery of harmful toxins in schools.

Borough President’s Survey Finds Bronxites Want Better Schools, More Jobs

This summer and fall, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.’s office asked residents to fill out an online “wellness” survey, asking questions to gauge how Bronxites feel about living in the Boogie Down, what areas they’re happy with and what things they think need fixing. Last week, Diaz’ office released the results of the survey, which 1,901 people filled out. The majority of respondents said they think Bronx schools are the area that needs the most improvement, with 57 percent listing education as their number one priority. Other areas ranking as less-than-stellar were crime/public safety and economic development/jobs. However, just

A group of students at the Academy of Mount Saint Ursula in Bedford Park were recognized recently for their hard work and academic achievements during a recognition ceremony at the all-girls Catholic high school. Students who maintained a cumulative grade point average of 89.5 or higher, as well as six students who ranked first and second in their respective classes, have been nominated to the National Honor Society, to which they’ll be officially inducted in May. Overall, nearly half of the school’s student body earned an average of 84.5 or higher this past academic quarter. Congrats, ladies, and keep up

Holiday Lights in the Bronx: Fordham Road Festivities

Photos from the “Sparkle the Heart of Fordham” event at Bryan Park earlier this month.

Bronx Community Board 7 Meeting Tonight

Just a quick heads up. Community Board 7 will be holding its monthly meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Bronx Library Center, 310 Kingsbridge Road. CB7 usually meets every third Tuesday of the month, but shifted this month to avoid the start of Hannukah.