Sworn Into Office, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez Says Dream Big

By DAVID CRUZ

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez took the oath of office to be the 80th Assembly District representative, telling guests the state “must dream big.” Alongside friends and family, Fernandez was sworn into office by New York State Supreme Court Judge Llinet Rosado at Jacobi Medical Center, which falls within her district. Fernandez, a Democrat, laid out her support for a progressive agenda, and calling out skeptics. “To those who are naysayers and deniers. To those don’t believe a progressive vision is best for our community, we have one thing to say to you: that you are outnumbered,” said Fernandez, in her remarks.

Editor’s Pick Free Fitness Fun The Williamsbridge Oval presents the following free classes during January. A lock is required. For more information, call (718) 543-8672: Bodywork Details – Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., for teens, adults and seniors. Includes use of barbells and weights. Each week focuses on a different body part. Equipment is provided. Zumba – Sundays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., for all ages. Includes Latin, international and popular music to create dance routines. Onstage Lehman College’s Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., presents Ballet Hispánico, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m., featuring contemporary

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By PROFESSOR ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

So, we are in a government shutdown. And in today’s IRS agency world, that means a lot of things, including being currently shut down. With a shutdown, the agency can process some tax returns that include payments and can keep their computer systems running and continue criminal investigations. But the IRS generally doesn’t conduct audits, respond to taxpayer questions outside the filing season or—pay refunds. The tax refund is the single largest financial event of the year for many people, especially who count on large refunds to pay down debt, catch up on bills, or make major purchases. Most early

The Bucs Stop Here: Bronx Buccaneers forced out of Oval Park

By MARTIKA ORNELLA

The friendly rivalry between youth football teams in the Bronx and Harlem took a contentious turn thanks to one online petition. Keith Spivey Jr., coach of the Bronx Buccaneers, a Norwood-based youth football program with players ranging in age from 8 to 14 years-old, created the petition to drum up support over the team’s removal from their usual Saturday practice time at Williamsbridge Oval Park. In the petition, Spivey claims the Buccaneers were pushed out by the field’s current permit holder, Richard Hernandez, for the sake of the Manhattan-based Harlem Jets. Hernandez, once affiliated with the Buccaneers, left the team

By DAVID CRUZ

Police have confirmed skeletal remains found at the entrance to French Charley’s Park, within the confines of the 52nd Precinct. Police are close to identifying him. The remains were found just before noon on Jan. 3 by MTA personnel who were performing track inspections, according to police. A bridge going over the MTA tracks doubles as the pathway into the park. The homeless have been known to frequent the park and take up shelter in the park’s wooded area. The body was said to have been clothed, with jeans and sneakers. It’s unclear whether the victim was a man or

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers! The Norwood News is out with its latest edition covering the Bronx. In our last edition of the year, we bring you the latest! The front page story looks at 2018 with our traditional Year in Review, highlighting several major stories that happened throughout the year. We spent several days narrowing down the list. We hope you agree. With the new year here, we give you a briefing of all the new laws you have to comply with now. Meantime, hear what Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. wants from Amtrak when it comes to the stalled

By DAVID CRUZ

A Queens man faces a litany of charges, including sex abuse, for allegedly groping a 4-year-old girl on board a southbound 4 train. Police say Kwame Johnson, 42, was picked up by police four days after the reported assault on the 4 train. The incident, which happened on board the train around 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 27, took place at the East 183rd Street station, falling within the 52nd Precinct. The man sat down next to the daughter and placed his right hand under the daughter’s rear end, the mother claimed. Neither the mother nor the daughter was identified in

By DAVID GREENE

I will try and be a better person and make better decisions and, I guess, get better at school and make my mom proud. Hopefully, the Bronx can become a cleaner place and we can reduce the pollution. Chicago Smith Morris Park I’m not really giving up anything for the new year, but I guess I’d like people to be better to each other and be more friendly to each other instead of being bad. I hope the Bronx becomes a better place to live in; safer. I know it’s not that bad, but it could be better. Gabriel

By JOSEPH KONIG

Ahead of what Democrats say will be an historically active legislative session in Albany, here are some notable new laws coming to the Bronx at the beginning of 2019. Tobacco Sale Banned in Pharmacies As part of a bill passed in 2017, New York City pharmacies will no longer sell tobacco products. The nation’s largest pharmacy chain, CVS, famously stopped selling tobacco products in 2014, but now all New York City pharmacies will join them. The law will also affect big box stores and supermarkets with pharmacy departments. According to Councilman Brad Lander, the pharmacy ban and heavy taxation of