Norwood Neighbors for Racial Justice Pen Open Letter to City Officials Calling to Defund NYPD

By Síle Moloney

Following a historic week of legislative reform aimed at addressing racial injustice and inequality at both City and State level, a group of about 50 local residents gathered peacefully at Williamsbridge Oval Park in Norwood on Friday Jun. 19 for a kid-friendly Juneteenth celebration in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Norwood Neighbors for Racial Justice and allies is an unofficial, local group recently formed and spearheaded by four local, multiracial women, Miriam Neptune, Jatnna Ramirez, Carissa Smith and Pam Sporn. In addition to organizing the Juneteenth event, the first of its kind in Norwood, the group

By Síle Moloney

Following the conclusion of an internal investigation, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Jun. 26 that 17 uniformed Department of Correction staff will be charged for their conduct surrounding the death of 27-year-old trans woman, Layleen Polanco, at Rikers Island in June 2019. As reported recently by Norwood News, Polanco, according to earlier reports, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a cab driver and for possession of a controlled substance, and was being held at Rikers Island on a $500 bail. She died on Jun. 7, 2019 following an epileptic seizure, according to a medical examiner. She had been

By PS/MS 95 Staff

Like all schools in New York City, PS/MS 95, The Sheila Mencher School, was required to turn on a dime and enter the world of “remote learning” when the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in March, and the ensuing statewide PAUSE order went into effect. The school’s immediate response was to proactively reach out to students and parents to set up a viable, constructive, online learning program to connect teachers and students and continue with teacher lessons, student work, meaningful feedback and assessment. Now, over three and a half months later, having lived and worked through the experience, and as

By PROFESSOR ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

Before coronavirus, the number of people working from home or self employed made up 13 percent of America’s economy. We now believe that by choice of both employees and employers this number will grow to close to 20 percent by the end of the year. Is working from home a new and important topic for at least 35 percent of America’s now home-working employees therefore? Absolutely! Notwithstanding tax implications, your work-from-home savings and costs should be examined and written up as part of your household budget. For example, commuter related expenses are no more, right? That includes travel, clothing

By Síle Moloney

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced on Jun. 25, 2020 that 26 alleged Trinitario gang members, who are current or former Rikers Island inmates, have been indicted for multiple stabbings, and other acts of violence in jail, following a joint investigation by her office, Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Department of Correction’s Correction Intelligence Bureau, with assistance from the New York City Department of Investigation. Clark said, “During their time in Rikers Island, these defendants allegedly conspired and engaged in numerous slashings and stabbings that caused grievous wounds. They allegedly carried out

By David Greene

A flyer circulating on social media under the title National Economic Withdrawal Boycott has called for a week-long boycott of large box-store chains, fast-food restaurants, and online retailers from Sunday, Jun. 21 through Saturday, Jun. 27. The week-long call to action appears to have grown out of other social media campaigns that aim to empower Black people through the control of economics, and to highlight the fight against racism in America through the power of the Black Dollar. A number of social media campaigns supporting the Black Lives Matter movement have existed since the group was founded. However, as

By Síle Moloney

Poe Park Greenmarket is opening for the summer season on Tuesday, June 30th, with Emil Alummootil, the market manager, saying, “It will be a great opportunity for community members to shop for the freshest, locally grown produce in their own neighborhood”. Community members will be able to use their SNAP/EBT benefits at the market, including the new P-EBT program, at the market. For every $5 spent using an EBT card, the person will receive an extra $2 Health Bucks coupon to spend on more fruits and vegetables. Greenmarkets are one of many programs falling under the GrowNYC

By David Greene

A video which was briefly uploaded to social media but later removed, showed an emotionally disturbed man brawling with half a dozen people along a busy East Fordham Road, close to Jerome Avenue on Jun. 1, a few hours before dozens of looters destroyed stores and removed property from the popular shopping district. According to NYPD, the video was shot on the afternoon of Jun. 1 and began with the man, dressed only in a pair of white socks, crossing East Fordham Road. Another man in a red and black jacket walked up behind him and struck him in

By Síle Moloney

The New York City Police Department is asking the public’s assistance identifying the individual shown in the attached video who is wanted for questioning in connection with a commercial burglary that occurred within the confines of the 52nd precinct. On Monday, Jun. 22, 2020 at approximately 8:00 p.m., inside 62 West Fordham Road (telecommunications store), an unidentified male gained entry through the roof of the building. Once inside, the man removed $1,500 and approximately $25,000 worth of cell phones and accessories before fleeing in unknown direction. Anyone with information with regard to the identity of this