Bronx Gets Priority in de Blasio’s NYC Care Initiative

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a plan that would guarantee healthcare for 600,000 low-income New Yorkers, with Bronx residents expected to get priority. Coverage will also apply to undocumented immigrants. But how to pay for it became the biggest question during de Blasio’s announcement. “Health care is a human right. In this city we are going to make that a reality in this city we are taking that ideal and putting it into practice. From this moment on in New York City everyone is guaranteed the right to health care,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio, sitting alongside advocates and First

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By DAVID CRUZ

An investigation is underway by the NYPD to determine what caused the death of a man found inside Van Cortlandt Park. The body was found close to the park’s entrance of Jerome Avenue and East Gun Hill Road. Its discovery fell within the 50th Precinct. The investigation also comes days after police in the 52nd Precinct learned of a decomposed body found at French Charley’s Park. Police released very few details other than the victim was 33 years old whose body was found at 7:15 a.m. on Jan. 5. EMS said he was dead at the scene. The body was

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

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