Editorial: Takeaways from the Sept. 13 Primary

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

The Sept. 13 primary in the Bronx is one for the ages. It’s usually a tough one for challengers, but in the year when the reckoning on establishment Democrats reached its peak, no one was safe. Not even the state’s most powerful senator, Jeff Klein, ousted as the Democratic representative for the 34th Senate District by Alessandra Biaggi, a candidate with a Democratic platform that translates to a complete condemnation against President Donald Trump. The people made their voices heard in a race that should be seen as an example of what happens when there’s a more engaged voting bloc

By FERNANDO CABRERA

Not since Hurricane Katrina have we seen the U.S. government fail so miserably in addressing a domestic humanitarian crisis as it has in the U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. A full six months after Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, 2017, ravaging the island, our federal government continued dragging its feet in providing relief to rebuild Puerto Rico’s most basic infrastructure functioning and reliable electricity, healthcare, operational schools, bridges, roads and reliable communications. These aren’t luxuries; they are basic necessities for any community to jumpstart its own economy, generate and maintain jobs, and restore a sense of

By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers what they think about the city’s plan to expand the speed camera program that places cameras with radar detection around public schools, increasing the number from 140 to 290 locations. It doesn’t matter. I mean, people are going to drive any way they want. But around schools, personally I would drive the speed limit and just speed up afterwards. I don’t think it will change anything. People are going to do anything they want to do at the moment. They make laws for different reasons. If you’re passing a school you shouldn’t be speeding, that’s

Mary Vallati was honored with a street renaming just outside where she lived. Now, those who knew Vallati will tell you she was a person with a real love for the community up until the time she passed away last year. At 102 years old, almost 40 years after the average age of retirement, Vallati continued volunteering her time for causes seen as vital to the community. She was there to hand out raffle tickets at 52nd Precinct Community Council gatherings, and doing her part sending mailers for upcoming Bedford Mosholu Community Association meetings. At 102 years old you can’t

The September Primary is right around the corner, and that means crunch time for anyone on the ballot vying to keep or secure public office. You will see volunteers handing out literature of smiley politicos attempting to get you on their side. They’ll appear at festivals, street corners, or your social media feed. They will do everything they can to get you to vote. But as the years go on, drawing voters to the polls has become a tough sell. Apathy mixed with busy schedules and bad experience at prior elections are enough to keep the regular public from performing

Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, After taking a tiny break to rejuvenate ourselves, the Norwood News is back with its latest edition. Check out 24 pages of community news happening in and around your Bronx neighborhood. We begin with page one! This story previews the impending traffic headaches set to fall on Norwood. It’s thanks to two road projects that will take out lanes and test your patience. Jonathan Custodio spoke with residents on their thoughts on the dual projects. Read the city’s response to the first project. Inside the cover you’ll find my first-person account of serving jury duty with Mayor Bill

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA, PFA

Some of you might know that besides operating a financial service firm, I am also a college professor on Personal Finance. This summer, I taught a course on estate planning. And, as in all my classes (and client meetings), I like to use real examples. In this case, let’s take Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul who passed away recently. Did you know she had four sons? Did you know that the family has a very active niece? Did you know she was worth $80 million? More importantly, why didn’t she prepare for her death and protect her estate and family belongings? BECAUSE SHE

Inquiring Photographer: New Car Sharing Regulations

By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers their thoughts on the City Council’s decision to impose new regulations on Uber and Lyft drivers, that include a 1-year hiring freeze and minimum pay standards for drivers. I think it’s better for the Uber driver. If anything, they’ll make more money for the company and themselves, if it makes [them] bigger. They provide a better service, really. Taxis are everywhere, but I feel like Uber service is a lot better than the yellow taxis. Uber is all around; they’re everywhere and the taxis will drive right by you. If Uber can’t survive, Bronxites will

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA, PFA

Well, I am sure by now you heard the ramblings from TV, social media, radio, and of course our President: “Our economy is growing at 4.1 percent.” So what? There are many things you do not hear in those 30-second soundbites. One of them is that 4.1 percent represents, the second quarter of the year (April through June), not the whole year. What if I told you after you account for the first quarter of 2018, that 4.1 percent now gets averaged to three percent for six months? Now, don’t get me wrong. first half of the year growing at