The Norwood News is once again proud to present the latest edition of Bronx Youth Heard, a special publication reported, researched and written solely by Bronx high school students. The students were part of a 12-week program that exposed them to the basics of journalism, the mechanics of writing and the empowerment of civic mindedness. Our instructor, Katina Paron, worked closely to harness their talents, which are here for Norwood News readers to see. Before we close, we want to thank several folks: Councilman Fernando Cabrera and former Councilman Joel Rivera for allocating the funds needed to keep the program running, Hostos Community College

by David Cruz The Norwood News is out with its latest digital edition. It’s also hit the nearly 200 locations Bronxites can go to read up on what’s happening in the northwest Bronx. As usual, we have our own teaser for you to enjoy: First up, the big news in the Bronx political sphere is Congressman Charles Rangel securing a 23rd term as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Find out what his chief rival, State Senator Adriano Espaillat, has to say about the vote count. Coverage was largely due in part to our reporters Imani Hall and Brittney Williams.

Klein To End IDC Alliance With Senate Republicans

by David Cruz State Sen. Jeff Klein, who’s coalition as the Independent Democratic Conference president increased his a status as a key political figure in the Bronx and Albany, plans to end his relationship with Senate Republicans to rejoin the Senate Democrats in January. The move raises the political influence of Senate Democrats, who were cast aside during the Legislative Session. Klein, a Democrat, was heavily influenced to rejoin Senate Democrats by Governor Andrew Cuomo, a fellow Democrat, who believes more progressive goals will be achieved under Klein’s decision. Klein told the Daily News that his decision to rejoin Democrats

By David Cruz, Brittney Williams and Imani Hall History repeats itself. For the second consecutive contest, the political landscape of the 13th Congressional District remains unchanged as Norwood woke up to learn Congressman Charles Rangel would remain the federal legislator representing the neighborhood following a nail biter of an election race against a resurfaced rival.

Congressional Primary Day!

by David Cruz This morning, Norwoodians could hear the echo of Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj’s uttering throughout the neighborhood. The voice came from the assemblyman’s Gjonaj C.A.R.E.S. van encouraging registered voters to take time out today to vote. His talk on civic responsibility came with a slant–he encouraged folks to vote in the 13th Congressional Primary race between incumbent Congressman Charles Rangel and rivals State Sen. Adriano Espaillat and Rev. Michael Walrond. Gjonaj’s shuttling around the neighborhood came on behalf of Espaillat. With twelve hours left before the polls closed, both sides are ramping up their mobilization efforts Bronxites to head to

Are Your Taxes Via Discretionary Funding Working in Your Community?

by Elisabeth von Uhl, Special for the Norwood News It’s not always evident the work our taxes does for us as a community. Now, the new Speaker of the New York City Council, Melissa Mark-Viverito, wants to make that work more visibly and equitably to New York City residents by a group of proposed reforms. These reforms will also change how a Council Member’s discretionary funding is doled out in their Council Districts.

Congressional Primary 2014: Meet the Candidates pt. 3 of 3

By DAVID CRUZ With the Congressional Primary set for June 24, the Norwood News spoke to the top three candidates for the 13th Congressional District over the issues miring the Bronx side of the district. Part one of this three-part series focuses on Rev. Michael Walrond.