Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Proposed Bipartisan African American History Act

By DAVID GREENE

This week, in recognition of Black History Month, we asked readers their thoughts on the proposed bipartisan African American History Act bill, introduced to Congress once again by Democratic co-sponsors, U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) and U.S. Sen. Corey Booker (NJ) as reported, and which, if passed, would invest $10 million over the next 5 years to promote and support education programs dedicated to African American history. “I think they should sign this legislation with the hope that all Black and brown communities will also have their stories told. Truth be told, as a Puerto Rican-American, our story has

By DAVID GREENE

Bronxite and alum of both Fordham High School of the Arts and SUNY’s Purchase College, Samara Joy [McLendon], was a relatively unknown jazz singer before she was awarded a Grammy for Best New Artist at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, Feb. 5. Joy beat out a field of newcomers including Anitta, Omar Apolo, JD Beck, Molly Turtle, and Tobe to capture the coveted prize. During her acceptance speech, the 23-year-old Castle Hill native appeared flabbergasted, telling the recording world’s A-list stars, “I am so… Oh my gosh! I can’t

By DAVID GREENE

Members of NY Sun Works, a non-profit that builds innovative science labs in urban schools, through its Greenhouse Project Initiative to educate students and teachers about the science of sustainability, joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson at Norwood’s P.S. / M.S. 20‘s hydroponic farm on Wednesday, Jan. 25, to announce the expansion of hydroponics farm technology to 20 local schools. According to verticalroots.com, put simply, hydroponics is a way to skip the soil, sub in a different material to support the roots of the plant, and grow crops directly in nutrient-rich water. The $2.5 million boroughwide project would

By DAVID GREENE

This week, amid new allegations of financial misconduct, reports of a federal investigation, and widespread calls for his resignation, we asked readers their thoughts on newly sworn-in, Republican congressman, Rep. George Santos (NY-3), who represents parts of Long Island and who, according to media reports, has admitted to lying about his experience and education. As reported recently by Norwood News, local Norwood congressman, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) has also called for an investigation into Santos’ campaign finances. “You shouldn’t be a politician if you can’t be as honest as you’re supposed to be. If he was my representative, I would

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York Lottery officials announced Wednesday, Jan. 18, that there was one second-prize ticket for the Jan. 17 Mega Millions drawing and the ticket was sold in The Bronx. It is worth a guaranteed $20,000,000. Officials said the ticket was purchased at 170th Street Grocery, located at 160 East 170th Street in the Mt. Eden section of The Bronx. The winning numbers for the Mega Millions game are drawn from a field of one to 70, lottery officials said. The Mega Ball is drawn from a separate field one to of 25, they added. The Mega Millions drawing is televised

By SÍLE MOLONEY

An off-duty, female, New York City employee was arrested in the 52nd Precinct, police said. According to an NYPD spokesperson, on Friday, Jan. 13, at 8.19 p.m., Janet Eury, 34, an NYPD school crossing guard, was arrested and charged with assault and harassment. The 52nd Precinct covers the neighborhoods of Bedford Park, Fordham, Kingsbridge, Norwood, Bronx Park, and University Heights. A person arrested and charged with a crime is deemed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on 2022 and their hopes for the New Year. “I did not feel safe in 2022 and I couldn’t enjoy my summer. A few people dear to me passed away. Despite the few accomplishments that we had, 2022 was filled with disappointments, empty promises, and uncertainty. I hope that in 2023 we can put an end to the reckless motorcycle and motorized bike riding on the sidewalk and the senseless loud noise coming from passenger cars and SUVs. My hopes are to raise awareness to the needs of our folks with disabilities,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Representatives from the New York Lottery announced on Sunday, Jan. 8, that there was one $1 million-winning ticket for the Jan. 7 Powerball drawing, and four $50,000 winning tickets, including one ticket which was sold in The Bronx. Officials said the winning tickets were sold at the following locations: Shop ‘n Save, located at 10 Buffalo Street in Gowanda, which sold one prize-winning ticket worth $1,000,000.00 Tulip Caterers located at 1020 Tulip Avenue in Franklin Square (Nassau County) which sold one prize-winning ticket worth $50,000.00 7-Eleven #36674B located at 690N French Road in Buffalo, which sold one prize-winning ticket

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The following is an extended version of the story that appears in our latest print edition. When Bryan Cortez started studying Computer Information Systems at Bronx Community College (BCC) in the fall of 2021, New York City, like the rest of the country was still getting to grips with living through a second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. This had followed a summer spike in COVID cases caused by the then-new and highly infectious Delta variant. As a result, Cortez started his first semester at BCC, located at 2155 University Avenue in the University Heights section of The Bronx,