Schools

Hochul: Tax Refund Checks to be Sent to Millions of New Yorkers

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced July 22 the start of Phase II of the School Tax Relief (STAR) program benefit season. Hochul said at the time that eligible homeowners in communities with school tax due dates in August or September would start receiving their STAR benefit in subsequent weeks.

Norwood: Councilman Dinowitz & Assemblyman Dinowitz Call for More Security in Oval

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Following the fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Ángel Miguel Mendoza Hernández in the Williamsbridge Oval on Aug. 5, and recent calls for more security in the Norwood park, Council Member Eric Dinowitz (C.D. 11) and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81) joined local community groups and concerned residents at a press conference in the Oval on Friday, Aug. 15, to reiterate the need for greater park security and oversight to protect not just children and young people, but all residents who use the beloved park.

UPDATE Norwood: Oval Security Cameras Still in Limbo; Sen. Rivera Asks for Prioritization after Teen Murder

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The status of when and where security cameras will be installed in the Williamsbridge Oval park in Norwood remains in limbo ten days after the fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Ángel Miguel Mendoza Hernández in the Oval on Aug. 5. As reported, State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33) wrote to NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez on Aug. 12 asking that funding requested by NYC Parks for cameras which was secured last year be utilized to install the cameras as a matter or priority.

Norwood: Healing Circle Held After Murder of Ángel Mendoza Hernández 14 Disrupted by Bikers

By SÍLE MOLONEY & MIRIAM QUIÑONES
As various community and wellness leaders gathered at a circle of healing event in the Williamsbridge Oval park in Norwood on Tuesday evening, Aug. 12, in a pre-organized effort to help local youth process their feelings following the fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Ángel Miguel Mendoza Hernández inside the packed park one week earlier, the peaceful gathering was abruptly and seemingly deliberately and maliciously disrupted by a group of motorized bike riders.

City Budget Expands Sunday Opening to Three Bronx Public Libraries including Kingsbridge

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Beginning Sept. 7, 11 additional library branches across New York City will offer service on Sundays, thanks to new operational funding of $2 million secured in the City’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The expansion was championed by the New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and council members and encompasses three Bronx libraries: Kingsbridge, Mott Haven and Baychester.

UPDATE Norwood Residents Call for More Park Oversight after Murder of Ángel Miguel Mendoza Hernández 14

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Shocked and outraged at the murder of 14-year-old Ángel Miguel Mendoza Hernández who, as reported, was fatally stabbed in broad daylight in a packed Williamsbridge Oval park in Norwood on Tuesday, Aug. 5, in a violent gang assault, the Norwood community is taking various steps to support the teenager’s grieving family and enhance park security to prevent further tragedies.