Bronx Stars of Tomorrow: Chess Master Justus Williams

In his first year as a teenager, Bronx native Justus Williams has already become the youngest African-American chess player to be awarded the title of Chess Master in the country, and he is the first to tell you about the hours of studying and dedication that he is continuing to put towards his game. Williams sat down with the Norwood News at IS 318, the Brooklyn middle school he attends, which boasts a nationally ranked chess team, to talk about his past tournament in Brazil, his favorite chess piece, and his secrets to match preparation.

An Entrepreneur Takes Advantage of Still Empty Kingsbridge Armory

The future of the Kingsbridge Armory is still undecided, though Mayor Bloomberg’s new round of RFPs (Request for Proposals) for plans on redeveloping the site are due today. In the meantime, one Latin American entrepreneur is taking advantage of the enormous space.

Bronx Youth Journalists Report: What Would You Like to See at the Kingsbridge Armory?

Editor’s Note–The following was filed by student reporters in the Bronx Youth Journalism Initiative. They are: Alexa Silver, Claudia Seda, Camryn Clarke, Paige Ruiz, Tatyana Turner, Patience Cournoo, Brittney Williams, Brandon Alleyne, Alexis Butler, Brenda Sichini, Nayeh Yisrael, Kassidy Washington, Terrance Washington, Selena Marte, Ricky Mieses, Celeste Pasian, Jasmin Lino, Andrea Jewth, Kavon Wilson. Today’s the big day–the deadline for interested developers who want to set up shop at the Kingsbridge Armory to submit their applications to the city. A spokesman for the Economic Development Corporation, charged with sorting through the proposals, said they were due in at 4 p.m.


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Bronx Notes: 52nd Precinct Community Council Meeting Tonight

Every weekday, we highlight Bronx programs, announcements, services, opportunities, public meetings/hearings or community events. Find a full listing on our Neighborhood Notes page.. The 52nd Precinct Community Council will meet tonight, Thursday, March 22 from 7 p.m. to 9 at St. Philip Neri Parish located at 3031 Grand Concourse (School Auditorium). For more information, call (718) 220-5824.

DOE Plans to Close Middle School 80

Amid a backdrop of plummeting test scores, gang problems and a bitter showdown between the teachers union and the Department of Education, Middle School 80 in Norwood is facing closure and a complete overhaul of its staff and administration.

Be Healthy! Wednesdays: Proposed Medicaid Savings Could Mean Financial Hardships

For years, those caring for an ill, disabled or elderly spouse at home through the public insurance program have been able to protect their savings through a provision known as spousal refusal — which allows someone to separate their income and assets from their partner who needs care in order to meet the strict income limits required by Medicaid. But now it may be eliminated.

Bronx Activists Push for ‘Sustainable’ Armory

Two Bronx groups that were integral in leading the City Council defeat of a shopping mall plan for the Kingsbridge Armory in 2009 are continuing their efforts to see the space redeveloped responsibly, pushing for a community use for the long-vacant building.