Op-Ed: Financial Focus, COVID & The Payroll Tax – Do We Take Back Our Social Security Now?

By PROFESSOR ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

As we get ready for an electoral, presidential race where we have heard very little so far on proposed policy issues, we heard a whopper of one the other day from our president. Trump said, if re-elected, he’ll get rid of the payroll tax. So, what’s the payroll tax? The payroll tax is a tax withheld from an employee’s salary by an employer who remits it to the government on behalf of the employee. The tax is based on wages, salaries, and tips earned by employees, and is deducted for social security and medicare benefits. The current tax

By PROFESSOR ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

Well, we knew that Congress had been at a stalemate – even way before this pandemic – some would even say, even before Trump was president. We have been living with a divided government for several years now. Democracy is supposed to allow the will of the people to speak, so what happens when too many people speak, and have different opinions, to the point where nothing gets done? Enter congressional COVID stalemate, which means nothing gets done – no help for unemployment insurance, no more help for small businesses, no help for state governments, no help for eviction

By DAVID GREENE

For our latest print edition, we asked readers for their thoughts on the recent spike in shootings across the City. I like this area here in Belmont, and I prefer to do most of my activities here because I don’t feel comfortable where I live. It’s safer in Belmont than it is anywhere else around here. I like to do all my shopping. I even come here to do all my laundry and in the other neighborhood I see a lot of homeless people, and homeless shelters spread all over the Tremont Area and yes, I see crazy

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Dear Readers, Hope you’re well. As if we hadn’t enough to contend with already, what with the ongoing pandemic, a global recession, stifling humidity, a rise in gun violence, and random shark-sightings in New York City, it seems we’re also set to be hit with the tail end of Tropical Storm Isaias later this evening, August 3, so batten down the hatches, hang tight, and check out this year’s ninth and latest edition of the Norwood News. Following the arrest earlier this month of Ghislaine Maxwell on charges relating to human trafficking, which she denies, our cover

By AURÉOLE RIBES

Volunteers of America – Greater New York (VOA–GNY) announced on July 13 that it will receive $30 million from the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) over five years to take over the running of two domestic violence shelters in the Bronx starting on Oct. 1. VOA–GNY is an affiliate of VoA, a national, faith-based human services non-profit helping individuals and families in need through social service programs. The two shelters will serve different purposes. The first, Victory I, will be a 120-bed emergency shelter for critical and acute domestic violence situations, and will provide housing to

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Waly-Meissa Ndiaye is a teenager from the South Bronx. On July 22, it was announced that he was one of five students from New York City-area schools selected to receive a $10,000 college scholarship as a 2020 Milken Scholars program recipient (NYC Scholars) for his academic achievements and his service to the community. A former student at Bronx High School of Science, Ndiaye is a Gates Scholar, QuestBridge College Prep Scholar and AP Scholar with distinction. “I’m thankful and feel very fortunate to become a part of the Milken Scholar community,” he said. “In just a few weeks, I’ve

By PROFESSOR ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

In the 1980s, the world was introduced to the word “entrepreneurship”. In simple terms, it’s the world of self-employment. By the 1990s, many people had entered the world of entrepreneurship, believing that self-employment would be better than working for Corporate America. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was estimated that 13 percent of businesses owners in the United States were self-employed. Now that we know that COVID-19 is going to be part of our lives for a long, long time, a debate is underway within Corporate America that could shake up our new normal (once again), and dramatically affect our

By Síle Moloney

The City will open 12 more miles of streets and an additional nine new miles of temporary protected bike lanes to pedestrians and cyclists starting tomorrow, May 14. The combined 21 new miles brings the City total to 30 miles of Open Streets since the program was announced on Apr. 27.

Six Bronx Schools Close, Late Night BBQs Rage, and Shelter Residents Move to Times Square: The Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out Now!

By Síle Moloney

Dear Readers, I hope you’re all safe, and surviving the current heatwave! On July 19, it reached 98 degrees in parts of the City. With the hot weather set to continue through the rest of the week, it’s really important for everyone, especially our elderly residents to stay cool and hydrated. Check out some of the tips we published from the American Heart Association on how to manage the heat and protect hearts. With my sincere apologies for the delay, I confirm that this year’s eighth and latest edition of the Norwood News is out now. Our cover story