Latest Edition of the Norwood News Is Out

By DAVID CRUZ With the seasons changing hands and temperatures climbing (I also think I heard birds chirping), it’s a good time to head to your local business to pick up the latest copy of the Norwood News. We’ve packed 20 pages of community news you can use in the area, with a crime spike in the 52nd Precinct topping our news fold. Find out what the numbers are and what folks in some of the tougher neighborhoods have to say about the crime trend. We’re also following some major development news coming out of the Bedford Park/Norwood areas, beginning with

By DAVID CRUZ In a State of the Borough speech packed with pomp, ambition and proposals, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. talked of the Bronx on the mend, powered by a list of accomplishments and tempered gravitas.

Digital Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

by David Cruz The latest digital edition of the Norwood News is now available to read and share with your friends. Check it out via your smartphone or the convenience of your home. Our second edition of the year features surprising news from developer Mark Stagg, owner of The Stagg Group. The cat was let out of the bag this week when we learned the large-scale developer recently purchased a trio of new properties along Webster Avenue, complementing the other three Stagg properties slated to open. Find out which deeds Stagg took over along the burgeoning corridor The Stagg Group has purchased

By SAD ADIB A 2014 survey by the New York City Department of Education (DOE) found that reducing class size is a “top priority” for parents. But for some middle school students, concerns for class size vary dramatically. DOE statistics show that the number of students per class have decreased slightly, to 26.8 students from 26.7. And though reducing class size is still key to the DOE’s long-term agenda, some students and teachers didn’t see the difference. At West Farms’ PS 214 middle school, Trinity Haynes, 13, has an eighth grade class comprised of 34 students. “In a smaller class,

By DAISY TORRES Tyrone Tyler Thomas often rushes to complete his homework that requires a computer. It’s not to make time for his PS3 game console or hang out with his friends. It

By Mamasa Dukuray After years of cell phones prohibited in New York City public schools, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans on lifting the city Department of Education (DOE) policy. The change is in effect this March. Prior to the official announcement, several students would welcome the news. Isetou Jawara, a student at Validus Preparatory Academy in Claremont, said she will enjoy lunch more since she would feel she was truly “on break.” “If students are given a bit more freedom with phones, things would be better,” she said. Mayor Bill de Blasio, as part of a campaign promise, made

By Brittney Herrera Even though roughly half of Bronx families are supported by welfare, the stigma on relying on public assistance persists, with many recipients bearing the brunt of presumption. “Some people’s perceptions of me being on EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is that I am abusing my EBT,” said Jennifer Barona, 24, a single mother in the Bronx. “It feels very overwhelming.” Welfare helps her take care of her two toddlers, but she doesn’t feel good about her situation. “The first time when I was in the waiting office, I was pregnant with my first toddler. There was a lot

By NICHOLAS ROBINSON Daniel Martinez, 17, a senior from the Academy for Scholarship and Entrepreneurship in Edenwald, wouldn’t mind dropping out of high school to pursue his sports career as a boxer. He wants to be the greatest of all time. And so far, on weekdays, he’s invested the time, beginning his training regimen at 4 p.m. until he goes to sleep, and on weekends he trains longer. As for an alternative plan should things go south, Daniel would rather not think about that. “If I had a backup plan, that means there would be a thought in my mind

By Karina Caban While there are several places throughout the Bronx where young adults can learn how to become better parents, the neighborhood streets are often the most obvious place parenting education can be found. Interviews with Bronx teens show that daily interactions on the sidewalk, in the subway and at the local bodega offer a view of the challenges and rewards of parenting. “It’s always chaotic where I live,” said David Hawkins, 17, who attends Metropolitan High School. “I see little kids being pushed to the side by their parents and [heard about kids being] beaten to death.” David