Jules Ira Rubenstein, the Original Inquiring Photographer, Dies at 74

Life-long Van Cortlandt Park resident Jules Ira Rubenstein, the original “Inquiring Photographer” who produced that popular feature for the Norwood News for 14 years until his retirement more than a decade ago, died from complications of pneumonia. He was 74. A source at Montefiore Hospital, where Rubenstein had been hospitalized since October, stated he had died on Feb. 4, confirming that at around 4:30 a.m., he was found unresponsive. “They tried to resuscitate him [but] he expired,” the source added. Rubenstein was the Norwood News’ first “roving reporter” who covered local breaking news events such as police and fire department activity. He was first hired by


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Inquiring Photographer: New Legislative Season Begins

With state lawmakers from the Bronx back to work for the new legislative session, we asked readers what are some of the current issues our local politicians should be addressing? Well, believe it or not, there is still a lot of racism here still. And it’s not just white people, it’s Africans and Dominicans; so it’s not a white thing. It’s all the races. And they’re (the NYPD) are doing the stop and search again that they were ordered not to do. Yes, they’re starting it again. You can thank [President] Trump for all of this and half the people


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Keeping DeWitt Clinton Campus Safe, NYC PA Reveals Worst Landlord Watch List: Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s final edition of the Norwood News is out with plenty of community stories to read and share. We’ve crammed plenty of news into this 28-page paper, so let’s begin with page one! Our top story focuses on improving safety at DeWitt Clinton Campus in the aftermath of a stabbing that happened on Nov. 20. Hear what the commanding officer has to say on the plan to keep students secure. Inside the cover we update you on the 15th Congressional District race, and a much-needed endorsement for candidate Samelys Lopez. Read up on why the New York City


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A Solemn Goodbye to a Community Activist, MTA Reroute Bus Plan, and More: Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s twenty-fourth edition of the Norwood News is out with plenty of community stories to read and share. We have 28 pages packed full of news from this corner of the Bronx, so let’s start with page one! Our top story focuses on the death of well-known community activist Heidi Marie Schloegel Hynes. Hynes lost her battle with cancer at 51 years old on Nov. 24. Though she may have passed, her legacy will continue to inspire many activists across the Bronx, according to her supporters. Inside the cover you’ll read a piece on the MTA’s proposed bus route revamp


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Inquiring Photographer: Bloomberg’s Chances

This week we asked readers if former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has a chance at securing the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. Yes, I do think he’ll get the nomination because he’s a billionaire and he knows politics; he’s been involved; he was a good mayor. But the stop and frisk policy for the NYPD was very questionable. The only thing he’s good at is being a businessman, which would help with jobs and help developers. There wouldn’t be much difference between him and [President] Donald Trump. Shirley Velasquez Mount Eden I think he can win


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Inquiring Photographer: Thanksgiving Thoughts

This week we asked readers their plans for Thanksgiving, what’s on the menu, and how they hope to spend the day. Well, my plans are to visit my sister, her husband and family, and my other sister and her husband and family up in White Plains. I’ll have some turkey and watch the football game. It’s either Dallas or Detroit. And of course will have all the trimmings. Robert Rowe Morrisania   I’ll probably be at home. Yes, I hope to be eating on Thanksgiving Day; my vegan Thanksgiving with Portobello mushrooms and cranberry-orange relish and cauliflower rice and a glass


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A Special Report on the Vanishing Homeowner, Railing Against Express Bus Service Cuts: Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s twenty-third edition of the Norwood News is out with 28 pages packed full of news from this corner of the Bronx. Let’s begin with page one! Our top story looks at the problem of homeownership in the Bronx, or the growing lack thereof, with more and more limited liability companies snatching up one- to four-family homes across the borough. The Norwood News spent two months delving into the topic, and we’ve got some interesting findings to share. Inside the cover you’ll read a piece on a Norwood man’s mission to change the way the prison


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School-wide Project, Cuomo Probe of Stagg Buildings: Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s twenty-second edition of the Norwood News is out with plenty of community news stories to read and share. We have 28 pages packed full of news from this corner of the Bronx, so let’s start with page one! Our top story focuses on what’s happening at Bronx Community Charter School on Webster Avenue. There, students took on an ambitious project to understand the neighborhood of Norwood, the players and the issues. Read about one student, Blessing Owusu, who delved deeply into the controversial topic of gentrification. It’s a true story of the power of community


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Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s twenty-first edition of the Norwood News is out with plenty of community news stories to read and share. We have 24 pages packed full of news from this corner of the Bronx, so let’s start with page one! Our top story focuses on a fatal police-involved shooting, with a sergeant from the 52nd Precinct shooting a driver during a traffic stop that spiraled out of control. Now the family of the deceased driver, Allan Feliz, is suing. Read why the attorney for the family believes they have a case. Inside the cover you’ll read a


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