Norwood News and the Bronx News Roundup, Aug. 22

Back after a month's hiatus, the Norwood News is out on the streets and online now. Here's a quick preview of some of our stories as well some links to other Bronx stories.

Politics
The state senate race between incumbent Efrain Gonzalez and his opponent, former assemblyman, council member and borough president candidate Pedro Espada, Jr., is turning into a bitter war of words that's playing out in court rooms, in the blogosphere and YouTube.

Our editorial on the 33rd Senate District battle and what it says about Bronx politics. Hint: it's not a good thing.

We explore the story behind a Bronx Civil Court Judge race that is creating a rift among the borough's Democratic leaders. More on this later today.

Back to School
Bronx activists and students rallied again for more schools and more attention from the city's Education Department as they brace for another year of overcrowded classes and makeshift facilities.

Small schools on two local high school campuses -- Walton and Evander Childs -- adjust with the closure of the campuses' namesake schools.

Angry Neighbors
The city's blasting plan for Jerome Park Reservoir is on hold until at least Sept. 3.

Bedford Park merchants are upset with a new neighbor's enormous signage and plan to take matters into their own hands.

Local bus riders are angry that the new Bx12 Select Bus route bypasses a busy stop on its way to Manhattan and has eliminated local service to Manhattan as well.

Parks
At a groundbreaking ceremony, Park officials said Harris Park should be ready for the opening of little league play next spring.

Devoe Park had it's grand re-opening after extensive renovations.

Other Bronx News
Animal rights activists and City Counicil member Oliver Koppell say somebody, or some people, are abusing cats in Wakefield. [NY Times]

Crain's Business has a story on the end of the strike at a Kingsbridge Heights nursing home.

The Wall Street Journal reviews a memoir from a writer whose father was a bookmaker in Co-op City.

Best story intro of the day comes from the Associate Press, as found in Newsday: "Authorities worked yesterday to fix a ruptured sewage line at the multimillion-dollar Bronx Hall of Justice that left prisoners and judges crying foul punishment."