He Once Interned at Serrano’s Office. Now He Wants to Succeed Him

By DAVID CRUZ

When Frangell Basora heard Congressman Jose Serrano would not seek re-election, the news struck a nerve for him. After all, Serrano’s not only been Basora’s Congressman his entire life, he was also his boss. Now Basora, 27, is among the least known candidates launching a run to succeed Serrano as the next representative for the 15th Congressional District in a field that includes established lawmakers, community activists, and city employees. But Basora is familiar to the world of politics, getting closer than most candidates by experiencing Congress firsthand. It happened five years ago when he received a competitive internship through

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA, PFA

I have always believed that the growth of government, in regard to social services, is irrelevant. However, I am a strong advocate on how specifically it is used. Some countries like The European Union treat social service payments differently than we do. The Working Family Payment in Europe, for example, works by giving a tax-free payment each week, to people on low incomes who have at least one child who lives with them and is financially dependent on them. The payment is linked to the number of children you have and the income you are in receipt of. If your income is less

Major Disruptions Ahead for Norwood in Last Leg of Sewer Project

By DAVID CRUZ

Those living or traveling through Norwood will have to brace for another round of patience-challenging congestion as the city finally resumes completion of a massive sewer replacement project. And the city put the holdup on the state’s largest utility. The epicenter of the project will once again happen on Bainbridge Avenue, a busy arterial roadway that virtually cuts through the neighborhood, serving as a nexus for travelers in and around Norwood. There, between East 211th Street and Jerome Avenue by the Woodlawn No. 4 station (Jerome and Bainbridge avenues intersect at that point), the city will temporarily convert the two-way

By JONATHAN CUSTODIO

After over a year of petitioning, commuters who rely on the No. 4 train at Mosholu Parkway can finally expect an elevator to be installed. But just how long the process or even when that installation will take place is up in the air. Under the persistent roar of uptown and downtown service, elected officials gathered under the train station on Sept. 25 to announce the plan, which is to be funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) $51.5 billion capital budget for 2020-2024. A total of 70 stations in the city are expected to receive accessibility improvements. Though plans

Crime File: Police Officer Shot Dead in Edenwald

Police Officer Shot Dead in Edenwald This weekend saw a Bronx police officer fatally shot after struggling with a suspect he was trying to arrest for refusing to stop for questioning. The suspect was later shot by police. According to officials, officers from Patrol Borough Bronx’s anti-crime unit were patrolling at the New York City Housing Authority’s Edenwald Houses, following a recent shooting and reports of gang activity. The officer attempted to stop the man for questioning, when a foot chase and struggle began and multiple shots were fired at 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 29 behind 1129 E. 229th St.

Samelys Lopez, Bronx Progressive Activist, Launches 15th Congressional District Run

By DAVID CRUZ

Another progressive Democrat has announced a run for the 15th Congressional District seat, by far the most crowded political contest in the city. And she stands among the pack in grabbing a marquee endorsement from a prominent congressional Democrat. Samelys Lopez, a grassroots community activist who helped propel Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to victory last year, became the 13th candidate to announce a run for the South Bronx seat. “I just feel like it’s a time for something different, a fresh perspective; someone who is connected to the grassroots, the progressive community; someone who has an independent voice that can challenge

More Accolades for Kingsbridge Road Subway Heroes

By DAVID CRUZ

Jairo Torres, nudged between Councilmembers Fernando Cabrera and Andrew Cohen, graciously accepted a proclamation from Cabrera for saving the life of a little girl whose father pulled her onto the tracks of the Kingsbridge Road No. 4 subway station before killing himself. The setting was more intimate compared to the first proclamation he received two days before by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., the first to honor Torres in a news conference full of pomp. It’s the latest in the kind of attention Torres has received since he saved Ferni Balbuena, the five-year-old girl who was nearly crushed by

Editor’s Pick The public is invited to the Mosholu Parkway Renaissance Festival to be held at the Kossuth Playground at Kossuth Avenue and Mosholu Parkway North on Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Events include music, games and refreshments. Come in costume. For more information, visit mosholuparkland@gmail.com. Onstage Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance (BAAD), 2474 Westchester Ave., presents 2019 BlakTinX Performance Series, a variety of performances through Nov. 2, featuring singers, dancers, musicians and actors. For more information and a detailed schedule including cost, call (718) 918-2110. Events North Central Bronx Hospital, 3424 Kossuth Ave., 17th floor

By DAVID CRUZ

Would-Be Cop Killer Suspect Charged A Fordham man is charged with attempted murder of a cop in an incident that began as an alleged car break-in. Prosecutors charged Ronnie Cole, 58, after prosecutors say he attempted to steal a BMW sedan within the confines of the 44th Precinct, but was confronted by Police Officers Diego Jimenez and Robert Knights. Cole told the officers the car was his, which they didn’t buy. A struggle ensued and Cole whipped out a 9mm and attempted to shoot one of the officers before he was shot, according to prosecutors. Ex-Student Sentenced A judge sentenced