‘El Chapo,’ Whose Drug Network Dominated the Bronx, Sentenced to Life

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzman Loera, infamous former head of the Sinaloa cartel, the world’s most powerful drug organization, was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years on July 17, after an 11-week trial that ended in February. The cartel is known for its widespread distribution network that includes the Bronx. Guzman was found guilty on ten federal charges, including murder conspiracies, engaging a continuing criminal enterprise and other drug-related charges. The sentencing came a month after 18 people with ties to the cartel were charged by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office with dealing heroin and enough fentanyl to “kill

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By DAVID CRUZ

Councilman Ritchie Torres has four times more money than his rivals in his run for the 15th Congressional District race, with $522,494 from 1,100, putting him ahead of his opponents by $400,000, according to campaign finance records. This puts him at the top when it comes to fundraising, a move that could afford him building a greater campaign apparatus than his rivals. But when it comes to the number of donors hailing from the Bronx, the bulk of those donors went to fund the campaign of Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr., according to an analysis of the figures. Torres’ total

Bus Redesign Plan Could Axe Norwood Routes, Worrying Residents

By MICHAEL TURAY

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and its proposed Bronx Bus Network redesign plan could affect several Norwood bus lines, a move unseen in decades, and which could affect thousands of riders. The MTA’s draft plan to improve Bronx bus service released last month shows the Bx28 and the express BxM4, which run through Norwood, are expected to be rerouted, while the Bx38 would be eliminated altogether. In addition, the Bx30 will no longer travel to Norwood. Under the plan, the Bx28 won’t run through Mosholu Parkway and Paul Avenue respectively, which would make the Bx10 the only alternative for riders

Diaz Sr. Favors Keeping Rikers Island Open, Will Vote Against Neighborhood Jail Plan

By DAVID CRUZ

The city’s plan to build a borough-based jail in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx finds itself emblematic of a growing criminal justice reform movement that began in the Bronx. And, as expected, it’s found itself intertwined with the crowded 15th Congressional District race, where Congressman Jose Serrano announced he will not seek re-election. The entanglement, and subsequent intrigue, stems largely from Ritchie Torres and Ruben Diaz Sr., congressional candidates on the other side of the Democratic spectrum who double as Council Members. The two legislators will need to vote to approve or reject the plan. Their positions could

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The grand opening of the new Van Cortlandt library, a quarter mile from its old site, took place on July 15, having officially closed its former smaller premises in June. To mark the occasion, colorful helium balloons swayed in the summer breeze and attendees tucked into a celebratory buffet while a human-sized, furry lion mingled playfully among staff, children, visitors and elected officials including Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilman Andrew Cohen, and Congressman Adriano Espaillat. “This was in the making for many years,” said Dinowitz. The new library, once a two-story apartment

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The City Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the Phase 3 expansion of its Citi Bike initiative on July 16, which will bring bike sharing to various South Bronx neighborhoods including Mott Haven, Melrose, Port Morris, Highbridge, Claremont, Morrisania, Longwood, Concourse, and Mt. Eden in the next year. Community Board consultation will start this fall and stations will be installed in 2020. DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg confirmed that a $100 million investment to expand the bike program through 2023 has been made by Lyft (Citi Bike’s parent company) which will also cover previously under-served neighborhoods in northern Manhattan, Brooklyn and

State of Oval Park Roils Residents, And Parks Responds

By DAVID CRUZ

The black bags were finally filled with trash. The grass trimmed. The overflowing trash bin cleared. The checkmarks made for a productive cleanup at Williamsbridge Oval Park. Yet credit for the several cleanup jobs goes to the handful of volunteers living near the park. In the space of several months, the group has taken it upon itself to do the work of the agency, whose track record for reliable cleanliness is spotty as of late. George Lunney of Norwood wasn’t taking it lying down. “We’re not getting any assistance whatsoever from the complaints we made with either 311 or with

By DAVID CRUZ and CHRISTY RAE AMMONS

Councilman Ritchie Torres, who’s dropped hints he’ll be pursuing a run for Congress for the last few months, finally made it official, launching his campaign in the form of a video he released. It’s narrated in a sobering tone by Torres, who explains how he overcame the odds and plans to continue to make changes that will support low-income and marginalized residents. “I’m running for Congress because the Bronx needs a fighter in Washington D.C. The primary presents a stark choice between a progressive new guard and a reactionary old guard. Between an LGBT fundraiser and a vicious homophobe. Between

Bronx Woman Found Dead Inside Fordham Apartment

By MICHAEL TURAY

A 33-year-old woman was found stabbed to death inside her Fordham apartment, cops say. On July 12 police were dispatched to 2414 University Ave. at around 8:40 pm after reports of a foul odor when they found the body of Cindi Olivio unconscious and on her bedroom floor with several stab wounds to her body. Law enforcement officials said Olivio’s body was so badly decomposed that the initial stab wounds were difficult to determine by cops on the scene. Further tests by the city Medical Examiner’s office confirmed Olivio suffered multiple stab wounds to her neck area. The death has