Bronx News Roundup, Sept. 10 (Primary Edition)

Welcome back to a long overdue edition of the Bronx News Roundup. Lots of Bronx news to get to, but today we’re focused on politics leading up to Thursday’s primary. On with the show!

80th Assembly Underdogs: Adam Bermudez

The youngest candidate in a crowded field for the 80th Assembly District primary, Adam Bermudez, 29, worked as a reporter for the Bronx Times and as a freelance public affairs consultant for other campaigns before deciding to run for office himself.

80th Assembly District Underdogs: Irene Estrada-Rukaj

Irene Estrada-Rukaj, an ordained minister and community activist, is challenging incumbent Naomi Rivera to represent the 80th Assembly District in Albany. Estrada-Rukaj is one of four candidates whose names are appearing on the ballot on Primary Day, Sept. 13.

80th Assembly District Candidates Debate Tonight on BronxTalk

Three of the four candidates who are vying for the opportunity to represent the 80th Assembly District (parts of Norwood, Allerton, Morris Park, Pelham Gardens) will be debating live tonight on Bronxnet’s BronxTalk show with host Gary Axelbank.

Bronx Notes: Free Personal Finance Course

The Concourse House, 2751 Grand Concourse (entrance on East 196th Street), presents The Getting Ahead Program, a free 5-week personal finance course offering workshops in money management, credit building, debt reduction, budget creation and long term saving and planning (such as retirement, homeownership). In addition to new financial tools, graduates receive free credit report and analysis and completion certificate, which can be used at local credit unions for innovate products. Next course starts Sept. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information or to register, call Jumelia at (718) 933-2539.

Bronx Photos: Sliding Into New School Year At PS/MS 20

Students from PS/MS 20 on Webster Avenue in Norwood celebrate the arrival of a completely revamped playground area on Friday, Aug 31, just a week before school started yesterday. Our photographer, Adi Talwar, was there to document the grand opening of the playground, which was dedicated to the school’s longtime and beloved parent coordinator, Haydee Muley Criscenti, who passed away last October.

Bronx’s Hottest Political Race Takes Tabloid Detour (Updated)

In early August, the Bronx’s most intense primary race made a stop outside of Tracey Towers, the high-rise apartment complex on Mosholu Parkway where tenants are fighting to stave off an enormous rent hike. Soon after, incumbent Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera was on the defensive, fending off allegations of corruption and a well-funded challenger.