On a Sunday last month, in a temporarily converted funeral home in Bedford Park, the Rev. Doug Cunningham preached about change. This was the first ever worship service of New Day United Methodist Church, a small but passionate group of Christians in search of a permanent home, an open-minded congregation and every opportunity to bring their justice-based message to the north Bronx.

Various stories, including: Showdown for Speaker, Rivera’s Queens Office, Tenant Voting Flap

Last week, a Kingsbridge Heights man went berserk, allegedly slashing his wife’s stomach, before going out on a fourth-floor windowsill, where he kept police at bay for 13 hours.

Though there are some remaining obstacles (see cover story re: Pedro Espada), come Jan. 1, the Democrats are likely to take control of the state legislature for the first time in 40 years. That means they will no longer be able to blame the Republican-controlled Senate for stalling legislation and budgets.

Pastor Fernando Cabrera, who heads New Life Outreach International Church in the North Fordham area, is throwing his hat into the already crowded ring of challengers hoping to unseat Maria Baez, who is now free to run for a third term, thanks to Mayor Bloomberg’s successful effort to extend term limits for city politicians from two terms to three.

A listing of relevant meetings for readers in the northwest Bronx.

Local election results in the northwest Bronx.

With 3,443 households per bank branch, the Bronx is the most under-banked borough in New York City. Many worry this bad situation will worsen along with the economy.

If you’re interested in enrolling your child who is entering kindergarten through third grade, in a gifted and talented program in District 10 or any other Bronx district, you’d better act quickly.