Bronx News Roundup, Jan. 9

The Daily Politics' says it's uncovered another sign that Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion is on his way out. Earlier today, Carrion's office sent a notarized letter to the City Clerks Office, which designated Deputy BP Earl Brown as his successor in case of sickness, suspension or absence. If Brown, for whatever reason, can't perform the BP's duties, Carrion's executive assistant Karen McGuiness would take over. The Adolfo watch continues...

If Carrion leaves, Liz Benjamin says Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. and City Council member Joel Rivera would probably be running in a special election, with CM Jimmy Vacca also mulling a bid.

Earlier today, former "A Bronx Tale" star and "Sopranos" part-timer Lillo Brancato, Jr. was sentenced to 10 years for attempted burglary after being acquitted on murder charges last month. Brancato was present when his friend, Steven Armento, shot an off-duty Bronx police officer, Daniel Enchautegui. Armento was sentenced to life in prison this past fall. More from the AP and NY1.

Some harrowing testimony from a Bronx firefighter who escaped a deadly Tremont apartment building blaze in 2005. The fire killed two other firefighters.

The co-founders of the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) , which operates a handful of middle schools in the Bronx and upper Manhattan, give Obama some advice on how to change the education system.

In a citywide story, I thought was interesting, an MTA proposal would ask environmentally-conscious riders to pay extra to contribute to the "greening" of New York's transit system.

Also, the Times writess about Nat Hentoff's 50 years as a writer at the Village Voice. As far as journalists go, he's an icon. Thanks for all your good work at the Voice and we hope to see your byline elsewhere soon.