Bronx News Roundup, May 6

Millions of city straphangers can breath a little easier today as the state legislature is expected to pass a much-delayed/anticipated/debated MTA bailout plan, which should reduce fare hikes and avoid much of the service cuts. Basically, subway and bus fares will go rise to $2.25, from $2 and 30-day Metrocards to $89, from $81. The vote was tentatively scheduled for 11 a.m. this morning.

Our friends at the BoogieDowner talked to State Senator Pedro Espada's chief of staff Andrew Yong about a host of issues, including his residency (he supposedly lives in the BD's Bedford Park building, but they've never seen him there), his new (and still non-existent) district office, the aforementioned MTA rescue and his campaign finance violations and outstanding fines. He also clarified a few other positions, which you can read about on the BD's post.

The NY Post writes that Bronx-born judge Sonia Sotomayor, who's on a short list to replace retiring Supreme Court Jusitce David Souter, once said during a panel discussion that she believes judges make policy (not one of their mandates), but that she doesn't advocate for judges doing so. If confirmed, she would be the first Hispanic judge on the Supreme Court.

The Daily News explores shopping options in Mott Haven.

The News reports on the DEP's new plan to use blasting for construction at the Jerome Park Reservoir. We wrote about this here on the blog last Friday and on Monday.

The Bronx Science girls soccer team is destroying the competition this season.