Bronx News Roundup, July 26

Weather: Sunny and in the mid-80s today.

Story of the Day: Are Bronx Subway Stations the Ickiest?
A new report out of the MTA found that the Bronx's many subway stations are the dirtiest  in the city, plagued by garbage, leaks and rodents. MTA board member Charles Moerdler, who lives in Riverdale, told his fellow board members that some local stations were in such bad shape they could be condemned, a sentiment echoed by Borough President Diaz who says the Bronx is tired of waiting for much-needed station renovations.

Which made us want to ask you, our dear readers: what do you think is grimiest subway station in the Boogie Down? Where would you most like to see a makeover? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Bronx News Roundup for July 31

Richard Izquierdo, grandson of Bronx Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo, and Margarita Villegas, another employee of the nonprofit organization they run, face new charges claiming they misused funds from SBCC Management Corp. to pay for Arroyo's interns and a political club. This comes after earlier charges that they used funds to fly Arroyo to Puerto Rico and go on shopping sprees.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. presented a proclamation to members of the Bronx Community Pride Center for celebrating Bronx Pride Day and working to support the LGBT community in the Bronx. Diaz's office says he aims to make sure there is equal access to services and LGBT organizations receive equal funding for projects--standing in stark contrast to his father (who does not generally support gay rights). Watch a video of his comments here.

Two men from the Bronx were pursued all the way from Bergen County to the Bronx after a bank robbery last night.

New residents are praising their recently moved-in Bronx homes as real estate brokers say apartment sales have increased in this borough despite downturns in the housing market.

Bronx News Roundup March 19

Spring training has started for new hires at Yankee Stadium.

The Daily News reports that ridership has increased on Bronx buses and subways, in some cases as much as 50%. A new report shows the Bronx had the largest increase in the city over the past five years.

A Bronx cop who was injured while chasing a suspect in 2003 wins $3.6 million from the city.

The former MP Pub in Morris Park, known for being a center of noise and loitering, is under new management, and has a new name, but residents are still fearful that quality of life issues will return.

Street closings on E. 135th St. are causing major headaches for local residents.

A bank robber from Webster Ave. robs six different banks in Manhattan this week before being arrested by police.

Mayor Bloomberg makes a speech at Lehman College and ends up coming to the aid of a student who faints.

Bank Robbery on Burnside

The Chase Bank on the corner of Burnside and Jerome Avenues was robbed this morning at approximately 10 a.m., witnesses say. Police are said to be looking for two men. A stretch of Jerome is still cordoned off; several cops (who aren't talking) are standing over a bundle of $20 bills that the men dropped as they made their escape. The stolen bank notes (see below) were booby-trapped with a packet of red dye. Presumably the cops are waiting for forensics to show up.