Group Announces Project to Target Bane of Borough -- Cross Bronx Expressway

Two community leaders announced a long-term initiative to fix the Cross Bronx Expressway on BronxTalk on Monday night. Just click play to hear the whole story.

Cross Bronx Exclusive on BronxTalk

Tomorrow night BronxTalk will present your first look at the "Cross Bronx Expressway Initiative," a movement by some forward-thinking Bronxites to try to address the nation's worst highway and a virtual killer in the Bronx. Bronxnet's channel 67. 9 p.m. Monday night. 

One of New York City's longest running TV talk shows now in its 18th year, BronxTalk is seen each Monday night at 9:00pm on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67.  It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at www.bronxnet.org.  Hosted by Gary Axelbank and produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30am, 3:30pm, and 9:00pm. Archives are available here: BronxTalk archives

BronxTalk Focuses on the Dangers of Plastic Bags

BronxTalk last night featured experts on the impact of plastic bags on our planet. Just click play above and learn.

Adi Talwar Featured on BronxTalk

The talented photographer Adi Talwar, whose photos have often graced this blog and the pages of the Norwood News, was on Bronx Net's "BronxTalk" last week, discussing his work with host Gary Axelbank. Check out the video below for the interview and to see some of Talwar's favorite Bronx shots.

Cablevision, BronxNet Strike Long-Awaited Deal

Television giant Cablevision and local public access network BronxNet finally came to a contract agreement this week after months of negotiations, two years after a previous deal expired.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.'s office sent out a press release on Monday announcing the agreement, which he helped broker and which will result in extra funding for BronxNet to update it's technology (federal law require that cable companies provide support for local public channels).

"This agreement gives BronxNet the tools to greatly expand their ability to serve our borough while also showcasing Cablevision's commitment to serving the people of the Bronx as a good corporate citizen," Diaz said in a statement "This new agreement is a victory for all involved."

The Bronx in the media on BronxTalk

This Monday night the American Idol piece and Glenn Beck's comments about Co-op City that raised the ire of some Bronxites will be the subject of BronxTalk.  Beginning at 9:00pm, Doris Quinones of the Bronx Tourism Council and Prof. Salvatore J. Fallica of the NYU Dept. of Media, Culture, and Communications will talk with host Gary Axelbank and take calls from viewers about how these media affect the Bronx.


Viewers can call in with comments or questions during the show at 718-960-7241.


Last Monday night BronxTalk focused on health care reform.  Here's a link to it:  BronxTalk - January 31, 2011


One of New York City's longest running TV talk shows now in its 17th year, BronxTalk is seen each Monday night at 9:00pm on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67.  It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at www.bronxnet.org.  Hosted by Gary Axelbank and produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30am, 3:30pm, and 9:00pm. Archives are available here: BronxTalk archives

Men's Shelter and Healthcare coming up on BronxTalk

This Monday night two community advocates will talk about the controversial men's shelter in Highbridge.  Beginning at 9:00pm, Ernesto Maldonado, a community leader who heads the Stop the Violence Campaign and the founder and president of the Citizens Activist Network (C.A.N.) and local resident Agnes Johnson will talk about the transition of this facility and its implication to the surrounding neighborhood.

Then on Monday, January 31 two health care experts will talk in detail about health care reform and what it might mean for the Bronx.  It will be an excellent way for Bronxites to get information about what is and is not in the bill so they can make their own plans for health care.

Viewers with questions or comments can call in to both shows at 718-960-7150.

One of New York City's longest running TV talk shows now in its 17th year, BronxTalk is seen each Monday night at 9:00pm on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67.  It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at www.bronxnet.org.  Hosted by Gary Axelbank and produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30am, 3:30pm, and 9:00pm. Archives are available here: BronxTalk archives

Discuss the chancellor selection on BronxTalk

This Monday night BronxTalk, one of the city's longest-running TV talk shows, will give viewers the opportunity to weigh in on Mayor Michael Bloomberg's selection of Cathie Black to be the next chancellor of the NYC public schools.  Beginning at 9:00pm, Daily News education reporter Rob Sgobbo and Monica Major, the Bronx representative on the Panel for Educational Policy, will take questions from host Gary Axelbank and phone calls from viewers on Ms. Black's suitability for the job.

The call-in phone number is 718-960-7241.

On Monday, November 22, the 47th anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination, BronxTalk will feature two historians who will talk about JFK and the Presidency with a Bronx slant.


On November 29, teachers and teaching will be the focus of BronxTalk, as two veteran teachers will discuss the chancellor selection, teacher grades, and a host of other education issues.


Here's a link to the recent BronxTalk forum about the anti-gay torture case.
BronxTalk - November 1, 2010


Here's a link to last week's BronxTalk about housing, including an analysis of the Millbank case.
BronxTalk - November 8, 2010


One of New York City's longest running TV talk shows now in its 17th year, BronxTalk is seen live each Monday night at 9:00pm on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67. It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at bronxnet.org. Hosted by Gary Axelbank and produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30am, 3:30pm, and 9:00pm. Archives are available  here:  http://bronxnet.org/tv/bronxtalk/viewcategory/7/bronxtalk

Bronx News Roundup, Sept. 30

Mayor Bloomberg wasted no time in yanking Bronx teacher Melissa Petro from her classroom at PS 70 after he learned of her very public musings about her past as a sex worker.

Councilman Fernando Cabrera, whose district includes PS 70, chimed in about Petro--and her tenure--in a panel discussion on Fox News yesterday. Watch the video here.

A group of Bronx high school students are weighing in on the debate over the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory.

BronxTalk host Gary Axelbank was on the radio program The Perez Notes yesterday to talk about his show and Bronx politics.

A Parkchester man turned himself in to authorities yesterday for allegedly beating a traffic cop who gave him a ticket.

The Daily News has footage of two sets of baby tiger cubs born at the Bronx Zoo. 

Vandals spray painted and etched swastikas into the green at Van Cortland Golf Course yesterday.

Cesar Mercado, the Nicaraguan diplomat who was found dead in his Mount Hope apartment last week, had ingested a bottle of Drano cleaner before he died, according to police.

A new breakdown of Census figures ranks Jose E. Serrano's South Bronx Congressional District as the poorest in the country, with 38 percent of residents living below the poverty line.

The much talked about change in street signs this week--where the DOT is replacing capital letters with lowercase ones--is part of a federal mandate intended to "improve readability." It'll cost the state a whopping $27 million to make all the required replacements.

The murder rate is up across New York City, with a particularly high rise in the number of killings in the North Bronx--the rate went up 46 percent this year.

Actress Rosie Perez, in a video released by gay rights group Fight Back NY, told Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. that she is "extremely disappointed" in him for his opposing stance on gay marriage. "You are not speaking for the majority of New York Latinos," she said.

Bronx-born actor Tony Curtis died yesterday at the age of 85.

The Department of Homeless Services has shut out hundreds of families from using the agency's "Homebase" program in an attempt to see how effective it is.

Tonight on Bronxtalk: Broadcast Premiere of Hip-Hop Video

Photo courtesy the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus

Tonight, BronxTalk will feature the broadcast premiere of a music video recorded by DeWitt Clinton High School students on the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a high-tech production facility that travels the country producing music and videos with high schools, colleges, conventions, community organizations, and concerts.

The Clinton students' video is called "Make it Better - Food4Thought." In addition to showing their video, the students will perform on the show and talk with host Gary Axelbank about making music and working with professional producers and engineers.

For more than fifteen years, BronxTalk has been seen live each Monday night at 9 p.m. on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67. It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at bronxnet.org. Produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. Archives are available at blip.tv (search for "BronxTalk").

John Liu Discusses the City Budget, CBAs and More on BronxTalk

On Monday night on BronxTalk, NYC Comptroller John Liu talked with host Gary Axelbank about the city budget, community benefit agreements, recent audits of the EDC and DHS, and many other topical subjects.

For more than 15 years, BronxTalk has been seen live each week on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67. It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at http://www.bronxnet.org/. Produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. Archives are available at blip.tv (search for "BronxTalk").

Kappstatter Discusses Local Politics on BronxTalk

Daily News Bronx Bureau Chief Bob Kappstatter was Gary Axelbank's guest on BronxTalk this past Monday night (before the Espada civil suit was announced).

They had an in-depth discussion about Bronx politics and analyzed some of this fall's Senate and Assembly primary races (who might challenge who, whether the incumbents will get County support, etc.)

Next Monday night at 9 p.m., Public Advocate Bill de Blasio will be the guest. On Monday, May 10 it will be City Comptroller John Liu.

For more than 15 years, BronxTalk has been seen live each week on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67. It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at http://www.bronxnet.org/. Produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. Archives are available at blip.tv; search for "BronxTalk."

Diaz on BronxTalk Monday Night

On BronxTalk Monday night ...

Beginning at 9 p.m. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. will answer questions from host Gary Axelbank about the Kingsbridge Armory task force and living wages, development and land use issues, education, green initiatives, and a variety of other contemporary topics.

Viewers who wish to submit questions for the borough president should email them to bronxtalk@hotmail.com.

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio will appear on the show on Monday, April 26.

For more than fifteen years, BronxTalk has been seen live each week on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67.  It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at www.bronxnet.org.  Produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30am, 3:30pm, and 9:00pm.  Archives are available at blip.tv; search for "BronxTalk."

Approved: University Heights Secondary School's Move to the South Bronx

On Tuesday night, the city's Panel for Educational Policy voted to approve University Heights Secondary School's move to the South Bronx High School campus.

The school is being forced to relinquish its current building at Bronx Community College at end the school year, because the college says it needs the extra classroom space.

According to Marge Feinberg, a Department of Education spokesperson, nine Panel board members voted in favor of the move, and two against (the representatives of the Manhattan and Brooklyn borough presidents). The Bronx BP's rep was absent because of a car accident, Feinberg said.

We've left messages with teachers at the school, seeking their reaction to the vote, and will update this post when we hear back.

Many in the school community are furious with BCC, and also with the DOE for not doing move to fight the move and for recommending the South Bronx High School campus as the new site. (On BronxTalk on Monday night, host Gary Axelbank interviewed a parent and a teacher from the school, both of whom slammed the relocation plans. You can watch it here. Next Monday at 9 p.m. officials from Bronx Community College will appear on the same show - tune into Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67 or Verizon Fios channel 33.)

It's possible - in theory - that BCC could reverse its decision, or that the DOE could find a different space more in tune with the school's wishes. (Local developer Frank DeLeonardis wants the city to consider his four-story building on Jerome Avenue at East 179th Street, which is just six or seven blocks from BCC.)

But the Panel for Educational Policy's "yes" vote makes this less lightly. "It doesn't look good for them [the school]" said Xavier Rodriguez, Community Board 5's district manager, at last night's community board meeting.

Bronx Bloggers on BronxTalk

Lou Cicalese from BoogieDowner and Ed Garcia Conde of Welcome2Melrose appeared on BronxTalk on Monday night to talk about their respective blogs with host Gary Axelbank.

John Liu on BronxTalk Monday

This Monday night NYC Comptroller John Liu will appear on BronxTalk, the borough's flagship talk show.  Beginning at 9:00pm, Mr. Liu will talk with host Gary Axelbank about development and Community Benefits Agreements, MTA funding and student fares, water rates, lost revenues at the Department of Finance, and a variety of other civic issues.

Viewers can call in with questions or comments at 718-960-7241.

For the past fifteen years, BronxTalk has been seen live each week on Cablevision channel 67.  It's also on Verizon Fios channel 67 and streamed live at www.bronxnet.org.  Produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30am, 3:30pm, and 9:00pm.  Archives are available at blip.tv, search for "BronxTalk."

Upcoming shows:

March 1 - Rep. Joe Crowley

March 8 - Councilman James Vacca

March 15 - Bronx Blogs

Armory Decision Discussed on BronxTalk

The City Council's squashing of Related's Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment proposal was discussed on BronxTalk on Monday night. Host Gary Axelbank interviewed KARA leaders Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter and Teresa Andersen (who is also president of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition). Both welcomed the Council's decision.

Armory Discussed on BronxTalk Tonight

They're still lining up the guests, but it's a good bet that members of the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance will appear on BronxTalk tonight -- channel 67 on Cablevision at 9 p.m.. It's rebroadcast throughout the week at the same time.

Gary usually takes calls so if you're for what happened today or against it, let everyone know how you feel!

Update: The show has booked KARA activist Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter and Teresa Andersen, who is also president of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition. Tune in!

Bronx News Roundup, September 8

Bob Kappstatter of the Daily News was unimpressed with the performances of 14th District City Council candidates Fernando Cabrera and Yudelka Tapia during last week's televised debate, which was sponsored by BronxTalk and the Bronx News Network.

Tomorrow, 18 new schools across the Bronx will open their doors to a new class of students. Four of these new schools are charter schools, five are elementary schools, seven are middle schools and two are high schools. According to the DOE, these schools will give families more schooling options, encourage smaller class sizes, and improve academic performance. Also, in an effort to help parents with school children, the Bronx BP and Advocates for Children will host a series of education workshops this fall.

As the District 12 City Council Democratic primary election approaches, incumbent Larry Seabrook remains confident about his chances of winning the City Council seat despite multiple accusations of financial violations over his years as a public servant. View our post about Seabrook's controversial past here. Seabrook's two opponents in the primary are Andy King and Jerome Rice.

The New York Times claims that the new Gateway Mall "may be the maraschino cherry topping a revival of Mott Haven and other neighborhoods of the South Bronx." High quality, low price merchandise at stores such as BJ's and Target are already attracting customers and improving the surrounding neighborhoods.

A runaway 17 year-old teenage girl, Jamia Hazel, was found stabbed to death in an alleyway in Mount Hope on Saturday. Police have arrested and charged her ex-boyfriend, Darrell Spencer, with the murder.

A water scooter accident on the Hutchinson River in the Bronx left a Bronx man dead and three teenage girls with minor injuries.

Live 14th District Council Candidates Debate, Tonight, 9 p.m., BRONXNET

Tune in tonight at 9 p.m. to BronxTalk (BRONXNET, Cablevision channel 67) and find out where the candidates of the 14th District Council race stand on all the important issues facing the northwest Bronx and local residents.

The show will be airing on BRONXNET at 9 p.m. for the rest of the week as well.

Candidates Yudelka Tapia and Fernando Cabrera will be answering questions from Bronx News Network editors Alex Kratz and James Fergusson. The debate will be moderated by veteran Bronx talk show host Gary Axelbank.

As we mentioned before, the incumbent in the 14th District, Maria Baez, has declined to appear with the other candidates to talk about the issues.

Update: You can also watch the live debate stream on the Web at http://bronxnet.org/home/live/webstreamtrial.html