Bronx News Roundup Jan. 5

The first Bronx-born baby of 2009 was delivered at Montefiore Medical Center at 12:35 a.m. on Jan. 1, according to a Montefiore spokesperson. In the photo is baby Jacob Leon with mom Rosa Leon, dad Miguel Rosario, and other relatives and hospital staff.

The Lutheran Church of the Epiphany on East 206th Street in Norwood was damaged by fire on Saturday morning. Several programs run out of the basement - including Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, fitness classes, and a food pantry for the elderly and homeless - have been cancelled pending repairs. See here and here. The fire's cause is being investigated.

A Mott Haven family claims they were assaulted by police officers at a New Year's Eve party in their apartment.

The Daily News' Liz Benjamin has the latest on Senate Democratic leader Malcolm Smith vs. Senators Pedro Espada, Ruben Diaz, and Carl Kruger (aka the Gang of Three). Apparently the warring foursome met last night in a final attempt to resolve their differences (i.e. who should control the Senate) before a vote this Wednesday.

A livery driver was shot and seriously injured in Wakefield on Saturday night when a stray bullet raced through his car window and struck him in the head. A man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder.

The people behind Mo Gridder's, a Hunts Point-based BBQ truck with a cult-like following, recently opened a BBQ restaurant of sorts on 186th Street in Belmont. See here and here.

(Photo courtesy of Montefiore Medical Center)