Bronx News Network

Momentum Builds for Rivera as Pressure Mounts For Others to Drop Out

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As the political stars appear to be aligning in support of Gustavo Rivera’s bid to topple incumbent Pedro Espada, Jr. in the 33rd Senate District, fellow Espada challengers Daniel Padernacht and Fernando Tirado refused to go along with the program.”Unless something dramatically changes by midnight, I’m staying in the race,” Padernacht said.Candidates have until midnight tonight to drop out of the race without their names appearing on the ballot. After that, if the candidates’ petition signatures hold up – they need the signatures of at least 1,000 unique registered Democratic voters – then their names will be on the ballot.Common political handicapping says more challengers will favor Espada in the primary. And Rivera is gaining momentum as the most politically and institutionally supported challenger.He compiled the most signatures of any challenger – 6,200, he says. He has the most political endorsements, including Councilman Oliver Koppell who announced his support earlier today in front the Amalgamated Houses. And he recently received backing from deep-pocketed, anti-Espada Democrat Bill Samuel’s New Roosevelt Initiative as well the Working Families Party.Padernacht said he’s received numerous calls since Friday asking him to step down and let Rivera take on Espada one-on-one for the Democratic ticket.

Bronx News Network

Bronx Public Pools; Community Leaders Demand Action; and Swimming Safety Tips

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I was planning on posting this anyway, but it seems to have added importance now in light of the tragedy that claimed the lives of two teens in the Bronx River yesterday. There are 10 public pools in the Bronx, (just click on “Bronx” tab if Bronx pools don’t immediately show up) according to the Parks Department’s Web site. On hot summer days they are crowded of course, and there are a lot of rules, but they are safe and fun. Yesterday I waited in line with my family for about half an hour in the late afternoon at the Van Cortlandt Park Pool and despite the heat and a long line everyone was patient. The large pool was crowded but hard to find a face among the hundreds without a smile on it.

Bronx News Network

Bronx News Roundup, July 19

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We’ll start the week off with the tragic story of the two Bronx teenagers – Crystal Reyes, 15, of University Heights, and David Lee Luccioni III, 17, who was about to start his senior year at Grace Dodge High School – who drowned yesterday in the Bronx River. (More from the Daily News, NY Post, NY1.)According to city officials and news reports, Reyes was struggling after jumping into a fenced-off part of the river near the dam around 180th Street. Luccioni jumped in to save her. They both became entangled in tree branches below the surface. Both were taken to near-by St.

Bronx News Network

The Yankees Unobstructed — July 19

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The Yankees are in first place with just over 71 games to play, 17 of which are set to be played against the second place Tampa Bay Rays and third place Boston Red Sox (who trail New York by three and 6 1/2 games, respectively).Here are some things to watch out for as baseball heads into its home stretch:Nick Swisher: Since Swisher was announced as a candidate for the final spot on the American League All-Star team on July 4, he’s hit .381 with a .435 OBP, 3 home runs, 8 runs scored and a walk-off game-winning hit. Swish showed us last year that when he gets hot he can carry an offense….unfortunately, we also learned last year that he can also go dead cold at the plate for long stretches of time. As the #2 hitter, when Swisher’s hitting well and getting on base, it creates opportunities for the Yankees’ power front to see hittable pitches. If Swisher can carry his career-year through the second half, we could see the Yankees offense become even more potent. But, if his bat goes dead, it’ll put extra pressure on Mark Teixeira and