Happy Friday everyone. Here are the Bronx stories we’re following today.
Above is the anti-piracy Public Service Announcement video produced by Bronxite and Lehman High School student Samantha Olivares.
Things aren’t looking good for ex-Bronx pol Pedro Espada. At his trial yesterday, several witnesses testified that Espada paid them for personal services (like a videographer for his grandson’s birthday party) through his nonprofit healthcare network and then tried to make the services look like they were business expenses.
Take a look at Via Verde, the huge shiny new income-regulated co-op complex near The Hub.
A group of South Bronx activists calling themselves South Bronx Unite has started a boycott of FreshDirect, the online grocer moving into the Bronx after receiving $130 million in city and state subsidies.
40-year-old Michael Clare, a married leader of the Harvest Worship Center in Wakefield has been accused for a second time of having inappropriate contact with under-age girls who are part of his ministry. He is being held on $700,000 cash bail, and faces 32 years in state prison if convicted of the two rape charges.
The family of Ramarley Graham, along with approximately 200 supporters gathered Thursday for a peaceful vigil and march in honor of the fallen teen. The demonstrators then marched to the 47th Police Precinct in the Williamsbridge section of the Bronx, to demand that the officers involved with the shooting face criminal charges.
“What’s Your Vice” is an adult-only art exhibit that explores society’s obsession with beauty, drugs and sex. Started last summer, the artist group known as Collective X wants to “depict vices and spinning off stereotypes of the Bronx without reinforcing them.”
A Bronx woman was shot and wounded by police on Friday after allegedly throwing knives at officers responding to a 911 call. One officer fired at least twice, striking the woman who was taken to Jacobi Medical Center with wounds that were not considered life-threatening.
The second annual Bronx Film Festival, which will take place during Bronx Week in May, will be accepting submission through next week. Any Bronx filmmaker or anyone who has a film shot in or about the Bronx is encouraged to submit their films.