True News

True News Update 24/7 Analysis Not Availabe in the Old Media

2012-01-30T09:00:00.057-05:00

Albany's Redistricting Scam On the Public II

The Daily News editorial was interesting for what it hinted out and what it did not say more than what it said. The news attacked Skelos and his Republicans butchers for cutting up the state to ensure they continued majority in the senate. What the paper did not ask for was an independent commission. It also hinted that it was very important to put party picked or incumbents in district they can win in. We thought the good government goal of redistrict was to keep neighborhoods together and give independent challenges a chance to beat party picks. Inkblot districts are visible proof of Albany’s gerrymandering(NYDN) Senate GOP flouts Constitution to keep power * Controversial Albany redistricting plan realigns large swaths of the Bronx; pleasing some, angering others(NYDN) * New plan creates Brooklyn’s first Asian-majority legislative district; other pols’ territories reshaped (NYDN) * Albany Redistricting Plan Faulted as Unfair to Minorities (NYT) * State's Redistricting Plan Goes Up For Discussion(NY1)

Sunday Redistricting Scam Update The Bad Map Good Map Setup (True News)

GOP operative reports that there are already a second set of lines draw that are must less political and accomplish the assembly and senate leaders goal of keeping their party in charge. Everyone involved in the scam believes that the press and public will be so relieved with the news lines and the short time allowed for approval that they will be able to push throw these lines with a bill to support a constitutional amendment for the 2022 redistricting.

4 City & State Agrees With True News Who Reported Sat on the Existence of A Secret Second Set of Map

TRUE NEWS WAG THE DOG: The outrage has not quieted from last week’s release of LATFOR’s exquisitely gerrymandered Senate maps, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s discouraging words last week set the tone for sending LATFOR back to the drawing board. But we picked up strong rumors over the weekend that LATFOR has already done so, and that their second batch of less-outrageous maps is drawn up and ready to be released when the time is right. “There are always multiple maps and scenarios,” said someone involved in the process, which is far short of a denial. Assemblyman Jack McEneny promised only one set of Assembly maps exists now, but said the task force fully expects changes after nine public hearings in the coming weeks. (C&S) * Liar's Poker Truth is the First Casualty In Redistricting, as in War(NY Civic)

Albany's Redistricting Puppet Show

Secret Deal of Bate and Switch Already Struck “We’ll tweak what needs to be tweaked,” he said. “I’m not expecting major changes in the Senate maps.” *Shooting The Messenger(YNN) ICYMI: Sen. Mike Gianaris is pushing back very strongly against the growing belief that a deal is in the works for a constitutional amendment that would reform redistricting in time for the 2022 election cycle, but leave the current partisan process in place for this year’s elections.

NYP No Comment on Redistricting . . . Daily News and NYT Says Veto the Lines Gov

The NYP Which in the Past Has Supported Independent Redistricting is Strangely Silent on the Proposed Lines . . . What Game is Bob McManus Playing This Time?

When former Governor Spitzer promised to push for changes in redistricting A NYP Editorial wrote on January 8, 2007,"An independent redistricting panel, are long overdue." * No reform here On July 8, 2011 the NYP said NY will not get independent redistricting until the ballot access law are changed

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4 Silver Believes Weprin Not the Democrats Lost the 9th

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has emerged as an unlikely ally for Republicans who want to preserve NY-9 when LATFOR redraws the House lines. “I believe it’s a Democratic seat and would be won by a Democrat,” the speaker explained. * Shelly Silver and Assembly Democrats want to keep Bob Turner and his district around–mostly because they think it can be won by a Democrat in November.

5 Guilty Conscience: Did Liu Know His Stay Would Be Short?

Liu's staff are using old business cards from predecessor Bill Thompson. [Josh Margolin] * Koo Defends Liu From ‘Political Entrapment’; Calls Media ‘Unfair’ (NYO)

June re-trial set for city Councilman Larry Seabrook(NYP)

It’s Time to Police the N.Y.P.D.(NYT Op)

Cuomo’s ongoing efforts to increase the already considerable powers of the executive branch

Expanding Reach, Cuomo Creates Second Cop on Financial Beat(NYT) The New York Times notes how Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s new Department of Financial Services is encroaching on Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s traditional turf Cuomo Seeks Civil Service Law Changes(WSJ) Cuomo’s budget seeks to overhaul 19th-century civil service rules to make it easier to hire and transfer state workers, which union leaders say would open the door to patronage abuses, the Wall Street Journal Buried in the governor’s budget bills are changes to civil service laws would provide him with more leeway to hire and transfer state employees outside of a competitive process – a move unions say would weaken civil service rules designed to prevent patronage.* By expanding the reach of former top aide Ben Lawsky’s portfolio at the Department of Financial Services, is Andrew Cuomo trying to take the AG’s job with him.* NY1 Online: State Attorney General Explains Role In Mortgage Crisis Investigation

Not That Independent IDC

Because they are not a part of any particular political party, members of the IDC may have trouble spending all of the money they raise.

The fate of NY’s nervous GOP is riding on the outcome of tomorrow’s presidential primary in Florida

New York GOPers fearing a ‘disaster’ Gingrich victory(NYP) GOP's leaders believe the ability to defeat incumbent Dem Sen. Gillibrand and retain control of the state Senate later this year depends on Romney’s ability to decisively beat Gingrich and end the controversial former House speaker’s chances to be their party’s nominee. From the party that ran Carl Paladino for Gov ?

What About the NY's Rising Unemployment Rate?

New York State Democrats will propose hike in state minimum wage to $8.50 an hour(NYDN Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s plan to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $8.50 emerged last night, with the Daily News saying Senate Republicans were noncommittal. The GOP say they will block the increase to protect businesses Min-wage bill push (NYP) * With Focus on Income Inequality, Albany Bill Will Seek $8.50 Minimum Wage(NYT) * Mayor Bloomberg, still a fan of increasing the minimum wage, might not support the Assembly Democrats’ specific plan * Governor Cuomo is evaluating it. * Minimum wage debate pits business against labor, but does little for most New Yorkers (WNYC)

Construction in New York Takes 'Troubling' 31 Percent Dip (DNAINFO)

Fidler Free Illegal Parking

Fast & Lew-se with parking laws(NYP) * Golden, Fidler & Turner Weigh In On New Jewish District(NYO) * Assemblyman Dov Hikind may be plotting an expansion of the family “brand” by running his son, Yoni, a political unknown, for the new Super-Jewish Senate seat.* So Who Is The “Super Jewish” Candidate? [UPDATED] (C&S)

Has Reduced Taxes for Businesses Become the Third Rail of New York Politics?

NY: Closed for business (NYP Ed) A Tax Foundation report ranked NY 49th in business climate. NY’s tax burden remains oppressive. And a huge disincentive to businesses. In NY pols love to give tax breaks to individual business or develop zones were taxes are reduced to do business. But that is not enough to stop the city unemployment rate from rising to 9%. It does help pols line their pockets with campaign contributions when they choose which companies will move into the economic zones or receive tax brakes. New York has lost 140,000 predominantly middle-wage manufacturing jobs in recent years while only gaining 21,000 new jobs.

Flaws Seen in Vocational Education(WSJ) Nearly four in five vocational programs in city high schools aren't directed toward high-growth careers, meaning it could be tough for graduates to land jobs, according to a report to be released Monday by Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. * 82.7 percent of CUNY community college freshman needed remedial reading, writing or math classes last fall. [Sudan Edelman]

Paul Browne, NYPD Spokesman, Comes Under Fire(Huff Post)

Gentrification Rock

DOT officials installed fencing over a walkway connecting two housing projects in Fort Greene after residents hurled projectiles at bicyclists using the newly paved bike path below; the incident in indicative of larger tensions in the community, residents say.

New York City agencies still using typewriters (NYP) Bloomberg is enamored of high tech, but New York City is seeking bids to replace 1,172 typewriters at agencies that still use the old machines for filling out forms

'Occupy' Movement Tries Again in Another Park(WSJ) * 12 Arrested at Manhattan March for Oakland Protesters(NYT) * 12 Occupy protesters arrested in NYC(WSJ)

Study proves new small schools are key to student success (NYDN Ed) Shutting down and opening from scratch is the way to go* Assemblyman Keith Wright plans to propose a bill that would repeal mayoral control of NYC’s public schools.

OWS . . .

Push on for worshipers to meet in city schools (NYDN ) More than 1,000 people take part in march over Brooklyn Bridge * Rally on Brooklyn Bridge against ban on renting schools for worship (AM NY) * Thousands March To Protest Ban On Using Public Schools For(WCBS)* The immediate future of Occupy Buffalo will be determined Wednesday. * Rally For Religious Gathering In Schools(Fox5) * No Evictions at Occupy D.C.(NYT)

Going deeper into the fingerprinting-for-foodstamps debate.* The Clash Over Fingerprinting For Food Stamps (NPR)

MTA Faces Poor Service and Union Contract Slowdowns

Most subway and bus riders say service has gotten worse, poll finds(AM NY) * As MTA contract talks hit a stalemate, the Daily News finds a union flyer urging subway operators to enter stations “with extra care” as a potential slowdown. SLOWDOWN! Transport Workers Union flyer urges ‘extra care’ at stations Subway motormen told to be cautious for safety, the union says, but timing with contract talks stalled is questionable. MTA union railing over quota e-mail(NYP) A high-ranking MTA superintendent instituted a quota on the number of disciplinary violations that his underlings must dole out to subway workers each month — infuriating the agency’s largest union in the midst of tense contract negotiations. * The MTA released its first-ever late night subway map.* Good Government Group: Wage freeze for transit workers is a fair deal Cites compensation gains TWU Local 100 has made over the last decade

911 Groups Outraged Over Generous Golden Parachute

Sept. 11 Memorial's Compensation Deals Called an 'Insult'(WSJ) A former employee with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center received a nearly $300,000 severance payment, sparking outrage among victims' family members and others who say executive compensation at the not-for-profit is out of control.

Soho Residents Vs. Real Estate Titans and Tourists

Critics of SoHo Proposal Ask, You Call This Improvement?(NYT) The plan for a business improvement district in SoHo would help with the trash problem, but some residents don’t want to cede more ground to tourists and real estate titans.

Imagine His Shock. His Leg Had Vanished (NYT) * Man With ‘Missing Leg’ Wants Revenge (NY Mag)

Election 2012
Negative Super Pac Campaigns Work

Romney surges ahead before primary(NYP) * Years of Despair Add to Uncertainty in Florida Race(NYT) * A Florida Bush Stays Silent, and to Many, That Says a Lot(NYT) * Romney Regains Edge(WSJ)

Newt Gingrich is just a sad, old clown(NYDN) Presidential contender boo-hooing yet again * Fight for Florida: Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich will battle for 50 delegates in biggest primary vote yet * Why the Florida primary vote matters(NYDN) * Trump coy on prez run(NYP) * How NY might actually matter in this year’s presidential primary.* In Florida, a Bush's Silence Speaks Volumes - Jeff Zeleny, New York Times * Romney Looking for a Florida Knockout - Niall Stanage, The Hill
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A Two Million Dollar Pig: That is What Romney Campaign Probably Paid to Set Up This Event to Appeal to Florida Large Latino Vote

Newt's New Florida Attack: Romney Vetoed Kosher Meals (Buzzfeed) * Hispanics Putting Spring in Romney's Step - Scott Conroy, RealClearPolitics * Gingrich Goes After Wall St. & Washington - Katharine Seelye, NY Times * A Gingrich Loss Would Pose Challenge for Tea Party - Erin McPike, RCP * Newt May Be Trying to Win One From the Gipper - Al Hunt, Bloomberg * omney Poised for Key Florida Win - Rucker & Gardner, Washington Post * FL Polls: PPP: Romney +7 | InAdv: Romney +5 | Quinnipiac: Romney +14 * Win or lose, Gingrich is vowing to fight on. * Who in God’s Name Is Mitt Romney? (Rich, NY Mag) * The press loves drama and hates a front-runner. So guess who they are rooting for. (NY Mag)

Bush Stays Silent, and to Many, That Says a Lot (NYT) * Polls Diverge, but All Point to a Romney Win (NYT) * Why does Mitt Romney want to be president?(Wash Post)* Party Establishment Hopes Florida Win Can End Race - Mike Memoli, LAT * Romney Worries Me Against Obama - Mark Levin, Facebook * Just Like 1952 and 1980, Primary Won't Matter - Hugh Hewitt, Examiner * How the Romney Campaign Took Down Newt - Rutenberg & Zeleny, NYT * Romney Explains Why He Can't Beat Obama - David Catron, Am. Spectator * Mitt Is a Stronger Candidate Than You Think - William Galston, TNR * "Tea Party 10" Targeted by Liberal Super PAC - Michael McAuliff, Huff Post * No Room for Allen West-or You-in Romney's GOP - John Ransom, Townhall * Wasserman Schultz, Obama's Bodyguard - Howard Kurtz, Daily Beast

The History Of Presidents And Other People’s Fingers: Brian Williams Once Pointed At George W. Bush

Super Pacs Are Brain Washing

Newt blasts 'carpet-bombing' Romney(Politico)

Now We Know Why Frank is Getting Out

Freddie Mac Bets Against American Homeowners (PUBLICA) * Freddie Mac’s big bet against homeowners(Wash Post) * Auction 2012: How The Bank Lobby Owns Washington(Huff Post)

Prosecutor Hints: Bankers Will Be Going To Jail (Buzz Feed) New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has been pushing to prosecute bankers over the financial crisis * Schneiderman made the national TV rounds this weekend to tout the new mortgage crisis investigation he’s spearheading at the behest of the president.* Schneiderman: ‘We’re Going After The Stuff That Blew Up The Economy’ [Video]

Bronx woman busted after alleged elaborate scam against NY Archdiocese(NYP) * Bookkeeper Accused of Stealing $1 Million From Archdiocese (NYT)

Jon Corzine's Magic Disappearing Act

MF Global Funds Feared Gone(WSJ)

Off-Duty Officer Fatally Shoots Brooklyn Teen During Alleged Robbery(NY1) * Off-duty NYPD detective fatally shoots man during botched robbery (NYP)

For Family of Burned Woman, an Offer, but No Help(NYT)

Crime on rise in city parks (NY Metro)

Kelly's Investigation

Kelly's accuser hurting own case with candid conversations: sources(NYP) * Greg Kelly rape probe will wrap up quickly, says legal expert(NYDN) * The Manhattan DA’s probe into the rape allegation lodged against “Good Day NY” co-host Greg Kelly could be wrapped up this week, and likely won’t linger into next week.*Leak After Leak Surface Questioning The Credibility Of Police Commissioner’s Son’s Accuser (WABC)

Law and Order
Heartless mom dumps young daughters on sidewalk with nothing but extra diapers(NYDN) * 2 girls abandoned on NYC street(WSJ) * Update Mother, Accused of Abandoning Children, Is Arrested (NYT) * Foul-mouthed B'klyn mom busted after abandoning 2 daughters (NYP)

‘Gorgeous’ rat’s D-Day(NYP) * Proposal to Cut Some Felonies From Records(NYT) * Man charged with smuggling drugs into NY prison(WSJ) * Off-duty cop shoots, kills crook who tries to mug him: police(NYDN) * MTV rapper in Bronx gun bust(NYP)* Exec choked gal: cops(NYP)* The New York State Bar Association is proposing a change to state law that would allow more types of criminal records to be sealed, saying the shift would give offenders who stay out of trouble a better chance to rebuild their lives. Two bills seeking similar changes stalled in Albany last year.* Off-Duty Cop Involved In Shooting(Fox 5) * Off-Duty Cop Fatally Shoots Man in Brooklyn: Police(NBC) * Paul Begala: “When I look at the economy, I think Obama can’t win, but when I look at the Republicans, I think he can’t lose.” *Falling Shopping Cart Injures Two Men By Home Depot Store In The Bronx (NY1)

Thugs review botched Times Square bombing to plan for future attacks(NYP)

The Albany Redistricting Play; True News Updated 24/7 Sunday Update

2012-01-29T08:19:00.030-05:00

Sunday News Desert

With cutbacks in newspaper reporters cause by the decline of readers and advertises, Sunday papers use mostly wire services, features and wire reports to fill they papers. Local TV news shows which in the past county of the papers for original stories now fill they Sunday morning hours with reports on dog car, cooking and people you never heard of singing off key. Thomas Jefferson: "An informed citizenry is the only true repository of the public will." Kind of explains what is going on in Washington and Albany

Sunday Update: The Daily News joins the NYT demanding the governor veto the new proposed redistricting line. DN says Legislators once again gerrymander lines to benefit their own parties (More Updates on the redistricting scam below) * The Daily News says Cuomo must solve Brooklyn's Hospital EmergencyGov. Cuomo must act decisively on three ailing Brooklyn hospitals(NYDN Ed) * Newsday calls Speaker Silver a Master Chess Player * NYP Keeps Up the Pressure For Teacher Evaluations by exposing bad teachers Dud of the class (NYP) Disgraced teacher is worth $10M, makes $100,000 a year, does nothing, & refuses to leave. For the second day in a row the NYP devotes it front page to Kelly, pushing his innocence. *The Daily News has a story on Kelly lawyer Andrew Lankler * Cops use tear gas to break up Occupy Oakland mob More than 300 arrested. Arrests at OWS party in WilliamsburgNYDN) * NBC/Marist poll: Romney up 15 over Gingrich in Florida More Presidential and other breaking news below

Has Albany Already Scripted How Redistricting Will Pass?

Our Albany pols do not lose sleep over the long term unemployed or hospitals closing but they will make any deal they can to get a favorable district that will reelected them passed. So the door is open for our gov who knows how to work in behind the public and press to make a deal. Cuomo, who promised to end unfair drawings of New York's political map, prepares reformers for defeat(Capital). The Goo Goos are avoiding court but doing their press hits to keep up their image which is important for their fundraising. Common Cause Keeps LATFOR Lawsuit Powder Dry (YNN) Common Cause/NY Exec. Dir. Susan Lerner: "After further analysis, LATFOR's maps are even more atrocious than we previously realized."

NY'S Art of the Deal Master

A Redistricting official says the new primary date will push redistricting forward. * Now we know why Albany delayed releasing the line as long as they could. Albany purposely become the last state to release redistricting (congressional lines still not done) to create a issue of limited time. In order to block public pressure and force a deal to avoid independent redistricting, so elections could be held on June 26th as the court order for the federal offices yesterday. Under the worthy and noble goal of saving money it looks like everyone will accept a deal both the state and federal primaries to be held on on the 26th after the senate puts the democratic incumbents back, the assembly put the republican incumbents back and a few nip and tucks that the racial and ethnic groups want. They will promise a constitution amendment for 2022 independent redistrict, give the pols a district they can continue to win in forever and they will get their goo goos puppets to call it a step in the right direction for reform.

Sunday Redistricting Scam Update

The Bad Map Good Map Setup
GOP operative reports that there are already a second set of lines draw that are must less political and accomplish the assembly and senate leaders goal of keeping their party in charge. Everyone involved in the scam believes that the press and public will be so relieved with the news lines and the short time allowed for approval that they will be able to push throw these lines with a bill to support a constitutional amendment for the 2022 redistricting. Neither the NYT or the DN pushed for and independent commission to draw the lines. All they asked for was fix with fits into the Albany double set of maps scamers plan. If the papers really want to restore democracy they should call for the current state lines to be kept for the 2012 and new lines draw by an independent commission which most of they supported as witnessed by the Koch's group NY Uprising for the 2014 election. The congressional lines must be redrawn because of the lost of two seat for the state. * Cuomo must follow through on veto threat (ROC)* New Albany a lot like old Albany with redistricting (ROC) * Gannett has a cool site where you can enter your address and see how your local Senate and Assembly districts would change.* CapNY: Will Cuomo veto, eventually?(TU)

Yesterday True News Asked:

Where is the Outrage for the Political Redistricting NYT, NYP and Daily News?

Saturday's NYT Editorial:

Asked Cuomo to Veto the proposed district maps

Today's Daily News

Demanded the Gov Veto the Proposed Lines

A Veto for the Voters (NYT Ed) Gov. Andrew Cuomo should reject legislative district maps that are entirely designed to protect party interests. The maps, as expected, are entirely designed to protect party interests for Republicans who control the State Senate districts and Democrats who run the Assembly.

Veto the lines, gov (NYDN Ed) Nothing less than the future of representative democracy in New York is on the line as the Legislature establishes new district lines based on the latest census. Desperate to salvage a shrinking majority, Skelos drew zigzagging boundaries that carve up neighborhoods for no reason other than protecting Republicans and torturing Democrats. Skelos loaded Senate districts in New York City, where Democrats prevail, with thousands of extra people, almost 12,000 more in some cases. That’s to hold down the number of districts that Democrats can win.

Judge Moves Congressional Primary Date to June(NYT) Federal Judge Sharpe's decision in federal court in Albany could mean New Yorkers have primaries in April for president, June for Congress and September for legislators. * Judge Sets New Date for a N.Y. Primary(WSJ) It is still possible for Albany to change the September primary date for state legislative races to June 26, to save money. The gov has said he does not want 3 different primaries. Still New Yorkers may vote 4 times this year and pay all the extra costs.

THE DISTRICT LINES THE CONGRESSMEMBERS AND CHALLENGERS RUN IN HAVE NOT BEEN BEEN DRAWN IN SECRET AND NOT MADE PUBLIC YET

The Plan To Keep Charlie Rangel In Washington (NYO) * Assemblyman Denny Farrell revealed the contours of Rep. Charlie Rangel’s district are going to change dramatically, shifting up into the Bronx and Westchester, to keep it a “black” seat. It took some time to convince the Harlem veteran that this change needed to be made so he could run for re-election and win.

Albany Wars: NY Has It Own Yoda I Mean Yogurt With the Force With Him

Newsday calls Speaker Silver a Master Chess Player * “The governor found out that befriending the legislature was not a bad way to do things.” * With Focus on Income Inequality, Albany Bill Will Seek $8.50 Minimum Wage(NYT) * Assembly Dems to push $1.25 min wage increase, to $8.50 an hour(NYP)

DiNapoli Tries Again to Whoa the NYRA

The NYRA money pit(NYP) DiNapoli audit this week shows that the scandal-scarred NYRA is still lagging when it comes to putting its fiscal house in order. The state comptroller fears the association may fritter away the $48 million cash windfall it’s started to get from the Aqueduct racino.

The Comptroller Has Warned the NYRA Before DiNapoli: NYRA facing insolvency(2010, TU)

Brooklyn's Hospital Emergency

Gov. Cuomo must act decisively on three ailing Brooklyn hospitals
Wyckoff, Brookdale and Interfaith must be radically reconfigured

The NYT Says Slams Cuomo's Closed Door Meeting with Executives & Lobbyists Some Who Paid $50,000 to Attend

. . . NYP Says Dems Feeling the Love to the Gov

Cuomo Defends Closed Session With Executives and Lobbyists(NYT) * Gov. Andrew Cuomo Defends Role At Democratic Fundraiser (WCBS) * Andy feeling the Dem love(NYP) * Cuomo Draws A Crowd At Democratic Governors Association Fundraiser(NY1)

Imagine His Shock. His Leg Had Vanished (NYT)

Rabbi’s Followers Say Money Given to Grimm’s House Race Broke the Law

Doubts Are Cast on Congressman’s Fund-Raising(NYT) In the congressman upset victory in 2010 he collected half of his money from followers of Rabbi Pinto. Pinto aid Ofer Biton is currently in Israel being invested by the FBI for accusations that he embezzled millions of dollars from the rabbi’s congregation * Staten Island Rep. Michael Grimm accused of using Israeli ties, collecting illegal political contributions (SI Advance) * SI Congressman Fundraising Scrutinized: Report (NBC) * Staten Island Republicans rally round Grimm (SI Advance)

Monseratte Comeback

Marines Never Die: Could Hiram Monseratte Be Plotting His Revenge? (Queens Poltiics) * He would ostensibly capitalize on the head-to-head between Sens. Jose Peralta and Mike Gianaris set up by the Senate GOP’s redistricting plan.

Kruger Does Not Want Any Soap-On-A-Rope

EX-STATE SEN. CARL KRUGER HIRES A PRISON CONSULTANT TO PREPARE(NYP) * Erased! Kruger’s district yanked off new state senate map(Brooklyn Daily)

Charter School Releases an Ad Supporting Cuomo(NYT) * Teacher forced out after asking teen if she ‘ever had anal (NYDN) * Parents call for ouster of PS 118 principal(NYDN) Bracing for $40,000 at City Private Schools(NYT) One year after New York City got shut out of the finals of the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search, three local brainiacs are among the 40 national finalists for 2012. (NYP Ed) * For Some Vassar Applicants, Joy Then Misery as College Corrects Mistake(NYT) * Pace University unveils the future of student teaching(Downtown Express)

Protesters Slam Bloomberg's Education Policies(NY1)

Thousands March To Protest Ban On Using Public Schools For Religious Services (WCBS)

Central Park's Tavern On The Green Scales Back In Size (NY1)

Cops use tear gas to break up Occupy Oakland mob(NYP) * Occupy Oakland Protesters Clash With Police(NYT) * Exiting Occupy home (NYP) Occupy Wall Street squatters have begun moving out of an East New York home after their bungled takeover of the vacant property became a major embarrassment for the movement. * Arrests at OWS party in WilliamsburgNYDN)Police Clash With Occupiers In Brooklyn (WCBS) Fordham 99% Club Supports Hollis Community in "Reclaiming" Abandoned Buildings (Boogie Downer)

Pol push to ban eating in the subway(NYP)

2nd Ave. blasts to be past (NYP) The near-constant dynamiting that’s caused everything from cracked walls to prairie-style dust storms will be done by the end of 2012' * Residents along 2nd Avenue upset about air quality(WaBC) * 2nd Ave. Subway Work To Last Until 20127(Fox 5)

Gentrification, Artists, And Trains In New York: Tom McGeveren Gives A Fascinating, Brief History(Huff Post)

Brooklyn's Triangle Sports Feels Pressure From All Sides(WSJ) A family-owned sporting-goods store on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn is calling it quits after 96 years in business, another sign of changes sparked by the coming of the nearby Barclays Center arena complex.

Brooklyn Library Facing Lower Budget, Higher Demand(Brooklyn Bureau)

N.Y. Airports Account for Half of All Flight Delays(NYT)

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Gingrich hasn't been ahead in a poll for a week. Today: Romney up 11 in Herald & 15 in Marist

Sunday Florida Update

Rubio remains man in the middle in Florida primary(Florida Today)

Florida GOP Primary: Romney 44%, Gingrich 28% (Rasmussen) Poll

Calculations That Led Romney to the Warpath(NYT) * The Man Behind Gingrich’s Money(NYT) * Gingrich Defends Congressional Record(WSJ) As Newt Gingrich Fades In Florida, February Once Again Looks Like Tough Sledding(Huff Post) Mitt Romney finds his mojo going into the Florida primary(Politico) Pat Buchanan: Reagan White House saw Newt as ‘something of a political opportunist’ Advantage Romney in February, but Risks Abound (538) Gingrich, Ignoring Attacks, Plays Up Ties to Reagan(NYT) Leading in FL, Romney Looks to Wrap Up Nomination - Paul West, LAT * Romney Complicates GOP's Healthcare Advantage - Alex Leary, SP Times * The Failed GOP Elites Still Don't Get It - Joseph Koenig, American Thinker * Gingrich Presses Attack as Polls Show Romney Ahead(NYT) * The 5 states of Florida(Politico) * Florida’s primary colors: The whole palette of humanity(Wash Post)

Sunday Morning New Shows

TV SoundOff: Sunday Talking Heads(Huff Post)

Santorum cancels campaign events to be with disabled daughter Isabella * ObamaCare Won't Be a Problem for Romney - Jennifer Rubin, Wash Post * Gingrich Is Noisy, Combative & Prone to Crises - Doyle McManus, LA Times * Gingrich Predicts "Wild & Woolly" Campaign - Katharine Seelye, NY Times * GOP's Politics of Racial Resentment - Leonard Pitts, Philadelphia Inquirer * Romney Goes on Offensive in Florida - Ashley Parker, New York Times * The GOP Empire Strikes Back at Gingrich - Dan Balz, Washington Post * Florida Polls: Mason-Dixon: Romney + 11 | Rasmussen: Romney +16 * Krauthammer: From His Perspective, Newt Gingrich ‘Is Like Custer In Little Big Horn’* Ron Paul is campaigning in Maine.* Gingrich Was For ObamaCare Before He Was Against It? (Buzzfeed) * Obama’s targeted Latino appeal (Politico) * Newt Gingrich Is Looking Out for You (Slate)

If Establishment panicked about one of its own, Establishment Newt, Who's Establishment?

Election 2012

Obama bashes congressional obstruction in weekly address(CNN) * Goldman Ties Enrich Public and Private Life for Romney(NYT) * No More Nice Guys: Fans Love ‘Nuclear Newt’(NYT) * Mitt and Newt Hate Fannie and Freddie(NYT) * WATCH: Newt Web Ad Blasts Romney's Fibs(Huff Post) * Romney Goes on Offensive in Florida - Ashley Parker, New York Times * The GOP Empire Strikes Back at Gingrich - Dan Balz, Washington Post * It's Now the GOP Establishment vs. the Tea Party - Sarah Palin, Facebook * Gloomy Gingrich Struggles to Snap Florida Slide - Alex Altman, Time * Mitt's Negatives Soar With Independents - Greg Sargent, Washington Post * Obama's Lowball Vision - Larry Kudlow, Investor's Business Daily * Obama to the Nation: Onward Civilian Soldiers - George Will, Wash Post * House Will Have a Lot of New Faces in 2013 - Charlie Cook, National Journal NBC wants Romney camp to stop airing ad(NBC) What would Mitt Romney’s offshore account filings show? (Wash Post) * Democrats have seized on GOPers as the party of unlimited secret money. The only problem: so are Democrats(Politico)

Is Romney nicer because he’s Mormon? (Wash Post) * The Mormons and the Presidency(New Yorker) Mitt Romney in 1994 "The Blind Trust Is An Age Old Ruse." Unfriendly fire from top Republicans slows Gingrich, as Florida contest looms (NYP) * The Hard Luck Life of Willard Mitt Romney (Slate) * Gingrich: I’ll Stay Until Convention (Daily Beast) * Drudge's Anti-Newt Assault(Daily Beast) * Herman Cain backing Newt Gingrich (NYP) * Consensus of Polls Shows Romney Lead (NYT) * Cain Endorses Gingrich for President(NYT) * Romney’s Lead Widens in Florida 11% (Daily Beast) * Santorum Cancels Events To Be With Hospitalized Daughter(Huff Post)

The Good Wife (New Yorker) Can Callista Gingrich save her husband * Romney Complicates GOP's Healthcare Advantage - Alex Leary, SP Times * Leading in FL, Romney Looks to Wrap Up Nomination - Paul West, LAT * The Failed GOP Elites Still Don't Get It - Joseph Koenig, American Thinker * Palin: GOP Establishment "Rewriting History" - Russell Berman, The Hill * What Comes After Florida(The Atlantic) * Elite Wall Street Donations Jumped 700% Since 1990(The Atlantic) * Who is Sheldon Adelson? Florida Needs to Know (Columbia Journalism Review) * 10 Top-Notch Daily Newts! (Mother Jones)

Bill Maher Wants To Know: ‘Who The F@#k Is Saul Alinsky?’

Bill Maher & Panel Battle Over Gov. Jan Brewer-President Obama Confrontation * Tension on the Tarmac(Dowd, NYT)

New Romney Ad Hits Gingrich for Ethics Violations

Mitt's Blind Trust Bluff

Schneiderman Steps Up As Mortgage Crisis Task Force Gets To Work(NY1) * Is Obama's 'Economic Populism' for Real?(Taibbi, Rolling Stone) * Mortgage Deal Is Close, and May Not Offer Much Immunity (Nation) * Expanding Reach, Cuomo Creates Second Cop on Financial Beat(NYT)

Ochs Sulzberger family members pressured NY Times management to restore dividends(NYP) * STRUGGLING(Huff Post)

4 **AP 4 current and former journalists from another one of Murdoch's British tabloids, The Sun, were arrested for allegedly bribing police**

Sun journalists and police officer arrested in corruption investigation (UK Guardian) Met police search News International's headquarters in Wapping as four current and former Sun employees are arrested * Journalists From Rupert Murdoch's The Sun Arrested(Village Voice) * 5 Are Arrested in British Tabloid Scandal(NYT) * UK Police Arrest Murdoch Tabloid Staff, Raid Offices (WPIX) * A Glimpse of Murdoch Unbound(NYT)

A projected $3 billion in political-ad money flooding into local television stations this election season

Dumb Down Local News Make Big $$$ With Political Ads

Don't Let Broadcasters Keep You in the Dark (Freepress) Most of that money will go into the pockets of local broadcasters

Policing the Police

It’s Time to Police the N.Y.P.D. (NYT)

Kelly Says Anti-Muslim Film Shouldn’t Have Been Screened(NYT) * Police Chief Admits Film Goes Too Far(WSJ) * Muslim Leader Still Cold On Kelly As Queens Community Center Opens(NY1)

All Weekend the NYP Wood Has Been Pushing Kelly Innocence

Kelly and accuser sent 'sexy' messages and stayed in touch following date(NYP) * Greg Kelly Accuser Was Inspired by Ray Kelly to Come Forward, Sources Say (DNAINFO) * Greg Kelly and rape accuser drank at East Side bar draped in bras(NYDN) * Kelly and the woman, a 30-year-old paralegal, met up at Jeremy’s Ale House, a bar that has patron’s bras strung up on the ceiling and serves beer in 32-ounce styrofoam cups.* DA on Kelly: "We Put a Good Team on Case"(NBC)

Brother of woman who claims Kelly assaulted her in NYPD (NYP)

Law and Order

Pursuing iPhone Thief, Officer Knew Right Buttons to Push(NYT)

Queens Robbery Suspect Impersonated Officer, Police Say(NY1) * Beau beat Bx. tot dead: cops(NYP) * Bronx Man Charged With Murder in Death of 1-Year-Old(NYT) * Philly slay thug nailed in Bx.(NYP) * Alleged Crime Family Figures Arrested(WSJ) * Ex-NYPD detective guilty in attack, torching of wife (NYDN) * Brave wife’s torch tale (NYP) * Prison for Clover Perez in defrauding of immigrants(NYDN)* ‘Mob wives’ rat helps feds make bust(NYP) * Man Nabbed in 16 Hells Kitchen Burglaries: Cops(NBC) * Bronx Man Charged With Murder in Death of Girlfriend’s *(NYT)** One Dead in Bronx Shooting(NBC) * Bronx Man Charged With Murdering Girlfriend's Baby(NY1) * Cop tells Daily News I am not a pimp * Brooklyn Gun Buy-Back Nabs 108 Firearms(Huff Post)

* Carjacked Bronx boy saved after getting phone call(NYDN) * NYCLU Sues DA Over List of Police Patrols in Buildings(WNYC) * Calling All Artists and Educators: Art To End Violence, from SOS Crown Heights(I Love Franklyn Avenue)

NYPD Releases Surveillance Of Bronx Carjacking Suspect (WCBS)

For Family of Burned Woman, an Offer, but No Help(NYT)

The Week’s Best Longreads: The Daily Beast Picks for Jan. 28, 2012

Where is the Outrage for the Political Redistricting NYT, NYP and Daily News?

2012-01-27T09:00:00.040-05:00

Breaking ***

Federal judge sets New York's Congressional primary for June 26

So is NY headed for three primaries this year: April 24 for president; June 26 for federal races and Aug. 18 for state races? It is still possible for Albany to keep a September primary date for state legislative races, but that would cost money and such a plan could face opposition from a governor that prides himself in fiscal restraint. New Yorkers may vote 4 times this year and pay all the extra costs.
BUT THE DISTRICT LINES THE CONGRESSMEMBERS AND CHALLENGERS RUN IN HAVE NOT BEEN BEEN DRAWN IN SECRET AND NOT MADE PUBLIC YET

Why are the Paper Ducking Redistricting Which They Called Corrupt?

After writing dozens of editorial over the years against incumbents who draw there own district lines to ensure they reelection the NYT has no editorial today condemning Albany proposed new lines. The NYP and DN who have also written about the evils of redistricting over they years have also skipped the issue today. Yesterday True News asked if a column by Daily News report Bill Hammond censured? The reporter spent the night before twittering how Albany pols broke their pledge to support independent redistricting. To date Hammond has not written on that topic or responded to my email.

In a city where political leaders have no ability to build public support the papers are the only institutions left to build public support for an issue. For whatever reasons. Secret deals with Albany corrupt leaders who behind closed doors are pushing for these line. Cuomo has had a good year with the GOP senate and would not do as well if Silver and a majority democratic senate team up against him. Goo Goos are ducking the issue also Common Cause Keeps LATFOR Lawsuit Powder Dry(YNN) * Yesterday we reported Senate Democrats also very concerned about comments made by CU's Dick Dadey

Note: The NYP does attack the UFT today over teacher evaluations The DN attacks the Supreme Court for this ruling on GPS tracking. The NYT asks Does California Need High-Speed Rail?

The Days When Pols Could Build Public Support Died With the Death of Tammany Hall's Carmine DeSapio

Today's Papers Ignore Senate Democrats Opposition to the New Line

Only the senate democrats who had a chance to avid this when they were in the majority and could have passed a constitutional amendment and got whacked by the GOP are trying to going to the press and demanding independent redistricting. Today's papers are not reporting on the minority senators outrage and opposition to the lines. * The Senate plan systematically under-represents NYC voters, while jamming more GOP-friendly districts upstate.* “You have six Democrats sharing districts and zero Republicans…It’s hard to make any rational argument that that’s not targeted at me,” said DSCC Chairman Mike Gianaris, who was drawn into Sen. Jose Peralta’s district. Gianaris says #redistricting maps show why Albany has been named most dysfunctional in nation * Mike Gianaris And The Awkwardness of Senate Democrats (NYO)

The Cuomo District Line Dance Has Begun

Legislative Map Poses Challenge to the Governor(WSJ) A legislative proposal to redraw New York's political map—a once-in-a-decade event—drew a stern rebuke Thursday from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who threatened to veto the plan that critics said was tainted by partisan motives. Redistricting maps protect Senate Republicans’ stronghold in Long Island by breaking up Hispanic neighborhoods in Suffolk County and African-American ones in Nassau * “At first glance, these lines are simply unacceptable and would be vetoed,” said a Cuomo spokesman. Lawmakers Release Proposed Redistricting Maps(NYT) A senator, just for us?(TU) The addition of another state Senate district in the Capital Region is a sham, does nothing to promote fair representation and casts doubt on the independence of whoever wins the seat, * #redistricting plan 10 yrs ago put 14 GOP Assembly mems in primaries. This yr, 2 got screwed; 2 more in "fair fight." *The 20 Ugliest Gerrymandered Districts(NYO) * Under the current plan, a vote in New York City for the State Senate would could 7% less than a vote cast upstate. * Are We About to Enter the Most Gerrymandered Era in New York History? (NY Mag) * Cuomo in Q and A says he wants a permanent solution to the redistricting process. Again pledges to veto the lines * Cuomo: I’d Stump For Independent Redistricting, But…(YNN)* Addabbo’s District Gets Turner-fied (C&S)

Sure Seems Scripted
Cuomo, who promised to end unfair drawings of New York's political map, prepares reformers for defeat(Capital) * The Drumbeat For 2022(YNN) * Common Cause/NY Exec. Dir. Susan Lerner: "After further analysis, LATFOR's maps are even more atrocious than we previously realized." * A Redistricting official says the new primary date will push redistricting forward. * Now we know why Albany delayed releasing the line as long as they could. To force a deal and avoid independent redistricting.It looks like everyone will accept a deal if all the democratic incumbents are given their own district and a few nip and tucks that the racial and ethnic groups.

Too Much Time in Virginia Boss Joe?

Joe Crowley – The Queens congressman and party chairman is faced with a political map that absolutely tears up the districts of his loyal incumbents. If lines hold, Sen. Tony Avella will likely be pitted against Sen. Toby Stavisky. Sen. Mike Gianaris is in the same district as Sen. Jose Peralta. And as the Democrats cry foul, Republicans can simply say that they’re creating districts that reflect the diversity in an increasingly diverse borough – which actually has a hint of truth. Even if Queens’ white Democrats survive, though, Crowley has to wonder what this round of redistricting portends for his own congressional district.

NYP Alone Continues Putting Pressure On the UFT

Gov & Mike: We’ll throw the book at bums yet(NYP) Cuomo and Bloomberg yesterday blasted the absurdly difficult process of firing boozed-up and law-breaking teachers — saying it’s a critical challenge for the entire school system. * Teacher-protection racket(NYPEd) The Post, citing its coverage this week of teachers behaving badly, worries that the evaluation system currently being negotiated will allow teachers to drag on the appeals process, and thus fix nothing * .@mikebloomberg insists he hasn't seen UFT ad, but if they "want to waste the money of their members it isn't going to change anything." * School Improves With Help of U.S. Money It May Lose(NYT) A struggling public school in SoHo is likely to lose federal grant money that was helping it improve, since the Bloomberg administration assumed it was improving on its ownScandalized Bronx principal resigns(NYDN)

Highest # of School Closing

DOE Plans To Close Record-Breaking Number Of Schools (NY1)

Is Liu Problems Causing Loses In City's Pension Fund?

Mayor: Liu Probe Proves Hindrance(WSJ) The federal investigation into city Comptroller John Liu's campaign fund-raising operation has complicated efforts to win approval of a proposal to alter the city's pension structure, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a top union leader said Thursday.

Kruger Hires A Prison Consultant From His Campaign $$$

Convicted former Brooklyn Sen. Carl Kruger spent another $550,000 from his campaign account on legal fees in the last six months of 2011, bringing his total legal spending to $1.2 million over the past year. He pleaded guilty to corruption and bribery charges in late December, but still has $452,000 in his campaign account. Lawmakers are supposed to spend that money on running for office, but Bill Mahoney of the New York Public Insurance Research Group says those in trouble often spend it on legal fees with no consequences. Among Kruger’s other campaign expenses: $25,000 for a financial planner and $7,500 for prison consultant Jack Donson. (C&S)

NY tax ‘too freakin’ high’(NYP)

Cuomo is standing firm against the push-back from lawmakers and labor on Tier 6. * Legislators are upset about the lack of details in Cuomo’s budget on transportation and infrastructure projects.* Cuomo has proposed $15 billion in infrastructure improvements, but some wonder where the money will come from.

Was My Vote Was Too Damn Low

McMillan seeking more votes so party gets put on presidential election ballot (NYDN) In an attempt to get his party on the ballot for the upcoming presidential race in November, Rent Is Too Damn High Party leader Jimmy McMillan wants a recount of the 2010 gubernatorial election *Rent is Too Damn High founder Jimmy McMillan, who’s trying to run for president, wants a recount of the 2010 gubernatorial election. He’s hoping 41,000 votes magically becomes 50,000.

NYC: It's A TV Town

NYC has record year in TV production (AM NY)

Central Park Wilderness

State lawmakers in Alaska, annoyed with outsiders meddling in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge, urged the federal government to “declare Central Park to be a wilderness area and to prohibit any further improvement or development of Central Park unless authorized by an act of Congress.”

New WTC Tenant

Trade Tower Is Set to Add Prime Tenant, a Law Firm(NYT) A venerable law firm, Chadbourne & Parke, is close to signing a deal to relocate to 1 World Trade Center, joining Condé Nast Publications as another prime tenant in the new building

N. Y. Airports Account for Half of All Delays(NYT)

Sources: Feds To Give City Control Of Admiral's Row(NY1)

Cheap Bus Service Shut Down

Feds’ heat on rogue bus firm2(NYDN)

Residents along 2nd Avenue upset about air quality(WABC) * MTA Finds Second Avenue Subway Air Safe(NBC)

3

4

3 Landlord of an Illegal Bronx Firetrap Caught on Tape

NY1 Exclusive: Brooklyn Facility Puts Human Waste To Good Use(NY1) * Queens Residents Turn To Recycling For Extra Cash(NY1)

Election 2012 Gingrich turned in an oddly passive debate performance last night

Wolf Blitzer On Newt Gingrich Debate Tension: I Didn't Back Down (VIDEO)(Huff Post) * Mitt’s bank shot (NYP) Romney Stays On Offense With Gingrich in Debate(NYP) FiveThirtyEight: Gingrich Ignores Lessons in Debate(NYT) * So Who’s a Lobbyist?(NYT Ed) * Gingrich under fire from conservative media(WSJ) * Newt's Very Bad Night (The Daily Beast) * Five things we learned from Thursday's debate (CNN) * Sarah Palin: They’re trying to ‘crucify’ Newt Gingrich(Politico) *

Gingrich is walking proof of why the technical definition of the word "lobbyist" needs to change. [New York Times] * Romney rapped for kosher cut(NYP) * The prospect of sharing a ticket with Gingrich is making House Republicans nervous * Quinnipiac Poll: Florida Becoming Romney Territory Again (TPM) * Florida poll: Romney pulling away from Gingrich (The Hill) * omney Stays on Offense With Gingrich - Rutenberg & Zeleny, NY Times * "It's Not Worth Getting Angry About" - Jeffrey Anderson, Weekly Standard * Rick Santorum Reasserts Himself - Scott Conroy, RealClearPolitics * Did Romney Seal the Deal in Florida? - Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post * GOP Establishment Mobilizes to Stop Newt - Major Garrett, Nat'l Journal * Obama: Country Needs Me to Have 2nd Term - Diane Sawyer, ABC News * An Argument Obama Can Win - Eugene Robinson, Washington Post * Why Newt Soared But Could Sour - David Paul Kuhn, RealClearPolitics * Florida Polls: Sunshine State: Romney + 9 | Quinnipiac: Romney +9 * Republican Candidates Pander on Immigration - St. Petersburg Times * Romney Resisting Reform to Save Dollar - New York Sun * McCain in Lakeland, FL: "I think we ought to send Newt Gingrich to the moon and Mitt Romney to the White House." * The Limits of an Anti-Media Strategy (Political Wire) * Gingrich Stuck to Caustic Path in Ethics Battles(NYT)

As Primary Nears, Florida Poll Favors Romney (NYT) * Space execs hope to rocket Romney (CNN) * Romney’s debate coach gets props for his strong performance last night. * Health Care Law Defense Will Haunt Mitt Romney - Patrick Caldwell, TAP * Santorum's Debate Win Helps Romney - John Podhoretz, New York Post * Romney Is Back on Track for GOP Nomination - John Whitesides, Reuters * GOP Base Is Sick of Establishment Losers - Michael Graham, Boston Herald * Gingrich Insurgency Tests Party's Old Guard - Richard Stevenson, NYT * Elliott Abrams, NRO Caught Misleading on Gingrich - Jeff Lord, Spectator *Mitt and Newt Hate Fannie and Freddie(NYT) * Why GOP candidates are talking about space (CNN) * Tired and broke, Santorum heads home to do taxes (Yahoonews) * Huckabee: Leave Me Out of It! (The Daily Beast) * Newt Gingrich Takes A Backseat To Mitt Romney On The Florida Airwaves (ABC)

Meet the Bundlers Behind the Money (Open Secrets.Org)

Jon Stewart Skewers Gingrich’s Moon Base: He Wants To Leave The Earth ‘For A Younger Planet’

4
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NYT "Growing recognition that official police accounts of street clashes r often contradicted by objective evidence

When the Police Say One Thing, the Facts Another(NYT) y wrong statements re: Ray Kelly & movie The Third Jihad? Paul Browne: "I assumed wrongly" & "I should hav check " The Times’ Jim Dwyer notes that the NYPD’s “trust me” policy has been undermined, since nobody has given a clear story yet on why a controversial film about U.S. Muslims was shown to police officers

N.Y.P.D. Leaves Offenses Unrecorded to Keep Crime Rates Down(NYT)

DN Says Thank Your Kelly, Calls Film Minor PR Slip

Councilman Jumaane D. Williams, center, with members of the Muslim-American Civil Liberties Coalition

Mayor Says Police Need To Reassure City Muslims(NYT) * Muslim NYers Call For Police Commissioner's Resignation(NY1) * The News deems NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly's appearance in the "Third Jihad" video one minor public relations slip after decades of "flawless management," and calls the push for his resignation "absurd" * Mayor Bloomberg conceded that the NYPD’s credibility has been damaged by the recent furor over the screening of an anti-Muslim training film and the subsequent cover-up. * Commissioner Kelly: ‘Jihad’ Movie Showing Not Authorized;(WCBS)

NYP Spins Probers suspicious of gal’s delay in reporting commish’s son

Probers suspicious of gal's delay in reporting commish’s son(NYP) * With Rape Inquiry, District Attorney Again Finds Himself in a Tough Spot(NYT)* TV Anchor Not Shy About Being Police Leader’s Son(NYT) * Tough Times for NYPD's Kelly(WSJ)* Irony alert! Day woman made rape claim against him, "Good Day" co-host Greg Kelly grilled Manhattan DA on DSK rape case* Greg Kelly grilled DA Cy Vance on Monday(NYPD) * Greg Kelly off the air(NYDN)

Texts 'could be the big key' for Greg Kelly accuser(NYDN)* Greg Kelly claims 'flirtatious' texts from rape accuser show it was consensual * The Daily Beast writes, that “The early indications are that the D.A.’s office is doing in the Greg Kelly case what it should have done in the Strauss-Kahn case—letting the prosecutor with the most expertise do her job without interference.” 12:30PM * Ray Kelly Ducks Questions About Rape Accusation Against Son Greg Kelly (DNINFO) * Great moments in Greg Kelly anchoring history* Cy Vance on the Kelly rape case * Police Commissioner Says He Won't Step Down, Stays Mum On Son (NY1) * Obama Campaign Refunding Money Donated by Federal Lobbyists (Open Secrets.Org)

Law and Order

4 Sought in Attempted Armed Robbery in Manhattan(NBC) * Kids who dropped shopping cart onto philanthropist likely won't go to jail(NYP) * Co-op Manager Accused of Theft in the Bowery(NYT) * U.N. Sees an Unexpected Arrival: Bags of Drugs(NYT) * Large amount of cocaine seized at UN1(WABC) * Cocaine Is Delivered to U.N.(WSJ) * Officer's Use of a Tracking Feature Leads to an Arrest in an iPhone Theft(NYT) * Police: Bronx Suspects Shot Victim Who Refused To Give Up(WCBS) * Bronx Baby Beaten to Death: Coroner(NBC) * Bronx Man Shot for iPhone(Village Voice)*Four Bonanno Mobsters Busted in NYC: Feds(NBC)

Ex-NYC police boss gets own radio show on SirusXM Howard Safir is getting his own radio show.

Sulzberger Family Would Like to Get Paid Again (NYO) * New York Times Co. Confronts Leadership Vacuum as Shares Follow Sales Down (Bloomberg) * Janet Robinson Keeps Getting Richer(Fishbowl)

GOP Tries To Squeeze Senate Dems On Redistricting; What Independent Redistricting Pledge; A Teacher Political Fight

2012-01-26T09:00:00.064-05:00

Albany to New York FU

Albany Releases State Legislative Redistricting Maps

After much confusion, at least part of the state legislature’s new boundaries have been illuminated when Albany’s redistricting task force released draft proposals for the new boundaries of state legislative districts on their website. All the whores in majority (Senate and Assembly) did their best to barricade themselves in their respective brothels for the next 10 years. History repeating itself is all. The question is do the people really care about how this ultimately creates really crappy government for them over the next decade? * Republicans moved their BK Senate Candidate, David Storobin, into Senator Diane Savino's district. (Don't Look Like GOP is too stuck on Storobin) and the GOP Screwed the Russian on the same deal. * Proposed redistricting plan shortchanges New York City voters (New York World)

adamlisberg Adam Lisberg (Twitter) Rarely have I read as many bald-faced lies from politicians as in today's redistricting aftermath. Usually it's just distortions.

Breaking "Cuomo: I’d veto these lines"

Early Reactions to the New Lines

Why didn't Cuomo lobby the legislature for redistricting reform the same way he did on same-sex marriage? "If you think I should go and try to convince the legislators that it is not in their best interest to draw their own lines, maybe you could convince them of that. I don't possess those skills." [Times Union]

Brooklyn
Kruger Home which he may lose is now in the SI District

NYCGreenfield David G. Greenfield (Twitter) Map of infamous Super-Jewish Senate district! Interestingly, it doesn't include very Jewish heart of Midwood/OceanPkwy * New Jewish Senate District in Brooklyn is 17 - No Russians Need Run * Senate GOP Map Puts Lew Fidler in John Sampson’s District: Councilman Fidler's house * Two Candidates With No District (NYDN)

* Eric Adams is in Velmanette Montgomery's District; Kevin Parker took on large swaths of Adams old district * Adams Will Move To Avoid Primary With Montgomery (YNN) * Looks Like Marty Golden Got His Sephardic Jews Who give big campaign contributions*

Dilan's district is more or less unchanged. * Adams' district goes from Crown Heights through South Slope and into Sunset Park. [Latfor.state.ny.us] * The home of David Storobin, the Republican candidate running for the seat Carl Kruger vacated, is now in the district represented by Democrat Diane Savino. [Latfor.state.ny.us] * Marty Dilan loses most of the Northside and a lot of Greenpoint, and keep most of his Hasids, so serving on LATFOR obviously has its benefits even when your party is getting fucked. Wilfredo Larancuent was obviously given a peak at these lines before he started having second thoughts about a challenge. Vito himself lost some Yuppies and picks up the part of Lindsay Park he didn’t have. This is good for him. * The much ballyhooed new Asian seat in Brooklyn will be so eventually, but between non-citizens not being able to vote, and organized labor support, Peter Abate is probably safe in the short run.* Lincoln Restler who best the machine by less than 75 votes lost some of his Fort Green vote and public housing.

Russsian Cut Up

The Russian community, recently trending Republican, is scattered to the four winds even worse than they were worse in the 2002 plan, and are likely to be up in arms against the GOP, even at the expense of a Russian candidate. Non-Russian whites in Sheepshead Bay, attached to John Sampson’s district by a corridor the size and shape of a straw, are likely to want to send a nasty message to the GOP about the way their community has been divided. A Russian Tragedy (True News)

Albany Caves to Asian Leaders Treats of Lawsuit - 4 Asian Districts

Queens Weprin Not A Fan Of His New District(C&S) * NY seeks to create Asian legislative districts(WSJ) * GOP candidate for SD-27 seat is now drawn into district represented by Dem * 11 SD has both both Jose Peralta and Stavisky residence. * The lion’s share of Mike Gianaris’ old district is in the white plurality 12^th, which now has no incumbent. Why would he against Peralta in an overwhelmingly Latino district primarily composed of Peralta’s old turf?* The Stavisky/Avella matchup is a bit different. While the new 16^th is weighted towards Stavisky’s old district, and the 11^th Avella, the composition of the 16^th is such that a Stavisky/Avella race could actually happen.

Bronx The LATFOR maps do not include dramatic district changes in the Bronx.

Manhattan .@ydanis emails: "I am encouraging Adriano 2 run 4 Congress ...make history by becoming the first Dominican-American member [in congress]" * The Central Harlem based 70^th AD is drawn to be barely over 51% black (Bill Perkins Senate district is at 46%) * Shelly Silver’s district barely changes an iota, if at all. He obviously thinks his current mix works better for him than putting all of the Lower East Side’s minorities into one district.

NYPIRG's Mahoney: "The Senate’s maps are clearly the most gerrymandered lines in recent NY history." 50 of 63 don't meet 3% pop. deviation.

(Will Post as they come in)

Senate Democrats also very concerned about comments made by CU's Dick Dadey

Enemy of Reform- Double Agent Who Works for Pols

CU’s Dadey: A veto doesn’t get us reform(TU) Dadey’s blessing could give Cuomo a lot of cover if he were to accept a deal along those lines. Willing to accept a constitutional amendment to take LATFOR out of the process next decade — as well as some extra input to change this year’s proposed lines — as “lasting” reform. * Legislature Releases New District Lines, Senate Dems Cry Foul(WXXI) * NIPIRG Mahoney: “Most Gerrymandered Lines In Recent New York History” [UPDATED] * Common Cause’s initial reaction to the LATFOR maps is, unsurprisingly, not positive.

When Dems Were in the Senate Majority They Did Nothing to Change Redistricting Process Senator Daniel Squadron: ‘Partisan Redistricting is a Poisonous Process’(NYO) * Lawmakers Release Proposed Redistricting Maps (NYT) * Redistricting Plan Would Form New Lines In City, Add Senate Seat Upstate(NY1) * Lawmakers Release Proposed Redistricting Maps(NYT)

Political Redistricting

GOP Redistricting Wacks Q Dems

GOP district plan creates Dem battles(NYDN) * State Senate Republicans are redrawing district maps that would pit key Democratic Sen. Michael Gianaris against a fellow Democrat, and merge two other Queens seats held by Democrats. Michael Gianaris, whose position makes him a main architect of Democratic campaign strategy in the Senate, would face a reelection dogfight against a Latino incumbent, Jose Peralta, in a heavily Latino district.

The other tough-luck draw for Democrats would pit longtime Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky against freshman Tony Avella. Stavisky and Avella would have to battle over a single district because, as the Daily News reported in Wednesday’s editions, the Senate GOP — which now holds a razor-thin majority — would create an Asian-majority district in Flushing that would not have an incumbent. * Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders are discussing how to couple a constitutional amendment reforming the redistricting process — to take effect no earlier than 2013 — with the release of the current lines. (TU) * Assemblywoman Grace Meng made her Queens district lines public by releasing them to City&State. * The new districts could create an opening for Frank Padavan to mount a comeback. * Rory Lancman’s Assembly district is expected to be majority-Asian. putting Gianaris' house into Peralta's district but hand most of his non-Latino territory to Addabbo/whatevsky =not combining him w/ Peraltaonf supports .. independent redistricting in line with what your org is calling for .." Skelos 7/10/10 * Gianaris: GOP Should Remember Tom DeLay Went to Jail Over Redistricting (NYO) * Sen. Mike Gianaris's district literally looks like a big F-U from the Senate Republicans* Koch Is Disappointed In ‘Dishonorable’ Line-Drawers (NYO) * Gianaris Compares Senate GOP To Tom DeLay(YNN) ** Cuomo Says Redistricting Too “Tedious” For Voters, As Cabinet Storms State On “Technical” Issues * State Senator Michael Gianaris, the "main architect of Democratic campaign strategy," is drawn into a district with fellow Democrat Jose Peralta. [Ken Lovett]

Why has the media downplayed the pledges the pols made about they support for Independent Redistricting?

Was A Pledge Column by Daily News Report Bill Hammond Censured?

Why did Daily News Reporter Bill Hammond Twitter last Night about Albany Pols Promises During the Last Election Pledges for Non Political Redistricting? Why did he Write A Story in his paper about the pols reneging on their pledges? He clearly did the research.

NYDNHammond (Twitter)

Bill Hammond "I, Dean Skelos, pledge that .. I will support the creation of an independent, non-partisan Redistricting Commission .." * "I, Dean Skelos, pledge that ... I will vote 'no' on any proposal to establish a Commission that is not independent .." * "Districts shall not be drawn to favor or oppose any political party, incumbent or candidates for office" - pledge signed by @SenatorSkelos

* "Cracking, stacking and similar techniques should be prohibited" - pledge signed by @SenatorSkelos * The latest moment of truth for @NYGovCuomo: Will he stand firm against gerrymandering, or settle for face-saving token gestures? * "As governor, Andrew Cuomo will fight for the creation of an independent redistricting commission." - @NYGovCuomo's "New NY Agenda," p. 17 * "NY has some of the worst gerrymandering in America." -- @NYGovCuomo's "New NY Agenda," p. 16 * "The line-drawing process is antithetical to fair and accountable representation." -- @NYGovCuomo's "New NY Agenda," p. 17 * "NY would finally have districts drawn by neutral umpires, not biased insiders." -- @NYGovCuomo's "New NY Agenda," p. 18

* "Moreover, the (redistricting) commission would work transparently." -- @NYGovCuomo's "New NY Agenda," p. 18 * "Talk of reform on this critical issue is not enough." -- @NYGovCuomo's "New NY Agenda," p. 19 * "As governor, Andrew Cuomo will veto any redistricting plan in 2012 that reflects partisan gerrymandering .." -- @NYGovCuomo's agenda, p. 19 * I'd quote Shelly Silver's campaign promises on gerrymandering reform, but he never took Ed Koch's pledge. Every Senate Republican did. * "So many legislators .. reneged on their pledges," Koch told The Associated Press. "To me, that's the most disgraceful." * “It’s an outrage,” former New York City Mayor Ed Koch roared at the proposed lines. (AP) * Said former NYC Mayor and redistricting reform advocate Ed Koch: “I never believed there could be so many New York legislators in Albany who would renege on a pledge. It’s an outrage.” * Cuomo's transparency website fails to live up to promises(Innovative Trail) * "Dear Mayor Koch .. Our Republican * Dear Mayor Koch Senate Democrats are gleefully distributing the letter Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos sent to former New York City Mayor Ed Koch pledging to champion an independent redistricting process.* Memories, Sweet Reform Memories(YNN) * Ed Koch Is Not Happy(YNN) *Dems Fightin’ Words (Queens Campaigner)

No Deal Espada: Will Fight In Court

Espada: I’ll pass on deal(NYP)Ex-Sen. Pedro Espada and his son Pedro G. Espada were arraigned in Brooklyn Federal Court last night on charges they stole money from their Soundview health clinic to pay for their lavish lifestyle. Federal prosecutors added two additional charges of creating false documents to an earlier indictment. Both Espadas pleaded not guilty to the charges. The elder Espada said afterward he felt good about his case, and was confident he and his son would be vindicated. “We have faith in this system,” said Espada, dressed in a light gray suit and a purple tie. “It is a system that I took an oath of office to serve in the state Senate. This is the same system that allowed a kid from Puerto Rico to come to the United States, be homeless and be successful. We look forward to it. We’re absolutely well represented here, but mostly we trust our faith, our family and the system of justice that we’re absolutely ready for.” (C&S)

DN Says Savino In the Tank In Pension Reform Fight

Cuomo Faces Uphill Fight For Pension Reform in Albany(NYDN Ed) The Daily News urges Cuomo to use his sweeping budgetary powers to push through pension reform in the face of stiff opposition from state Sen. Diane Savino and other lawmakers * Sen. Diane Savino called Cuomo’s Tier 6 proposal a “very complicated issue” that no lawmakers believe can be worked out by the April 1 budget deadline.* Lawmakers scolded a Cuomo administration official for not working with unions as they devised their pension reform plan.

Is the Close Relationship Between the Dems and UFT to Put Children First or to Get Reelected?

The powerful UFT has a cozy real estate deal with the DSCC, picking up up the tab for an office at 50 Broadway, phone, Internet and utilities and writing it all off as a campaign contribution. An ‘office’ romance blooms for Dems, UFT (NYDN) The campaign arm of state Senate Democrats is using office space in a building owned by the city’s powerful teachers union. Revelations of the cozy arrangement come as Gov. Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg are warring with the union over implementing a rigorous teacher evaluation system.

TUCapCon Capitol Confidential (Twitter) "At least the Senate Democrats are getting out of the building," Cuomo says of story that UFT is providing office space to conference.

Cuomo Demands Settlement

After saying he wasn’t going to get involved in the fight between the UFT and the Bloomberg administration over teacher evaluations, Cuomo is doing just that. Cuomo Pushes Teacher Talks(WSJ) Gov. Andrew Cuomo is prodding Bloomberg and the UFT to reach an agreement on teacher evaluations, including whether the schools chancellor has final say over appeals. * NYSUT has launched an on-line petition in opposition to Cuomo’s competitive education grant proposal.

New Study Offers Hope for Students and Bad News for the Those Trying to Keep Failing Schools Open

School kids catch a break(NYP) When the city shutters large, bad schools and puts kids in smaller, specialized ones, graduation and college-readiness rates climb, and much of the racial-achievement gap vanishes. * City Students at Small Public High Schools Are More Likely to Graduate, Study Says(NYT)A study shows New York City students at small public high schools are more likely to graduate than those at larger schools, findings in line with the Bloomberg administration’s push for small schools * McMahon: Triborough blocks fiscal sanity (Newsday) The Triborough Amendment that keeps expired public employee contracts in place is a key factor in skyrocketing teacher pay and must be repealed,

NYP Trying to Gather Public Opinion Against the UFT's Position on Teacher Evaluations

Teflon teachers(NYP) Thugs, thieves can’t be fired They’ve slapped around students, ripped off taxpayers and boozed it up in the classroom — and they’re all still employed as city public-school teachers. * ‘Sex ed.’ gal ‘high’ on students (NYP) New York City teachers drank alcohol between class and lied about their income to get subsidized housing, and one slapped a student, yet all kept their jobs last year, showing how hard it is to remove some bad teachers

Grand jury assembled for Bruno retrial(Business Journal)

Assemblyman: "I am Leaving Albany 2 Corrupt For Me"

“I don’t even think the politicians understand when they sell out because someone gave them a contribution, when they vote for the party line –- sort of like just following orders.”

Poughkeepsie Assemblyman to Retire, Cites ‘Constant Corruption’ in Albany (NYO) Joel Miller, a Hudson Valley Republican first elected in 1994, won’t run for reelection when his term is up at the end of the year.

No Pay Raise For You Albany

How can you raise pols' pay when workers took zeroes? Cuomo: "That's why I'm not doing it now, Ken."

Increase Voter Turnout Helps Challengers, Albany Wants Small Turnout

Where are the Goo Goos and Reformer on Voter Turnout?
Bloomberg, Rep. Steve Israel and John McCain's daughter--an independent, a Democrat and Republican--supporting moving Election Day to the weekend in order to increase voter turnout. [Jacob Soboroff]

Are New Yorkers Confusing Order for A Fixed Economy

NY1 Exclusive: Poll Finds Majority Of New Yorkers Are Optimistic For Future, Back Their Governor

New Yorkers are Ignoring Very Bad Economic Trends

9% Unemployment -State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli warned. "[nyc] unemployment rate is now higher than the nation’s for the first time since March 2010 * NYC pension obligations. $8 billion/year from city budget, and growing 12% of Cities budget * Wall Street Wielding the Ax * City ZIPs zapped by taxes Metro area leads nation in fed payouts * NY ranks 49 in business tax climate * Escape from New York A new poll last week showed that more than one of every four New Yorkers is headed for the exits. * Escape from NY II Pensioners fleeing city - 31 percent of NY's pensions, went to addresses outside New York state. (NYP) * New building starts in the first half of 2011 are down almost 40 percent from the previous year * Fed Signals That a Full Recovery Is Years Away(NYT)

School Energy

City 'Slow' on Solar(WSJ) A widespread effort to install solar panels on city schools' rooftops could save taxpayers millions of dollars in energy costs and create more than 5,000 green jobs, according to Manhattan BP Stringer

The Diabetes Problem is Real the Photo is Doctored (So What)

Bloomberg Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson got into a Twitter tiff with NYT editor Carolyn Ryan about the integrity and veracity of the city’s soda=diabetes ad campaign. * DOH Anti-Obesity Poster Uses Doctored Photo(NY1)

Gowanus Locals Battle Arrival of ‘Whole Foods’ (Gowanus Lounge) Claiming that the all-organic store will inevitably destroy the industry in the region.

The hipster vs. Hasid clash has come to Crown Heights.

Experts doubt the economic feasibility of convention centers.

The MTA Board Loses a Ticket to Ride(WSJ) * MTA Shakes Up East Side Work(WSJ) The MTA is modifying a contract on its East Side Access project in an effort to cut two years from the excavation work and reduce but not completely eliminate project delays * Clearing the air: 2nd. Ave. ‘blast’ tests(NYP)

Feds: Chinatown bus service ignored shutdown order(WABC) * Federal Court Orders Chinatown-Based Bus Company To Suspend Operations (NY1)

CPW Bed Bugs

Bedbugs and Worried Workers at a Hotel Anything but Fleabag(NYT) * Bedbugs Spotted at the Ritz(NBC)

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Political Intrigue: Bloomberg Thrives on Political Espionage and Manipulation

The New York (Mayor’s) Review of Books(NYT)

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, John le Carré's familiar, aging British Intelligence agent, called out of retirement to discover the identity of the high-ranking Russian mole who has burrowed deep into "the Circus"--codename for the British secret service. This slow-burning, complicated, and ultimately rewarding BBC adaptation, offers insight into the shady underworld of spies and the political climate during the cold war. * Bloomberg LP employees are unhappy about lower-than-expected bonuses in 2011.

Debate Reaction

Debate Caps a Hard-Fought Day in Florida(NYT) * Romney and Gingrich come out swinging in latest debate(US TODAY) * Romney is the aggressor in final Florida debate(AP) FACT CHECK: Debate over 'ghetto language' ad(AP) Gingrich Leads In Latest Poll(WSJ) * Gingrich Insurgency Tests Party's Old Guard(NYT) *

Romney Demands Gingrich Apology on Immigration(Bloomberg) * Romney, Gingrich square off in Florida(Wash Post)

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Election 2012 Repubs are eating each other alive as Obama's poll numbers improve

Polls show Newt Gingrich’s surge ending (Wash Post) *Mitt Romney: Newt Gingrich pandering to Latino voters (WPIX) * Raucous Republican Debates Seem More Made for TV(NYT) * Why Evangelicals Don’t Like Mormons(NYT)* DEAD HEAT: Romney, Gingrich Neck-And-Neck In Florida Polls(Huff Post) * Drudge, conservative media criticize Newt Gingrich (Politico) * Gingrich mocked Mitt Romney’s assertion that illegals would “self-deport.” * President's State of the Union Rallies His Troops - Bill Schneider, Politico * The Hyper-Partisan President - Debra Saunders, San Francisco Chronicle * Obama's Fast Talk on the Economy - Charles Gasparino, New York Post * President's Agenda Far From Radical - Ezra Klein, Bloomberg * Gingrich Is Exposing the Corrupt Media - Larry Elder, Townhall * Why Romney Has the Edge in Florida - Ronald Brownstein, National Journal * Gingrich, Romney Scrap Over Latino Vote - Erin McPike, RealClearPolitics * Four Ways Republicans Can Win Hispanics - Jeb Bush, Washington Post * Romney: "I Want to Help the 99%" - John McCormack, Weekly Standard * Re-Elect Obama: Vote Newt! - Ann Coulter, AnnCoulter.com * The Carnage Being Wrought Within the GOP - Erick Erickson, RedState * GOP Attacks Don't Faze Bernanke - Dana Milbank, Washington Post

Newt vs. Mitt: Can a Fat Man Beat a Thin Man? - Carl M. Cannon, RCP * Florida Primary: Romney Back in Control | RCP Avg: Romney +2.6%* Obama's Words Don't Match His Actions - The Oklahoman * Rasmussen Florida #GOP Primary: #Romney 39%, #Gingrich 31%, #Santorum 12%, #Paul 9%...* Right Launches Giant Campaign Against Media(Buzzfeed) * Gingrich leads Romney by 9 points nationally in NBC/WSJ poll(WSJ)* Stakes Are Sky-High in Tonight's Debate - Ron Fournier, National Journal * Romney Camp's Truly Obscene Attack - Bill Jacobson, Legal Insurrection * Bob Dole Releases Stinging Gingrich Critique - Gerry Mullany, NY Times * Romney Camp's Truly Obscene Attack - Bill Jacobson, Legal Insurrection* Bob Dole Releases Stinging Gingrich Critique - Gerry Mullany, NY Times * Coordinated Attack vs. Newt Doesn't Match My Memory - Rush Limbaugh

Arizona gov has words with Bam(NYP) Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and the president had a heated exchange on the tarmac upon his arrival in Phoenix. The topic: Her portrayal in her book, “Scorpions for Breakfast,” of his immigration policy.* Sales Of Jan Brewer’s Book Up Over 150,000% On Amazon.com

Jon Stewart Reviews The State Of The Union: ‘You Opened With I Killed Bin Laden?!’

The Times believes the inclusion of New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in President Barack Obama’s new mortgage fraud investigation signals a tougher approach and possibly bigger settlements. New Housing Task Force Will Zero In on Wall St.(NYT) * A Mortgage Investigation(NYT Ed) Obama has promised a full inquiry into the mortgage meltdown. Could this finally lead to clear results that hold those who broke the law accountable? * The new federal task force that will investigate whether financial firms improperly bundled home loans into securities for investors is headed by liberal crusader Eric Schneiderman, but some are still skeptical that this effort will succeed where others failed.

The competition to be Cuomo’s pick for the top appeals court judge is Brooklyn, partially due to the ornate, regal chambers. * In nominating a gay judge to the state’s highest court and calling for a referendum on a gay marriage bill, Chris Christie has showed his considerable political skill and avoided the thicket of SSM politics.

CIA to pull officer from NYPD after internal probe(AP)
* Anti-Islam documentary producer was arrested for impersonating Secret Service agent (NYP) * Mayor Bloomberg says anti-Muslim flick hurt NYPD’s credibility but supports Commissioner Raymond Kelly (NYDN) * Bloomberg backs Commissioner Kelly amid calls to resign(AMNY) *Mayor Defends Kelly, but Says Anti-Muslim Film Caused Damage(NYT)

The Manhattan district attorney is investigating a rape allegation against Greg Kelly, the son of Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and a local TV anchor, an accusation he denies Greg Kelly being investigated for 'sexually assaulting' woman(NYP) * Woman Accuses New York Police Commissioner’s Son of Rape(NYT) * NYPD commissioner's son accused of rape(NYPD) * "According 2 alleged victim's friend, the boyfriend shouted 2 [Ray] Kelly "u better keep an eye on yr son" *A TV Anchor Not Shy About Being a Police Leader’s Son (NYT)
* With Rape Inquiry, Manhattan District Attorney Again Finds Himself in a Tough Spot (NYT)

AP: Alleged Rape Victim Became Pregnant After Encounter With Fox Anchorman Greg Kelly(NY1)

Law and Order

1-year-old boy dies after being found unconscious, bruised & burned(NYP) * Man Questioned in Death of 1-Year-Old(WSJ) * Gotti grandkid in car bust(NYP) * Gotti grandson arrested for driving violation(WSJ) I did not rip off the union (NYDN) * Bring rabbi back to N.Y. on con(NYDN) * Police Fatally Shoot Man Who Opened Fire On Off-Duty Officer(NY1) * Off-Duty Police Officer Shoots Man Dead In Brooklyn(WCBS) * Man Stabbed During Car-Jacking(Fox 5) * Deadly Police Involved Shooting(foxn 5) * Man fatally shot by off-duty officer in Brooklyn(WABC) * Man Killed in BK Police-Involved Shooting(NBC) * To overcome a communication glitch, the city will use $8.6 in federal aid to buy 2,700 Motorola radios for transit cops. [Sally Goldenberg and Josh Margolin] * Greg Kelly Accuser Claimed She Got Pregnant From Alleged Rape, Sources Say(DNAINFO) * Bronx Baby's Death Ruled A Homicide (NY1) * Two charged with stealing over $300,000 from low-income co-ops(NYP)

Police Seek Four Men In Attempted Armed Burglary(NY1)

Rail jihad witness(NYP)

True News Update 24/7 Analysis Not Availabe in the Old Media

2012-01-25T09:00:00.044-05:00

New District In Queens Would Be 52% Asian

Senate Republicans are proposing the first Asian-majority district in Flushing, Queens, and an Orthodox Jewish-majority district in Borough Park in Brooklyn. In Brooklyn a new district would consolidate the Orthodox Jewish community into one district, rather than spread the population out over five as is now the case, the source said.

“The borough president is not a clairvoyant. Our office had zero knowledge of what developer would be selected by Fordham a year after our recommendation was submitted”

Perhaps Glenwood Gave the Money to Stringer Because the Weegie Board Told Them Too

Stringer reaps bundle from firm whose project he backed (NYP) Stringer – who is widely presumed to be a candidate in the crowded Democratic field for mayor – received his largest campaign haul from Glenwood Management, which acted as a “bundler,” raising $137,100 for his bid from individual donors, campaign records show. Stringer insisted Glenwood’s largesse has nothing to do with his support of the company’s plan to expand Fordham University at its Lincoln Center campus and said he did not even know Glenwood was involved in the project when he approved it in 2009 over vehement community opposition.

Pols Hit the Jackpot With Racino's Genting

Racino donates $100,000 to pols (NYDN) Genting donated $20,000 to the Senate Republicans’ reelection arm in November — and $10,000 to a similar Democratic committee. Genting also gave $10,000 to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, but did not give directly to Cuomo. The donations are on top of the $1 million in Albany lobbying Genting spent last year.

Cuomo Fat Cat Fund Raiser Not Open to the Press

Cuomo Is Lure for Donors to Democratic Governors(NYT) Lobbyist Tonio Burgos, a NYC lobbyist and veteran of Cuomo I is pushing $50,000, corporate donors can sit with Gov. Andrew Cuomo at his Democratic governors fundraiser, which contrasts with his push to limit campaign contributions. The cash for the event goes to the DGA, not the governor himself. * Sitting on Cuomo Panel Has Price(WSJ)

Bloomberg Supports Cuomo Plan to Rein In NY Out of Control Pension Costs - Tin Cup Day in Albany

12% of City's Budget and Growing
Voicing support for Cuomo’s pension reform proposal, Bloomberg noted NYC’s pension costs have risen 500 percent since he took office in 2002. * “Public pensions are not the enemy,” writes AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, who wonders why the governor is trying to “vilify” middle class retirement security.* NY ranks 49 in business tax climate

Redistricting and the Courts

Another View Of The Texas Redistricting Decision(YNN) ” The Texas decision deals with court remedies where plans have been enacted by legislatures and approved by governors and not to plans vetoed by a governor or resulting from an impasse." “There’s a big difference. The Texas decision would impact New York if the governor signed a plan, it was challenged, and then some parts were rejected by a court. Then the court would only redo the parts that were illegal or send it back to the Legislature to redo.” * Negotiating The Lines?(YNN) * Will the Supreme Court’s Texas ruling affect New York redistricting? (NY World) * "If Cuomo bends, then it could be seen that he’s not just going back on his word to good-government advocates, but also helped the opposition party stay in control of the Senate." [Nick Reisman] * 2010 NY1 Silver intro'd Cuomo's bill and promised in 2010 "I will not stand in the way of redistricting reform"

Courts Says Prisoners Live in Their Home Districts Why Not Prisoners Running NY's Corrupt Political parties?

Haggerty’s Qns. $idelight (NYP) At the same time he was on trial for stealing more than $1 million from Mayor Bloomberg, political consultant John Haggerty was also using the mayor’s money to settle old political scores in Queens, according to campaign records. Filings at the state Board of Elections show Haggerty’s 28th Assembly District Republican Committee shelled out $16,636 over the last six months to back candidates for party positions against archrival Phil Ragusa, the Queens Republican leader.

As it turns out, Mayor Bloomberg is funding both sides of the bitter fight over control of the Queens GOP. Haggerty’s Qns. $idelight(NYP) * NYC Republicans To Bloomberg: What Are We, Chopped Liver? (C&S)

Frank Padavan Mulling A Comeback(C&S) Veteran Republican State Sen. Frank Padavan is interested in running for the northeast Queens district he narrowly lost in 2010, according to three Republicans source, but some Queens Republicans are concerned that district lines set to be released today will not be favorable enough to spur a Padavan return.

Campaign Consultant Red Horse Out to Get Parkside

To Parkside Its Not About Winning or Losing it All About the Queens' Machine and $$$

There seems to be a fight breaking out as both consultant group Parkside and Red Horse snip at each other to gain control of the lucrative Democrat State Senate Business contract. Parkside seem to be comfortable in as their guy, who they helped elect Queens' machine flunky Senator Michael Gianaris is running Democrat Senate Campaign Committee. Paskside staying power comes from their close relationship with the Queens' Boss Crowley who protects them even after they lose big.

Parkside Lost With Weprin in a 3 to 1 Democratic District

Gianaris is keeping parkside even though they were the lead consultants in 2010 that lost control of a senate majority. During the 2008 election cycle, when Democrats won back the majority, the DSCC’s main consultant was Red Horse Strategies. Red House according to Parkside was helped by the the big Obama sweep in 2008. Parkside's take of $2.2 from the DSCC also help drive that committee into debt. Last year Parkside had to be removed from the Weprin campaign because of incompetent work. The media protect Parkside who regularly tips off reporters to breaking political stories. That why then never reported that Evan Stavisky is most probably serving illegally as a district leader in Queens. The Parkside Group's Evan Stavisky wife is the Democratic leader from Rockland County.

Mclaughlin Helped Create Parkside, Many of the Groups That Brian Was Convicted for Ripping Off Worked for Parkside

Evan is a district leader in 26th Assembly District in Queens. Before the slush fund scandal broke Parkside was paid a total of $1.7 million by more than 40 clients last year, many of them nonprofit receiving member items from the city council.In 2005 in a NYT article Dick Dadey executive director of Citizens Union expressed concern about what he called "a growing problem" of council members being lobbied by firms that serve as political consultants to many of them. * A Letter to Garcia: (Michael) Garcia U.S. Attorney * Two Democratic state senators who may get drawn into the same district share Parkside Group as consultants. [Liz Benjamin]

After Loss of Millions in Union Check Offs, Their HQ and Prison There Will Be No Transit Strike This Time No Mater the Rhetoric

Strike Talk Designed to Build Support Among Union Members

Subway union strike threat(NYP)

Espada, Arraigned In Court, “Absolutely Ready” For His Corruption Case (C&S)

Gates Foundation: NY Teacher Quality Fails, Ranked 13th

Study: Teacher quality rates 'C' (AP) Rreport backed by the Gates foundation A new report ranks New York 13th among the nation for its efforts to improve teacher quality, giving it a C rating, up from a D-plus two years ago * N.Y. Teacher Qualilty 13th In U.S.(Fox 5) * Why ‘A’ isn’t enough (NYP) More to school ax * Bloomberg, in Albany, Warms Up to Cuomo(WSJ) * Eva Moskowitz seeks to expand Success Academies to Chelsea(NYDN) * Liu audit: City shortchanges 72G special ed students(NYDN)

Adolfo Carrion refused to rule out a run for mayor or comptroller in 2013

Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. is still mulling a run for NYC mayor in 2013, but isn’t interested in seeking the public advocate’s office.

Will the #7 Train to Convention Center Reach Javits Before it is Torn Down?

No. 7 train extension may be delayed for months(AM NY)

City Candidates Spend Money to Make Money(NYO) The New York City Campaign Finance Board noted yesterday that of the $1.35 million candidates for New York City offices spent in the last six months, over 23% was spent on fundraising efforts to raise more money. These tallies do not include candidates running for state legislative, statewide, or federal offices.

5 BP of No Importance Delusional Idea to Tear Down the Javits Center and Build Two New Ones in Queens

Tries to Save Willets Point Convention Center proposal which a lot of Queens pols have that hands in

Queens needs two convention centers, says borough presi(NYDN)

Dorothy Torano, mother of Michael Turano, companion to Carl Kruger, is staying at her $109,000 a year post on a Brooklyn community board, giving the GOP a campaign issue.

Bad Economic: 9% Unemployment, Job Loses Expected on Wall Street and Commercial Real Estate Slow Down

New York Hotels Close to Foreclosure(WSJ) * Red Hook Facing Loss of Customs Inspection Station(NYT) An end to inspections could saddle companies and consumers with added costs, and officials are concerned it could deal a blow to Brooklyn’s already vulnerable port system * Anxiety Mounts Over Maturing Real Estate Loans(NYT) In New York City alone, nearly $70 billion worth of commercial mortgages that were issued as collateral for bonds in 2007 are maturing this year.

Co-op Dwellers Say BK Skyscraper District Would Increase Cost of Living (Brooklyn Paper) * Big Real Estate Could Not Knock Down the Downtown Brooklyn Skyscraper District (NYO)

US Press Freedom Drops

Press Freedom Index: Occupy Wall Street Journalist Arrests Cost U.S. Dearly In Latest Survey (Huff Post)

Paul McCartney's wife resigns from MTA board (NYP)

Gong Marching Again

Since 2008 Falu Gong has been blocked from marching in the Manhattan Chinatown Parade Tension Over a Parade, as Falun Gong Seeks to Join(WSJ)

Blame Photoshop, Not Diabetes, for This Amputation(NYT)

howiewolf (Twitter) @NYTMetro curious are the Times subscribers in your ads actual Times subscribers? Because if, gosh, they werent I would be so disillusioned * Howard Wolfson Gets Into Twitter Tiff With The New York Times (NYO)

Access To the Bull is Day to Day

Tourists Once Again Flock To Wall Street Bull; Barricade Controversy Continues(WCBS)* Retired Police Commander Could See Dismissal of Protest Charges(NYT)

Spell check! ‘Shcool’ blunder erased(NYP)

UES Residents Push Back On MTA Plan To Build New Subway Entrance(NY1)

New Media Beats Old Media

After Public Drubbing on SOPA and PIPA, Schumer, Gillibrand Hit ‘Command Z’ (NYO) * The Web Uprising That Dethroned Hollywood (NY Mag)

Given the unsettled nature of the GOP race, New York could be in play when its presidential primary rolls around on April 24

Republican hopefuls look to New York primary (TU) GOP presidential hopefuls are gearing up for New York’s April primary, as the unsettled field could make the state unexpectedly relevant * New York Republican Leaders to Gingrich Supporters: ‘Stop It’ (Capital New York)

Obama To Announce Mortgage Crisis Unit Chaired By New York Attorney General Schneiderman(Huff Post) * Also in his SOTU, Obama awarded a mortgage crisis victory to AG Eric Schneiderman and “the entire progressive community.”* AG Eric Schneiderman is facing blowback from a coalition of Queens churches who plan to rally in opposition to charges he brought against aides to Sen. Shirley Huntley when they are arraigned in Nassau County on Feb. 1.* He explained "the conduct that created the crash, not the abuses that happened after the fact." [Jim Puzzanghera]

Election 2012

Prez gets into tiff with Arizona gov over her portrayal of him in memoir(NYP)

Obama uses Buffett’s Gal Friday as a speech prop(NYP) * Obama Sets Goal of Bridging Wealth Gap(NYT) * Putting Middle-Class Interests at the Top of His Agenda(NYT) * Obama Sets Sights on Romney in Speech(NYT) * Graphic: Selected Words in the Address(NYT) * For Romneys, Friendly Code Reduces Taxes(NYT) * The State of the Union in 2012(NYT Ed) * Obama Makes Populist Pitch in Speech(WSJ) * Economic Programs Are Outlined(WSJ)

GOP Counters: Obama Has 'Made Things Worse'(WSJ) * Cop wants job back, says circumcision proves he didn’t flash(NYDN) * A new poll shows Obama is leading among Latino voters – a key voting bloc – but Florida is indeed in play for the GOP. * Sen. Marco Rubio: ‘I Have Never Seen A President Pit Americans Against Each Other Like This One Does’ * Pelosi On A Gingrich Presidency: "That Will Never Happen" (Real Clear) * New poll suggests Gingrich surging in Florida(CNN) * Romney Rethinks Key Income-Tax Break(WSJ) * Here is the entire State of the Union last night, in text and video. * Obama’s most memorable line was “America is back;” but the takeaway from the speech was, “I’m Back,” says the Washington Post. * Uber-blogger Andrew Sullivan said “the sheer cramped, tedious, mediocre micro-policies he listed were uninspiring to say the least.”

Newt Gingrich Will Establish a Permanent Moon Base, But What About Mars? (Gawker) * New Florida Forecast (Florcast?): Gingrich 40.1, Romney 36.2, Santorum 11.5, Paul 9.4 * Romney gets Orlando Sentinel endorsement(CNN) Romney on Obama's 'detachment'(CNN) Romney's numbers may be stabilizing some. Gallup national tracker has Gingrich +3, but was +4 yesterday. * CNN/Time Florida poll: Romney 36 / Gingrich 34 * Obama Weaves Rehearsed Themes in Case for 2nd Term(NYT) * Newt Gingrich in the 1980s introduced a bill for the admission of space colonies as States. * PAC Track (Publica) What and Where are the Super PACs Spending? * Mormon Church's Prior Baptism Of Dead Jews Could Raise Concerns For Florida Voters(Huff Post) * Polls show Newt Gingrich’s surge ending(Wash Post) * Obama's SOTU: Winning the Next 9 Months - David Corn, Mother Jones * Rubio Rebuffs Gingrich: Romney Is Not Crist - Jennifer Rubin, Wash Post * Gingrich Frames the Debate vs. Obama - Peter Ferrara, American Spectator * It's the Stupid Republicans, Stupid - Susan Douglas, In These Times * Florida: CNN/Time: Romney +2 | FL CoC: Tied | Quinnipiac: Romney +2

No Mention of Unemployed in SoS

powellnyt Michael Powell (Twitter) Obama speech makes no mention of unemployed or jobless, or extending bennies. Even for Democrats, they have become America's Disappeare

Pain Capital: Jon Stewart Destroys Mitt Romney Over His Tax Returns

JFK: ‘Well, that’s a tough day’ (NYP) Funeral fell on ‘Monday’ cited in last tapes

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44 Kelly Takes the Heat for the Anti-Islam Film . . . Hurts Mayor Possibilities

NYT: [Ray] Kelly should apologize for the film" The Third Jihad.

In Shift, Police Say Kelly Aided Anti-Islam Film(NYT) * Bloomberg Assails Showing of Anti-Muslim Film to Police(NYT) * NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly acknowledged cooperating with filmmakers in a graphic documentary portraying U.S. Muslims in a harsh light, though he now regrets it. * Officer Admits to False Arrest(WSJ) * Hateful Film (NYT Ed) The Times blasts the NYPD for showing officers a controversial film about American Muslims, saying it exacerbates already tense relations between police and that community * Rap NYPD ‘Jihad’ screening (NYDN) * Islamic Group Calls on Ray Kelly To Resign After Anti-Muslim Video Screening (NYO) * The Full Movie (Capital)

Bloomberg Throws Kelly Under the Bus

Mayor Bloomberg Blasts Use Of ‘Jihad’ Movie During NYPD(NYPD) * Bloomberg said “terrible judgment” was used in showing NYPD officers “The Third Jihad,” a controversial documentary that portrays Muslims as hellbent on establishing a worldwide Islamic regime, and neither he nor Commissioner Ray Kelly knew about it or condoned it.* However, Kelly acknowledged for the first time that he personally cooperated with the filmmakers of the film – a decision the commissioner now describes as a mistake.

NYPD Spokesman Caught Lying

NYPD Spokesman Paul Browne Is a Lying Liar (Gawker) Kudos to NYU's Brennan Center for Justice and the New York Times' Michael Powell for catching NYPD spokesman Paul Browne in massive, galling, and bald-faced lie. The man should be fired.

Revealed: Secret photos & diary before he killed dancer(NYP)

Law and Order

Suite revenge: 10 yrs. for coked-up Plaza thief(NYP) * Suit over ‘cop-flub coverup’ (NYP) * Charges Against 15 Muslims Dismissed in Amusement Park Dispute(NYT) * Firebombings at 2 Synagogues in New Jersey Lead to Arrest(NYT) * Gangs eyed as Brooklyn shoot kills one(NYDN)* Cop canned after plea in cig robbery (NYDN) * Jewel thief gets 10 years for Plaza heist(NYDN)* Authorities Arrest Teen In Rutherford Synagogue Firebomb(WCBS) * Burglaries at Bronx Houses of Worship(Fox 5) * BK Mom Sues MTA in Son's Subway Tunnel Death(NBC)‘Racist arrest’ cop guilty(NYP)

Subway Terror Plot Suspect Pleads Not Guilty To New Charges (NY1)

True News

True News Update 24/7 Analysis Not Availabe in the Old Media

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City & State Agrees With True News Who Reported Sat on the Existence of A Secret Second Set of Map

Albany's Redistricting Puppet Show

NYP No Comment on Redistricting . . . Daily News and NYT Says Veto the Lines Gov

The NYP Which in the Past Has Supported Independent Redistricting is Strangely Silent on the Proposed Lines . . . What Game is Bob McManus Playing This Time?

When former Governor Spitzer promised to push for changes in redistricting A NYP Editorial wrote on January 8, 2007,"An independent redistricting panel, are long overdue." * No reform here On July 8, 2011 the NYP said NY will not get independent redistricting until the ballot access law are changed

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Silver Believes Weprin Not the Democrats Lost the 9th

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Guilty Conscience: Did Liu Know His Stay Would Be Short?

Liu's staff are using old business cards from predecessor Bill Thompson. [Josh Margolin] * Koo Defends Liu From ‘Political Entrapment’; Calls Media ‘Unfair’ (NYO)

June re-trial set for city Councilman Larry Seabrook(NYP)

It’s Time to Police the N.Y.P.D.(NYT Op)

What About the NY's Rising Unemployment Rate?

Construction in New York Takes 'Troubling' 31 Percent Dip (DNAINFO)

Fidler Free Illegal Parking

Has Reduced Taxes for Businesses Become the Third Rail of New York Politics?

Paul Browne, NYPD Spokesman, Comes Under Fire(Huff Post)

Gentrification Rock

DOT officials installed fencing over a walkway connecting two housing projects in Fort Greene after residents hurled projectiles at bicyclists using the newly paved bike path below; the incident in indicative of larger tensions in the community, residents say.

New York City agencies still using typewriters (NYP) Bloomberg is enamored of high tech, but New York City is seeking bids to replace 1,172 typewriters at agencies that still use the old machines for filling out forms

'Occupy' Movement Tries Again in Another Park(WSJ) * 12 Arrested at Manhattan March for Oakland Protesters(NYT) * 12 Occupy protesters arrested in NYC(WSJ)

Study proves new small schools are key to student success (NYDN Ed) Shutting down and opening from scratch is the way to go* Assemblyman Keith Wright plans to propose a bill that would repeal mayoral control of NYC’s public schools.

OWS . . .

Critics of SoHo Proposal Ask, You Call This Improvement?(NYT) The plan for a business improvement district in SoHo would help with the trash problem, but some residents don’t want to cede more ground to tourists and real estate titans.

Imagine His Shock. His Leg Had Vanished (NYT) * Man With ‘Missing Leg’ Wants Revenge (NY Mag)

Romney surges ahead before primary(NYP) * Years of Despair Add to Uncertainty in Florida Race(NYT) * A Florida Bush Stays Silent, and to Many, That Says a Lot(NYT) * Romney Regains Edge(WSJ)

The History Of Presidents And Other People’s Fingers: Brian Williams Once Pointed At George W. Bush

Super Pacs Are Brain Washing

Newt blasts 'carpet-bombing' Romney(Politico)

Now We Know Why Frank is Getting Out

Freddie Mac Bets Against American Homeowners (PUBLICA) * Freddie Mac’s big bet against homeowners(Wash Post) * Auction 2012: How The Bank Lobby Owns Washington(Huff Post)

Bronx woman busted after alleged elaborate scam against NY Archdiocese(NYP) * Bookkeeper Accused of Stealing $1 Million From Archdiocese (NYT)

MF Global Funds Feared Gone(WSJ)

Off-Duty Officer Fatally Shoots Brooklyn Teen During Alleged Robbery(NY1) * Off-duty NYPD detective fatally shoots man during botched robbery (NYP)

For Family of Burned Woman, an Offer, but No Help(NYT)

Crime on rise in city parks (NY Metro)

Kelly's Investigation

Thugs review botched Times Square bombing to plan for future attacks(NYP)

The Albany Redistricting Play; True News Updated 24/7 Sunday Update

Saturday's NYT Editorial:

Asked Cuomo to Veto the proposed district maps

Today's Daily News

Demanded the Gov Veto the Proposed Lines

Albany Wars: NY Has It Own Yoda I Mean Yogurt With the Force With Him

The NYRA money pit(NYP) DiNapoli audit this week shows that the scandal-scarred NYRA is still lagging when it comes to putting its fiscal house in order. The state comptroller fears the association may fritter away the $48 million cash windfall it’s started to get from the Aqueduct racino.

The Comptroller Has Warned the NYRA Before DiNapoli: NYRA facing insolvency(2010, TU)

Brooklyn's Hospital Emergency

Gov. Cuomo must act decisively on three ailing Brooklyn hospitalsWyckoff, Brookdale and Interfaith must be radically reconfigured

The NYT Says Slams Cuomo's Closed Door Meeting with Executives & Lobbyists Some Who Paid $50,000 to Attend

. . . NYP Says Dems Feeling the Love to the Gov

Cuomo Defends Closed Session With Executives and Lobbyists(NYT) * Gov. Andrew Cuomo Defends Role At Democratic Fundraiser (WCBS) * Andy feeling the Dem love(NYP) * Cuomo Draws A Crowd At Democratic Governors Association Fundraiser(NY1)

Imagine His Shock. His Leg Had Vanished (NYT)

Monseratte Comeback

Marines Never Die: Could Hiram Monseratte Be Plotting His Revenge? (Queens Poltiics) * He would ostensibly capitalize on the head-to-head between Sens. Jose Peralta and Mike Gianaris set up by the Senate GOP’s redistricting plan.

Kruger Does Not Want Any Soap-On-A-Rope

EX-STATE SEN. CARL KRUGER HIRES A PRISON CONSULTANT TO PREPARE(NYP) * Erased! Kruger’s district yanked off new state senate map(Brooklyn Daily)

Protesters Slam Bloomberg's Education Policies(NY1)

Protesters Slam Bloomberg's Education Policies(NY1)

Thousands March To Protest Ban On Using Public Schools For Religious Services (WCBS)

Central Park's Tavern On The Green Scales Back In Size (NY1)

Pol push to ban eating in the subway(NYP)

Gentrification, Artists, And Trains In New York: Tom McGeveren Gives A Fascinating, Brief History(Huff Post)

Brooklyn's Triangle Sports Feels Pressure From All Sides(WSJ) A family-owned sporting-goods store on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn is calling it quits after 96 years in business, another sign of changes sparked by the coming of the nearby Barclays Center arena complex.

Gov. Cuomo must act decisively on three ailing Brooklyn hospitals
Wyckoff, Brookdale and Interfaith must be radically reconfigured