True News

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

2012-02-02T09:00:00.041-05:00

Running For Mayor After Your Friend Cashed In On You Being Speaker

An Inept Attempt By the NYT To Clean Up Issues That Will Be Used By Her Mayor Opponents

Will Lobbyist Emily Giske Will Become NYC's Jack Abramoff?

Quinn Friendship May Pose Test in Mayoral Bid(NYT) Quinn, the City Council speaker, is close friends with Emily Giske, a lobbyist, and the relationship will be tested ahead of the 2013 mayoral contest. * Lobbying City Hall is a significant business for Ms. Giske’s firm, Bolton-St. Johns. In recent years, the company has reported earnings of $2 million to $3 million annually while lobbying the city government, billing its clients nearly $15 million in the six years since Ms. Quinn was elected speaker. Quinn blocked paid sick day measure supported by Council members, benefiting fast-food joints repped by Giske firm. Giske is vice-chair of the New York State Democratic Party and was elected to the Democratic National Committee.

NYT Did Not Get Into How Much Money Giske Clients Contributed to Quinn's Campaigns

The Highline on of Giske's many clients has given Quinn Big Bucks Christine Quinn gives your cash to West Side project - and gets campaign money (NYDN) Quinn Funded the High Line Through the Slush Fund and Got Campaign Contributions From Developers Whose Property Values Shot Up By the Building of the Trendy Park

Quinn Pay to Play Friend Giske and the Taxi Industry Nets Her Campaign $$$ To Limit Pedicabs

Quinn Wielding Her Clout in Contest Over Pedicabs - The New York Su * In 2006, the taxi committee, which represents taxi medallion owners, paid Bolton-St. Johns $98,000 to lobby the council on a variety of issues, including the pedicab bill to limit the number of pedicabs on city streets. In 2011 Quinn got over $30,000 from the taxi industry

Ms. Quinn and other council members have directed hundreds of thousands of dollars to nonprofit organizations that Bolton-St. Johns represents, including most recently Care for the Homeless; the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center; and the Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation. Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, also represented by Ms. Giske, has received capital financing from the Council in the last two budgets. *Quinn’s Friendship With Lobbyist May Pose Test in Mayor Bid (NYT)

Much More to the Quinn Keogh Slush Fund Story Will Come Out During the Mayoral Campaign

Ms. Quinn criticized two of her staff members for continuing the practice of holding money in reserve accounts after she had ordered it stopped. After they left her employ, one of them, Michael Keogh, took a job at Bolton-St. Johns. Ms. Quinn was surprised by Mr. Keogh’s move and unhappy about it. Ms. Giske was upset over news accounts suggesting that the lobbying firm had given Mr. Keogh a soft landing, according to Mr. Adler. In 2009 right after he was pushed out of the speakers office because of the slush fund investigation Keogh was listed as top lobbyists for Boltonn St. Johns for the Highline. * Friends of the High Line, which has received $32.5 million in up-front council capital funding - got $290,000 from the secret Slush stash, more than any other organization in the city.

NYT Quinn Term Limits Clean Up is Beyond Belief

Memo to the NYT: Lobbyist Don't Gauge Support, They Work to Secure Votes

Ms. Giske played a role behind the scenes, gauging support among council members.

The New City Budget

Bloomberg Aims To Close $2 Billion Budget Gap(NY1) * Brighter Bloomberg budget is on tap (NYDN)* To close the budget gap, Bloomberg will rely on $1 billion in expected sales of new taxi medallions, money from a $1 billion fund set aside to cover future pension costs and a $1 billion emergency fund for health care costs, the mayor’s office said.

Koo Backs Off On Charge That the FBI Entrapped Liu

Liu pal’s big FBI Koo-boo (NYP) Koo backed away from his earlier comment that the F.B.I. used "political entrapment" to ensnare John Liu.

4 Mayor Candidate Tries to Get Attention By Proposing Tax Cuts for the 95%

Stringer Calls for Tax Cut(WSJ) Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, a potential 2013 mayoral candidate, will on Thursday propose slashing city income taxes for 95% of New Yorkers, a plan based on Gov. Andrew Cuomo's overhaul of the state tax code.

NYSE Euronext, Deutsche Boerse scrap merger(NYP)

600,000 New Yorkers Owe Property Taxes Because of Goof

Owe, no! Tax-rebate goof (NYP) More than 600,000 New York City homeowners received a tax rebate up to $60 higher than they should have because of a late change to state tax law last year, and will have to repay it on their next property tax bill

From I am the Government to Good Old Uncle Andy

Uncle Andy in the ‘battle of Albany’ (NYP) * Minimum Wage Proposal Splits State Officials(NY1) * ‘Uncle Sam’ joins Gov. Cuomo's battle for Albany reform (NYDN) Bloomberg hasn’t yetMayor Michael Bloomberg and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver pen a Daily News op-ed saying New York should raise the minimum wage, calling it a vital part of the social safety net, formally endorsed Silver’s minimum wage hike proposal* Cuomo superimposed his own face on the visage of Uncle Sam as he sought to recruit county leaders to his side in the “battle of Albany.” * “The governor has bought himself a little breathing room with his end-of-year tax bargain but has created some bigger problems for the future,” writes EJ McMahon.* Some 50,000 state workers, including members of the UUP, are still without a contract.* The landlord for Cuomo’s office in Midtown Manhattan is putting 10 floors in the building up for sale—at twice the price it paid for the space from a state agency five years ago.

Ethics Commission Quietly Names New Director (NYT) * NYT: Biben appointed executive director of state ethics panel(Poltiics on the Hudson * Source: Cuomo Admin ‘Campaigned’ For Biben To Run JCOPE (Updated)(YNN) * David Grandeau Shocking Appointment

Redistricting Sausage Making

Silver hopes to make Andrew Cuomo “comfortable” with the new maps

Brooklyn Senator Helps File Lawsuit Against Current Redistricting Plan(NY1) * Proposed redistricting lines target Queens Dems(NYDN) * "[N]othing should transpire that does not have pre-clearance by the attorney general," said Sharpton. [Colby Hamilton]* Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said Cuomo needs to be made “comfortable” with LATFOR’s plan. That could take a while.* Cuomo called the shortened election season, caused by Judge Gary Sharpe’s June 26th ruling, an “incumbency-protection plan.”* The Rev. Al Sharpton joined fellow African American leaders to denounce LATFOR’s plan, calling it “deform rather than reform,” and asking: “Why do we have to say we’ll lose a black seat in Buffalo to have an Asian seat downstate?”* Sharpton thinks it would be fairer for a court to draw the district lines.* New Paltz School Board Opposes LATFOR Lines * The Senate carved a single block out of the Upper East Side and put it in the South Bronx. * Cuomo wants to avoid the possibility of three elections in New York State this year * In Brooklyn Redistricting, Eggs In One Basket(NY Jewish Week) * Redistricting Lawsuit Plaintiffs Are Dem Contributors(YNN)

Is New York's Economy Stalled?
DiNapoli: “New York’s recovery appears to be losing momentum, which raises concerns about the pace of the economic recovery in 2012.”State Recovers 46% Of Jobs Lost During Recession(YNN)
* DiNapoli: State recovery lost big mo in 2011(TU) * DiNapoli says NYC regained 52 percent of jobs lost in recession, better than suburbs and statewide total of 46 percent* McMahon: NY's still too business-unfriendly(Newsday)

Breaking Wall Street Has It Price

Chuck Schumer, a king of Democratic fund-raising, says Wall Street is now giving him 'very little' mone(Capital)

Remember When School Fights Were Done By Students Not Unions, Principals, Administrators and Parents

King’s fateful choice(NYP) principals-union boss Ernest Logan and teachers-union head Michael Mulgrew asked King to stop Mayor Bloomberg from shutting 33 failing schools, replacing half their staff and then reopening them. They want the city to resume “negotiations” instead. * Students Stage Walkout To Protest School Closures(NY1) * Academic Quits SUNY Board Over Charter Schools (WSJ) New York University professor Pedro Noguera, who held a powerful position on the 17-member board that approves charter schools, said he believed the schools had evolved beyond their original mission: offering an alternative to failing public schools in impoverished neighborhoods.* King’s fateful choice (NYP Ed) The Post urges state Education Commissioner John King to ignore pleas from the city teachers and principals unions to block Bloomberg’s plans to shutter 33 failing schools, saying their only goal is to protect their worst members Kids at closing schools better off – city(NYDN) Union boss pans city’s school closure plan(NYDN)* With Data Backing Smaller High Schools, City’s Larger Ones Fret Over Their Fate(NYT)

Nazi Ties and A Brooklyn State Senate Special Election

Nazi Accusations Fly in Brooklyn Senate Race (WSJ) The race for an open state Senate seat in southern Brooklyn has turned into a fight about Nazi ties.

Fidler Connects to Wepin' s Extremism

Fidler Who Fears A Loss Like Weprin Because Kruger Senate District Overlaps Weiner 9th CD, Is Now Involved in A Race Dominated About Nazi Charges. When Weprin ran for congress the flyer he used the year before when he ran for Assembly in a shoe in special election had the Nazi symbol on it front was according to some political consultants a signs of poor campaign management. Weprin's campaign manager had to resign from his job from a Queens jewish organization after he admitted sending the flyer *Weprin campaign sends mailing with swastika accusing friedrich of Extremism(NYP) * Bearak quits Civic Congress amid flier furor • TimesLedger

Separate Public Schools From Churches(NYT Ed) State lawmakers want to require New York City to allow religious groups to use public school buildings for worship services. The governor should veto the unconstitutional bill.

Transit union wins operators time off for subway tragedies(NYP) The MTA has agreed in contract talks to give subway operators three paid days off if their train hits someone who survives, while the old contract only gives paid time off if the victim dies * According to The Post, the MTA is “caving” in contract talks with the TWU and giving subway operators three days off when they hit someone.

Will Foreclosures Bring Back Abandon Buildings and Neighbors?

City Feels Foreclosure Affects(WSJ) City apartment building going into foreclosure correlate with a spike in serious housing-code violations in neighboring buildings, a new report finds

NY1 Exclusive: Underwater Windmill Farm Coming To East River(NY1)

Tavern Draws Interest on Tour(WSJ) The city's Department of Parks & Recreation flung upon the doors of the once glitzy, now closed landmark restaurant to prospective bidders, pitching a smaller, more casual restaurant stripped down to its core.

Washington Funding Cut From the 911 Museum

Hey, Sen. Okie, 3,000 people died HERE (NYP) WASHINGTON — Dr. No is at it again. Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) is blocking $20 million in annual federal funding for the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. Coburn, who two years ago temporarily halted federal aid to sick 9/11 *Museum madness(NYP Ed) The Post says Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn is right to question a $20 million annual federal subsidy for the World Trade Center museum and memorial, which could trim its lavish spending in other areas instead:* Senator Halts 9/11 Funding(WSJ)

Comptroller and Con Ed Fight Over Indian Point Safety Rules

Agency Rejects Indian Point Fire Safety Plan(NYT) Indian Point’s owner, Entergy, is trying to block state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s move to force a new and broader safety review of the nuclear plant. DiNapoli filed a shareholder resolution for an independent safety review last fall on behalf of the state retirement fund, which owns $55.8 million in Entergy stock. The resolution could come up for a vote at Entergy’s shareholder meeting this spring, but the company has filed an SEC challenge to avoid that. “Entergy has tried to knock the proposal off their ballot,” said DiNapoli spokesman Eric Sumberg. Entergy spokesman Jim Steets countered that DiNapoli’s request is redundant and unnecessary. “Comptroller DiNapoli's basic idea is sound – which is why Entergy put a committee into action more than 25 years ago,” he said. “Entergy created in 1986 its Nuclear Committee, comprised of independent directors whose job it is to oversee Entergy’s nuclear operations.” (C&S)

A map of how much energy each block of New York City uses * Midtown Manhattan Uses More Energy Than Kenya (INTERACTIVE MAP)

Election 2012 Nevada Next Stop

Secrecy Shrouds ‘Super PAC’ Funds in Latest Filings(NYT) * Paul Supporters Join G.O.P. Vanguard in Nevada(NYT) * Mitt Speaks. Oh, No!(NYT) * Mitt Romney makes leap with Hispanics(Wash Post)* Gingrich is challenging the winner-take-all delegate rule in Florida following his big loss to Romney there Tuesday.* Romney is leading in Nevada, which holds its caucuses Saturday.* Donald Trump will endorse Newt Gingrich. * A Dispirited Republican Electorate - E.J. Dionne, Washington Post * Where the Seesaw GOP Race Goes From Here - Douglas Schoen, FOX News * "Poor" Quote by Romney Joins a List Critics Love - Ashley Parker, NYT * Romney Betrays a Troubling View of Society - Mark Steyn, National Review * Three Cheers for RomneyCare - Ann Coulter, AnnCoulter.com * Hope for Obama in Florida? A Sliver - Alexis Simendinger, RealClearPolitics * Is Romney's Master Plan Falling Into Place? - Dan Balz, Washington Post * Florida Win Was All About Romney's Money - Alec MacGillis, New Republic * WSJ's Brody & Mundy note that total money raised by RNC and GOP field in '11 about same as total by Obama/DNC. * Donald Trump is set to endorse Mitt Romney for the Republican nomination for president. (Fox News) * Obama, Romney campaigns engage in fundraising duel (The Hill) * Presidential circus comes to the Nevada caucus(Politico) * Donald Trump endorsed Mitt Romney, not Newt Gingrich as was originally reported. *

Jon Stewart’s Jaw Drops At Romney Not Being ‘Concerned About The Very Poor’

Jon Stewart: Newt Gingrich Thinks He Won The Florida Primary, General Election Already (VIDEO)

Time: Bharara ‘Busting Wall Street’(YNN)

5
5

Hacking Investigation Spreads To Another Murdoch Paper

Murdoch's London Times Hacking?

Times of London in Hacking Inquiry(NYT)

Gray Lady Down

The New York Times Company lost nearly $40 million last year. (NY Mag) * Bad Times (Huff Post)

Miracle officer calls wife after he's shot in the head, gun misfires(NYP) * Man Charged in Officer’s Shooting Had Been Sought in a Jan. 1 Killing(NYT)

Charges in Shooting(WSJ) * Brooklyn Man Charged With Attempted Murder Of A Police Officer(NY1)
Wounded cop very fortunate, doctor says(NYDN) * Brooklyn Man To Be Arraigned In Attempted Murder Of NYPD Officer (NY1) * Prosecutor blasts thug as 'miracle' cop 'shooter' ordered held without bail (NYP) * No Bail for Suspect in Police Shooting in Brooklyn(NYT)

Prosecutors have yet to interview Greg Kelly(NYDN)

Troubling' Fight Video(WSJ) * Family Calls For Officers To Be Charged In Bronx Man's Beating(NY1) * Kelly yanks cops in video beatdown(NYDN)

Law and Order

Judge and Repeat Robber Meet Again(NYT) * Brother Arrested in Beating of Boy(WSJ) * Girl, 10, shot in the Bronx(NYDN)* FBI nails ‘Hardhat Bandit’— again(NYDN) * Bronx youths, including 12-year-old, hit in quadruple shooting(NYDN)* Catholic Charities employees accused of theft(NYDN)* Catholic Charities employees accused of theft(NYDN) * Brooklyn student injured after being bashed in head with pipe during violent robbery(NYP)

Rapper Ja Rule says prison's 'amazing'(NYDN)

Top priest banished(NYP) Sentenced to “a life of prayer and penance” by the Vatican for his alleged molestation of up to 10 kids decades ago.

Marijuana Arrests Rose in 2011, Despite Police Directive(NYT) Pot Arrests Top 50,000(WSJ) Security Breach Delays Passengers(WSJ)

Goo Goos Hire A Lobbyist To Reform the State's Election Law

2012-02-01T09:02:00.019-05:00

Whats Next the Carl Kruger, Brian Mclaughlin and Alan Hevesi Reform Election Law?

After failing on their push for an independent redistricting commission the Goo Goos now have hired a lobbyist. They want to form a Campaign Finance System like the cities but did not talk about non political redistricting. Must have been an oversight! The Good Government groups are also working with the WFP who have had their own campaign finance problems and a registered lobbyist. This arrangement is a little like Romney hiring Gingrich to run his campaign?

Goo Goos Trying to Make it Look Like They Did Not Duck Independent Redistricting

Goo Goos Independent Redistricting

Campaign Finance Reformers Prepare New Campaign(C&S) Campaign finance reform advocates have banded together to push for changes in political funding in Albany this year, and have hired Jennifer Cunningham and SKD Knickerbocker to hone a media relations strategy. The coalition, which includes the Working Families Party, Citizens Union, Common Cause New York and others, is working with the governor’s special counsel on public integrity and ethics issues, Jeremy Creelan, to push for changes. Their agenda includes a New York City-style public financing system, an end to loopholes and large intra-party transfers, and better oversight and enforcement.

Times Union: Dishonesty and Corruption in Your Face

The Times Union on redistricting: “New Yorkers shouldn’t be politely discussing lines on a map. Regardless of political party, they should be seething at the dishonesty and corruption that’s happening right in their face Don’t play Senate’s game (TU)

Sounds Like Only Incumbent Congressman Will Know the Congressional Lines Before March

Newsday says as bad as the new Senate and Assembly district lines are, New York is poised to make things even worse by redrawing Congressional districts in March Politics taints New York redistricting * Analysis: Redistricting, a Test of Democracy(NBC) * Cuomo: Compressed Political Calendar ‘Unhealthy’(YNN)

State Senate GOP Super PAC Man

Leonard Litwin, the 97-year-old billionaire apartment building owner, was the biggest donor to state political campaigns last year with $700,000 in donations, including $436,500 to Senate Republicans, a New York Public Interest Research Group study found ‘Old’ money (NYP)

NYP Forces Quinn to Return Campaign Contributions From A Ponzi Schemer and A Bank Robber

Quinn Contributor

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn plans to return $2,000 from convicted felons after The Post questioned the campaign cash she was holding in her probable run for mayor. Her 2013 campaign will give back a $1,000 donation from Ponzi schemer Kenneth Starr, formerly of Starr & Co., but is keeping $10,000 from his associates, Quinn spokesman Mark Guma said. The Quinn camp also plans to return a $1,000 gift from Hassan Nemazee, a former businessman and Democratic donor who pleaded guilty in 2010 to defrauding banks of $292 million, but the campaign will keep a $1,000 donation from his wife. Christine Quinn is returning some questionable donations, but keeping donations from those donors’ associates.

The Most Important Person in A Campaign is No Longer the Campaign Manager, Its the Private Investigator

Republican Chided Over Blog Says He Won’t Run for Senate(NYT) In a statement announcing his decision, Cenedella lashed out at Gillibrand for her “early and unfounded attacks on me” regarding a blog under his name that had entries containing observations about sex, women and drugs.

The Staten Island Democrats are calling for an FEC investigation of Rep. Michael Grimm’s fundraising. More contenders – including Assemblyman Michael Cusick and former Rep. Michael McMahon – are now eyeing the race. * Regarding her lowish poll numbers, Kirsten Gillibrand says,“It takes time. I’ve only been their senator for three years and we have 20 million people in our state … people will get to know me over time.”

A Gambling Monopoly

The NYP says Cuomo’s proposed convention center at the Aqueduct racetrack is a bigger gamble than thought, because operator Genting wants a monopoly in the region

Shooting craps? (NYP Ed) The NYP says that the new convention center rest upon Genting being allowed to operate more slot machines at the racino, at the least, and perhaps table games down the road, should the state Constitution ever be amended to allow such a thing. Without those revenues, the project’s economics simply don’t add up.

Bloomberg Super Bowl Anti Gun Ad

During Super Bowl, for 30 Seconds, 2 Mayors Will Be on Same Side(NYT) * Bloomberg-Menino Superbowl anti-gun spot produced by SKDKnickerbocker, cost "hundreds of thousands," not millions.

Whatever

Uncle Andrew Wants You(YNN)

Angry students disrupt Walcott meeting(NYDN) * Mayoral hopefuls: School closings flawed(NYDN)

Crowds delighted "ooh's" when police drag out evidence

5-Story Marijuana Farm Is Raided in Bronx(NYT) * Bronx 'Plant' Site Is a Bust(WSJ) * Three Charged With Massive Marijuana Ring In The Bronx(NY1) * Nearly 600 Marijuana Plants Found In Police Raid Of Bronx(WCBS)

6 Weiner Hired A Detective To Prove His Twitter Account Was Hacked

Former Rep. Anthony Weiner used $13,290 in campaign donations last year to hire private detectives to prove his Twitter account was hacked, before admitting he sent an X-rated photo himself (NYDN)

Gentrification: Crown Heights Changes Yet Again

Unease Lingers Amid a Rebirth in Crown Heights (NYT) The Brooklyn neighborhood, once stigmatized by violence and segregation, is now luring young people and new businesses, but some longtime residents are not sure the change is good. During the '40s, '50s and '60s, many middle class Jews lived in Crown Heights.

Dubrow's Cafeteria - Crown Heights, New York. 1940's

In 1950, the neighborhood was 89 percent white, with a small but growing black population. Some 50- 60 percent of the white population, about 75,000 people, were Jewish. By 1957, there were about 25,000 blacks in Crown Heights, about one fourth of the population. * The Ebb of Racial Segregation Is Slower in New York(WSJ) Racial segregation declined in the vast majority of U.S. metropolitan areas over the past decade -- and the New York City is no exception. But the trend toward integration has been far more modest here.* How gentrification transformed a Brooklyn neighbourhood (BBC)

Is Markowitz Trying to Bring Gentrification to Brownville and ENY?

Markowitz to propose contest for high-tech manufacturing in Brownsville, East New York Beep chooses neighborhoods because of high unemployment and available land

Albany Bill to Expand DNA Database Fuels a Political Fight(NYT) The passage of legislation by the Republican-dominated State Senate has drawn support from the governor, a Democrat. * State Senate okays bill to expand DNA database(NYDN) * Cuomo is so far supporting a DNA database bill passed by the Senate yesterday, but the Assembly Democrats are holding out for changes.* here is a political fight brewing in Albany over an effort to expand the DNA database; Senate Republicans passed a bill that would require all convicted criminals to submit a DNA sample while Assembly Democrats want the measure to include provisions that would make it easier for defendants to gain access to the DNA database and other evidence.

12 Other news orgs write another(Capital)

Volunteers Assist In City's Annual Count Of The Homeless(NY1)

Charles Barron Has 17K, Mostly from Barrons(Capital)

Park and rile on SI (NYP) Irate motorists on Staten Island claim they’re getting slammed with unfair parking summonses by cops who’ve crossed the line to meet ticket quotas.

Officials Seek Steeper Fines For Illegal Dumping(NY1)

Indian Point and 103 other nuclear plants must update their ability to withstand an earthquake after a new NRC study showed an “increased likelihood” of ground movement in the central and eastern United States.

Mayoral Contenders Band Together to Criticize School Closures (NYO)

Ed. probe bungling saved ‘ogle’ teacher(NYP) Department of Education bureaucrats bungled the city’s best chance to rid itself of its notorious $100,000-a-year rubber-room teacher by failing to secure the testimony of a series of students who accused him of creepy behavior * Rubber-roomer ‘land$’ on his feet(NYP)

City Food-Stamp Centers Are Understaffed (WSJ) The number of New York City workers handling food-stamp cases has not kept pace with the dramatic increase in enrollment following the economic downturn, a city official testified. New York City’s welfare agency is hiring more than 200 workers to handle the crush of people applying for food stamps, housing aid and job services. * Bad Economy Forces Welfare Hiring Spree(NBC) *Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s minimum wage hike proposal “could be a job killer.”

The NYT OpEds against a bill that would allow check-cashing businesses common in low-income neighborhoods to charge higher interest rates and to enter the lending business

Churches in the Schools

The DN calls the Bloomberg administration’s push to stop letting religious institutions rent public school building space on the weekends “stupid and heartless,” and welcomes the Legislature’s intervention.

Election 2012: 16 Million in Negative Ads Stops Newt and His Kosher Salt

Mitt a hit as Florida sun burns rival(NYP) * A Distant Second, Gingrich Pledges to Stay in Fight(NYT) * Gingrich Pins Hopes on Super Tuesday(NYT) * G.O.P. Donors Showing Thirst to Top Obama(NYT) * ‘Super PACs’(NYT) * Gingrich 2012? Going, Going, Gone(NYT) * Mitt Romney Wins Big in Florida Primary(WSJ) * Florida turnout was about 41 percent, not too shabby, but down from 2008 * Romney is reportedly getting Secret Service protection this week * Close to 60 corporations and wealthy individuals gave checks of $100,000 or more to a “super PAC” supporting Mitt Romney in the months leading up to the Iowa caucuses. * Romney Leaves Gingrich in His Rearview Mirror - Rich Lowry, FOX News * Inevitability Restored to GOP Frontrunner - John Dickerson, Slate

A Cheap and Empty Win - George Neumayr, The American Spectator * After Big Win, Romney Aims for February Trifecta - Scott Conroy, RCP * The Chastened Old Guard Back on Top - Margaret Carlson, Bloomberg * In Romney's Victories, Low GOP Turnout - Mike Smithson, Daily Telegraph * Obama Shows Who's Really Tough - Maureen Dowd, New York Times * How Team Obama Plans to Win Ohio - Tory Newmyer, Fortune * Touting Auto Bailout, Obama Digs at Mitt - Suzanne Goldenberg, Guardian * Romney, Eye Still on G.O.P. Rivals, Turns Back to Obama(NYT) * Wall Street bets big on Romney(CNN) * Video: Paul: Zero chance of my dropping out(CNN)

Gingrich: 'I Pledge to You My Life, My Fortune, My Sacred Honor' Gingrich invoked the spirit of the Founding Fathers by paraphrasing the Declaration of Independence in his speech to supporters following his second-place finish in the Florida Republican presidential primary.

Cop shot in Brooklyn — but survives bullet to base of the skull(NYP) * Officer Shot in Head Is Expected to Recover(NYT) * Police Officer Is Shot in Brooklyn(WSJ) * Mitt Romney Wins Big in Florida Primary(NY1) * Police Questioning Suspect in Shooting of Officer in Brooklyn(NY1)

Cops probed in video beating(NYP) * Eyewitness To Bronx Police Beating Claims The Officers Then Went After Him(NY1) * Officers Pulled Off Street After Tape of Beating Surfaces(NYT) * Officer Shot in Head in Brooklyn; Full Recovery Is Expected(NYT)

Cops barred from wearing NYPD gear(NYP) * NYPD officers prohibited from wearing NYPD logos(WABC)

Started Over A $5 Fee Fight Shop-cart idiocy(NYP) * ‘Murder’ gang busted(NYP) * Shoppers Shaken by Assaults With Carts at City’s Malls(NYT)* 'Gypsy Cab' Dispute Blamed in Attack(WSJ)

Law and Order

Charges Tell of Iron Grip by a Gang(NYT) * NYPD investigating burglary pattern(WSJ) * NY slaying suspect on bail accused of beating mom(WSJ) * Arrest of Chinese livery drivers has industry on edge(NYDN) * DWI driver who killed girl, 6, gets only probation(NYDN)* Search For Burglar In String Of Thefts(Fox 5) * Man found beaten to death on Queens street(WABC) NYPD investigating string of 15 burglaries in lower Manhattan(NYP) Qns. 'Catwoman' caged for 10 years for store stick-ups(NYP)

In 2009 True News Warned That Fanny Mac and Freddie Mac Were Breaking Their Prime Mission to Help Developers Purchase Stuy Town

2012-01-31T09:00:00.031-05:00

Romney Wins Florida, Regaining Momentum(NYT) * A Distant Second, Gingrich Pledges to Stay in Fight(NYT) * Romney Wins Florida Primary to Reclaim Lead in Race(Bloomberg) * Even in Defeat, All Eyes Are On Gingrich (Forbes) * Delegate Count: Romney 84, Gingrich 27, Paul 10, Santorum 8.* Mitt Romney’s Florida sweep — and how it changes the presidential race(Wash Post) * FL night speech: Newt wages war on Obama, not Mitt(Wash Examiner)

Washington Post Reports Freddie Mac Bet Against Homeowners

ProPublica’s Jesse Eisinger reported yesterday that Freddie Mac has used a complex derivative transaction to place large bets that rely on millions of American homeowners remaining in overpriced mortgages to pay off. The bets in Freddie’s investment portfolio — which totaled $3.4 billion in 2010 and 2011 — directly contradict the housing giant’s stated mission to provide affordable mortgages to Americans. At the same time Freddie was trapping their mortgage holders who were over their head by making it harder for homeowners to get out of such high-interest mortgages. Freddie Mac Bets Against American Homeowners (PUBLICA) * Freddie Mac’s big bet against homeowners(Wash Post)

True News Reported in 2009 Fannie Mae Was Being Used by Developers to Destroy Stuy Town As A Middle Class Complex

In October 2009 True News reported that Tishman Speyer and Blackrock were used Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to back $1.5 billion in debt of their $5.4 Billion purchase of Stuy Town and Peter Copper Village. True News point out before the purchase that the only way the buyers were going to make a profit with their 5.4 billion purchase price was to move the rent stabilized tenants out and sell or rent at 2008 market rentsWall Street Hijacks Federal Agencies Created to Provide Affordable Housings

Developers Looted Fanny Mae and the Pension Funds to Buy Stuy Town & Peter Cooper Village

Tenants Roiled by Challenges on Residency - NYTimes.com. The mayor who fought tenant and community opposition said let the market place decide. Well the market crashed in 2008 along with the city's economy and real estate market and the building are now worth about 2 Billion. It gets better Blackrock which got part of the 1.5 billion debt covered by Fanny Mae is an advisor to Fanny Mae BlackRock gets third rescue mission from the federal governmen. Fannie Mae created in 1938 as part of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal mission is to tear down barriers, lower costs, and increase the opportunities for home ownership and affordable rental housing for all Americans.

Roosevelt Created Fannie Mae to Increase Home Ownership and Provide Afforable Rental Housing

The Tishman and Blackrock also used their political connect to use the California and Florida pension funds and who knows how much for the secretive New York pension funds (no transparency and everything is chopping up through middlemen investors). In 2010 with the complexes worth less than $2 Billion and Facing Bankruptcy, Stuy Town Owners Hand Keys to Investors The $1.5 billion to Fannie Mae and billions to the pension funds lost and must now be paid by the taxpayer back to those funds. * Bill Moyers: How Big Banks are Rewriting the Rules of our Economy

True News Yesterday Pointed Out That the NYP Had Not Done An Editorial About Redistricting

We Also Noted That the NYP Supported Independent Redistricting in the Past * 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

Today NYP Finally is the Last Paper to Call on Cuomo to Veto the Proposed Lines . . .

But Does Not Call for An Independent Redistricting Committee Like They Did in 2007

New lines, same game(NYP Ed) Despite pledging during last year’s campaign to defer to an independent redistricting commission, Assembly Democrats and Senate Republicans drew the new maps themselves. The NYP says the lines are meant to serve political machines — and their ability to hand-pick candidates. The NYP says that even bigger problem is Albany's failure to come up with congressional lines.

Albany Redistricting Plan Faulted as Unfair to Minorities(NYT) * Redistricting Taskforce Still Receives Plenty Of Albany Venom(NY1) *

Voting Rights Lawsuit Against the New Proposed Lines . . . What About Rangel Gift?

Senate Dems plan to file a lawsuit today challenging LATFOR(NYT) * The Senate Democrats plan to file a lawsuit today challenging LATFOR’s plan. They are particularly concerned about the disenfranchisement of minority voters. The Rev. Al Sharpton said he’ll ask US AG Eric Holder to review the proposal. * LATFOR co-chair Sen. Mike Nozzolio had a testy exchange at yesterday’s hearing with NYPIRG’s Bill Mahoney over whether the GOP’s plan is partisan.* For proof of redistricting’s partisan nature, look no further than the Assembly’s long-standing of protecting Rep. Charlie Rangel and putting his needs first, says Bill Hammond. GOP lawmakers are starting to make noises about how complying with Judge Gary Sharpe’s June 26 primary order isn’t possible because of redistricting and the political calendar.Skelos Set on September Primary: Sources (NYDN) In Lawsuit, Senate Dems Decry “Blatantly Unconstitutional” Redistricting (YNN)* Ruben Diaz Sr. on Farrell's redistricting comments: "We do not need Charles Rangel to come to the Bronx." * Skelos doesn't want three primaries but says he still is opposed to a June date. * Silver Shrugs Off Three Primary Possibility(YNN) * NAACP To Cuomo: Veto The Lines(Albany Watch) * Deadline Arrives for Super PACs to Reveal Their Donors (Roll Call) * Jerry Nadler on redistricting, "courts are gonna end up having a large role to play in this" (Capital) * Rep. Charlie Rangel isn’t thrilled with the idea his district must be pushed north so his seat can remain “black,” saying: “I’ll be damned if I want the district to go to Mt. Vernon. Hell, Canada sounds just as likely.” * Redistricting heads to court(YNN) * Can The Senate Dems Regain Their Squandered Majority? (NYO) * Sen. Ruben Diaz says "We don't need Rangel to come to the Bx

NYP Does Not Report in Today's Story That A Central Figure in the Liu Investigation Worked for the Speaker

NYP Reports Quinn Returned $4950 From A Straw Donor Who Got the Money from the Serial Creator of Fake Donors
Mei-Hua Ru has emerged as a central figure in a continuing federal investigation into whether thousands of dollars in illegal contributions have been funneled to the Liu campaign through a network of fictitious donors in the city’s Asian-American communities. Now after Ms. Ru was working for Quinn a straw donor has been discovered in the speakers contributions. Are there more?

How Big is Quinn's Liu Straw Donor Problem

Quinn to return tainted cash(NYP)City Council Speaker Christine Quinn will return a $4,950 donation made in 2007 by Suzanne Raffaelli, an actress and model who was a straw donor for convicted fraudster Norman Hsu. The media report that Ms. Ru worked for Liu but not Quinn. Clinton to Return Funds from Fundraiser Hsu : NPR

City Shifts on Teacher Evaluations: Says State Should Scrap the 2010 Law

City want state to put in new language in the budget to make it easier to fire bad teachers

Walcott: Cuomo’s plan is for the grader good(NYP) The city is urging Albany lawmakers to revamp the state’s 2010 teacher-evaluation law amid disagreements with the teachers union over how a new ratings system should work. * Put this teacher to work!(NYP) * A creep & his friends(NYP Ed) * City Shifts on Teacher Evaluations After months of talks with the teachers union, the Bloomberg administration is asking Gov. Andrew Cuomo to help put an end to the labor dispute by scrapping the state's teacher evaluation law. * More City Principals Sign Letter Protesting Evaluation *(NYT)** Walcott said the law is “not going to work as constructed,” because it doesn’t give the city enough power to fire teachers who had been deemed ineffective. * City Forges Ahead on Restructuring at 33 Schools(NYT) * Group sets cost of teacher fight at $1.7B (WOR)

Questions About the Small Schools Study

Scrap over small HS grad study(NYDN) Critics blasted findings from a new study that gives Mayor Bloomberg an “A” on his small-school movement and finds that thousands of students* Tutor Network Scores to Grow(WSJ) * Financial Improprieties Found at All-Girls Charter School(NYT)

State Conservatives Weigh In On GOP Presidential Rivalries(NY1)

Brooklyn Rabbi Tells Fidler To Back Off (NYO) * Rise Above Lew Fidler's Hate!(GOP Young Republican)

Speaker Silver gave Cuomo a stellar first year in office, now he’s increasingly staking out his own agenda

Silver Speaks

Sheldon Silver staking out his own positions(Gannett Albany) Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver went along with what Cuomo wanted in his freshman year as governor, but the speaker is now staking out his own agenda as the budget cycle progresses.

Silver Minimum Wage Increase Push

Raising min wage razes jobs: study(NYP)* Minimum Wage Boost to $8.50 Is Proposed(WSJ) * The Daily News urges the governor and Legislature to pass Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s minimum wage increase, saying it will show New Yorkers they value work over dependency*Skelos says he hasn't seen minimum wage bill, but calls a hike a "job killer."

Who Us, Fight? (YNN) AG Eric Schneiderman dismissed any talk of rivalry or tension between himself and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, calling reports to the contrary “silly.”

Huntley Funded Group Protest Arrests of the Senators Aids for Member Item Corruption

A church coalition protesting the arrest of a top aide to Queens Sen. Shirley Huntley and three other people for allegedly misusing taxpayer money has itself received taxpayer money from Huntley. Clergy United for Community Empowerment has received $70,000 in member items from Huntley since 2007, according to government transparency website Project Sunlight. Last week, the church group announced plans to rally outside a Nassau County courthouse Feb. 1 to protest the indictments of Patricia Savage, a legislative aide to Huntley, and three other individuals – Lynn Smith, Roger Scotland and David Gantt. The four were indicted last month by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on charges they falsified documents to steal $30,000 in taxpayer money meant for an education nonprofit. Lelani Clark, a spokeswoman for the coalition, said she couldn’t comment on whether the group should have disclosed its connections to Huntley in announcing plans to rally in support of the senator’s aide. “The focus of that press release was the rally,” Clark said. “I don’t have any comment on that.” A spokesman for Huntley also declined comment.(C&S)

After a jury deadlocked in his first trial, Larry Seabrook will face federal corruption charges again in a trial set for June.

GOP Says Gillibrand knows the Insider Game

New York GOP Accuses Gillibrand of Hypocrisy With Insider Trading(NYO) * BREAKING: Marc Cenedella not running for US Senate. * Marc Cenedella Exits U.S. Senate Race(Politico)

NY's Bad Economic Signs

New Construction Slid 31% in 2011(WSJ) * In Studios and Grand Halls, Feeling a Pinch From Italy(NYT) As Italy reins in its spending, institutions in New York City dependent on the European nation’s money are being affected.

Koo's Opponent is Spending $999

Newly-minted Democrat NYC Councilman Pete Koo has a 2013 opponent who pledges to spend just $999 on his race.

Staten Island Rep. Michael Grimm faces an uncertain future (SI Advance)

The state is considering selling its Shirley Chisolm State Office Building in Brooklyn because a private developer talked about buying it, but Sen. Velmanette Montgomery vows to fight the move.

Matthew Wambua testified against a bill which would require the Department of Housing Preservation and Development to maintain weekly pay records for every worker on every affordable housing project, as well as to disclose the name, address and tax identification number of the people behind every company involved in those projects, saying that even in light of a recent contracting scandal, the requirements were too onerous.

After Communication Breakdown, MTA Contract Talks to Resume(WSJ)

Commute’s no hoot: poll(NYP) An overwhelming majority say their commute has become more miserable since the MTA approved service cuts and fare hikes three years ago.

Millions Wasted

It’s one world-class foul-up at 1 WTC (NYP) The Port Authority will spend tens of millions of dollars to build a temporary loading dock for 1 World Trade Center because the permanent one won’t be ready when tenants move in

State Officials Assured That Indian Point's Containment Buildings Are Sound(NY1)

Election 2012: 30 Million 10 Day TV Ad Campaign Were 92% are Negative

Buoyant Romney Speaks of Victory in Florida Vote(NYT) * Don’t Stop the Debates(NYT Ed) * Florida Vote Sets Stage for Final Push(WSJ) * Florida Race Ends on a Hostile Note(WSJ) * Sarah Palin: No more lies about Newt Gingrich and Ronald Reagan (Politico) * Worst place to lose your job: Florida(CNN) * Daughter’s illness is quandary for Santorum(Wash Post) * Newt Gingrich Needs Second Comeback If He Loses Florida Primary 2012(Huff Post) * Mitt Romney Singing 'America The Beautiful'(TPM) * Romney Sinks Among Independent Voters (TPM) * Romney Ramps Up Attack Ads Against Gingrich to Unprecedented Levels (Daily Beast) * The folks at 538 give Romney a 14 point edge heading into tonight’s Florida primary. * The Democratic Path to Victory - Michael Tomasky, The Daily Beast * Gingrich & Romney Are "Unelectable?" So Is Obama. - Sean Trende, RCP * GOP Race Likely to Grind On After Florida - Aaron Blake, Washington Post

Newt Gingrich’s Fear Factor: What If He Loses the Florida Primary? (Daily Beast) * Jeb Bush's 2012 Role - Fred Barnes, Weekly Standard * Capitol Hill Republicans Worry About Long Race - Manu Raju, Politico * GOP Establishment's Strategic Blunder - Steve McCann, American Thinker * Why Mitt's Wealth Matters: It's Policy, Not Envy - Jonathan Cohn, TNR * Romney Passes the Trash-Gingrich Test - John Podhoretz, New York Post * The Florida Smear Campaign - Thomas Sowell, Investor's Business Daily * How Mitt Can Finish Off Newt - William McGurn, Wall Street Journal Panicked GOP Insiders - Milton Wolf, Washington Times Sorry, Republicans: You Are Stuck With Romney - Alex Pareene, Salon * How to Listen for Racism on Campaign Trail - Jeffrey Goldberg, Bloomberg * Romney Outspends Gingrich By $12 Million in Florida Ad Wars * Gingrich Stays Defiant in Face of Polls as Florida Votes(NYT) *

The final forecast model for Florida shows Mitt Romney winning by 15 points.Primary Forecast(538) * Super PAC Adviser Rick Tyler is Newt Gingrich’s Mini-Me (Daily Beast) * Gingrich robocall hits Romney, invokes Holocaust (The Hill) * Exits: 39% not satisfied with GOP candidates and 57% want someone else to jump in * Romney Reasserts His Frontrunner Status - Michael O'Brien, MSNBC * After 2010 Revolt, GOP Elite Back in Control? - John Cassidy, New Yorker * Romney Won't to Be Able to Outspend Obama 4-1 - David Paul Kuhn, RCP * Public Divided Over Romney's Bain Record - Josh Kraushaar, National Jrnl * Racial Code Words and the 2012 Campaign - Juan Williams, The Hill * Mitt Romney dumped $16M of negative ads on Gingrich, compared to Newt's $4M * Rush Limbaugh: GOP Establishment Declares War On Tea Party (RealClear)* Only 4 debates between now and the end of March. That's not good for Newt

Stephen Colbert Chases Jon Stewart, Regains Control Of Colbert Super PAC (VIDEO)

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Stephen Colbert Super PAC raises more than $1 million(Wash Post) * Stephen Colbert teaching America about super PACs(Wash Post)

DNDailyPolitics NYDN Daily Politics(Twitter) #NRCC going aggro on #NY Rep. Jerry Nadler for not giving back donations from Jon Corzine... * Wall Street pays big to influence Washington(CNN)

Jon Stewart uses Mortal Kombat to illustrate Romney's assault in Florida

Jon Stewart: In The Newt Vs. Mitt Mortal Kombat Battle, Mitt Wins

No Free Speech At A Firehouse

Free Opinions at Firehouses(NYT Ed) The New York City Fire Department’s commissioner should craft a policy with firefighters that respects free expression without violating employment laws.

Newest Police Dogs Equipped With Cameras

A City So Tough the New Police Dogs Shoot (NYT)

In Million-Dollar Theft Case, Church Worker With a Secret Past(NYT) * Church Clerk Charged With $1 Million Theft(WSJ) * D.A.: She's an ‘evil church lady.’(NYDN)

Bronx Shopping Cart Terror
2 crushed by thrown shop cart(NYP) * Cart Hurled at Bronx Mall Injures 2 Men(NYT) *Falling Shopping Cart Injures Two Men By Home Depot Store In The Bronx(NY1) * Two injured by falling shopping cart(NYDN) * Police Looking Through Surveillance Video In Bronx Shopping(WCBS)* Two men injured from falling shopping cart(WABC) * 2 Men Hurt by Falling Shopping Cart(NBC) * Sources: Bronx Shopping Cart Assault May Have Stemmed From Livery Dispute (NY1) * Livery 'Turf War' May Have Sparked Bronx Shopping Cart Assault(NY1)

NYPD Investigates Bronx Violent Arrest Caught On Video(NY1)

Brooklyn Mom Accused Of Deserting Kids On Sidewalk Arrested(NY1) * Brooklyn mom's Facebook page updated with picture of someone hoisting champagne just hours after her toddlers were dumped on streetcorner (NYDN)

Law and Order

Co-ed death plunge (NYP) Suicide eyed from beau’s E. Side balcony Officer Shoots Teen In Alleged Robbery(WSJ) Two Toddlers Left on Street(WSJ) * Manhattan Man Charged With Driving Away Van With Bronx Boy(NY1)* Pregnant teen shot on the Lower East Side (NYDN) * NYPD: Suspect In Bronx Carjacking Arrested(WCBS) * Man on bike wanted for stealing iPhone(WABC) * U.S. Attorney Announces Gang Indictments For Murder, Racketeering In Brooklyn (WABC) * Officer Accused of Stealing iPads(NYT) * 5-story NY building used as pot factory (WOR) * Eric Schneiderman gets GOP backup on his prescription drug proposal. * The Senate passed DNA database legislation. * Governor Cuomo hopes the Assembly will too. * Cops raid Bronx pot farm(NYP) Mayor Bloomberg to run anti-illegal gun ad during Super Bowl(NYP) Brooklyn Residents At Odds With DOT Over Surveillance Camera (WCBS)

Bloomberg, Boston Mayor Team Up On Super Bowl Ad Against Gun Violence

TSA finds devices at airport, waits 6 hours to call the cops(NYP)

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

4

5

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
6
8

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)

5
7
7
7
56
5
7
7

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
4

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)

True News

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

Running For Mayor After Your Friend Cashed In On You Being Speaker

An Inept Attempt By the NYT To Clean Up Issues That Will Be Used By Her Mayor Opponents

NYT Did Not Get Into How Much Money Giske Clients Contributed to Quinn's Campaigns

Quinn Pay to Play Friend Giske and the Taxi Industry Nets Her Campaign $$$ To Limit Pedicabs

Much More to the Quinn Keogh Slush Fund Story Will Come Out During the Mayoral Campaign

NYT Quinn Term Limits Clean Up is Beyond Belief

Memo to the NYT: Lobbyist Don't Gauge Support, They Work to Secure Votes

Ms. Giske played a role behind the scenes, gauging support among council members.

Koo Backs Off On Charge That the FBI Entrapped Liu

Liu pal’s big FBI Koo-boo (NYP) Koo backed away from his earlier comment that the F.B.I. used "political entrapment" to ensnare John Liu.

4

4

4

Mayor Candidate Tries to Get Attention By Proposing Tax Cuts for the 95%

Stringer Calls for Tax Cut(WSJ) Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, a potential 2013 mayoral candidate, will on Thursday propose slashing city income taxes for 95% of New Yorkers, a plan based on Gov. Andrew Cuomo's overhaul of the state tax code.

NYSE Euronext, Deutsche Boerse scrap merger(NYP)

600,000 New Yorkers Owe Property Taxes Because of Goof

Owe, no! Tax-rebate goof (NYP) More than 600,000 New York City homeowners received a tax rebate up to $60 higher than they should have because of a late change to state tax law last year, and will have to repay it on their next property tax bill

Ethics Commission Quietly Names New Director (NYT) * NYT: Biben appointed executive director of state ethics panel(Poltiics on the Hudson * Source: Cuomo Admin ‘Campaigned’ For Biben To Run JCOPE (Updated)(YNN) * David Grandeau Shocking Appointment

Redistricting Sausage Making

Silver hopes to make Andrew Cuomo “comfortable” with the new maps

Remember When School Fights Were Done By Students Not Unions, Principals, Administrators and Parents

Nazi Ties and A Brooklyn State Senate Special Election

Separate Public Schools From Churches(NYT Ed) State lawmakers want to require New York City to allow religious groups to use public school buildings for worship services. The governor should veto the unconstitutional bill.

NY1 Exclusive: Underwater Windmill Farm Coming To East River(NY1)

Tavern Draws Interest on Tour(WSJ) The city's Department of Parks & Recreation flung upon the doors of the once glitzy, now closed landmark restaurant to prospective bidders, pitching a smaller, more casual restaurant stripped down to its core.

A map of how much energy each block of New York City uses * Midtown Manhattan Uses More Energy Than Kenya (INTERACTIVE MAP)

Jon Stewart’s Jaw Drops At Romney Not Being ‘Concerned About The Very Poor’

Jon Stewart: Newt Gingrich Thinks He Won The Florida Primary, General Election Already (VIDEO)

Time: Bharara ‘Busting Wall Street’(YNN)

Hacking Investigation Spreads To Another Murdoch Paper

Murdoch's London Times Hacking?

Times of London in Hacking Inquiry(NYT)

Gray Lady Down

The New York Times Company lost nearly $40 million last year. (NY Mag) * Bad Times (Huff Post)

Troubling' Fight Video(WSJ) * Family Calls For Officers To Be Charged In Bronx Man's Beating(NY1) * Kelly yanks cops in video beatdown(NYDN)

Marijuana Arrests Rose in 2011, Despite Police Directive(NYT) *Pot Arrests Top 50,000(WSJ) * Security Breach Delays Passengers(WSJ)

Goo Goos Hire A Lobbyist To Reform the State's Election Law

Goo Goos Trying to Make it Look Like They Did Not Duck Independent Redistricting

Goo Goos Independent Redistricting

Times Union: Dishonesty and Corruption in Your Face

The Times Union on redistricting: “New Yorkers shouldn’t be politely discussing lines on a map. Regardless of political party, they should be seething at the dishonesty and corruption that’s happening right in their face Don’t play Senate’s game (TU)

Republican Chided Over Blog Says He Won’t Run for Senate(NYT) In a statement announcing his decision, Cenedella lashed out at Gillibrand for her “early and unfounded attacks on me” regarding a blog under his name that had entries containing observations about sex, women and drugs.

During Super Bowl, for 30 Seconds, 2 Mayors Will Be on Same Side(NYT) * Bloomberg-Menino Superbowl anti-gun spot produced by SKDKnickerbocker, cost "hundreds of thousands," not millions.

Whatever

Uncle Andrew Wants You(YNN)

5-Story Marijuana Farm Is Raided in Bronx(NYT) * Bronx 'Plant' Site Is a Bust(WSJ) * Three Charged With Massive Marijuana Ring In The Bronx(NY1) * Nearly 600 Marijuana Plants Found In Police Raid Of Bronx(WCBS)

6

6

6

Weiner Hired A Detective To Prove His Twitter Account Was Hacked

Former Rep. Anthony Weiner used $13,290 in campaign donations last year to hire private detectives to prove his Twitter account was hacked, before admitting he sent an X-rated photo himself (NYDN)

Dubrow's Cafeteria - Crown Heights, New York. 1940's

Is Markowitz Trying to Bring Gentrification to Brownville and ENY?

Markowitz to propose contest for high-tech manufacturing in Brownsville, East New York Beep chooses neighborhoods because of high unemployment and available land

Volunteers Assist In City's Annual Count Of The Homeless(NY1)

Officials Seek Steeper Fines For Illegal Dumping(NY1)

Mayoral Contenders Band Together to Criticize School Closures (NYO)

The NYT OpEds against a bill that would allow check-cashing businesses common in low-income neighborhoods to charge higher interest rates and to enter the lending business

Churches in the Schools

The DN calls the Bloomberg administration’s push to stop letting religious institutions rent public school building space on the weekends “stupid and heartless,” and welcomes the Legislature’s intervention.

Election 2012: 16 Million in Negative Ads Stops Newt and His Kosher Salt

Gingrich: 'I Pledge to You My Life, My Fortune, My Sacred Honor' Gingrich invoked the spirit of the Founding Fathers by paraphrasing the Declaration of Independence in his speech to supporters following his second-place finish in the Florida Republican presidential primary.

Cops probed in video beating(NYP) * Eyewitness To Bronx Police Beating Claims The Officers Then Went After Him(NY1) * Officers Pulled Off Street After Tape of Beating Surfaces(NYT) * Officer Shot in Head in Brooklyn; Full Recovery Is Expected(NYT)

In 2009 True News Warned That Fanny Mac and Freddie Mac Were Breaking Their Prime Mission to Help Developers Purchase Stuy Town

Marijuana Arrests Rose in 2011, Despite Police Directive(NYT) Pot Arrests Top 50,000(WSJ) Security Breach Delays Passengers(WSJ)