Bill de Blasio, New York's new public advocate, is wasting no time signaling a new assertive style in dealing with Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration. He's scheduled a noon news conference to outline plans to "train aggrieved residents to organize petition drives, demonstrations and civic actions against City Hall." Appearing alongside de Blasio will be 8 new members of the City Council, including District 1's Margaret Chin.
Gotham Gazette takes a look at whether Senate Democrats will be able to focus on legislating, rather than infighting, in the weeks ahead. The first item on the agenda may very well be the ethics reform package co-sponsored by Sen. Daniel Squadron.
In a new report, the United Federation of Teachers alleges charter schools "have the easier-to-teach students – enrolling far fewer poor and special ed kids than nearby public schools."
A bank in Chinatown was held up yesterday. As a cop chased the suspect, he dropped a bag of cash, but another man picked up the loot and ran off.
