Morning Reads: Chin Backs Apparent Speaker-in-Waiting, NYPD Goes Silent, Streit’s Documentary

De Blasio ally Melissa Mark-Viverito declares victory in the the Council Speaker race; Council member Margaret Chin among her supporters (Observer).

De Blasio hires a budget director, a longtime aide to Shelly Silver (Crain’s).

NYCHA Chairman John Rhea has no regrets about his tenure; LES residents still waiting for repairs/upgrades (Daily News).

What’s behind the NYPD’s sudden decision to freeze out reporters at local precincts? (Gothamist).

A new report from the city illustrates how Chinese immigration is remarking New York (NYT).

The old 9th Street Bakery will be replaced by a juice joint (EV Grieve).

Keith McNally’s Pulino’s will close December 29 (Eater).

Revisiting the Streit’s documentary project (New Jersey Jewish News).