Rep. Michael Grimm is expected to turn himself over to the FBI today, in relation to pending charges over a business deal he made before he was elected to Congress, when he ran a health food store. The exact charges have not been revealed, but Grimm’s lawyer confirmed for reporters that he expects charges to be handed down. Grimm is the only Republican member of Congress who represents New York City. He faces a tough re-election campaign this year against former Democratic Councilman Dominic Recchia. Republicans will likely be unable to remove Grimm’s name from the ballot, making it difficult to run a replacement candidate should Grimm’s legal troubles keep him out of the campaign.
New from Gotham Gazette
Week Ahead in New York Politics, April 27
Our weekly Sunday evening preview of what to look for in New York City and Albany includes key issues, events, hearings, and more. Get prepared for the week ahead!
Other Stories We're Following
Oil and Gas Industry Ready to Spend Millions to Back Cuomo Challenger (NY Post)
NYPD Plans to Expand Social Media Efforts (NY Times)
City, Teachers Union Eye Deal That Could Include Back Pay (Daily News)
De Blasio to Unveil Affordable Housing Plan (Daily News)
Two Federal Prosecutors in New York to Step Down (WSJ)
Federal Sandy Help Drying Up (WSJ)
Leroy Comrie to Challenge Senator Malcolm Smith in Primary (NY 1)
The Odd Math Behind The LICH Bidding Process (Capital)
City Council Reaches Deal on Domino Factory Redevelopment (DNAinfo)
Cuomo Says Unions Killed Public Funding of Campaigns (Crain's)
FBI Investigating Threats Over Carriage Horse Ban (Daily News)
A federal district judge reluctantly overturned New York's $150,000 limit on donations to super PACs yesterday. Individuals can now give unlimited amounts to the independent-expenditure groups, which are not allowed to directly coordinate with a candidate. U.S. District Judge Paul Crotty said that the donation limit violated the First Amendment, based on the Supreme Court's recent decision in McCutcheon v. Federal Elections Commission, which reinforced its Citizens United ruling. Additionally, the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled the state limit was probably unconstitutional.
The suit was brought by supporters of Republican mayoral candidate Joe Lhota during the race last year, who had won the temporary right to make unlimited contributions for the election, over Judge Crotty's opposition. Good government groups say the limit has been ignored in practice for some time now.
New from Gotham Gazette
Industrial Challenges As City Looks To Scale Navy Yard Model
Kristen Meriwether reports on the challenges the City has to replicate the Navy Yard model, some due to EDC policy.
Legislature Closing In On Medical Marijuana Deal
David King reports that there is a deal afoot for an amended medical marijuana bill that could pass both legislative houses.
De Blasio's Next Move On Charters
An op-ed by Professor David Bloomfield
Other Stories We're Following
Labor Pact Would Shift MTA Funds (WSJ)
Cuomo on Moreland Tampering: It's My Commission (Crain's)
City Settles $55,000 Suit Over Occupy Protest Beating (NY Post)
After Blast, East Harlem Tenants Worry About Dust (NY Times)
FBI Probing if Quinn Was Extorted Over Carriage Horse Ban (Daily News)
Domino Site Deal Reached (WSJ)
Pre-K Applications Up by More Than a Third, City Says (DNAinfo)
NJ Transit Should Take Over the PATH Train: Report (WNYC)
Plan Brings Relief to Flood-Prone Fresh Meadows (Daily News)
Cuomo: State Making $1 Billion Investment in Solar Power (AP)
De Blasio Names New Rent Guidelines Board Chair (Crain's)
Last of 62 East Harlem Gang Members Plead Guilty (DNAinfo)
Twenty-Two Companies Apply to Open Four Casinos (NY Times)
De Blasio Talks Land-Use in ‘Constructive’ Council Session (Capital)
Mayor Bill de Blasio proposed a bill on Wednesday in Albany to offer a tax break for city residents who rebuilt or repaired their homes that were damaged by Superstorm Sandy. De Blasio was in the capital for a conference on disaster recovery alongside Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is backing the measure. The abatement would last a year, although it's extension is possible. The bill is drafted but hasn't been officially introduced in the state legislature - where it has bi-partisan support from state lawmakers, according to the mayor, and is likely to pass. But the City is hoping action will be taken before it sends out property tax bills next month. The day was a chance for de Blasio and Cuomo to put aside their recently fraught relationship. The governor also took the opportunity to criticize federal officials for trying to "poach" disaster relief funds.
New this morning at Gotham Gazette
The Industrial Boom Beyond Brooklyn
Kristen Meriwether went on a tour of the Brooklyn Navy Yard with a city council delegation and reports on the interest in scaling the Navy Yard model to spur further business and job growth in the city.
ICYMI from Gotham Gazette
Cornegy on Lactation, Progressivism & Gentrification - Part 4 of a Video Interview with Gotham Gazette
Brooklyn Council Member Robert Cornegy Jr. discusses several key topics, including his district facing "the crunch of gentrification."
Possible Primary Mess in The Bronx
David King reports on two potential primary battles with control of the State Senate on the line.
Other Stories We're Following
Transit Pact's $411 Million Price Tag (WSJ)
Hasidic Neighborhood Watch Members Indicted for Gang Assault (WSJ)
Proposal to Limit Prosecutions of Marijuana Cases in Brooklyn (NY Times)
Film at 9/11 Museum Sets Off Clash Over Reference to Islam (NY Times)
De Blasio Pollution Rules Get First Airing (Capital)
Deep Split in Port Authority Over Third World Trade Tower (AP)
Mayor, Commissioner Reject Council Plan for More Cops (Daily News)
Advocacy Group Pushes de Blasio for More Affordable Units (Daily News)
One-Third of Vital Infrastructure at High Risk of Flooding by 2050 (Capital)
City Flood Risk Rose 20-Fold Since Late 1800s: Study (Mashable)
>