I am pleased to inform you that on May 20 the United States Department of Justice pre-cleared the NYC Districting Commission's plan to divide New York City into fifty-one City Council districts. full story

NEW YORK (AP) — Mayor Michael Bloomberg's $70 billion budget proposal for his final stretch in office is pointing up an issue that could linger for his successor: expired contracts with city workers. full story

About 12 years ago Five Omar Mualimmak — who says his unique numerical name is the subject of a whole other article — was arrested on drug trafficking, possession of an illegal weapon, money laundering and tax evasion charges and sent to Rikers Island. Those charges were changed and dropped and then a few reissued, Mualimmak, 38, said, keeping him in the system for 11 years. full story

In a speech to the Citizens Budget Commission, Deputy Mayor Cas Holloway said retroactive pay for city employees would be 'unaffordable' and 'ruinous'. The Bloomberg administration picked a cozy venue to outline its surprising proposal to city unions last week. full story

WE NEED HELP IN THERE: Norman Seabrook, president of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association, tells a City Council committee that ‘jail violence is increasing at an alarming rate’ because of ‘a management crisis in this agency.’ full story

Authorities investigate the scene of a wreck on I-76 in Ohio Thursday that claimed the lives of two children of a New York City Correction Department officer. The correction officer, Shakia Crumpton, and her husband, Rashon, were thrown from the vehicle and were in critical condition Friday. The family was returning to Queens after visiting with relatives in Ohio. full story

Good afternoon Madam Chairwoman and members of this committee. My name is Norman Seabrook and I am president of the New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, which is the second-largest law–enforcement union in the City of New York. Our members, New York’s Boldest, patrol the toughest precincts in New York and run the second-largest municipal jail system in the nation. full story

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The Correction Officers Benevolent Association last week endorsed City Councilman Peter F. Vallone Jr. for Queens Borough President. full story

Earlier this evening, Councilman Peter Vallone officially launched his campaign for campaign for Queens Borough President. And, standing before an incredibly packed Greek restaurant in Astoria, both Mr. Vallone and his supporters made sure everyone was fully aware of the self-described conservative Democrat’s independent streak. full story