By Hunter Walker 3/16/12 9:27am

suggested reading

Morning Read: Bloomberg Travels The Globe; Manhattan Will Be Gambling-Free Zone

Mayor Bloomberg is visiting Singapore and Vietnam next week to “deliver a lecture on urban sustainability and deliver awards on behalf of his philanthropic foundation.” He is technically remaining in control of the city during his Asian trip.

Manhattan won’t get a casino if the Legislature’s plan to open seven commercial gambling facilities goes through this year.

Governor Andrew Cuomo on this week’s night of dealmaking and pre-dawn votes in The New York Times: “I failed. I failed. … “My legislative proposals were asking for the moon.”

The Post scores Governor Cuomo had a night of “legislative wins.” “I think legislators heard the message, and I think at the end of the day, the legislators did the right thing.” Read More

By Hunter Walker 12/20/11 10:14am

Foreign Affairs

Kim Jong Il (Getty)

North Korea Mourns Kim Jong-il

A series of reports published yesterday by the Korean Central News Agency, a propagandist media outlet run by the repressive North Korean regime, shed light on the official response to the death of the country’s “Dear Leader,” Kim Jong-il. According to KCNA, North Koreans reacted to the passing of their beloved despot Saturday night by weeping profusely and uniting around Mr. Kim’s chosen successor, his twentysomething son Kim Jong-un.

“His demise is the greatest loss to the Workers’ Party of Korea and the Korean revolution at the historic period when a landmark phase is opened for building a thriving socialist nation,” one KCNA report read. “The grief-stricken Korean people are, however, renewing their pledge to remain true to the leadership of Kim Jong-un by overcoming their sorrow and displaying fresh strength and courage.” Read More