For the first time, Mike Bloomberg's own mother won't be attending his inauguration. Hizzoner insists it's not a slap in the face—it's supposed to be cold tomorrow and the woman turns 101 on Saturday—and anyway, his third inauguration is going to be a low-key affair that puts "service ahead of celebration," as the Mayor's spokesman puts it. About 4,200 people are expected to attend the one-hour ceremony at City Hall, which might be worth checking out because they're handing out commemorative biodegradable mugs, paid for by the mayor and filled with hot apple cider! But despite the cup of cheer, there's going to be a noticeable lack of star power. more ›

Mayor Bloomberg may be finding that coy flirtation can be cute at first, but quickly becomes old and aggravating if carried on for too long. The New York Times has a story today describing a growing backlash against a Mayor who seems preoccupied with something big, but it's something big that he won't discuss, or even acknowledge. more ›