As we mentioned earlier this month, the cast of Downton Abbey would be in New York, and here's a clip from their panel... though be warned, it's sort of jarring to see them in modern day clothes and talking about Laura Linney, The Wire, and making Occupy Downton jokes. However, they will make you feel better about not understanding everything in the show. more ›

Yesterday, a state education panel of eight voted 4-2 against granting Cathie Black a waiver that would allow her to become the city's Schools Chancellor, with the other two voting "not at this time." And while many parents and politicians would love to believe this is the last of the drama, it's far from over. Not only does state Education Commissioner David Steiner have sole power to grant or deny a waiver (he will take the panel's recommendation into consideration), but the "not at this time" votes open up a few other options. more ›

Yesterday, State Education Commissioner David Steiner appointed an eight-member advisory panel to review a waiver that would allow Hearst Magazines head Cathie Black to become the city's new Schools Chancellor despite her lack of educational experience. But Bloomberg sent the panel a warning, saying that if they didn't appoint Black they will literally not be able to find anyone else to do the job. Anywhere. Forever. He asked, "How would you get somebody else? I don't know what you'd do if you didn't [get the waiver]...I don't know why anybody would come if you didn't do this." Yes, why would any educator apply now that they know Bloomberg is looking for business moguls? more ›

Governor Paterson announced today that he would be creating a panel to review the cases of legal immigrants facing deportation due to past convictions. The panel would make recommendations to the Governor's office based on how old or minor the conviction is, or if the applicant had showed signs of rehabilitation. Paterson said in a press release, "We hope this initiative will help set an example for how to soften the blow in those cases of deserving individuals caught in the web of our national immigration laws. We hope it will prove that justice can always find a way." Hmm, wonder who he wants to set an example for... more ›

Mayor Bloomberg chose the members of a new commission that will study and revise the city charter [PDF]—the document that outlines how New York City government works. According to the Times, the 15-member panel of "longtime loyalists, educators, political operatives and community leaders" will study the document and suggest changes, which could include reinstating two-term limits on city politicians, encouraging nonpartisan elections, and abolishing the city's public advocate and borough presidents. more ›

After a lengthy investigation, a House ethics panel ruled that Rep. Charlie Rangel violated congressional rules by traveling to the Caribbean on corporate junkets in 2007 and 2008. The Harlem Democrat said he had been "admonished" by the committee, which has not yet announced its findings regarding allegations of improper fundraising, tax evasion on property in the Dominican Republic, and his use of four rent-stabilized apartments in Manhattan despite House rules barring gifts worth more than $50. more ›

The Bloomberg-appointed Panel on Climate Change released its final report yesterday, predicting that annual temperatures will rise between 4 and 7.5 degrees over the next century, while heat waves, damaging rain, and coastal flooding will become increasingly regular occurrences. Here's a look at what the city may very well look like as heavy flooding becomes more frequent. more ›