In response to reports of rampant and systematic abuse, the federal Railroad Retirement Board votes to increase its oversight of disability payments given to former LIRR employees. [NY Times]
State racketeering and fraud charges to be filed against a local concrete-testing company for failing to properly test the strength of many of the biggest construction projects in the city, including the Freedom Tower. [NY Times]
Long Island moving company charged with stealing $258,000 from NYC’s transit authority. [NY Times]
Citing recent reports that connect home “bug bombs” with illness and injury, New York State will restrict their use to certified pesticide professionals. [NY Times]
New Jersey jury rules against Italy’s Paramalat, finding the dairy company responsible for defrauding Citigroup and awarding the American bank $364.2 million dollars in damages. [NY Times]
With New Yorkers’ wallets lighter than ever, many are heading to the public library instead of renting from Netflix or hitting their local bookstore. [NYDN]
Experts suggest Flushing’s 17th-century Bowne House may be older than originally thought, possibly touching of a battle between Queens and Brooklyn over the city’s oldest standing home. [NYDN]
At a massive warehouse along Astoria’s waterfront, New Yorkers find the best in sidewalk junk. [NYDN]
When looking for a plumber, avoid local Joes that install illegal sewer lines for cheap. [NYDN]
Major South Bronx shopping district known as the HUB to become more pedestrian friendly. [NYDN]
The 14th annual Tour De Bronx attracts 5,000 cyclists to the northern borough. [NYDN]
Realty Check: Tishman Speyer pulls out of deal with Hiro to buy the leasehold on their East 42nd Street property; Germany’s West LB bank in talks to grab three upper floors at 7 World Trade Center; Harry Gross finally ready to start work on his Marriot Courtyard hotel at Broadway and West 54th. [NY Post]
Paterson increases budget gap projections to $12.5 billion over the next two years. [NY Post]
Paulson's new $250 billion rescue package may be used to fund a series of bank takeovers instead of restoring confidence in the financial sector so that banks lend again. [WSJ]
