Storm leads Democrats to probe Christie’s staff
TRENTON, N.J. – A New Jersey Democrat leading the investigation into traffic jams orchestrated by Gov. Chris Christie’s aides says his committee will look into a new allegation of political retribution by the Republican administration.
Appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Assemblyman John Wisniewski says Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s allegation that Superstorm Sandy recovery funds were withheld from her town because she wouldn’t support a politically connected real estate development is a serious new charge.
The governor’s office vigorously denies the mayor’s claims. Christie spokesman Colin Reed says the administration helped Zimmer secure aid after the storm severely flooded the Hudson River town.
Philanthropists pay bills for ‘Batkid’ fantasy
SAN FRANCISCO – The city of San Francisco is being rescued from paying the cost of staging the “Batkid” fantasy that captured the nation’s imagination.
Philanthropists John and Marcia Goldman are picking up the city’s $105,000 tab for allowing Miles Scott, a 5-year-old Northern California boy with leukemia, to fight villains and rescue a damsel in distress as a caped crusader on Nov. 15.
Maria Kong of the John and Marcia Goldman Foundation confirmed a San Francisco Chronicle report Sunday about the couple’s gift.
City officials say most of the $105,000 in public funds went toward renting a sound system, video screens and other equipment to accommodate the surprisingly large crowds that turned out to see “Batkid,” who became a social media darling.
Fallon, Crystal among Jay Leno’s final guests
PASADENA, Calif. – Jay Leno will close out his 22-year run as host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show” with a nod to the future and to the past.
His heir apparent, Jimmy Fallon, will kick off Leno’s final week with a guest appearance on Feb. 3. Fallon is taking over the gig after hosting NBC’s “Late Night” since 2009.
Leno’s final night, on Feb. 6, will feature Billy Crystal, who was Leno’s first guest in May 1992 when he succeeded Johnny Carson. Country superstar Garth Brooks will also appear.
Leno’s last week will also include Betty White, Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, country singer Blake Shelton, musician Lyle Lovett and NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley.
Associated PRess
