Feb 12
2023
Monday Morning Read
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Get Jim Heaney’s recommended readings, and a recap of Investigative Post’s reporting for the previous week, via email on Sunday mornings by subscribing here.
WGRZ anchor, and in this case, muckraker, Maryalice Demler reported on dirty dealings behind closed doors by the North Tonawanda City Council. Sweetheart waterfront leases, negotiated on the q.t., to benefit political insiders.
By now you’ve probably read about Kim Pegula’s health issues. Her daughter Jessica wrote a moving first-hand account for The Players’ Tribune. It’s becoming apparent Kim will not be able to carry on once her much-older husband is no longer in the picture and, as I previously reported, federal estate taxes are going to make it difficult for the Pegula children to inherit the Bills and Sabres. Which makes it increasingly important for the Pegulas to provide the state and county with a succession plan, especially given the relatively easy out the lease on the new Bills stadium provides the team in the event its owner wants to bolt.
New York Focus had a couple of good reads last week, one exploring a huge subsidy for a downstate race track, the other examining Gov. Kathy Hochul’s regressive proposal involving bail.
Florida now has more jobs than New York. How did that happen? The Atlantic explains. (Story can be read via a free trial, if you don’t already subscribe.)
How the rich – the filthy rich – get richer: by dodging their taxes. A report from ProPublica.
Three takes on Elon Musk:
- He’s blocking the Ukrainians from using his Starlink to defend their country from Russian aggression.
- His decision to allow extremists back on Twitter is making the company millions of dollars.
- When questioned by Musk, an engineer told him why his Twitter account isn’t generating as much engagement as in the past. Musk fired him.
Journalism is vital to democracy. Let us count the ways.
Insiders tell us where they think television is headed.
The Bills have done right by Damar Hamlin. But the NFL often casts aside its young injured players. Veterans have gripes, too. Ten just sued over what they contend is the systemic denial of disability benefits to injured players. The plaintiffs include former Bills running back Willis McGahee.
