NYC Begins $15 Million Mold Cleanup Program For Sandy Victims

The program is paid for with private donations, not tax dollars

More than four months after Hurricane Sandy ravaged the Northeast corridor, New York City is beginning a $15 million program to clean up at least 2,000 homes that became contaminated with mold. Many of the homes that were able to withstand Superstorm Sandy were flooded instead, leaving many homeowners in a pickle since the Federal Emergency Management Agency doesn’t provide assistance for mold problems.

The program, paid for with private donations, is being put up by The American Red Cross, Robin Hood Foundation and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. The work is being overseen by Neighborhood Revitalization NYC, a nonprofit development company. For those not accepted into the program, the Mayor’s Fund will also run mold treatment workshops and distribute thousands of mold-remediation kits for homeowners. (The Wall Street Journal)

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House Approves Emergency Funding for Hurricane Sandy Aid

Deal passed with majority Democratic votes

The House approved nearly $50 billion in relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy on Tuesday. The deal was passed with a majority of Democratic votes and 49 from Republicans. The majority of Republicans however, 179 in all, opposed the package. Its passage was a complicated one. First, the House agreed to a bill that contained $17 billion intended to cover immediate relief needs. The measure passed on a 327 to 91 vote. Then, on a 228 to 192 vote, the House tacked on an additional $33.6 billion to cover a longer-term effort to rebuild. They also approved $9.7 billion for flood relief earlier this month. Supporters say all of the money is desperately needed. (Washington Post)

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President Obama Signs Bill to Pay Sandy Flood Insurance Claims

The POTUS gives $9.7 bill as Congress votes

President Obama has signed into law a $9.7 billion bill to pay flood insurance claims from Hurricane Sandy. The White House said more than 100,000 flood claim payments from Sandy would be delayed without the additional money. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had warned that it was set to run out of money without additional dollars from Congress. The House has promised a vote Jan. 15 on a larger, more comprehensive Sandy aid package of $51 billion package, and Senate leaders have promised a vote the following week. (Boston Globe)

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Congress’ Vote On Superstorm Sandy Relief Aid Moves Forward

House Speaker makes smaller aid package a top priority of the new session

Lawmakers in the newly sworn in the 113th Congress will begin their work on Friday with a previously tabled vote on funds to help rebuild the northeastern communities ravaged by Superstorm Sandy. A $9.7 billion measure to pay flood insurance claims is set for a vote, and is expected to pass in both the House and the Senate. Officials in the affected areas had been pushing a $60 billion bill, which some Republicans in the House vowed to block because of its size. FEMA warned that the National Flood Insurance Programs would run out of money next week if Congress didn’t provide the money that pay out claims. House Speaker John Boehner promised this vote after a decision to delay it drew outrage from Republicans and Democrats, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who said he’d lost trust in the GOP leaders in Congress as a result. About 140,000 Sandy-related flood claims have been filed. The storm damaged or destroyed more than 72,000 homes and businesses in New Jersey. In New York, 305,000 housing units and 265,000 businesses were affected. (Associated Press)

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Lawmakers Press House Speaker For Vote on Sandy Aid

A last-minute decision to pull a bill to provide billions in storm recovery funds creates an uproar

Instead of voting on Hurricane Sandy aid as expected, House Speaker John Boehner pulled the legislation from the floor, sending lawmakers into an uproar. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., called the decision not to vote on the aid bill before Congress' term ended a "cruel knife in the back" to New York and New Jersey.

The Senate had approved a $60.4 billion measure Friday to help Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states with recovery from the superstorm; the matter was to have been taken up by the House late Tuesday night before Boehner decided to pull it. Gov. Chris Christie (R) of New Jersey and Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) of New York released a joint statement, calling the decision a “dereliction of duty.” President Barack Obama also criticized the House for making suffering families and communities wait for needed financial assistance.

Late Wednesday afternoon, Boehner agreed to put a House bill on the floor Friday and again by Jan. 15 to address funding with members of the new Congress that will be sworn in Thursday. However, any new legislation will have to be debated by the incoming Senate as well before action can be taken. (AP)

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2012: An Amazing Year In Photos

U.S. gymnast Gabrielle Douglas performs on the balance beam during the women's individual all-around competition at the London Olympics on Aug. 2. Douglas goes on to win the gold medal.

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Some of the images of the most memorable events of the past year.

Loop 411: 2012 in Review [Pt. 1]

Here's what we were talking about this year.

President Obama Requests $60B for Hurricane Sandy Relief

Plan needs congressional approval

President Obama has requested $60.4 billion in federal aid to help homeowners, businesses, and government recover after Hurricane Sandy. It includes "essential mitigation" to protect the region, and at least $13 billion for new storm protection. But officials in New Jersey and New York, the most affected states, believe more money may be needed in the future. The funding "will enable our states to recover, repair, and rebuild better and stronger than before," Gov. Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. "We thank President Obama for his steadfast commitment of support," they said. (Philly)

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10 Things You Need To Know For Wednesday

The same chants used against Egypt's Hosni Mubarak are being turned against his successor as hundreds of thousands of Egyptians challenge new President Mohammed Morsi's assertion of near-absolute powers. More than 200,000 people packed Egypt's Tahrir Square on Tuesday in the biggest challenge yet to Morsi. The massive, flag-waving throng rivaled some of the largest crowds that helped drive Mubarak from office last year. "The people want to bring down the regime!" and "erhal, erhal" — Arabic for "leave, leave" — rang out across the plaza, this time directed at Egypt's first freely elected president.

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News in Photos: The 10 topics you should be ready to talk about today.

Hurricane Sandy Caused $71 Billion In Damages

New York Governor says Sandy was worse than Katrina.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says that the price tag to fix damages from Hurricane Sandy tops $71 billion.

NBC News reports:

The state will need $41.9 billion, including $32.8 billion to repair and restore damaged housing, parks and infrastructure and to cover lost revenue and other expenses. The figure also includes $9.1 billion to mitigate potential damage from future severe weather events.

Cuomo also says that while Hurricane Katrina was devastating as far as lives lost, Sandy was just as destructive when thinking of property and business. 

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New York to Hire 5,000 Temp Workers for Sandy Cleanup

Here's where you can apply

More than 5,000 New Yorkers will be hired for temporary jobs cleaning up after Hurricane Sandy, officials said Sunday. The positions will pay about $15 per hour and generally last about six months. Nearly $27 million in federal Labor Department money will finance the cleanup and rebuilding positions. Separately, the state and FEMA are working to put New Yorkers into more than 700 temporary FEMA jobs, some as administrative assistants and community relations workers. Gov. Andrew Cuomo called it "a chance to provide young and unemployed New Yorkers with job opportunities cleaning up their communities." Job-seekers can apply at a FEMA disaster recovery center, call the state Labor Department at 888-469-7365 or visit http://labor.ny.gov/sandyjobs. (NBC)

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Biden to Hurricane Victims: 'You've Got a Homeboy in the Deal Who Gets It'

Biden made the remarks during a visit to Seaside Heights, N.J.

Vice President Joe Biden wants you to know that he's your homeboy and he won't let a hurricane stop him from holding you down to the fullest. The veep visited New Jersey on Sunday to view the damage from Hurricane Sandy and speak with victims of  the disaster.

“So as the president said when he was up here with the governor, we’re not going anywhere. We’re not going anywhere. And you’ve got a homeboy in the deal who gets it,” Biden said in Seaside Heights, N.J., according to White House pool reports.

[ALSO READ:VP Debate 2012: Top 5 Best Biden Debate Moments]

The former Delaware senator went on to explain the importance of the ocean to his East coast roots.

“If you’re not an Easterner it’s hard to understand that the ocean to us is the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone Park and everything else combined,” he said. “It is a gigantic part of not only our economy but who we are. It’s a gigantic part of the culture as well.”

President Obama had no comment on the vice president's remarks.

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10 Things You Need To Know For Friday

New Yorkers who had to live in the dark for days or weeks after Hurricane Sandy struck may soon have their day in court. New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has subpoenaed local electrical providers Con Ed and Long Island Power Authority for documents pertaining to their preparation for, handling of, and response to power outages during the storm. It’s possible that criminal charges could be brought against the companies if it’s determined they broke consumer-protection laws requiring they provide “safe and adequate service.”

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News in Photos: The 10 topics you should be ready to talk about today.

Obama To Survey New York Sandy Recovery Efforts

President will meet with affected families, local official and first responders

President Barack Obama on Thursday will return to the northeastern region of the U.S., where Hurricane Sandy ravaged coastal communities late last month and left 100 people dead. The storm slammed New York and New Jersey, which struggle to restore power and heat to residents. Thousands of people in the New York region remain without power, including those in parts of Queens, Brooklyn and State Island. Obama's visit will include an aerial tour of storm damage, during which New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan will join him. New York senators Charles Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand will travel with the president from Washington aboard Air Force One. During Obama’s last visit on Oct. 31, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie praised the president’s quick response and attentiveness to victims' needs. (Associated Press)

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10 Things You Need To Know For Tuesday

Kevin Clash, the voice behind the beloved "Sesame Street" character Elmo, is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old. Clash, 52, denies the allegations, saying he began a consensual relationship with the young man in question when he was 18 years old. The young man is now 23. However, for now, Clash is taking a leave of absence from "Sesame Street."

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News in Photos: The 10 topics you should be ready to talk about today.

Public Housing Residents in NYC Stuck Without Power Since Hurricane Sandy

Public housing residents in Queens, Brooklyn still without power

Thousands in New York are still without electricity and basic necessities; half of them are living in public housing.

Nearly two weeks have passed since Hurricane Sandy devastated the city of New York and the surrounding area, leaving hundreds of thousands without city services. Today the New York Post reports that half of the New Yorkers still without heat, hot water or power are in public housing.

Hundreds of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) buildings across Brooklyn and in Far Rockaway, Queens, were affected, with some 35,000 residents boiling water for baths, being forced inside when the sun goes down and using the bathroom in buckets.

[ALSO READ:Hurricane Sandy Grows Stronger On East Coast, Obama Declares Emergency]

They say NYCHA has barely been visible.

"We have seen nobody," said a furious Diedre Jackson of Surfside Houses in Coney Island, whose apartment was still frigid and dark Friday.

[ALSO READ:Nor'Easter Forces Mass Evacuations, Flight Cancelations in N.Y., N.J.]

Dozens of tenants in the areas told the Daily News last week that the few NYCHA workers they saw in the aftermath of the storm offered neither information nor help.

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Despite Storm Devastation, New York City Moves Forward With Veterans Day Parade

Annual parade expecting upwards of 600,000 people

New York City is moving forward with its annual Veterans Day Parade today, the first major event since canceling the New York Marathon.

[ALSO READ:Gun Drawn in Line for Gas in Hurricane Sandy's Wake]

The Veterans Day Parade is expected to attract crowds of more than 600,000 people to central Manhattan and will be a major test for the city as it continues to clean up after Hurricane Sandy.

Authorities in the area said they did not have access to enough alternative housing or hotel rooms for all those who have been displaced, leading to thousands of people being forced into temporary shelters and tent cities, according to Reuters.

There were still more than a quarter of a million customers without power in the region. New Yorkers also faced their second day of gasoline rationing with odd- and even-numbered license plates only allowed to fill up  on alternate days.

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Rihanna Donates 1,000 Sleeping Bags To Sandy Victims

Singer also having charity event.

As Rihanna gears up to release her new album Unapologetic, she is showing some sympathy for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

The pop star is donating 1,000 sleeping bags to the NY Daily News' relief efforts.

In addition to that, she will be turning her private listening session and release party at Jay-Z's 40/40 Club into a donation rally. For free admission into the event people are being asked to donate supplies including but not limited to diapers, wipes, coats and blankets.

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Men Offering Fuel For Sex From Hurricane Sandy Victims On Craig's List

Ads are popping up with men making indecent proposals.

With Hurricane Sandy victims reaching the point of desperation, a few people are will to barter what they have in exchange for specific "services."

NY Daily News reports that a plethora "gas for sex" ads are popping up on Craig's List.

Here are some of the sales pitches:

"What would you do for a free tank of gas?"

"6 foot 1 225 pounds Italian workout good looking looking to hang out I have 5 gallons of gas."

"You help me and I will help you. Send me a sexy pic and contact #."

"Gas4sex"

No word on if anybody has taken up any of the offers.

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Nor'Easter Storm Knocks Out Even More Power After Sandy

Thousands lose electricity shortly after getting it back

Following Hurricane Sandy like a sequel, a nor'easter storm hit the East Coast on Wednesday night, setting back the thousands who were just starting to regain footing. By 5 p.m., the storm had knocked out electricity to an additional 16,000 ConEd customers, totaling to 80,000 with those still affected by Sandy. The Long Island Power Authority began the day saying that 184,000 customers still lacked power; by the end, the total had climbed to 193,000. And PSE&G reported that nearly 185,000 customers in New Jersey had no power before the new storm arrived; the storm caused an additional 60,000 power failures. Altogether, according to U.S. Energy Department, the storm caused more than 100,000 new power outages, bringing the total number to 715,000. (Boston Globe)

Nor'Easter Forces Mass Evacuations, Flight Cancelations in N.Y., N.J.

Homes and businesses still reeling from hurricane Sandy are facing another storm

After previously declaring serious danger from a nor'easter and then stating that the storm wouldn't be as bad as predicted, New York and New Jersey officials are now ordering evacuations of nursing homes and low-lying coastal areas.

[ALSO READ:Another Big Storm Predicted to Strike N.Y. and N.J. Weakening]

Reuters reports New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg closed parks and beaches and temporarily put a stop to outdoor construction ahead of the storm. It is already hitting the Washington, D.C. area with ice pellets and creating seas as high as 7.5 feet about 20 miles away from New York's JFK airport.

Many of the areas were already hard hit by Hurricane Sandy and have still not recovered. More than 621,000 homes and businesses remain without power.

[ALSO READ:Hurricane Sandy Grows Stronger On East Coast, Obama Declares Emergency]

Airlines canceled 770 flights into and out of the New York area, FlightAware.com said.

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Gas Prices In New York and New Jersey Skyrocket After Sandy

People are waiting in long lines, to spend more than usual.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, people have been waiting in long lines and even pulling guns on each other at gas stations in the areas affected. Now they have something else to be mad about, the prices.

Fox News reports:

Prices are currently heading in the other direction in New York, where they rose by an average of 3.4 cents per gallon statewide during the past week, according to AAA's Fuel Gauge Report. Gas prices added 9.4 cents per gallon in New York City. In New Jersey, AAA said a gallon of gas increased by an average of 6.8 cents during the past week and 11.2 cents in Newark.

This is in contrast to gas prices actually dropping throughout the rest of the country.

The U.S. government blames the price hike on 300,000 barrels per day of fuel production getting cut off from the area because of the Hurricane.

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10 Things You Need To Know For Wednesday

In front of a crowd of thousands of dancing, flag-waving supporters, the newly minted two-term president thanked the country for reelecting him to the Oval Office for four more years. “The task of perfecting our union moves forward,” he said. “It moves forward because of you.” Obama congratulated Romney for a hard fought campaign, and pledged to sit down with the former governor to discuss “how we can move this country forward.” He also gave shout-outs to his wife, Michelle (“I’ve never loved you more"), his daughters (though no more pets for them: “one dog is probably enough"), and his vice president, Joe Biden (“America’s happy warrior”). And he promised to make good on his campaign slogan. “That is where we need to go…Forward,” he said, mentioning the ending war and recovering economy. “For the United States of America, the best is yet to come…I’ve never been more hopeful about our future.” After receiving Romney's concession call, Obama called Bill Clinton to thank him for his invaluable support.

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News in Photos: The 10 topics you should be ready to talk about today.

Another Big Storm Predicted to Strike N.Y. and N.J. Weakening

A nor'easter meteorologists predicted would hit areas already hurt by Hurricane Sandy will likely be weaker

After Hurricane Sandy left millions without power, yesterday forecasters were predicting a nor'easter storm that could have done even more damage to the area. Fortunately, weather experts now say it will be lighter than expected.

[ALSO READ:Hurricane Sandy Grows Stronger On East Coast, Obama Declares Emergency]

While still warning of gusts up to 50 mph in New York and New Jersey, the storm that is expected to hit the area tomorrow will move further away from the shore. Jeff Masters of the private weather service Weather Underground told the Associated Press that will mean less wind and rainfall on land. Good news for many already coping with a devastating storm.

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Hurricane Sandy: Staten Island Borough President Urges Residents Not To Donate To Red Cross

Organization accused of dragging their feet.

Staten Island borough President James Molinaro is putting the American Red Cross on blast for not bringing enough supplies to the forgotten area, where Sandy has claimed 19 lives, hundreds of homes and blocked dozens of streets.

“All these people making these big salaries should be out there on the front line, and I am disappointed,” Molinaro said at a press conference. “And my advice to the people of Staten Island is: Do not donate to the American Red Cross. Let them get their money elsewhere."

10 Things You Need To Know For Tuesday

It's down to the wire. As Election Day arrived, the last Gallup Poll found it's still a virtual tie between GOP challenger Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama. Among likely voters, Romney was leading Obama by 1 point, within the margin of error, by 49 percent to 48 percent. The poll, the first since Hurricane Sandy, also showed a sudden surge by Obama in the Gallup Poll. The last Gallup Poll in October had Romney up 6 points over Obama. Only time will tell. Get out and vote!

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News in Photos: The 10 topics you should be ready to talk about today.

Hurricane Sandy: Price Gouging Investigated as Bread Hits $7

Report it if you're being ripped off

Price gouging in New York is being investigated in the wake of Hurricane Sandy as essentials increase dramatically in cost, including a $10 box of matches and $7 loaf of bread. State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is probing the 400 reported cases of spiked prices for gasoline, food, bottled water, generators, batteries and flashlights at supermarkets, hardware stores, bodegas, delis, hotels and taxis. In one report, the cost of a bag of potatoes jumped to $7, up from $3 before the storm hit. "We are actively investigating hundreds of complaints we've received from consumers of businesses preying on victims of Hurricane Sandy. Our office has zero tolerance for price gouging," Schneiderman said. New Yorkers can report price gouging by telephone at 800-771-7755 or through his office website. (NBC News)

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Hurricane Sandy: 2 Million Still Without Power

A week after superstorm hit, residents still struggling

Nearly a week after Hurricane Sandy hit, there are still 1.9 million homes and businesses without electricity, with at least half located in New Jersey. Power companies, however, have successfully restored power to 78 percent of the 8.5 million customers who lost it in the storm’s destructive path. By Sunday, New Jersey’s power losses had dropped to 999,927, according to the Energy Department. But there are still some areas that may not get electricity back for another two weeks. (Business Week)

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A Hurricane of Irony

How Hurricane Sandy may change the outcome of the election

The views expressed in this Op-Ed do not necessarily reflect those of Loop 21.

While giving his acceptance speech during the Republican Convention, Mitt Romney stood looking out over a sea of red and white clad GOP faithful and joked that, "President Obama promised to slow the rise of the oceans and to heal the planet. My promise ... is to help you and your family.” 

There was an irony in that speech, because a week before, Hurricane Isaac had swept away the first day of the 2012 GOP Convention, leading organizers to squeeze events into three days. Ironically, four years earlier, Hurricane Gustav had caused John McCain’s 2008 GOP Convention in Minnesota to be cut a day short, as the Gulf Coast was battered by destructive wind and rain. And yet, this year the raucous crowd of Tea Partiers and climate change deniers cheered at Romney’s “double zinger” that stabbed both the president and those pesky climate scientists constantly sounding alarm of melting polar ice caps and rising ocean waters. 

This week, less than two months after Romney's speech, the eastern seaboard of the United States was battered and torn to shreds by a Hurricane that, if not birthed by the warming waters of climate change, were most certainly exacerbated by them. After all, we’ve endured record-high temperatures across the country this year and scientists say the permafrost layers of Antarctica are decades ahead of their horrific “melt” schedule. 

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy’s destruction, the country has seen a determined President Obama walking the ruins with a weary New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The two men were joined by FEMA chief William Fugate, who has been widely praised for his preparedness and vigor in attacking this issue. We have, however, not seen much of Mitt Romney, who over the past year has generally derided federal offices like FEMA, arguing for state responsibility.

Loop 411: Sandy, Obama, Christie -- and Jar Jar?

Here's what we were talking about this week.