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Nicholas Zimmitti says he's interested in running for the state assembly seat currently held by fellow Democrat Bill Colton, if Colton moves up the ladder and becomes a congressman. Photo courtesy Nicholas Zimmitti

Congress race sets up game of political musical chairs

The race to fill the vacant congressional seat formerly held by Republican Michael Grimm is setting up a game of political musical chairs that could have ramifications further down on the election ballot. … Full Article

Assemblymember Bill Colton says the Congressional Gold Medal for Ramos and Liu would serve as a symbol of the country’s respect for all law enforcement officers. Eagle photo by Paula Katinas

Colton to Boehner: Slain cops deserve gold medals

Assemblymember Bill Colton, who proposed that slain NYPD Detectives Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu be posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal shortly after the two men were shot to death last month, is pressing ahead with his idea. … Full Article

Thousands of police officers turned out to pay tribute to Det. Wenjian Liu at his funeral. AP Photo/John Minchillo

Fundraising drive for slain cops’ families draws support

Efforts to provide financial assistance to the families of slain police detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos are bearing fruit. … Full Article

Assemblymember Bill Colton (right) pictured with veteran Bill Naddeo at a recent ceremony in his district, says the congressional race should focus on substantive issues. Photo courtesy Colton’s office

Colton mulling run for seat vacated by Grimm

The list of hopefuls interested in running for the Brooklyn-Staten Island congressional seat vacated by Michael Grimm is starting to resemble a crowded subway car at rush hour. Assemblymember Bill Colton is the latest political figure to announce that he is mulling a run. … Full Article

A group of more than 30 SUNY Downstate medical students participated in a die-in Wednesday morning to protest the failure to indict police for the killings in New York and in Ferguson, Mo. Photos by Samantha Yarmis

SUNY Downstate students join nationwide ‘die-in’

More than 30 SUNY Downstate medical students on Wednesday participated in a 45-minute ‘die-in’ demonstration at the SUNY Downstate Health Science Education Building in Brooklyn. Students at dozens of medical schools across the country participated in similar protests on Wednesday. … Full Article