The Jersey City Independent "

- The defense team of suspended deputy mayor Leona Beldini wrapped up its cross-examination of FBI informant Solomon Dwek yesterday; he was forced to admit he had not given one penny to Beldini. MORE: Check out the Ledger Live video from the Medical Center Luncheonette, where David Cruz talks corruption with host Brian Donohue. And Bob Braun says Dwek wasn’t a “knockout witness” for the prosecution.

- The execution-style murders of two young cousins earlier this week have shaken some Jersey City parents.

- The city’s Alcohol Beverage Control unit has taken action against the Ringside Lounge on Tonnelle Avenue. Beginning Sunday, Feb. 14, it will be closed for 18 consecutive Sundays, and it will close at midnight every other day as opposed to its normal 2 am closing time during this time period. All of those hours add up to the equivalent of 32 days. The bar has come under fire after a murder that happened there in December; it was the second murder at the establishment since 2004. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson came out yesterday to support the bar’s owner, saying he is “like my brother.”

- New Jersey is quietly discussing plans to transfer at least 160 jailed sex offenders who have completed their prison terms but are deemed too dangerous to be released from the Hudson County jail to East Jersey State Prison in Woodbridge.

- A 28-year-old Irvington man faces life in prison plus 60 years after he was found guilty in the 2005 murder of a Jersey City Heights man.

- Village Voice food critic Robert Sietsema continues his love affair with India Square, offering up a positive review of Sapthagiri in this week’s paper.

- Two high school hockey teams will face off tomorrow to benefit the family of slain JCPD detective Marc DiNardo.

- For the second time in two weeks, Laundry Factory — located in the Downtown strip mall that is also home to A&P and Best Buy — will be offering one free wash and dry to anyone who walks through the door this Saturday.

Today’s Best Bets:

- NJCU plays host to an opening reception for “African Echoes,” a show of recent Ceramic Works by David MacDonald (4 pm), while the Art House open mic features spoken word artist UNINVITED (8 pm).

In statewide news:

- Gov. Christie is looking to expand executive power, saying he plans to ask the state legislature for expanded veto powers over additional New Jersey authorities, one day after rejecting the 2010 budget of the Delaware River and Bay Authority.

- That’s a ‘wow’ number: New Jersey’s food banks say they served a whopping 10 percent of the state’s residents last year, reaching 45 percent more people in 2009 than three years earlier.

- The state Supreme Court has ruled that school officials may search a student’s car on school property if they have reason to suspect them.

- A bill that would allow wine to be directly shipped to consumers will be heard by a Senate committee today. New Jersey is one of about 20 states that does not allow wine to be shipped directly to consumers; instead, consumers can get wine shipped only to a retail outlet.

- Demolition work is set to begin on Giants Stadium today.

Like what you've read here? Please consider making a donation or becoming a sustaining member. As a grassroots news organization, we rely on community support -- as well as paid advertising -- to survive.