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- Judge Dismisses Extortion Charges Against Manzos: A federal judge yesterday dropped extortion charges against former Jersey City assemblyman and 2009 mayoral candidate Lou Manzo and his brother and consultant Ron Manzo, who were arrested as part of a federal corruption sting last July. The Manzos still face bribery and mail fraud charges. In his “Political Insider” column this morning, the Journal‘s Augie Torres calls it the U.S. Attorney’s “biggest setback in about a decade.” Federal Justice Department insider blog Main Justice reports that “the Justice Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility has started an internal affairs probe into the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s office’s handling of the investigation.”

- Police Awards Today: Police detective Marc DiNardo, who was killed in the line of duty last summer, will be among police officers and emergency medical technicians honored today at the Police Department’s annual awards ceremony to be held at Michael Anthony’s this morning.

- New CEO at Toll Bros.: Luxury condo developer Toll Bros., which has built several properties in Jersey City in recent years, named company executive vice president Douglas Yearley to replace 43-year CEO Robert Toll, who is stepping down. Yearley oversaw the creation of Toll’s City Living brand, which includes projects in Jersey City.

- Arrest in Perry Murder Case: A 17-year-old boy wanted for the December murder of Alterik Perry on Corcoran Street was arrested on Monday.

Today’s Best Bets:

- There’s never a shortage of beer-nerd events in Jersey City, and tonight is no exception. The Iron Monkey is hosting a “Meet the Brewers” event for Hunterdon County-based River Horse Brewery. The fun begins at 6 pm, and with a $6 price tag for 19-ounce flights, it’s also the best happy hour in town.

In Statewide News:

- The Return of RCAs?: Blue Jersey reports that the fine print in Gov. Christie’s proposed plan on affordable housing set-asides opens a back door to regional contribution agreements (RCAs), controversial payments by wealthy towns to poor cities to relieve them of their affordable housing obligations. Critics say RCAs contribute to a culture of economic and racial segregation in New Jersey.

- Nutrition on the Chopping Block: Nutrition advocates say Gov. Christie’s proposed $5.5 million in cuts to the school breakfast programs could mean hungry, unfocused students in New Jersey’s classrooms.

- Energy Companies and State Discuss Electric Car Charging Stations: PSE&G and NRG Energy have approached the Christie administration about building the infrastructure for plug-in electric vehicles, a step that could energize New Jersey’s efforts to promote a green economy.

- College Aid Fund in “Disarray”: A multi-year investigation by the state Inspector General’s office has found that the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, which oversees more than $1 billion in financial aid to New Jersey’s college students, doesn’t have an internal auditor, fails to issue annual reports and operates under a management in “disarray.”

- State’s Most-Endangered Historic Sites: Trenton-based Preservation New Jersey has released its annual list of the state’s ten most-endangered historic sites. On the list this year are all the state’s historic diners like the Tunnel Diner on 14th Street, which Preservation NJ says “are being abandoned, demolished, and relocated out-of-state at an alarming rate.”