De Blasio Picks More Liberal Activists Than Managers for City Posts

By NIKITA STEWART

Nicole Bengiveno/The New York Times

Maya Wiley was appointed counsel to the mayor.

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s appointees are like-minded advocates rather than the button-down businessmen favored by former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

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Litigant Against Social Welfare Agency Will Be Its Leader

By MICHAEL M. GRYNBAUM

Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York named Steven Banks, a high ranking attorney at the Legal Aid Society who has frequently sued the Human Resources Administration, as its commissioner.

Fast Acquittal for Kennedy, Whose Name Put Prosecutors in Bind

By JOSEPH BERGER

After months of celebrity theater and an incalculable amount of effort and courtroom expense, Kerry Kennedy’s trial for driving under the influence of a sleeping pill ended in breakneck fashion.

Center photograph by Matt Rourke/Associated Press

Reporter's Notebook

Christie’s Plan: To Shift the Public’s Attention From Scandal

By MICHAEL BARBARO

After weeks in the shadow of scandal, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey is working to refocus the debate to pensions, not lane closings.

Bratton Not Following de Blasio’s Lead on Parade

By JOSEPH GOLDSTEIN

William J. Bratton said he intended to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade despite the fact that Mayor Bill de Blasio will not participate because of its history of excluding gay organizations.