Morning Brief: January 9

Communications have surfaced that link New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's office to George Washington Bridge lane closures -- an apparent act of political retribution aimed at a Democratic mayor in the state. [New York Times]

WEATHER
Mostly sunny, but still cold today, with a high of just above freezing. Chance of snow tonight into tomorrow. [Full forecast]

NEED TO KNOW
Melissa Mark-Viverito, a strong ally of Mayor de Blasio, is elected leader of New York's City Council. [WFUV]

Gov. Andrew Cuomo emphasizes the importance of lowering taxes and establishing a statewide Pre-K program in his annual State of the State address. [New York Times]

Sen. Chuck Schumer asks the federal government to release $35 million to subsize the cost of heating homes [AP]

SPORTS
Miami Heat at Knicks; 8 p.m.

ON STAGE TONIGHT
WFUV Presents: Downtown Comes Uptown; 7:30 p.m. at David Rubenstein Atrium: Lincoln Center [More information]
Emily King, Anais Mitchell, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Sean Rowe

TODAY'S HISTORY
2007: Apple's CEO Steve Jobs unveils the iPhone for the first time.

WFUV's Morning Brief is published each weekday morning at 5 a.m. Do you have an event or news item that should be included? Email cryan@wfuvnews.org or leave a comment below.