Required Reading: April 3, 2006

In which John McCain takes flak for speaking at a Falwell occasion, federal spending soars, the black population of New York sinks, clothing becomes cheaper to buy in NYC, a gossip queen shows how to jump the velvet rope, Arnold Schwarzenegger uses the b-word, and nytimes.com gets an overhaul.

"Dems blast McCain for Falwell flip-flop" (NY Daily News)

"How federal spending has climbed since 2001" (USA Today)

"New York City Losing Blacks, Census Shows" (NY Times)

"Clothing and Footwear Now Less Expensive for State Shoppers" (NY Sun)

"On Job With Empress of Celebrity Gossip" (NY Times)

"The Private Side of His Governance: Away from the public, Schwarzenegger is more freewheeling and hard to predict, aides say" (LA Times)

"NYT's New Online Look" (Fishbowl NY)