The Morning Read: Thursday, April 10, 2009

Elton John talked about sexism and Hillary Clinton's campaign at Radio City last night.

Colin Powell tells Diane Sawyer that he thinks Barack Obama handled the Jeremiah Wright controversy well, and that he admires Obama for giving the speech on race.

Clients spent $20 million more this year on lobbying Albany lawmakers than they did last year.

The teachers union spent $3 million lobbying state lawmakers.

The state budget is 4.9 percent higher than the previous one

Legislators defend the higher spending.

David Paterson doesn’t want to raise taxes, ever.

Paterson said next year's budget will be better.

Michael Bloomberg is making presidential candidates work for his endorsement.

In an exclusive interview with the Advocate, Obama said there probably won't be enough votes in Congress to pass a non-discrimination bill that covers the trans-gender community.

Bill Thompson puts pressure on a likely 2009 mayoral rival, Christine Quinn, over the recently discovered slush fund.

Anne Kornblut writes that Chelsea Clinton has now become her mother's "most effective surrogate" on the campaign trail.

Obama talks about a trip he took to Pakistan in college.

All three presidential candidates taped segments for American Idol, but were cut from the show last night.

And the feds are looking at Mt. Vernon’s finances.