The city has wanted the State Legislature to give it the power to fire teachers even if they win their hearings, but lawmakers have not granted them that power.
Both players won in hearings the previous year.
Mr. Simpson was sentenced in 2008 to up to 33 years in prison in the Las Vegas robbery case, but that sentence could be reduced if he wins parole hearings and is given credit for good behavior.
INTERNATIONAL An article on Tuesday about an effort by detainees being held by the United States in Afghanistan to win habeas corpus hearings misspelled the surname of a former State Department official who said they were likely taken there to evade judicial review of their detention.
Jeffrey Holmstead, who led the E.P.A.'s air and radiation office in the George W. Bush administration, predicted that Ms. McCarthy would win confirmation, although the hearings might produce some sparks.
Detainees were winning habeas-corpus hearings, and public-interest groups were mounting challenges to the Bush Administration's stances on state secrecy, surveillance, and torture.
The hearings won her widespread praise from parents, education officials and editorial boards, but also enraged union leaders and fueled tensions between Ms. Moskowitz and other council members, including Speaker Gifford Miller, who is expected to run for mayor next year.
Mrs Mensch, whose staunch defence of press freedom and contribution during the phone hacking hearings won praise from other MPs, was comparatively brief and understated in her response.
Televising New York's lawmaking, from floor action to committee meetings and hearings, might not win hefty ratings.
If Democrats win back the House, I hope impeachment hearings will be initiated.
