Feb. 17: Angry Clashes Over Walmart, High Water Bills

Good morning, Little Neck! Yesterday saw the heat turn up — and it wasn't just the mild weather. 

Regarding the ongoing debate over the future of Walmart in New York City, rhetoric on both sides of the issue  in recent days.

But it was at  at P.S. 178/Holliswood School over complaints of higher water bills that things really started to boil.

Look for our story — plus video — of the meeting later today. In the meantime, check out our Twitter feed for live coverage of last night's forum.

Here are your 5 Things for today, Feb. 17:

1. Mayor Michael Bloomberg will present his budget for the next fiscal year today. Expect big cuts to city programs and, as Bloomberg News reported early this morning, the firing of 4,666 teachers. 

2. Attention drivers, as of yesterday, you will get 2 points on your license in addition to a $150 ticket for talking on your cell phone behind the wheel without a hands-free device. Here's two places in the area where you can pick up hands-free gear:  and the Verizon Store at Bay Terrace Shopping Center.

3. The New York Times has the skinny on what could be the only silver-lining to the Great Recession.

4. Amazins owner Fred Wilpon is expected to speak later today in Port St. Lucie in the wake of a $1 billion lawsuit by bilked Madoff investors that threatens his family's controlling interest in the team.

5. "Jerry, Hello!" The comedian who played Uncle Leo in the long-running sitcom, Seinfeld, died Wednesday at age 88.