Regional Briefs – May 11, 2015

Appeals Court Rejects Rangel Bid to Overturn Censure

WASHINGTON – Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel can’t legally challenge his 2010 censure for financial wrongdoing since House disciplinary proceedings fall outside the jurisdiction of the courts, a federal appeals court ruled Friday. The Democrat claimed the Ethics Committee suppressed evidence of misconduct.

Coyote Sighted Near LaGuardia Airport

QUEENS – A seventh coyote was spotted in New York City this year, this time near LaGuardia Airport, The Associated Press reported. Police lost track of it when the critter darted into a field.

New Tappan Zee to Light Up Sky With 3,000 Lights

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. – More than 3,000 LED lights will light up the sky when the new Tappan Zee Bridge is completed in 2018, the Journal News reported. In a $3.9 billion project, 2,700 color lights and 500 white lights will change colors to signify special events, similar to the Empire State Building.

De Blasio to Deliver Speech At University of California

NEW YORK – Mayor Bill de Blasio will continue his recent national travels with a lecture Thursday on “Economic Inequality and the Future of Progressivism” at the University of California, The Associated Press reported. The Democrat has recently been increasing his national profile.

Christie’s Legal Bill for Bridge Case Climbs to $7.6M

TRENTON – New Jersey taxpayers have paid about $7.6 million for legal work on behalf of Gov. Chris Christie and his administration in the investigation of traffic jams near the George Washington Bridge, the Attorney General’s Office announced Friday.

People Around the World Flock to Birding Competition

BERNARDSVILLE, N.J. – A widely popular New Jersey birding competition arrived Saturday, and people came from across the world to participate in it, The Associated Press reported. The goal is to find as many bird species as possible through sight or sound within 24 hours, and every team member must see or hear 95 percent of them.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the May 11th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.