Regional Briefs – June 19, 2015

Public Comment as NY Crafts Sea-Level Projections

ALBANY – Is global warming real? Should New York spend billions to protect itself from climate change? Residents are invited to sound off in four public meetings next week as the state prepares to set an official sea-level rise projection, The Associated Press reported. The regulation must be set before 2016.

Pennsylvania Turnpike to End Cash Tolls at N.J. Crossing

BRISTOL, Pa. – It’s the end of the tolls as we know it. The Pennsylvania Turnpike will replace cash tolls with all-electronic tolling at the Delaware River Bridge, The Associated Press reported. Beginning January 2016, drivers will pay by E-ZPass or will be mailed a bill after their license plate is photographed.

Minnesota Official Calls Eagle’s Lifespan Remarkable

MINNEAPOLIS – A 38-year-old bald eagle that was killed by a car on a New York road had a remarkable lifespan, says the Minnesota wildlife official who captured and banded it in 1977, the Star Tribune reported. It was the oldest banded eagle. The official said it’s gratifying to know their early efforts for eagle restoration paid off so well.

Lyft to Pay $300,000 To Settle N.Y. Lawsuit

NEW YORK – The ride-hailing service Lyft will pay $300,000 to settle allegations that it operated without requiring its drivers to have commercial licenses or proper insurance, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced. With Lyft’s app, users can book a ride from a nearby driver.

Stung by Criticism, de Blasio To Skip DC Mayors’ Meeting

NEW YORK – With voters sour on his recent travel to promote progressivism, Mayor Bill de Blasio won’t be going to San Francisco for the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting this weekend, The Associated Press reported. President Obama and Hillary Clinton will attend.

NYC Council to Dim the Lights

NEW YORK – The City Council will turn off the lights in all hallways and meeting rooms from 12 to 1 p.m. on Friday as part of a global effort on energy conservation and the availability of daylight during standard work hours.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the June 19th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.