Regional Briefs – July 16, 2015

NYPD Union Slams Garner Payout as ‘Obscene’

NEW YORK – The president of the NYPD sergeants union on Tuesday called the $5.9 million settlement with the family of Eric Garner “obscene,” the New York Post reported. The city approved the deal a year after the black man died during an arrest attempt but the union said it should have gone to trial.

New Combo Ticket Offers Savings on Tourist Attractions

NEW YORK – The Empire State Building announced a new ticket package that offers a discount on four tourist attractions: their Observatory, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise and a City Sights Bus Tour. “NYC It All” costs $99 — a savings of $43. Kids under 6 are free.

Poll: Public Backs Cuomo in Clash With de Blasio

ALBANY – New York State voters side with Gov. Andrew Cuomo in his clash with Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Siena poll found. While 39 percent back Cuomo, only 28 percent side with the mayor. De Blasio is slightly favored among Democrats and in NYC. But Cuomo’s ratings dropped below 50 percent for the first time.

NYC to Distribute 200,000 Bundles of Baby Books

NEW YORK – NYC is launching a two-year program to distribute 200,000 bundles of baby books to children from newborn to age 3. Each bundle will include a book to encourage early language development and set strong bonds between parents and children.

Queens Tourist Center Shuts After it Gets No Visitors

QUEEN – A Queens tourist center closed its doors last week because no tourist ever went there, the New York Post reported. Locals said they have never seen anyone set foot in the Redbird Tourist Information Center since its opening in 2008 — even after a $500,000 remodeling two years ago.

Cuomo’s Campaign Raised $5.2M So Far This Year

ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s re-election campaign has more than $12.6 million on hand after raising just under $5.2 million since January, according to finance filing Wednesday, The Associated Press reported.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the July 16th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.