Regional Briefs – December 7, 2015

Appeals Court Rejects Reinstating NYC Foam Ban

NEW YORK – Foam food containers are here to stay after the state Supreme Court on Sunday denied a motion by Mayor Bill de Blasio to challenge a recent court decision vacating a ban on the containers, Politico reported. The ban was predicated on the determination that there is no long-term way to recycle the containers. But the panel ruled that such a plan existed.

Application of Road Salt to be Monitored Near Lake George

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. – The Save Lake George Partnership is funding a program aimed at controlling the amount of road salt applied to highways, the Post-Star reported. Small black boxes will be wired to equipment that distributes road salt to determine how much salt is put down and then come up with a strategy to reduce the amount.

NY Lawmakers to Review Police Body Cameras

NEW YORK – Three Assembly panels on Tuesday will examine the benefits and concerns associated with the use of body cameras on police officers, The Associated Press reported. Police critics want wider use of the cameras to hold police accountable. But the technology is expensive and prompts privacy concerns.

9 Injured, 1 Critically, in Queens Fire

QUEENS – Nine people were injured early Monday in a fire that engulfed two houses in Queens, WPIX reported. The blaze started around 4:30 a.m. in an Elmhurst home and quickly spread next door. A 30-year-old woman suffered burns and a 12-year-old suffered smoke inhalation. The others, including three firefighters, suffered minor injuries.