Regional Briefs – May 12, 2016

Jersey City Lifts Decades-Old Boom Box Ban

JERSEY CITY – Jersey City on Wednesday lifted a decades-old ban barring the use of boom boxes in public, the Jersey Journal reported. The City Council’s noise law now requires those playing music outside to make sure it isn’t “plainly audible” from 50 feet away during the day and 25 feet after 10 p.m.

New Jersey Town Closes Police Department

LAKE COMO, N.J. – A small New Jersey police force disbanded Wednesday after taxpayers refused to raise taxes to keep it, the Asbury Park Press reported. The 10-member Lake Como Police Department turned over patrol duties to officers in neighboring Belmar.

Rochester College Student Steals Ambulance, Crashes

ROCHESTER – A 22-year-old college student early Thursday stole an ambulance while its crew was responding to a call, driving off before going off the road and getting stuck in a flower bed, The Associated Press reported. The student was charged with grand larceny, criminal mischief, traffic violations and driving while intoxicated.

Officials Probing Why Fire Broke Out in 2 School Buses

NEW YORK – Authorities are investigating what caused fires to break out on two school buses for the disabled Wednesday, one carrying three students in Brownsville and another in East Harlem, WNBC reported. No one was injured in the Brooklyn incident but nine people were hurt in Manhattan.

First 52 Schools Get Funding in $2B Tech Upgrade

ALBANY – The first 52 projects were approved Wednesday in a $2 billion program okayed in a 2014 referendum to improve technology in schools. The main Smart Schools Bond Act amount, $26 million, will pay for classroom equipment.

Jail Guard’s Union Sues NYC Over Safety in Lockups

NEW YORK – The union representing jail guards sued NYC Wednesday, arguing not enough was done to protect them from attacks by inmates or adequately train guards, The Associated Press reported. The lawsuit names two inmates responsible for dozens of attacks.

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