Regional Briefs – August 15, 2016

Ithaca Voted by Time Mag 3rd Most Quirky City in U.S.

ITHACA, N.Y. – Ithaca was voted by Time Magazine the third quirkiest city in the nation. Towns were nominated for vibrant main streets, coffee bars and eco-friendly vibe. The college town “has deep hippie roots,” they wrote, with a vegetarian diner and peculiar holidays.

Albany Judge Resigns for Undignified Comments

ALBANY – An Albany City Court judge resigned Monday after 10 misconduct charges against him were upheld, The Associated Press reported. Thomas Keefe disparaged prosecutors’ plea deals, dismissed charges without a defense motion, spoke to defendants outside court and ordered a defendant not to call her lawyer for a week.

11 Freight Cars Derail Upstate; No Injuries

SELKIRK, N.Y. – Eleven freight cars derailed Saturday in an upstate rail yard but all have since been put back on track, the Times Union reported. No injuries were reported after a train carrying shipping containers sideswiped empty cars that were adjacent to the track.

NY to Retain Past Victim Statements for Parole Board

ALBANY – New York will maintain past crime victim statements to the state Parole Board for reconsideration every time eligible convicts return for another release hearing, The Associated Press reported. The measure, signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, will relieve victims of having to resubmit new statements.

Wildlife Experts Urge Anglers To Avoid Stressing Trout

ALBANY – It’s so hot even the trout are stressing out. State fisheries experts are asking anglers to take it easy on trout and salmon, which are congregating in pockets of colder water. The agency says responsible anglers won’t take unfair advantage of the fish.

Christie Unveils $143 Million System of Levees

BOUND BROOK, N.J. – Gov. Chris Christie on Monday marked the completion of a $143 million system of flood protections, The Associated Press reported. This includes 8,500 feet of levees and two floodwalls near Bound Brook, a town frequently hit by floods.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the August 16th, 2016 edition of Hamodia.