Regional Briefs – May 6, 2018

Judge Won’t Block Release Of NYPD Bodycam Footage

NEW YORK – A judge said Thursday he won’t block the release of NYPD body camera footage, dismissing a lawsuit brought by the largest NYPD union, the Daily News reported. The union said that footage is like a personnel file which is illegal to release.

NY to Invest $14 Million in Ithaca Airport Upgrades

ITHACA, N.Y. – Ithaca’s airport is in line for a $22 million overhaul, thanks in part to a $14 million grant by the state, The Associated Press reported. The funds will pay for improved security, expanded concessions and ticket counters and new passenger amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations.

Underground Railroad Center Opens in Niagara Falls

NIAGARA FALLS – A new museum that opened Friday tells the story of the Niagara Falls region’s role in the Underground Railroad, The Associated Press reported. It includes a recreation of an 1848 suspension bridge used by Harriet Tubman to lead slaves across the Niagara River to freedom in Canada.

NY to Auction Upstate Prison Property Closed in 2014

ALBANY – A state prison near the Canadian border closed in 2014 will be put up for auction on July 24, The Associated Press reported. The Chateaugay Correctional Facility was closed because of a declining inmate population.

NJ AG Challenges Legality Of Leonia Road Closures

LEONIA, N.J. – New Jersey’s attorney general said Wednesday that ordinances adopted by Leonia banning nonresident drivers from using its streets as shortcuts are “legally invalid,” The Associated Press reported. A state law bars municipalities from “arbitrarily” closing streets that affect state highways.

NY Welcomes 4 Arson-Investigating Fire Dogs

ALBANY – Four dogs trained in sniffing out arson are joining law enforcement agencies in New York state, The Associated Press reported. Halli, Pete and Taz — which are Labrador Retrievers — and Chili, a German Shorthaired Pointer, and their human handlers recently completed an eight-week course.