Regional Briefs – March 4, 2019

NYC OKs Bills Protecting Private Trash Collectors

NEW YORK – The City Council passed legislation giving workers at private trash collection companies stronger protections, the Wall Street Journal reported. It requires industry unions to register with the Business Integrity Commission, and refers labor- and wage-violations to law enforcement. It awaits Mayor Bill de Blasio’s signature.

Officer Who Sued to Join NYPD at 48 Retires at 68

NEW YORK – A detective who sued to join the NYPD at age 48 retired 20 years later as its oldest officer, the Daily News reported. Michael Cusumano was working in his family’s kitchen and bath business when he decided to pursue his lifelong dream of joining the NYPD. He passed the tests but was told he couldn’t enter because the age limit was 35.

Taxi Driver Dead After Crashing Into Pole

BROOKLYN – A taxi driver tragically died Sunday night after he suffered a medical episode and crashed into a light pole on Kings Highway, The Associated Press reported. Ilya Sukholinskyv was 62. No pedestrians or other vehicles were hit.

Man Killed in Snowmobile Crash on Adirondack Lake

WEBB, N.Y. – A man died in a snowmobile crash in the Adirondacks on Sunday when he struck a rock sticking out of the ice and flew into the air, The Associated Press reported. Michael Gosson, 59, was discovered by other snowmobilers.

NY State Park Visitations Topped 74M in 2018

ALBANY – Visitors to New York state parks, historic sites and campgrounds topped 74 million in 2018, an all-time record and an increase of 4 percent from the year before. Officials credit the boost on major improvements at state parks.

Police Union Cancels Raffle Of Semi-Automatic Rifle

BERGENFIELD, N.J. – A police union canceled a raffle that listed a semi-automatic rifle and a shotgun as prizes after local prosecutors questioned its legality, NJ.com reported. Bergenfield police said the raffle was a way to help his 46-member organization raise money, with most purchasers being cops.