Regional Briefs – May 13, 2019

Vice President Pence To Speak At West Point Graduation

WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence will be the U.S. Military Academy’s commencement speaker this year. West Point announced Monday that Pence will address the cadets of the Class of 2019 on Saturday, May 25.

This will be Pence’s first time as West Point’s graduation speaker.

Murphy Rejects Bill Aimed At Requiring Donor Disclosure

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has rejected a measure that would have required certain independent expenditure committees to disclose their donors.

The legislation required groups to disclose all spending over $3,000, up from $1,600, and also said contributors giving over $10,000 must be disclosed.

Murphy said Monday that because the measure applied to groups influencing legislation and regulations, it could go beyond the scope of disclosure allowed under the U.S. Constitution.

NY State Launches $100k Contest For Buffalo Skyway Redesign

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — New York state is launching a competition to find a new plan for the Buffalo Skyway.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the contest Monday, inviting urban planners, architects, community groups and others to submit proposals for replacing or reusing the aging bridge spanning the Buffalo River.

A panel of judges will review the proposals and pick the winning design late this summer. The first-place team will win $100,000.

Officer Admits Involvement In Illegal Stops, Shakedowns

PATERSON, N.J. (AP) — Another member of a northern New Jersey city’s police force has admitted stealing money during illegal traffic stops and shakedowns and then falsifying reports.

Paterson Officer Matthew Torres faces up to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty Monday to conspiracy to violate individuals’ civil rights and filing a false police report.