A car and a tractor trailer involved in an accident caused major headaches on the Thruway in Nanuet by exit 14 early this morning. The situation was cleared up by about 6:30, no injuries reported.
Haverstraw Home Wins RLUIPA Court Challenge
The home at the center of a legal battle to become a synagogue has survived a court challenge by neighbors who wanted it to stay as a single-family house. That’s according to the Journal News. Haverstraw officials had approved the home located at 62 Riverglen Drive in Thiells for conversion into a synagogue. The Orthodox Jewish congregation’s attorneys claimed constitutional protection of religion, in particular they cited the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000, also known as RLUIPA. Attorneys for three neighbors argued RLUIPA discriminates in favor of religion. They also argued the synagogue would be a public nuisance due to excessive traffic and parking by congregants. The neighbors have 30 days to appeal.
Suspect, State Troopers ID’d in Fatal Shootout
State Police have identified the two Troopers and the suspect who was killed in a shootout with police Wednesday afternoon on the New York State Thruway in Hillburn. Police say 35 year-old Rakim Tillery of Albany fled the capital in a car that was connected to an attempted homicide earlier on Wednesday. The chase ended on Route 87 near exit 15A, with police conducting a traffic stop on the Mercedes Tillery was driving. Police say Tillery opened fire on the two Troopers, Steven Missale and Ronald Raymond. They fired back, fatally wounding Tillery, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Missale and Raymond were both taken to Westchester Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and later released. The investigation continues. If you have information call the State Police in Middletown at 845-344-5300.
Nyack Nurses Ratify Contract
Montefiore Nyack Hospital nurses have ratified a new three-year contract. The New York State Nurses Association says they’re getting salary increases and better safe-staffing ratios. Nyack’s 400+ nurses will also now be included in the NYSNA pension, a goal they’ve sought for decades. The deal passed with 99% of the vote. Their contract expired December 31st.