NEWS OF THE DAY
From Across the Nation
1 Congestion fees: New York City motorists would have to shell out $11.52 to drive into the busiest parts of Manhattan under a new proposal commissioned by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo to ease congestion and raise funds for mass transit. Trucks would pay even more — $25.34 — while taxis, Uber rides and for-hire vehicles would be charged between $2 and $5 per ride. The pricing zone would cover Manhattan south of 60th Street. The proposal is expected to face stiff opposition in the Legislature, which must approve portions of the plan. London and Singapore already have similar congestion surcharges in place.
2 Crossbow slaying: A 13-year-old Oklahoma boy accused of fatally shooting his 10-yearold friend with a crossbow in anger has been charged with firstdegree murder. The death happened last fall in Chandler, about 40 miles northeast of Oklahoma City. Authorities say 10-year-old Austin Almanza was fatally struck by an arrow, which traveled through his body and then pierced his 8-year-old brother in the arm. Prosecutors charged the 13-year-old as an adult. At a hearing Thursday, a judge ordered a psychological evaluation of the boy.
3 Senator retrial: Federal prosecutors told a federal judge in Newark, N.J., on Friday that they will seek a retrial of Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, whose 11-week corruption trial ended in a hung jury in November. Menendez and his friend, doctor Salomon Melgen, were charged in 2015 with a bribery scheme in which Menendez allegedly traded political favors for gifts and campaign donations. Several jurors interviewed after the first trial said as many as 10 of 12 members of the panel favored acquittal.
4 Chief resigns: Los Angeles police Chief Charlie Beck announced Friday that he will retire in five months, effective June 27. Beck joined the force in 1977 and was appointed chief in 2009, succeeding William Bratton. Beck, 64, was reappointed to his second five-year term in August 2014. Beck said serving the citizens of Los Angeles for more than 40 years has been an honor and leading the force has been a privilege. As Beck rose through the ranks, he made his mark by rehabilitating the scandal-plagued Rampart Division and forging better relationships with residents as he oversaw officers in south L.A.
5 High-speed rail: Gov. Jerry Brown appointed the head of a $3 billion tunnel project in Seattle to a top post at California’s HighSpeed Rail Authority on Friday, rounding out a leadership team that’s been in flux. Joseph Hedges of the Washington State Department of Transportation will take over as the project’s chief operating officer with a salary of $337,000, one of the highest in state government. He’s tasked with assuring construction and engineering elements meet budgets and schedules. California’s plan to build a high-speed train from Los Angeles to San Francisco has already been hit by delays and cost overruns. Its board announced a nearly $3 billion hike in costs Tuesday for the project’s first phase. “I manage taxpayer dollars; with that is a great commitment to execute and to get things done,” Hedges said.