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And this is Columbia Radio News. I'm Marcelle Hopkins in New York.
The union that represents New York City's transit workers is back in court today. Union lawyers are arguing that the state should not impose hefty fines for last December's illegal 3-day strike - and that the $3 million dollar fine would cripple the already-indebted union. The state argues that the union knew the Taylor Law mandates the fines, but went on strike anyway. Both parties will be in court again next week to wrangle over fines and possible jail time for TWU president Roger Toussaint.
The coach of the women's basketball team at West Point Military Academy is being remembered today. 28-year-old Maggie Dixon died last night from a heart arrhythmia. Army Athletic Director Kevin Anderson says Dixon was a positive influence both on and off the court.
INCUE: Maggie brought the best out…
OUTCUE: …and everybody she touched.
TIME: 6 secs
Dixon led the West Point women's basketball team to it's first NCAA tournament last month.
New Jersey is trying to smoke out tax cheats. State officials want to collect back taxes from people who buy tax-free cigarettes over the Internet. The State Division of Taxation has ordered web-based cigarette retailers to hand over the names of their customers. New Jersey's state cigarette tax is $2.40 per pack, one of the highest in the country.
After more than 4 years, construction of the Freedom Tower at the World Trade Center site is finally scheduled to begin this weekend. Starting Sunday weekend Path train service between Hoboken and the World Trade Center will be suspended because of construction.
It's 55 degrees with scattered showers throughout the area. Tomorrow will be cloudy, rainy and chilly, a high of 48.
Marcelle Hopkins. Columbia Radio News.