DA: Guns smuggled on planes in Atlanta an 'egregious' security breach

Atlanta (CNN) -- The breakup of a gun smuggling ring allegedly involving a current and former Delta Air Lines employee has exposed what a New York prosecutor described as an "egregious breach of security" at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth Thompson said Tuesday that the investigation was "deeply troubling" -- not only for the havoc the gun running unleashed on the streets but because of the vulnerability to acts of terrorism on air travel that it revealed.

We have an egregious breach of security" at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport because airport employees "are not required to go through screening," said Thompson.

In total, 153 guns were recovered as part of a complex investigation that Thompson outlined by using charts and surveillance video during a press conference in New York.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• NEW: "This is an important wake-up call," analyst says of employee screening
• 153 guns were recovered as part of a complex undercover investigation, DA says
• Delta employees entering their parking lot and the secure area of the airport aren't screened
• Agent: After clearing security, the employee met an accomplice in a restroom with a backpack

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Joe Cocker leaves legacy as one of music's best voices

UNCHAIN MY HEART 

LONDON — Singer and songwriter Joe Cocker has died, according to the BBC.

Cocker’s hits include “You Are So Beautiful” and “With a Little Help from My Friends” and “Ain’t No Sunshine.”

He was 70-years old.

Thruway passes 2015 budget

Updated: Friday, December 19 2014, 08:11 PM EST ALBANY -- The New York State Thruway Authority Board unanimously passed its 2015 budget with a $36 million deficit. The board did not discuss potentially increasing tolls.

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Cousin arrested in 5-year-old's homicide

Updated: 12/19/2014 3:16 PM
Created: 12/19/2014 12:43 PM WNYT.com
By: WNYT Staff

Police have arrested a cousin in connection with the death of a 5-year-old Kenneth White of Berne.

Tiffany VanAlstyne, 19, is now charged with second-degree murder.

Schodack Transfer Station price increase

Beginning January 1st 2015 the Transfer Station will be CHARGING $14 FOR EACH TELEVISION AND CRT.

Town of Schodack Transfer/Recycling Station

Beginning January 1st 2015 the Transfer Station will be CHARGING $14 FOR EACH TELEVISION AND CRT.


Transfer Station Schedule

Open to Residents
Tuesday: 7 am - 5 pm
Wed-Fri: 7 am - 2 pm
Saturday: 7 am - 3 pm
Closed: Sundays, Mondays and Holidays, as posted

Masterpiece Classic | Downton Abbey Season 4

Watch Sundays, December 21 & 28, 2014 on WMHT TV.

Season 4 of the international hit, Downton Abbey, finds aristocrats coping with last season’s shocking finale. Change is in the air as three generations of the Crawley family have conflicting interests in the estate. Paul Giamatti makes an appearance alongside the beloved returning ensemble, including Dame Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Joanne Froggatt, guest star Shirley MacLaine and a host of others.

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Schenectady celebrates casino decision

 Created: 12/17/2014 5:29 PM WNYT.com By: WNYT Staff

SCHENECTADY - If it receives final approval -- which it should -- the Rivers Casino and Resort at Mohawk Harbor will be built at the old Alco site on Erie Boulevard. 

The $300 million project will include gaming facilities, restaurants, a banquet facility, hotels and spa. It's expected to create 1,200 permanent jobs and bring in millions in tax revenue. 

Second-degree murder

Victim was aid at youth shelter

Man who knew deceased charged with second-degree murder of mother of four

By Lauren Stanforth

Updated 9:22 pm, Sunday, December 14, 2014

Jamell Steven Modest, 46, of Schenectady, was charged Dec. 14, 2014 in the shooting death of Marika Booth, who also went by Marika Harris. 

Booth was near her infant at the time she was shot and killed.