Regional Briefs – February 2, 2015

Pharmacist Who Tried Making Ricin Sentenced

TRENTON – A Manhattan pharmacist who admitted to trying to make weapons-grade ricin and other legal toxins was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison, The Associated Press reported. Jordan Gonzalez, who was arrested in 2013, also obtained weapons, ammunition, body armor and survivalist-themed manuals.

With Snow Coming, Fire Destroys Salt Spreaders

EDISON, N.J. – Edison officials on Friday asked for help from other towns after a blaze destroyed a municipal garage which housed its fleet of 11 salt spreaders, NJ.com reported. The fire came ahead of a winter storm that’s forecast to drop up to six inches of snow Sunday night.

Teacher Resigns After Racist, Anti-Semitic Remarks

HAMILTON, N.J. – A middle school teacher has resigned in a settlement after he made racist, anti-Semitic comments in his classroom, The Times of Trenton reported. Social studies teacher Joseph Mahon will continue receiving his $27,000 salary and dental coverage until June.

NY Senate to Review MTA’s Finances

ALBANY – Two state Senate committees will look at the MTA’s finances Monday as the transit agency seeks funding for a $32 billion, five-year upgrade plan. Senators say they want to prevent an expected deficit without fare hikes or service reductions.

Two Classic Cars Missing From Buffalo Garage

BUFFALO – Two classic cars have been stolen from a Buffalo storage garage, the Buffalo News reported. A red 1972 Chevelle and blue 1964 Malibu went missing Thursday. A witness told investigators he saw someone who lives in the area inside the garage with two tow trucks.

Huge Ferris Wheel Readies For Groundbreaking

STATEN ISLAND – Developers will break ground on March 10 on a giant Ferris wheel that will put Staten Island on the tourist map, the Staten Island Advance reported. Riders of the 625-foot-tall wheel will have a view of the Statue of Liberty. It was planned as the world’s tallest, but Dubai has since broached plans for a 689-foot wheel.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the February 2nd, 2015 edition of Hamodia.