Regional Briefs – August 6, 2015

Final Madoff Defendant Gets 6 Months in Prison

NEW YORK – The last defendant charged in the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme was sentenced Wednesday to six months in prison, The Associated Press reported. The 77 year old had falsified records as a comptroller for Madoff’s firm. All 15 defendants have now either pleaded guilty or were convicted.

Indiana Gov. in NY to Entice Companies to Relocate

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Gov. Mike Pence began a one-day trip to New York on Wednesday to lure businesses to his state, which he pitches as a low-cost, low-tax haven, The Associated Press reported. Pence was accompanied by a delegation of local business executives.

NJ’s Obamacare Insurers Want Premium Hikes for 2016

TRENTON – Three health care companies that sold insurance to New Jersey residents through Obamacare this year are asking the state to approve double-digit price hikes for 2016, the Record reported. Competition kept premiums balanced in 2015, but no new companies are joining for 2016.

Landmark Hotel Can’t Get Bike-Sharing Rack Removed

NEW YORK – A landmark Manhattan hotel’s bid to get rid of a Citi Bike rack across from its entrance was rejected Tuesday by the state Supreme Court’s appellate division, The Associated Press reported. They ruled the city properly reviewed the site outside The Plaza.

Cuomo Announces Grants For Sandy-Damaged Historic Sites

NEW YORK – Gov. Andrew Cuomo says $6.2 million in grants will help repair 16 historic properties damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, including the Fraunces Tavern museum in Manhattan where George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and John Adams used to meet.

Violent Weekend in Brooklyn Kills 3, Injures Dozens

BROOKLYN – The five people injured, two critically, in a drive-by shooting in Red Hook Monday night capped a violent weekend in the borough, The Associated Press reported. Three people were killed and more than a dozen wounded in 10 other shooting incidents from Friday to Sunday.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the August 6th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.