Regional Briefs – January 26, 2017

Christie Not Endorsing Running Mate, Cites Primary

TRENTON – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie declined on Wednesday to endorse Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno to succeed him, citing a contested Republican primary, The Associated Press reported. The two have had a tense relationship and Guadagno has distanced himself from Christie in recent weeks.

New Phone Area Code May Be Coming to New Jersey

TRENTON – New Jersey may soon be getting a new area code, The Associated Press reported. The Board of Public Utilities said Wednesday that numbers in the 609 area code will run out next year. A public comment period is open through Feb. 27.

Atlantic City Bans Releasing Helium Balloons

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Atlantic City on Wednesday night joined several other Jersey shore towns in criminalizing the outdoor release of helium balloons since it dirties the seas and leads to marine deaths, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Violators will be fined $500.

Man Hurt When Dumbbell Crashed Through Car Dies

OLDMANS, N.J. – A man injured when a 50-pound dumbbell crashed through his windshield Jan. 9 died Wednesday, The Associated Press reported. Jack DeCarlo, 75, was driving on the N.J. Turnpike when the dumbbell hit the windshield. Police are still trying to determine where the dumbbell came from.

Man Nearly Killed After Being Pushed Onto Subway Tracks

BRONX – A man wearing a green jacket jumped a turnstile Wednesday morning and pushed a 43-year-old man onto the tracks as a train approached, The Associated Press reported. The victim dodged the train but one of his legs was run over, leaving him bleeding just inches from the electrified third rail.

Bus Driver Dies in Vehicle, Body Found 3 Days Later

ULSTER, N.Y. – A 49-year-old school bus driver who died inside his vehicle Friday was not discovered until Monday, The Daily Freeman reported. He had been checking the small bus after driving his route when he sat down on one of the seats and died. He was found by the bus aide.