Regional Briefs – December 12, 2014

De Blasio Ends 1st Year With Zero Vetoes

NEW YORK – In his first year as mayor, Bill de Blasio signed every bill passed by the Council into law, the second time this occurred in 20 years, Capital New York reported. Rudy Giuliani and Mike Bloomberg vetoed bills in all years but one, in 2010.

Jersey Voters Still Mixed On Christie 2016 Run

NEWARK – Some 53 percent of New Jersey voters do not think a “Jersey guy” like Gov. Chris Christie would make a good president, a Quinnipiac poll finds. While 40 percent want him to run in the Republican primary, 62 percent say that if he runs he should first resign as governor.

‘Victim’ of Roadside Scam Made Up Stabbing Story

RUTHERFORD, N.J. – A college student who claimed to have been the victim of a scam when he tried settling a roadside fight lied, The Associated Press reported. Jose Saavedra had claimed the “assailant” demanded money and stabbed him before both fighters fled. But the student admitted that he stabbed himself and that there was no fight.

Frenchman Added to Revolutionary War List

FISHKILL, N.Y. – A historical preservation group working to protect a large Revolutionary War cemetery in the Hudson Valley identified a French soldier known to have died there. French military records list Fusilier Jean Bonnaire as having died in 1781 while marching with American and French forces headed to Yorktown, Va., for the final battle of the war.

Upstate NY Toddler Dies After Ingesting Nicotine

FORT PLAIN, N.Y. – A 1-year-old boy on Tuesday died after he swallowed liquid nicotine, the chemical used in e-cigarettes, The Associated Press reported. While sold legally, the chemical must be diluted before use and can be lethal to a child if as little as a half teaspoon is ingested.

Port Authority Security Chief to Step Down

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The chief officer charged with securing Port Authority-owned bridges, tunnels, airports and ports in the New York City area said Wednesday he is stepping down. Joseph Dunne was hired in 2012 to fill the new position; his deputy Thomas Belfiore will replace him.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the December 12th, 2014 edition of Hamodia.