Regional Briefs – January 29, 2015

De Blasio Pokes Fun At His Own Storm Warnings

NEW YORK – Mayor Bill de Blasio’s warning Tuesday about a “furious hoarfrost bearing down upon us” was just a joke. The mayor entertained reporters by dramatically reading a satirical article of him warning about a killer storm. That included instructions to “clutch” your babies before the storm arrives, “and take small comfort in knowing that they will howl but for a few hours before death becalms them forever.”

Christie’s Meeting With Israeli President Canceled

NEWARK – A planned meeting Thursday between Gov. Chris Christie and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin was canceled due to the Hizbullah missiles that killed two Israeli soldiers, The Associated Press reported. Rivlin, in New York for his first official visit as president, returned to Israel.

NYC Area Airports Still Having Some Cancellations

NEW YORK – The New York City area’s three major airports still had canceled flights in the aftermath of the storm Wednesday, FlightAware reported. LaGuardia had 157, JFK had 102 while Newark recorded 70.

Cop to Teens: Stop Seeking Shoveling Jobs

BOUND BROOK, N.J. – Two teens looking to earn money shoveling snow Monday were told by police to stop, the Courier News reported. Matt Molinari and Eric Schnepf were handing out fliers when a cop told them it wasn’t safe. The teens had already lined up five jobs, earning $25 to $40 a house.

N.Y. AG Warns of Scammer Claiming to be From His Office

ALBANY – New York’s attorney general says a scammer has been calling people claiming to be from his office, threatens with a lawsuit and possible arrest and tells them to call 347-779-0198. Eric Schneiderman says his office does not solicit personal information over the phone.

NYC’s 1st Lady Announces Mental Health Initiative

NEW YORK – Mayor Bill de Blasio’s wife, Chirlane McCray, announced an initiative Wednesday to stop mental illness from being swept under the rug. She told attendees at a public health conference in Brooklyn that she will develop a “road map,” which she will release this summer.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the January 29th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.