Regional Briefs – March 16, 2015

Train Demolishes SUV on Tracks; Occupants Escaped

TONAWANDA, N.Y. – A man and woman fled their SUV seconds before a freight train demolished it early Sunday, The Associated Press reported. The vehicle of driver Jason Schiavone and Allisa Haskins was pushed hundreds of feet. They were found an hour later and ticketed.

Cuomo Approves Delay In E-prescriptions

ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday signed a postponement until 2016 the deadline for doctors to issue only e-prescriptions. Many doctors still lack the required federal approval for their computer systems to do that for painkillers on the government list of controlled substances.

Giuliani Blames Obama for Ferguson Shootings, Unrest

NEW YORK – Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani on Thursday blamed President Obama for the racial tension in Ferguson because he sets the tone and isn’t addressing the “enormous amount of crime” committed by blacks. Giuliani said Obama is a good family man and he should exhort blacks to focus on parenting.

Woman Admits Fatal Subway Shove: Hated Hindus

NEW YORK – A woman who said she hated Muslims and Hindus since the 9/11 attacks pleaded guilty on Friday to shoving Sunando Sen, a Hindu, to his death off a Queens subway platform in 2012, The Associated Press reported. Erika Menendez’s act, said DA Richard Brown, is “every subway commuter’s worst nightmare.”

Hidden 1940s Mural Rediscovered in Hotel

SYRACUSE – A 40-foot mural depicting the first century of Syracuse’s history that was hidden for decades will be seen in the 80-year-old Hotel Syracuse, the Post-Standard reported. Crews renovating the grand lobby uncovered the mural behind mirrors at the reception desk.

Captain Dies When Tugboat Sinks in Icy Waters

FIRE ISLAND, N.Y. – A tugboat captain died Saturday while three other crew members survived when their boat sank in icy waters about a mile off New York’s Fire Island, The Associated Press reported. Donald Maloney had not been able to put on an immersion suit as the boat was sinking in 37-degree waters.

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