Regional Briefs – May 6, 2015

Family of Driver Killed in Train-Car Collision to Sue

VALHALLA, N.Y. – The family of the SUV driver involved in a deadly collision with a Metro-North commuter train on Feb. 3 plans to sue the railroad, the Associated Press reported. The family of Ellen Brody, a”h, a 49-year-old mother of three, says the collision was caused by a badly designed railroad crossing.

Christie Returning to New Hampshire for a Town Hall Meeting

NEWARK – Gov. Chris Christie is set to host more town hall meetings in New Hampshire. The likely Republican presidential contender will return to the early-voting state on Thursday and Friday, and is planning a trip to Iowa in June.

Man’s Secret Cake Ingredient For Stunt? Gasoline

MAYWOOD, N.J. – A man set his kitchen table on fire Monday by adding lighter fluid and gasoline to a birthday cake recipe so he could post a video of the fiery result online, The Record reported. The man was trying to record the flaming cake with his iPad when firefighters responded. The man demanded they leave, yelling at his wife for calling 911.

Man Accused of Assaulting Guards While Getting Out of Jail

HAMILTON, Pa. – That was quick. A New Jersey man released from jail was sent back behind bars after he punched two guards on the way out, the Associated Press reported. Sirbio Sanchez, 43, was charged with aggravated assault.

JetBlue Announces Direct Charter Flight From NY to Havana

NEW YORK – JetBlue Airways on Tuesday announced a new weekly flight from New York to Havana, the first major carrier to fly to Cuba from New York since travel restrictions were eased, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced. Flights take off Fridays from JFK beginning July 3.

Officer Suspended Over Post During Baltimore Unrest

GREENBURGH, N.Y. – Brad DiCairano, a 28-year veteran cop, was suspended without pay for posting a racist photo during the height of Baltimore’s unrest last week, the Journal News reported.

Typo Causes $10 Million Mistake in New Jersey

PARAMUS, N.J. – A typo amounted to a $10 million mistake for Bergen County, The Record reported. Freeholders approved a bond issue in 2012 to pay for, among others, an $18 million facility. When the bond was revised, they mistakenly dropped the first digit, bringing its price to $8 million. Officials will either revise the bond or find other money.

N.J. Gets $137K Settlement Over Jet Fuel in Cars

NEWARK – New Jersey officials reached a $137,000 settlement with three companies over the sale of aviation fuel to cars at six gas stations, the Associated Press reported. The fuel damages catalytic converters and oxygen sensors. The companies are Pasmel Property, Lee Transport and Zephyr Oil.

Michael, Sophia, Most Popular Baby Names in New Jersey

TRENTON – Michael and Sophia are the most common baby names in New Jersey, NJ.com reports. Michael has topped boy names for a decade, while girls have alternated between Isabella and Sophia.

This article appeared in print on page 32 of the May 6th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.