Regional Briefs – July 31, 2015

Cuomo Has No Plans To Lead Trade Mission to Iran

ALBANY – Even if the Iran deal goes through and sanctions are dropped, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday, he won’t lead a trade visit similar to what he did in Cuba in April, the Observer reported. “We’re going to be looking at Italy, China, Israel, I believe are next,’ he told reporters. “I have to run, guys!”

Ex-Senate Leader Heading To Trial in November

NEW YORK – Former state Senate leader Dean Skelos is set to go to trial on Nov. 16 on charges he helped his adult son Adam get a job in exchange for political favors, The Associated Press reported. The pair on Thursday also pleaded not guilty to a revised indictment.

Sandy’s Impact Takes Toll On Residents’ Mental Health

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – The effects of Superstorm Sandy are still taking a moderate to severe toll on the mental health of residents impacted, a study out Wednesday finds, The Associated Press reported. About 14 percent of residents report post-traumatic stress symptoms years after the 2012 storm.

NJ Transit Conductors Illegally Resold Tickets at Discount

NEWARK – Four NJ Transit conductors were arrested on Wednesday for reselling stolen train tickets at dramatic discounts, The Associated Press reported. They collected tickets from passengers but didn’t cancel them, reselling them instead to monthly passengers.

Fire Destroys Home Newlyweds Were to Move Into

WAYNE, N.J. – A fire on Wednesday destroyed a house a week before a pair of newlyweds was to move in, The Record reported. The blaze broke out just before 4 a.m. at the Wayne house of Joe and Laura Papile, who married a month ago and had just finished renovations.

Man Robbed of Car Keys, Cash in Roadside Scam

SOUTH HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – A man was robbed after responding to a scam call that a friend was in trouble, The Associated Press reported. A caller said the victim’s friend needed help at an intersection. When the victim arrived, he was met by an armed man who made off with his car keys, phone and cash.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the July 31st, 2015 edition of Hamodia.