Regional Briefs – October 20, 2015

Lawmaker Wants New York to Ban Styrofoam Doggy Bags

ALBANY – An assemblyman from Westchester wants New York to ban Styrofoam doggy bags at restaurants, used to take home leftovers, The Associated Press reported. Tom Abinanti, a Democrat, says that chemicals used to make the containers are harmful for the environment and are hard to recycle since they don’t decompose.

Temperatures Drop Below Freezing Around New Jersey

TRENTON – New Jersey got a taste of winter as temperatures dropped below freezing around most of the state until 9:00 a.m. Monday. A second consecutive night of sub-freezing temperatures means the end for all plants and vegetables that are sensitive to the cold.

Man Fatally Struck Cleaning Up After Crash Kills Dog

ROYALTON, N.Y. – A 53-year-old man cleaning debris from an accident that killed his dog early Monday was himself struck by a vehicle and killed, The Associated Press reported. The accident took place in a town north of Buffalo.

Poll: ‘Dog People’ Outnumber ‘Cat People’ in N ew York

ALBANY – Canines are winning the contest in New York state, according to a Siena poll released Monday. While 57 percent consider themselves “dog people,” only 17 percent are “cat people.” Overall, 42 percent say they have a pet — 30 percent have a dog, 20 percent a cat, and 10 percent have both.

Boy, Five, Killed by Falling Tree Cut by Stepdad

EDINBURG, N.Y. – A five-year-old boy was killed in a tragic accident Saturday when his stepfather cut down a tree with a chainsaw and it landed on his head, The Associated Press reported. A probe is underway but no foul play is suspected.

New York Says Drivers Can Install Studded Snow Tires

ALBANY – New York’s DMV says drivers are now allowed to install snow tires. By law, the studded tires can be used from Oct. 16 through April 30 to provide better traction on ice and snow. Drivers are also advised to keep in their cars an ice scraper and shovel, cell phone and charger, blankets, jumper cables and flashlight.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the October 20th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.