Regional Briefs – October 23, 2015

Plan Will Improve Health Care In Underserved NYC Areas

NEW YORK – Mayor Bill de Blasio unveiled Thursday a new program called Caring Neighborhoods to improve primary health care in 25 underserved neighborhoods. The $20 million initiative will create and expand community health centers to benefit 100,000 new patients.

Ku Klux Klan Recruitment Fliers Appear in NJ Town

LYNDHURST, N.J. – Fliers urging residents to join the Ku Klux Klan are turning up on doorsteps and driveways in this town, The Record reported. The leaflets to “Join the Klan and Save Our Land” include contacts for the North Carolina-based Loyal White Knights of the KKK. The NAACP condemned it.

2 Firefighters Hurt in Building Fire; 400 Displaced

PASSAIC, N.J. – Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and up to 400 people were displaced by a fire that ripped through an apartment building in Passaic Wednesday night, NJ.com reported.

Driver Praised for No Injuries When Crane’s Brakes Fail

ORADELL, N.J. – A quick-thinking driver avoided a disaster when the brakes on his crane failed, The Record reported. The crane had been going downhill toward railroad tracks Wednesday. He made a sharp turn, flipping the vehicle on its side. A train roared by a few minutes later, too fast to have stopped if the crane had been there.

After 3 Warnings, Suspect Barred From Testifying

ELIZABETH, N.J. – A judge halted testimony from a man charged with murder Wednesday after he leaned toward jurors and softly asked them to “vote not guilty,” NJ.com reported. The judge warned Ewart Guillette three times not to talk to the jury before prohibiting him from testifying. He was found guilty on Thursday.

Shackled Inmate Climbs Out of Window at Cop HQ

SCOTIA, N.Y. – A shackled burglary suspect managed to escape custody Wednesday by climbing out of an unlocked bathroom window at Scotia police headquarters, the Daily Gazette reported. The 22-year-old man was recaptured minutes later three blocks away.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the October 23rd, 2015 edition of Hamodia.