Regional Briefs – November 17, 2015

NY WWII Veteran Receives France’s Legion of Honor

PENFIELD, N.Y. – A New York veteran who flew nearly three dozen bombing missions in Europe during World War II was honored Sunday with France’s highest military honor, The Associated Press reported. Air Force Lt. Col. Colin Storey received the Legion of Honor during a ceremony near Rochester.

NYC to Spend $10M in Crackdown on Illegal Hotels

NEW YORK – The de Blasio administration will spend $10 million over three years to help crack down on illegal hotels, the Daily News reported. The city is targeting hotels that advertise on sites like Airbnb. Housing laws don’t allow apartment rentals for less than a month.

Coalition Raises Funds for Syrian Refugees Coming to U.S.

HIGHLAND PARK, N.J. – About 150 people walked on Sunday to raise funds for Syrian refugees coming to the U.S., the day after authorities say that a Paris attacker was a Syrian refugee, the Home News Tribune reported. Rev. Seth Kaper-Dale said a “suffering refugee population” shouldn’t be punished.

Obama Orders 2nd NJ Transit Emergency Labor Board

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Thursday signed an executive order to create a second emergency board to settle the dispute between NJ Transit and its labor unions, The Associated Press reported. The union had rejected the first emergency board’s offer.

NY Lawmakers Schedule 57 Days in Session for 2016

ALBANY – The state legislature’s calendar for next year shows 57 days for actual legislative sessions, from Jan. 6 until June 16, The Associated Press reported. Lawmakers, who are considered part time workers, earn a base pay of $79,500.

Christie Orders Office Flags At Half-Staff for Paris Victims

TRENTON – Gov. Chris Christie ordered flags to fly half-staff Tuesday at New Jersey’s state office buildings to mourn the victims of the attacks in Paris that left 129 dead, The Associated Press reported. Commuters found increased security Monday although there are no specific, credible threats.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the November 17th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.