Regional Briefs – November 18, 2015

N.Y. to Suspend Registrations of Chronic Toll Evaders

ALBANY – New York is cracking down on chronic toll evaders by yanking vehicle registrations of any motorist who fails to pay five tolls within a period of 18 months, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday. Enforcement begins in 2016, targeting the 35,000 evaders who deprive the state of $16 million a year.

N.Y. High School Cancels Paris Trip After French Warning

IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. – A high school canceled a class trip to Paris because of security concerns, The Associated Press reported. A French chaperone, a military man, said it wasn’t safe to go. The 26 students were disappointed since their trip was in the works for two years.

NYC Reaches $3.8 Million Settlement Over Inmate Death

NEW YORK – The family of a mentally ill Rikers inmate who died in 2012 after swallowing detergent has reached a $3.8 million settlement with New York City, the Daily News reported. Former Rikers Capt. Terrence Pendergrass was sentenced to a five-year prison term for denying Jason Echevarria medical care.

50,000 Gallons of Sewage Pour Into Hudson Stream

KINGSTON, N.Y. – For eight days, 50,000 gallons of sewage flowed into a Hudson Valley stream before it was plugged on Monday, the Daily Freeman of Kingston reported. The city engineer says it was likely caused by a clog in a nearby tunnel.

Dead Alligator Found in Park

NEWARK – A dead 4-foot-long alligator was found Tuesday in a Newark park by a jogger, NJ.com reported. The sheriff’s office removed the lizard, which they believe was a pet.

This article appeared in print on page 32 of the November 18th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.