Regional Briefs – November 20, 2015

NYC’s Unemployment Rate Dips Below 5 Percent

NEW YORK – NYC’s unemployment rate dropped below 5 percent last month and is now lower than the national unemployment rate for the first time since June 2011, the state’s labor department announced Thursday. The 4.8 percent rate is 2 percent less than last year.

Councilman Faces Bribery Charge for Trying to Get 15K

BLOOMFIELD, N.J. – A New Jersey lawmaker was arrested Monday for telling a business owner he needed to pay $15,000 or the township wouldn’t purchase his property, The Associated Press reported. Bloomfield Councilman Elias Chalet met with the business owner in conversations that were recorded.

Police Officer Stole Supplies From Ambulance Corps

FAIR LAWN, N.J. – A police officer was arrested Tuesday for stealing supplies from an ambulance 15 times, The Associated Press reported. Fair Lawn Officer Donald MacIsaac, 27, stole blankets, gloves and wipes worth $800.

Drunk Trooper Tried to Pay Woman Not to Report Crash

TRENTON – An on-duty state trooper who was drunk when he crashed into another car on the Garden State Parkway last month offered the other driver $1,000 if she agreed not to report the incident, NJ.com, reported. Kimberly Wilson refused 29-year police veteran Michael Roadside’s request.

Teen Driver Distracted by Bug Leads to Deadly Crash

PLUMSTED, N.J. – A driver and his passenger became distracted while swatting at an insect, contributing to a fatal head-on crash, The Associated Press reported. Dylan Magee, 19, crossed the center line, colliding with a tractor-trailer. The passenger, Alexander Pannizzo, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene.

New York Commits $50 Million To Marketing State Tourism

ALBANY – New York will dedicate $50 million to market the state as a tourist destination, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday. The money will fund campaigns like the long-running I Love NY campaign. Tourism had a $100 billion economic impact last year and is responsible for one in 12 jobs.

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