Regional Briefs – January 3, 2016

Program to Highlight NY Products Sees Big Sales Jump

ALBANY – Taste NY, the state’s effort to highlight locally produced foods and beverages, saw sales triple in 2015, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced. Sales of products such as yogurt, syrup, beer and cider jumped to more than $4.5 million from $1.5 million in 2014. There are 11 stores, including in Puerto Rico.

Police Probe Threats Against Newark’s Mayor, City Sites

NEWARK – Authorities are investigating letters threatening Newark Mayor Ras Baraka sent to mother’s home, The Associated Press reported. They’re dated in October.

Shoplifters’ Escape Thwarted When They Lock Keys in Car

WYCKOFF, N.J. – Two shoplifters trying to flee were captured last Tuesday morning after they locked their keys in their car, The Associated Press reported. Officers responded to a report of suspicious people in a pharmacy found Robyn Verga and Jordon Stevens, both 27, trying to open a car door with a coat hanger.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Alito Swears in N.J. Mayor

HAMILTON, N.J. – Hamilton Township Mayor Kelly Yaede was sworn in to office Friday by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, who was born in Trenton and raised in Hamilton, The Associated Press reported. Yaede won her first full, four-year term last November, replacing John Bencivengo, who resigned following his conviction on corruption charges.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the January 4th, 2016 edition of Hamodia.