Regional Briefs – February 21, 2016

Agencies Won’t Block Ride-Sharing Firms at Newark

NEWARK – Days before a ban by the city of Newark was to take effect, the Port Authority overrode it, announcing Friday that ride-sharing services such as Uber won’t be blocked from Newark Airport, The Associated Press reported.

Driver Swerves to Avoid Deer, Crashes Into House

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – A 17-year-old male driver swerving to avoid a deer Friday night crashed into a house, making it uninhabitable, but there were no injuries, The Associated Press reported. The crash sent a computer flying that nearly hit a person sitting in the room.

Small Quake Hits Northern New Jersey, 2nd This Year

BUTLER, N.J. – A small earthquake hit northern New Jersey Thursday evening for the second time in less than two months, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. More than 1,000 people reported feeling the tremors of the magnitude-1.6 quake. No damage was reported.

New ‘Progressive Network’ Attracts Top NY Officials

ALBANY – Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and House candidate Zephyr Teachout on Saturday headlined the first gathering of the New York State Progressive Elected Officials Network, The Associated Press reported. The group was created to help liberal pols work together.

Postal Service Apologizes for Delivering Blood-Stained Mail

OLEAN, N.Y. – The U.S. Postal Service apologized to residents who last Tuesday received mail stained with blood, the Olean Times Herald reported. They said a mail van was sideswiped, damaging the side mirror. The worker cut his finger when he tried to adjust the mirror and wasn’t aware blood was smudging the mail.

NJ Gets None of $10M in Federal Rail Safety Funding

TRENTON – New Jersey is receiving none of the $10 million of federal money awarded to improve safety on rail lines that carry oil, The Record reported. Gov. Chris Christie had sought some funding as trains carry millions of gallons of volatile crude through the state. But more than $50 million were requested across the country.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the February 22nd, 2016 edition of Hamodia.