Regional Briefs – March 7, 2016

NY Schools Evacuated as Precaution After Bomb Threat

PELHAM, N.Y. – A Westchester school system was evacuated Monday as a precaution after a caller made a bomb threat, The Associated Press reported. Classes had just begun for the day when the call came in. Lunch was provided outside.

Fire Rips Through Pallet Company, Northeast’s Largest

JAMESVILLE, N.Y. – A blaze tore through a pallet company, the largest in the Northeast, on Saturday night, The Associated Press reported. Thirty fire companies responded to the blaze at B&B Lumber Pallet, with tankers hauling in water because of a lack of hydrants.

Police Use Video App to Track Down Drunken Driver

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – State police tracked down a drunk driver who was using a video streaming app to broadcast himself while he was on the road, Newsday reported. After receiving several calls Sunday reporting an erratic driver, investigators used the live video feed to find him. Ahmed Almalki was arrested.

Syracuse Still Leads Snowfall Race in Mildest of Winters

SYRACUSE – Even with one of the mildest winters on record, Syracuse remains the snowiest big city in America, The Associated Press reported. The Salt City has seen 72.2 inches this year, well under the norm of 120 inches, but enough to occupy the top spot. Tops overall in New York is the small town of Perrysburg, with over 138 inches.

Christie: NJ Transit Talks Won’t Derail Vacation

NEWARK – Gov. Chris Christie said Monday he’s monitoring talks between NJ Transit and rail worker unions who have threatened a strike next Sunday, but says it won’t keep him from taking a vacation, The Associated Press reported. Christie leaves on Tuesday and will return by the end of the week.

New Jersey’s Oldest Bridge Reopens After Repairs

PRINCETON, N.J. – New Jersey’s oldest bridge built in 1792 reopened Sunday to traffic after workers finished emergency repairs, The Associated Press reported. Stony Brook was closed last month after a parapet collapsed and cracks were found in the stone arches.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the March 8th, 2016 edition of Hamodia.