Regional Briefs – July 20, 2016

Parts of Coney Island Beach Closed After Shark Sightings

BROOKLYN – Parts of the Coney Island beach were closed for several hours Tuesday because of reports of sharks in the area, according to the New York Aquarium. The aquarium says that wildlife sightings are opportunities “to appreciate the wonder, beauty and diversity of the ocean.”

Audit: $6.6M in Questionable Medicaid Payments

ALBANY – State auditors say UnitedHealthCare and Amerigroup made at least $6.6 million — out of a total of $445 million — in questionable Medicaid payments since 2011, The Associated Press reported. One payment is $60,000 for medicine prescribed by dead doctors.

Vote on NY Wind Farm Delayed at State’s Request

UNIONDALE, N.Y. – The Long Island Power Authority postponed a Wednesday vote on the nation’s largest wind farm pending the release of the state’s off-shore wind master plan, The Associated Press reported. The board of trustees is expected to approve the farm.

Coffee Thief Stealing Bags of Beans for Cash

WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Police are asking for the public’s help in cracking a one-woman string of about 50 coffee thefts across four states, The Associated Press reported. The woman has stolen $3,000 worth of coffee from stores and returned them for cash refunds at other stores.

Oneonta the Latest to Win $10M Revitalization Prize

ONEONTA, N.Y. – Oneonta on Tuesday won $10 million to invigorate its downtown as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s revitalization contest, The Associated Press reported. The Mohawk Valley economic region is the seventh winner of a $100 million competition to one town or city from each of the state’s 10 regions.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the July 21st, 2016 edition of Hamodia.