Regional Briefs – Nov. 16, 2016

Amid 2020 Chatter, Cuomo Sees Only NY Race

ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo only sees a third gubernatorial bid in his future amid suggestions he could be a possible White House candidate in 2020, The Associated Press reported. The Democrat told reporters Tuesday he is focused on his current job and his 2018 race.

School Bus Driver Killed In Head-on, Fiery Crash

COLTS NECK, N.J. – A school bus crashed head-on into an SUV and burst into flames Tuesday, killing the driver, The Associated Press reported. Also on board the 16-passenger bus were a bus aide and a student. They were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Dashboard Video of Fatal Shooting of Cop Released

SYRACUSE – Dashcam video that captures the shooting that left a man dead after he fired at an officer was released Tuesday, The Associated Press reported. The video shows Officer Joseph Mauro pulling over Deric Brown’s car on the night of Oct. 9. A grand jury Tuesday found Mauro was justified.

NY Has New Hotline to Report Bias and Discrimination

ALBANY – New York state has a new toll-free hotline to report incidents of bias and discrimination. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced its launch Tuesday after what he called a recent uptick in reports, including two incidents of swastika graffiti. The number is 888-392-3644.

NY Senate Democrats Re-Elect Stewart-Cousins as Leader

ALBANY – State Senate Democrats on Tuesday re-elected Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins as their leader, The Associated Press reported. Although Democrats have a slight majority in the 63-member Senate, Republicans control the chamber thanks to an agreement with a faction of breakaway Democrats.

Christie Plans to Stay, Would Consider Post If Offered

TRENTON – Chris Christie said Tuesday he intends to remain governor until his term ends in 2018 but would consider a post in the Trump administration if offered, WPG reported. Christie chaired Trump’s transition team until he was demoted to vice chairman last week.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the November 17th, 2016 edition of Hamodia.