Regional Briefs – January 18, 2017

Hillary Clinton Would Defeat de Blasio if She Runs

NEW YORK – There’s no proof she is interested in the job, but a Quinnipiac poll released Wednesday shows Hillary Clinton defeating Mayor Bill de Blasio in the Democratic primary for NYC mayor 49 to 29 percent. If she ran as an independent she would win among Democrats by 61 to 30 percent.

Ex-NY Senate Leader Sampson Sentenced to 5 Years

BROOKLYN – Former state Senate Democratic leader John Sampson was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison for lying to FBI agents, The Associated press reported. The Brooklyn lawmaker tried blocking an investigation into a real estate developer who loaned him money. He will appeal.

Cuomo Wants to Rename Start-Up NY Program

ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to tweak one of his signature economic development programs which has only generated 408 jobs, The Associated Press reported. Start-Up NY would be renamed the Excelsior Business Program, in which businesses partner with colleges for a 10-year tax-free status.

First Piece of 6-state National Wildlife Refuge is in NY

DOVER, N.Y. – The first piece of a new National Wildlife Refuge spanning six states was established Wednesday on 144 acres in Dutchess County, The Associated Press reported. The area provides habitat for monarch butterflies and other species of concern.

Choreographed Lights Coming to NYC Bridges

ALBANY – NYC’s seven bridges operated by the MTA will soon be outfitted with choreographed LED lights programmed to blink and change color according to music, The Associated Press reported. Gov. Andrew Cuomo promised a spectacle unlike anywhere else.

Police Hunt for Man Who Killed Fox With a Crossbow

MINEOLA, N.Y. – Police are searching for a man who illegally used a crossbow to kill a red fox at a state park Saturday afternoon, The Associated Press reported. A woman was photographing the fox when she saw a man shoot the animal. The man fled when he saw her.

This article appeared in print on page 7 of the January 19th, 2017 edition of Hamodia.