Regional Briefs – February 6, 2017

New York to Hold First Hepatitis C Summit

ALBANY – Public health officials, elected leaders, medical experts and patient advocates will gather Tuesday for the state’s first-ever Hepatitis C summit, The Associated Press reported. The chronic illness which afflicts more than 200,000 New Yorkers has recently become more widespread.

Upstate Digging Out of Up to 8 Feet of Lake-Effect Snow

OSCEOLA, N.Y. – State crews and local public works employees are working to remove 5 to 8 feet of lake-effect snow that fell over the weekend upstate, The Associated Press reported. The National Weather Service recorded 76 inches in the Oswego town of Redfield and 66 inches in nearby Lacona.

New York Looks to Overhaul Voting Rules

ALBANY – New York Democrats announced several proposals Monday to overhaul the state’s voting rules to make it easier for more people to cast a ballot, The Associated Press reported. These include early voting of up to eight days before an election, automatic registration and easier party enrollment.

Crews Rescue Elderly Woman From House Fire

DEPTFORD, N.J. – Emergency crews on Sunday rescued an 81-year-old woman from a fire which broke out in her house, The Associated Press reported. The woman’s son was able to escape unharmed.

Lucky Delivery: Law Allows For Lottery Tickets by Courier

TRENTON – Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation Monday to allow for lottery tickets to be sent by private courier, The Associated Press reported. Courier services would have to register with the state Lottery Commission. They may charge a fee but cannot collect a portion of a prize.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the February 8th, 2017 edition of Hamodia.