Regional Briefs – December 27, 2018

Suspected Shoplifter Fatally Hit by Train

Brooklyn – A suspect who had stolen something from Metro PCS in Brooklyn fled to the subway station and was killed when he was struck by a train, NBC 4 reported this evening. The suspected shoplifter fled the store and ran into the station of the Q-train at Sheepstead. He was walking on the tracks when the train struck him. Police announced that he was pronounced dead on the scene.

Ban on Selling Tobacco in Pharmacies Going Into Effect

NEW YORK–  On Jan. 1, a law banning the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products in all New York City pharmacies goes into effect. The ban include supermarkets and big-box stores if it has a pharmacy section. Violations are a misdemeanor and is subject to civil penalties.

NY Hunters Killed Nearly 109,000 Deer This Fall

ALBANY – Hunters in New York state culled nearly 109,000 white-tailed deer in the fall of 2018, compared to just under 98,000 last year and 86,000 in 2016, The Associated Press reported. Bear hunters took 1,066 bruins, a decrease from previous years.

Ad Campaign Reminds NYers of Minimum Wage Hike

ALBANY – An ad campaign is being launched to raise awareness of the new minimum wage across New York next week. Gov. Andrew Cuomo also launched a “Wage Theft Hotline” to report employers not complying with the hike he muscled through the legislature.

Loud Bang During Mall Brawls Was Falling Sign, Not Gun

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. – Fights and a falling sign that sounded like a gunshot sent shoppers running for the exits Wednesday night at one of New York’s largest malls, The Associated Press reported. Running teenagers knocked over a metal sign at the Walden Galleria, producing a loud bang.

NY National Guard’s Military Funerals Top 11,000 in 2018

ALBANY – The New York National Guard provided military funeral honors for 11,115 veterans and military members in 2018, The Associated Press reported. The Army conducted most of the honors, about 8,970 services.