Regional Briefs – January 30, 2019

NY Launches ‘Health Homes’ Initiative to Reduce Asthma

ALBANY – A New York pilot program called “Healthy Homes” would provide help to 500 low-income families living in areas with the highest asthma rates to reduce factors that can worsen the condition. They could receive asthma-friendly cleaning kits, mattress and pillow covers or help improving a home’s energy efficiency, ventilation and heating.

Elderly Couple Killed When Fire Roars Through Their Home

WALL, N.J. – A fast-moving house fire left an elderly couple dead Monday night, The Associated Press reported. Nicholas Maino, 92, died in the fire while his 86-year-old wife, Joan Maino, suffered extensive injuries and was taken to a hospital, where she died on Tuesday. A firefighter was also treated for minor injuries.

Homeless Man in GoFundMe Scam Jailed After Missing Court

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. – A homeless man from Philadelphia who schemed with a couple to scam GoFundMe donors out of more than $400,000 was extradited back to New Jersey and jailed after he missed a court appearance, The Associated Press reported. Johnny Bobbitt, 35, conspired to concoct a story about giving a woman his last $20 for gas.

NJ State Senator Flips From Republican to Democrat

TRENTON – Longtime New Jersey state Sen. Dawn Marie Addiego switched her party affiliation from Republican to Democrat, a move she says was made in part because the party of Ronald Reagan “no longer exists,” The Associated Press reported. Democrats now have a majority of 26 in the state Senate, as well as controlling the Assembly.