Regional Briefs – February 10, 2019

Most Districts Cite Shortage of School Bus Drivers

ALBANY – A shortage of drivers is the top concern of 60 percent of school districts in New York, and an additional 23 percent say it’s a major problem, according to a report released Thursday by state agencies. They blame rules making obtaining a commercial driver license more costly and time-consuming.

Woman Smashes in Diner For Not Having Beef Patties

BRONX – A woman upset that a restaurant was out of her favorite beef patty took a baseball bat to the eatery in protest, The Associated Press reported. Police on Saturday released video of the woman smashing the Black Home’s windows last month. Bystanders tried to stop her but she fled.

NYC Man Tried Joining Pakistani Terror Group

NEW YORK – An Islamist was arrested at JFK Thursday as he boarded a flight to Pakistan to join Lashkar e-Taiba, the group behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, The Associated Press reported. Jesus Encarnacion, 29, told an undercover agent, “U.S. all infidels. With the king Trump. Yes, I’d love to attack USA.”

As Adirondack Rescues Rise, Rangers to Talk to Hikers

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – As rangers rescue more hikers in the Adirondacks, they’re making sure hikers are prepared. Starting this weekend, rangers will talk to hikers on the trail, The Associated Press reported. There’s been an average of 97 incidents in each of the last four years, up from an average of 65.