Regional Briefs – March 12, 2019

Former NY Assembly Speaker Mel Miller Dies at 79

ALBANY – Mel Miller, a former speaker of the New York state Assembly, died Friday at age 79, The Associated Press reported. The Brooklyn Democrat served in the Assembly for 21 years and was speaker for five years before being expelled in 1991 after he was convicted of defrauding legal clients. The conviction was overturned on appeal.

It’s Been Windy a Lot Lately in Western New York

BUFFALO – Western New York has been blowin’ in the wind a lot lately, WGRZ reported. Buffalo has had five days with winds over 50 mph since Feb. 1, eight days over 40 mph, and 16 days with winds of at least 30 mph. Forecasters say there could be more where that came from before spring started next week.

2 Men Indicted on Murder Charges in NYPD Friendly Fire Death

NEW YORK – Two men were indicted on murder charges Monday in the friendly fire death of NYPD Det. Brian Simonsen, The Associated Press reported. He was shot as he and six other officers opened fire on Christopher Ransom during a robbery at a T-Mobile store in Queens last month.

City Councilman Helps Revive Man After Medical Episode

JERSEY CITY – A Jersey City councilman sprang into action Monday to help revive a man who passed out during a City Hall ceremony, the Jersey Journal reported. The man passed out at the beginning of a promotions ceremony for 16 deputy police chiefs. Danny Rivera rushed off the council seats to help the man who had collapsed near the front of the room.

Court Vacates Man’s Conviction for Refusing to Unchain Door

CLIFFSIDE PARK, N.J. – The New Jersey Supreme Court on Tuesday tossed a man’s obstruction conviction over his refusal to unchain his apartment door for police because it required no action on his part, NJ.com reported. Andrew Fede had said he was alone and asked for a warrant. The officers broke the chain and entered, finding Fede alone as he said.