Regional Briefs – May 12, 2015

N.J. Closer to Toughening Penalties for ‘Swatting’

TRENTON – Tougher penalties for “swatting” or calling police with false crime reports, advanced Monday in a New Jersey legislative panel, The Associated Press reported. The measure adds up to 10 years in prison for violators. A sponsor, Assemblyman Paul Moriarity, was a victim last month after he said he’ll introduce the bill.

‘Steady Trail of Macaroni Salad’ Leads to Burglar

MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y. – A trail of macaroni salad led police to three burglars who robbed a restaurant of its surveillance system and cash register early Sunday morning, the Democrat and Chronicle reported. It appears the trio also stole a large bowl of salad and took turns eating it while making their getaway.

Most NYers Pessimistic About City’s Future

NEW YORK – A Marist poll finds 49 percent of New York City voters say the city is going in the wrong direction, while 45 percent disagree. Only 17 percent think life has improved since Mayor Bill de Blasio took over, while 56 percent say it’s gotten worse or remained the same, which they’re unhappy with.

Man Dies of Accident — 35 Years Later

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The death of a Pennsylvania man Saturday was attributed to a traffic accident 35 years ago in New York, The Associated Press reported. James Koplik, 53, never recovered from injuries he received when he was struck by car when he was 18 years old.

Police Investigate Grenade Found in Lakewood

LAKEWOOD – Police are investigating how a hand grenade ended up in a Lakewood construction site late Saturday night, The Associated Press reported. A bomb squad destroyed the inert explosive device.

High School Principal Quits Over Common Core

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. – A high school principal is quitting her job of 15 years at the end of the current school year to protest the new Common Core standards, Newsday reported. Carol Burris, 62, wrote a book in 2012 supporting the tests but later reversed her position, calling them “harmful.”

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