Regional Briefs – June 2, 2015

NY Proposes Rules for Paying Workers With Debit Cards

ALBANY – New York labor officials proposed regulations on employers who pay with debit cards to prevent them from profiting or passing along expenses from the cards. Employees must consent to take a debit card and employers must say where they can withdraw their wages for free “within reasonable proximity” to their homes.

Midwood Florist Fights Off Armed Robber

BROOKLYN – A worker at an Avenue J florist fought off an armed robber Friday, grabbing away the revolver in the scuffle, the Daily News reported. Moti Azreal was working at A&M Flowers when Keith Martin entered and demanded cash. He pushed Martin onto the street and held him until police came.

Groundhog Scurrying On Road Causes Motorcycle Crash

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – A groundhog crossing a Toms River road Sunday caused two injuries when a motorcyclist crashed to avoid the critter, the Asbury Park Press reported.

Upstate Man Killed When Amtrak Train Slams His Car

CHILI, N.Y. – A motorist was killed instantly Monday when his car was slammed by an Amtrak train at a railroad crossing, The Associated Press reported. As Brandon Sauer, 20, drove through the gate, the train hit his car, spun it around and taking out the back seats. The gates had the arms down and cautionary lights had been activated.

Etan Patz Prosecutor Running for Staten Island DA

STATEN ISLAND – The prosecutor in last month’s Etan Patz case was chosen as the Republican nominee for Staten Island’s district attorney, the Staten Island Advance reported. Joan Illuzzi, with the Manhattan DA, faces former Rep. Michael McMahon (D) in November. The seat was vacated when Dan Donovan won a House seat in May.

Expert: NJ Drought Got Worse

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The U.S. Drought Monitor says more than a quarter of New Jersey is now in a moderate drought, the Asbury Park Press reported. More than 80 percent is abnormally dry, 30 percent more than a week before. Low rainfall the past eight weeks is to blame.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the June 2nd, 2015 edition of Hamodia.