Regional Briefs – June 10, 2015

Service Dog Jumps in Bus’s Path to Protect Blind Owner

BREWSTER, N.Y. – A service dog threw himself in front of a school bus Monday to protect his blind owner, the Journal News reported. The bus driver, with two kindergarteners aboard, said he didn’t see the pair crossing the road. He was given a summons for failing to yield.

New York Company Loses Capitol Hill Snack Contract

WASHINGTON – Juice, donuts and fresh sushi are coming to Congress, with a New York-based company losing its contract to one from Maryland, The Associated Press reported. Sodexo will replace Restaurant Associates, months after dozens of Capitol food workers briefly walked off the job to protest their pay and working conditions.

Senior Manhattan Prosecutor Chosen For Patz Retrial

NEW YORK – A senior Manhattan prosecutor was chosen Monday to retry the man accused of killing 6-year-old Etan Patz in 1979, The New York Times reported. Joel Seidemann will pick up the Pedro Hernandez case from Joan Illuzzi, the Republican nominee for Staten Island DA.

Man Freed From Prison After 27 Years Behind Bars

NEW YORK – A man convicted for a 1988 murder was freed Monday after a judge determined there was “reasonable probability” his confession was fabricated, The Associated Press reported. Shabaka Shakur, 50, spent 27 years behind bars, which he says is “not something that can be given back.” The case involved retired detective Louis Scarcella.

New York Senate Votes to Tweak Landmark Gun Law

ALBANY – The New York Senate on Monday endorsed changes to the landmark gun control law passed in 2013, allowing a family member to inherit semi-automatic firearms when their owner dies and to make pistol permit applications exempt from open records laws. The legislation has little chance of passing the Assembly.

This article appeared in print on page 16 of the June 10th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.