Regional Briefs – July 15, 2015

Humpback Whale Feeds Off New Jersey Beach

SANDY HOOK, N.J. – Beach goers off Sandy Hook on Sunday were treated to an unusual sight when a humpback whale surfaced numerous times to feed on a school of fish, the Asbury Park Press reported. People were cheering as they watched the female whale, its calf swimming nearby.

Christie to Charge $2,700 For Photo at NJ Fundraiser

TRENTON – Gov. Chris Christie’s presidential campaign will charge $2,700 for attendees at a fundraising event next month to take a picture, NJ Advance Media reported. The event at the Asbury Convention Center on Aug. 4 is billed as a thank you to donors who have already pledged.

Several Injured by Bed-Stuy Building Collapse

BROOKLYN – Several people suffered minor injuries when they were hit on Tuesday by debris from a building collapse in Bedford-Stuyvesant’s Fulton Street, The Associated Press reported. The A and C lines were delayed because of the collapse.

Muslim Woman Targeted In Hate Assault

NEW YORK – Police are looking for a man who punched a Muslim teen in Manhattan Saturday, yelled anti-Muslim insults and spit on her, The Associated Press reported. The 19-year-old woman was assaulted in Chinatown and was treated for a fractured jaw at Beth Israel Medical Center.

NY Fee on Unemployment Insurance Dropping

ALBANY – New York state’s interest assessment surcharge on unemployment insurance is dropping this year for the average business to less than $1 per employee, the Labor Department announced Monday. An improved economy has led to a positive balance for the first time since 2009. In 2011, it was $21.25 per employee.

This article appeared in print on page 27 of the July 15th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.