Regional Briefs – August 28, 2015

New Jersey Firefighter Arrested for False Alarms

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – A volunteer firefighter was arrested for phoning in numerous false alarms because he wanted action, The Associated Press reported. Justin Tran, 18, reported suspicious odors and smoke which proved unfounded, and fires which have been put out.

Escaped Florida Inmate Captured Robbing NYC Store

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – An escapee from a West Palm Beach prison was caught as he tried robbing a New York City store of $1,400 worth of goods, the Palm Beach Post reported. Philip Peletz, 53, had been on the run for 17 days. He’d been set for release in 2018 but will likely now get more years in prison.

Children’s Museum Features NYC’s Sights, Sounds

NEW YORK – An upcoming installation at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan invites kids to explore the sounds, sights and flavors of New York City. Young visitors will play-act parallel parking, driving a taxi and writing a parking ticket from Sept. 24 to Jan. 18.

Dangerous Alligator Snapping Turtle Found Abandoned

SMITHTOWN, N.Y. – An abandoned alligator snapping turtle found on Long Island is powerful enough to bite off toes or part of a foot, Suffolk County officials warned. They’re trying to figure out how the 25-pound reptile indigenous to the Caribbean ended up in NYC.

Man Uses Jack to Lift Mail Truck Off Injured Brother

VERONA, N.Y. – A man used a jack to lift a mail truck off his 75-year-old brother’s chest after the vehicle rolled onto him during a crash, The Associated Press reported. Dale Durant was driving an ATV Wednesday when a mail truck hit him, trapping him underneath. He’s now listed in critical condition.

Sharpton’s Daily Show Ending

NEW YORK – MSNBC is yanking Al Sharpton’s daily show, downshifted him to an hour every Sunday, The Associated Press reported. “Politics Nation” has aired for the past four years with poor ratings. Sharpton has occasionally put MSNBC in an awkward position since he has continued his racial activism.

This article appeared in print on page 7 of the August 28th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.