Regional Briefs – June 2, 2016

5,000 Bees Collected at General Motors Plant

LOCKPORT, N.Y. – Employees of a General Motors plant found themselves sharing the parking lot with a swarm of 5,000 honeybees, The Associated Press reported. The bees buzzed near the motorcycle parking area before settling on a chain-link fence. A beekeeper eventually gathered them up.

Car Thief Escapes Cops by Shimmying Up Tree for Hours

LAFAYETTE, N.Y. – A car thief suspect was arrested Wednesday after spending five hours in a tree trying to elude police, The Associated Press reported. Police spotted Frederick Farwell, 43, in a car reported stolen but he fled and climbed up a 40-foot tree.

A Step Up: Work Done on Giant Stairs Near Capitol

ALBANY – A two-year reconstruction project on the Capitol’s massive outdoor staircase was completed, The Associated Press reported. The Grand Staircase’s granite steps and marble panels was temporarily removed to replace waterproofing material. The steps now boast new railings and energy-efficient LED lights.

Empty Brooklyn Warehouse Collapses; No Injuries

BROOKLYN – An empty warehouse collapsed Wednesday night in Sunset Park, The Associated Press reported. There were no reported injuries but firefighters searched the rubble as a precaution.

Import of Threatened Trophy Animals Banned in NJ

TRENTON – Elephants, leopards, lions, tigers and rhinos are now banned from being imported or exported in New Jersey, along with other big game trophies, The Associated Press reported. Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday signed the measure into law in response to the killing of Cecil, a Zimbabwean lion.

New Jersey Supreme Court Gets New Associate Justice

NEWARK – New Jersey’s Supreme Court on Thursday welcomed a new justice following a long impasse over the political balance of the court, The Associated Press reported. Walter Timpone was sworn in amid a deal in which the Republican lawyer and another Democrat will be confirmed.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the June 3rd, 2016 edition of Hamodia.