Regional Briefs – May 8, 2017

Police Probe Vandalism at Upstate Jewish Cemetery

WARWICK, N.Y. – State police are investigating Nazi-inspired vandalism that occurred last fall at a Jewish cemetery in the Hudson Valley, The Associated Press reported. The words “HEIL HITLER” and a swastika were spray-painted on a brick wall at the front entrance of Beth Shalom Cemetery.

United Troubles: Paris-Bound Woman Ends Up in California

NEWARK – A Frenchwoman bound for Paris was placed on a flight to San Francisco instead, WABC reported. United Airlines apologized to Lucie Bahetoukilae, who only speaks French and boarded a plane at the gate that corresponded with her ticket. She eventually made it to Paris after an 11-hour layover.

Christie Signs Bill Capping College Speaker Fees

TRENTON – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Monday signed a bill capping the amount state universities can pay speakers at $10,000, The Associated Press reported. The bill was inspired after a celebrity was paid $32,000 in 2011 — $2,000 more than a Nobel laureate.

Driver Mistakes Thief for Valet, Hands Over Car Keys

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Mistaking a car thief for a valet at a hotel, a driver voluntarily handed the man the keys to his minivan on Saturday, The Associated Press reported. Steven Jacobs, 35, was arrested Sunday morning after officers stopped the vehicle and found a loaded handgun on the floorboard.

Boys Arrested for Fire That Burned Down Playground

LINDEN, N.J. – Two boys, aged 13 and 11, were arrested Sunday for starting a fire that destroyed a playground, causing $80,000 worth of damage, The Associated Press reported. The boys were identified by neighbors as being in Wales Park when the fire started. They were released to their parents.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the May 9th, 2017 edition of Hamodia.