Regional Briefs – June 11, 2018

Former N.J. Gov. Chris Christie Opens Law Firm

TRENTON – Ex-Gov. Chris Christie has started a new chapter in his post-political life — opening the Christie Law Firm — returning to the trade that helped launch his career as an elected official, The Associated Press reported. He is also an ABC News political analyst and legal contributor.

Bill Bans NJ Businesses From Not Accepting Cash

TRENTON – A bill passed Monday by an Assembly committee would bar New Jersey businesses from credit-card-only sales, The Associated Press reported. Lawmakers said that so-called cashless sales discriminate against people who don’t have credit cards. It doesn’t apply to mail or online purchases.

SUV Crashes Into Hot Dog Stand, Injuring Owner

BERKELEY, N.J. – An SUV crashed into a roadside hot dog stand Monday morning, seriously injuring the stand’s owner, the Asbury Park Press reported. Gerald LaCrosse, 74, was flown to a hospital but he was conscious and talking.

Kitten Rescued From Storm Drain by Firefighters

MANCHESTER, N.J. – A group of volunteer firefighters on Saturday rescued a kitten trapped in a storm drain by removing the drain’s cover, The Associated Press reported. An employee of Quality Medical Transport has since adopted the cat; and the cat is doing well.

Nurses Make Another Push to Get Mandated Staffing in NY

ALBANY – Nurses gathered at the Capitol Monday to lobby for legislation requiring hospitals and nursing homes to have enough nurses to care for patients, The Associated Press reported. The measure was expected to pass the Assembly but not the Senate, despite years of attempts.

Ex-Judge Pleads Guilty to Stealing $11M From Trusts

ALBANY – A lawyer who served as a town judge upstate pleaded guilty Monday to stealing more than $11 million from family trusts he oversaw, The Associated Press reported. Richard Sherwood, 57, stole from Albany philanthropists Warren and Pauline Bruggeman and Pauline’s sister, Anne Urban.