Regional Briefs – June 14, 2018

No Water Pressure Shuts District’s Schools for Day

JAMESBURG, N.J. – A valve malfunction that resulted in low or no water pressure in the entire borough of Jamesburg Wednesday forced the shuttering of both its schools, NJ.com reported. They will add an extra day to make it up, ending on June 28 instead of June 27.

Falcon Swoops Into Wall Street, Eludes Police

NEW YORK – The denizens of Wall Street were joined Wednesday by a wayward peregrine falcon looking to make his presence known in the Financial District, the New York Post reported. Police struggled to capture it as it consistently eluded their grasp. A food cart owner gave the bird some meat.

Appeals Court Lets Lawsuit Over Sound Cannons Proceed

NEW YORK – A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that a lawsuit alleging the NYPD’s use of sound cannons constitutes excessive force can proceed toward trial, The Associated Press reported. The device emits a series of sharp beeps to disperse crowds. Six plaintiffs claimed it left them with migraines.

Cuomo’s ‘Red Flag’ Gun Bill Advances

ALBANY – The Assembly on Wednesday passed a proposal from Gov. Andrew Cuomo to allow teachers to petition a judge to remove guns from the homes of troubled students, The Associated Press reported. It has little chance of passing the Senate, which passed its own gun proposals.

Bill Passes Making New York 3rd State to Ban Pet Leasing

ALBANY – A financing practice that can end up doubling the cost of a pet store puppy was banned under legislation passed Thursday, The Associated Press reported. Under a lease agreement, the pet is owned by the company until the owner completes his monthly payments.

Bill Ends Practice of Some Victims Having to Testify

ALBANY – Legislation that passed the legislature Wednesday would make it easier to go after traffickers by allowing victims not to testify in open court, which may re-traumatize children, The Associated Press reported. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign it.