Regional Briefs – October 22, 2018

Man Charged After 27 Cows Found Dead on Dairy Farm

EDMESTON, N.Y. – A farmer was arrested Sunday after 27 dead cows were found on his dairy farm, The Associated Press reported. James Mumbulo, 45, was charged with animal cruelty. Troopers say there was no food or water in the barn.

Hot Coals Damages 7 Cars in Stadium Lot

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Hot coals left by picnickers caused several fires Sunday that damaged seven vehicles at the MetLife Stadium parking lot, the Star-Ledger reported. One vehicle parked over the coals, and flames spread to other vehicles. No one was injured.

Hundreds Honor Officer Killed in Off-Duty Crash

HILLSIDE, N.J. – Hundreds gathered Saturday to honor a police officer killed in an off-duty crash after less than a year on the force, The Associated Press reported. Hillside officer Giovanni Esposito, 30, was killed in a collision with a tractor-trailer. “That heart of gold was obvious to the entire police department,” said Chief Vincent Ricciardi.

Teacher Who Singled Out Blacks for Slave Lesson Fired

BRONX – A social studies teacher whose ill-conceived lesson on slavery caused a furor has now been fired, the Daily News reported. Patricia Cummings told black students to lie on the floor for a lesson on slavery, and then stepping on them to show them what it felt like.

NYCHA Residents Go Without Heat Amid Cold Snap

BROOKLYN – Residents at a Crown Heights public-housing development went without heat this weekend, the New York Post reported. A sewage blockage caused the heat to go down Friday at the seven-building Sterling Place Rehabs. The stoppage was fixed but the boiler was beyond repair.

Poll Shows Commuters Unprepared for ‘L’ Shutdown

BROOKLYN – Most L-train riders aren’t prepared for the line’s shutdown next year and don’t believe Mayor de Blasio has done enough to push alternatives, the New York Post reported. Nearly 70 percent of those polled by Global Strategy Group said they expect their commute time will double.