92.7 WOBM News – Flash Briefing May 23

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The Seaside Heights man accused of beating a neighbor's dog to death last year will be sentenced in July for animal cruelty. Nicholas Piccolino pleaded guilty Monday to one third-degree count. A conviction would have meant three to five years in prison.

One suspect is in custody in connection with the explosion at Ariana Grande's Monday concert in Manchester, England, which authorities attribute to a suicide bomber. Twenty-two people died and 59 reportedly were injured. Investigators offered limited details of Salman Abedi, 22, believed to have died upon detonating the device. Islamic State claimed responsibility in several on-line posts, but US agents have yet to verify it. UK Prime Minister Theresa May increased Britain's threat level to "critical." There is coverage in depth at Popcrush.com

The search begins for the power boat that sank into the Atlantic after a mid-race fatal collision during Sunday's Point Pleasant Beach Grand Prix. According to Mayor Stephen Reid, authorities suspect that the Smith Brothers' vessel split in two. The crash has been ruled an accident. A boat racer from Forked River died in the collision and two more were hurt.

The suspect who robbed a Jackson gas station attendant by holding a syringe to his neck Sunday night remains on the loose. The attendant told police that he was attacked from behind but managed to describe the thief as a white male, about six feet in height.

Sunday's appearance of a bear in western Manchester prompts reminders from New Jersey environmental officials that they roam all 21 counties, despite their rarity in Ocean County. They suggest keeping trash cans tightly closed, securing bird feeders at least 10 feet above the nearest standing surface, and tidying up after parties or barbecues, to remove any tempting food scraps.

If you're struggling with Superstorm-related rebuilding problems, the Ocean County Long Term Recovery Group can offer professional guidance for procedures and legalities. The next workshop takes place Wednesday at the Mystic Island Firehouse in Little Egg Harbor.

The sun sets on two iconic entertainers who bridged show business and society. Sir Roger Moore, who leaped from the British TV detective series "The Saint" to become a worthy successor to Sean Connery as James Bond, at age 89; and Dina Merrill, heiress to the Post cereal fortune who stole supporting scenes from actresses including Elizabeth Taylor and Deborah Kerr, and who was the widow of Cliff Robertson, at age 93.