New York Briefs

Slain boy's father

raising memorial fund

The father of slain Brooklyn boy Leiby Kletzky gave his first interview Sunday morning to thank supporters and to raise money for the child's memorial fund.

The money will be given to people in need and do "at least some of what Leiby would have accomplished in his lifetime," Rabbi Nachman Kletzky told WMCA Radio host Zev Brenner in an interview broadcast Sunday morning.

"For Leiby this is what he wanted -- always for somebody else," Kletzky said. More than $195,000 has been raised since Thursday.

Kletzky said his goal is $1 million for the fund. Donations can be made at LeibyKletzky

MemorialFund.com.

Prosecutors say Levi Aron, 35, kidnapped, drugged, smothered and then dismembered the child. He faces life in prison without parole if convicted.

NYC police officer shot in Miami Beach

A New York City police officer has been shot while vacationing in Miami Beach, Fla., officials said.

Miami Beach police said Sunday that Det. Harold Thomas underwent surgery after Saturday morning's shooting. His condition Sunday was not known. Det. Vivian Hernandez said Thomas was staying at a boutique hotel on Collins Avenue, according to The Miami Herald, and was involved in an altercation there Saturday. No arrests have been made.

-- APNewport fest founder

looks to leave legacy

New York jazz impresario George Wein, who started the Newport jazz and folk festivals more than 50 years ago, wants to leave a legacy that will continue long after he's gone. He has taken the festivals nonprofit to shield them from the vagaries of corporate funding.

Nonprofit status will allow the board that oversees the events to accept tax-deductible contributions from music lovers and corporate sponsors. Several other music festivals are nonprofit.

-- AP