A jawdropping save, and more

A jawdropping save

Gary Murphy, a 72-year-old retired construction worker from Palm City, Fla., was horrified when he saw his 11-year-old West Highland terrier, Doogie, in an alligator’s mouth. He quickly jumped onto the gator’s back right behind its head. The gator’s jaws popped open, and the dog was able to run to safety. “Everybody’s trying to make a big deal out of it,” said Murphy. “Anybody would have done it.” Doogie is expected to recover, to Murphy’s relief. “He’s my buddy. I can’t make a move without him.”

New homeowner finds $45,000 in cash

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When Josh Ferrin and his family moved into their first house, in Bountiful, Utah, he discovered more than $45,000 in cash hidden in eight boxes stored in the attic. After counting it all out, Ferrin contacted the oldest son of the late previous owner, Arnold Bangerter, and gave him the money. He said thinking of Bangerter helped him face down temptation. “From time to time, he would carefully bundle up $100 with twine, climb up into his attic, and put it in a box to save,” Ferrin said. “And he didn’t do that for me.”

Relief for Detroit's libraries

In April, Detroit officials said they had no choice but to close 18 of the city’s 23 public library branches and fire dozens of staff for lack of money. Last week, they delighted community groups by announcing that all 23 branches will stay open after all—and 191 staff will keep their jobs. Library administrator Tim Cromer admitted he’d forgotten to factor in $3 million in savings from layoffs and retirements during the spring, which will now be returned to the libraries’ coffers. “Detroit Public Library staff need their jobs, and citizens of Detroit need their libraries,” said Cromer.