Regional Briefs – November 18, 2014

Christie Planning Trip to Canada

NEWARK – Gov. Chris Christie is planning a two-day trip to Canada focusing on energy in the beginning of December, expanding his foreign credentials and building his policy platform as he mulls a run for president in 2016. This is Christie’s third trip as governor, after Israel and Mexico. Canada is the state’s largest trading partner.

Wintry Mix Hits Upstate In Beginning of Work Week

ALBANY – Upstate New York will get a wintry mix Monday night through Wednesday morning, with a foot of snow in some parts of the Adirondacks, the National Weather Service forecasts. Places closer to the city will get a mix of sleet and rain.

Christie Addresses New GOP Congressmen

TRENTON – As he wraps up his successful term as chair of the Republican Governors Association, Gov. Chris Christie on Monday rallied the newly elected Republican troops at an orientation lunch in Washington. GOP gubernatorial candidates did better than many had expected during this month’s midterm elections.

Port Authority Halts Police Training After Firings

JERSEY CITY – The Port Authority is suspending some police training in the wake of a mass firing over rookies’ ill-behavior, The Associated Press reported. Several supervisors also face discipline.

Bloomberg Mocks New 25 Mph Speed Limit

NEW YORK – Michael Bloomberg didn’t break his vow not to criticize his successor, but he took a shot at one of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s signature policies: Vision Zero, the New York Post reported. The former mayor called federal financial regulations “stupid laws” that will be ignored, “like a 25-mile-an-hour speed limit,” which went into effect Nov. 7.

NY Rated Fifth in Court Access

New York – New York scored fifth out of 50 among state judiciaries in serving poor and the disabled, with Connecticut scoring on top and Oklahoma the lowest, The Associated Press reported. The “Justice Index” ranks services to people with limited English, how much free legal help is available, and how states help people representing themselves.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the November 18th, 2014 edition of Hamodia.