Regional Briefs – October 26, 2016

Groups Sue to Overturn NJ’s New Graduation Mandate

TRENTON – New Jersey’s new mandate requring students to pass standardized tests in algebra and the English language to graduate high school was challenged in court Friday, The Associated Press reported. Civil rights and parent groups say it violates the state’s graduation statute.

Drought Warning Declared In 14 New Jersey Counties

TRENTON – Officials issued a drought warning for 14 of New Jersey’s 21 counties due to a lack of rainfall. These are Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties. The designation enables the state to more closely manage reservoir systems.

Man Thanks Trooper in Letter After Speeding Ticket

EWING, N.J. – A man stopped for speeding last week complimented the trooper in a letter, The Associated Press reported. Dave Coskey praised “Trooper 7515’s” attitude, explaining that cops are trying to save lives, not just hand out tickets.

Mike Bloomberg Co-authoring Climate Change Book

NEW YORK – Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg is working with environmentalist Carl Pope on a book about alleged climate change, The Associated Press reported. They hope to stop the “partisan rhetoric” and offer “concrete solutions.”

NY Trying to End Misuse of ‘Non-compete’ Agreements

ALBANY – New York wants to stop the “rampant misuse” of employee non-compete agreements, which bans workers from ever competing with the company, The Associated Press reported. A bill would ban companies from asking low-wage workers to sign the clauses.