Regional Briefs – Nov. 13, 2016

New Jersey’s Largest Reservoir Falls to Lowest Ever

CLINTON, N.J. – New Jersey’s largest reservoir has fallen to a record low level, NJ.com reported. As of Thursday, Round Valley Reservoir was at 66.5 percent of its 55 billion-gallon capacity. Formed in 1960, the previous low was 67.2 percent capacity set on Nov. 28, 1982. Then, as now, the state was in a drought.

Flag on George Washington Bridge Honors Veterans

FORT LEE, N.J. – The George Washington Bridge saluted the nation’s heroes on Veterans Day by unfurling the world’s largest free-flying American flag from the upper arch, The Associated Press reported. The flag weighs 450 pounds and is 90 feet long by 60 feet wide.

Students Injured When Phone Charger Bursts Into Flames

GLASSBORO, N.J. – A Rowan University student was hospitalized Thursday night after his cellphone charger burst into flames inside his pants pocket, The Associated Press reported. The student grabbed the charger and a phone and threw them to the ground.

Billionaire Founder of ‘Duty Free’ Donates to Alma Mater

ELIZABETH, N.J. – The billionaire founder of airport duty-free shopping donated on Thursday $250,000 to St. Mary High School, his alma mater, NJ.com reported. Chuck Feeney, 85, has given away $7.5 billion of his fortune since the 1980s. He invented the concept of duty-free stores in the 1960s.

Gas Prices Slightly Down in 1st Full Week of NJ Tax Hike

TRENTON – Motorists in New Jersey got a slight reprieve after the 23 cents a gallon tax hike that took effect Nov. 1, The Associated Press reported. The average price on Friday was $2.27, down 2 cents from last week but higher than the $2 drivers were paying last year.

Mom Sues Escalator Maker After Baby’s Hand Gets Stuck

PARAMUS, N.J. – A Westchester mom sued an escalator maker, claiming her infant son’s hand was mangled while on the moving stairs at the Garden State Plaza mall, NJ.com reported. Kia Mack said the boy suffered severe and permanent injuries. She wants compensation from Schindler Elevator.