New Jersey
Sumter won't challenge Pascrell in Democratic primary – New Jersey Globe
![Sumter won't challenge Pascrell in Democratic primary – New Jersey Globe Sumter won't challenge Pascrell in Democratic primary – New Jersey Globe](https://newjerseyglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_0828-scaled-e1707582763976.jpeg)
Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter has decided not to challenge Rep. Bill Pascrell in the 8th district Democratic primary, clearing the field for the 87-year-old congressman to seek a 15th term.
Sumter attended the Passaic County Democratic screening committee this morning but told party leaders on Friday that she plans to drop any plans to take on Pascrell after that vote.
“I interviewed with Passaic County and made them aware that I am ready to serve at the federal level,” Sumter told the New Jersey Globe. “I shook the congressman’s hand as he exited his interview.”
Pascrell, who has spent six decades in Passaic County politics, secured endorsements from Gov. Phil Murphy and his home county chairman, John Currie, this week.
Sumter, a seven-term lawmaker from Paterson who is 37 years younger than the incumbent, has found that Democrats are still ready to stick with Pascrell despite his age. Following the retirement of Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-California), Pascrell will become the oldest member of the U.S. House of Representatives next year if he wins re-election.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh also mulled a primary fight with Pascrell, putting a poll in the field last month. He decided against running.
But when Pascrell does retire, Sumter and Sayegh have planted flags indicating their readiness to run for Congress. A third Paterson Democrat, Assemblyman Benji Wimberley, is also considered a possible candidate.
Bergen Democrats appear solidly with Pascrell — Democratic County Chairman Paul Juliano endorsed him this morning — but an open seat could tempt them to run their own candidate. Passaic County turnout has been light since 2012, when Pascrell defeated Rep. Steve Rothman (D-Fair Lawn) in an incumbent vs. incumbent primary caused by redistricting. In 2022, primary turnout between the two counties was dead even.
Possible Bergen candidates include County Commissioner Tracey Silna Zur, Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes, and Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese.
“Congressman Pascrell embodies the very best of leadership: integrity, authenticity, loyalty, and a tireless commitment to fighting for his constituents,” Juliano said. “Bill Pascrell has been an unwavering advocate for Bergen County families, and we need his voice in Congress more than ever. I am proud to endorse Bill Pascrell for Congress and will fight as hard for his re-election as he fights for us.”
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New Jersey
NJ judge rules smoking can continue in Atlantic City casinos, dealing blow to gaming workers
![NJ judge rules smoking can continue in Atlantic City casinos, dealing blow to gaming workers NJ judge rules smoking can continue in Atlantic City casinos, dealing blow to gaming workers](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/88654381-1.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=1024)
New Jersey gaming workers were dealt a serious legal blow Friday when a state judge dismissed a lawsuit that sought to ban smoking on casino floors.
The ruling in favor of Atlantic City’s nine struggling casinos was delivered by Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels.
The tobacco-wary casino workers filed a lawsuit in May, seeking a permanent ban on smoking over the health concerns posed by second-hand smoke.
When the state abolished smoking indoors nearly 20 years ago, they did so with an exception — permitting smoking on 25% of the casino floor.
The casino workers first called on state lawmakers to prohibit smoking four years ago, but when a bill to that effect stalled, they filed their lawsuit.
Opponents of the ban say it will lead to casino closures and thousands of layoffs.
They also believe putting an end to smoking in Atlantic City casinos will drive gamblers to casinos in neighboring Pennsylvania.
Casino owners also contend the state would lose millions in tax revenue under such a ban.
Atlantic City‘s nine casinos have been hurting financially since the start of the COVID pandemic, a recovery made even harder with the advent of online and app-based gambling.
The casino industry has long opposed a smoking ban, and said it has been working to develop better ventilation systems as well as enclosed smoking rooms, staffed by employees who volunteer to work there.
New Jersey
Two injured in shooting after New Jersey high school football game: report
![Two injured in shooting after New Jersey high school football game: report Two injured in shooting after New Jersey high school football game: report](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/newspress-collage-89355slnd-1725083301412.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&1725068930&w=1024)
A shooting broke out after a high school football game in New Jersey Friday evening, leaving two minors injured.
The gunfire erupted around 7:45 p.m. in the parking lot at Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI), sources told CBS.
Two juveniles sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to a local hospital, the sources said.
A suspect was taken into custody.
The trio’s ages and the extent of the victims’ injuries were not immediately available.
The shooting broke out following a football game between PCTI and Lenape High School, a representative for the latter school told CBS.
“All Lenape High School (LHS) students and staff are safe and unharmed. We were informed there was gunfire, and two individuals needed medical attention at the conclusion of a football game tonight in Wayne, NJ.,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
“The suspect is in custody. No LHS students or staff were involved in the disturbance. Our thoughts are with the individuals harmed and the Passaic Technical Institute Community.”
PCTI officials did not respond to messages left by The Post.
Witnesses reported hearing up to half a dozen shots ring out during the frenzy.
Police have since blocked off the entrance to PCTI, photographs of the scene show.
The investigation is ongoing.
New Jersey
NJ Health Department reports 2 West Nile Virus deaths among new cases
![NJ Health Department reports 2 West Nile Virus deaths among new cases NJ Health Department reports 2 West Nile Virus deaths among new cases](https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/15249023_083024-wpvi-nj-west-nile-deaths-reported-5pm-video-vid.jpg?w=1600)
TRENTON, New Jersey (WPVI) — Two deaths have been linked to the West Nile Virus in New Jersey, state health officials announced Friday.
The deaths were among six new reported cases. The people who died lived in Cumberland and Mercer counties.
All of the cases involved people over 50 years old.
Previously, two human cases of West Nile were reported this year in Middlesex and Union counties.
In a typical year, there are 13 human West Nile infections reported in New Jersey. Last year, the state had 14 human cases of WNV and one death.
This comes after the state’s first human case of Eastern Equine encephalitis (EEE).
The New Jersey Department of Health and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases and to reduce mosquito populations on their properties.
Follow these simple steps recommended to keep mosquitoes at bay
Most people infected with West Nile or EEE will have no symptoms. For those who do, symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, and joint pains. Rarely, people may develop severe neurological illness, which often presents as meningitis or encephalitis.
Symptoms of severe illness include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes/confusion, limb weakness, and fatigue.
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness. Specific laboratory tests are needed to confirm West Nile and EEE, so anyone with symptoms after a mosquito bite should contact their health care provider.
Copyright © 2024 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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