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In a legal battle over smoking in Atlantic City casinos, employees argue they have a constitutional right to smoke-free air. The state and casino association contend this should be decided by the Legislature, but judges seem skeptical. A bill to close the casino smoking loophole is stalled in the Legislature, leaving the future of smoke-free casinos uncertain.

Stephen A. Smith warns that Donald Trumps reaction to Rob Reiners death could cost Republicans elections. Trump blames Trump Derangement Syndrome for the couples murder, despite their sons arrest. Reiner was a vocal critic of Trump and an LGBTQ+ advocate. Trumps comments have drawn criticism from both Republicans and MAGA supporters.

2025 New Jersey high school football season showcased exceptional talent, with quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers dominating offensively, while linebackers, defensive ends, and defensive backs led the defense. The seasons final statewide statistical leaders highlight the top performers in various categories, including passing yards, rushing yards, receiving yards, total tackles, sacks, interceptions, field goals, extra point kicks, total touchdowns, and overall scoring. These statistics underscore the skill and determination of the best high school football talents in New Jersey.

Amazons Holiday Deals: Up to 52% Off Nintendo Switch Games, Perfect for Last-Minute Gifts

New Jerseys Secretary of Higher Education, Brian Bridges, is stepping down to spend more time with his children, after serving in the role since 2021. Hes been instrumental in college affordability and equity efforts, and his departure comes as Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill prepares to take office. Bridges recommended Angela Bethea, the current assistant secretary, as his successor.

New Jerseys 988 mental health crisis hotline faces funding uncertainty as Governor Murphys term ends. A proposed bill aims to secure permanent funding through a forty-cent monthly phone fee, generating sixty-one million dollars annually. Mental health advocates, including Christie Schweighardt from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, support the bill, emphasizing its life-saving potential. The bill is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

A man with a history of criminal offenses was convicted of aggravated assault and burglary after striking a police officer with a stolen vehicle. The incident led to a high-speed chase, multiple collisions, and a crash into a home. The convicted man, Brian Niziolek, expressed his hatred for police and stated he would kill any officer he saw. He faces up to eighty-six years in prison and was found hiding in a crawl space after the incident.

The Gateway Tunnel project, a $16 billion initiative, is advancing with five construction sites active and two massive tunnel boring machines en route to New Jersey. Despite a two-month halt in federal payments due to a review of the projects funding, work continues, thanks to a $500 million revolving credit agreement with Bank of America. The main concern now is when federal officials will complete their review and restart payments. The project has also faced a new federal rule prohibiting consideration of race or gender in contracts, which has led to a suspension of all such goals for the Gateway project, pending the federal review.

Two women from New York, Jenai D. Crawford and Shanique M. Roberts, are accused of stealing over $9,000 worth of clothing from stores at Westfield Garden State Plaza mall. They were caught with tools for disabling security tags and were charged with shoplifting, receiving stolen property, and possession of burglar tools.