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New Jersey to receive $125M payout in dispute over cancelled offshore wind farms

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New Jersey to receive 5M payout in dispute over cancelled offshore wind farms

Danish wind farm developer Orsted will pay New Jersey $125 million to settle claims over the company’s cancellation of two offshore wind farms last year — a little over a third of what the company once was required to pay.

The state’s Board of Public Utilities said Tuesday that New Jersey and Orsted have settled claims against each other stemming from the company’s decision last October to scrap two wind farms off the state’s southern coast.

The state said the $125 million it will receive will be used to support investments in wind energy facilities, component manufacturing facilities, and other clean energy programs.

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Before the projects were abandoned, Orsted put up a $100 million guarantee that it would have one of them, Ocean Wind I, built by the end of 2025. It also had been obligated to pay an additional $200 million toward the development of the offshore wind industry in New Jersey.

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A week after scrapping the projects last fall, Orsted said it was trying to get out of the $300 million worth of guarantees because it was no longer pursuing the projects.

Orsted, in a statement to The Associated Press, said it is “pleased” with the settlement, which it said represents the company’s total financial obligation to the state.

The agreement, along with other moves announced Tuesday by New Jersey, “underscore New Jersey’s commitment to offshore wind and the industry’s bright future in the Garden State,” it said.

“While we advance clean energy projects throughout the region, we look forward to continuing valuable partnerships with New Jersey stakeholders,” the statement read.

Land-based wind turbines spin in Atlantic City. N.J., on Nov. 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)

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The company would not say if it plans to propose future projects in New Jersey.

But Jeff Tittel, a longtime environmentalist and retired president of the New Jersey Sierra Club, called the settlement with Orsted “a sellout.”

“The governor said they would be held responsible for the entire $300 million they owe the state for their failed project,” he said. “They are being let off the hook, paying less than half, with New Jersey losing $175 million. This is a bad deal for New Jersey.”

The settlement announcement was one of several that the administration of Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy made Tuesday regarding offshore wind.

The state said it is moving up the next solicitation for additional offshore wind projects from the third quarter of 2026 to the second quarter of 2025. New Jersey’s current round of solicitations closes on July 10.

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The state also said it is pausing plans to coordinate power transmission planning for offshore wind projects with the regional grid operator, PJM Interconnection due to a new rule by federal energy regulators that could affect planning and costs.

“Offshore wind development remains a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will result in significant economic and environmental benefits throughout the Garden State,” Murphy said in a statement. “At this pivotal inflection point for the industry both in New Jersey and across the nation, it’s critical that we remain committed to delivering on the promise of thousands of family-sustaining, union jobs and cleaner air for generations to come.”

Orsted wrote off $4 billion last fall, due largely to costs associated with the cancellation of its two New Jersey projects. The company cited supply chain issues, inflation and a failure to gain enough government tax credits.

There are currently three preliminarily approved offshore wind projects in New Jersey.

The state is home to vociferous opposition to offshore wind by numerous groups who say the projects are too costly and are potentially harmful to the marine environment.

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Protect Our Coast NJ said the move to accelerate offshore wind contracts “reflects the shifting political landscape in Washington and in New Jersey,” calling Murphy’s clean energy goals “arbitrary and unrealistic.”

Supporters say they are an important way to move away from the burning of fossil fuel that contributes to climate change.

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Maine

Magalloway Conservation Project in western Maine nearing completion

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Magalloway Conservation Project in western Maine nearing completion


A historic 78,000-acre conservation project in the western Maine woods is nearing completion.

The Magalloway Conservation Project will ensure the land remains open for fishing, hunting, and other recreational activities for generations to come.

The project will also protect wildlife habitat and support the regional timber economy.

The effort began last March and is expected to be completed later this month.

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Four conservation groups are leading the project.



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Massachusetts

Massachusetts city imposes curfew ahead of historic World Cup match

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Massachusetts city imposes curfew ahead of historic World Cup match


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A Massachusetts city with one of the nation’s largest Cape Verdean communities has imposed a temporary curfew ahead of Friday’s historic World Cup match between the West African nation and Argentina.

The curfew will be in effect in Brockton, just south of Boston, from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Saturday. 

City officials said the decision follows recent World Cup celebrations that led to dangerous and unlawful behavior. 

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“World Cup celebrations have resulted in incidents of reckless driving, illegal street gatherings, vandalism, assaults, fireworks violations, disorderly conduct and other criminal activities,” the city said. 

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A Cape Verde fan attends the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match between Uruguay and Cape Verde at Miami Stadium in Miami on June 21, 2026. (Craig Williamson/SNS Group)

Brockton is home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the United States, with nearly one in four residents identifying as Cape Verdean, according to local outlet The Enterprise.

Friday’s match was expected to draw large celebrations, as the 2026 tournament marks the first time the African island nation has qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

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Following previous World Cup matches, Brockton police said several people were injured in shootings that erupted during postgame celebrations, according to local outlet Boston 25 News — prompting city officials to impose the temporary curfew ahead of Friday’s matchup. 

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A mural on the side of the Mayor Bill Carpenter Garage in Brockton, Massachusetts, on Oct. 8, 2020. (Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Under the curfew order, no one will be permitted to enter establishments serving alcohol after 7 p.m.

Patrons already inside will be allowed to remain until 10 p.m., but “last calls” for alcoholic beverages must end by 9:30 p.m. 

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The city said only limited exceptions to the curfew will be permitted.

Such cases include law enforcement officers and other first responders, individuals traveling directly to or from lawful employment, those seeking medical care, and those responding to emergencies. 

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates at the end of the World Cup Group H match against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Florida, on June 21, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/AP)

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Brockton officials described the measure as a public safety measure intended to preserve public order. 

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“The purpose of this curfew is to protect public safety, reduce criminal activity associated with post-match celebrations, and enable police, fire, and emergency personnel to effectively maintain order and respond to emergencies,” the city said. 

“Residents and visitors are urged to celebrate responsibly, obey all laws, avoid unlawful gatherings, and cooperate with public safety officials to ensure that all World Cup celebrations remain peaceful and safe.” 



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New Hampshire

N.H. State Police announce unexpected death of 19-year veteran

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N.H. State Police announce unexpected death of 19-year veteran


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“Our hearts are broken by this loss,” New Hampshire State Police said.

Sgt. Brian J. Ross New Hampshire State Police

A sergeant who served in the New Hampshire State Police for 19 years has died, authorities announced.

Sgt. Brian J. Ross, of Greenland, New Hampshire, died Monday at 41 years old, according to his obituary. 

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“Our hearts are broken by this loss,” State Police said in a Facebook post. “Sgt. Ross served the people of New Hampshire with courage and integrity, and all of us will miss him greatly.”

Ross began his career as a patrol trooper and later fulfilled other roles, including working with the Major Crime Unit, Special Events Response Team, and Motorcycle Unit. He recently served as the commander of the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit, according to State Police.

“We ask everyone to join us in offering his family, including his wife and three children, the support and privacy they deserve at this time,” State Police said. 

State Police added that a fund has been established for Ross’ family. 

“Brian was a devoted husband, proud father of three beautiful children, dedicated Trooper, and beloved coach,” the fund states. “His family is now facing a future they never imagined.” 

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A walk-through for police officers and other public safety personnel is scheduled for 3 p.m. on July 6 at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory in Hampton, according to the obituary. 

Public visiting hours are expected to take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Services will be at 1 p.m. on July 7 at the United Church of Christ in North Hampton, the obituary states. 

Authorities did not specify the cause of death, but said it was “unexpected.” 

State Police noted that resources are available for anyone struggling with a mental health crisis. 

“Anyone can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 for free and confidential support for themselves, a friend or a loved one,” State Police said.

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