Here are the top New Jersey news stories for Wednesday:

⬛ Stunning defeat for Murphy — NJ offshore wind projects cancelled

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In what amounts to a huge defeat of Gov. Phil Murphy's green energy agenda, Danish developer Orsted has canceled all wind project development off the coast of new Jersey.

Citing "supply chain challenges, project delays, and rising interest rates" company officials released a statement Tuesday night announcing they would "cease development of Ocean Wind 1 and Ocean Wind 2" off the coast of New Jersey.

⬛ Caught! Murphy spent NJ taxpayer money on Taylor Swift

Gov. Phil Murphy and Taylor Swift
Gov. Murphy spent public money on a Taylor Swift concert (AP Photos file/Townsquare Media illustraiton)
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He's got a tax-and-spend reputation but Gov. Murphy's office insists that his partying-on-public-dime era is over.

Politico New Jersey is reporting that Murphy spent state funds attending a Taylor Swift concert at MetLife Stadium. He also spent thousands of dollars on other entertainment at the venue in East Rutherford.

After the expenses were exposed, Murphy's office insisted that the state Democratic Party was supposed to have reimbursed them.

⬛ House explosion leaves gaping hole in Stafford Township house

House on Neptune Drive in Stafford after an explosion 10/31/23
House on Neptune Drive in Stafford after an explosion 10/31/23 (@LaurieDue12 via X)
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STAFFORD — One person was killed in a house explosion that left a gaping hole in the roof early Tuesday morning

Homeowner Kevin Thomas, 45, was found on the front lawn of the single-story house on Neptune Drive with severe injuries to his upper torso, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer. Thomas was taken to Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia where he later died.

⬛ Suspicious man in white van arrested in NJ school incident

Van parked at Burlington County Institute of Technology 10/30/23
Van parked at Burlington County Institute of Technology 10/30/23 (6 ABC Action News via YouTube)
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MEDFORD — There were some scary moments at Burlington County Institute of Technology Monday afternoon after a man parked his van out front and then tried to get into the school, officials said.

Classes were done for the day when Gregory T. Nicholas, 34, tried several entrances to get inside, according to Medford police, who were called when he refused to leave.

⬛ NJ mom charged with hosting wild underage house party

 

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — A teenager was found unconscious during a house party over the weekend and now a township woman has been charged.

According to police records obtained by BreakingAC, Saundra McCarthy, 46, was charged with child endangerment, and making alcohol available to minors.

Police were called to the home on Boston Avenue Saturday night just after 9 p.m. for a report of loud music, and possible underage drinking

A list of NJ malls where you can get photos with Santa for the 2023 holiday season

The annual New Jersey tradition is back for the 2023 holiday season, along with pet photos, special events, and exclusive sensory sessions.

More details and locations will be added as the holiday season progresses, so please check back often for updates. Malls are listed in alphabetical order.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

NJ 'perv' teachers, coaches busted in the past two years

There have been a number of educators, coaches and private teachers facing criminal charges for sexual offenses around New Jersey, between 2023 and 2022 alone.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

All the NJ candidates endorsed by Bill Spadea in this election

Election 2023: Here's a list of the 80+ candidates that New Jersey 101.5 morning host Bill Spadea is campaigning for this year. Click the link for more information on each.

Gallery Credit: Bill Spadea

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Eric Scott is the senior political director and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at eric.scott@townsquaremedia.com

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