Here are the top New Jersey news stories for Wednesday:

⬛ Offshore wind industry says it needs to fight 'misinformation'

In this Sept. 18, 2024 file photo, a billboard supporting offshore wind power projects sits on a roadside near land-based wind turbines in Atlantic City, N.J. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry, file)
In this Sept. 18, 2024 file photo, a billboard supporting offshore wind power projects sits on a roadside near land-based wind turbines in Atlantic City, N.J. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry, file)
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https://nj1015.com/offshore-wind-industry-says-misinformation-from-foes-is-a-strong-headwind-it-must-fight/

During the first day of a national offshore wind conference Tuesday in New Jersey, which has become ground zero for vocal, well-organized opposition to such projects, numerous industry officials said they are in a difficult battle against deliberate falsehoods.

These include thus far unsubstantiated claims that offshore wind preparation is killing whales along the East Coast.

⬛ Man guilty of own mother's NJ murder, greed as alleged motive

Benjamin Avrut convicted of murder in Maplewood (Essex County jail, Google Maps, Canva, Townsquare Media Illustration)
Benjamin Avrut convicted of murder in Maplewood (Essex County jail, Google Maps, Canva, Townsquare Media Illustration)
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https://nj1015.com/man-murder-conviction-own-mother-gwen-avrut-maplewood-nj/

Benjamin Avrut was found guilty of first-degree murder by an Essex County jury in the beating death of 70-year-old Gwen Avrut, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens announced.

The jury rejected Avrut’s insanity defense and reached its verdict after just a day and half of deliberations, earlier this month.

⬛ 2 NJ corrections officers charged with sexual assault at juvenile facility

Canva
Canva
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https://nj1015.com/2-nj-corrections-officers-charged-with-sexual-assault-at-juvenile-facility/

Officials say the senior officers took advantage of their position of authority at the Female Secure Care and Intake Facility, aka the Hayes unit, in Bordentown.

"The conduct that we allege today has no place anywhere in New Jersey," said Attorney General Matthew Platkin. "Young people confined to juvenile facilities are extremely vulnerable. They deserve safety, care, and respect."

⬛ NJ town's water tests positive for mercury for shocking reason

(6abc/Canva)
(6abc/Canva)
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https://nj1015.com/upper-township-nj-water-mercury/

On Sept. 9, the township was notified by the Cape May County Health Department that eight wells on Bayaire Road tested positive for high levels of mercury, according to Mayor John Newman.

Four more positive tests throughout the township came back on Sept. 25, and another three positives came back on Oct. 10, Newman said at a township meeting Monday night.

⬛ Deer causes terrifying crash on Route 287

NJ DOT/Townsquare Media illustration
NJ DOT/Townsquare Media illustration
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State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said a Nissan Sentra was headed north near Exit 3 (New Durham Road) around 12:50 a.m. when the car hit a deer and became disabled in the center lane.

Lebron said a tractor-trailer driven by Guido Appelgren Rodriguez, 69, of Byram, rear-ended the Nissan, sending the tractor-trailer into the right side of the highway and into a sound barrier.

⬛ The Kyrillo-Rita

Google maps/Townsquare Media illustration
Google maps/Townsquare Media illustration
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How to make the perfect signature cocktail to celebrate Joe Kyrillos Day

Don't do it: 5 things you shouldn't do when deer are on the road

Deer are certainly a problem here in New Jersey. Here are five things you shouldn't do if they get in your way while driving.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

Best New Jersey Diners For Breakfast and Lunch

Thank you to our New Jersey listeners for these recommendations.

Gallery Credit: Bill Spadea

LOOK: A special message for those who don't vote in NJ

5 common excuses as to why someone might not vote, and why those reasons are invalid

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

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New Jersey's First News with Eric Scott is the longest running news program in New Jersey. Eric Scott began hosting the program in 1991.

It airs live on New Jersey 101.5 each weekday morning from 5:30 - 6 a.m.

New Jersey's First News with Eric Scott is the winner of the prestigious National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast.

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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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