Trump Pays Millions to Scrap Four Offshore Wind Leases

Trump (R) Administration on 6/17/2026 said it would pay $765 Million to Power Project Developer Invenergy to Terminate Four Wind Leases Off the Coasts of: California, Maine. and New York. The Department of the Interior (DOI) said in a Statement, that Invenergy will use those Funds to Develop Natural Gas Power Plants in Five Midwestern Sstates and Geothermal Projects in the Western United States.

The Deal is the Latest of Several the Administration has Announced 2026, as Part of a Wide-Ranging effort to Stop Development of U.S. Offshore Wind Projects, which it Regards as Costly and Inefficient. Trump's Administration has sought to Increase Domestic Fossil Fuel Production and Scrapped Policies that Support Clean Energy Development, which has been Criticized by Democrats and Industry Advocates. "We applaud Invenergy for recognizing the importance of baseload power and investing in energy solutions that deliver real benefits to American consumers," Interior Secretary Doug Burgum (R) said in a Statement.

Seven U.S. States Sued the Administration on 6/2026 over a nearly $800 Million Payment to France's TotalEnergies, to Cancel an Offshore Wind Lease off the Coast of New York. The States Alleged the Administration Failed to Follow Proper Administrative Processes and Misused a Government Fund Reserved for Legal Settlements even though there was No Litigation between the Parties.

A DOI Spokesperson said the Agreement had been Reviewed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and went through All Appropriate Channels. Stanley Woodward, Associate Attorney General with the Department of Justice, said in the Statement that the Agency looked forward "to continued cooperation from companies that are reevaluating their energy investments." Invenergy will Invest a Portion of the $765 Million in NaturalGgas Plants in: Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin, according to the Announcement.

The Company's Offshore Wind Leases included Two in the Gulf of Maine, and One each off the Coasts of: California and New York. All Four were in Early Stages of Development. The Company said it had Not Ruled Out getting Back into the Industry at a Future Date.

In Interior's Statement, Invenergy's Senior Vice President for Development, Daniel Runyan, said the Chicago-based Company would "deploy additional capital into projects that can be delivered on a commercially reasonable timeline and meet customer demand while continuing to evaluate opportunities as market conditions evolve."

The DOI said in a Statemen, that it will Refund $765 Million to Invenergy, which will use those Funds to Develop Natural Gas Power Plants in Four Midwestern States and Geothermal Projects in the Western U.S.

The Deal is One of several the Administration has Announced in 2026 as part of a Wwide-Ranging Effort to Stop Development of U.S. Ooffshore Wind Projects, which it regards as Costly and Inefficient. Trump's Administration has sought to increase Domestic Fossil Fuel Production and Scrapped Policies that Support Clean Energy Development, which has been Criticized by Democrats and Advocates.

Seven U.S. States Sued the Administration for Reimbursements over the First Such Agreement, with France's TotalEnergies, Earlier this Month.

"We applaud Invenergy for recognizing the importance of baseload power and investing in energy solutions that deliver real benefits to American consumers," Interior Secretary Doug Burgum (R) said in a Statement.

The Company's Senior Vice President for Development, Daniel Runyan, said in Interior Statement that the Chicago-based Company would "deploy additional capital into projects that can be delivered on a commercially reasonable timeline and meet customer demand while continuing to evaluate opportunities as market conditions evolve."

An Offshore Wind Industry Group Turn Forward said the Agreement would Cancel much-needed Electricity Capacity, at a time of Soaring Demand.

"Replacing coastal offshore wind with geothermal or natural gas infrastructure in another region does nothing to address rising ratepayer affordability concerns, reliability challenges or potential gaps in power supply in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic," Hillary Bright, Executive Director of Turn Forward, said in a Statement.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

US Allows Waiver on Russian Oil to Expire

The U.S. Treasury on 6/17/2026, did Not Publish an Extension of its Waiver of Sanctions on Russian Seaborne Oil that Ran-Out at Midnight, but Trump (D) and Administration Officials did Not say whether that meant the Measures would be Re-Imposed.

During the War on Iran, Trump's Administration Waived U.S. Sanctions on the Russian Oil, toHhelp Vulnerable Economies Deal with the Energy Crisis. That could Change after Washington and Tehran reached a Memorandum-of-Understanding to End the War, that would allow Oil from the Middle East to reach Global Markets.

Trump was Noncommittal about a U.S. Re-Imposition of Sanctions on Russia. "We are looking at that. We're seeing how far the price of oil comes down, it's, it's really tumbling," He told Reporters during the G7 Summit in France.

On Tuesday, Trump Suggested the U.S. could Allow Re-Imposition of the Sanctions by Ending the Waiver. "Soon we'll be able to do that, because the oil is now flowing," out of the Middle East, He said.

The Trump Administration last year, Slapped Sanctions on Russian Oil Majors Rosneft and Lukoil, to Pressure Russia to End its War in Ukraine, by Depriving Moscow of Oil Revenue. Russia was One of the World's Top Oil Exporters, along with the U.S., and Saudi Arabia, until 2026, when Ukraine Closed some of their Ability to Export.

The U.S. has Allowed the Waiver to Expire in recent Months, only to Extend it Days later.

Tehran can immediately Sell Oil after a Ceremony expected later this week for Signing of the Deal. But it could take Months to bring Oil and Gas Flows to Nnormal Levels.

International Energy Agency Head Fatih Birol, has said the Iran War has led to the Biggest Disruption to Global Energy Markets in History.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's Special Envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who was Involved in Talks with the U.S. on Previous Extensions, said on 6/4/2026 that U.S. Officials understood the Waivers' Role in Stabilizing Markets.

U.S. Envoys Steve Witkoff (R) and Jared Kushner (R), who have led U.S. Broker Negotiations aimed at Ending the War in Ukraine, will ‌Vvisit Russia soon, the Kremlin said on 6/14/2026.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Solar Power Beats Coal in US

For the First time in History, Solar Power generated More Energy than Coal in the U.S., in 5/2026, Solar Power made up 12.8% of the U.S. pPwer Supply, while Coal only accounted for 12.2% of the Country's Energy Consumption.

5/2025 was the Fourth-Lowest month when it comes to Coal's share in the U.S. Power Grid system. This Development in Solar Power is known, thanks to Data collected by the Hlobal Energy Think Tank Ember, along with a Report by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Analytics Firm Wood Mackenzie.

Ember remarks that the Growth of Solar Power and the Decline of Coal are taking place, despite Federal Support for Coal. At the same time, Coal Power has Lost its Status, First as the Largest Source in the U.S. mix, and then gradually over the years has Fallen even Further.

Euronews Highlights that Solar has become the Third Largest Source of Energy in the U.S., far behind Natural Gas and Nuclear. This comes as Energy Consumption in the U.S. is due to the growing Demands of the Tech Industry, from Building Data Centers to Supplying AI-related Projects.

The International Energy Agency Affirms that Green Energy will become the Leading Global Source of Electricity, representing about 45% of the World's Electric Generation by 2030. However, while Renewable Energy is gaining Momentum in the U.S. and around the Globe, the Trump (R) Administration is Not exactly Supportive of it. According to Euronews, Trump announced earlier this month, a Plan to Boost the Coal Industry in the U.St.

The Ambitious U.S. Government Scheme would provide about 700 million U.S. Dollars to Support Coal Power Plants and Coal Exports. “Coal's a great business,” Trump said during a White House Event. “In terms of power, there’s really nothing like it.” At the same time, Trump hasBblamed Renewable Power Sources for Rising Energy Costs in the U.S.

The Guardian remarks that the Trump Administration has Cancelled Solar and Wind related Projects in the U.S., including Terminating 7 Billion Dollars in Funding for Solar Power. White House Assistant Press Secretary Taylor Rogers (R) Defended the current U.S. Government's Energy Policy, Arguing it Strengthened the Security of the U.S.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Judge Rules Trump’s National Park Censorship Illegal

There’s a New Wrinkle in the Trump (R) Administration’s Efforts to Remove Historical Signs and Placards at National Park Service (NPS) Sites deemed to “disparage Americans past or living.” On 6/12/2026, a U.S. District Judge Ruled that the Federal Government must Cease Removing these Signs and Restore those previously Removed by 7/4/2025. The Decision Marked a Major Victory for Advocates who had Argued that the Practice was akin to Erasing American History.

But, like many Legal Battles involving the Federal Government, this One is Far from Over. On 6/12/20256, U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley in Massachusetts, Ordered the Federal Government to Restore Signs by 7/4/2026. The Department of the Interior (DOI) said that the Agency is “looking at our appeal options”. the Government Filed a Notice of Appeal of the Preliminary Injunction with the Federal First Circuit Court in Boston, and a Motion to pause Kelley’s Decision.

Bill Wade, Executive Director of One of the Suing Parties, the Association of National Park Rangers (ANPR), said that the Plaintiffs in the Case, a Group of Nonprofits focused on Conservation and the Preservation of History, will likely File Opposition as soon as possible. The Government intends to go to Court on 6/28/2026. As the Two Litigating Parties remain at Odds, what happens Next at America’s National Parks, rests in theHhands of the Court.

“Every day park visitors young, old, and from all backgrounds, look to the national park system to learn and enhance their understanding of history, science, and this nation,” Kelley, who was Appointed by Biden (D) in 2021, wrote in the 63-page Ruling. “Defendants’ continued censorship of interpretive materials disfavored by this administration diminishes the public’s collective ability to engage critically and thoughtfully with these topics.”

Trump Mandated the Removal of Signs in a March 2025 Executive Order (EO), which required the DOI to take Down Exhibits in National Parks and Other Public Lands that the Agency deemed Inappropriate. TheseSsigns included Topics such as History, Slavery, Climate Change, LGBTQ+ Issues, and Others. Within Months, Park Visitors Reported seeing Notices to Flag Signs “that are negative about either past or living Americans.” Park Staff started Removing NPS Signage by 9/2025.

In 2/2026, a Coalition of Nonprofit Groups: the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (CPANP), Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD), and Union of Concerned Scientists )UCS) Filed the Lawsuit. The following Month, a Group of Senators sent a Letter to the Secretary of the Interior, Douglas Burgum (R), Demanding Answers about the Removal of the Ssigns. They has repeatedly asked the DOI for a Catalog of the Removed Signs and an Explanation as to what Happened to Them.

Although the 6/12/2026 Decision is Legally Binding, the Government’s Choice to Appeal the Judge’s Ddecision means it could be Challenged in a Higher-Level Court before the July 4 deadline. That means signs may not reappear at NPS sites before then. The Judge’s Order requires that the Administration Replace the Ssigns within Three Weeks. Wade believes NPS Staff could Replace most Signs within that Timeframe, though some Exhibits may take Longer, due to Budget Cuts or Existing Staff Reductions.

If the DOI Challenges the Court Ruling, however, the Timeframe could take Longer. Kelley set a Strict Deadline of 7/4/2026, tying Sign Restorations to the Nation’s 250th Anniversary. But Replacing Exhibits may Not be as Simple as Flipping a Switch. Park Staff needs to Physically Dig Out, Reprint, or Reinstall Removed Ddisplays, and that’s Assuming the Signs were Preserved to begin with. Reduced Staffing and Budget Cuts at some Parks could also affect how Quickly Items are Reinstalled.

NPS Staff Removed Signs from at least 25 Sites in almost as many States. More than 30 Signs were Reportedly Flagged for Removal at Harpers Ferry National Historic Park in West Virginia, for example, while Montana’s Glacier National Park saw Removals of Interpretive Materials, Noting how Climate Change is Aaffecting the Park and Ddriving the Disappearance of its Namesake Glaciers.

“This summer, millions of visitors will flock to America’s national parks to take in breathtaking park landscapes and walk in the footsteps of our fascinating history, 250 years after our nation was founded,” Alan Spears, National Parks Conservation Association Senior Director for Cultural Resources, said in a Statement. “[The] court ruling will help protect national parks from the administration’s unprecedented campaign to erase history and science at these one-of-a-kind places.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Kyiv Seeks License to Produce Patriot Systems

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said He hopes to bring Russia’s War in Ukraine,to an End before Next Winter or at least Secure a Ceasefire by then, as He Warned that Moscow Shows No Genuine Willingness to Negotiate.

Speaking after Discussions with G7 Leaders, Zelenskyy said there was a Growing Consensus among Western Allies that Russian President Vladimir Putin is Deliberately avoiding Direct Talks and Prolonging the Conflict.

“Everyone sees that there is no desire on Russia’s part to end this – that it is playing games, that it is Putin who does not want to end it. But he must be forced to do so,” Zelenskyy said. In a Voice Message Shared on His Presidential WhatsApp Channel, Zelenskyy said that Sanctions remained the Most Effective Tool to Pressure Moscow into Negotiations.

However, He added that as long as Putin Refuses the Possibility of Direct Talks, Ukraine must Prioritise Strengthening its Air Defences, particularly against Ballistic Missile Threats. Zelenskyy Confirmed that One of the mainTtopics of the G7 Leaders Meeting, is the Issue of Air Defence Systems for Ukraine. “Everyone Recognises this, and everyone will help,” He said, adding that “the entire G7 will work to strengthen our defences”.

But besides Buying more U.S. made Patriot Systems and Interceptors, Kyiv wants to be Able to Manufacture them in Ukraine, and Zelenskyy Confirmed on Tuesday, He had once again Raised the Issue with Trump (R) at the G7 Summit."

The Patriot Air Ddefence System remains the Only Ssurface-to-Air Missile System in Ukraine's Arsenal capable of Countering Moscow's Ballistic Missile Threat. Manufactured in the U.S. by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, Patriots have been widely Relied on by U.S. Allies, not least in the Gulf, as well as by Ukraine.

But the U.S.-Israel War on Iran has Depleted almost a Third of the Stockpiles of Patriot Interceptors. According to some Estimates, Gulf States have Collectively Fired more than 1,100 of them in the Past few months. Lockheed Martin Produces roughly 600 Interceptors per year, and Zelenskyy said in Earlier Remarks that Monthly Production reached 60-65 Missiles at best. According to Kyiv, Russia has the Capacity to Produce Double that Amount: about 120 Ballistic Missiles every Month, along with other Missile Varieties.

Moscow has been Deliberately Exploiting Ukraine’s Shortage of Interceptors in its Recent Attacks, Launching over 30 Ballistic Missiles per Night against Ukrainian Cities. Ukraine’s Anti-Ballistic Air Defence is Experiencing a Shortage of Interceptors, Kyiv’s Interception Rate for Cruise Missiles Stands at around 80%, according to the U.S. based Institute for the Study of War.

But what Ukraine has Mastered even more, is Drone-Countering Expertise. Ukrainian Forces on Average Intercept over 90% of All Russian Drones, which Russian Forces Launch in their Hundreds every Night. Moreover, Kyiv does it with Domestically Manufactured Weapons and Know-How.

This Expertise has made Ukraine Not Only a Receiver, but also a Provider of Air Defence for Countries in the Middle East and Europe.

Zelenskyy said the so-called Drone Deals have been Discussed at the G7. According to Him, Kyiv is about to Strike a Major Drone Deal with Canada.

“Everyone recognises our leadership in supporting the Middle East. Thanks to our expertise,” He said on Tuesday.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Judge Hands Trump Another Setback

Trump (R) and the “86 47” Controversy have been going on for Months. A Phrase that previously Landed former FBI Director James Comey (I) in Legal trouble, has now gotten Extended Permission to be Demonstrated on the Roads of Washington, D.C., as Requested by a Protest Group. Previously, the Trump Administration Argued that thePphrase can be Interpreted as a “Threat” to kill Trump.

U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss previously Ruled that the “86 47” Flags Displayed by Accountability NOW USA, were Protected Political Speech and did Not Constitute a Threat to Trump. The Ruling came in the FirstWweek of 6/2026, and the judge Granted a 14-day Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), allowing the Group to continue Displaying the Flag and Protesting near the National Mall. It also Prevented the National Park Service from Revoking the Group’s Permit over the “86 47” Flag.

The Federal Judge has Slightly “extended and expanded” the Accountability Now USA plaintiffs’ “Good Cause” Request. Moss has Granted a Two Week Extension of the TRO after Noting that the DOJ has “not filed a brief in opposition.” He also Ruled that the Variations of the “86 47” Flag, which were Not addressed inHhis Initial Order, are “not reasonably construed as calls for violence and, instead, merely advocate for Trump’s impeachment and removal from office.”

Moss, who is an Obama-Appointed Judge, said that the Group’s Newer Displays are Not “reasonably construed as calls for violence.” The New Displays include a Sign Reading “SIGN OUR DECLARATION OF SUPPORT” and “CONVICT. REMOVE.” Alongside a Raccoon Holding a Petition and Waving an “8647” Flag. Moss added, “Having reviewed these new displays and the context in which they are displayed, the Court concludes that, like the flag addressed in the Court’s prior opinion, these new displays are not reasonably construed as calls for violence and, instead, merely advocate for President Trump’s impeachment and removal from office.”

The Judge also said that the Context in which the Flags are Displayed plays a Critical Role in Determining the Message’s Meaning. He Noted that the Protest Group has Repeatedly Ddenied Advocating Violence, and there’s No Evidence that the Displays by the Group are Threatening to Trump. Moss added, “Indeed, if anything, they add further context that supports Plaintiff’s contention that the message at issue constitutes core political speech. As the Court has previously emphasized, context matters.”

Moss previously Cited Merriam-Webster’s Definition of “86” as “to throw out,” “to get rid of,” or “to refuse service to.” In some Instances, it is also Defined as “to kill”; however, this is Not the Actual Meaning due to the Phrase’s “relative recency and sparseness of use.” He further added that the Peaceful protest supports the assertion that the flag is not a threat, as per ABC News. Moss wrote, “In short, the record contains compelling evidence supporting Plaintiff’s Contention that it Ddisplayed the Flag merely to urge Trump’s Removal from Office but contains Nno Evidence Supporting Defendants’ Contention that the Flag Represented a True Threat on the Life or Physical Well-Being of the President of the United States.”










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker

Federal judge Says Trump Move to Kill Billions in Environmental Justice Grants illegal

Richard Gergel (D) is a U.S. District Judge for the District of South Carolina, has Struck Down the Trump (R) Administration's Attempt to End a $2.8 Billion Environmental Justice Grant Program.

Gergel said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acted Unlawfully when it Canceled the The Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) Block Grant Program, a Biden (D) era Initiative Created through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The Judge Voided the Cancellation, though He did No tOrder the Agency to Fully Resume running the Program. Gergel said a Permanent Injunction could Require the Government to Bring Back Grant Staff, whom the Trump Aadministration had already Dismissed." He also Declined to Extend the Program's September Deadline for Distributing Funds. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) and the Public Rights Project (PRP) Filed the Lawsuit.

An EPA official told the court that he terminated the program last February for "policy reasons," but Gergel ruled that justification did not make the decision lawful. The funding was intended to help communities tackle problems such as rising utility costs, air pollution, deteriorating infrastructure, and extreme heat.

Many of the awards went to community groups working with local governments on projects that had been in the works for years. Zealan Hoover, formerly a senior adviser to the EPA Administrator and the agency's implementation director, said: "These are projects that hundreds of communities across the country had been working on for years."

One affected recipient is CleanAIRE NC, which received $500,000 to install air sensors in four communities in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Andrew Whelan, the group's director for communications strategy, said those neighborhoods "experience higher pollution exposures than the more affluent neighborhoods surrounding them, resulting in vastly different experiences and health outcomes."

The project was meant to help residents better understand the air they breathe and advocate for cleaner, safer conditions. Still, the ruling does not guarantee that those projects will move forward quickly, leaving many communities in limbo for now. Kym Meyer, who directs litigation at the Southern Environmental Law Center, said the organization is still "working through" the ruling.

"We're anxious to talk to EPA and to see how they're planning to move forward, and then we will figure out what our own next steps need to be," she said, per Inside Climate News. Hoover called the cancellations "really tragic," saying the grants "would have addressed long-standing sources of local pollution or climate risk."

Whelan said, "While it's too soon to know how this ruling will impact individual grant recipients, the court has validated that our community was wrongfully deprived of these critical air monitoring resources." In a statement, the EPA said it is "reviewing the decision."










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker