- Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said a stopgap bill that passed the House Tuesday lacks enough votes to pass in the Senate. He criticized Republicans for drafting the bill without input from Democrats.
- If Congress fails to pass a continuing resolution by Friday, the government will shut down, affecting nonessential workers and some services.
- Republicans need seven Senate Democrats to support the bill to avoid a filibuster.
Full Story
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the Senate floor Wednesday, March 12, that a stopgap bill that passed the House Tuesday does not have enough votes in the Senate. The bill, also known as a continuing resolution (CR), would fund the federal government for the next six months.
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“Funding the government should be a bipartisan effort. But Republicans chose a partisan path, drafting their continuing resolution without any input, any input from congressional Democrats,” Schumer said. “Because of that, Republicans do not have the votes in the Senate to invoke cloture on the House CR. Our caucus is unified on a clean April 11th CR that will keep the government open and give Congress time to negotiate bipartisan legislation that can pass.”
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If Congress does not pass a continuing resolution by 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 14, the government will shut down. As a result, many nonessential federal workers will either be sent home or work with no pay. Essential services, such as national security, law enforcement, and air traffic control personnel, will continue to operate.
The potential shutdown may disrupt or halt certain government services. For instance, national parks, museums and some federal offices may close, while others may operate with limited staffing.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., appeared on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends” program Wednesday morning.
“Chuck Schumer has a big decision to make. Is he going to cast a vote to keep the government open, or is he going to be blamed for shutting it down? And that’s very clearly what they simply have to decide,” Johnson said. “And I hope they do the right thing because government shutdowns, as they all said in their own videos and have said a thousand times, is harmful for everybody. We don’t need that.”
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Johnson sent House members home after the chamber passed the stopgap bill. They’re not scheduled to return to Capitol Hill until March 24.
Republicans control 53 Senate seats. They would need seven Senate Democrats to vote in favor of their continuing resolution to avoid a filibuster and keep the government funded.
Tags: Chuck Schumer, Democrats, Government funding, Government funding bill, Mike Johnson, Republicans, U.S. Senate
THE SENATE’S DEMOCRATIC LEADER, CHUCK SCHUMER OF NEW YORK, SAID ON THE SENATE FLOOR WEDNESDAY, THAT THE HOUSE’S STOPGAP BILL, WHICH THE HOUSE PASSED TUESDAY AND WOULD FUND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR THE NEXT SIX MONTHS, DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH VOTES IN THE SENATE.
“FUNDING THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE A BI-PARTISAN EFFORT. BUT REPUBLICANS CHOSE A PARTISAN PATH, DRAFTING THEIR CONTINUING RESOLUTION WITHOUT ANY INPUT, ANY INPUT FROM CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS,” SEN. SCHUMER SAID. “BECAUSE OF THAT, REPUBLICANS DO NOT HAVE THE VOTES IN THE SENATE TO INVOKE CLOTURE ON THE HOUSE CR. OUR CAUCUS IS UNIFIED ON A CLEAN APRIL 11TH CR THAT WILL KEEP THE GOVERNMENT OPEN AND GIVE CONGRESS TIME TO NEGOTIATE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION THAT CAN PASS.”
IF CONGRESS DOES NOT PASS A CONTINUING RESOLUTION BY 11:59 PM FRIDAY, THE GOVERNMENT WILL SHUTDOWN.
THIS MEANS MANY NON-ESSENTIAL FEDERAL WORKERS WILL EITHER BE SENT HOME OR WORK WITH NO PAY.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE — LIKE NATIONAL SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL.
CERTAIN GOVERNMENT SERVICES MAY BE DISRUPTED OR HALTED. NATIONAL PARKS, MUSEUMS, AND SOME FEDERAL OFFICES MAY CLOSE, WHILE OTHERS MAY OPERATE WITH LIMITED STAFFING.
HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON APPEARED ON FOX NEWS’ “FOX AND FRIENDS” PROGRAM WEDNESDAY MORNING.
“CHUCK SCHUMER HAS A BIG DECISION TO MAKE. IS HE GOING TO CAST A VOTE TO KEEP THE GOVERNMENT OPEN OR IS HE GOING TO BE BLAMED FOR SHUTTING IT DOWN? AND THAT’S VERY CLEARLY WHAT THEY SIMPLY HAVE TO DECIDE,” SPEAKER JOHNSON SAID. “AND I HOPE THEY DO THE RIGHT THING BECAUSE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWNS AS THEY ALL SAID IN THEIR OWN VIDEOS AND HAVE SAID A THOUSAND TIMES, IS HARMFUL FOR EVERYBODY. WE DON’T NEED THAT.”
SPEAKER JOHNSON SENT HOUSE MEMBERS HOME AFTER THE CHAMBER PASSED THE STOPGAP BILL AND THEY’RE NOT SCHEDULED BACK ON CAPITOL HILL UNTIL MARCH 24.
REPUBLICANS CONTROL 53 SENATE SEATS AND WOULD NEED SEVEN SENATE DEMOCRATS TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF THEIR CONTINUING RESOLUTION TO KEEP THE GOVERNMENT FUNDED.
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Left 38%
Center 24%
Right 38%
Bias Summary
Bias Comparison
Media outlets on the left
emphasize Senate Democrats’ challenges in advancing the GOP funding bill and include Sen. Chuck Schumer’s calls for negotiation, indicating a stance against a shutdown.
Media outlets on the right
frame the possible shutdown as a result of Schumer’s refusal to support the bill, creating a narrative that shifts blame to the Democrats.
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30 other sources covering this story
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30
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11
Center
7
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11
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3 weeks ago
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- Tool fans are considering a class-action lawsuit over repeated songs at the “Tool Live in the Sand” festival. Despite paying for an exclusive experience with “two unique sets,” attendees were disappointed by the repeated performances.
- The festival was marketed as an all-inclusive event in the Dominican Republic, with packages ranging from $2,300 to $7,700.
- Fans who feel misled may pursue legal action, while some attendees defended the festival, saying they had a great time despite the repeated songs.
Full Story
Tool fans are considering a class-action lawsuit after the band’s “Tool Live in the Sand” festival disappointed some attendees. Many claim they paid thousands for an exclusive experience but got repeated songs instead of two unique performances.
The festival, held in the Dominican Republic, was marketed as an all-inclusive destination event. Packages ranged from $2,300 to $7,700 and included food, drinks and airport transportation.
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However, fans quickly noticed an issue. Instead of two distinct setlists on Friday and Saturday, Tool played four of the same songs across both nights. Attendees who expected two unique performances voiced their frustration. Reports surfaced of fans booing during the second show.
Legal action may be coming
Some Tool fans believe they are entitled to compensation. Augusta, Georgia-based lawyer and Tool fan Stas Rusek is exploring the possibility of a lawsuit. He argues that the event promoters—not the band—may have misled fans by advertising “two unique sets” that did not happen.
“Most Tool fans, like me, have attended multiple shows on the same tour, and we know that, due to the spectacular and complex nature of their show, most songs will be repeated. However, this is not what festival attendees were promised,” Rusek told LouderSound.
As of Wednesday, the festival’s website states “two performances” instead of “two unique sets.” Some fans see this as an attempt to downplay the initial promise.
Not all fans were unhappy
While some were frustrated, others defended the festival. A Reddit user wrote that they had a great time despite the repeated songs.
“I went and had a fantastic time. The sound checks ruled both days; you could watch from the fence… I can see why people were unhappy, but the booing was garbage. Honestly, it ruined the vibe for those just trying to enjoy the show.”
[KENNEDY FELTON]
Rock band Tool is facing backlash from fans—and possibly a class action lawsuit—after their music festival Friday and Saturday left some attendees feeling shortchanged.
Imagine your favorite band announces “Tool Live in the Sand”… a luxury festival in the Dominican Republic promising an all-inclusive experience with what fans say included “two unique sets.” You spend thousands to attend… but when the second show begins, something seems off. Four songs repeated across both nights of the shows despite being promised two distinct performances. Fans took notice, with reports of audible booing from the crowd—and now, some are even considering legal action.
“Most Tool fans, like me, have attended multiple shows on the same tour, and we know that, due to the spectacular and complex nature of their show, most songs will be repeated. However, this is not what festival attendees were promised.” Stas Rusek | Fan of Tool A Tool fan and lawyer based in Augusta, Georgia believes attendees may be entitled to compensation. Speaking to LouderSound, he argues that the lawsuit would be directed at the event promoters—not the band—for failing to deliver on their promise of “two unique sets.” He says, “Most Tool fans, like me, have attended multiple shows on the same tour, and we know that, due to the spectacular and complex nature of their show, most songs will be repeated. However, this is not what festival attendees were promised.”
However, as of Wednesday, the festival’s website simply states “two performances”… with no mention of the word “unique.”
“I went and had a fantastic time. The sound checks ruled both days; you could watch from the fence. CCT was a surprise. I didn’t think we’d get one this weekend, but I’m happy we did. I can see why people were unhappy, but the booing was garbage. Honestly, it messed the vibe up for people who were just trying to enjoy the show for people who could get past the repeats.” Not everyone left unhappy. Some attendees defended the festival, saying they still had a great time—and the booing actually ruined the experience for those who weren’t bothered by the repeated songs.
For context, package festivals ranged from $2,300 to $7,700, including all-inclusive food, drinks, and even transportation to and from the airport. Admission to other music events was also included, as other musicians performed at the festival.
As of now, it’s unclear if a class action lawsuit will gain any traction, but one thing is for certain—Tool fans aren’t shy about making their voices heard.
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- Despite ongoing domestic outmigration, the U.S.’s largest metropolitan areas—with populations over 5 million—experienced overall growth between 2023 and 2024. International immigration and natural population changes drove those numbers.
- International migration accounted for nearly 2.7 million of the total population gain in metro areas, offsetting domestic population losses; New York City saw the largest growth from immigration, gaining 315,764 residents.
- The Census Bureau’s annual population estimates integrate survey and administrative data, providing updated insights different from the decennial census, which relies on detailed individual counts.
Full Story
America’s largest cities lost thousands of people in the years during and following the COVID-19 pandemic, as mayors and governors shut down much of daily life. The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows residents are still leaving many of the areas, but international immigration is more than making up for the losses.
On Thursday, March 13, the Census Bureau released its annual city and county population estimates for the 12 months ending July 1, 2024. The estimates show that every metropolitan area with a population of more than 5 million grew during that time.
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More to the data
A closer look at the sources of population growth for those 13 metropolitan areas shows only the Dallas, Houston and Phoenix areas grew in domestic migration, or people moving there from other parts of the country, and international migration.
The New York City metropolitan area, which includes Newark and Jersey City, New Jersey, had the largest total population growth of any other metropolitan area. It increased by an estimated 213,403 new residents over the 12 months in the Census Bureau’s report. In that time, the area lost 92,121 more people to domestic outmigration than it saw Americans moving there. Likewise, it gained 315,764 residents from international immigration, more than canceling out the loss of residents.
Positive natural change, the number of residents born subtracted by deaths in that time, also contributed to population growth in the country’s major metropolitan areas.
Immigration boom
“All of the nation’s 387 metro areas had positive net international migration between 2023 and 2024, and it accounted for nearly 2.7 million of the total population gain in metro areas — up from 2.2 million between 2022 and 2023,” a release from the bureau said.
The nation saw record immigration, legal and illegal, in recent years. Census data shows the total number of foreign-born people living in the U.S. reached 47.8 million in 2023, 1.6 million more than the previous year.
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How we’re counted
The Census Bureau’s annual population estimates use an improved method that combines survey data and administrative data from other federal agencies. This is the first measurement of city and county data that uses the new method.
Annual population estimates differ from the decennial census in that the bureau uses various data sources to aggregate a figure. The official census count involves checking each resident and their associated demographic data. The Census Bureau began using online information gathering in 2020, compared to relying solely on in-person counts.
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- A U.S. Customs and Border Protection official, Serina Baker-Hill, is charged with defrauding FEMA and lying to federal agents. The 55-year-old from Detroit applied for FEMA assistance after floods in August 2023.
- Despite receiving funds for rent and repairs, an investigation suggests she didn’t spend the money on its intended uses.
- While Baker-Hill denies wrongdoing, the investigation is ongoing, and potential felony charges are pending.
Full Story
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official has been charged with engaging in a scheme to defraud the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and lying to federal agents, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Serina Baker-Hill, 55, of Detroit, is the director of CBP’s Center for Excellence and Expertise in Automotive and Aerospace Engineering.
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The DOJ alleges Baker-Hill applied for FEMA funds following floods that impacted the Detroit area in August 2023. A FEMA inspector reportedly visited her home and determined that her basement had been damaged. Baker-Hill allegedly told the inspector she could not live safely in her house while repairs were being made. As a result, FEMA approved her benefits for home repairs and rental assistance.
“The approval letter from FEMA indicated that the rental assistance money was to be used solely to help Baker-Hill pay rent and essential utility costs while she was in temporary housing,” a DOJ press release stated.
FBI investigators later discovered that Baker-Hill’s bank records allegedly show that the FEMA funds were not used for rent, hotel stays, or utility expenses.
Additionally, the DOJ cites footage from Baker-Hill’s home showing her and her husband living in the residence after receiving the FEMA funds.
“Additionally, records for the home do not show a significant drop in utilities consistent with the property being unoccupied during this time,” the DOJ release added.
The FBI, along with agents from the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility, interviewed Baker-Hill. She denied any wrongdoing and insisted that she did not defraud the U.S. government.
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FBI Director Kash Patel released a statement on X, saying: “This is part of the new FBI’s renewed efforts to crack down on public corruption and deliver accountability for the American people. Justice will be done.”
The investigation is ongoing, and DOJ prosecutors will determine whether Baker-Hill will be indicted on felony charges.
A US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OFFICIAL IS CHARGED WITH ENGAGING IN A SCHEME TO DEFRAUD THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA), AND LYING TO FEDERAL AGENTS, ACCORDING TO THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT.
SERINA BAKER-HILL IS 55 YEARS OLD, LIVES IN DETROIT AND IS THE DIRECTOR OF UNITED STATES CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION’S (CBP) AUTOMOTIVE AND AEROSPACE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE AND EXPERTISE.
THE DOJ SAYS BAKER-HILL APPLIED FOR FEMA FUNDS AFTER FLOODS HIT THE DETROIT AREA IN AUGUST 2023. A FEMA INSPECTOR ALLEGEDLY WENT TO HER HOME AND DETERMINED THERE WAS DAMAGE TO HER BASEMENT. BAKER-HILL TOLD THE INSPECTOR SHE COULDN’T LIVE SAFELY AT HER HOUSE WHILE REPAIRS WERE BEING MADE. FEMA APPROVED HER BENEFITS WHICH WERE ALLOCATED TO HOME REPAIRS AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
“THE APPROVAL LETTER FROM FEMA INDICATED THAT THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE MONEY WAS TO BE USED SOLELY TO HELP BAKER-HILL PAY RENT AND ESSENTIAL UTILITY COSTS WHILE SHE WAS IN TEMPORARY HOUSING,” A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE STATES.
THE FBI INVESTIGATED AND FOUND BAKER-HILL’S BANK RECORDS ALLEGEDLY SHOW THE FEMA MONEY WAS NOT USED FOR RENT, HOTEL STAYS OR UTILITY EXPENSES.
THE DOJ ALLEGES THERE’S VIDEO FOOTAGE AT BAKER-HILL’S HOME SHOWING THAT SHE AND HER HUSBAND CONTINUED TO LIVE IN THE HOME AFTER RECEIVING THE FUNDS FROM FEMA.
“ADDITIONALLY, RECORDS FOR THE HOME DO NOT SHOW A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN UTILITIES CONSISTENT WITH THE PROPERTY BEING UNOCCUPIED DURING THIS TIME,” THE DOJ’S RELEASE SAID.
THE FBI ALONG WITH CBP-OPR AGENTS INTERVIEWED BAKER-HILL AND SHE TOLD THEM THAT SHE NEVER COMMITTED A CRIME AND DID NOT DEFRAUD THE US GOVERNMENT.
THE FBI’S NEW DIRECTOR, KASH PATEL MADE A STATEMENT ON X SAYING: “THIS IS PART OF THE NEW FBI’S RENEWED EFFORTS TO CRACK DOWN ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION AND DELIVER ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. JUSTICE WILL BE DONE.”
THE INVESTIGATION IS STILL ONGOING AND DOJ PROSECUTORS WILL DETERMINE IF BAKER-HILL WILL BE FELONIOUSLY INDICTED.
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- The list of teams on “bubble watch” for a bid in the NCAA Tournament is shrinking. Winning in a conference tournament is the last chance to impress the committee.
- Teams like North Carolina, Indiana, Ohio State, SMU and Wake Forest still have work to do to make the Big Dance.
- Tournament bids will be announced on Selection Sunday, March 16.
Full Story
With Selection Sunday just four days away, the NCAA Tournament bubble is about to burst for several teams. Meanwhile, the news is brighter for those who will punch their tickets to the Big Dance.
In the loaded Southeastern Conference, a record 13 of 16 teams may make the field. Nearly half of them earned a top-three seed in the tournament. However, there are a few teams on the bubble.
A big win by Oklahoma over Georgia in the first round of the conference tournament Wednesday, March 12, would help the Sooners make the field.
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Has Texas done enough to make the field?
Earlier Wednesday, Texas beat Vanderbilt 79-72, improving their chances of earning an at-large bid. Another win by the Longhorns will almost assuredly get them to the dance, and that’s the goal for head coach Rodney Terry.
“Our goal all season long has been to win a championship and get into postseason play,” Terry said. “March is about finishing and advancing –– you can finish a possession, you can finish a half, you can finish a game, you have a chance to advance in March.”
What about North Carolina?
During the ACC Tournament’s first round on Wednesday, North Carolina ran up and down the court against Notre Dame. They won easily, 76-56, improving their record to 21-12, and will get Wake Forest in the next game. The Demon Deacons are at 21-10, so this will be a crucial game for both teams. Tar Heel guard RJ Davis knows about all the speculation surrounding his team.
“You can’t look too far ahead into quarterfinals, semifinals. You really got to take it one game at a time, and I think we’re doing a good job of kind of just staying in the present moment with that, right?” Davis said. “So obviously, you hear the noise. You hear, you know, being a bubble team and me experiencing being the number one seed and then not making the tournament. It’s really just about staying present and understanding that anything’s possible, and it’s March.”
Who else is squarely on the NCAA ‘bubble’?
A few teams that were on the bubble for just two weeks faded down the stretch, like Nebraska, which lost its last five regular-season games.
Also in the Big 10, Indiana and Ohio State are fighting for a spot. The Buckeyes lost to the Hoosiers in the regular season finale and then lost to lowly Iowa on Wednesday in the tournament’s first round. They’ll be squarely on the bubble come Selection Sunday.
Indiana, meanwhile, may still need a first-round win over Oregon this Thursday, March 13, to help their cause.
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This assumes that there are no “bid stealers” out there or that teams might win their conference this week despite not being expected to.
For instance, a team like Villanova winning the Big East or Iowa running the table and winning the Big 10 are the surprise teams that burst bubbles.
With Selection Sunday just four days away, the NCAA Tournament bubble is about to burst for several teams. Exactly two weeks ago, I had the white board out with a list of teams. We definitely have crossed a few off… but we’ve also added a name or two.
In the loaded SEC, a record 13 of 16 teams may make the field with nearly half of them earning a top 3 seed. But there are a few teams on the bubble. A big win by Oklahoma over Georgia Wednesday might have gone a long way toward helping the Sooners make the field.
Earlier Wednesday, Texas held on to beat Vanderbilt 79-70 to improve their chances of earning an at-large bid. Of course, that was just the first round of the conference tournament. Another win and they will almost assuredly make the dance and that’s the goal for head coach Rodney Terry.
“You know our goal all season long has been to win a championship and get into post season play. March is about finishing and advancing, you can finish a possession, you can finish a half, you can finish a game, you have a chance to advance in March.”
North Carolina ran up and down the court against Notre Dame Wednesday in the first round of the ACC tournament. They won easily to improve to 21-12 and will get Wake Forest in the next game. The Demon Deacons are at 21-10 so this will be a crucial game for both teams and Tar Heel guard RJ Davis knows about all the speculation surrounding his team.
“You can’t look too far ahead into quarterfinals, semifinals you really got to take it one game at a time and I think we’re doing a good job of kind of just staying in the present moment with that right? So obviously you hear the noise you hear you know, being a bubble team and me experiencing you know being the number one seed and then not making the tournament it’s really just about staying present and understanding that anything’s possible and it’s March so..”
In the Big Ten it’s all about Indiana and Ohio State. The Buckeyes lost to the Hoosiers in the regular season finale but they came back with a win on Wednesday over Iowa in the first round of the tournament.
And a look at the ‘virtual’ white board shows that Indiana might need a first round win over Oregon in the Big Ten tournament Thursday to help their cause. We mentioned UNC and Wake facing off Thursday. Cincinnati’s is probably cooked after their Wednesday loss to Iowa State. SMU is squarely on the bubble and will need a couple of wins in the ACC tournament to make the dance even with just 9 losses.
One slip and there will be no ticket to the dance.
All of this assumes that there are no bid stealers out there, teams that might win their conference this week that are not otherwise expected to.. Say a team like Georgetown winning the Big East or somehow Iowa winning the Big Ten. Those are the surprise teams that burst bubbles.
For Straight Arrow News I’m Chris Francis.
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- A recent report found that the U.S. solar industry had a record year in 2024. Together with energy storage, it accounted for 84% of the new electricity generation capacity added to the nation’s power grid. Nearly 50 gigawatts of solar power were installed, the largest annual energy source expansion in over 20 years.
- The report also highlighted industry concerns over potential federal policy changes under the Trump administration, which could stunt the growth of American solar energy.
- Projections show U.S. solar capacity could reach 739 gigawatts by 2035. Still, changes to renewable energy policies may lead to a decline of 130 gigawatts over the next decade and $250 billion in lost investments.
Full Story
The U.S. solar industry achieved record growth in 2024. However, concerns over potential federal policy changes have cast uncertainty over its future.
How much did the US solar industry grow in 2024?
According to a report released Tuesday, March 11, by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and research firm Wood Mackenzie, solar and energy storage accounted for 84% of new electricity generation capacity added to the U.S. power grid last year.
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In total, nearly 50 gigawatts of solar power were installed, marking the most significant annual expansion of any energy technology in more than two decades. This rapid growth was bolstered by over $70 billion in private investment in the U.S. solar sector throughout the year.
What challenges is the US solar industry facing?
The report also outlines industry concerns about potential policy shifts under President Donald Trump, particularly regarding renewable energy tax credits and funding provisions from the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act. The Trump administration has signaled intentions to roll back these incentives, which played a key role in supporting the industry’s expansion.
What happens next?
Projections made by the SEIA and Wood Mackenzie suggest that total U.S. solar capacity could reach 739 gigawatts by 2035, enough to power more than 550 million homes.
However, the two organizations warn that if clean energy policies are significantly altered, solar deployment could decline by 130 gigawatts over the next decade, potentially leading to an estimated $250 billion in lost investment.
THE U.S. SOLAR INDUSTRY HAS BEEN BREAKING RECORDS-
BUT NOW FACES AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE UNDER NEW FEDERAL ENERGY POLICIES.
ACCORDING TO A REPORT RELEASED TUESDAY BY THE SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION AND RESEARCH FIRM WOOD MACKENZIE-
SOLAR AND ENERGY STORAGE MADE UP 84% OF THE NEW ELECTRICITY GENERATION CAPACITY ADDED TO THE U.S. POWER GRID IN 2024.
IN TOTAL, ALMOST 50 GIGAWATTS OF SOLAR POWER WERE INSTALLED-
MARKING THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ANNUAL GROWTH BY ANY ENERGY TECHNOLOGY IN MORE THAN TWO DECADES.
TO ACHIEVE THIS, THE U.S. SOLAR ENERGY GENERATED OVER 70 BILLION DOLLARS IN PRIVATE INVESTMENTS OVER THE COURSE OF LAST YEAR.
HOWEVER, DESPITE THAT RAPID EXPANSION, EXPERTS WARN THAT THE SECTOR COULD FACE SIGNIFICANT HURDLES IN THE COMING YEARS.
THE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS THE INDUSTRY’S CONCERNS OVER POTENTIAL CHANGES TO FEDERAL ENERGY POLICIES UNDER PRESIDENT TRUMP-
PARTICULARLY REGARDING RENEWABLE ENERGY TAX CREDITS AND FUNDING PROVIDED THROUGH THE BIDEN-ERA INFLATION REDUCTION ACT-
WHICH THE NEW ADMINISTRATION SEEKS TO ROLL BACK.
THE REPORT PROJECTS TOTAL U.S. SOLAR CAPACITY COULD REACH 739 GIGAWATTS BY 2035-
ENOUGH TO POWER OVER 550 MILLION HOMES.
BUT, FOUND THAT IF THOSE POLICIES THAT PROMOTED CLEAN ENERGY EXPANSION ARE ALTERED-
SOLAR DEPLOYMENT COULD DECLINE BY 130 GIGAWATTS OVER THE NEXT DECADE, REPRESENTING AN ESTIMATED 250 BILLION DOLLARS IN LOST INVESTMENT.
FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS, I’M JACK AYLMER.
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- Amazon, Meta and Google have committed to helping triple global nuclear power capacity by 2050 as part of the World Nuclear Association’s “Large Energy Users Pledge.” This marks the first time major non-energy corporations have publicly backed such an initiative.
- Tripling nuclear capacity would require an estimated $150 billion in annual investment, totaling trillions of dollars by 2050.
- Tech companies see nuclear power as a stable, low-carbon energy source to meet sustainability goals and power-intensive digital infrastructure like AI operations.
Full Story
A trio of the world’s largest technology companies—Amazon, Meta, and Google—have pledged their support for a global initiative to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050. This commitment is part of the World Nuclear Association’s “Large Energy Users Pledge.” It aims to expand nuclear energy to meet rising global electricity demands.
What is the Large Energy Users Pledge?
First introduced at the World Nuclear Symposium in 2023, the pledge has already gained support from 31 countries, 140 nuclear-related companies, and 14 financial institutions. However, this marks the first time that major corporations outside of the energy sector have publicly endorsed such a large-scale expansion of nuclear power.
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What will it take to triple global nuclear capacity?
Currently, nuclear power accounts for approximately 9% of the world’s electricity generated by about 440 reactors. Analysts estimate that tripling this output by 2050 would require an investment of approximately $150 billion annually, ultimately totaling trillions of dollars in spending over the next two and a half decades.
Why are Big Tech companies supporting nuclear development?
Despite the substantial financial commitment, major technology firms, such as the trio that just signed the Large Energy Users Pledge, see nuclear energy’s low carbon footprint as a viable solution for meeting sustainability goals while providing the massive power supply needed to support growing digital infrastructure. Data centers, which power artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency operations, require large amounts of electricity — driving tech firms to seek stable and clean energy sources.
Meta has already begun exploring nuclear energy options, seeking energy developers capable of adding up to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity by the early 2030s. Amazon and Google have also previously signed agreements to fund nuclear power projects, underscoring their commitment to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
THREE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST TECH COMPANIES ARE PROMISING TO HELP TRIPLE GLOBAL NUCLEAR POWER SUPPLY BY 2050.
THIS COMMITMENT WAS MADE BY AMAZON, META AND GOOGLE-
AS PART OF THE WORLD NUCLEAR ASSOCIATION’S “LARGE ENERGY USERS PLEDGE”-
AIMING TO EXPAND NUCLEAR POWER CAPACITY TO MEET GROWING WORLDWIDE ELECTRICITY DEMANDS.
FIRST INTRODUCED AT THE WORLD NUCLEAR SYMPOSIUM IN 2023-
THE PLEDGE ALREADY HAS BACKING FROM 31 COUNTRIES, 140 NUCLEAR-RELATED COMPANIES, AND 14 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME MAJOR BUSINESSES BEYOND THE ENERGY SECTOR HAVE COME TOGETHER TO PUBLICLY BACK AN EXTENSIVE AND CONCERTED EXPANSION OF NUCLEAR POWER.
CURRENTLY, AROUND 9 PERCENT OF THE PLANET’S ELECTRICITY COMES FROM NUCLEAR ENERGY-
GENERATED BY ABOUT 440 NUCLEAR REACTORS.
ANALYSTS SAY TRIPLING THAT TOTAL BY 2050 WILL REQUIRE THE SPENDING OF APPROXIMATELY 150 BILLION DOLLARS EVERY YEAR-
ULTIMATELY TOTALING TRILLIONS TO ACHIEVE.
DESPITE THE ENORMOUS INVESTMENT NEEDED TO FURTHER GROW THIS ENERGY SOURCE-
BECAUSE NUCLEAR POWER HAS A MINIMAL CARBON OUTPUT ASSOCIATED WITH IT-
LARGE TECH FIRMS, LIKE THE TRIO WHICH JUST JOINED THE LARGE ENERGY USERS PLEDGE, SEE IT AS A VIABLE SOLUTION FOR BOTH MEETING SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS-
AND SUPPLYING THE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF ELECTRICITY NEEDED TO RUN DATA CENTERS, WHICH SUPPORT CRYPTO AND AI OPERATIONS.
LATE LAST YEAR, META PUT OUT A CALL FOR ENERGY DEVELOPERS WHO COULD HELP THE COMPANY ADD AS MUCH AS 4 GIGAWATTS OF NEW NUCLEAR CAPACITY BY THE EARLY 2030’S.
WHILE BOTH AMAZON AND GOOGLE HAVE PREVIOUSLY SIGNED AGREEMENTS TO FUND NUCLEAR POWER PROJECTS.
FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS, I’M JACK AYLMER.
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- The Toronto Police Department removed an episode of its Project Olive Branch podcast after two Muslim liaison officers made remarks about people reverting to Islam following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The officers were discussing an uptick in people researching the religion of Islam to find out why it is “so hated.”
- However, the officers’ comments upset the Jewish community.
- The police department apologized, reaffirming its commitment to protecting all communities.
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The Toronto Police Department has removed an episode of its podcast, Project Olive Branch, after two Muslim liaison officers discussed the number of people reverting to Islam following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
In Islam, a revert refers to someone returning to the Islamic faith after leaving it. Adherents believe all people are born Muslim but are raised in other religions—hence the term “reverting” rather than “converting.”
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“It’s funny you say this because through social media, a lot of people after Oct. 7 started learning about Islam,” Constable Haroon Siddiqui said. “And they said, ‘Well okay, what is it with the religion that, why is it so hated?’ You know what I mean? ‘Why are they being attacked all the time?’ So people say, ‘You know what? Let me learn about Islam,’ and there’ve been a lot of reverts,” Siddiqui said. “The amount of people that are reverting to Islam is unbelievable.”
Hamas killed 1,200 people on Oct. 7 and kidnapped more than 200 others, including Americans, some of whom are still being held hostage.
Shortly after the attack, Israel launched a full-scale war against Hamas in Gaza, killing more than 46,000 Palestinians and injuring more than 109,000 others, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The officers’ comments upset the Jewish community in Toronto.
Michelle Stock of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs spoke to the Toronto Sun and said, “Jews don’t feel safe in Toronto and have repeatedly questioned why the police aren’t doing more to protect our communities and stop the open glorification of terror on our streets. Is this why? Are we witnessing a two-tier policing system that leaves parts of our city vulnerable to hate and extremism?”
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The Toronto Police Department responded in a post on X, saying:
“We acknowledge that a recent episode of our podcast, Project Olive Branch, has caused significant upset and concern in the Jewish community and beyond. That was not our intention, and we apologize. The podcast has been removed.”
The police chief added, “We recognize the Jewish community’s profound pain and anguish as a result of October 7 and the ensuing rise of anti-Semitism. I have personally heard from the community about the impact of this podcast, and I’m truly sorry. Our commitment to protecting our Jewish communities remains unwavering.”
THE TORONTO POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS REMOVED AN EPISODE OF IT’S PODCAST “PROJECT OLIVE BRANCH” AFTER TWO MUSLIM LIAISON OFFICERS MADE REMARKS ABOUT PEOPLE CONVERTING TO ISLAM AFTER HAMAS’ OCTOBER 7TH MASSACRE IN 2023.
“IT’S FUNNY YOU SAY THIS BECAUSE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA, A LOT OF PEOPLE AFTER OCTOBER 7TH STARTED LEARNING ABOUT ISLAM,” CONSTABLE HAROON SIDDIQUI SAID.
CONSTABLE FARHAN ALI AGREED SAYING, “THEY DID.”
“AND THEY SAID ‘WELL OKAY. WHAT IS IT WITH THE RELIGION THAT, WHY IS IT SO HATED?’ YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN? WHY ARE THEY BEING ATTACKED ALL THE TIME? SO PEOPLE SAY ‘YOU KNOW WHAT? LET ME LEARN ABOUT ISLAM AND THERE’VE BEEN A LOT OF REVERTS,” SIDDIQUI SAID. “THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE REVERTING TO ISLAM IS UNBELIEVABLE.”
REVERT IN ISLAM MEANS SOMEONE RETURNING TO THE ISLAMIC FAITH AFTER LEAVING IT. MUSLIMS BELIEVE ALL PEOPLE ARE BORN MUSLIM BUT ARE RAISED IN OTHER RELIGIONS, HENCE THE TERM “REVERTING” AND NOT CONVERTING.”
HAMAS KILLED 1,200 PEOPLE ON OCTOBER 7TH – AND KIDNAPPED MORE THAN 200 OTHERS, INCLUDING SOME AMERICANS.
SOME OF THOSE HOSTAGES ARE STILL IN HAMAS CAPTIVITY.
ISRAEL LAUNCHED A FULL-SCALE WAR AGAINST HAMAS IN GAZA, KILLING MORE THAN 46,000 PALESTINIANS AND INJURING MORE THAN 109,000, ACCORDING TO THE HAMAS RUN GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY.
THE OFFICERS’ COMMENTS UPSET THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN TORONTO.
MICHELLE STOCK, OF THE CENTRE FOR ISRAEL AND JEWISH AFFAIRS (CIJA), TALKED TO THE TORONTO SUN NEWSPAPER AND SAID “JEWS DON’T FEEL SAFE IN TORONTO AND HAVE REPEATEDLY QUESTIONED WHY THE POLICE AREN’T DOING MORE TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES AND STOP THE OPEN GLORIFICATION OF TERROR ON OUR STREETS. IS THIS WHY? ARE WE WITNESSING A TWO-TIER POLICING SYSTEM THAT LEAVES PARTS OF OUR CITY VULNERABLE TO HATE AND EXTREMISM?”
THE TORONTO POLICE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED IN A POST ON X SAYING:
“WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT A RECENT EPISODE OF OUR PODCAST, PROJECT OLIVE BRANCH, HAS CAUSED SIGNIFICANT UPSET AND CONCERN IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY AND BEYOND. THAT WAS NOT OUR INTENTION AND WE APOLOGIZE. THE PODCAST HAS BEEN REMOVED.”
THE POLICE CHIEF ADDED “WE RECOGNIZE THE JEWISH COMMUNITY’S PROFOUND PAIN AND ANGUISH AS A RESULT OF OCTOBER 7TH AND THE ENSUING RISE OF ANTI-SEMITISM. I HAVE PERSONALLY HEARD FROM THE COMMUNITY ABOUT THE IMPACT OF THIS PODCAST, AND I’M TRULY SORRY. OUR COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING OUR JEWISH COMMUNITIES REMAINS UNWAVERING.”
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- Despite threats of a trade war, the NBA hopes to resume their once great relationship with China. Players are leading the way on Chinese social media.
- Stars like Jalen Brunson, James Harden and Tyrese Haliburton have hundreds of thousands of followers on various Chinese accounts.
- The NBA has been trying to repair its relationship with China since 2019. That’s when former Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey sparked a firestorm with a single tweet in support of Hong Kong.
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A trade war may be brewing between the U.S. and China, but the NBA wants nothing to do with it. In fact, the league is looking to expand its relationship with the millions of fans in that country.
Players like New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson are leading the way. He began his foray into Chinese social media in September 2024 with an introductory video on the Chinese version of YouTube.
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“What’s up, Bilibili? This is Jalen Brunson. Check me out on Bilibili, and I’m gonna share my podcast and so much more with you all. And we’ll see you soon,” Brunson announced in the video.
Brunson has more than 400,000 followers on various social media accounts in China. According to the New York Times, he is using an outside company to run those accounts, boosting his profile and tapping into a huge market that has been dormant for several years.
What is the NBA hoping to do in China?
The league hopes the relationship with China will eventually return to the heights it once enjoyed in the early 2000s. That’s when center Yao Ming was one of the game’s biggest stars and a direct link between the two countries.
All that went away in October 2019 when Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey shared a tweet with the slogan: “Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong.” The post angered the Chinese government and sparked a geopolitical firestorm that has only recently begun to thaw.
In December 2024, the NBA announced it would return to playing games in China for the first time since 2019 as the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns meet in two preseason games in the Chinese territory of Macao.
How have players been leading the way?
However, NBA players have been faster in jumping on what most believe is once again an “emerging market” for the league. According to the Times, dozens of stars use Chinese social media to boost their profiles and profits. For instance, the Times says Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden sold 10,000 bottles of wine in seconds during a livestream on the platform Douyin. Others have deals with Chinese shoe companies and take tours of the country in the offseason, posting on social media every step along the way.
Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers rode a wave of Chinese fan support to the 2024 All-Star Game, winning so many votes he made the starting lineup. He was asked about Chinese social media support during media day interviews before the game in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“I appreciate the love. It’s super cool to be on Chinese socials. I’m on Douyin, I’m on WeChat, interacting with fans, that means a lot to me,” Haliburton said. “I appreciate that and I feel like it has a lot to do with me being first in fan votes. I know people see a player in Indiana and don’t expect that, but the love I’ve received from my fans in China has been amazing.”
Expect that “love” to grow exponentially in the next few years, at least on social media.
Tags: Brooklyn Nets, China, Hong Kong, Houston, Indiana, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, NBA, New York, Phoenix
There may be a trade war brewing between the US and China but the NBA wants no part of it. In fact, the league is looking to expand on their relationship with the millions of fans in that country. Check out Knicks guard Jalen Brunson on the Chinese version of YouTube.
“What’s up Bilibili this is Jalen Brunson, check me out on Bilibili and I’m gonna share my podcast and so much more with you all. and we’ll see you soon ”
Brunson has more than 400,000 followers on various social media accounts in China and according to the New York Times is using an outside company to run those accounts boosting his profile and tapping into a huge market that has been dormant for several years.
In October of 2019, Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey shared a post on twitter with the slogan: “Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong.” The post angered the Chinese government and sparked a geopolitical firestorm which has only recently begun to thaw.
In December 2024, the NBA announced it will return to playing games in China for the first time since 2019 as the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns meet in two preseason games in the Chinese territory of Macao.
But NBA players have been faster to jump on the once again “emerging market.” According to the Times, dozens of stars use Chinese social media to boost their profile and profits. For instance, Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden sold 10,000 bottles of wine in seconds during a livestream on the platform Douyin (Doy-YEEN). Others have deals with Chinese shoe companies.
Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers rode a wave of Chinese fan support to the 2024 All-Star Game, winning so many votes he made the starting lineup. He was asked about it during media day interviews.
“I appreciate the love, it’s super cool to be on Chinese socials. I’m on Douyin, I’m on WeChat, interacting with fans, that means a lot to me. I appreciate that and I feel like it has a lot to do with me being first in fan votes. I know people see a player in Indiana and don’t expect that, but the love I’ve received from my fans in China has been amazing.”
Expect that ‘love’ to grow exponentially, at least on social media. The league is hoping the relationship with China will eventually return to the heights it once enjoyed in the early 2000’s when center Yao Ming was one of the games biggest stars and a direct link between the two countries.
For Straight Arrow News I’m Chris Francis.
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- Maryland lawmakers are considering a bill that would impose a $13 per short ton fee on coal transported through the state. The goal is to reduce pollution from the energy source and fund asthma treatment programs. West Virginia officials oppose the legislation, claiming it unfairly targets out-of-state coal producers, as Maryland’s Port of Baltimore is the nation’s second-largest coal-exporting port.
- West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey argues the legislation violates the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause, nearly doubles coal transport costs and allows Maryland lawmakers to “fill their coffers at the expense of hard-working Americans miles away.”
- West Virginia has offered to work with Maryland on alternatives but warns that legal action will likely be pursued if the bill is not significantly revised.
Full Story
A proposed coal fee in Maryland faces opposition from officials in neighboring West Virginia, one of the nation’s largest exporters of this energy source. Maryland lawmakers are currently considering the Coal Dust Cleanup and Asthma Remediation Act, which would charge out-of-state coal producers $13 per short ton of the fossil fuel transported through the state.
What are the arguments for and against this coal fee?
Maryland would use revenue generated through the legislation to address pollution caused by coal dust, including funding for asthma treatment in affected communities. Meanwhile, West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey has suggested the bill may violate the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting states from enacting laws that unduly restrict or discriminate against interstate trade.
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McCuskey claims the fee would “nearly double the cost of sending coal to or through Maryland” and argues that states should not “fill their coffers at the expense of hard-working Americans miles away.”
In a letter urging Maryland’s legislative leaders to table the bill, McCuskey wrote, “This Bill inappropriately targets and extracts large sums of money from energy suppliers to bankroll Maryland’s budget.”
What does Maryland stand to gain from the legislation?
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2023, West Virginia was the second-largest coal-producing state in the country, while Maryland ranked 16th. However, Maryland is home to the Port of Baltimore, the nation’s second-largest coal-exporting port, making it a key transit hub for coal shipments from West Virginia and other states.
A 2024 study by Johns Hopkins University found measurable amounts of coal dust pollution affecting communities nearly a mile from the port, which impacted schools, playgrounds and residential areas. Funds from the fee would be used to mitigate environmental and public health concerns to help address the problem.
How will this impact West Virginia?
While McCuskey says West Virginia “supports Maryland’s efforts to solve its internal problems,” he argues that only 2% of the funds created by the fee would actually go towards “programs related to asthma treatment for communities impacted by coal dust.” The rest, he alleges, would go to the state’s general fund.
The attorney general further asserts the Port of Baltimore’s importance to West Virginia’s coal exports, which make up over 50% of its total export product, will contribute to an increase in costs for his state of $182 million annually.
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What happens next?
McCuskey has offered to collaborate with Maryland on alternative solutions to reduce the effects of coal pollution but warned that if the legislation proceeds without major changes, West Virginia may pursue legal action.
“Unless the House or Senate substantially revises the Bill, we do not see how it could withstand judicial scrutiny,” McCuskey wrote to Maryland lawmakers. “West Virginia is already leading the fight against a similar bill. We hope we will not be compelled to do the same as to Maryland. We would rather devote our time to working together to resolve the problems facing our region, including environmental concerns.”
[Jack Aylmer]
A POTENTIAL FEE ON COAL IN MARYLAND IS DRAWING OPPOSITION FROM WEST VIRGINIA-
ONE OF THE NATION’S LARGEST EXPORTERS OF THIS ENERGY SOURCE.
MARYLAND LAWMAKERS ARE CURRENTLY CONSIDERING A BILL THAT WOULD IMPOSE A CHARGE OF 13 DOLLARS PER SHORT TON OF COAL TRANSPORTED THROUGH THE STATE.
DUBBED THE COAL DUST CLEANUP AND ASTHMA REMEDIATION ACT, MONEY FROM IT WOULD GO TOWARDS REDUCING POLLUTION ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOSSIL FUEL.
HOWEVER, WEST VIRGINIA’S ATTORNEY GENERAL J.B. MCCUSKEY SUGGESTS THE LEGISLATION COULD BE UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
ARGUING IT VIOLATES THE COMMERCE CLAUSE OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION-
WHICH PROHIBITS STATES FROM ENACTING LAWS THAT UNDULY RESTRICT OR DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INTERSTATE TRADE.
MCCUSKEY CLAIMS THE BILL WILL “NEARLY DOUBLE THE COST OF SENDING COAL TO OR THROUGH MARYLAND”-
AND ASSERTS STATES SHOULD NOT QUOTE “FILL THEIR COFFERS AT THE EXPENSE OF HARD-WORKING AMERICANS MILES AWAY.”
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WROTE A LETTER TO MARYLAND HOUSE AND SENATE LEADERS URGING THEM TO TABLE THE LEGISLATION-
IN WHICH HE CLAIMED IT INAPPROPRIATELY EXTRACTS LARGE SUMS OF MONEY FROM ENERGY SUPPLIERS TO BANKROLL MARYLAND’S BUDGET.
WHILE, WEST VIRGINIA IS THE NUMBER TWO LEADING STATES IN COAL PRODUCTION, MARYLAND RANKS MUCH LOWER-
COMING IN AT 16TH IN 2023, ACCORDING TO THE U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION.
BUT, MARYLAND IS HOME TO THE PORT OF BALTIMORE, THE SECOND-LARGEST COAL EXPORTING PORT IN THE COUNTRY-
THOUGH ACHIEVING THAT STATUS REPORTEDLY CAME AT THE EXPENSE OF NEARBY RESIDENTS.
A 2024 STUDY BY RESEARCHERS AT JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY FOUND MEASURABLE AMOUNTS OF COAL DUST TRAVELING TO COMMUNITIES NEARLY A MILE AWAY FROM THE PORT-
IMPACTING SCHOOLS, PLAYGROUNDS AND HOMES.
TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM-
FUNDS GENERATED BY MARYLAND’S COAL FEE WILL BE ALLOCATED TO THE STATE’S FOSSIL FUEL MITIGATION FUND…INTENDED TO ADDRESS ASTHMA TREATMENT IN AFFECTED COMMUNITIES.
MCCUSKEY SAYS WEST VIRGINIA SUPPORTS THESE EFFORTS BY MARYLAND TO SOLVE WHAT HE CALLS ITS INTERNAL PROBLEMS-
BUT CLAIMS ONLY 2 PERCENT OF FUNDS FROM THE BILL WILL ACTUALLY GO TO THE FOSSIL FUEL MITIGATION FUND-
AND THE REST WOULD BE ADDED TO THE STATE’S GENERAL FUND.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FURTHER ASSERTS THE PORT OF BALTIMORE’S IMPORTANCE TO WEST VIRGINIA’S COAL EXPORTS-
MAKING UP OVER 50 PERCENT OF ITS TOTAL EXPORT PRODUCT-
WILL CONTRIBUTE TO AN INCREASE IN COSTS FOR HIS STATE OF 182 MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY.
MCCUSKEY HAS OFFERED TO WORK WITH MARYLAND ON POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES TO ADDRESSING THE STATE’S ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS REGARDING COAL-
THOUGH HE WARNED THAT IF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION MOVES FORWARD WITHOUT SUBSTANTIAL REVISIONS, WEST VIRGINIA WILL LIKELY BE COMPELLED TO PURSUE LEGAL ACTION.
FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS, I’M JACK AYLMER.
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