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Newcleo Proposes U.S. Plutonium Fuel Factory to NRC, Reviving Past Efforts

Newcleo Proposes U.S. Plutonium Fuel Factory to NRC, Reviving Past Efforts

Newcleo, a French nuclear technology firm, has submitted a Regulatory Engagement Plan to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for licensing a facility in the United States to manufacture mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel from recycled or surplus plutonium. This move follows Newcleo's ongoing work in Italy, where it operates a 155-ton molten lead reactor demonstrator, PRECURSOR, using electric heaters instead of uranium to test the technology. The company aims to establish a supply chain for advanced reactors that require MOX fuel. This proposal comes despite a previous U.S. attempt to build a plutonium fuel plant at the Savannah River Site, which was abandoned after costing billions of dollars and remaining half-built. Newcleo's CEO, Stefano Buono, stated that this submission is a concrete step to advance their MOX fuel facility in the U.S., building on the expertise of over 100 engineers. The company has not yet announced the proposed location for the American plant.
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ASP Isotopes Subsidiary Quantum Leap Energy Evaluates Uranium Conversion Opportunities in Namibia

ASP Isotopes Subsidiary Quantum Leap Energy Evaluates Uranium Conversion Opportunities in Namibia

ASP Isotopes Subsidiary Quantum Leap Energy Evaluates Uranium Conversion Opportunities in Namibia
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TerraPower Forms Korean Natrium Alliance with Hyundai E and SK Innovation for Global SMR Deployment

TerraPower Forms Korean Natrium Alliance with Hyundai E and SK Innovation for Global SMR Deployment

TerraPower Forms Korean Natrium Alliance with Hyundai E and SK Innovation for Global SMR Deployment
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Energy Secretary Chris Wright Celebrates 'American Energy Comeback' in Permian Basin, Emphasizes Domestic Production

Energy Secretary Chris Wright Celebrates 'American Energy Comeback' in Permian Basin, Emphasizes Domestic Production

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited the Permian Basin in Midland, Texas, to celebrate the region's booming oil and gas industry and promote the Trump administration's focus on American energy dominance. During his visit, part of the Department of Energy’s “Great American Energy Comeback Tour,” Wright highlighted the dramatic increase in oil and gas production in the Permian Basin over the past decade. He noted that oil production has grown from less than 2 million barrels per day to over 6.5 million barrels per day, and natural gas production has increased from 4.5 billion cubic feet per day to 28 billion cubic feet per day. Wright attributed this growth to technological innovation, American workers, and policies supporting domestic energy production. He conveyed President Trump's gratitude to the energy workers and industry leaders, emphasizing that American oil and gas production strengthens energy security and allows the U.S. to provide reliable energy to allies globally. Wright also stated that ...
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Senator Mike Crapo Advocates for Permanent Tax Policy to Boost Manufacturing and Economic Stability

Senator Mike Crapo Advocates for Permanent Tax Policy to Boost Manufacturing and Economic Stability

Senator Mike Crapo Advocates for Permanent Tax Policy to Boost Manufacturing and Economic Stability
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Senator Mike Crapo Expresses Concern Over Misuse of No Surprises Act's Independent Dispute Resolution Process

Senator Mike Crapo Expresses Concern Over Misuse of No Surprises Act's Independent Dispute Resolution Process

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, has voiced significant concern regarding alleged misuse and abuse of the independent dispute resolution (IDR) process established under the No Surprises Act. This federal law was designed to protect patients from unexpected medical bills, particularly from out-of-network providers. However, an insurer in Idaho, Blue Cross of Idaho, claims that Post Falls ER & Hospital, a micro-hospital, is heavily relying on this arbitration process as a primary revenue strategy, leading to significantly higher payouts for services—four to five times what the insurer typically pays other providers. Blue Cross alleges that this practice is driving up healthcare costs, which will ultimately be passed on to patients through increased premiums. Senator Crapo stated that such allegations are deeply concerning and risk undermining the patient protections Congress intended with the Act, calling for Congress and the Administration to work together to identify and cl...
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Idaho Legislature Eliminated Insanity Defense in 1982 Following National Controversy

Idaho Legislature Eliminated Insanity Defense in 1982 Following National Controversy

Idaho's legislature eliminated the insanity defense in 1982, a decision that followed national controversy surrounding the acquittal of John Hinckley Jr. Hinckley's defense argued that his attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan in 1981 was a consequence of his schizophrenia and delusional obsession. The 1982 verdict sparked public outrage, leading politicians to interrogate trial-jury members before a Senate subcommittee. Following Idaho's lead, Utah eliminated the insanity defense in 1983, and Kansas in 1995. Congress also passed the Insanity Defense Reform Act in 1984, which narrowed the application of insanity defenses in federal cases.
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U.S. Renewable Methanol Market to See Significant Growth Driven by IRA Incentives

U.S. Renewable Methanol Market to See Significant Growth Driven by IRA Incentives

U.S. Renewable Methanol Market to See Significant Growth Driven by IRA Incentives
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Blue Energy and GE Vernova Advance Gas-Plus-Nuclear Power Plant Project in Texas

Blue Energy and GE Vernova Advance Gas-Plus-Nuclear Power Plant Project in Texas

Blue Energy and GE Vernova Advance Gas-Plus-Nuclear Power Plant Project in Texas
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U.S. Power Grid Expansion Faces Infrastructure and Workforce Demands Amid Rising Electricity Needs

U.S. Power Grid Expansion Faces Infrastructure and Workforce Demands Amid Rising Electricity Needs

The United States is undergoing a significant expansion and modernization of its electric power grid, driven by increasing electricity demand from domestic manufacturing growth, data centers, and other large industrial loads. The Department of Energy's 2026 Office of Electricity Strategic Plan prioritizes expanding electric-system capacity, deploying grid-enhancing technologies, and improving transmission infrastructure. A draft 2026 National Transmission Needs Study by the Department of Energy highlights the urgent need for additional transmission infrastructure, citing load growth from data centers, manufacturing, and industrial electrification. Federal funding initiatives, such as a $1.9 billion opportunity through the SPARK program, are supporting upgrades to increase transmission capacity. This expansion necessitates a broad construction workforce, including electricians, lineworkers, welders, and engineers. For projects outside major metropolitan areas, securing appropriate workforce housing has beco...
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WalletHub ranks states from most to least-stressed. How NC ranked

WalletHub ranks states from most to least-stressed. How NC ranked

Everyone has stress. Here's how North Carolina stress level ranked among the other 50 states.
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US school vaccination rates inch down yet again and exemptions reach record high

US school vaccination rates inch down yet again and exemptions reach record high

U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates have declined again, with exemptions reaching a record high