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House Energy Committee Advances Six Nuclear Bills; Representative Pallone Supports with Transparency Condition

House Energy Committee Advances Six Nuclear Bills; Representative Pallone Supports with Transparency Condition

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has advanced six nuclear energy bills without opposition, signaling a bipartisan consensus on expanding atomic power. The legislation aims to streamline licensing, boost domestic fuel production, and enhance regulatory clarity for the nuclear industry. Representative Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ-6), the ranking Democrat, expressed conditional support for these bills, emphasizing that his backing is contingent upon the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Department of Energy maintaining sufficient transparency in their safety rules and regulations. While the nuclear measures passed unanimously, the committee also saw sharp divisions over environmental regulations, with Democrats opposing two bills that would restrict state authority over diesel emissions and locomotive pollution. The advanced nuclear bills address challenges such as licensing delays, regulatory clarity, and workforce retention within the nuclear sector, covering areas like fuel recycling, uranium e...

Wilmington Star-News

NC failed its coastal fisheries. Regulators must act now | Opinion

NC failed its coastal fisheries. Regulators must act now | Opinion

A court has ruled that North Carolina has failed to protect its coastal fisheries. Now the hard part begins.

Fauci Diaries Reignite Scrutiny of Former Governor Cooper's K-12 COVID-19 Policies

Fauci Diaries Reignite Scrutiny of Former Governor Cooper's K-12 COVID-19 Policies

Recently released personal diaries of Dr. Anthony Fauci have brought renewed attention to former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper's decisions regarding K-12 school closures and mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci's diary entries reveal a 45-minute phone call with Governor Cooper on June 29, 2020, where Cooper expressed his dilemma about reopening charter schools and sought Fauci's advice. Fauci recommended delaying the decision for two weeks, noting Cooper's concerns about an uptick in cases and the potential need to re-close schools if a surge occurred. This conversation preceded Cooper's July 1, 2020, announcement to delay his school reopening decision. Throughout the pandemic, Cooper's administration, under then-NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen, implemented policies including universal masking for K-12 students and quarantine restrictions, which were later challenged by lawmakers like former state House Speaker Tim Moore.

President Trump Highlights Key Swing Races in Midterm Convention Speech

President Trump Highlights Key Swing Races in Midterm Convention Speech

President Trump delivered a lengthy speech at a two-day Republican midterm convention, focusing on critical swing races that will determine control of Congress. He outlined his strategy to campaign in all midterm battleground states and for candidates in 35 races. During his speech, President Trump intensified his attacks on Democrats, accusing them of becoming overly liberal and aiming to dismantle the American way of life. He specifically targeted races in Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas. In Michigan, he criticized Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, linking him to controversial progressive views and a streamer who made controversial comments about 9/11. For North Carolina, President Trump attacked former Governor Roy Cooper, who is running for Senate, for his administration's settlement that led to the early release of prisoners during the pandemic and his response to Hurricane Helene. In Texas, he endorsed Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton, praising him as the 'greatest attorney ge...

Human-Caused Sea Level Rise Accounts for 80% of U.S. Coastal Flood Days

Human-Caused Sea Level Rise Accounts for 80% of U.S. Coastal Flood Days

A new analysis by Climate Central, extending recent peer-reviewed research through 2025, reveals that human-caused sea level rise is responsible for approximately eight out of every ten days of coastal flooding across 71 U.S. locations. The frequency of coastal flooding has more than tripled since the 2000s, reaching an average of 14 days per year during 2020-2025 in these same locations. This increase is attributed to rising sea levels, which are a direct consequence of a warming climate. Oceans have absorbed 90% of the excess heat from heat-trapping pollution, leading to thermal expansion of seawater and melting glaciers and ice sheets. Wilmington, NC, for instance, experiences 108 days of coastal flooding annually, with about 76% of these days directly linked to human-caused sea level rise. The analysis highlights that even under low-emissions scenarios, sea levels will continue to rise, posing ongoing risks to coastal communities.

House Panel Examines U.S. Dependence on China for Critical Minerals; Donald Trump Jr.'s Firm Under Scrutiny

House Panel Examines U.S. Dependence on China for Critical Minerals; Donald Trump Jr.'s Firm Under Scrutiny

The House Ways and Means Committee recently held a hearing to address the U.S.'s reliance on China for critical minerals, which are essential for various products from smartphones to military equipment. China currently dominates the production or processing of 30 out of 60 critical minerals designated by the U.S., controlling approximately 90% of global rare earth processing capacity. The Trump administration has prioritized securing critical mineral supply chains since January 2025, signing executive orders to accelerate permitting and expand domestic mineral production. Project Vault, a strategic critical minerals reserve backed by $10 billion from the Export-Import Bank and nearly $2 billion in private financing, was announced in February. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also convened the Critical Minerals Ministerial, establishing the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE) for international cooperation. Donald Trump Jr.'s venture capital firm, 1789 Capital, has invested in Vulcan Elements, a ...

Get your $500 Obamacare refund: who’s eligible

Get your $500 Obamacare refund: who’s eligible

The White House says the Biden administration overcharged Affordable Care Act Exchange plan enrollees.

Duke Energy Introduces PowerPair NC Rebates for Residential Solar and Battery Storage in North Carolina

Duke Energy Introduces PowerPair NC Rebates for Residential Solar and Battery Storage in North Carolina

Duke Energy Introduces PowerPair NC Rebates for Residential Solar and Battery Storage in North Carolina

U.S., Japan, and South Korea Forge Nuclear Alliance to Enhance Energy Security and Counter Rival Influence

U.S., Japan, and South Korea Forge Nuclear Alliance to Enhance Energy Security and Counter Rival Influence

The United States, Japan, and South Korea are forming a trilateral alliance focused on expanding nuclear power as a key strategy for energy security and regional stability. This collaboration is driven by increasing electricity demands, concerns over the reliability of coal, oil, and gas supplies, and a strategic effort to offer alternatives to Chinese and Russian reactor vendors. The three nations have formalized their cooperation through an agreement specifically targeting small modular reactors (SMRs). This initiative aims to align their respective nuclear industries, fostering mutually beneficial cooperation and providing competitive options for partners in the region. The U.S. Department of State emphasized that this coordinated approach will help American, Japanese, and Korean firms meet growing energy demands while upholding high standards of nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation as new reactor technologies become available. This shift integrates energy policy into a broader trilateral sec...

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson Announces Expanded AT Cell Service in Moore County, North Carolina

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson Announces Expanded AT Cell Service in Moore County, North Carolina

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) has announced an expansion of AT&T wireless service in parts of Moore County, North Carolina, through a new roaming agreement. This initiative aims to close existing cell service gaps in the area, providing improved connectivity for residents, businesses, and particularly for FirstNet subscribers, including first responders. The expanded coverage, which took effect on September 10, follows discussions between Representative Hudson and AT&T officials last month, where they addressed areas with connectivity problems. This effort is part of a broader strategy involving multiple wireless providers, as Verizon also activated a new cell tower near Moore County Airport in August, improving service for its customers. Representative Hudson has been actively working with Southern Pines Mayor Taylor Clement to pinpoint specific problem areas, including neighborhoods, major roads, local businesses, and locations near the airport, to ensure comprehensive service improvement.

Above-Average Temperatures Persist Across Eastern and Southern U.S.

Above-Average Temperatures Persist Across Eastern and Southern U.S.

The eastern and southern United States are experiencing prolonged above-average temperatures, with highs consistently reaching the 90s °F (32-37 °C) through September 20, 2026. According to WRAL, the 6-to-10 day and 8-to-14 day outlooks indicate continued heat, particularly in southern North Carolina and the Gulf Coast. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) recorded its warmest average mean temperature for September 1-8 at 82.5 °F (28.1 °C), which is 6.7 °F (3.7 °C) above normal. The average high temperature during this period was 93.9 °F (34.4 °C), 8.4 °F (4.7 °C) above normal. Meteorologists attribute the persistent heat to a lack of jet stream dips, which would otherwise bring cooler air to the region.

North Carolina Taxpayers Eligible for New Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit in 2027

North Carolina Taxpayers Eligible for New Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit in 2027

More than 3.7 million taxpayers in North Carolina are projected to be eligible for the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, set to launch on January 1, 2027. This credit, established by Congress in the 2025 budget reconciliation law, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, allows individual taxpayers to claim a nonrefundable federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 for qualifying cash contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). These SGOs then use the donations to provide scholarships for K-12 education expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, and special education services. North Carolina opted into this program in June by overriding Governor Josh Stein’s veto of House Bill 87, making it one of 31 participating states. A report by AFC Growth Fund senior fellow Patrick Graff estimates that if every eligible North Carolinian donated the maximum, the state's total giving capacity under this credit could reach $5.7 billion. Nationally, Graff estimates 121.5 million filers, or 74.2% ...