DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Droughts killed more than 12 million trees in Mississippi and no one has the money to cut them down
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Kenneth Niemeyer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Droughts in 2023 killed more than 12 million pine trees in Mississippi last year. A report from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Mississippi Forestry Commission found that at least 12.5 million trees died in the state after droughts last year. Mississippi experienced heavy droughts last year starting in June that were so bad that NASA could see the Mississippi River shrinking from space in September. During the droughts, experts say that pine beetles swept across the state taking out entire patches of decades-old pine trees. "We are in a position where we are going to have to do something," Vozzo told The Clarion Ledger.

Persons: That's, Sen, Cindy Hyde, Smith, Pete Vozzo, Vozzo, McCain, Madison, De'Keither Stamps, Tate Reeves, Stamps Organizations: Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Mississippi Forestry Commission, Business, NASA, Republican, Smith, Property, Clarion, McCain Tree Service, Public Service, De'Keither, Gov Locations: Mississippi, Hyde, Madison, Jackson, Vicksburg

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A longtime public utilities regulator announced her candidacy on Thursday for North Dakota's lone U.S. House seat. North Dakota has an open race for its House seat because Republican Rep. Kelly Armstrong, first elected in 2018, is running for governor. Photos You Should See View All 22 ImagesOther Republican House candidates include former state representative Rick Becker, a plastic surgeon, and former state senator Tom Campbell, a potato farmer. A Democrat hasn't won a statewide election in North Dakota since 2012. If elected, she would be the first woman to represent North Dakota in the U.S. House.

Persons: —, Republican Julie Fedorchak, Fedorchak, ” Fedorchak, Kelly Armstrong, Rick Becker, Tom Campbell, Trygve Hammer, Democrat hasn't Organizations: N.D, North, Republican, Public Service Commission, GOP, Committee, Energy, Commerce, Democrat, Republican Party, Voters, U.S . House Locations: BISMARCK, North Dakota's, Bismarck, North Dakota, North, Fargo, U.S

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Power Co. said Thursday that vibrations found in a cooling system of its second new nuclear reactor will delay when the unit begins generating power. Georgia Power said the Unit 4 problem has already been fixed but too much testing remains to be done to make the March 30 deadline. The new Vogtle reactors are currently projected to cost Georgia Power and three other owners $31 billion, according to calulations by The Associated Press. But even as government officials and some utilities are again looking to nuclear power to alleviate climate change, the cost of Vogtle could discourage utilities from pursuing nuclear power. Georgia Power owns 45.7% of the reactors, with smaller shares owned by Oglethorpe Power Corp., which provides electricity to member-owned cooperatives; the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia; and the city of Dalton.

Persons: Georgia Power Organizations: ATLANTA, — Georgia Power Co, Vogtle's, Southern Co, Georgia, Georgia Power, Georgia Public Service Commission, Regulators, The Associated Press, Westinghouse, Oglethorpe Power Corp, Municipal Electric Authority of Locations: Atlanta, Augusta, Georgia, Vogtle, American, Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Dalton, Florida, Alabama

Local restrictions in Michigan derailed more than two dozen utility-scale renewable energy projects as of last May, according to a study by the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University. Nationwide, and at least 228 restrictions in 35 states have been imposed to stop green energy projects. The shift has sparked a political backlash that may escalate as more states seek to simplify getting green energy projects approved and built. But many local officials say giving states the power to site large-scale energy projects clashes with cherished U.S. political principles. In Kansas, Osage County’s moratorium on commercial solar and wind projects came in 2022 after multiple hearings.

Persons: Clara Ostrander, Ostrander, ”, Dan Scripps, Gretchen Whitmer, Biden, Jay Bailey, can’t, Elise Caplan, Scripps, suburbanites, Josh Svaty, Svaty, ” ___ Hanna Organizations: Leasing, Sabin, Climate, Columbia University . Nationwide, Public Service Commission, Scripps, Michigan, Democratic Gov, . Michigan, Republican, American Council, Renewable Energy, Columbia University, Local, Kansas Statehouse Locations: LANSING, Mich, Montcalm County, Monroe County, Michigan, Connecticut, New York , Oregon, Minnesota, Rhode Island, In Kansas, Osage, Flint Hills, Kansas, Monroe, ” Michigan, Illinois, California , Connecticut , New York, Maryland , Massachusetts, Minnesota , New Jersey, New Mexico, Florida, South Dakota, “, Topeka , Kansas

☆ 2 nuclear reactors that can power 1 million US homes with clean, sustainable energy is $21 billion over budget and years behind schedule
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-19 | by ( Jeff Amy | Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

It would take effect in the first month after Vogtle's Unit 4 begins commercial operation, projected to be sometime in March. They're currently projected to cost Georgia Power and three other owners $31 billion, according to Associated Press calculations. But even as government officials and some utilities are again looking to nuclear power to alleviate climate change, the cost of Vogtle could discourage utilities from pursuing nuclear power. Overall, the company said Georgia Power would collect an additional $729 million a year from its 2.7 million customers. The five Republican commissioners, all elected statewide, voted on an agreement that Georgia Power reached with commission staff and some consumer groups.

Persons: —, They're, Jeff Amy Southern, Georgia Power, John Kraft, Jason Shaw, Vogtle, " Shaw, Bryan Jacob Organizations: Service, Georgia Public Service, Georgia Power Co, Business, Vogtle's, Georgia Power, Westinghouse, Republican, Georgia Public Service Commission, AP, Jeff Amy Southern Co, Georgia, Georgia PSC, Power, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Oglethorpe Power Corp, Municipal Electric Authority of Locations: ATLANTA, Georgia, Augusta, American, Atlanta, Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Dalton, Florida, Alabama

The clean energy package, which was approved by Democrats in the Michigan Legislature this month, has been lauded by environmental groups. Of the 12% produced through renewable sources last year, most came from winds that sweep across the Great Lakes. Under the package, clean energy includes renewable sources along with nuclear energy and natural gas. Meeting the 50% renewable energy goal by 2030, and 60% five years later, will require a massive buildout of utility-scale renewable energy resources in Michigan. Public reaction to the Democrats’ ambitious energy plan could have wide-reaching implications for the party in 2024.

Persons: Gretchen Whitmer, Lisa Wozniak, Michigan’s, Wozniak, Dan Scripps, Joe Biden Organizations: Gov, Biden, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Michigan, Michigan Public Service Commission, Scripps, Public Service Commission, Michigan Association of Counties, Association, Democrats, White House, Michigan Democrats, Rhode, Clean Energy States Alliance Locations: LANSING, Mich, Michigan, “ Michigan, Great, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Connecticut , New York , Oregon, Minnesota

ATLANTA (AP) — It's a fight over land in one of rural Georgia's poorest areas, but it could have implications for property law across the state and nation. A hearing officer will take up to three days of testimony, making a recommendation to the five elected members of the Georgia Public Service Commission, who will ultimately decide. Railroads have long had the power of eminent domain, but Georgia law says such land seizures must be for “public use." “This is not a taking of necessity from private property owners to serve truly public interests and the public as a whole. The case matters because private entities need to condemn private land not only to build railroads, but also to build other facilities such as pipelines and electric transmission lines.

Persons: —, Donald Garret Sr, won’t, ”, Daniel Kochan, Ben Tarbutton III, Janet Paige Smith, ” Smith Organizations: ATLANTA, Georgia Public Service Commission, Sandersville Railroad, CSX, Atlanta . People, Heidelberg Materials, Sandersville, Institute for Justice, Railroads, Virginia's George Mason University, Community Coalition, Southern Poverty Law Locations: Georgia's, Georgia, Sparta, Atlanta, New London , Connecticut, Heidelberg

ATLANTA (AP) — A federal appeals court ruled on Friday that Georgia can keep statewide elections for its five-member commission regulating utilities, overturning a lower court judge who found statewide elections illegally diluted Black votes. The ruling is important beyond Georgia’s Public Service Commission because it could help protect certain statewide elections in other states subject to scrutiny for racial discrimination under the Voting Rights Act. In August 2022, U.S. District Judge Steven Grimberg had ordered Georgia's commissioners elected by district, the first time a statewide voting scheme had been overturned by a federal judge. Retaining statewide elections enhances the chance that all five seats will remain in Republican hands, as they have been for years. Plaintiffs said the current commission is unresponsive to Black voters, including people with lower incomes who pay high utility bills.

Persons: Steven Grimberg, Grimberg, Georgia, Elizabeth Branch, Plaintiffs, ” Brionte McCorkle, James “ Major ” Woodall, Fitz Johnson, Tim Echols, Grimberg's, Johnson, Echols, Tricia Pridemore, It's, hadn't, beholden Organizations: ATLANTA, —, Public Service Commission, U.S, Supreme, Circuit, Appeals, ”, PSC, Black, Georgia Conservation Voters, GOP, Republican, Georgia Power Co Locations: Georgia, Alabama, U.S

REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 16 (Reuters) - New York State will issue a new offshore wind solicitation on Nov. 30 with bids due in January 2024, the state government said, in a move that should support the troubled industry. This would allow the companies to re-offer their planned projects at higher prices and exit their old contracts. Those measures included the expedited solicitation for offshore wind and other renewable projects announced on Thursday. The offshore wind projects that the companies are developing are Orsted's 924-megawatt (MW) Sunrise, and the joint venture between Equinor and BP's 816-MW Empire Wind 1, 1,260-MW Empire Wind 2 and 1,230-MW Beacon Wind. In a positive sign for the companies, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on Oct. 24 awarded three offshore wind contracts at much higher prices than the earlier projects bid by Orsted, BP and Equinor.

Persons: Kathy Hochul, Brendan McDermid, New York Governor Hochul, Scott DiSavino, Jonathan Oatis, Nick Zieminski, Richard Chang Organizations: New, REUTERS, BP, New York Public Service Commission, New York Governor, New York State Energy Research, Development Authority, Orsted, Equinor, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, New York, Equinor

Steam feeding into the Unit 3 turbine generator of the Vogtle nuclear power plant in Waynesboro, Ga. “The United States is now committed to trying to accelerate the deployment of nuclear energy,” John Kerry, President Biden’s climate envoy, said in September. One recent Pew survey found that 57 percent of Americans favor more nuclear plants, up from 43 percent in 2016. A NuScale engineer gave a tour of a control room simulator, modeling the company’s plans for new nuclear reactors, in 2013. “The demand for clean energy is almost unprecedented,” said Maria Korsnick, president of the Nuclear Energy Institute, an industry group.

Persons: Biden, ” John Kerry, Biden’s, “, ”, Jacopo Buongiorno, Jimmy Carter, Rosalyn Carter, Bruce Springsteen, Dan Reicher, Gavin Newsom, Reicher, Clinton, Jeffrey Collins, Arnie Gundersen, John Williams, “ It’s, Patty Durand, Julie Kozeracki, Kendrick Brinson, Jay Wileman, Bill Gates, Dow, Roger Blomquist, NuScale Power, Jose Reyes, Adam Stein, it’s, they’re, Ahmed Abdulla, Robert Taylor, Leah Nash, NuScale, David Schlissel, Joshua Freed, didn’t, Maria Korsnick Organizations: Unit, Republicans, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Associated Press, Madison, Natural Resources Defense, California Gov, Democrat, Associated, Fairewinds Associates, Components, Workers, Georgia, Southern Company, Georgia Power, Georgia Public Service Commission, Energy Department, The New York Times, GE, Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Vogtle . Ontario, Tennessee Valley Authority, Argonne, National Laboratory, Energy, Nuclear Regulatory, NuScale, ”, Breakthrough Institute, Carleton University, Soaring, Institute for Energy Economics, United, Nuclear Energy Institute Locations: U.S, Waynesboro, Ga, Savannah, Georgia, United States, ”, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Jenkinsville, Vogtle, South Carolina, South, Canada, Tennessee, Argonne, Chicago, Idaho, Wyoming, California, Alaska, Maryland, Pueblo County, Colo

Another off-year election, another good night for Democrats – a rejoinder to a spate of recent polls showing alarming 2024 prospects for President Joe Biden. In Election Day’s marquee contests – the Kentucky gubernatorial race, Virginia’s legislative elections and a pro-abortion-rights ballot measure in Ohio – Democrats notched victories. Beyond that, “the real test was Trump’s ability to move voters in a state race,” Cross says. Tate Reeves won a second term – though the race was relatively close for a deep red state. In the secretary of state race, incumbent Michael Watson, a Republican, outran Reeves by more than 8 points in defeating Democrat Ty Pinkins.

Persons: Democrats –, Joe Biden, Andy Beshear, Daniel Cameron, Kentucky’s, Beshear, Biden, Cameron, Glenn Youngkin, ”, Roe, Wade, Beshear’s, Al Cross, Cross, “ I’m, Rich Meagher, Youngkin, “, Paul Beck, Daniel McCaffery, Carolyn Carluccio, Larry Ceisler, Micah Rasmussen, Rider, –, Tate Reeves, Democrat Brandon Presley, Elvis Presley, Reeves, Democrat hasn’t, Presley, Jim Hood, “ Reeves, Steve Rozman, Donald Trump’s, Reeves “, ” Rozman, Republican Russell Coleman, Pamela Stevenson, Michael Adams –, Buddy Wheatley, Lynn Fitch, Democrat Greta Kemp Martin, Michael Watson, outran Reeves, Ty Pinkins, Mark Brewer Organizations: Democrats, Kentucky gubernatorial, Democratic, Republican, GOP, University of Kentucky’s Institute for Rural Journalism, Macon College, Senate, Republicans, Ohio State University, Rebovich Institute for New, Democrat, Public Service Commission, Mississippi, College, University of Maine Locations: Ohio, Kentucky, In Virginia, Letcher, Perry County, Hazard, Breathitt County, Jackson, Virginia, Randolph, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ”, New Jersey, Jersey, Rebovich Institute for New Jersey, Mississippi, Maine

☆ How Democrat Brandon Presley could win the Mississippi governor's race and pull off one of the biggest political upsets of 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Democratic nominee Brandon Presley has made the Mississippi gubernatorial contest a real race. While most voters in Mississippi may not care for national Democrats (including some Democrats), Presley has effectively presented himself as a different kind of Democrat. Black voters made up 29% of the statewide electorate that year and Biden won their vote 94%-5% over Trump. Presley has heavily courted Black voters, which has included visits to churches and the state's Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). AdvertisementAdvertisementStructural geographic disadvantages remain a lingering issue for Mississippi Democrats, but Presley has a real chance at overcoming that dynamic on Tuesday.

Persons: Brandon Presley, Presley, Tate Reeves, —, Ronnie Musgrove's, Jimmy Carter, he's, Elvis Presley, Reeves, Mason, Dixon, Brandon Bell, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Biden, Trump, Jim Hood underperformed, Mike, Hood, Georgia Presley, Jackson, Musgrove, Democrats —, Michael Parker, Parker Organizations: Democratic, GOP, Republican Gov, Service, Magnolia Tribune, Democrats, Mississippi electorate, AP, Trump, Black, Getty, Democratic Senate, Mississippi Democrat, Mississippi State University, Gwinnett, Mississippi Gov, Mississippi, Democrat, Mississippi House, Mississippi Democrats Locations: Mississippi, Brandon , Mississippi, Nettleton, Jackson , Mississippi, . Mississippi, Georgia, Atlanta, Cobb , DeKalb, Fulton County

☆ Election Day 2023 Voters to Offer Clues on Abortion Politics and 2024 in Off-Year Election Day
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Neil Vigdor | Sarah Baird | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +7 min

Voters in Ohio will decide on enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution, as well as legalizing recreational marijuana use. Will voters in Ohio back abortion rights? Even in deeply Republican states like Kansas, voters have overwhelmingly supported abortion access. Beyond abortion, the most watched initiative will be, again, in Ohio, where voters will decide whether cannabis should be legalized for recreational use. If voters agree, Ohio would become the 24th state to legalize marijuana.

Persons: Biden’s, Donald J, Trump, Biden, Glenn Youngkin, Youngkin, Daniel Cameron, Andy Beshear, Steve Beshear, Beshear, Roe, Wade, Frank LaRose, Thomas E, Dobbs, Jackson, Tate Reeves, Brandon Presley, Presley’s, Brett Favre, Reeves, I’ve, Mr, Presley, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Warren of Organizations: New York Times, Democratic, Republican, State Senate, Republicans, —, Supreme, Affordable, Mississippi Public Service Commission, Texans, Liberal Locations: Ohio, Ohio , Kentucky, Virginia , Mississippi, Siena, Virginia, Kentucky, Richmond, Kansas, Mississippi, Dobbs v, Nettleton, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts

Voters in Ohio will decide on enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution, as well as legalizing recreational marijuana use. Will voters in Ohio back abortion rights? Beyond abortion, the most watched initiative will be, again, in Ohio, where voters will decide whether cannabis should be legalized for recreational use. That could put pressure on Congress to move forward legislation at least to ease restrictions on interstate banking for legal cannabis businesses. Texans will also decide whether to raise the mandatory retirement age of state judges to 79, from 75.

CNN —Abortion rights are on the ballot Tuesday as Americans head to the polls for state and local races that will set the stage for next year’s presidential election. (Both oppose abortion rights.) Abortion (literally) on the ballot in OhioThe 2022 midterm elections showed that when abortion rights are on the ballot, voters overwhelmingly favored protecting or expanding access. This is the only abortion rights ballot initiative before voters this year. Though not explicitly on the ballot, abortion has featured prominently in the campaign, with Beshear arguing that Cameron will double down on the commonwealth’s already harsh restrictions.

Persons: Roe, Wade, Tate Reeves, Democrat Brandon Presley, Reeves ’ foibles, Elvis Presley, –, Former City Councilmember Cherelle Parker, Sheila Jackson Lee, Sen, John Whitmire, Gabe Amo, Republican Gerry Leonard, David Cicilline, Glenn Youngkin, Youngkin, He’s, he’s, what’s, don’t, hasn’t, Court’s Dobbs, Mike DeWine, —, Andy Beshear, Daniel Cameron, Beshear, Cameron, John Fetterman, Mehmet Oz, Daniel McCaffery, Max Baer, Carolyn Carluccio, Brett Favre, Brandon Presley, Presley, Reeves Organizations: CNN, Democrats, Republicans, Court, Democrat, Republican Gov, Former City, Republican, Democratic, Rep, House, Virginia Gov, Senate, Delegates, PAC, Kentucky, Kentucky Kentucky Gov, GOP, Trump, Beshear, Black Republican, Pennsylvania Democrats, NFL, Mississippi Public, Black, Southern Democrats, Southern Democrat, NJ Democrats, New York GOP, New Jersey Legislature, New York City Council Locations: Kentucky , Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Ohio –, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, Rhode Island, state’s, Richmond, Kentucky Kentucky, Kentucky, Southern, Presley . Mississippi, NY, Gotham

Tuesday’s legislative elections in Virginia will provide key tests for both parties’ messaging ahead of 2024, as well as the state’s GOP governor. “I think they’re the most important elections in America because these issues that are so important to Virginians are also the ones that are going to be so important to Americans next year,” Virginia GOP Gov. The battles for the state House of Delegates, which Republicans control, and the state Senate, which Democrats control, could come down to a handful of districts. And they’ll test Youngkin’s own political power as he’s brushed off questions about his presidential ambitions. Ambassador Nikki Haley’s paid private speeches, noting that she did not keep records of what she said to the groups.

Persons: “, Glenn Youngkin, ABC’s, NBC’s Gary Grumbach, Katherine Koretski, Sen, Siobhan Dunnavant, Democrat Schuyler Van, Youngkin, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, NBC’s Gabe Gutierrez, Julia Jester, Megan Lebowitz, ’, Biden, Alex Seitz, Wald, Ron DeSantis, ”, NBC’s Matt Dixon, Jonathan Allen, Ali Vitali, Nikki Haley’s, Peter Nicholas, Carol E, Lee, South Carolina Sen, Tim Scott’s, Robert F, Kennedy, Jr, Brandy Zadrozny, He’s, Peter Meijer, who’s, Brandon Presley, Tate Reeves Organizations: GOP, Virginians, ”, ” Virginia GOP Gov, Delegates, District, Democrat, NBC News, Democratic, Biden, Israel, Hamas, Democrats, Republican National Committee, New York Times, Florida Republican Party, Florida GOP Gov, Florida GOP, South, Public Service, GOP Gov Locations: Virginia, America, ” Virginia, Democrat Schuyler Van Valkenburg, Youngkin, Michigan, Florida, South Carolina, Black, Michigan’s, Mississippi

Steve Beshear – faces Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, a protege of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. In Mississippi, Republican Lynn Fitch is seeking a second term against Greta Kemp Martin, the litigation director of Disability Rights Mississippi. Democratic attorney Lindsey Cheek won the other runoff slot by taking 23% of the all-party primary vote. In Mississippi, Republican incumbent Michael Watson is seeking a second term and should easily defeat Democrat Ty Pinkins. She will face Democratic attorney, accountant, and small business owner Gwen Collins-Greenup, who finished second in the primary.

Persons: — it’s, Kentuckians, Andy Beshear, Jeff Landry, Beshear, Steve Beshear –, Daniel Cameron, Mitch McConnell, Kentucky’s, He’s, Cameron, Tate Reeves, Brandon Presley, Elvis Presley, Presley, Reeves, Democrat hasn’t, Jim Hood, Glenn Youngkin’s, Winsome Sears, Youngkin, Phil Murphy, Democratic Sen, Robert Menendez, Joe Biden, Max Baer, Carolyn Carluccio, Daniel McCaffery, Donald Trump, wouldn’t, Roe, Wade, Ohio’s, Sen, Bernie Sanders of, Janet Mills, Russell Coleman, McConnell, Pamela Stevenson, Republican Lynn Fitch, Greta Kemp Martin, Fitch, Liz Murrill, Landry, Lindsey Cheek, Michael Adams, Buddy Wheatley, Adams, Michael Watson, Ty Pinkins, Shuwaski Young, Young, Kyle Ardoin, Nancy Landry, Gwen Collins, Greenup Organizations: Democratic Gov, Democratic, Republican, Gubernatorial, Gov, Lean Democratic, Republican Gov, Public Service Commission, Democrat, Mississippi, Public, Impact Research, Lean Republican, State Legislative, Virginia, GOP, Senate, Republicans, House, George Mason University, Assembly, , New Jersey Republicans, Pleas, Superior Court, Ohio, Sierra Club, AFL, of Commerce, Avangrid Inc, Trump, Air Force, Disability Rights Mississippi, State, Iraq Locations: Mississippi, Virginia, Republican . New Jersey, Garden, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maine, In Kentucky, Republican Mississippi, U.S, Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, Washington, New Jersey, , New Jersey, Montgomery County, In Ohio, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Massachusetts, Texas, Kentucky, Louisiana, State Kentucky, In Mississippi

Tate Reeves and Democratic challenger Brandon Presley were set to face off Wednesday night in their only debate to cap a hard-fought campaign, six days before the Nov. 7 general election. Presley has raised $11.3 million for his campaign this year, compared with Reeves' $6.3 million, according to finance reports filed Tuesday. Presley has spent $10.8 million and still has $1.3 million, while Reeves has spent $11 million and still has $1.2 million. Presley called on Reeves to take part in five debates, including one last month at a forum sponsored by the NAACP in Gulfport. During the 2019 campaign for governor, Reeves had two debates with Democratic nominee Jim Hood.

Persons: JACKSON, Tate Reeves, Brandon Presley, Presley, Reeves, ” Reeves, he's, ” Presley, chickened, “, We’ve, Jim Hood, Hood, Elvis Presley Organizations: — Mississippi Republican Gov, Democratic, Republicans, NAACP, Jackson ABC, Mississippi Public Broadcasting, Associated Press, Mississippi Public Service Commission Locations: Miss, Mississippi, United States, Jackson, Gulfport, Columbus

Presley said state government “is bought and sold to the highest bidder,” with Reeves demanding campaign contributions before meeting with people. Presley said Reeves likes to talk about California and New York instead of small towns in Mississippi. Trump released a 30-second video on Tuesday, endorsing Reeves, and Reeves told Presley: “Donald Trump only supports the only conservative in this race." Reeves served two terms as state treasurer and two as lieutenant governor before winning the governor's race in 2019. If neither Reeves nor Presley receives a majority in next Tuesday's election, the race would go to a Nov. 28 runoff.

Persons: JACKSON, Tate Reeves, Brandon Presley, Presley, Reeves, “, ” Reeves, ” Presley, “ I’m, Jesus, “ Brandon, Reeves doesn't, “ You've, Brandon, You’re, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Trump, “ Donald Trump, he's, Elvis Presley, Gwendolyn Gray, Presley — Organizations: — Mississippi Republican Gov, Democratic, Republicans, ABC, Mississippi Public Broadcasting, pompoms, Republican, Mississippi Public Service Commission Locations: Miss, America, Jackson, California, New York, Mississippi, Caledonia, New Hebron, . Mississippi

☆ Election Day Guide: Governor Races, Abortion Access and More
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Neil Vigdor | More About Neil Vigdor | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Mr. Presley has attacked Mr. Reeves over a welfare scandal exposed last year by Mississippi Today, which found that millions in federal funds were misspent. Mr. Reeves, who was the lieutenant governor during the years the scandal unfolded, has denied any wrongdoing, but the issue has been a focal point of the contest. Abortion access in OhioAs states continue to reckon with the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court last year, Ohio has become the latest front in the fight over access to abortion. Reproductive rights advocates succeeded in placing a proposed amendment on the November ballot that would enshrine the right to abortion access into the state constitution. One effort, a proposal to raise the threshold required for passing a constitutional amendment, was rejected by voters this summer.

Persons: Brandon Presley, Elvis Presley, Presley, Reeves, Roe, Wade Organizations: Democratic, Mississippi Today Locations: Ohio

ATLANTA (AP) — A former employee is suing to force a Mississippi utility to repay $382 million that the federal government gave to build a failed coal-fueled power plant. Kelli Williams, a former construction manager for Atlanta-based Southern Co., filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the company and its subsidiary Mississippi Power Co. in 2018. The Kemper County power plant was supposed to be a world leader in turning soft coal into a gas and burning it to generate power, while removing climate-warming carbon dioxide and other pollutants. The cost of the plant ballooned and Mississippi Power could never make it run reliably. For example, she alleged Mississippi Power erected piping without permanent fasteners, knowing the work would have to be redone again later at higher cost, an allegation first aired by The Guardian in 2018.

Persons: —, Kelli Williams, Williams, ”, Schuyler Baehman, It's, Brett Wingo, Cecil Brown, ” Williams, Haley Barbour, Barbour Organizations: ATLANTA, Atlanta, Southern Co, Mississippi Power Co, U.S . Department of Energy, Mississippi Public Service Commission, DOE, Kemper, Mississippi Power, Bills, Mississippi, U.S . Justice Department, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Clarion, . Justice Department, Mississippi Gov, The Guardian Locations: Mississippi, Kemper County, Jackson, That’s

☆ These utilities can withstand the pain as higher interest rates weigh on the sector, says Bank of America
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Utilities, beloved for their dividend payments, are under pressure in today's high rate environment, but a few gems stand out in the tarnished sector, according to Bank of America. The sector has suffered through 2023, shedding 16%, as the Federal Reserve continues to roll out its policy-tightening campaign. But there are a few opportunities in the sector, even as Bank of America says utilities aren't particularly compelling now. Both are also deemed top buys by Bank of America. PG & E has a California rate case development coming on Nov. 2, when the California Public Utilities Commission will be meeting.

Persons: Julien Dumoulin, Smith, ConEd, Michael Bloom Organizations: Bank of America, Federal Reserve, Consolidated Edison, E Corporation, PPL Corporation, California Public Utilities Commission, Kentucky Public Service Commission, PPL Locations: California, Kentucky

Six major candidates — four Republicans, one Democrat and one independent — are vying for the seat that is being vacated by Gov. With Edwards unable to run due to consecutive term limits, the election opens a huge opportunity for Republicans to win Louisiana’s top position. Louisiana is one of three states with a gubernatorial election this fall, along with Mississippi and Kentucky. State Rep. Richard Nelson withdrew from the race in September and endorsed Landry but will remain on the ballot per state election laws. With four significant GOP candidates vying for the position, Democrats are hopeful that Wilson, their sole major candidate, will succeed.

Persons: Donald Trump, John Bel Edwards, Edwards, Jeff Landry, Trump, Steve Scalise, Landry, Sen, Sharon Hewitt, Hunter Lundy, John Schroder, Stephen Waguespack, Bobby Jindal, Shawn Wilson, Richard Nelson, Wilson, Tim Temple, Republican Kyle Ardoin, Ardoin, Clay Schexnayder, Nancy Landry, Mike Francis, Gwen Collins, Brandon Trosclair Organizations: Republicans, Gov, Democratic, Republican, U.S, GOP, Democrat, Transportation, Development Department, State, Democratic Party Locations: BATON ROUGE, La, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, Lake Charles

(AP) — Regulators on Thursday gave the go-ahead for a multistate wind-energy power line to provide the equivalent of four nuclear power plants' worth of energy to Missouri consumers. At issue is the Grain Belt Express, a power line that will carry wind energy from Kansas across Missouri and Illinois before hooking into a power grid in Indiana that serves eastern states. Under the new plan, approved 4-1 by Missouri's Public Service Commission, Grain Belt Express plans to bring as much as 2,500 megawatts of power to Missouri. Previously, state utility regulators approved a line that would have brought only 500 megawatts of energy to the state. The project will help unlock $7.5 billion in energy cost savings in Missouri and Illinois, according to its developers.

Persons: Invenergy, ”, Ray McCarty, Kayla Hahn, she's, ” Hahn, “ Organizations: COLUMBIA, — Regulators, Missouri's Public Service Commission, Investment, Associated Industries of Locations: Mo, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Chicago, Associated Industries of Missouri

All three states lean heavily Republican in federal elections, yet Democrats currently control the governorship in two out of the three. As usual, we are rating these races on the following scale: Safe Republican, Likely Republican, Lean Republican, Toss-Up, Lean Democratic, Likely Democratic and Safe Democratic. The race moving in the Republican direction is Louisiana, which we’re shifting from Likely Republican to Safe Republican. But for now, we’ll keep it at Likely Republican. That may be in tune with Kentucky voters, who, despite the state’s Republican lean, rejected a 2022 ballot measure that would have enhanced the state’s ability to outlaw abortion.

Persons: There’s, Andy Beshear, Democrat John Bel Edwards, Republican Tate Reeves, Edwards, Jeff Landry, Shawn Wilson, Edwards –, Landry, Donald Trump, Stephen Waguespack, John Schroder, Sen, Sharon Hewitt, Hunter Lundy, Lundy, he’s, polluters, Wilson, Mason, Dixon, that’s, Republican Reeves isn’t, Brandon Presley, Phil Bryant, Brett Favre, Favre, Reeves hasn’t, drumbeat, Reeves, Democrat hasn’t, Jim Hood, Presley, Elvis Presley, Beshear, Steve Beshear, Daniel Cameron, Mitch McConnell, Joe Biden, Kentuckians, Cameron, He’s, Trump Organizations: Republicans, Democrat, Republican, Lean Republican, Lean Democratic, Democratic, Safe Democratic, Safe Republican, Louisiana Safe Republican, Republican Party, Republican Governors Association, Mississippi, NFL, University of Southern, Public Service Commission, Kentucky Lean Democratic, Gov, Beshear, Kentucky, Democratic Governors Association Locations: Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, In Mississippi, Landry, Lundy, Brandon, Federal, University of Southern Mississippi, Cincinnati

Search resuls for: "Public Service Commission"

25 mentions found