BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators approved permits Thursday for underground storage of carbon dioxide delivered through a massive pipeline proposed for the Midwest, marking another victory for a project that has drawn fierce opposition from landowners. The governor-led Industrial Commission voted unanimously to approve permits for Summit Carbon Solutions’ three proposed storage sites in central North Dakota. Summit says construction of the project would begin in 2026 with operations beginning in 2027, but it’s expected that resistant landowners will file lawsuits seeking to block the storage plans. “With these permits, we’re one step closer to providing vital infrastructure that benefits farmers, ethanol producers, and communities across the Midwest," Summit Executive VP Wade Boeshans said in a statement. Summit’s proposed 2,500-mile (4,023-kilometer), $8 billion pipeline would transport planet-warming CO2 emissions from 57 ethanol plants in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska for underground storage. Carbon dioxide would move through the pipeline in a pressurized form to be injected deep underground into a rock formation. The company has permits for its route in North Dakota and Iowa but can’t yet begin construction. Also on Thursday, Minnesota regulators approved a permit for a 28-mile (45-kilometer) leg of the project in western Minnesota. Summit also recently applied in South Dakota, where regulators denied the company’s previous application last year. Last month, the company gained approval for its North Dakota route , and Iowa regulators also have given conditional approval. Summit faces several lawsuits related to the project, including a North Dakota Supreme Court appeal over a property rights law related to the underground storage plan. Further court challenges are likely. North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, who chairs the Industrial Commission, is President-elect Donald Trump's choice for Interior Secretary and to lead a new National Energy Council. Burgum has frequently touted North Dakota's underground carbon dioxide storage as a “geologic jackpot.” In 2021, he set a goal for the No. 3 oil-producing state to be carbon-neutral by 2030. His term ends Saturday. Summit's storage facilities would hold an estimated maximum of 352 million metric tons of CO2 over 20 years. The pipeline would carry up to 18 million metric tons of CO2 per year to be injected about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) underground, according to an application fact sheet. Jessie Stolark, who leads a group that supports the project and includes Summit, said the oil industry has long used similar technology. “We know that this can be done safely in a manner that is protective of human health and underground sources of drinking water,” said Stolark, executive director of the Carbon Capture Coalition. Summit's project has drawn the ire of landowners around the region. They oppose the potential taking of their property for the pipeline and fear a pipeline rupture releasing a cloud of heavy, hazardous gas over the land. A North Dakota landowners group is challenging a property rights law related to the underground storage, and attorney Derrick Braaten said they likely would challenge the granting of permits. “The landowners that I'm working with aren't necessarily opposed to carbon sequestration itself,” Braaten said. “They're opposed to the idea that a private company can come in and use their property without having to negotiate with them or pay them just compensation for taking their private property and using it.” Carbon capture projects such as Summit's are eligible for lucrative federal tax credits intended to encourage cleaner-burning ethanol and potentially result in corn-based ethanol being refined into jet fuel. Some opponents argue the amount of greenhouse gases sequestered through the process would make little difference and could lead farmers to grow more corn despite environmental concerns about the crop. In Minnesota, regulators granted a route permit that would connect an ethanol plant in Fergus Falls to Summit’s broader network. They attached several conditions, including requirements that Summit first begin construction in North Dakota. An administrative law judge who conducted hearings concluded in November that the environmental impacts from the Minnesota segment would be minimal and noted that Summit has secured agreements from landowners along most of the recommended route. Environmental groups that oppose the project disputed the judge’s finding that the project would have a net benefit for the environment. Iowa regulators required Summit to obtain approvals for routes in the Dakotas and underground storage in North Dakota before it can begin construction in Iowa. The Iowa Utilities Commission's approval sparked lawsuits related to the project. In Nebraska, where there is no state regulatory process for CO2 pipelines, Summit is working with individual counties to advance its project. At least one county has denied a permit. Karnowski reported from Minneapolis.
LTCN ETF: Bullish Due To Altcoin Season But Volatility Comes First
After a lull, domestic fireworks market of Sivakasi is once again threatened by illegal import of Chinese crackers which are found in cracker shops in north Indian States. Despite the import of firecrackers is “restricted” in India and the Union Government started to make conscious efforts to prevent their flooding of domestic market in the guise of toys some five years back, the imported fireworks have started to rear their ugly heads in North India States. “It was found here and there in small quantity only for display fireworks goods used during celebrations like marriages. The cheap Chinese goods were mixed with domestic goods and was not threatening. But, now even other Chinese fireworks products are found in Indian market,” A. Murali, joint secretary of Sivakasi Fireworks Manufacturers’ Association, told The Hindu . He said such illegal goods were found in Bhopal, Delhi and Punjab. The smuggling and sale of fireworks goods were happening in a hush-hush way which was not affecting the sales of domestic goods in a big way. “But after Deepavali, we find that several dealers in upcountry were openly displaying the photographs of Chinese fireworks in their WhatsApp status with an aim to promote their sale,” Mr. Murali said. However, these goods were not seen displayed in the shops. The very audacity among the dealers to openly declare about possession of Chinese goods only indicates that availability of those smuggled goods was in large quantity. “Only because of the heavy competition to sell their stocks in hand, the dealers have come up in open,” he added. This exercise only showed that the resistance against imported Chinese crackers had fizzled out and they are being smuggled in the guise of other goods. “If the Centre did not act immediately against these imported goods, they would slowly flood the entire country, thus causing economic loss not only to the fireworks manufacturers, but also to the State exchequer,” he added seeking immediate deterrent action. Published - November 24, 2024 08:03 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit
Broncos, left tackle Garett Bolles agree on 4-year extension to protect rookie quarterback Bo Nix
With Christmas fast approaching many of us will be beginning to think about doing our big festive shop with hundreds of thousands of Brits flocking to stores across the UK. From securing all the favourite food items to scouring the aisles for last minute gifts for that one family member you may have forgotten, those pre-Christmas supermarket trips can be stressful. However, if you want to avoid the mile long queues then you will want to mark December 23, 2024, in your calendar as it is set to be the most chaotic day for shoppers this festive season. According to new data, this is the exact date that people will be rushing to fill their cupboards and fridges with all the festive foods, before beginning their Christmas celebrations. However, the data by Kantar also showed that Brits are more than prepared this year with many already filling up their cupboards. Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar, said: "There are clear signs that shoppers are already stocking up their cupboards. "Sales of assorted sweet biscuits and biscuits for cheese both doubled in November compared with the month before, while 8% of us bought a Christmas pudding." Their latest figures also show that the cost of an average Christmas dinner for four has risen to £32.57, up 6.5% on last year, largely driven by the price of turkey and Christmas vegetable staples. How to save money on Christmas food Martin Lewis suggests that one key way to save costs is to ‘downshift’ which means to buy non-branded goods. Especially when it comes to food , unbranded goods can help you cut your Christmas food shop costs significantly. On the lead up to Christmas, being conscious of this method could leave you with a good few extra pounds in your pocket, Money Saving Expert says it could save you £1000s. Another way to save some money is to buy chicken or another alternative that is not turkey as this is often much more expensive.Mika Zibanejad reveals what Rangers locker room talked about moments before facing Buffalo Sabres
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ANN/VIETNAM NEWS – “With the same monthly income of VND18 million (USD720), my family’s quality of life improved dramatically when I moved from HCM City to Binh Duong for work,” said Tran Trong Nhan, originally from Ca Mau in the south. After two years of living and working in Binh Duong, Nhan noted that his family’s finances had stabilised. “Living costs, including accommodation, are 20 to 50 per cent higher in HCM City compared to nearby provinces like Binh Duong. On the same salary, my family of three could barely cover basic expenses in the city, with no money left for leisure, travel, or savings,” he explained. He highlighted housing as a major factor, noting that renting a 20-square-metre room in HCM City costs between VND2.5 and VND4 million (USD100-160) per month, while a similar room in Binh Duong, with better quality, costs only VND1.5 million (USD60). Other expenses, such as kindergarten fees, are also significantly lower in Binh Duong. Thanks to the reduction in costs, Nhan’s family can now save money and spend on leisure activities, including family outings and trips. Nhan’s experience reflects a growing trend of workers leaving HCM City due to its high cost of living. Rising prices for housing, utilities, and daily necessities are making it increasingly difficult for many families to sustain themselves. Even those with stable jobs and decent incomes find themselves struggling to make ends meet. Another case is migrant worker Le Van Thuong, 26, from the central province of Thanh Hoa, who recently decided to leave after four years working in HCM City. Before moving south, Thuong worked for a tourism event organisation in Hanoi. Attracted by HCM City’s vibrant job market and abundant opportunities for young people, he moved to the city in 2019, just before the Covid-19 pandemic began. During the pandemic, he faced prolonged social distancing and harsh challenges After the city reopened, Thuong found work at an event organisation company with a monthly salary of VND15 million (USD600). However, high living costs in the city left him unable to save or even afford trips back to his hometown for holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year). “Living in HCM City is expensive. Home rent, food, and other essentials leave no room for savings,” Thuong said. After weighing his options for more than a week, he decided to move back to his hometown Thanh Hoa, where he found a job offering 20 per cent higher pay than his previous one in the city. Nhan and Thuong are part of a broader trend that is reshaping the labour landscape in HCM City. Over the past decade, the city has been a magnet for migrant labour from across Vietnam, thanks to its dynamic economy, infrastructure, and job opportunities.Major Combat Sports Products Market Driver 2024-2033: Surging Participation In High-Performance SportsSir Keir Starmer has been criticised by Tories after promising a further £13 million to the UN’s aid agency in Gaza . The Prime Minister met UNRWA commissioner Philippe Lazzarini and committed the extra cash to support refugees in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPTs). The Conservatives paused funding for UNRWA in office following allegations that members of its staff were linked to Hamas and involved in the October 7 atrocities on Israel. The agency fired nine staff members in August after an internal investigation found they may have been involved in the Hamas-led attack. By then, the new Labour government had resumed funding for the agency. Following Sir Keir’s meeting with the aid agency chief on Wednesday, a Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister began by expressing his deep condolences for the many UNRWA staff who have been killed in conflict and they both agreed that more must be done to protect aid workers in Gaza. “The commissioner thanked the Prime Minister for the UK’s resolute support for UNRWA, and they both underscored the importance of upholding international humanitarian law. “On funding, the Prime Minister committed to an additional £13 million to UNRWA to support vital services for Palestinian refugees in the OPTs and the region. “The two reiterated the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and an increase of humanitarian aid. “They agreed to continue to work together with international partners to strive for peace in the Middle East.” Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: “Securing the release of hostages in Gaza, getting more aid in to alleviate the humanitarian crisis faced and establishing a sustainable peace must be a priority for the Government. “The Prime Minister needs to explain how these priorities were advanced in his discussions with Philippe Lazzarini. “UNRWA had to fire nine staff after investigations into their involvement in the appalling attack on Israel on October 7 last year. All links to the Hamas terrorist group must be severed.” She said the UN must ensure “adequate vetting of personnel and activities”, adding: “Ministers have now committed more taxpayers’ money to UNWRA, but they need to prove to us that the £21 million of funding they released in summer reached those most in need. “There are deeply worrying reports that criminal gangs are ambushing aid in Gaza. “It would be unacceptable for British aid to be abused, used by terrorists, or if it failed to reach the most in need civilians.“ Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said: “The UK Government should not be providing any aid to UNRWA until it has ridded itself of Hamas operatives.”
Michael Taube: Trudeau's 'feminist' criticism of American voters is delusionalWashington, Dec 13 (PTI) US President Joe Biden has issued clemency to nearly 1500 people, including four Indian-Americans. These four Indian-Americans are Meera Sachdeva, Babubhai Patel, Krishna Mote and Vikram Dutta. Also Read | 'Maverick Diplomacy': Donald Trump Invites China's President Xi Jinping to Inauguration for 'Open Dialogue' Despite Tariff Threats. "America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances. As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses," Biden said in a statement on Thursday. "That is why, today, I am pardoning 39 people who have shown successful rehabilitation and have shown commitment to making their communities stronger and safer. I am also commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who are serving long prison sentences – many of whom would receive lower sentences if charged under today's laws, policies, and practices,” he said. Also Read | Donald Trump Named Time Magazine’s Person of Year, Rings New York Stock Exchange’s Opening Bell. This was the largest single-day act of clemency in recent times. In December 2012, Dr Meera Sachdeva was sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to repay nearly USD8.2 million for fraud at a former Mississippi cancer centre she ran. She is now 63. Babubhai Patel was sentenced to 17 years on 26 convictions for a healthcare fraud conspiracy, a drug conspiracy, and related fraud and drug violations in 2013. Also in 2013, Krishna Mote, 54, was sentenced to serve life in prison after he was convicted of conspiracy to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine and more than 500 grams of cocaine, and distribution of crack cocaine as an aider and abettor. Vikram Dutta, 63, was in January 2012 sentenced in a Manhattan federal court to 235 months in prison after he was found guilty of conspiracy charges stemming from his use of his perfume distribution business to launder millions of dollars for a Mexican narcotics organisation. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)Transit advocates are rallying for significant improvements to the PATH system, with a campaign that has already generated over 400 letters to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The coalition is urging the authority to prioritize increased off-peak service frequency and extend the PATH network to Newark Airport as part of its 2025 budget planning. Despite significant capital investments in recent years—such as new trains, maintenance projects, and a digital payments system —the PATH system is falling short of meeting the region’s transportation demands. While ridership has returned to pre-pandemic levels , the PATH’s service frequency and limited network remain inadequate for the growing needs of residents, commuters, and travelers. “It’s gotten pretty bad over the last few years with the frequency on off-peak times and night times and on weekends. A lot of working people work evenings and weekends in our region, and they deserve to have the dignity of a good transportation system, just as people who work nine to five do,” said Johan Andrade, President of Hudson County Complete Streets. “Part of this campaign is for us to bring some equity to the transportation space here in New Jersey.” One of the primary concerns is the PATH’s infrequent off-peak service . Trains currently run every 20 to 40 minutes on weekends, weeknights, and midday weekdays, leading to overcrowded stations, delays, and missed connections. Advocates argue that this is unacceptable, especially since the system has the capacity to operate at two-minute intervals during rush hour. They are calling for trains to run every five minutes during off-peak hours to improve reliability and reduce congestion. The coalition is also pushing for the PATH’s extension to Newark Airport. Currently, the PATH terminates three miles from the airport, requiring riders to transfer to NJ Transit and then to the AirTrain. Meanwhile, the Port Authority’s proposed $3.5 billion AirTrain project has drawn criticism on social media for being over budget and failing to meet the region’s needs. Advocates are proposing a direct PATH extension to Newark Airport, which would provide a fast, one-seat ride for travelers, airport workers, and Newark residents. This extension would also enhance transit access for South Newark residents commuting to New York City, Jersey City, or the airport itself, reducing dependence on cars and alleviating congestion at the airport. To make these improvements happen, advocates are stressing the need for stronger collaboration between the Port Authority and other transit agencies, like NJ Transit, to address issues such as misaligned schedules and a lack of fare integration. “On weekends, NJ Transit trains might run once an hour, and if the PATH train to Newark runs every 40 minutes, a simple 30-minute trip can turn into an hour and a half,” explained John Taranu, an organizer for HCCS. “Of course, people are going to take other options.” By working with experts and agency leaders, the coalition aims to overcome operational challenges and improve regional transit connectivity. In addition to these two core proposals, the coalition is calling for extended hours of operation for the Lincoln Tunnel Express Bus Lanes, transitioning them to a 24/7 schedule. They are also advocating for comprehensive transit alternatives to prepare for the anticipated effects of congestion pricing. Advocates are encouraging public participation through an ongoing letter-writing campaign, which has seen substantial growth in recent weeks. The coalition plans to bring its demands directly to the Port Authority Board during its meeting on December 12. Letters can be submitted via the campaign’s platform . “We want the Port Authority to acknowledge the concerns we’ve raised—both through public comments at last week’s budget hearings and the hundreds of letters we’ve sent. We’re not here to fight then or ridicule them; we’re here to help identify the issues riders face daily and work together on solutions,” said Andrade. “This campaign has struck a chord with so many people because improving the PATH is a shared goal—it’s good for the economy, the environment, and the entire region. By harnessing this collective energy, we can make meaningful change,” added Taranu.
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Inquiry focuses on recruitment practices for BS-01 to BS-04 positions within the PSQCA, after a complaint by an individual alleged procedural violations The Ministry of Science and Technology has launched an investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment at the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) following directives from the Federal Ombudsman. According to a news report, the inquiry focuses on recruitment practices for BS-01 to BS-04 positions within the PSQCA, after a complaint by an individual named Irfanullah alleged procedural violations. Acting on the ombudsman’s findings, the ministry has tasked Shakil Arshad, DSA (Commercialisation), to lead the probe. Arshad is required to submit a comprehensive report and recommendations within 15 days. The investigation will identify those involved, assess individual culpability, and prepare a detailed charge sheet with a statement of allegations. The probe will also include reviewing all relevant records related to the recruitment process. The Federal Ombudsman, which oversees complaints of maladministration in federal agencies, ordered the investigation to ensure transparency and accountability. To facilitate the inquiry, the probe officer has been provided with a copy of the ombudsman’s findings. The report is expected to offer a detailed analysis of recruitment practices and shed light on the alleged irregularities within the national standards body. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
UN General Assembly calls for 'unconditional' Gaza ceasefireSharad Kumar Srivatsava, Director General of Indian Railway Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications (Iriset) said the institute had imparted training to a record number of 5,195 personnel by conducting 221 courses this year, with productivity of 74,800 trainee days. The institute has trained 1,014 personnel on ‘Kavach,’ the Indian Railways’ anti-collision system, through 45 programmes. Speaking at the 67 annual day celebrations on Sunday, Srivastava said that Iriset had signed memoranda of understanding with three universities and engineering colleges to offer open electives on railway signalling and kavach for BTech students. Speaking at the event, Dr Radha Krishna Ganti, professor of electrical engineering, IIT Madras, stressed the importance of involving engineering students in railway signalling technologies to enhance capacity. He encouraged the use of AI to modernise training and improve learning outcomes. Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager, South Central Railway, underscored the necessity to upgrade training programmes to build capabilities to design and execute infrastructure works at fast pace to ease out bottlenecks in the train operation. Vijaylaxmi Kaushik, additional member (signal), Railway Board called for skill enhancement to match the capital expenditure on infrastructure. Sameer Dikshit, additional member (telecom), Railway Board, stated the need to find innovative solutions and create an enabling environment for excellence to meet the expectations of the country. A technical magazine, ‘Gyandeep’, was released during the event. The institute has also set up exhibition stalls with products of signalling and telecommunication systems and upcoming developments.According to Jonathan Jones , there’s a leaguewide belief that the Vikings are hopeful they will be able to keep QB Sam Darnold in 2025 and will make an effort to re-sign him. However, Jones says the team still sees first-round QB J.J. McCarthy as the quarterback of the future, so there’s a balancing act Minnesota has to pull off. “It could wind up being a Jordan Love -type situation,” one AFC executive told Jones. Jones notes if Darnold is back on a new contract, the Vikings will have to manage the situation with McCarthy, although the plan before he got hurt had always been to take it slow. Regarding Darnold’s stock entering free agency in 2025, Jones polled multiple league sources who believed his next contract would be at least $25 million per year, and how things finish for Darnold and the Vikings could push that value even higher. Jones adds one source told him Darnold plans to be selective and will heavily weigh the situation he’s signing into to try and avoid a repeat of what happened early in his career with the Jets and Panthers. Minnesota hasn’t had any contract talks with Darnold yet as the Vikings try to keep all their focus on this season, but the team has not ruled out the idea of bringing him back. Darnold, 27, is a former first-round pick of the Jets back in 2018. He was in the final year of a four-year, $30.370 million rookie contract when he was traded to the Panthers. Carolina exercised Darnold’s fifth-year option for 2022 after acquiring him from New York. He made a base salary of $18.858 million in 2022 under the option. Darnold was an unrestricted free agent for the first time this offseason when he signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the 49ers. He joined the Vikings this past offseason on another one-year deal. In 2024, Darnold has appeared in 14 games for the Vikings and completed 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,530 yards, 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He’s added 56 carries for 194 yards and a touchdown. We’ll have more on Darnold and the Vikings quarterback situation as the news is available. This article first appeared on NFLTradeRumors.co and was syndicated with permission.
ANN/VIETNAM NEWS – “With the same monthly income of VND18 million (USD720), my family’s quality of life improved dramatically when I moved from HCM City to Binh Duong for work,” said Tran Trong Nhan, originally from Ca Mau in the south. After two years of living and working in Binh Duong, Nhan noted that his family’s finances had stabilised. “Living costs, including accommodation, are 20 to 50 per cent higher in HCM City compared to nearby provinces like Binh Duong. On the same salary, my family of three could barely cover basic expenses in the city, with no money left for leisure, travel, or savings,” he explained. He highlighted housing as a major factor, noting that renting a 20-square-metre room in HCM City costs between VND2.5 and VND4 million (USD100-160) per month, while a similar room in Binh Duong, with better quality, costs only VND1.5 million (USD60). Other expenses, such as kindergarten fees, are also significantly lower in Binh Duong. Thanks to the reduction in costs, Nhan’s family can now save money and spend on leisure activities, including family outings and trips. Nhan’s experience reflects a growing trend of workers leaving HCM City due to its high cost of living. Rising prices for housing, utilities, and daily necessities are making it increasingly difficult for many families to sustain themselves. Even those with stable jobs and decent incomes find themselves struggling to make ends meet. Another case is migrant worker Le Van Thuong, 26, from the central province of Thanh Hoa, who recently decided to leave after four years working in HCM City. Before moving south, Thuong worked for a tourism event organisation in Hanoi. Attracted by HCM City’s vibrant job market and abundant opportunities for young people, he moved to the city in 2019, just before the Covid-19 pandemic began. During the pandemic, he faced prolonged social distancing and harsh challenges After the city reopened, Thuong found work at an event organisation company with a monthly salary of VND15 million (USD600). However, high living costs in the city left him unable to save or even afford trips back to his hometown for holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year). “Living in HCM City is expensive. Home rent, food, and other essentials leave no room for savings,” Thuong said. After weighing his options for more than a week, he decided to move back to his hometown Thanh Hoa, where he found a job offering 20 per cent higher pay than his previous one in the city. Nhan and Thuong are part of a broader trend that is reshaping the labour landscape in HCM City. Over the past decade, the city has been a magnet for migrant labour from across Vietnam, thanks to its dynamic economy, infrastructure, and job opportunities.UN General Assembly calls for 'unconditional' Gaza ceasefire
