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Republicans weigh using the power of Congress to rein in Trump on tariffs; Stocks tumble again after China fires back in trade war; Mississippi urged to invest in jobs, not jails, to cut prison costs; Studies highlight gut health benefits of plant-forward diets in MI.

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The administration stands behind its tariffs, despite declines in markets. Advocates nationwide push back against federal rollbacks affecting military families, and the environment and big budget plans advance in Congress.

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The proposed dismantling of the Depart. of Education has rural schools scared, postal carriers say USPS changes will hurt rural communities most, fiber networks to improve internet may be supplanted by Musk's satellites, and it's time to PLAY BALL!

Bowling Green, Ohio, residents say costly power plant drives up energy bills

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Thursday, February 1, 2024   

Some residents of Bowling Green, Ohio, are saying the city's main power source, Prairie State Energy Campus in Illinois, is expensive, dirty, and unsustainable.

Research has shown the coal plant cost $5 billion to build in 2012, is barely profitable and significantly contributes to environmental pollution.

Joseph DeMare, a Bowling Green resident and solar panel owner, said the report showed continued reliance on the plant is not in consumers' best interest.

"What they found is that the wholesale cost of electricity has dropped so much, because of cheap wind and solar coming online, that Prairie State could be shut down," DeMare noted.

Given recent and projected declines in the cost of renewable energy and battery storage, the report's authors said the plant's future operating costs will likely be significantly more expensive than clean energy, meaning customers will foot the bill until the plant is closed. In a statement on its website, Prairie State Energy Campus said its plant uses domestic resources and clean energy technology.

DeMare pointed out the city has also taxed its net-metering system for new solar panel owners. Bowling Green's Board of Utilities passed a law a few years ago charging panel owners a monthly fee for every kilowatt of electricity produced into the system.

"In fact, there's a new line on my electric bill every month for the solar penalty, and it pretty much wiped out the benefit I get from selling my excess electricity to the city," DeMare observed.

The city maintains the tax is needed to help cover grid maintenance costs. A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found 8% of homeowners said they have already installed solar panels, and around 39% have given serious thought to it in the past year.

The Inflation Reduction Act includes a 30% residential tax credit for clean-energy upgrades installed on residential properties over the next decade.


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In addition to gut health benefits, many researchers say reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based foods can help lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and reduce the environmental footprint of food production. (NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…


Social Issues

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As Mississippi grapples with one of the nation's highest incarceration rates, a new national campaign highlights the economic and social toll of …

Social Issues

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Nearly 22,000 Florida college students could lose critical tuition help under a state House budget proposal. The plan would cut $3,500 annual grants …


Marches, rallies and protests will take place at state capitals, federal buildings, congressional offices and city centers. (Hands Off!)

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Pro-worker and pro-democracy organizers and activists in Nevada are coming together to oppose some of the policies of President Donald Trump…

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Minnesota bird enthusiasts should keep their binoculars handy. April is a good month to spot various species migrating back to the region. Experts …

The U.S. Senate voted 52-48 to end the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's overdraft-fee protection regulation. (Adobe Stock)

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As President Donald Trump dismantles the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, advocates of the agency warn that veterans and military service …

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Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill to prevent cryptocurrency scams and regulate what are known as "crypto kiosks." Brendon Blake, AARP …

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UPDATE: A statement about the arrest from the University of Cincinnati has been added. (8:10 a.m. MDT, Apr. 3, 2025) A recent arrest on the …

 

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