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Thursday, October 10, 2024

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At least four dead in St. Lucie County from tornadoes spawned by Milton; AZ voting advocates switch focus to voter education; EPA omits schools from new lead rule but federal funds could help; Where does Harris stand on factory farming?

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President Biden denounces disinformation about federal disaster response. Experts address concerns about how hurricanes impact voting, and activists left and right question VP Harris' stance on meat.

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Hurricane Helene has some rural North Carolina towns worried larger communities might get more attention, mixed feelings about ranked choice voting on the Oregon ballot next month, and New York farmers earn money feeding school kids.

PA hydropower turbine plant uses IRA funding to boost jobs

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Friday, September 20, 2024   

In Pennsylvania, some former coal communities are transitioning into clean energy hubs with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act.

Pennsylvania has received $953 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to improve infrastructure resilience. Based in York, Voith Hydro North America manufactures hydroelectric turbines.

Carl Atkinson, vice president of sales for Voith Hydro, said the federal funding and tax incentives have helped them to collaborate with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union to expand manufacturing and create jobs.

"The credit that we applied for, it's through the Inflation Reduction Act," Atkinson explained. "It is basically a 30% tax credit for businesses that invest in their existing manufacturing operations for renewable energy equipment."

Because it is a tax credit, he said Voith has a list of requirements to meet for apprenticeships, paying prevailing wages and more. He added Voith is eligible for an almost $6 million in tax credits due to its investments in two machines totaling nearly $20 million.

Atkinson noted the funding allows for equipment upgrades and improvements to productivity and worker safety. He pointed out it supports Voith's apprenticeship programs in welding and machining and the continuous learning makes the workers eligible for higher grades of work and more pay.

"Those apprenticeships are fully supported by the IAM, our union partners," Atkinson emphasized. "It's apprenticeship and training, so it qualifies for new and existing employees to secure career growth opportunities in their trades."

Atkinson added Voith has invested heavily in technology improvements, manufacturing equipment and state-of-the-art machining sets. He described them as large milling machines for steel components.


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In Florida, the deadline to register to vote was Monday, and a Florida driver's license or Department of Motor Vehicles ID card was necessary to complete the registration. (Vilkasss/Pixabay)

Social Issues

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As Hurricane Milton makes landfall and Florida recovers from Hurricane Helene's devastation, voting rights groups have filed a legal challenge to …


Social Issues

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A Detroit educator recently told a congressional committee he is "terrified" at what a second Trump term as president could bring for America's public…

Social Issues

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Ho-Chunk Farms' annual Indian Corn Harvest is reviving and preserving this tradition for the northeast Nebraska tribe. Corn from a Winnebago family's …


There is no safe level of lead in a person's blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Scientists note even low lead levels have been shown to affect IQ, the ability to pay attention and academic achievement. (Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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Clean water advocates in Maine are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water in school…

Health and Wellness

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When it comes to stroke care, experts say, "time is brain." Now, a program launching in South Dakota will coordinate and strengthen stroke care …

Buildings are 32% of New York's annual greenhouse gas emissions, making them the state's largest emitter. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

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New York State authorized utilities to develop thermal energy network pilot programs to further its decarbonization goals. Thermal energy networks …

Environment

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From power outages to burnt farmland, North Dakota is coming to grips with the impact of several large wildfires that are linked to at least two …

Environment

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By Bennet Goldstein for Wisconsin Watch.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for Wisconsin Watch-Public News Service…

 

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