NUKE INDUSTRY PUSHING FOR FEWER PLANT INSPECTIONS
WASHINGTON» The nuclear power industry is pushing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to cut back on inspections at nuclear power plants and throttle back what it tells the public about plant problems. The agency, whose board is dominated by Trump appointees, is listening.
Commission staffers are weighing some of the industry’s requests as part of a sweeping review of how the agency enforces regulations governing the country’s 98 commercially operating nuclear plants. Recommendations are due to the five-member NRC board in June.
Annie Caputo, a former nuclear-energy lobbyist now serving as one of four board members appointed or reappointed by President Donald Trump, told an industry meeting this week that she was “open to self-assessments” by nuclear plant operators, who are proposing that selfreporting by operators take the place of some NRC inspections.
The Trump NRC appointees and industry representatives say changes in oversight are warranted to reflect the industry’s overall improved safety records and its financial difficulties, as the operating costs of the country’s aging nuclear plants increase and affordable natural gas and solar and wind power gain in the energy market.
Acting Pentagon chief says no steep base cost hike for allies.
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Thursday the Pentagon has no plans to force allies to pay dramatically higher costs for hosting American forces in their countries, saying reports of a steep increase are wrong.
Shanahan told the Senate Armed Services Committee that allies need to pay their fair share, but compensation comes in many forms, including providing support for war in places like Afghanistan.
U.S. officials earlier this month said the Trump administration was eyeing a plan to make allies pay significantly more, and some reports suggested it could be the full cost of the troops’ presence plus an additional 50 percent.
“Apprentice” contestant’s Trump defamation lawsuit can proceed.
A former contestant on “The Apprentice” who accused President Donald Trump of unwanted kissing and groping can move forward with her defamation lawsuit against him, a state appeals court ruled Thursday, raising the prospect that a sitting president could be called for sworn questioning.
A panel of judges on the Supreme Court Appellate Division said in their ruling, in a case brought by Summer Zervos, that the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution doesn’t require trials in state court to be delayed until the president is out of office.
Citing a U.S. Supreme Court ruling two decades ago in a case involving alleged sexual misconduct by President Bill Clinton, a majority of judges on the panel said presidents can be sued in state courts over things they did that aren’t related to their official duties.
“The current sitting President attempts to shield himself from consequences for his alleged unofficial misconduct by relying upon the constitutional protection of the Presidency,” the judges said in an opinion written by Justice Dianne T. Renwick. “We reject defendant President Trump’s argument that the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution prevents a New York State court — and every other state court in the country — from exercising its authority.”
Smollett pleads not guilty to lying about attack.
CHICAGO» “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges accusing him of lying to the police about being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in downtown Chicago a few weeks ago.
Lawyer Tina Glandian entered the plea on behalf of the 36-year-old actor during a hearing in Cook County Circuit Court after Judge Steven Watkins was assigned to oversee the case, including the trial.
Last remaining U.S. diplomats leave Venezuela.
VENEZUELA» The CARACAS, last remaining American diplomats in Venezuela left the country Thursday, amid deteriorating ties between Washington and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. remains committed to supporting opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president and is trying to oust Maduro and hold what he says would be free and fair elections. “We look forward to resuming our presence once the transition to democracy begins,” Pompeo said.