Washington coal unit slated to close in 2025 ordered ready again, through December
Energy Secretary Chris Wright has again ordered Unit 2 of Washington's Centralia Generating Station to stay available to operate, this time through December 11. The coal unit was due to close at the end of 2025. Utility Dive reported in June that the department had issued its third order for the plant, running through September 12, and the new one starts the next day. It directs TransAlta Centralia Generation to keep the unit ready for peak demand and extreme weather on the Northwest grid. The Energy Department says retiring reliable plants too early raises the risk of outages.
Kansas senator won't commit to the $5,000 Trump dividend
Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas would not commit to President Trump's proposed $5,000 dividend. Debating Democrat Adam Hamilton at the Kansas State Fair, he said he would "bring in all the information, and then make a decision." On Wednesday he had posted on X, "Comment how you will spend your $5,000 Trump Dividend when Republicans win in November."
Jury convicts former postal worker of wire fraud over disability claims
A federal jury in Central Islip, New York, convicted former Postal Service employee Luann Middleton of wire fraud. Prosecutors said she collected about $40,000 a year in federal workers' compensation for nearly 25 years by falsely claiming total disability. She faces up to 20 years in prison.