• The generating capacity of renewable energy in the U.S has surpassed coal for the first time in 2022.

The Energy Information Agency (EIA) has released data that shows that in 2022 for the first time renewable energy surpassed the generating capacity of coal on the U.S grid. This follows data in 2020 showing renewable energy surpassed nuclear energy as a generating source. 

Currently wind and solar account for about 14 percent of the power that's on the grid. Hydro is at about six percent and the other forms such as geothermal and biofuels account for another three percent. The renewable share of the U.S grid is around 23 percent in generating capacity. Coal is currently down to about 20 percent and nuclear is down to about 18 percent. The number one generating source is natural gas at about 40 percent of the generating capacity on the grid. https://www.eia.gov/

In French composer Claude DeBussy’s Pelleas et Melisande, while out hunting Prince Golaud of Allemonde (Iowa bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen) stumbles upon Melisande (California soprano Sydney Mancasola) in the forest. They’re both lost and by the time the next scene takes place, we learn they have married. The couple have moved into King Arkel’s (Italian bass Ferruccio Furlanetto) castle, where Melisande proceeds to spend an inordinate amount of time with Golaud’s half-brother, Pelleas (Chicago baritone Will Liverman).
Golaud suspects that his wife is having an affair with his half-brother and, shall we say, complications ensure. Are they, or aren’t they? To this reviewer, the whole premise of the plot is senseless, unless Meilsande and Pelleas are indeed having a sexual relationship.

BANGKOK, Thailand -- Coup-maker Prayuth Chan-ocha hopes his snappy new promise -- "no coup again" -- will get him re-elected prime minister in May and end worries that the U.S.-trained military will topple the next government if the polls go against them.

Prime Minister Prayuth dissolved Parliament's elected half, the 500-seat house of representatives, on March 20, three days before its four-year tenure expired.

The Election Commission then had to choose an election date within 45-60 days, and selected May 14.

Prliaent's 250 junta-appointed senators remain unchanged.

"There should be no coup again," the now-Caretaker Prime Minister Prayuth recently told reporters.

"If any serious conflict occurs again [after the election], I don't know how to solve it because I have nothing to do with it now."

Coups, cannabis, and corruption are the biggest issues nationwide facing candidates for prime minister and parliament.

Some analysts wonder if the military will launch a coup if the next government does not satisfy them and their cronies among the elite's conservatives and old money.

City of Columbus mayoral candidate Joe Motil states, “Today’s [April 3rd] homeowner repair loan forgiveness by Mayor Ginther was just another election year staged media event. Due to the city handing out home repair grants to eligible recipients for some time now, it is only fair to those homeowner repair recipients who have been required with paying back their interest free loans to be given the same treatment. The earlier recipients should have been given grants in the first place.”  

Motil continues, “Assistance with home repairs for seniors and those on fixed incomes is important. I have heard stories for years now how new residents who are purchasing tax abated luxury homes in desirable risk-free development urban neighborhoods are calling code enforcement officers on long-time residents who cannot afford repairs. Along with escalating property taxes, this is just one more adverse impact caused by gentrification.”