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<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1kEYLX_1GpzCmLm00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1kEYLX_1GpzCmLm00" width="1440" height="960" >On election night, as Republicans <a href="https://fortune.com/2026/11/04/voters-incumbents-republicans-congress-chambers-control-50-years/" rel="nofollow">lost both chambers of Congress</a>, President Donald Trump finally acknowledged the war in Iran had played a role. In a <a href="https://fortune.com/company/fox/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fox</a><a href="https://fortune.com/company/news-corp/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">News</a> interview, he said the public was unwilling to tolerate high gas prices. That night, he also told the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/11/05/nx-s1-6029365/gas-diesel-price-congress-midterms" rel="nofollow">New York Times</a> he knew voters were unhappy about gas prices all along.What voters wanted was simple: to afford a burger on the grill and a full tank of gas. Both had gotten more expensive. <a href="https://fortune.com/2026/10/15/midterm-elections-2026-beef-prices-vegan-politicians/" rel="nofollow">Ground beef cost $6.79 a pound in September</a>, up 22% since Trump returned to office. Gas prices rose 40% since the Iran war began in February. His Liberation Day tariffs will <a href="https://abcnews.com/Business/tariffs-cost-us-households-1000-year-yale-budget/story?id=135945432" rel="nofollow">cost</a> the typical household more than $1,000 a year. <a href="https://fortune.com/2026/10/28/fed-rates-steady-midterms-october-3-75-to-4-percent-cook-hammack-dissent/" rel="nofollow">And inflation climbed to 3.7% over the year</a> through September, with energy driving roughly 40% of the increase.In 2024, Democrats largely lost after what many regarded as the end of an era of cultural politics. In his second term, Trump built his presidency around fights that defined his own political identity— deportations and military force—seemingly not heeding the lesson Democrats did and all the while as voters were watching what they paid at the pump and the grocery store. On Tuesday, they didn’t vote identity: They voted on the prices.<h2 class="wp-block-heading">‘You can’t call it a hoax and suggest that people are going to believe it‘</h2>For two years, Trump and his party treated affordability as a Democratic talking point. “The word ‘affordability’ is a con job by the Democrats,” Trump <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/12/04/trump-affordability-fake-narrative-con-job-democrats-tennessee-election/" rel="nofollow">said at a Cabinet meeting</a> last December. At the G7 summit in June, he called it a <a href="https://fortune.com/2026/11/06/beef-prices-ad-mississippi-senate-race-democrat-republican-colom-hyde-smith/" rel="nofollow">“fake word made up by the Democrats.”</a> At the Republican convention in September, he said it again: “They use the word affordability, right? It’s fake.”When the war sent oil prices up in March, Trump wrote that prices would drop once the Iran threat was over, and <a href="https://suozzi.house.gov/media/in-the-news/democrats-seize-oil-price-surge-trump-downplays-ithttps://suozzi.house.gov/media/in-the-news/democrats-seize-oil-price-surge-trump-downplays-it" rel="nofollow">that</a> “ONLY FOOLS” would not see higher costs as a small price to pay. A Republican National Committee spokeswoman then later accused Democrats of “fearmongering” about gas prices.Though it could have been contained as a talking point for Trump, it didn’t stay that way for long: In what is now the still hotly-contested, razor-thin Senate race in Mississippi, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, a cattle rancher, answered a question about beef prices by noting that voters have <a href="https://fortune.com/2026/11/06/beef-prices-ad-mississippi-senate-race-democrat-republican-colom-hyde-smith/" rel="nofollow">“so many proteins to choose from.”</a> In Ohio, Sen. Jon Husted said one way to make things more affordable was to <a href="https://boingboing.net/2025/12/15/republican-solution-to-affordability-crisis-announced-americans-should-earn-more.html" rel="nofollow">“earn more.”</a> Last week, when asked by a young voter how her generation could afford to start a family, Vice President JD Vance <a href="https://fortune.com/2026/11/04/jd-vance-ohio-sherrod-brown-jon-husted-democrats-flip-affordability/" rel="nofollow">opened with a joke</a> about Husted’s backside before admitting Republicans haven’t addressed the cost of living crisis adequately, and Husted lost on Tuesday.The inability to take affordability seriously didn’t just rest with the White House or with candidates. When former President Barack Obama hit the administration over prices on the campaign trail, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6173437-bessent-mocks-obama-cheesecake-factory/" rel="nofollow">responded</a> by eating at a <a href="https://fortune.com/company/cheesecake-factory/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cheesecake Factory</a> near the White House and mocking Obama, who responded that the administration focused on his joke instead of the prices. <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6180017-obama-trump-cheesecake-factory-joke/" rel="nofollow">“These are not serious people,”</a> he said.<a href="https://fortune.com/2025/12/05/trump-economy-affordability-con-job-cost-of-living-inflation-republican-voters/" rel="nofollow">Nearly three-quarters of Trump’s voters</a> rated the cost of living bad or the worst ever last December. In an October <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/trump-shrugs-off-affordability-republicans-say-crisis-12578363" rel="nofollow">survey</a>, 96% of Republicans said the U.S. was in an affordability <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/trump-shrugs-off-affordability-republicans-say-crisis-12578363" rel="nofollow">“crisis.”</a> Some in the party had warned about the gap. “You can’t call it a hoax and suggest that people are going to believe it,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5643398-trump-republicans-affordability-concerns/" rel="nofollow">said</a> last December.<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bringing back kitchen table economics</h2>Voters worried about the economy <a href="https://fortune.com/2024/11/06/trump-harris-economy-voters-hispanic-prices-consumers-election-negative" rel="nofollow">broke for Trump by 2 to 1</a> in 2024, fretting about the cost of everything from food in their pantries to gas in their trucks to their medications. In 2020, Joe Biden won voters with a negative view of the economy by 63 points, but four years later, Kamala Harris lost them by 40.This go-around, it appears as if Democrats learned from that loss. The party’s winners this year were mostly moderates who ran on costs, and the cultural politics that peaked in 2020 and 2021 continues to recede.Trump, meanwhile, made his own version of the mistake. He staked his second term on mass deportations, an immigration crackdown, and a war in Iran, while the problem families named in 2024 hadn’t gone away. By this fall, a <a href="https://fortune.com/2026/10/02/americans-view-socialism-favorably-trump-taxpayer-ads-jd-vance-affordability/" rel="nofollow">record 43% of Americans viewed socialism</a> positively, and Vance warned his party not to blame young people for that when housing costs kept them from buying homes. Even billionaires like <a href="https://fortune.com/company/paypal-holdings/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PayPal</a> cofounder Peter Thiel and <a href="https://fortune.com/company/amazon-com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a> founder Jeff Bezos said they <a href="https://fortune.com/2026/10/12/jeff-bezos-socialism-gallup-poll-housing-affordability-greedy-landlords-austin-rents/" rel="nofollow">understood why socialism was surging</a>.Here’s the issue: Trump took office in 2025 with an economy that had recovered from the pandemic and an AI investment boom underway. He could have kept blaming Biden for inflation. Instead, he spent his political capital abroad. On Jan. 3, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, an operation that gave Trump considerable sway over the country’s oil reserves without extended U.S. military action. Just because he got lucky in Venezuela didn’t inherently mean he would in Iran, and aides struggled to convince Trump that Iran was unlikely to unfold like the Venezuela raid. Nonetheless, eight weeks later, the U.S. and Israel went to war with Iran. Trump could have maintained the idyllic economic prosperity that he touted when running for reelection. Instead, in the national exit poll, 89% of voters called the cost of living crucial or a major factor in their vote, second only to government corruption, at 90%. NBC’s exit poll found Republicans had <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/live-blog/midterm-election-results-2026-news-trump-live-updates-rcna605763" rel="nofollow">lost</a> their advantage on the economy, the issue that helped return Trump to the White House.Following the Blue Tsunami on Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats intend to end the war and bring down costs, promising “relief is on the way.” But the relief may be slow: Gas still averages $4.12 a gallon, about $1 higher than a year ago, and even in the most optimistic scenario, prices could take three months after a ceasefire to return to prewar levels.This story was originally featured on <a href="https://fortune.com/2026/11/06/trump-admits-iran-war-hurt-republicans-midterms/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fortune.com</a></div></body>

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Trump admitted on election night the war hurt Republicans. Gas is up 40% since it began, and tariffs cost families $1,000 a year.

Trump admitted the Iran war and gas prices hurt Republicans. It was his version of the identity politics that cost Democrats 2024

<body><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0JYIGB_1Gq4FkUe00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0JYIGB_1Gq4FkUe00" width="1600" height="900" ></figure>I’m Danny Tran, and I live here in Texas. As of early November 2026, I’m thinking about what happens when I put the gas mower away for winter. I used to leave whatever untreated fuel was in the tank, expecting the mower to start when mowing returned. The mower looked put away, so I counted it as ready. I wasn’t treating the fuel in its tank as a separate storage decision.Texas A&amp;M AgriLife Extension advises draining fuel from gas-powered mowers as the growing season ends. That gives me a question to take out to my mower: am I about to leave untreated gas sitting in it? I want the answer before I walk away from it for the season, not when I need it to start again.<div id="nearby-article-card-v1" class="nearby-t3s"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dlandscaping%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DMy%2520yard%2520is%2520getting%2520overgrown%252C%2520and%2520I%2520need%2520help.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-N959%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-N959.top.t3-strip%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3s-a">Is your yard getting overgrown?Tell Nia about your yard in a few taps. It’s free.→</a></div><style>.nearby-t3s,.nearby-t3m,.nearby-t3e{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,"SF Pro Text",Roboto,"Segoe UI",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;text-align:left}.nearby-t3s{display:block;margin:18px 0;background:#fff1ea url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat 16px 13px/62px auto;background-blend-mode:multiply;border:1px solid #ffd9c7;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3s-a{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:34px 14px 13px 16px;text-decoration:none;color:#1f1f1f;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3s-t{display:block;flex:1 1 auto;min-width:0;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.38;color:#4a4a4a}.nearby-t3s-h{display:block;font-size:17.5px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f;margin-bottom:3px}.nearby-t3s-go{flex:none;width:32px;height:32px;border-radius:50%;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:16px;font-weight:700}.nearby-t3m{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;margin:22px 0;padding:16px 16px 14px;background:#fff url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat right 16px top 17px/62px auto;border:1.5px solid #1f1f1f;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3m-k{display:block;font-size:11.5px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c2410c}.nearby-t3m-q{display:block;font-size:21px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f}.nearby-t3m-g{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:8px}.nearby-t3m-o{display:block;text-decoration:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3m-w{grid-column:1/-1}.nearby-t3m-o span{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;min-height:46px;padding:8px 10px;border-radius:10px;background:#fff1ea;border:1px solid #ffd9c7;color:#1f1f1f;font-size:15px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:600;text-align:center}.nearby-t3m-f{display:block;font-size:12.5px;color:#6b6b6b;text-align:center}.nearby-t3e{display:block;margin:26px 0 8px;background:#fdf4ed url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat 20px 20px/72px auto;background-blend-mode:multiply;border:1px solid #f0dcce;border-left:6px solid #d86c46;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3e-a{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;padding:50px 20px 18px;text-decoration:none;color:#1f1f1f;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3e-r{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;flex-wrap:wrap}.nearby-t3e-k{display:block;font-size:12px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#a94a26}.nearby-t3e-tag{display:inline-block;padding:3px 9px;border-radius:999px;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:600}.nearby-t3e-h{display:block;font-size:23px;line-height:1.15;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f}.nearby-t3e-s{display:block;font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#3d3d3d}.nearby-t3e-st{display:flex;gap:8px;margin-top:2px}.nearby-t3e-st>span{flex:1 1 0;min-width:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;font-size:12.5px;line-height:1.3;color:#3d3d3d}.nearby-t3e-n{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:50%;background:#d86c46;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:700}.nearby-t3e-btn{display:block;margin-top:4px;padding:13px 0;border-radius:999px;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;text-align:center}.nearby-t3e-f{display:block;font-size:12.5px;color:#6b6b6b;text-align:center}</style><h2>What Briggs &amp; Stratton says</h2>Briggs &amp; Stratton puts the risk plainly: "Gas begins to degrade in as little as 30 days which can lead to your engine's fuel system clogging and your equipment not starting the following season." That is the gap in my old routine. I was thinking about the mower as something I could park and forget, while the gas inside it could change before I needed the mower again.The risk is about what *can* happen, not a promise that every mower left with untreated gas will refuse to start. It still changes the decision for me. Leaving the fuel alone and expecting a normal start is not a storage step; it is an assumption about what will be in the tank when mowing returns.Briggs &amp; Stratton also advises keeping the operator’s manual nearby when preparing a mower for storage. I can take the risk of degrading gas seriously without treating one storage method as the answer for every mower. The manual is where I start before choosing what to do with the fuel in mine.<div id="nearby-article-card-mid" class="nearby-t3m">Quick check · tap yoursDoes your mower start when you need it?<a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dlandscaping%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DMy%2520yard%2520is%2520overgrown%252C%2520and%2520my%2520mower%2520won%25E2%2580%2599t%2520start.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-N959%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-N959.mid.t3-choice-o1%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o">Won’t start</a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dlandscaping%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DMy%2520mower%2520starts%252C%2520but%2520I%2520need%2520help%2520with%2520my%2520overgrown%2520yard.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-N959%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-N959.mid.t3-choice-o2%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o">Starts normally</a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dlandscaping%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DMy%2520yard%2520is%2520overgrown%252C%2520and%2520I%25E2%2580%2599m%2520not%2520sure%2520whether%2520my%2520mower%2520starts.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-N959%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-N959.mid.t3-choice-o3%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o nearby-t3m-w">Not sure</a>Free for homeowners · Your number stays private</div><h2>Why the fuel step matters</h2>Briggs &amp; Stratton describes storing a mower with a full tank of treated fuel to help prevent moisture from condensing inside the tank. It says that moisture can lead to rust and a clogged carburetor. For that treated-fuel approach, it also advises running the mower after adding stabilized fuel so the treated fuel circulates through the fuel system.In plain words, that approach is more than adding something to the tank and walking away. The treated fuel needs to reach the parts where fuel moves. Draining the fuel is a different storage approach. Either way, the part my old habit missed was making a deliberate choice instead of leaving untreated gas where it was.<h2>What I do instead</h2><ul><li>I read my mower’s operator’s manual before putting it away. I look for its fuel-storage instructions rather than assuming the tank should stay as it is.</li><li>If the instructions call for draining the fuel, I drain it. That is also the step Texas A&amp;M AgriLife Extension advises for gas-powered mowers at the end of the growing season.</li><li>If the instructions call for storing treated fuel, I follow the treatment directions. In the treated-fuel approach Briggs &amp; Stratton describes, the tank is filled with treated fuel and the mower is run briefly so that fuel circulates through the system.</li></ul>I thought leaving gas in the mower meant it was ready to use later. Now I treat that as the question I need to settle before storage: what does this mower’s manual say to do with its fuel? The answer might be to drain it or to store it with treated fuel. What I don’t do is leave untreated gas in the tank by default and count on an ordinary start when mowing returns.If I need help, I describe the job as preparing a gas mower’s fuel system for seasonal storage according to its operator’s manual.<div id="nearby-article-card-end" class="nearby-t3e"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dlandscaping%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DMy%2520yard%2520is%2520overgrown%252C%2520and%2520I%25E2%2580%2599d%2520like%2520a%2520landscaper%25E2%2580%2599s%2520help.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-N959%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-N959.end.t3-full%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3e-a" aria-label="Describe my yard">Landscapers · overgrown yardGet help with your overgrown yard.You can tell a landscaper whether your mower starts and what help your overgrown yard needs.1Say what’s going on2Answer a few quick questions3Local pros reach out if you wantDescribe my yard →Free for homeowners · Your number stays private</a></div></body>

Block Source: Danny Tran

I’m Danny Tran, and I live here in Texas. As of early November 2026, I’m thinking about what happens when I put the gas mower away for winter. I used to leave whatever untreated fuel was in the tank, expecting the mower to start when mowing returned. The mower looked put away, so I counted it as ready. I wasn’t treating the fuel in its tank as a separate storage decision.

You park your gas mower with untreated fuel, but Briggs & Stratton says gas can degrade in as little as 30 days.

<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1CIsM9_1GpgA1Dd00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1CIsM9_1GpgA1Dd00" width="1280" height="960" ><figcaption>Pennsylvania Utilities Can't Cut Off Gas or Electric Service From Dec. 1 to March 31 for Households at or Below 250% of the Poverty Line</figcaption></figure>For a family of four, 250% of the federal poverty level works out to $82,500 a year, or $6,875 a month. Pennsylvania households at or below that line cannot have regulated gas or electric service cut off from Dec. 1 through March 31, according to the <a href="https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2026/11/pa-liheap-energyassistance-applications-open/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Altoona Mirror’s report on the state’s winter assistance rules</a>. The protection does not erase what is owed, so the bills keep building behind it.<h2>What 250% of the Poverty Line Means in Dollars for Each Household Size</h2>The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission lists the income ceilings month by month on its <a href="https://www.puc.pa.gov/media/3827/26_protections_for_responsible_utility_customers_020426.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">customer protections sheet</a>. At 250% of poverty, the monthly limits are $3,325 for one person, $4,508 for two, $5,692 for three and $6,875 for four. Each additional person adds $1,183 a month.Those monthly figures line up with the federal numbers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sets the <a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">2026 poverty guidelines</a> at $15,960 for one person, $21,640 for two, $27,320 for three and $33,000 for four in the 48 contiguous states. Multiplying by 2.5 gives annual ceilings of $39,900, $54,100, $68,300 and $82,500. Each added person raises the poverty line by $5,680, which is $14,200 at 250%.The annual multiplication is simple arithmetic on the HHS numbers. The PUC sheet is dated February 2026 and uses the 2026 guidelines, which are updated every January.For a household of four, the gap between the 150% threshold used for the state’s LIHEAP heating grants and the 250% shutoff line is wide. The Department of Human Services lists the LIHEAP limit for a family of four at $49,500 in gross annual income, according to its <a href="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/newsroom/shapiro-admin-now-accepting-applications-for-2026-27-liheap" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">announcement of the 2026-27 season</a>. A family earning $60,000 would be above the grant limit but still inside the shutoff protection.<h2>Which Utilities and Services the Dec. 1 to March 31 Protection Covers</h2>The winter moratorium covers regulated electric and gas utilities, according to the Altoona Mirror. PUC-regulated water utilities are also barred from cutting off water to households that use it to heat their homes. The Department of Human Services makes the same statement in its LIHEAP announcement.The PUC sheet describes the protection as one that “protects consumers from utility termination between December 1 and March 31.” During winter, the sheet says, service is restored within 24 hours after the customer pays and meets the utility’s conditions. If street or sidewalk digging is needed, restoration can take up to seven days.The moratorium is not a blanket ban. The PUC sheet says service can be terminated without commission approval if a customer is not a responsible customer or if household income falls outside the utility’s qualifying guidelines.The window runs about four months, from Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026, to Wednesday, March 31, 2027. Households that are protected during those months still owe the usage, and the protection ends when the window closes.<h2>Unpaid Heating Bills Stay on the Account</h2>The moratorium “does not cancel a customer’s outstanding home heating bills,” according to the Altoona Mirror’s summary of the state’s guidance. Anything unpaid in December is still owed in April.The PUC says households must still meet certain conditions to stay protected. The sheet lists paying the bill and following any payment arrangement, making any required deposit, allowing access to utility equipment and telling the utility about any loss of income or work hours so the household can be checked for assistance programs. A deposit can be required after bad or no credit history, a past termination for unpaid bills, or two consecutive missed payments or three within 12 months, and the sheet says it could average two monthly bills.A separate protection applies when a licensed provider certifies that a household member is seriously ill. The PUC sheet says service will not be disconnected in that case, the initial certification lasts up to 30 days and extensions are possible. The bill must still be paid during the period.By law, consumers must contact their utility first to resolve a billing problem, the PUC says in a <a href="https://www.puc.pa.gov/press-release/2023/callutilitiesnow-puc-urges-consumers-to-contact-utilities-about-payment-of-past-due-or-high-bills-as-annual-winter-utility-termination-moratorium-ends-on-march-31-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">press release on the end of the moratorium</a>. The same release advises households to ask their utility about customer assistance programs and new payment plans for past-due balances, and to dial 211 for local resources. A household that cannot settle the matter can then call the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380.<h2>LIHEAP Cash Grants of $200 to $1,000 Stay Open Through April 23</h2>The moratorium holds off a shutoff but does nothing about the size of the bill, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is the state’s main source of help with it. The 2026-27 season opened this fall, with applications accepted through April 23, 2027, according to the Department of Human Services. A cash grant is $200 at minimum and $1,000 at maximum, and a household may receive one per season. Crisis grants range from $25 to $1,000 per season.The site has covered the details of <a href="https://thetonicedit.com/pennsylvania-liheap-2026-2027-cash-grants/" rel="nofollow">the cash grants</a> and <a href="https://thetonicedit.com/pennsylvania-liheap-crisis-grant/" rel="nofollow">crisis grants for broken furnaces and shutoff threats</a>.Last season, 278,910 households received cash benefits averaging $289, and about 121,329 households received crisis benefits averaging $566, the Department of Human Services reported.State Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh said that households should apply for LIHEAP as soon as possible. PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank urged anyone struggling to apply early. Applications are filed online through COMPASS, or through the LIHEAP Helpline at 1-866-857-7095 for a paper form, and applicants do not need to know their eligibility beforehand.Get stories like this by email.<a href="https://parent-diaries.kit.com/7f0b14f9f0" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Sign up for The Parent Diaries Letter</a>.This article was produced with AI assistance and edited for accuracy against the sources linked above.Image: w_lemay – CC BY-SA 2.0/Wikimedia Commons</div></body>

Block Source: The Tonic Edit

Pennsylvania utilities cannot cut off gas or electric from Dec. 1 to March 31 for households at or below 250% of poverty, $82,500 for a family of four.

Pennsylvania Utilities Can't Cut Off Gas or Electric Service From Dec. 1 to March 31 for Households at or Below 250% of the Poverty Line

<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2FuhdX_1GqfsCU100" style="display:none" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2FuhdX_1GqfsCU100" width="1600" height="899" >When it comes to cutting grass on large properties, riding lawn mowers are the undefeated champs. They also make cutting grass easy for people who have physical limitations and cannot operate another <a href="https://www.hunker.com/13729551/how-to-choose-the-best-type-of-lawn-mower/" rel="nofollow">type of lawn mower</a> easily. However, deep down, their engines are working really hard, and one thing that keeps them running like all other gas-powered mowers is the oil. Oil lubricates different engine parts and keeps things cool. However, oil does not last forever, and you need to change it from time to time. So, how often should you change it on riding lawn mowers? Well, every 50 to 100 hours of use or at least once per mowing season, whichever comes first.That's because, over time, the oil of a riding lawn mower can collect dust and other debris. This reduces its efficiency, and once that happens, the oil cannot protect the engine properly, which can lead to quite a few issues. Now, of course, not every riding lawn mower follows the same schedule. The exact time after which you need to change the oil in your riding lawn mower varies. There is also one important exception to remember if you have just bought a new riding lawn mower. Many manufacturers recommend changing the engine oil after the first five hours of use. This is commonly known as the break-in oil change.So, make sure that you check out your riding lawn mower's manual. And if you want to avoid the hassle of dealing with oil changes altogether, consider getting a <a href="https://www.hunker.com/2241800/best-battery-riding-lawn-mower-brand-ego-over-john-deere/" rel="nofollow">battery riding lawn mower</a>. They have electric motors instead of gasoline engines, which do not require engine oil.Read more: <a href="https://www.hunker.com/2233489/how-to-sharpen-lawn-mower-blades-without-removing/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">How To Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades Without Removing Them</a><h2>Consider this when changing oil in riding lawn mowers</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1mgcae_1GqfsCU100" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1mgcae_1GqfsCU100" width="780" height="438" ><figcaption>A person mowing grass with a riding lawn mower Photovs/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Using the number of hours of use to determine when to change the engine oil of your riding lawn mower is a good rule of thumb, but the conditions in which the riding lawn mower operates get a say as well. If, for instance, you use your riding lawn mower in sandy or dusty soils, the engine oil might need to be changed sooner than the general 50 to 100 hours of use timeline. Similarly, cutting thick grass, mowing frequently in summer, and working on steep hills are all things that might require you to change the engine oil sooner, as these put stress on the engine, pushing it to work harder, which breaks down the oil faster.When it's time to change&nbsp;the oil of your riding lawn mower, park it on a flat, level surface. If the engine is cold, run it for one to two minutes. This will help&nbsp;drain the oil more easily.&nbsp;Switch off the engine, engage the safety brake, and remove the ignition key. Then, disconnect the spark plug wire. Place a piece of cardboard under the machine to catch spills and drips, and slide a basin under to collect the oil. Open the drain valve or plug to release the oil.&nbsp;Once the oil is fully drained, change the oil filter, and replace the oil plug or close the valve. Then,&nbsp;then slowly pour in the recommended amount of a manufacturer-suggested engine oil.Do not add more oil than needed. It can make the engine smoke. Plus, do not pour old oil down the drain. Instead, take it to a recycling center or collection facility. Also, make sure to <a href="https://www.hunker.com/2281374/how-much-cost-service-repair-riding-lawn-mowers/" rel="nofollow">service your riding lawn mower</a> regularly, as it will keep your machine running optimally and may also help the engine oil last longer and save you from the trouble of changing it too soon.Want more design inspiration? <a href="https://subscribe.hunker.com/newsletter-syndicated?utm_source=newsbreak&amp;utm_medium=hunker-NL-feed" rel="nofollow">Join our free newsletter</a> to get the best home and garden tips, design hacks, and DIY projects delivered right to your inbox. You can also <a href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=hunker.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">add us as a preferred search source</a> or <a href="https://profile.google.com/@hunker" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">follow us</a> on Google!Read the <a href="https://www.hunker.com/2306659/how-often-change-oil-riding-lawn-mower/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">original article on Hunker</a>.</div></body>

Block Source: Hunker

New to riding mowers? We explain when, why, and how to change the oil. It's an important step to keep your mower in top condition all season long.

How Often Do You Need To Change The Oil On Riding Lawn Mowers?

<body><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=29LLJT_1GpQV41j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=29LLJT_1GpQV41j00" width="1600" height="900" ></figure>As of early November 2026, the reflex in my house is easy to understand: turn down the central heat, light the decorative vented gas logs, and spend the evening in the living room. The room feels like the place we want to be, so it is tempting to treat that choice as a smaller gas bill. I live in Texas, in a first house with a clay slab, humidity to deal with and an AC that runs all day when it is hot. When the season shifts toward heat, I still have to think about what the house is using, not just where I feel warmest.I used to put the lower thermostat setting and the fire together in my head and call it saving gas. But those are separate actions: the central heat is set lower, and the logs are burning fuel. The Railroad Commission of Texas suggests wearing warmer clothes and turning down the thermostat when possible. That is a useful Texas reminder for me.<div id="nearby-article-card-v1" class="nearby-t3s"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhvac%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2527d%2520like%2520my%2520decorative%2520vented%2520gas%2520logs%2520checked.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-N955%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-N955.top.t3-strip%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3s-a">Want your gas logs checked?Tell Nia how you use them in a few taps, free.→</a></div><style>.nearby-t3s,.nearby-t3m,.nearby-t3e{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,"SF Pro Text",Roboto,"Segoe UI",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;text-align:left}.nearby-t3s{display:block;margin:18px 0;background:#fff1ea url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat 16px 13px/62px auto;background-blend-mode:multiply;border:1px solid #ffd9c7;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3s-a{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:34px 14px 13px 16px;text-decoration:none;color:#1f1f1f;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3s-t{display:block;flex:1 1 auto;min-width:0;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.38;color:#4a4a4a}.nearby-t3s-h{display:block;font-size:17.5px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f;margin-bottom:3px}.nearby-t3s-go{flex:none;width:32px;height:32px;border-radius:50%;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:16px;font-weight:700}.nearby-t3m{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;margin:22px 0;padding:16px 16px 14px;background:#fff url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat right 16px top 17px/62px auto;border:1.5px solid #1f1f1f;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3m-k{display:block;font-size:11.5px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c2410c}.nearby-t3m-q{display:block;font-size:21px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f}.nearby-t3m-g{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:8px}.nearby-t3m-o{display:block;text-decoration:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3m-w{grid-column:1/-1}.nearby-t3m-o span{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;min-height:46px;padding:8px 10px;border-radius:10px;background:#fff1ea;border:1px solid #ffd9c7;color:#1f1f1f;font-size:15px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:600;text-align:center}.nearby-t3m-f{display:block;font-size:12.5px;color:#6b6b6b;text-align:center}.nearby-t3e{display:block;margin:26px 0 8px;background:#fdf4ed url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat 20px 20px/72px auto;background-blend-mode:multiply;border:1px solid #f0dcce;border-left:6px solid #d86c46;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3e-a{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;padding:50px 20px 18px;text-decoration:none;color:#1f1f1f;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3e-r{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;flex-wrap:wrap}.nearby-t3e-k{display:block;font-size:12px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#a94a26}.nearby-t3e-tag{display:inline-block;padding:3px 9px;border-radius:999px;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:600}.nearby-t3e-h{display:block;font-size:23px;line-height:1.15;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f}.nearby-t3e-s{display:block;font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#3d3d3d}.nearby-t3e-st{display:flex;gap:8px;margin-top:2px}.nearby-t3e-st>span{flex:1 1 0;min-width:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;font-size:12.5px;line-height:1.3;color:#3d3d3d}.nearby-t3e-n{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:50%;background:#d86c46;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:700}.nearby-t3e-btn{display:block;margin-top:4px;padding:13px 0;border-radius:999px;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;text-align:center}.nearby-t3e-f{display:block;font-size:12.5px;color:#6b6b6b;text-align:center}</style><h2>What the Hearth, Patio &amp; Barbecue Association says</h2>The Hearth, Patio &amp; Barbecue Association describes decorative vented gas fireplaces this way: “these products are not utilitarian heating appliances, but are instead designed for aesthetic use”. That gets at the part I missed. I was asking a product meant for appearance to do a heating job, then assuming the gas bill would reward me for it. I can enjoy the fire without making that assumption. A flame I can see from the couch tells me the logs are on; it does not tell me how the gas used by the logs compares with the gas the central heat would have used.<div id="nearby-article-card-mid" class="nearby-t3m">Quick check · tap yoursWhat do you expect from your gas logs?<a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhvac%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2520use%2520my%2520decorative%2520vented%2520gas%2520logs%2520for%2520their%2520appearance%2520and%2520want%2520them%2520checked.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-N955%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-N955.mid.t3-choice-o1%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o">Their appearance</a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhvac%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2527ve%2520counted%2520on%2520my%2520decorative%2520vented%2520gas%2520logs%2520for%2520heat%2520and%2520want%2520their%2520operation%2520checked.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-N955%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-N955.mid.t3-choice-o2%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o">Heat for my house</a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhvac%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2527m%2520not%2520sure%2520what%2520to%2520expect%2520from%2520my%2520decorative%2520vented%2520gas%2520logs%252C%2520and%2520I%2527d%2520like%2520them%2520checked.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-N955%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-N955.mid.t3-choice-o3%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o nearby-t3m-w">Not sure</a>Free for homeowners · Your number stays private</div><h2>Why the room can feel warm without settling the bill</h2>Building America Solution Center says most fireplaces in existing homes draw the air they use for combustion from the room where they sit. The hearth trade group’s point about decorative use matters here too. Feeling comfortable beside the logs is a real experience, but it is a different question from whether running them in place of central heat lowers total gas use. Turning down one control does not stop the other flame from consuming fuel.<h2>What it costs</h2>Angi estimates gas fireplace fuel at $0.35 to $0.62 per hour, with the cost depending on factors that include fuel type and heat output. That is an hourly cost for running a gas fireplace, not a promised increase or decrease in my whole-house bill. It gives me a better way to think about an evening fire: time spent burning fuel has a cost of its own. The lower central-heat setting is only part of the picture. I cannot read the gas bill from the thermostat setting alone while the logs are on.<h2>What I do instead</h2><ul><li>I decide whether I want the logs for their appearance. If I do, I treat that as the reason to use them, rather than calling it a gas-saving move.</li><li>If I can comfortably turn down the thermostat and wear warmer clothes, I can do that without lighting the logs. Those choices do not depend on a decorative fire.</li><li>When the logs are on, I remember that they have an hourly fuel cost. I do not count a lower thermostat setting as savings without accounting for the fireplace running too.</li><li>I keep the question plain: am I choosing the look of a fire, or am I trying to reduce gas use? Those aims may feel connected from the couch, but I do not treat them as the same decision.</li></ul>If I call someone, I describe the job as checking my decorative vented gas logs and how they operate, not as making them heat the house for less.<div id="nearby-article-card-end" class="nearby-t3e"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhvac%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2527d%2520like%2520a%2520pro%2520to%2520check%2520my%2520decorative%2520vented%2520gas%2520logs%2520and%2520how%2520they%2520operate.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-N955%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-N955.end.t3-full%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3e-a" aria-label="Describe my gas logs">HVAC · vented gas logs checkAsk a pro to check your gas logs.You can tell a pro whether you use the decorative vented logs for appearance or have counted on them for heat.1Say what’s going on2Answer a few quick questions3Local pros reach out if you wantDescribe my gas logs →Free for homeowners · Your number stays private</a></div></body>

As of early November 2026, the reflex in my house is easy to understand: turn down the central heat, light the decorative vented gas logs, and spend the evening in the living room. The room feels like the place we want to be, so it is tempting to treat that choice as a smaller gas bill. I live in Texas, in a first house with a clay slab, humidity to deal with and an AC that runs all day when it is hot. When the season shifts toward heat, I still have to think about what the house is using, not just where I feel warmest.

You turn down central heat for vented gas logs, but a gas fireplace can cost as much as $0.62 per hour to run

<body><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Tv8HS_1GqT6twN00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Tv8HS_1GqT6twN00" width="1600" height="900" ></figure>A Texas homeowner was at work when a roofer punctured a gas line while installing a roof, according to the homeowner's testimony. The roofer hired a plumber to repair it. A landscaper working at the house let the plumber inside, and a dispute later developed over whether that access also carried permission to hire him at the homeowners' expense.The plumber said he repaired the attic leak, but pressure tests indicated another leak. He said the landscaper authorized more repairs and that he eventually found the second leak in a hallway closet. The homeowner testified that the plumber dismantled a patio gas line and kitchen drawers. After reports of disorder and a broken water pipe in a washroom, the homeowner told the landscaper to have the plumber leave.Two invoices became part of the evidence. One sought $989 from the roofing company for repairing the attic gas line damaged by a nail. The other sought $2,262 from the homeowners' trust for installing gas valves and locating and repairing the second leak. The homeowners did not pay. The plumber placed a lien, a claim against the property for payment, on the house. The homeowners sued, and the plumber and his wife brought claims of their own.<div id="nearby-article-card-v1" class="nearby-t3s"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dplumbing%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2520need%2520a%2520plumber%2520for%2520a%2520damaged%2520gas%2520line.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-C13%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-C13.top.t3-strip%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3s-a">Need a gas-line repair?Tell Nia what happened in a few taps; it’s free.→</a></div><style>.nearby-t3s,.nearby-t3m,.nearby-t3e{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,"SF Pro Text",Roboto,"Segoe UI",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;text-align:left}.nearby-t3s{display:block;margin:18px 0;background:#fff1ea url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat 16px 13px/62px auto;background-blend-mode:multiply;border:1px solid #ffd9c7;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3s-a{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:34px 14px 13px 16px;text-decoration:none;color:#1f1f1f;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3s-t{display:block;flex:1 1 auto;min-width:0;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.38;color:#4a4a4a}.nearby-t3s-h{display:block;font-size:17.5px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f;margin-bottom:3px}.nearby-t3s-go{flex:none;width:32px;height:32px;border-radius:50%;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:16px;font-weight:700}.nearby-t3m{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;margin:22px 0;padding:16px 16px 14px;background:#fff url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat right 16px top 17px/62px auto;border:1.5px solid #1f1f1f;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3m-k{display:block;font-size:11.5px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c2410c}.nearby-t3m-q{display:block;font-size:21px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f}.nearby-t3m-g{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:8px}.nearby-t3m-o{display:block;text-decoration:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3m-w{grid-column:1/-1}.nearby-t3m-o span{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;min-height:46px;padding:8px 10px;border-radius:10px;background:#fff1ea;border:1px solid #ffd9c7;color:#1f1f1f;font-size:15px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:600;text-align:center}.nearby-t3m-f{display:block;font-size:12.5px;color:#6b6b6b;text-align:center}.nearby-t3e{display:block;margin:26px 0 8px;background:#fdf4ed url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat 20px 20px/72px auto;background-blend-mode:multiply;border:1px solid #f0dcce;border-left:6px solid #d86c46;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3e-a{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;padding:50px 20px 18px;text-decoration:none;color:#1f1f1f;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3e-r{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;flex-wrap:wrap}.nearby-t3e-k{display:block;font-size:12px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#a94a26}.nearby-t3e-tag{display:inline-block;padding:3px 9px;border-radius:999px;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:600}.nearby-t3e-h{display:block;font-size:23px;line-height:1.15;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f}.nearby-t3e-s{display:block;font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#3d3d3d}.nearby-t3e-st{display:flex;gap:8px;margin-top:2px}.nearby-t3e-st>span{flex:1 1 0;min-width:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;font-size:12.5px;line-height:1.3;color:#3d3d3d}.nearby-t3e-n{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:50%;background:#d86c46;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:700}.nearby-t3e-btn{display:block;margin-top:4px;padding:13px 0;border-radius:999px;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;text-align:center}.nearby-t3e-f{display:block;font-size:12.5px;color:#6b6b6b;text-align:center}</style><h2>What each side argued</h2>The plumber relied on the landscaper's role at the house. His sworn statement said the landscaper let him in, explained the gas problem and presented himself as the homeowner's assistant. He argued that the landscaper had authority to approve the work for the homeowners.The homeowner acknowledged that the landscaper could admit the plumber and supervise him. But he testified that he never communicated with the plumber until after the lawsuit began. The homeowners challenged the evidence of any contract binding them to pay, as well as any notice that the plumber expected payment from them.The distinction mattered for the additional work, too. The homeowner learned about it after it had started and allowed it to continue for a time. The appellate court found that this did not establish that he authorized the landscaper to hire the plumber at the homeowners' expense.<h2>What the law says</h2>The August 2020 opinion applied Texas contract and agency rules. Agency means authority to act for another person. Permission to admit or supervise a worker did not, on this evidence, establish permission to make a contract. The court required evidence of the homeowners' words or conduct granting that authority; the landscaper's own statements about his role were insufficient.The plumber also sought payment under quantum meruit, a claim for the value of services even without an enforceable contract. Under the rule applied in 2020, that required reasonable notice that the worker expected payment from the person being charged. The court found no evidence of that notice to the homeowners.A separate rule controlled the lien dispute. Government Code section 26.043(2), in the version applied in 2020, barred county courts from hearing suits to enforce liens on land. The majority interpreted that restriction to cover these homeowners' attempt to invalidate the lien, too. It held that this county court lacked jurisdiction, meaning legal power to decide those claims.<h2>How it ended</h2>On August 17, 2020, the Fifth Court of Appeals upheld the judgment rejecting the plumber's contract and quantum-meruit claims. It reversed the lien-removal and lien-invalidation rulings, including the related attorney-fee awards, and dismissed those claims for lack of jurisdiction.The homeowners retained a separate $12,000 attorney-fee award for defending civil theft claims that the plumber and his wife had withdrawn. Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 134.005(b), as applied in 2020, allowed reasonable and necessary attorney fees to a prevailing party. The appellate court upheld the finding supporting that award.This was no ruling that the plumbing work was defective, and it did not decide that the lien was valid. It resolved the payment claims and the trial court's authority over the lien claims. The Supreme Court of Texas denied both petitions for review on March 26, 2021.<div id="nearby-article-card-mid" class="nearby-t3m">Quick check · tap yoursWhere are you with your gas-line repair?<a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dplumbing%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%25E2%2580%2599m%2520getting%2520quotes%2520for%2520a%2520gas-line%2520repair%2520at%2520my%2520home.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-C13%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-C13.mid.t3-choice-o1%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o">Getting quotes</a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dplumbing%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2520have%2520a%2520contract%2520for%2520a%2520gas-line%2520repair.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-C13%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-C13.mid.t3-choice-o2%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o">Contract in hand</a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dplumbing%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DMy%2520gas-line%2520repair%2520is%2520under%2520way%252C%2520and%2520I%2520have%2520questions.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-C13%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-C13.mid.t3-choice-o3%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o">Work under way</a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dplumbing%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2520received%2520a%2520bill%2520for%2520gas-line%2520repair%2520at%2520my%2520home.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-C13%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-C13.mid.t3-choice-o4%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o">Bill received</a>Free for homeowners · Your number stays private</div><h2>Before you hire</h2><ul><li>For gas-line repair, use a licensed plumber. Check the responsible master plumber's license and insurance information through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.</li><li>Get a detailed written estimate identifying the work and how the company expects to be paid. If another contractor called the plumber, clarify who will receive and pay the bill.</li><li>Put any representative's role in writing. Distinguish permission to provide access from permission to approve additional work and charges.</li><li>Ask the local plumbing inspection department whether the work requires a permit and inspection. Keep estimates, warranties and invoices together.</li></ul><div id="nearby-article-card-end" class="nearby-t3e"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dplumbing%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2520need%2520a%2520gas-line%2520repair%2520and%2520want%2520to%2520clarify%2520payment.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26creative_id%3DTX-C13%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862006%26utm_content%3DTX-C13.end.t3-full%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3e-a" aria-label="Describe my repair">Plumbing · gas-line repairClarify the gas-line repair before paying.You can tell a plumber who requested the gas-line work and who has permission to approve additional repairs.1Say what’s going on2Answer a few quick questions3Local pros reach out if you wantDescribe my repair →Free for homeowners · Your number stays private</a></div></body>

A Texas homeowner was at work when a roofer punctured a gas line while installing a roof, according to the homeowner's testimony. The roofer hired a plumber to repair it. A landscaper working at the house let the plumber inside, and a dispute later developed over whether that access also carried permission to hire him at the homeowners' expense.

A plumber repaired their gas lines, then billed them for the work. A Texas court upheld rejection of his payment claims.

<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1FZgNm_1Gq6V7v400" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1FZgNm_1Gq6V7v400" width="1280" height="960" ><figcaption>Massachusetts Gas and Electric Companies Can't Shut Off Heat From Nov. 15 to March 15 for Households That Can't Pay and Earn Up to $103,049 for a Family of Four</figcaption></figure>Massachusetts households behind on a gas or electric bill get a hard stop on heat shutoffs starting Nov. 15. From that date through March 15, state law bars gas and electric companies from cutting off service that heats a home when the household cannot pay because of financial hardship, and for this winter that hardship test covers a family of four earning up to $103,049 a year.The protection is not automatic. A household has to tell its utility about the hardship and back it up with a form. But for those who do, the companies cannot send a termination notice or pull the plug on heat for the four coldest months of the year.<h2>What the Law Says Starting Nov. 15</h2>The rule comes from <a href="https://malegislature.gov/laws/generallaws/parti/titlexxii/chapter164/section124f" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Chapter 164, Section 124F of the Massachusetts General Laws</a>, which states that “No gas or electric company shall between November fifteenth and March fifteenth shut off gas or electric service” to a residential customer who has fallen behind because of financial hardship, when that service provides heat or runs the home’s heating system.The Department of Public Utilities spells out the details in its billing regulations. Under <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/massachusetts/220-CMR-25-03" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">220 CMR 25.03</a>, the winter protection applies when the customer cannot pay an overdue bill because of financial hardship, the service is used for heat, and the service had not already been shut off for nonpayment before Nov. 15. The regulation also says no termination notice may be issued between Nov. 15 and March 15 to a customer who has given notice of financial hardship, unless the department authorizes it.That last condition matters for anyone already in trouble. A household that loses service before Nov. 15 is not covered by the winter rule in the same way, which makes the next nine days the window to get a hardship claim on file.<h2>Who Counts as a Hardship Household This Winter</h2>Massachusetts ties the hardship test to the income limit for its Home Energy Assistance Program, known as HEAP or fuel assistance. That limit is 60% of the state median income. The state’s <a href="https://mass.gov/HeatingHelp" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">heating help page</a> lists the FY27 limits as:<ul><li>$53,585 a year for a household of one</li><li>$103,049 a year for a household of four</li></ul>The household also has to be unable to pay an overdue bill. Income alone does not trigger the protection; a household that is under the limit but current on its bill has nothing to protect yet.The same page estimates this season’s fuel assistance benefit for a one-person household at $870 to $1,450 for those who heat with delivered fuel such as oil or propane, and $600 to $1,000 for those who heat with a utility. Fuel assistance and the shutoff protection work together: the grant chips at the balance, and the moratorium keeps the heat on while it does. Households above the HEAP line who heat with oil may qualify for the state’s separate <a href="https://thetonicedit.com/massachusetts-heating-oil-benefit-680/" rel="nofollow">middle-income heating oil benefit of up to $680</a>.<h2>How to Get the Protection on File</h2>According to the regulation, a hardship claim can start with a phone call to the utility. The customer then has seven days after receiving the company’s financial hardship form to return it. A signed statement showing income within the guidelines counts as presumptive evidence of hardship unless the department decides otherwise.<a href="https://www.masslegalservices.org/content/winter-moratorium-protection-against-shutting-heat" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Massachusetts Legal Services</a> notes that the company’s hardship form is usually required, and that bills keep piling up during the moratorium. Any unpaid balance can lead to a shutoff for nonpayment once the protection ends.Hardship status is normally renewed every three months, but 220 CMR 25.03 waives that renewal between Nov. 15 and March 15 if the hardship is ongoing. One more detail helps households that got help last year: if the utility received fuel assistance payments for a customer the prior winter, the company must presume that customer meets the hardship guidelines and protect the account from Nov. 15 through Jan. 1, giving the household time to apply for this season’s assistance. If no application or other hardship certification is made by Jan. 1, the company may resume normal collection.<h2>Extra Protections for Infants, Illness and Older Adults</h2>The winter moratorium sits alongside other protections listed in the state’s <a href="https://www.mass.gov/doc/shut-off-protection-flyer/download" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">shutoff protection flyer</a>. For households with a financial hardship, the flyer says service cannot be shut off if anyone in the home is seriously ill or if a child under 12 months lives there. It also lists protection when all adults in the home are 65 or older.Under the regulation, infant protection stays in effect without renewal until the child turns 12 months old, once a birth certificate or other qualifying document is filed within seven days. Serious illness protection needs a call from a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or local board of health official, followed by a certificate. Those certificates are renewed every three months, or every six months for a chronic illness.The flyer also points to the department’s Consumer Division for complaints, at (617) 737-2836 or toll-free at (877) 886-5066.<h2>How Massachusetts Compares</h2>Neighboring states are adding heating help of their own this winter. New Hampshire households can get <a href="https://thetonicedit.com/new-hampshire-fuel-assistance-2500/" rel="nofollow">fuel assistance of up to $2,500</a>, and Maine is paying <a href="https://thetonicedit.com/maine-ecip-emergency-heating-aid/" rel="nofollow">up to $500 in emergency heating aid</a> to HEAP-eligible households. In Massachusetts, the four-month shutoff protection is set in state law, so it returns every winter on the same dates, Nov. 15 through March 15.For a household that is behind and under the income line, the practical step is simple: call the utility before Nov. 15, say the words “financial hardship,” and return the form within seven days.Get stories like this by email.<a href="https://parent-diaries.kit.com/7f0b14f9f0" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Sign up for The Parent Diaries Letter</a>.This article was produced with AI assistance and edited for accuracy against the sources linked above.Image: MarkBuckawicki – CC0/Wikimedia Commons</div></body>

From Nov. 15 through March 15, Massachusetts gas and electric companies can't shut off heat for households that can't pay because of financial hardship and earn under the HEAP income limit.

Massachusetts Gas and Electric Companies Can't Shut Off Heat From Nov. 15 to March 15 for Households That Can't Pay and Earn Up to $103,049 for a Family of Four

<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0CGg3Q_1GpEmQFL00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0CGg3Q_1GpEmQFL00" width="720" height="480" ><figcaption>Image via Shutterstock </figcaption></figure>President Donald Trump‘s son, Donald Trump Jr., admitted on Thursday that the energy shocks induced by the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/11/62965446/trump-iran-strikes-midterm-losses" rel="nofollow">ongoing war with Iran</a> played a major role in the GOP suffering setbacks during this week’s midterm elections.<h2 class="wp-block-heading">‘Jacked Up’ Gas Prices Caused GOP Defeat</h2>Appearing on the ‘Triggered’ <a href="https://rumble.com/v7hx3rw-after-midterm-defeats-what-comes-next-triggered-ep.388.html" rel="nofollow">show</a> on video platform Rumble, Trump Jr. outlined that the administration, since Trump took office, had secured major “wins” like lower crime and poverty rates, as well as “secure borders.” However, he then acknowledged that the “downstream effects” of the Iran war had “pushed voters in a different direction.” Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/11/62875824/elon-musk-gets-double-miss-from-2026-midterm-elections-474-million-donated-net-worth-drops-by-23-billion" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> Elon Musk Gets Double Miss From 2026 Midterm Elections: $474 Million Donated, Net Worth Drops by $23 Billion</a>“I’ve seen a few talking heads…out there trying to claim that the Iran war had nothing to do with Republicans losing,” Trump Jr. said, calling the claims “disgusting” on the show. “The Iran war is largely what shifted voter sentiment,” he added.“It [Iran war] jacked up the price of gas, that’s the thing that people feel most immediately in their pockets, and it is what changed their minds,” he said.<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gas Movement</h2>According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) <a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/" rel="nofollow">data</a>, the national average price of gas fell further on Thursday to $4.0688/gallon, down from Wednesday’ national average price of $4.1003/gallon.Diesel prices also recorded a decline on Thursday, AAA data showed, with the national average at $6.2305/gallon, down from $6.2564/gallon on Wednesday.Notably, GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan, on Wednesday, said that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/11/62912904/gas-could-drop-to-3-65-gallon-says-top-oil-analyst-citing-very-high-political-pressure-following-republican-midterm-setbacks" rel="nofollow">prices at the pump could fall</a> following the midterm elections, citing “very high” political pressure to follow the voters’ sentiments.<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump Blames Iran for High Gas, Touts Venezuela Oil</h2>Trump, following the midterms, blamed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/11/62854536/trump-blames-iran-for-gas-prices-that-hurt-republicans-in-midterms-people-dont-see-economic-gains" rel="nofollow">high gas prices on Iran</a>, which overshadowed the purported growth that the U.S. had recorded ever since he took office in 2025.On the other hand, he also said that the U.S. holds <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/11/62807847/trump-says-us-controls-50-of-worlds-oil-with-venezuela-deal-as-he-pushes-russian-diesel-new-jersey-gov-mikie-sherrill-fires-back" rel="nofollow">vast amounts of oil reserves</a> that exceed those of countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia, pointing to Venezuelan oil. It’s worth noting that Trump, during a rally in Texas last month, also said that the U.S. had received its first shipment of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/10/62644224/trump-says-iran-wants-a-deal-as-1-million-barrels-of-venezuelan-oil-arrive-in-texas-ahead-of-midterms-its-a-question-of-when-do-i-want-to-end-it" rel="nofollow">a million barrels of oil from Venezuela</a>. Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/11/62904685/iran-claims-victory-over-trump-after-democrats-flip-congress-strategic-defeat-in-hormuz-political-defeat-in-washington" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> Iran Claims Victory Over Trump After Democrats Flip Congress: 'Strategic Defeat' in Hormuz, 'Political Defeat in Washington'</a>Check out more of Benzinga’s Future Of Mobility coverage by<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">following this link</a>.Image via Shutterstock</div></body>

Block Source: Benzinga

President Donald Trump ‘s son, Donald Trump Jr. , admitted on Thursday that the energy shocks induced by the ongoing war with Iran played a major role in the GOP suffering setbacks during this week’s midterm elections. ‘Jacked Up’ Gas Prices Caused GOP Defeat Appearing on the ‘Triggered’ show on video platform Rumble , Trump Jr. outlined that the administration, since Trump took office, had secured major “wins” like lower crime and poverty rates, as well as “secure borders.” However, he then acknowledged that the “downstream effects” of the Iran war had “pushed voters in a different direction.” Read Also: Elon Musk Gets Double Miss From 2026 Midterm Elections: $474 Million Donated, Net Worth Drops by $23 Billion “I’ve seen a few talking heads…out there trying to claim that the Iran war had nothing to do with Republicans losing,” Trump Jr. said, calling the claims “disgusting” on the show. “The Iran war is largely what shifted voter sentiment,” he added. “It [Iran war] jacked up the price of gas, that’s the thing that people feel most immediately in their pockets, and it is what changed their minds,” he said. Gas Movement According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) data ,

Donald Trump Jr. Echoes President's Iran War Comments, Says ‘Jacked Up’ Gas Prices Caused Republicans to Lose Ground During Midterms

<body><div><figure id="attachment_2562" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0H6IN2_1GpacKyN00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0H6IN2_1GpacKyN00" width="1280" height="720" ><figcaption class="mtSubImg">Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group/Newscom/The Mega Agency; Ingram Publishing/Newscom/The Mega Agency</figcaption></figure>A <a href="https://firstforautos.com/tag/gmc-sierra/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">GMC Sierra</a> owner who has taken his truck to the same dealership for every oil change since buying it new says his loyalty has left him facing a $1,600 repair bill.The driver shared his experience on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/askcarguys/s/DCA62jtJbf" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Reddit</a>, explaining that he brought his 2014 GMC Sierra, which has about 114,000 miles on it, to the dealership for a routine oil change.During the appointment, a service representative told him the threads on the oil pan’s drain plug had been stripped.According to the owner, the representative blamed the truck’s age for the problem.“Multi-point vehicle inspection: caused by threads worn out on oil pan. Replaced with a bigger plug for now. Vehicle needs attention as soon as possible,” the dealership’s invoice stated, according to the Reddit post.The temporary fix didn’t appear to solve the problem. The owner said he woke up the following morning to find oil spots on his driveway underneath the truck.When he called the dealership, he was quoted $1,600 to replace the oil pan, including parts and labor. Plus, he was told it would take several days for the replacement part to arrive.“I was sticker shocked with that price,” the owner wrote.<figure id="attachment_2564" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0lTLkY_1GpacKyN00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0lTLkY_1GpacKyN00" width="1500" height="1000" ><figcaption class="mtSubImg">Ingram Publishing/Newscom/The Mega Agency</figcaption></figure>Now he’s questioning why he should pay for damage he believes happened while the truck was in the dealership’s care.“My thought process is, I was there roughly 7-8 months ago for my last oil change and figured they would’ve brought up any issues with the drain plug at that time,” he explained.The owner believes a technician may have stripped the threads while reinstalling the drain plug during the latest oil change.“With all of that said, shouldn’t the dealership be responsible for replacing my oil pan?” he asked.He suggested the dealership should cover the entire replacement or at least charge him for the part at cost and waive the labor.The driver said he planned to speak with dealership management but wanted to hear other people’s opinions before making his case.“The reason for my post was to get a temperature check and see if my line of thinking was wrong before I have a conversation with management,” he wrote.It’s unclear whether the dealership ultimately agreed to cover any of the repair costs.<h1>Read More From First for Autos</h1><ul class="moreFromList"><li><a href="https://firstforautos.com/florida-driver-challenges-officer-after-dui-arrest-during-traffic-stop-i-passed-the-test/" rel="nofollow">Florida Driver Challenges Officer After DUI Arrest During Traffic Stop: ‘I Passed the Test’</a></li><li><a href="https://firstforautos.com/elon-musk-to-wind-down-tesla-cybertruck-production-in-2027-as-sales-continue-to-struggle/" rel="nofollow">Elon Musk to Wind Down Tesla Cybertruck Production in 2027 as Sales Continue to Struggle</a></li><li><a href="https://firstforautos.com/police-use-new-adhesive-gps-tracker-to-avoid-chasing-suspect-in-stolen-vehicle-in-washington/" rel="nofollow">Police Use New Adhesive GPS Tracker To Avoid Chasing Suspect In Stolen Vehicle In Washington</a></li></ul></div></body>

Block Source: First For Autos

A GMC Sierra owner who has taken his truck to the same dealership for every oil change since buying it new says his loyalty has left him facing a $1,600 repair bill. The driver shared his experience on Reddit, explaining that he brought his 2014 GMC Sierra, which has about 114,000 miles on it, to […]

GMC Sierra Owner Takes Truck to Dealership for Oil Change, Leaves Facing $1,600 Repair Bill

<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Qdz0W_1Gqwq5SK00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Qdz0W_1Gqwq5SK00" width="1024" height="576" >Sen. Mark Kelly is accusing President Donald Trump of turning the presidency into an opportunity for personal financial enrichment, alleging that Trump has made more than $2 billion since returning to office while Americans continue struggling with grocery bills and gasoline prices. The Arizona Democrat called Trump a “corrupt president” who is “not even trying to hide it,” pointing specifically to cryptocurrency ventures, financial arrangements involving foreign governments and tens of thousands of stock transactions. His latest criticism follows months of efforts to restrict financial activities by elected officials and raise questions about potential conflicts of interest involving Trump’s business interests.Kelly published his statement on November 6, 2026, directly challenging the president’s financial activities and questioning whether Trump’s decisions are being driven by the interests of the American public or his own financial interests.Kelly’s full <a href="https://x.com/SenMarkKelly/status/2118821624002883606?s=20" rel="nofollow">statement</a>:<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">“Trump is a corrupt president and he’s not even trying to hide it. While Americans are struggling to put food on the table and pay for gas, Trump has made more than $2 billion in his second term in office. All from crypto scams, sweetheart deals with foreign nations, and tens of thousands of stock trades. The only person he works for is himself.”</blockquote>Kelly’s opening accusation that Trump is a “corrupt president” establishes the central argument of his statement. Rather than criticizing one isolated business transaction, Kelly is describing what he believes is a broader pattern in which the president’s private financial interests overlap with his public responsibilities. His assertion that Trump is “not even trying to hide it” reflects his criticism of the scale and visibility of the president’s reported financial activities, particularly the cryptocurrency ventures and transactions disclosed during his second term.The financial figures provide important context for Kelly’s $2 billion allegation. Forbes published an <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/danalexander/article/the-definitive-networth-of-donaldtrump/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow">updated assessment</a> of Trump’s wealth on September 15, 2026, estimating his net worth at approximately $7 billion. Forbes calculated that Trump was $2.7 billion wealthier than when he won the 2024 presidential election, attributing much of the increase to cryptocurrency ventures and overseas business arrangements. Forbes also estimated that his cryptocurrency and liquid assets were worth approximately $2.4 billion.There is an important distinction between the Forbes estimate and the amount Kelly says Trump has made. Forbes is measuring the increase in Trump’s estimated net worth, while financial disclosure forms provide information about reported income and transactions. The figures are related, but they are not interchangeable. A separate analysis of Trump’s 2025 financial disclosure, published June 30, 2026, found that he reported more than $2.2 billion in income, including substantial proceeds from cryptocurrency ventures, real estate, settlements and other business activities.Cryptocurrency is the first specific source of wealth Kelly identifies. Trump launched his $TRUMP meme coin shortly before beginning his second term, while his family also developed World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency business that introduced its own digital tokens and stablecoin. The president’s financial disclosure reported billions in cryptocurrency-related income and proceeds, making the sector one of the most significant contributors to his reported earnings after returning to office.Kelly has previously pursued legislation specifically addressing this issue. On May 7, 2025, he <a href="https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-end-crypto-corruption-by-trump-and-other-government-officials/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow">introduced</a> the <a href="https://www.kelly.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/End-Crypto-Corruption-Act.pdf" rel="nofollow">End Crypto Corruption Act</a>, legislation intended to prohibit the president, vice president, senior executive branch officials, members of Congress and their immediate families from issuing, endorsing or sponsoring cryptocurrency assets. The proposal specifically addresses products such as meme coins and stablecoins, which can generate substantial financial returns for their issuers and promoters.When introducing the legislation, Kelly said Trump was “cashing in on his presidency” and described the cryptocurrency activity as “corruption in broad daylight.” His office cited an estimated $2.9 billion increase in Trump’s net worth connected to cryptocurrency investments and argued that public officials should not be able to profit from financial products they could potentially influence through government policy. The legislation demonstrated that Kelly’s concerns about Trump’s cryptocurrency interests predated his November 6 statement.Kelly’s reference to “sweetheart deals with foreign nations” also points toward the international financial relationships involving Trump’s cryptocurrency businesses. Forbes identified a major transaction involving an entity connected to the United Arab Emirates, which reportedly agreed to use the Trump family’s USD1 stablecoin in connection with a $2 billion investment in cryptocurrency exchange Binance. Forbes also <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/danalexander/article/the-definitive-networth-of-donaldtrump/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow">reported</a> that Trump received approximately $200 million after taxes from selling a portion of one business venture to an Emirati royal. These arrangements have attracted scrutiny because they involve foreign financial interests and businesses connected to the president’s family while the administration conducts diplomatic and economic relations with those countries.Reuters also examined Trump’s cryptocurrency earnings and the subsequent movement of money into traditional financial investments. A July 13, 2026, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-invested-crypto-gains-stocks-and-bonds-filings-show-2026-07-13/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow">report</a> found that Trump received more than $1.4 billion during 2025 from his family’s cryptocurrency projects, including World Liberty Financial and the Trump meme coin. Reuters found that Trump’s stock and bond portfolios increased substantially as cryptocurrency proceeds flowed into more traditional investments. The report relied on financial disclosures filed with the Office of Government Ethics.The stock transactions Kelly references represent another major part of his criticism. Trump’s 2025 financial disclosure included hundreds of pages detailing securities transactions, with thousands of purchases and sales involving individual companies and financial instruments. The Washington Post <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/06/30/trump-earned-over-1-billion-cryptocurrency-coin-ventures-last-year/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow">reported</a> that the filings contained more than 800 pages of stock-related information. The transactions raise questions about the management of presidential investments because federal policy decisions can affect the value of companies and industries represented in an investment portfolio.However, the financial disclosures do not establish the precise net profit from every stock transaction. The reporting requirements use broad financial ranges, making it difficult to calculate exact gains and losses from individual purchases and sales. Kelly’s reference to tens of thousands of trades highlights the extraordinary volume of disclosed activity, but the number of transactions should not be confused with the amount of money Trump personally earned from those trades.The White House has rejected allegations that Trump or his family are engaging in conflicts of interest. In response to questions about the financial disclosures, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said neither the president nor his family had engaged in conflicts of interest and characterized the allegations as a false narrative. The Trump Organization also pointed to the disclosures as evidence of financial transparency. Those responses represent the administration’s position as Democrats continue questioning the relationship between Trump’s private business interests and presidential responsibilities.Kelly’s final assertion, “The only person he works for is himself,” brings the individual financial allegations together into a broader criticism of Trump’s priorities. By placing the president’s reported wealth increase alongside the cost of groceries and gasoline, Kelly is arguing that the administration’s financial activities stand in contrast to the economic pressures facing ordinary Americans. His statement does not establish that every transaction was unlawful, but it makes clear that he believes the scale of Trump’s personal financial gains warrants scrutiny and stronger restrictions.The November 6 post continues Kelly’s effort to make financial accountability a central issue in his criticism of the administration. His proposed cryptocurrency restrictions, previous statements about presidential conflicts of interest and latest accusations involving foreign business arrangements and stock transactions all point toward the same concern: whether the president’s personal financial interests are being adequately separated from the responsibilities of the office.</div></body>

Block Source: Combat Rated

Sen. Mark Kelly is accusing President Donald Trump of turning the presidency into an opportunity for personal financial enrichment, alleging that Trump has made more than $2 billion since returning to office while Americans continue struggling with grocery bills and gasoline prices. The Arizona Democrat called Trump a “corrupt president” who is “not even trying […]

Mark Kelly Accuses Trump of Being a “Corrupt President” Who “Isn’t Even Trying to Hide It” — Says President Has Made More Than $2 Billion While Americans Struggle to Afford Food and Gas

<body><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0MqxXD_1GqcA7Vu00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0MqxXD_1GqcA7Vu00" width="1600" height="900" ></figure>A homeowner in Texas was having a 20-year-old gas water heater replaced when they asked what the job should cost in a thread from March 2023. Repairing the old unit was beyond their expertise. With installation underway, they sought a price check; the final bill came to about $2,100.<div id="nearby-quote-receipt-v1" role="figure" aria-label="The quotes">The quotes · Texas water heaterHomeowner · gas heater installation~$2,100A commenter's 50-gallon replacement$1,745A commenter's two tanks and pump$2,900A commenter's tankless option$4,500Where they split≠ The $2,900 job included two tanks and a pump≠ The $4,500 option was tankless? The homeowner's tank size, warranty and installation details were not given</div><style>#nearby-quote-receipt-v1{box-sizing:border-box;margin:18px 0;padding:16px 16px 12px;max-width:560px;background:#fffdf6;border:1px solid #e9e1c8;border-radius:6px;color:#2b2b2b;color-scheme:light;font-family:"SF Mono",Menlo,Consolas,"Roboto Mono",monospace;box-shadow:0 1px 0 #e9e1c8,0 3px 0 -1px #fffdf6,0 4px 0 -1px #e9e1c8}#nearby-quote-receipt-v1 .rc-t{display:block;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8a7d55;margin:0 0 10px}#nearby-quote-receipt-v1 .rc-r{display:flex;align-items:baseline;margin:7px 0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.35}#nearby-quote-receipt-v1 .rc-l{flex:0 1 auto}#nearby-quote-receipt-v1 .rc-d{flex:1 1 auto;min-width:12px;border-bottom:1px dotted #bbb;margin:0 6px}#nearby-quote-receipt-v1 .rc-v{flex:none;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;white-space:nowrap}#nearby-quote-receipt-v1 .rc-hi{color:#c0392b}#nearby-quote-receipt-v1 .rc-lo{color:#1e7d4f}#nearby-quote-receipt-v1 .rc-s{border-top:1px dashed #cbbf9a;margin:12px 0 10px}#nearby-quote-receipt-v1 .rc-k{display:block;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8a7d55;margin:0 0 6px}#nearby-quote-receipt-v1 .rc-c{display:block;margin:4px 0;font-family:-apple-system,"SF Pro Text",Roboto,"Segoe UI",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;line-height:1.4}#nearby-quote-receipt-v1 .rc-ok{color:#1e7d4f}#nearby-quote-receipt-v1 .rc-q{color:#9a6b00}</style>That matters to other Texas homeowners comparing bids: the replies put single gas-heater replacements beside two-tank installations and tankless conversions. Some numbers covered different jobs, including two-tank installations and tankless conversions.<div id="nearby-article-card-v1" class="nearby-t3s"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dplumbing%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%25E2%2580%2599m%2520replacing%2520an%2520old%2520gas%2520water%2520heater.%26tree_id%3Dnto-plumbing%26start%3Dwh_age%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_405281535%26creative_id%3DHB-Q199%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_405281535%26utm_content%3DHB-Q199.top.t3-strip%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3s-a">Replacing an old gas water heater?Tell Nia about your replacement in a few taps. It’s free.→</a></div><style>.nearby-t3s,.nearby-t3m,.nearby-t3e{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,"SF Pro Text",Roboto,"Segoe UI",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;text-align:left}.nearby-t3s{display:block;margin:18px 0;background:#fff1ea url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat 16px 13px/62px auto;background-blend-mode:multiply;border:1px solid #ffd9c7;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3s-a{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:34px 14px 13px 16px;text-decoration:none;color:#1f1f1f;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3s-t{display:block;flex:1 1 auto;min-width:0;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.38;color:#4a4a4a}.nearby-t3s-h{display:block;font-size:17.5px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f;margin-bottom:3px}.nearby-t3s-go{flex:none;width:32px;height:32px;border-radius:50%;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:16px;font-weight:700}.nearby-t3m{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;margin:22px 0;padding:16px 16px 14px;background:#fff url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat right 16px top 17px/62px auto;border:1.5px solid #1f1f1f;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3m-k{display:block;font-size:11.5px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c2410c}.nearby-t3m-q{display:block;font-size:21px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f}.nearby-t3m-g{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:8px}.nearby-t3m-o{display:block;text-decoration:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3m-w{grid-column:1/-1}.nearby-t3m-o span{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;min-height:46px;padding:8px 10px;border-radius:10px;background:#fff1ea;border:1px solid #ffd9c7;color:#1f1f1f;font-size:15px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:600;text-align:center}.nearby-t3m-f{display:block;font-size:12.5px;color:#6b6b6b;text-align:center}.nearby-t3e{display:block;margin:26px 0 8px;background:#fdf4ed url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat 20px 20px/72px auto;background-blend-mode:multiply;border:1px solid #f0dcce;border-left:6px solid #d86c46;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3e-a{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;padding:50px 20px 18px;text-decoration:none;color:#1f1f1f;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3e-r{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;flex-wrap:wrap}.nearby-t3e-k{display:block;font-size:12px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#a94a26}.nearby-t3e-tag{display:inline-block;padding:3px 9px;border-radius:999px;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:600}.nearby-t3e-h{display:block;font-size:23px;line-height:1.15;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f}.nearby-t3e-s{display:block;font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#3d3d3d}.nearby-t3e-st{display:flex;gap:8px;margin-top:2px}.nearby-t3e-st>span{flex:1 1 0;min-width:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;font-size:12.5px;line-height:1.3;color:#3d3d3d}.nearby-t3e-n{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:50%;background:#d86c46;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:700}.nearby-t3e-btn{display:block;margin-top:4px;padding:13px 0;border-radius:999px;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;text-align:center}.nearby-t3e-f{display:block;font-size:12.5px;color:#6b6b6b;text-align:center}</style><h2>The $1,500-to-$2,100 Gas-Heater Range</h2>One commenter reported seeing prices from $1,500 to $2,100 for a 50-gallon gas water heater. That gave the homeowner a point of comparison, though the homeowner had not specified the capacity of the new heater being installed.Another commenter described paying $1,745 for a 50-gallon replacement with a 12-year warranty. A commenter also reported an estimate just under $4,000 for a unit with a six-year warranty. The prices stood far apart, but the warranty descriptions alone did not make the two offers identical jobs.A commenter with a heater in an attic said a 50-gallon replacement with a 10-year warranty cost a bit over $2,000. The attic location and warranty were useful details. Neither established what was included in the Texas homeowner’s installation.<h2>Two Tanks, One Pump and $2,900</h2>Other replies moved beyond a single gas tank. One commenter reported $2,900 for two 50-gallon tanks and a pump, with a six-year tank warranty. The same commenter gave $4,500 as the price for a tankless option with a 15-year warranty.Another commenter said tankless-conversion estimates ranged from $3,600 to $7,600 as base prices and required a site check. Those figures could help explain why water-heater prices in the discussion varied, but they were not quotes for the homeowner’s stated job.The practical questions in the replies were narrower. One commenter suggested asking for the heater’s exact make and model to compare its features and warranty. Another suggested separating the heater price from labor and asking how many workers and hours the removal and installation would take.<div id="nearby-article-card-mid" class="nearby-t3m">Quick check · tap yoursHow old is the water heater?<a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dplumbing%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%25E2%2580%2599m%2520replacing%2520an%2520old%2520gas%2520water%2520heater.%2520Under%25208%2520years.%26tree_id%3Dnto-plumbing%26start%3Dwh_age%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_405281535%26creative_id%3DHB-Q199%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_405281535%26utm_content%3DHB-Q199.mid.t3-choice-o1%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o">Under 8 years</a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dplumbing%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%25E2%2580%2599m%2520replacing%2520an%2520old%2520gas%2520water%2520heater.%25208%2520to%252012%2520years.%26tree_id%3Dnto-plumbing%26start%3Dwh_age%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_405281535%26creative_id%3DHB-Q199%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_405281535%26utm_content%3DHB-Q199.mid.t3-choice-o2%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o">8 to 12 years</a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dplumbing%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%25E2%2580%2599m%2520replacing%2520an%2520old%2520gas%2520water%2520heater.%2520Over%252012%2520years.%26tree_id%3Dnto-plumbing%26start%3Dwh_age%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_405281535%26creative_id%3DHB-Q199%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_405281535%26utm_content%3DHB-Q199.mid.t3-choice-o3%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o">Over 12 years</a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dplumbing%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%25E2%2580%2599m%2520replacing%2520an%2520old%2520gas%2520water%2520heater.%2520I%2527m%2520not%2520sure.%26tree_id%3Dnto-plumbing%26start%3Dwh_age%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_405281535%26creative_id%3DHB-Q199%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_405281535%26utm_content%3DHB-Q199.mid.t3-choice-o4%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o">I'm not sure</a>Free for homeowners · Your number stays private</div><h2>The Installation Came To $2,100</h2>The homeowner later reported that the new water heater installation came to about $2,100. “Looks like they did a good job,” they wrote. The reported total met the upper end of one commenter’s range for a 50-gallon gas heater, but the homeowner did not give enough installation detail to treat those as matching scopes.That was the answer for this house: a completed replacement and an approximately $2,100 bill. The replies also described extra tanks, a pump and tankless conversion—not jobs the homeowner said they were having done.<h2>What to Ask Before You Sign a Water-Heater Quote</h2><ul><li>What are the new heater’s tank capacity, exact model and warranty?</li><li>Does the price cover removal of the old heater, the new unit and installation labor?</li><li>How many workers and hours are included in the labor estimate?</li><li>If a bid includes a pump, another tank or tankless conversion, what work does that add?</li></ul>Two or three written quotes for the same scope, item by item, are what show where a price gap comes from.<div id="nearby-article-card-end" class="nearby-t3e"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dplumbing%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%25E2%2580%2599m%2520replacing%2520my%2520gas%2520water%2520heater%2520and%2520comparing%2520what%2520quotes%2520include.%26tree_id%3Dnto-plumbing%26start%3Dwh_age%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_405281535%26creative_id%3DHB-Q199%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_405281535%26utm_content%3DHB-Q199.end.t3-full%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3e-a" aria-label="Describe my replacement">Plumbing · gas water heater replacementFree for homeownersTalk to a plumber before you sign.You can tell a plumber how your replacement quotes cover the heater, removal, and installation labor.1Say what’s going on2Answer a few quick questions3Local pros reach out if you wantDescribe my replacement →Free for homeowners · Your number stays private</a></div></body>

Block Source: The Home Brief

A homeowner in Texas was having a 20-year-old gas water heater replaced when they asked what the job should cost in a thread from March 2023. Repairing the old unit was beyond their expertise. With installation underway, they sought a price check; the final bill came to about $2,100.

An old gas water heater was being replaced in Texas. The owner asked about price before the $2,100 bill arrived.

<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0G6TLk_1GrZuEBK00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0G6TLk_1GrZuEBK00" width="1280" height="720" ><figcaption>Kremlin official confirms Putin is open for talks with Zelenskyy. BY: MEGA</figcaption></figure>Russian President <a href="https://knewz.com/tag/vladimir-putin/" rel="nofollow">Vladimir Putin</a> is finally ready to talk it out with Ukrainian President <a href="https://knewz.com/tag/zelenskyy/" rel="nofollow">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a> after Ukraine pounded Russian oil refineries and military plants with relentless strikes. The Kremlin’s foreign affairs aide confirmed that Russia was open to negotiations and urged Zelenskyy to visit Moscow.Interestingly, Putin did not answer or return calls to the Ukrainian president since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. However, that seems to have changed after their neighboring rival responded to Russian attacks with precise strikes on oil refineries, including the Kstovo Oil Refinery owned by Lukoil, since Friday, October 30. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Vladimir Putin is open to talks with Ukraine</h2><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2IfLUl_1GrZuEBK00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2IfLUl_1GrZuEBK00" width="1280" height="720" ><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Putin is ready to talk to the Ukrainian president. BY: MEGA</figcaption></figure>The foreign affairs aide said that Putin has agreed to take a call from Zelenskyy after Ukraine resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the media that the Russian president was “open to dialogue with everyone” but added that no one had called him yet.However, the Russian leader is reportedly trying to avoid a physical meeting and wants deliberations done by phone instead. Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. are preparing for negotiations to end the war at a meeting to be held in Abu Dhabi, <a href="https://kyivindependent.com/putin-open-to-phone-call-with-zelensky-ukraine-suspects-a-kremlin-trap/" rel="nofollow">Kyiv Independent</a> reported. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Putin declined peace deal efforts by Zelenskyy</h2><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1jJIms_1GrZuEBK00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1jJIms_1GrZuEBK00" width="1280" height="720" ><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Zelenskyy retaliated to Russian attacks with strikes on oil refineries. BY: MEGA</figcaption></figure>The Ukrainian president has long been trying to get a hold of Putin since the start of the war. In May 2025, he invited the Kremlin to Istanbul for talks and proposed a trilateral meeting with President <a href="https://knewz.com/tag/donald-trump/" rel="nofollow">Donald Trump</a> to lead a peace deal. However, Putin did not attend the meeting and instead sent his delegate, Vladimir Medinsky. The Kremlin later met up with the POTUS in Alaska three months later. Many Ukrainian officials believe Putin wants to avoid a face-to-face meeting and would achieve little over a phone call. “They’ve already tried to do this over the phone,” said an official. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ukraine pounds Russian oil refineries</h2><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2XAfxP_1GrZuEBK00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2XAfxP_1GrZuEBK00" width="1280" height="720" ><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ukraine struck five Russian oil refineries since Friday. BY: PEXELS</figcaption></figure>Ukrainian long-range drones struck the Kstovo refinery in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday, November 1. The attacks come against what was advised by the U.S. after a ceasefire in Oleshky ended over the weekend. Russian officials complained that Ukraine was “simply ignoring” U.S. wishes after the POTUS’ son-in-law, Jared Kushner, demanded the nation stop bombing Russian oil refineries that began on Friday, October 30, <a href="https://www.aol.co.uk/articles/ukraine-defies-trump-resume-attacks-172018000.html" rel="nofollow">AOL</a> reported.“The intensity of the strikes is very high, and the Russians are seeking to maximally exploit the ​deficit of ballistic missile interceptors,” said Zelenskyy in response to brutal attacks by Moscow. </div></body>

Block Source: Knewz

Kremlin official confirms Putin is open for talks with Zelenskyy. BY: MEGA Russian President Vladimir Putin is finally ready to talk it out with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after Ukraine pounded Russian oil refineries and military plants with relentless strikes.  The Kremlin’s foreign affairs aide confirmed that Russia was open to negotiations and urged Zelenskyy to visit Moscow. Interestingly, Putin did not answer or return calls to...

Putin ‘ready to talk’ with Zelensky as relentless Ukrainian strikes pound Russian oil refineries and military plants

<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3mCIPV_1GrNdvvq00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3mCIPV_1GrNdvvq00" width="1024" height="576" >Illinois drivers pay a state gas tax of 48.3 cents a gallon through Dec. 31, the same rate as before July 1, after lawmakers suspended the automatic inflation increase. The Illinois Department of Revenue says <a href="https://tax.illinois.gov/research/news/fy-2026-23-a-motor-fuel-rates.html" rel="nofollow">Public Act 104-0468</a>, signed June 16, suspended the scheduled July 1 adjustment for six months. The department’s <a href="https://tax.illinois.gov/research/publications/bulletins/fy-2026-23.html" rel="nofollow">rate bulletin</a> lists 48.3 cents for gasoline for July 1 through Dec. 31, 2026.The question for anyone who fills a tank in Illinois is what happens when the six months end. The revenue department has published rates only through Dec. 31 and says nothing about Jan. 1, 2027. The act froze the rate for six months and set no rate beyond that window.Retirement deadlines, in your inbox: Miss an enrollment or claim deadline and the money can be gone. Join the Retirement Money Brief and we’ll send you our 2026 Government Check Reality Tracker as a welcome gift.<a href="https://retireshield.com/c/newsletter-government-check-tracker/article-cta/top/nf_g1/illinois-drivers-pay-a-frozen-48-3-cent-a-gallon-state-gas-tax-through-dec-31-after-lawmak?src=tfw&amp;nocache=1" rel="nofollow">Get the Brief + the check tracker →</a>We may earn a commission from links on this page.<h2>How much did the freeze save at the pump?</h2>The inflation adjustment that was scheduled for July 1 would have raised the tax on both gasoline and diesel by 2.68 percent, according to <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/state-fuel-tax-increases" rel="nofollow">Transport Topics</a>, which described a “six-month halt through Dec. 31” in a July 24 report on fuel taxes rising in several other states while Illinois paused. On gasoline that works out to about 1.3 cents a gallon, which would have put the rate near 49.6 cents, as Illinois Policy <a href="https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-set-to-suspend-gas-tax-hike-but-sweep-150m-in-sales-taxes/" rel="nofollow">reported in May</a> while the freeze was still a proposal.For a driver, the saving is small. A 15-gallon fill-up costs about 20 cents less in state gas tax than it would have under the scheduled increase, and a household that burns 500 gallons over six months saves roughly $6.50. That is real money, but it is small next to the swings most drivers see at the pump from week to week, and it is the whole gap between the frozen rate and the one that would have applied.Drivers who want the exact figure for their own car can do the arithmetic from the department’s number: multiply the gallons they buy by 48.3 cents. A driver who buys 40 gallons a month pays about $19.32 a month in state gas tax at the frozen rate, and about $19.84 at the 49.6-cent rate that would otherwise have applied.<h2>What do diesel and other fuels pay?</h2>The same bulletin sets the rest of the schedule for July 1 through Dec. 31, 2026. Diesel is taxed at 55.8 cents a gallon. Liquefied petroleum gas is 55.8 cents per diesel gallon equivalent, compressed natural gas is 48.3 cents per gasoline gallon equivalent, and liquefied natural gas is 55.8 cents per diesel gallon equivalent.The revenue department says the act “suspended the scheduled July 1, 2026, Consumer Price Index adjustment.” Its earlier notice had set a higher rate for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. That notice was replaced with the revised bulletin, which recalculated the rates for the shorter six-month period, and the department’s June 23 announcement said it was required to do so after the act was signed. The department reissued its rate bulletin on June 16, the day the act was signed, so 48.3 cents is the published rate for the full six months.<h2>Is the gas tax the whole story at the pump?</h2>It is not. Illinois also charges a 6.25 percent sales tax on gasoline, Illinois Policy noted, and lawmakers planned to use about $150 million in unexpected sales tax revenue from high gas prices to help balance the budget rather than return it to taxpayers. That means the share of each pump price that goes to the state moves with the price itself, not just with the cents-per-gallon rate.The state’s motor fuel tax rate is a fixed number of cents, so it does not rise when the price of a gallon climbs. The sales tax does. A driver watching the total at the pump is seeing both, along with federal taxes and the price of the fuel itself.Illinois Policy also noted that the state’s “lockbox” amendment arguably requires such funds to go to transportation, which makes the plan to use the money for the general budget a point of dispute. That dispute does not change what a driver pays at the pump.<h2>What should drivers plan for in January?</h2>The suspension covers only July 1 through Dec. 31. The revenue department has not said what rate takes effect on Jan. 1, so anyone budgeting for 2027 should treat 48.3 cents as the current rate and not a promised one.The revenue department points drivers and businesses to tax.illinois.gov for rate updates, and to MyTax Illinois for filing motor fuel tax returns. Fuel dealers, truckers and others who file those returns are the ones the department’s bulletins are written for. Drivers who only pay at the pump need nothing from the department.Gas is one of several ordinary costs where small changes add up. The price a driver pays to run a car also depends on insurance, and on transit or rail fares for the trips that do not need a car.<h2>Looking to cut what Illinois driving costs you before the freeze ends?</h2>The six-month freeze saved Illinois drivers about 1.3 cents a gallon, and it expires Dec. 31. The pump price will keep moving after that, and the gas tax is only one line in what it costs to keep a car on the road.Senior Discounts Worth Asking For includes the mature-driver car insurance course discount, plus Amtrak and city transit discounts, 10 percent off most rail fares and half fare on many buses. Its 12 pages also include a savings log of what asking is worth each year.<a href="https://retireshield.com/c/senior-discounts/end-block/footer/qe_v3/illinois-drivers-pay-a-frozen-48-3-cent-a-gallon-state-gas-tax-through-dec-31-after-lawmak?src=tfw&amp;nocache=1" rel="nofollow">Get the senior discount guide for car insurance and transit savings →</a>This article was produced with AI assistance and edited for accuracy against the sources linked above.The post <a href="https://thefinancialwire.com/illinois-drivers-pay-a-frozen-48-3-cent-a-gallon-state-gas-tax-through-dec-31-after-lawmak/" rel="nofollow">Illinois drivers pay a frozen 48.3-cent-a-gallon state gas tax through Dec. 31 after lawmakers suspended the July inflation increase, the state revenue department says</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thefinancialwire.com" rel="nofollow">The Financial Wire</a>.</div></body>

Block Source: The Financial Wire

Illinois drivers pay a state gas tax of 48.3 cents a gallon through Dec. 31, the same rate as before July 1, after lawmakers suspended the automatic inflation increase. The Illinois Department of Revenue says Public Act 104-0468, signed June 16, suspended the scheduled July 1 adjustment for six months. The department’s rate bulletin lists...  The post Illinois drivers pay a frozen 48.3-cent-a-gallon state gas tax through Dec. 31 after lawmakers suspended the July inflation increase, the state revenue department says appeared first on The Financial Wire .

Illinois drivers pay a frozen 48.3-cent-a-gallon state gas tax through Dec. 31 after lawmakers suspended the July inflation increase, the state revenue department says

<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3c9Prf_1GrqxWHI00" style="display:none" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3c9Prf_1GrqxWHI00" width="1920" height="1280" >Americans have spent months dealing with expensive gasoline. Now prices are finally moving in the right direction, raising hopes that filling the tank might become a little easier on household budgets.How long, however, will that respite last?Regular gasoline averaged $4.10 per gallon nationwide on Nov. 5, down from $4.23 a week earlier, according to <a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/" rel="nofollow">AAA’s</a> latest fuel-price figures. Prices remain approximately $1.02 above year-ago levels.A average 15-gallon fill-up now costs more than $15 more than it did a year ago.If Middle East tensions subside and oil supplies rebound, the next months may provide further respite. However, Darren Woods, CEO of Exxon Mobil (XOM), is cautioning that fixing the world’s damaged refining infrastructure would take much longer.Woods said during Exxon’s Oct. 30 earnings call that it may take far beyond 2027, if not longer, to return to normal refining conditions.His warning coincides with Wall Street’s dispute about whether oil prices would continue to decrease or rise.While JPMorgan forecasts an increasing global supply glut that may ultimately put pressure on prices, Goldman Sachs predicts that Brent oil will hit $105 per barrel in December.The amount that Americans pay for gasoline next year and the amount that Exxon makes from producing and processing oil might be determined by those conflicting projections.<h2>Exxon CEO sees a longer road to cheaper fuel</h2>The supply of crude oil may not be the largest barrier to a sustained drop in gas prices. It is the capacity of the globe to transform that crude into finished fuels and transport them to the necessary locations.Fuel markets cannot return to normal until global refining capacity has recovered from interruptions brought on by the crises in the Middle East and Ukraine, according to Woods.Reopening shipping lanes, fixing damaged refineries, and boosting refined-product exports from nations with excess capacity are the three trends he recognized as having the potential to restore equilibrium.Woods expects that process to extend well into 2027, according to <a href="https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/xom/transcripts/721367-q3-2026/" rel="nofollow">Exxon</a>.Because the price of gasoline doesn’t always follow the price of crude oil, timing is important. Shortages of gasoline and diesel may maintain high refining margins and impede a drop in retail fuel prices, even if crude prices drop.Instead of a consistent return to lower gas prices, that may result in inconsistent relief for American drivers.The resumption of refinery operations, the recovery of gasoline supplies, and the normalization of shipments via the Strait of Hormuz will be the next crucial indicators.Pump prices may decline until 2027 if those circumstances significantly improve. The current drop might be reversed by further interruptions.<h2>Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan see different futures for oil</h2>The most recent estimates from Wall Street show why it’s still unclear where gas prices will go.Because of the risk of more supply interruptions, Goldman Sachs increased its December Brent oil projection from $90 to $105 per barrel.The bank also increased its average 2027 Brent forecast to $88 from $80, according to <a href="https://www.energyconnects.com/news/oil/2026/november/goldman-hikes-oil-price-forecasts-on-substantial-supply-risks/" rel="nofollow">Bloomberg’s</a> report on Goldman’s revised outlook.If Middle Eastern supply continues to be severely impacted, Goldman anticipates a more dire scenario where Brent might average $130 next year.JPMorgan presents another viewpoint. Based on its estimate, the world’s oil supply outpaced demand by 1.4 million barrels per day in October. This suggests that prices may ultimately decline as production recovers and consumption declines.<a href="https://www.investing.com/news/commodities-news/jpmorgan-says-rising-exports-weak-demand-push-global-oil-market-into-surplus-4999413" rel="nofollow">Reuters</a> reported JPMorgan’s assessment on Nov. 4.For American customers, both situations have repercussions. Gas prices may continue to drop until 2027 if supply keeps improving. However, even if the oil supply is rising, prolonged refinery disruptions or a fresh military escalation might keep gasoline prices high.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3x1b3G_1GrqxWHI00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3x1b3G_1GrqxWHI00" width="1920" height="1280" ><figcaption>Exxon’s CEO warns of a fuel problem beyond oil prices.<a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2152482741" rel="nofollow">Bloomberg / Getty Images</a></figcaption></figure><h2>What the oil outlook means for Exxon stock in 2027</h2>For investors in Exxon, the uncertainty presents a unique situation.Higher crude prices often help the company’s upstream activities, while shortages that support margins on gasoline, diesel, and other products may help its refining operations.Although it doesn’t completely remove vulnerability to declining energy prices, such diversification may help Exxon endure various market circumstances.<a href="https://investor.exxonmobil.com/company-information/press-releases/detail/1213/exxonmobil-announces-third-quarter-2026-results" rel="nofollow">Exxon</a> reported $15.4 billion in third-quarter earnings and $19.1 billion in free cash flow, according to its Oct. 30 earnings announcement.More Oil &amp; Gas:<ul><li><a href="https://www.thestreet.com/investing/stocks/cvx-chevron-ceo-mike-wirth-warning-oil-inventories-reserves" rel="nofollow">Chevron CEO issues stark warning on depleting oil reserves</a></li><li><a href="https://www.thestreet.com/investing/aramco-oil-supply-warning" rel="nofollow">World’s biggest oil CEO shares stark oil price warning as pressure builds and supplies run dry</a></li><li><a href="https://www.thestreet.com/investing/bank-of-america-raises-oil-price-target-with-strong-warning" rel="nofollow">Bank of America resets its oil price target with strong w</a></li></ul>Stronger refining margins contributed to its Energy Products division’s $7.17 billion profits, which increased from $5.47 billion in the second quarter.Exxon intends to buy $20 billion worth of shares in 2027, assuming favorable market circumstances.A persistent drop in petroleum prices may pressure upstream profits and limit funds available for shareholder payouts. Nonetheless, the Energy Products division’s profitability can be supported by ongoing refining restrictions.Therefore, in addition to crude pricing, investors should keep an eye on refining profits, production costs, and free cash flow.Later this quarter, Exxon aims to provide further information on its financial plans for 2027. This will be followed by more comments during its fourth-quarter results call in late January.These revisions might make it clearer how management plans to handle a crude market that could be weaker.<h2>What American drivers should expect over the coming months</h2>A better picture of whether gas prices continue to decline may emerge in the coming weeks.According to the most recent data from AAA, drivers are already feeling some respite. However, fuel is still pricey, averaging about $6.26 per gallon on Nov. 5, which may keep distribution and transportation prices high.The Energy Information Administration is scheduled to release its next Short-Term Energy Outlook on Nov. 10, providing updated projections for fuel prices and supplies.Whether the current downturn turns into a long-term trend may be determined by that report as well as happenings in the Middle East.Compared to trying to forecast oil markets, checking local gas costs and keeping an eye on regional averages may provide consumers planning vacation travel greater immediate savings.Consumers should also refrain from believing that a one-day increase in petroleum would always result in higher pump prices the next morning. Usually, retail prices react slowly.The rate at which damaged refineries and international fuel-shipping networks recover is what determines the longer-term picture, which is less obvious than the figures seen at a gas station.Throughout 2027, Exxon’s profitability and shareholder returns may change as a result of that recovery.It may decide whether today’s slight alleviation translates into a significant decrease in household costs for American drivers.At last, the cost of gasoline is decreasing. Problems that won’t be resolved until next year or even later might determine whether they remain down.<a href="https://www.thestreet.com/investing/stocks/exxon-mobil-cfo-warning-hidden-risks-oil-supply-shock" rel="nofollow">Related: Exxon Mobil CFO warns of hidden risks behind oil supply shock</a></div></body>

Block Source: TheStreet

While drivers may see relief at the pump, Exxon warns of trouble ahead.

Gas prices could fall, but Exxon CEO warns of a 2027 catch

<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1zA2UE_1Gr4JnKo00" style="display:none" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1zA2UE_1Gr4JnKo00" width="1280" height="854" >Global lithium demand has jumped more than 400% just this decade, to over 1.5 million metric tons per year. By 2035, that demand could approach 4 million tons. Lithium-ion battery demand for electric vehicles, utility-scale and data center energy storage, and the emerging robotics industry are all driving the growth.The problem is the U.S. produces little more than 1% of the world’s lithium supplies, largely from Albemarle’s Silver Peak mine in Nevada. The world relies primarily on China for refining, as it does for many other <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/11/17/us-aims-breathe-easy-china-chokehold-rare-earths/" rel="nofollow">critical minerals and rare earths</a>.That may be about to change. About 1,500 miles from Silver Peak lies the oddly named Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas and East Texas. Crude oil was discovered there a century ago. Now industry is fixated on its unusually large lithium concentrations in its massive underground aquifer. Early French settlers called the area “Sumac Couvert,” meaning “covered in sumac bushes,” and the name evolved into Smackover.“It’s a geologic freak with its very high lithium concentrations,” Standard Lithium CEO David Park told Fortune. “We believe that our lands alone have the potential for over 150,000 tons per year of production.”<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The contenders</h2>Standard Lithium is, well, the standard bearer for the Smackover—the region with the most potential to turn the U.S. into a major lithium player. It is slated to authorize its South West Arkansas Project (SWA) late this year and start construction on the first 22,500-ton phase in the first quarter of 2027.Its brash challenger is Austin, Texas-based EnergyX (short for Energy Exploration Technologies), which is led by Elon Musk acolyte Teague Egan, 38. EnergyX could break ground on its 15,000-ton Project Lonestar commercial facility by the end of 2027. A 250-ton pilot plant came online earlier this year.Big Oil is following. ExxonMobil established its position three years ago and now holds more than 400,000 net acres, the largest in the formation. It plans to start building a pilot project there next year. <a href="https://fortune.com/company/chevron/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chevron</a> also bought a lot of land, announcing a 125,000-acre position last year.The U.S. lacks the traditional resources of leading producers Australia, Chile, Argentina, and China. It has few open-pit, hard-rock deposits or economically viable evaporation ponds, such as Silver Lake.The reason Exxon and Chevron bought in is because the Smackover instead requires newer direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. Operators drill wells much like oil and gas producers do, pump out the brine water, process and refine the lithium, and return more than 90% of the brine underground. No hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is needed, limiting any seismicity concerns.Evaporation ponds can take two years to extract the lithium. DLE only requires about two days, though most of its costs come up front in the facility and well construction.“You extract the lithium, and then you reinject the remainder of the brine so that it leaves the ecosystem the same as it was before,” EnergyX’s Egan told Fortune. “There are no huge pits or huge ponds. It takes basically one-hundredth of the land footprint.”<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Making the business case</h2>Max Yerrill, a critical minerals analyst at BMO Capital Markets, is both skeptical and optimistic. DLE remains unproven at a commercial scale and must compete in a global market vulnerable to Chinese price manipulation. The Trump administration also has eliminated EV tax credits, weakening the domestic market.Regardless, Yerrill said, “I think DLE is the only way. It’s more out of necessity. The geology is what the geology is in a particular region.”“In theory, there are huge amounts of lithium in the Smackover. It’s yet to be proven if it’s economic to do so,” he said. “But I think it makes sense. You’re not planning for one year out. These are 25-year projects. You have to look way down the road.”Even in a bad year, he added, lithium is still a market that’s growing at close to 20% or more a year.The nascent self-driving vehicle and robotaxi industry is being built up almost entirely on EVs. <a href="https://fortune.com/company/tesla/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tesla</a> this week said it is discontinuing the costly Cybertruck to make way for the self-driving Cybercab, while Waymo, Avride, and Zoox are all betting on robotaxis. Egan sees them daily. “Living in Austin is seeing the future, and that is only going to spread.”Lithium is now about much more than just cars, medical devices, and electronics, including mobile phones, Egan emphasized. Utility-scale battery storage is the biggest growth area in the U.S. right now.“Batteries are the future, and lithium batteries have the most robust infrastructure, and that’s what we need for robotics,” Egan said. “That’s what we need for grid storage, for energy resiliency, for data center backup, and redundancy. It’s what we need for everything.”<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0tQ1zx_1Gr4JnKo00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0tQ1zx_1Gr4JnKo00" width="1024" height="563" >Standard Lithium</figure><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The U.S. buildout</h2>Similar to rare earths, lithium isn’t actually rare. The challenge is economically extracting its nearly invisible ions from brine. Lithium doesn’t exist as a shiny metal in nature. It’s typically either in the salty brine aquifers or locked inside off-white or pinkish rock ore.China isn’t the top lithium miner, but it is the top refiner and battery manufacturer.The Smackover projects build refining on site, so the lithium doesn’t have to go to China for processing. U.S. battery manufacturing is also on the rise.“It’s critically important to bypass the Chinese bottleneck,” said Park, of Standard Lithium. “We’ve seen them weaponize other critical minerals. We’re strategically exposed. If they want to cut us off, they can.”The challenge is building up the necessary financing and customer contracts to start construction, Park said. In the past, China has used price dumping to prevent potential competitors from getting off the ground. For Standard Lithium’s SWA Project, that work is already done.“I feel very good about things,” Park said. “It’s taken longer than I would have liked, but there were a lot of people to convince along the way.”That included both the Biden and Trump administrations for a lithium industry that has bipartisan support, even though many Republicans oppose EV subsidies. Biden’s Department of Energy gave SWA a $225 million grant, and the Trump administration fast-tracked project permitting. Norway oil and gas giant Equinor is also a 45% joint venture partner. Major offtake agreements are signed with global commodity trader <a href="https://fortune.com/company/trafigura-group/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Trafigura</a> and battery manufacturer <a href="https://fortune.com/company/lg-electronics/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">LG</a> Energy Solution, which is growing its U.S. operations.Once the first phase of SWA is complete, Standard Lithium plans to double capacity to 45,000 tons a year. It’s also advancing the Franklin Project in East Texas, for up to 70,000 tons, and two more East Texas facilities. “As we move into East Texas, the lithium concentrations get higher,” Park said. “Arkansas is more advanced technically and from a regulatory perspective than East Texas, but East Texas is catching up quickly.”In October, EnergyX inked a 10-year offtake deal with Trafigura for its Project Lonestar, near Texarkana, and its Project Black Giant in Chile. EnergyX is focused on U.S. and South American growth.Egan said the deal covers 100,000 tons and nearly $2 billion in lifetime value. He called it the largest DLE offtake in history. Trafigura will take 30% of Lonestar’s output, so more dealmaking remains.“This will cause a lot more dominoes to fall, and I’m excited for the next three to six months,” Egan said. He plans to expand Project Lonestar from 15,000 to 50,000 tons by 2031.With most of the critical minerals focus on rare earths and tungsten, Egan said he wants lithium to become an “unsexy commodity” like copper. “We want to be in an unsexy business that just produces a white powder that’s used in batteries.”<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Big Oil and big goals</h2>Lithium Americas may lead the U.S. lithium industry with Thacker Pass in Nevada, a 40,000-ton, open-pit clay mine that could be completed by the end of 2027. It’s much larger than Silver Peak and could eventually reach 160,000 tons. But analysts said the Smackover has more potential as few places have similar geology.Exxon made big waves in 2023 when disclosed a 120,000-acre position—now much larger—in southern Arkansas. Egan said that pushed a risk-adverse industry toward DLE. Egan would even like the oil majors to move faster. “They’re waiting for EnergyX or Standard Lithium to go build the first commercial plant and see it proven commercially. That kind of sucks because you would want those companies to make investments into the industry and push the innovation forward and help us.”Exxon told Fortune it plans to start building its Pine pilot project in Arkansas next year. Its acreage is at least triple that of Chevron or Standard Lithium. Exxon has drilled exploration and appraisal wells and is focusing on its technology at a Houston pilot plant.“The Smackover has the potential to become a significant source of domestically produced lithium, and&nbsp;ExxonMobil is uniquely positioned to help unlock it,” Exxon said in a statement.Slower U.S. EV sales are not reflective of the rest of the world as Chinese EV manufacturers such as BYD surge globally, Park said. And U.S. is recovering, helped by record-high fuel prices from the Iran war. “Demand is not the constraint at this point. The real question is, will supply be able to keep up?” Park said.He credited the Trump administration for helping get SWA started but said it could do more. “The administration may have thought they could focus on rare earths and deprioritize lithium a little bit,” Park said. “I think what they’re realizing right now is the industry could use another little shot, another catalyst.”Regardless, Standard Lithium is just about to commence construction on the first major Smackover project. “We’re near the finish line or, I should say, we’re near the starting line.”This story was originally featured on <a href="https://fortune.com/2026/11/07/geologic-freak-smackover-americas-lithium-dependence-china-big-oil/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fortune.com</a></div></body>

Standard Lithium, EnergyX, Exxon and Chevron are betting direct lithium extraction can turn the Smackover into a domestic supply hub and cut the U.S. reliance on China.

A ‘geologic freak’ called the Smackover may end America’s lithium dependence on China, and Big Oil is already there

Midland, VA

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