In briefState opts for veto power on spent nuclear fuel

State opts for veto power on spent nuclear fuel

ALBUQUERQUE>> New Mexico’s governor has signed legislation aimed at keeping spent nuclear fuel produced by commercial U.S. nuclear power plants from being shipped to the state, just hours after the measure cleared its final legislative hurdle.

Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wasted no time adding her signature after the New Mexico House voted 35-28 in favor of the bill following a lengthy debate. Five Democrats joined Republicans in opposition, arguing that the measure would challenge longstanding federal authority over nuclear safety matters and lead to new court challenges.

The bill from Democratic state Sen. Jeff Steinborn of Las Cruces will impact a proposed multibillion-dollar facility in southeastern New Mexico that would have the capacity to store up to 8,680 metric tons of used uranium fuel. Future expansion could make room for as many as 10,000 canisters of the spent fuel over six decades.

Strong earthquake kills at least 13

QUITO, Ecuador>> A strong earthquake shook southern Ecuador and northern Peru on Saturday, killing at least 13 people, trapping others under rubble and sending rescue teams out into streets littered with debris and fallen power lines.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported an earthquake with a magnitude of about 6.8 that was centered just off the Pacific Coast, about 50 miles south of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s second-largest city. Twelve of the victims died in Ecuador, and one died in Peru.

Ecuador’s Risk Management Secretary Cristian Torres said 11 of the victims died in the coastal state of El Oro and one in the highlands state of Azuay.

In Peru, the earthquake was felt from its northern border with Ecuador to the central Pacific coast. Peruvian Prime Minister Alberto Otárola said a 4-year-old girl died from head trauma she suffered in the collapse of her home in the Tumbes region.

Judge extends agreement date for poultry lawsuit

A federal judge is giving Oklahoma and nearly a dozen poultry companies, including the world’s largest poultry producer, Tyson Foods, an additional 90 days to reach an agreement on plans to clean a watershed polluted by chicken litter.

U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell on Friday scheduled a June 16 status conference in Tulsa, saying both sides requested the extension. The state and the poultry companies are to submit a joint status report by June 9.

Frizzell ruled in January that Arkansas-based Tyson, Minnesota-based Cargill Inc. and other companies polluted the Illinois River, caused a public nuisance and trespassed by spreading the litter, or manure, on land in eastern Oklahoma, and that it then leached into the river’s watershed.

Chaos breaks out as Imran Khan makes court appearance

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan appeared in court on corruption charges Saturday in Islamabad, the capital, in the latest turn of a standoff between his supporters and authorities that had led to chaotic scenes of tear gas and clashing security lines outside his home earlier in the week.

That showdown continued Saturday morning, as Khan arrived at the court surrounded by throngs of his supporters, who clashed with police outside the judicial complex. The court allowed Khan, who claimed he could not enter the judicial building because of the chaos, to register his appearance from inside his vehicle.

Khan, who was removed from office in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April, is facing dozens of court cases on charges that include terrorism and corruption.

The Cure says Ticketmaster will issue refunds

The Cure’s frontman, Robert Smith, said on Thursday that Ticketmaster will provide $5 and $10 refunds to fans who purchased tickets for the band’s North American tour after the band complained to the company about high fees.

In recent months, Ticketmaster has faced increased criticism from ticket buyers as well as from members of Congress who accused its owner, Live Nation Entertainment, of being a monopoly that hinders competition and harms fans.

Smith said on Twitter that Ticketmaster would provide the refunds. Smith said people who had purchased the lowest-priced tickets would automatically receive a $10 refund per ticket and all other ticket buyers would get a $5 refund.

—Denver Post wire services