Midwest
Biden admin scraps eco-friendly fuel rules as gas prices remain high
The Biden administration is scrapping environmental rules regulating the quantity of ethanol that refiners are able to mix into gasoline, which are designed to reduce smog during the summer.
In a final rule published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agency granted a 2022 request from eight Midwestern governors, led by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, to allow gas stations in their states to sell 15% ethanol blend fuel year-round. So-called E15 fuel is generally less expensive than regular blend fuel with less ethanol content, but it is prohibited from being sold during the summer months because it produces higher amounts of smog.
An EPA official confirmed in a statement to Fox News Digital that it is removing a federal waiver that has for years required gasoline-ethanol blends containing 10% ethanol to be used in the summer in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The action will take effect in 2025, a timeline that was criticized by refiners as too soon and by renewable fuel proponents as too late.
“After continuous delays by the EPA to allow year-round sales of E15 fuel, consumers across the country can finally look forward to lower-cost, cleaner-burning year-round E15 in 2025,” Reynolds said in a statement. “Nearly two years ago, I organized a bipartisan coalition of eight Midwest governors to join me in challenging the EPA’s refusal to allow E15 sales during summer months.”
BIDEN-APPOINTED JUDGE DELIVERS BLOW TO CLIMATE LAWSUIT TARGETING GAS STOVES
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, left, speaks as President Biden looks on Feb. 16, 2024, in East Palestine, Ohio. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
“Finally, our request is approved, however, the EPA’s unjustified delays come at a cost for drivers and the environment,” the Iowa governor continued. “As governor of the nation’s top ethanol producing state, I’m pursuing a waiver to continue offering drivers the option to purchase lower-cost, cleaner-burning E15 in Iowa this summer, and I won’t stop fighting for year-round E15 until it’s available nationwide.”
130+ HOUSE, SENATE REPUBLICANS JOIN FORCES IN OPPOSITION OF BIDEN’S UPCOMING EV MANDATE
In April 2022, Reynolds led a bipartisan coalition of governors — including Govs. JB Pritzker of Illinois; Laura Kelly of Kansas; Tim Walz of Minnesota; Doug Burgum of North Dakota; Kristi Noem of South Dakota; and Tony Evers of Wisconsin, and former Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts — in formally requesting that EPA Administrator Michael Regan allow year-round sales of E15 fuel in their states.
The coalition, whose state economies account for more than 10% of U.S. gasoline sales, invoked the federal Clean Air Act that gives governors the authority to make such a request. They argue that renewable fuels are the “immediate solution to high gas prices, lower emissions, and restoring our energy independence.”
Republican Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks at the Family Leadership Summit on July 14, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
“While we are pleased to see EPA has finally approved year-round E15 in these eight states, we are extremely disappointed by the Agency’s needless decision to delay implementation until 2025,” Renewable Fuels Association CEO and President Geoff Cooper said Thursday. “It’s helpful to finally have some certainty about 2025 and beyond, but what happens this summer?”
“The Biden administration missed its statutory deadline to finalize the governors’ petition by more than 500 days, and now it claims there just isn’t enough time to implement the rule in time for summer 2024,” he added. “Why should ethanol producers, farmers, fuel retailers, and consumers in these states be penalized for EPA’s foot-dragging and failure to meet a clear deadline?”
BIDEN ADMIN REPORTEDLY DOUBLING DOWN ON GAS CAR CRACKDOWN
The Renewable Fuels Association and bipartisan lawmakers have called on the federal government to permanently allow year-round sales of E15 fuel, arguing such an action would help ease gas prices nationwide.
President Biden announces a temporary waiver allowing the nationwide sale of E15 in the summer at POET Bioprocessing in Menlo, Iowa, on April 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
President Biden acknowledged as much in April 2022 when he issued a nationwide waiver allowing summer E15 sales in response to the Ukraine war, which roiled global energy markets, saying at an event in Iowa that, as a result, Americans are “not going to show up at your local gas station and see a bag over the pump that has the cheapest gas.” However, the action was only temporarily effective in 2022.
The EPA’s actions Thursday, though, received criticism from the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), the nation’s largest industry association representing petroleum refiners. The group said the rule change could impact overall fuel supplies and lead to higher costs.
“E15 is about 10 cents a gallon cheaper than E10, and some gas stations offer an even bigger discount than that,” President Biden remarked during an event in Iowa in April 2022. “You’re going to be able to keep filling up with E15. And it’s going to solve a whole problem.” (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
“We’ve made clear to the administration that it’s too late for 2024 implementation and even 2025 would be problematic,” said AFPM Senior Director of Fuels and Vehicle Policy Patrick Kelly. “Refiners start making the switch to summer production very early in the year and to minimize costs, there must be a reasonable transition to producing summer gas according to a different specification.”
“Studies show that even with at least a two-year lead time, the RVP change will reduce overall supply, increase costs and make the region more vulnerable to supply disruptions. With less time, costs to produce and supply fuel and risks of supply disruptions could be greater.”
Meanwhile, gasoline prices across the country have remained stubbornly high, hitting $3.27 per gallon as of Friday, according to AAA data. Those prices represent a 6% month-over-month increase and are nearly 37% higher than pump prices when Biden first took office.
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Midwest
Police seek suspect after dentist and wife found shot dead at home while 2 young children are unharmed
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Police are investigating after a dentist and his wife in Columbus, Ohio, were both found shot to death inside their home just a month before celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary.
Police responded to the house around 10 a.m. Tuesday for a wellness check, and found Spencer and Monique Tepe dead with apparent gunshot wounds. Two young children were found at the house unharmed.
The owner of Athens Dental Depot, Dr. Mark Valrose, where Spencer works, called 911 and asked dispatchers to send officers for a wellness check at the couple’s residence. Valrose said people at the business were becoming concerned after Spencer didn’t show up to work.
Fox News Digital obtained the 911 records through a public records request. Police are seeking the public’s help as they search for a suspect.
NEWLYWED COUPLE FOUND DEAD IN CAR FROM MURDER-SUICIDE DAYS BEFORE FIRST ANNIVERSARY, POLICE SAY
Ohio dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, were found shot to death inside their home in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday. While their two children were discovered unharmed, authorities reportedly believe their deaths were not the result of a murder-suicide. (Athens Dental Depot)
According to WSYX, police don’t believe their deaths were a murder-suicide. Officials added there wasn’t a firearm recovered at the scene and there were no signs of forced entry.
Valrose called 911 on Tuesday at 9:03 a.m. to raise the alarm about Spencer and Monica. An officer with the Columbus Police Department arrived at the Tepe household at 9:22 a.m., but didn’t get an answer after knocking.
“Spencer works with me and he did not show up to work this morning and we cannot get ahold of him or his family,” Valrose said. “He is always on time and he would contact us if there is any issues whatsoever…we’re very, very concerned because this is very out of character and we can’t get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing.”
MOM SHOOTS FAMILY DEAD AT HOME BEFORE KILLING HERSELF, SPARES TODDLER: AG
Ohio dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, were found shot to death inside their home in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday. (Athens Dental Depot/Facebook)
In a separate 911 call from one of Spencer’s friends who went to their home, the caller said, “there’s a body.”
“We just came here and he appears dead. He’s laying next to his bed, off of his bed in his blood. I can’t get closer to see more than that,” the caller said. “I can tell he’s obviously not breathing or anything.”
In a statement on Facebook, Athens Dental Depot said Spencer will be “deeply missed.”
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of our dear colleague and friend, Dr. Spencer Tepe, as well as his wife Monique. He will be deeply missed by our team and the many patients he cared for over the years. Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with their families and loved ones during this very difficult time,” the business said.
A Columbus police officer adjusts crime scene tape after officers responded to the home of Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe, where the pair were found shot to death in Columbus, Ohio. (The Columbus Dispatch via USA Today)
The family released a statement Friday night saying they are “heartbroken beyond words,” and described the loss of the couple as “tragic and senseless.”
“They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others,” the statement said, in part.
Spencer, a graduate of The Ohio State University, was known as a “devoted and proud father, a loving partner, and a friend to everyone he met,” the family statement said, adding that he was “intelligent, warm, and endlessly welcoming.”
He was a member of the American Dental Association, fluent in Spanish, involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bengals.
INVESTIGATORS UNCOVER POSSIBLE SERIAL KILLER LINKED TO WOMEN’S MURDERS, MISSING TV ANCHOR
Authorities are investigating after Ohio dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, were found shot to death inside their Columbus, Ohio, home. (Athens Dental Depot/Facebook)
Monique was described as a “loving, patient and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.”
“With a background in childhood education, she brought care and intention into everything she did. She was an excellent baker, a thoughtful planner, and someone who found joy in bringing people together. Her kindness made people feel instantly at home,” the statement said.
Their relationship was “beautiful, strong and deeply happy” and they built a life “rooted in love,” the family said, adding that Spencer and Monique enjoyed taking care of their two children and their pet Goldendoodle.
A Columbus police officer adjusts crime scene tape after officers responded to the home of Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe, where the pair were found shot to death in Columbus, Ohio. (The Columbus Dispatch via USA Today)
“We are heartbroken beyond words. While no outcome can ever undo this loss, our family is committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice, and to honoring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply,” the statement concluded.
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Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, told WSYX that the couple was going to celebrate their five-year anniversary next month after getting married in 2021.
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On Sunday, the Detroit Lions suited up for the final time during the 2025 NFL season. It was a much shorter season than Lions fans expected, while Ben Johnson and the upstart Chicago Bears had already secured the NFC North divisional crown and were looking to capture the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.
In what looked like a microcosm of Detroit’s season, the Lions surged early, before struggling in the final half. However, on this occasion, the Lions were able to finish, forcing a Chicago punt before Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jake Bates iced it.
With nothing but pride to play for, here are the studs and duds from the Lions’ final contest of the ‘25 campaign.
STUD: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
Amon-Ra St. Brown did not have much to play for, with the receiver suffering multiple injuries as the season wound down. However, he was a shining example of leading the Lions, with the star surpassing 100 yards, with his longest catch of the evening going for 30 yards.
The USC product was the go-to guy on third down, with the receiver besting former Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson multiple times in coverage.
St. Brown also called ballgame, with a huge catch and run after a Gardner-Johnson injury forced a Chicago timeout. The pass-catcher’s 11th reception of the game gave him 139 yards, with that final one setting Jake Bates up for a game-winning field goal.
DUD: IOL Christian Mahogany
Yet again, Mahogany suffered through growing pains as he worked his way back into the lineup for the Lions. The aggressive Chicago Bears front got the best of the second-year player, with the guard surrendering a sack early in the game after being completely blown off the line of scrimmage.
Mahogany was also responsible for a few missed blocks in the run game when Detroit stalled in the third quarter. Every time Goff dropped back, there seemed to be a Bears defender ready to drop him for a loss. Mahogany, along with all the other Lions linemen, appeared ready for the offseason at multiple times on Sunday.
STUD: WR Kalif Raymond
In what might be his last game in Honolulu Blue, Kalif Raymond shined. The returner and receiver was able to flip the field with his catches, along with setting Detroit up with good field position on its final drive.
Raymond came alive in the second half, when most of Detroit seemed content to settle after going up by two scores. Raymond pushed the ball up for Detroit, and was one of the shining examples of players competing for pride.
DUD: OT Chris Hubbard
Hubbard was the replacement for Penei Sewell, who was missing his first career game. Unfortunately, Sewell’s presence was sorely missed. Hubbard was the right tackle on a line that let Jared Goff run for his life, particularly in the first and third quarters.
Hubbard was responsible for part of a sack on Goff, where the quarterback got met by Montez Sweat and Grady Jarrett. Overall, the line surrendered two sacks to Chicago, along with quite a few pressures.
STUD: K Jake Bates
Bates kept Detroit in contention on Sunday, nailing four of his five field goals, including the walk-off winner as time expired. With his lone miss being a 53-yard field goal to end the first half, it is easy to overlook that when the Lions kicker accounted for all the points besides Jahmyr Gibbs’ final touchdown of the season.
Bates, despite the fans turning against him at points, showed resilience and consistency on a night when the Lions sorely needed it.
DUD: OG Tate Ratledge
Ratledge was another Lions lineman who struggled in the final contest of the year. Detroit finally had a push against the Bears’ front, but Ratledge was part of a unit that allowed multiple Goff pressures. Additionally, he added a penalty in the middle of the game to hamper Detroit’s field position, getting busted for a hold.
Ratledge offered promise in his first season, and there is reason to believe in him for next year. This year, however, it was “baptism by fire” in multiple games: Sunday included.
STUD: LB Jack Campbell
Campbell was another one of the Lions stars who played for pride, leading Detroit’s defense by example. To the surprise of none, he led the Lions in tackles, and set the tone by nearly intercepting Caleb Williams as Detroit shut out Chicago in the first half.
Campbell made plays and shifted momentum just enough in the first half for Chicago’s second-half rally to come up short.
STUD: DB Avonte Maddox
Maddox filled in admirably with Detroit down three of its top four safeties on Sunday, and added his own Kerby Joseph-esque centerfield interception, picking off Caleb Williams on a deep shot to the end zone. Maddox bodied out the receiver, then had enough awareness to run the ball out of the end zone, instead of trying to tiptoe up the sideline.
Without this crucial takeaway, it is likely that Detroit either goes to overtime or outright loses to the Bears and falls to 1-5 in the division. Maddox played for pride, and certainly gave the staff much to think about with the offseason looming.
More from Detroit Lions OnSI
Scene near 107th and Wabash, Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee police are investigating two separate fatal shootings that occurred within hours of each other on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 4.
107th and Wabash
What we know:
The first shooting was reported around 2 p.m. near 107th and Wabash, according to the Milwaukee Police Department. A 40-year-old victim suffered gunshot wounds and later died from those injuries.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation, and police are continuing to search for a suspect or suspects.
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64th and Mill
What we know:
A second fatal shooting was reported around 3:40 p.m., near 64th and Mill. Police said a 53-year-old victim was shot and died from their injuries. A suspect is in custody and charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
The shooting remains under active investigation.
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Authorities say the incidents are not related.
MPD tips
What you can do:
Anyone with information related to either shooting is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or via the P3 Tips app.
The Source: Anyone with any information is asked to contact the MPD at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 Tips app.
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