Latest news with #Dominion
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, Dominion exploring energy projects, including nuclear reactor
YORKTOWN — Leadership of Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Dominion Energy have signed an agreement to work together to build energy resiliency at the station. Potential projects at the weapons station could include solar farms, turbine energy or a small modular nuclear reactor. Cpt. Dan Patrick said it has been a goal of his to have more sustainable power sources for the station. Over the next decade, power demand in Virginia is going to increase, so having a diverse source of power is necessary for the station to continue providing weapons support to other military installations across the East Coast, he said. Dominion has forecasted a 5.5% annual demand increase over the next decade and double by 2039. Dominion Energy and the installation have worked for about 18 months ahead of Friday's agreement signing to see how a project at NWS Yorktown could fit into long-term energy plans. The first step is a site characterization study, which will determine where and what kind of project would work best in the area. Those typically take six to 12 months, according to Dominion officials. How Dominion Energy sees its future: A look at its long-term plan for demand, affordability Amazon, Google make dueling nuclear investments to power data centers with clean energy Hundreds oppose Chesapeake data center, commission recommends denial Patrick pointed to a historic long-term power outage in Tacoma, Washington as evidence of his concerns. In 1929, the city of Tacoma generated much of its electricity by hydroelectric dams on nearby rivers, but after a drought, the city struggled to provide enough power to keep citizens warm that winter. Fort Lewis, an Army base located located 9.1 miles south-southwest of Tacoma, had its barracks go 'lights out' at 4 p.m. to help conserve power. Then-President Herbert Hoover sent the Navy's USS Lexington to power the city for about a month. 'If we don't take the necessary steps to build reliant and resilient energy sources for the installation community, we clearly become very vulnerable,' he said. 'As our country reaffirmed its commitment to energy dominance, it becomes ever clear that what we do with electricity and energy over the next five years will determine our installation's readiness for the next 50.' Ed Baine, president of Dominion Energy Virginia, said whichever method is selected would be owned and operated by Dominion. If a nuclear reactor is chosen, he is confident in the company's ability to handle nuclear facilities safely. Baine said short-term energy sources for the company to meet growing demand will be gas and renewable energy, but long-term plans for the company will have to include small reactors. In October, the power provider announced a partnership with Amazon to develop a small modular reactor as the utility explores building one at its North Anna Power Station, an existing traditional nuclear power plant in Louisa County. A small reactor is about a third of the size of the Surry Nuclear Power Plant, which is located just across the James River from the weapons station. On June 3, the York County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to sponsor a study that would look at potential zoning ordinances regarding small nuclear reactors. Currently, the county's code does not address reactors at all. Baine and Patrick said whatever power source is chosen, it will bring benefits on a regional scale. 'Our overall goal and intent is that if something were to happen elsewhere, the base and the community — our major workforce — would have the lights and power on so we can continue without having to worry about the families at home or the local community not being able to work with us,' Patrick said. Eliza Noe,
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The Ritual' Review: Exorcisms Happen, Excitement Not So Much in Drab Horror Opus With Al Pacino
Not since Paul Schrader's ill-starred 'Exorcist' entry 'Dominion' in 2004 has an exorcism-centric thriller taken itself quite so seriously as 'The Ritual.' Based on a real-life case, like director David Midell's prior 'The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain,' this more fantastical drama is a relatively restrained effort less interested in standard horror effects than the events' psychological impact on their participants. Nonetheless, its integrity and able performers only do so much to elevate a reluctant genre movie that emerges as rather dreary — not unlike 'Dominion,' albeit minus theological discussions. With Al Pacino and Dan Stevens topping the cast, XYZ Films' release should lure in some genre fans. Still, their disappointment may be salved only by the thought that this is a definite genre improvement over the abysmal 'The Exorcist: Believer' from two years ago. Midell's feature is billed as being based on 'the true story that inspired 'The Exorcist,'' though William Peter Blatty's original novel was purportedly more influenced by a 14-year-old Maryland boy's alleged demonic possession in the '40s. Here, the source is accounts of Emma Schmidt, a middle-aged midwesterner who had already been tormented by inexplicable behaviors before being turned over to Catholic authorities in 1928 for emergency spiritual intervention. Because clergy involved documented the exorcisms (which took place over four months), her travails are still considered by believers as one of the strongest proofs for occult possession being an actual thing. More from Variety Spike Lee Says Denzel Washington Deserved Oscar for 'Malcolm X' Over Al Pacino: 'It's Like Basketball, Where the Ref Blows a Call' Al Pacino Joins Bobby Moresco-Directed Biopic 'Maserati: The Brothers' Al Pacino, Katie Holmes Getty Kidnapping Drama 'Captivated' Set for Imminent Rome Shoot as Producer Andrea Iervolino Boards (EXCLUSIVE) The movie's much younger version of Schmidt — played by Abigail Cowen, who's in her late twenties and could pass for a teen — arrives at St. Joseph's as a frail, frightened and passive presence. Nuns of the convent are tasked with her basic care, while parish priest Father Joseph Steiger (Stevens) is charged with keeping a written record of whatever occurs during her stay. All of them assume that Emma's true problem is psychiatric. They see little reason to keep her in restraints as recommended by Father Theophilus Riesinger (Pacino), the visiting Capuchin friar who'll perform 'sacred rites' of exorcism. That turns out to be a big mistake. Emma herself may be a harmless victim, but whatever's got hold of her is crafty, malicious and violent. It's soon terrorizing the novices, in addition to targeting skeptic Steiger and young Sister Rose (Ashley Greene) as weak links in the circle of faith. Enough havoc is wrought that the Mother Superior (Patricia Heaton) insists Emma be moved to the institution's basement. Yet wherever its permanent residents go, and however firmly secured their troubled guest is, these servants of the church sense a mocking, evil entity running loose. There's nothing here you haven't seen before: Furniture moves around on its own, lights flicker and go out. Emma's battered body shows evidence of cruel internal warfare, while the demon also inflicts grievous harm on others who foolishly get too close. That foul being knows things it shouldn't about our protagonists, imitating voices of dead loved ones to manipulate them. Through it all, Pacino's aged friar remains stoic — he's apparently been through the likes of this before. (The real Riesinger had indeed already attempted to exorcise Schmidt once, in 1912 Wisconsin.) You might expect 85-year-old Pacino to chew scenery in this lurid supernatural context. Instead, he wisely chooses to play his Bavarian-emigre figure as a man who endures outlandish, alarming phenomena by refusing to be ruffled, maintaining a demeanor of gentle authority and humor. The normally expert Stevens appears less assured than usual, as if fearful that he might have gotten himself into some real schlock. He hasn't, but 'The Ritual' sometimes makes you wish he had. It just isn't much fun, even as it lacks the gravitas needed to make a more deeply unsetting impression, as William Friedkin famously managed with 'The Exorcist' 52 years ago. Cowen, who bears passing resemblance to Ashley Bell of 'The Last Exorcism' (that film's costar, Patrick Fabian, plays a senior cleric here), provides a touchingly pathetic presence, whenever she's not a yelling, growling special effect. But neither the afflicted party or its afflicting demon are imbued with much personality by Midell and Enrico Natale's script. There are some creepy and scary moments, yet the whole feels uninspired — this director doesn't seem terribly committed to the mechanics of horror, while the milieu and characters don't come to vivid life in a way that reinforces 'Ritual's' stance as more of a strange-but-supposedly-true docudrama. Once the end credits roll, we're left with the odd sensation of still waiting for some cathartic climax. The Mississippi-shot production's physical modesty is apt enough for story purposes, though you might wish for a smidge more assertive style from Adam Biddle's cinematography and other craft departments. 'The Ritual' merits some appreciation for not being merely another cheesy exploitation of familiar themes. But that doesn't redeem the fact that, in the end, it's a bit of an earnest slog — an exorcism movie more tame than bedeviled. Best of Variety The Best Albums of the Decade
CNBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Cramer's Lightning Round: 'Not a fan' of Iron Mountain
Dominion Energy: "I like Dominion. It's fine. For a while, I was worried about the balance sheet. I think we're ok." Iron Mountain: "No, not a fan. Yield too low." Click here to download Jim Cramer's Guide to Investing at no cost to help you build long-term wealth and invest
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings of The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company and Travelers Insurance Company of Canada Following Announced Sale to Definity Financial Corporation; Places Credit Ratings Under Review With Various Implications
OLDWICK, N.J., June 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to A- (Excellent) from A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to "a-" (Excellent) from "a" (Excellent) of The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company (Dominion). At the same time, AM Best has downgraded the FSR to A+ (Superior) from A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICR to "aa-" (Superior) from "aa+" (Superior) of Travelers Insurance Company of Canada (TICC). In addition. AM Best has placed Dominion's Credit Ratings (ratings) under review with developing implications, while AM Best has placed TICC under review with negative implications. Dominion and TICC are domiciled in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The ratings of Dominion reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its marginal operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). The ratings of TICC reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate ERM. The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV) (NYSE: TRV) announced that it signed an agreement to sell the personal insurance business and most of the commercial insurance business of Travelers Canada, which include Dominion and TICC, to Definity Financial Corporation. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The announcement has triggered the removal of the TRV lift from Dominion and TICC, which have been placed under review, and while Dominion will have developing implications, TICC will have negative implications as a result of the higher rating compared with the rating of the new parent company at close. AM Best will continue to monitor events related to this transaction and provide updates as conditions warrant. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit Copyright © 2025 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on Contacts David Marek Associate Director +1 908 882 1924 Carlos Wong-Fupuy Senior Director +1 908 882 2438 Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
National Post
2 days ago
- Business
- National Post
AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings of The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company and Travelers Insurance Company of Canada Following Announced Sale to Definity Financial Corporation; Places Credit Ratings Under Review With Various Implications
Article content OLDWICK, N.J. — has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to A- (Excellent) from A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to 'a-' (Excellent) from 'a' (Excellent) of The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company (Dominion). At the same time, AM Best has downgraded the FSR to A+ (Superior) from A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICR to 'aa-' (Superior) from 'aa+' (Superior) of Travelers Insurance Company of Canada (TICC). In addition. AM Best has placed Dominion's Credit Ratings (ratings) under review with developing implications, while AM Best has placed TICC under review with negative implications. Dominion and TICC are domiciled in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Article content The ratings of Dominion reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its marginal operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). Article content The ratings of TICC reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate ERM. Article content The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV) (NYSE: TRV) announced that it signed an agreement to sell the personal insurance business and most of the commercial insurance business of Travelers Canada, which include Dominion and TICC, to Definity Financial Corporation. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Article content The announcement has triggered the removal of the TRV lift from Dominion and TICC, which have been placed under review, and while Dominion will have developing implications, TICC will have negative implications as a result of the higher rating compared with the rating of the new parent company at close. AM Best will continue to monitor events related to this transaction and provide updates as conditions warrant. Article content This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content David Marek Article content Article content Associate Director Article content Article content +1 908 882 1924 Article content Article content Article content Carlos Wong-Fupuy Article content Article content Senior Director Article content Article content +1 908 882 2438 Article content Article content Article content Christopher Sharkey Article content Article content Associate Director, Public Relations Article content Article content +1 908 882 2310 Article content Article content Article content Al Slavin Article content Article content Article content Article content
