Black Hills drilling project canceled after backlash from tribes

A South Dakota mining company has canceled adrilling projectin the Black Hills after opposition from Native American tribes and local groups.

Black Hills Drilling Opposition

In a letter provided Friday by Indigenous advocacy group NDN Collective, Rapid City-based Pete Lien & Sons told the United States Forest Service on Thursday it is withdrawing its plan of operations for a graphite drilling project. It doesn't intend to file another plan for this project, the letter said.

Groups opposed the project because of its proximity to a sacred site called Pe'Sla, a meadow in the Black Hills where Sioux tribes hold ceremonies and pray throughout the year. The land is also used for buffalo grazing.

The Forest Service and Pete Lien & Sons did not immediately return requests for comment Friday afternoon.

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Nine tribes in South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska filed a lawsuit against the Forest Service over the project alleging violations of the National Historical Preservation Act and National Environmental Protection Act for granting permits without an environmental review.

There also was a lawsuit filed by NDN Collective and environmental groups that argued the Forest Service should not have exempted the project from an environmental review because it did not meet the requirements for a categorical exclusion. In that case, a temporary restraining order granted against Pete Lien & Sons on Monday prohibited the drilling operation for two weeks.

In a statement, NDN Collective said “today’s win is multi-faceted and offers a blueprint for future land defense fights.”

The Black Hills, named for the appearance of the pine and spruce-covered rolling hills, is home to attractions like Mount Rushmore and state parks, but it has long been the site oftensionbetween mining interests and tribes, who consider the area unceded territory.

The 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie established that the Black Hills belong to Sioux tribes, but the U.S. government seized the land years later after the discovery of gold. The Supreme Court later ruled the tribes were owed compensation, but they have not accepted it and maintain their claim to the land.

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Black Hills drilling project canceled after backlash from tribes

A South Dakota mining company has canceled adrilling projectin the Black Hills after opposition from Native American tribes and local g...

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How first-time buyers are securing dream homes for less

Two-thirds (66 per cent) of first-timebuyersareoptingfor "doer-upper"properties, choosinghomesin need of renovation to save money on the purchase price, a newsurveyreveals.

TheNationwide Building Societyfound that almost all newhomeowners(93 per cent) have completed at least one renovation or DIY project since moving in.

However, three-quarters (75 per cent) admitted they carried out more work than initially anticipated, with 25 per cent doing "much more" than expected and 18 per cent tackling major structural projects to get their property in order.

Despite the extensive effort, the "fixer-upper" route often allows buyers to achieve their dream home at a reduced cost. Many (41 per cent) secured a property in their preferred location, while 30 per cent valued the chance to gradually shape the home to their personal tastes over time.

More than a fifth (22 per cent) were able to future-proof their home for plans such as starting a family and nearly a quarter (23 per cent) also said buying a home that needed renovation work helped them to increase the value of their property.

And 89 per cent of first-time buyers described themselves as confident, excited or willing to take on DIY.

A fifth (20 per cent) of first-time buyers said they chose a property that needed work doing to it because they enjoy doing DIY and renovation projects.

Six in 10 (60 per cent) first-time buyers have spent more than £2,500 on DIY and home improvement projects since moving in, with 29 per cent spending more than £5,000.

The most common projects include painting and decorating, kitchen and bathroom improvements, new flooring and general repairs. Nearly a fifth (18 per cent) have taken on bigger structural projects, such as knocking through walls, building extensions or converting lofts.

Nationwide said its research indicates that a loft conversion or extension with a large double bedroom and bathroom can increase the value of a typical three-bedroom home by up to 24 per cent. Any net financial gains or losses from home improvements will depend on individual circumstances.

Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of first-time buyers factored DIY or renovation expenses into their savings when building their deposit. More than a fifth (21 per cent) borrowed more on their mortgage so they could keep savings back to fund improvements after moving in.

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Carlo Pileggi, Nationwide’s head of mortgage products, said: “For many first-time buyers, opting for a cheaper property that needs work is a deliberate and savvy choice rather than a compromise.

“By taking on a home requiring renovation, they are not only able to get onto the property ladder in the location they want, but they can shape it to their own taste while adding to its value.

“Although there’s a real enthusiasm amongst first-time buyers to roll up their sleeves, our research suggests many have had to undertake more work than they initially intended. This is where planning and having the right support can make a real difference.”

Nationwide commissioned Censuswide to survey 2,000 first-time buyers across the UK in April.

Here are the percentages of first-time buyers who were able to purchase a cheaper home because it needed renovation, according to Nationwide:

• North East, 77 per cent

• London, 70 per cent

• East of England, 69 per cent

• Wales, 69 per cent

• North West, 67 per cent

• South East, 64 per cent

• East Midlands, 65 per cent

• West Midlands, 63 per cent

• Yorkshire and the Humber, 63 per cent

• South West, 62 per cent

• Northern Ireland, 61 per cent

• Scotland, 52 per cent

And here are the percentages of first-time buyers who said they had performed more DIY or home improvement projects than expected:

• North West, 83 per cent

• North East, 80 per cent

• London, 78 per cent

• Wales, 78 per cent

• East Midlands, 76 per cent

• West Midlands, 76 per cent

• East of England, 74 per cent

• Scotland, 71 per cent

• Yorkshire and the Humber, 70 per cent

• South West, 70 per cent

• Northern Ireland, 68 per cent

• South East, 68 per cent

And here are the most popular renovation projects that first-time buyers have carried out:

1. Painting and decorating, 57 per cent

2. Bathroom improvements, 49 per cent

3. Kitchen improvements, 48 per cent

4. Flooring (laminate, carpets, tiling), 46 per cent

5. Repairs and maintenance (replacing grouting, door handles and clearing gutters), 45 per cent

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How first-time buyers are securing dream homes for less

Two-thirds (66 per cent) of first-timebuyersareoptingfor "doer-upper"properties, choosinghomesin need of renovation to save m...

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ACC football rankings: Where all 17 teams sit after spring practice

Miami,SMUand Louisville are the teams to beat in USA TODAY Sports’ post-spring ACC power rankings, with potential spoilers such as NC State,Georgia Techand Virginia just behind the top three.

You won’t currently find Clemson anywhere in this conversation. Likewise withFlorida State. AndNorth Carolina.

The Tigers, Seminoles andTar Heelswill be among the most scrutinized teams in the Power Four. Clemson looks to turn back the clock by bringing back former offensive coordinator Chad Morris. Like the Tigers, FSU is good enough to make some noise if the Seminoles can get out of their own way.

MORE CONFERENCERANKINGS:Big Ten|SEC|Big 12

Don’t expect any miracles from UNC and second-year coachBill Belichick. The Tar Heels went deep into the portal to flip a roster that was uncompetitive in 2025 but still need to develop line play on both sides of the ball.

With spring practices in the books and a long summer ahead, here’s how the ACC currently shakes out:

1. Miami

The defending national runner-up must replace standout defenders such as edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. but will be sparked by theaddition of Duke transfer Darian Mensahat quarterback. What Miami needs to achieve before the opener is rebuilding an offensive line that was the driving force behind last year’s playoff run.

2. SMU

The Kevin Jennings-led offense could be explosive enough to carry SMU back to the ACC title game, especially if the running game picks up after a down 2025. Coming out of the spring, the factor that will determine whether the Mustangs can make the playoff is the performance of a defense that is heavily reliant on transfers up front and in the secondary.

3. Louisville

Like SMU, Louisville will score points in bunches behind former Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz. He brings a different type of athleticism to the table than the Cardinals’ recent transfers. This spring saw Kienholz begin to develop a rapport with a receiver group that added Vanderbilt transfer Tre Richardson and former Tulsa tight end Brody Foley.

4. NC State

NC State has a solid quarterback in CJ Bailey but question marks at wide receiver, especially with projected top target Teddy Hoffmann out for the season after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. The schedule is nearly perfect. TheWolfpackget Louisville at home and close the year with Stanford, California,Duke, Syracuse, North Carolina and Florida State.

5. Georgia Tech

Three big pieces to replace: quarterbackHaynes King, offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner and offensive line coach Geep Wade. This season will test how far Tech has come under Brent Key. But the Yellow Jackets should remain a bruising, run-heavy contender that leans on impact running back transfer Justice Haynes.

6. Virginia

Returning most of last year’s offensive line has helped Virginia ease in a new quarterback, likely former Missouri transfer Beau Pribula, and begin settling on a rotation at running back. The Cavaliers could make a run at double-digit wins if transfers such as former Michigan safety Brandyn Hillman lock things down in the secondary.

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7. Clemson

After a hugely disappointing 2025, Dabo Swinney has given the offense back to former coordinator Chad Morris and is poised to hand the starting quarterback job to backup Christopher Vizzina. The decision not to pursue an experienced transfer could end up dooming the Tigers’ season. Or it could prove the right call if Vizzina can connect regularly with one of the nation's best receiver groups that includes T.J. Moore, Antonio Williams and Bryant Wesco Jr.

8. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech should reach bowl eligibility and could do much more inJames Franklin’s first year. TheHokieshave been overhauled with a huge Penn State influence, led by likely starting quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer. But Tech will also lean on holdovers on the offensive line who struggled last season while gaining experience that could pay dividends in 2026.

EXCLUSIVE:James Franklin didn't want to let Penn State 'off the hook financially.' Here's why he did

9. California

New coach Tosh Lupoi had one huge offseason win inconvincing quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to returnfor his sophomore year. To speed up his growth, he needs help up front and a stronger running game. But Lupoi’s biggest job this spring was to start rebuilding a defense that lost a huge chunk of production off a unit that allowed 5.9 yards per play in ACC action in 2025.

10. Wake Forest

The Demon Deacons have put together a pretty good roster that exits the spring still trying to find the right mix to replace productive running back Demond Claiborne, a three-year contributor. Look for Wake to lean on a committee approach headed by last year’s backup, Ty Clark III. North Carolina transfer Gio Lopez is expected to be the quarterback.

11. Pittsburgh

Sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel is a strong piece to build around on offense, though a questionable receiver corps could stunt his development. The Panthers really need Western Carolina receiver transfer Malik Knight to carry his explosive spring into the regular season.

12. Duke

Duke’s outlook changed dramatically with Mensah’s late transfer to Miami. San Jose State transfer Walker Eget has moved into the driver’s seat for the starting job after tossing 30 touchdowns and 20 interceptions the past two years. But that’s not the only issue for the Blue Devils, who are also facing defensive concerns after losing the key pieces behind last year’s pass rush.

13. Florida State

FSU has a slightly better outlook for 2026. Again, there’s enough talent to lift the Seminoles into conference title and playoff contention. But the program has a poor track record in the portal, especially on the offensive side, and additions such as new starting quarterback Ashton Daniels just don’t move the needle.

14. North Carolina

Belichick’s second team looks stronger than his first, though that’s a low bar to clear. UNC spent the spring trying to get things meshing on offense undernew coordinator Bobby Petrino. The early results have been mixed. The Tar Heels won’t budge from the bottom third of the conference unless Petrino can add some juice to what was last season one of the worst offenses in the Power Four.

15. Syracuse

There’s a boom-or-bust feeling around Syracuse, which has gathered a nice collection of young talent in the past two recruiting classes but is short on experience and depth. The most touted youngster on the roster is five-star freshman wide receiver Calvin Russell, who has already made a case for being the top target for quarterback Steve Angeli.

16. Boston College

After just two wins in 2025, Boston College is poised to hand the offense to Division II quarterback transfer Mason McKenzie ahead of a season under pressure for third-year coach Bill O'Brien. The Eagles went heavy on offensive linemen in recruiting and in the portal while bringing in former Liberty running back Evan Dickens.

17. Stanford

Patience will be a virtue for the Cardinal as it will take time for new coach Tavita Pritchard and general manager Andrew Luck to build up this roster. For now, Stanford will look to set a foundation and establish an identity while leaning on holdovers such as running back Micah Ford.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:ACC football rankings after spring practice led by Miami; where's UNC?

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ACC football rankings: Where all 17 teams sit after spring practice

Miami,SMUand Louisville are the teams to beat in USA TODAY Sports’ post-spring ACC power rankings, with potential spoilers such as NC S...

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March Madness: Here's how the new 76-team NCAA tournament will work

The NCAA tournament is going to have a new look and feel in 2027. The NCAA, and its various committees, agreed Thursday to expand both the men’s and women’sbasketball tournaments from 68 teams to 76 teams.

While thatchange was rumored for months, it was unclear exactly how the NCAA would proceed with eight new teams being added to the tournament.

Following Thursday’s news, the organization outlined exactly how the new, 76-team NCAA tournament will work, including how teams will be chosen and how the opening round of the tournament will be different.

Here are thenew NCAA tournament rule changesoutlined by the NCAA on Thursday:

• The men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments will each feature 76 teams. The eight new teams being added to both events will be at-large selections.• The First Four is no more, and will be replaced by the Opening Round. The Opening Round will include the 12 lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers and the 12 lowest-seeded at-large teams.• The Opening Round will include 12 games, with six at-large and six automatic-qualifier games each. They will be played as triple-headers on Tuesday and Wednesday on the men’s side and Wednesday and Thursday on the women’s side.• For the men, six games will be played in Dayton. The other six will occur at a “yet to be determined site.” Women’s Opening Round games will be played on campus sites.

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In addition to laying out those changes, the NCAA also put out a handy side-by-side graphic showing how the tournament will differ compared to years past.

What will the new 76-team NCAA tournament bracket look like?

With the Opening Round now containing 12 games, the NCAA tournament bracket will have a slightly different look. The 12 Opening Round games will be featured above the bracket and separate by the at-large teams and the automatic qualifiers.

The actual bracket shows where the Opening Round winners will slot into the first round.

And in case you were still confused and needed even more of an explanation for how the new tournament format will work, the NCAA put out a video in which Andy Katz laid it all out.

Once the Opening Round is over and the winning teams are slotted into the bracket, the NCAA tournament will proceed as normal the rest of the way. The first round, second round, Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final Four and national championship will all remain unchanged following Thursday’s expansion.

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March Madness: Here's how the new 76-team NCAA tournament will work

The NCAA tournament is going to have a new look and feel in 2027. The NCAA, and its various committees, agreed Thursday to expand both ...

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What is Hantavirus? Symptoms you need to know after deadly cruise ship outbreak

A suspected hantavirus outbreakaboard acruise shiphas claimed three lives and seven others ill.

TheWorld Health Organization(WHO) said that detailed investigations are currently underway into the incident, including extensive laboratory testing and epidemiological studies to understand the virus's spread.

Sequencing of the virus from the current outbreak is also ongoing.

Hantaviruses, which have been present for centuries, have a documented history of outbreaks across Asia and Europe.

In the Eastern Hemisphere, these viruses have been associated with severe conditions such as haemorrhagic fever and kidney failure.

A distinct group of hantaviruses emerged in the early 1990s in the southwestern United States, leading to the acute respiratory disease now known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

The disease garnered significant attention in 2025 followingthe death of Betsy Arakawa, wife of actorGene Hackman, froma hantavirus infection in New Mexico.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is mainly spread by contact with rodents or their urine, saliva or droppings, particularly when the material is disturbed and becomes airborne, posing risk of inhalation.

People are typically exposed to hantavirus around their homes, cabins or sheds, especially when cleaning out enclosed spaces with little ventilation or going into areas where there are mouse droppings.

The WHO says that while rare, hantaviruses may spread between people.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began tracking the virus after a 1993 outbreak in the Four Corners region – the area where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet.

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It was a doctor with the Indian Health Service who first noticed a pattern of deaths among young patients, said Michelle Harkins, a pulmonologist with the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center who for years has been studying the disease and helping patients.

Most US cases are in Western states. New Mexico and Arizona are hotspots, Dr Harkins said, likely because the odds are greater for mouse-human encounters in rural areas.

Symptoms of hantavirus

An infection can rapidly progress and become life-threatening. Experts say it can start with symptoms that can include:

• fever

• chills

• muscle aches

• headache

“Early in the illness, you really may not be able to tell the difference between hantavirus and having the flu,” said Dr Sonja Bartolome of UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome usually show between one to eight weeks after contact with an infected rodent. As the infection progresses, patients might experience tightness in the chest, as the lungs fill with fluid.

The other syndrome caused by hantavirus — hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome — usually develops within a week or two after exposure.

Death rates vary by which hantavirus causes the illness. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is fatal in nearly 40 per cent of people infected, while the death rate for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome varies from 1 per cent to 15 per cent of patients, according to the CDC.

How to prevent hantavirus

There is no specific treatment or cure, but early medical attention can increase the chance of survival.

Despite years of research, Dr Harkins said that many questions have yet to be answered, including why it can be mild for some people and very severe for others and how antibodies are developed. She and other researchers have been following patients over long periods of time in hopes of finding a treatment.

“A lot of mysteries,” she said, noting that what researchers do know is that rodent exposure is a key.

The best way to avoid the germ is to minimise contact with rodents and their droppings. Use protective gloves and a bleach solution for cleaning up rodent droppings.

Public health experts caution against sweeping or vacuuming which can cause virus to get into the air.

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What is Hantavirus? Symptoms you need to know after deadly cruise ship outbreak

A suspected hantavirus outbreakaboard acruise shiphas claimed three lives and seven others ill. TheWorld Health Organization(WHO) ...

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