Google on Friday announced it will invest $1 billion within the next two years to expand its data center infrastructure in North Carolina.

The investment will focus on the expansion of a data center facility in Lenoir, North Carolina. Google has had a presence in the area for 15 years between the data center and an office in Durham.

The Google data center in Lenoir helps support Google services including Maps, Photos, Search, Workspace, YouTube and more, according to the announcement.

“Google’s latest investment in the City of Lenoir and Caldwell County underscores a deep commitment to North Carolina’s continued growth and success,” said City of Lenoir Mayor Joseph Gibbons. “This funding will enhance our workforce, expand economic development opportunities, and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in innovation.”

MAJOR TECH COMPANIES BACK TRUMP PLEDGE TO PAY MORE FOR DATA CENTER ELECTRICITY AHEAD OF SIGNING

Data centers are an integral part of the modern Internet and have become increasingly prominent amid the rise of AI. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Caldwell County Commission Chairman Randy Church said that investments like this one from Google are “critical for strengthening our community” and added that it “will bring new opportunities for local workers and help drive long-term economic success in our region.”

In addition to Google’s data center investment, the company announced it will provide $2 million to an Energy Impact Fund in collaboration with Blue Ridge Community Action, Blue Ridge Energy and Advanced Energy.

AMERICANS HIT WITH SOARING ELECTRICITY BILLS AS PRICE HIKES OUTPACE INFLATION NATIONWIDE

Google has had a presence in Lenoir, North Carolina, and in Durham for 15 years, the announcement noted. (Marlena Sloss/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The fund will help scale and accelerate energy initiatives in Caldwell County and focus on energy affordability, weatherization upgrades and energy efficiency for both low- to moderate-income households and K-12 schools. Rising electricity costs are driven in part by increased demand from data centers, particularly amid the artificial intelligence (AI) boom.

Google’s funding will also help expand existing community solar programs, reducing the energy burden and promoting renewable energy access for residents of the county.

Jon Jacob, director of marketing for Blue Ridge Energy, said that the support from Google is a “perfect reflection of our cooperative spirit: members helping members, supported by a partner who shares our commitment to making life better for our local community.”

DATA CENTERS IN OUTER SPACE EMERGE AS SOLUTION TO AI’S MASSIVE ENERGY REQUIREMENTS

Other community investments by Google included in the announcement include a three-year, $270,000 grant to Communities In Schools of Caldwell County (CISCC).

The funds will establish the CISCC Workforce Development & Digital Equity Fund, which will work with the local schools and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) to reduce technological and financial barriers for students pursuing vocational training through 2027.

Mark Poarch, president of CCC&TI, said that the collaboration “ensures that local students have the resources they need to transition seamlessly into the workforce. This fund is more than a grant; it is an investment in the long-term resilience and economic vitality of our entire community.”

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Additionally, investments also include a $100,000 donation to the City of Lenoir to renovate the city’s historic high school.

Every callback costs twice: labour and reputation. One loose lug or overheated backstab can turn a profitable job into a margin killer. On a $6,000 service upgrade, a single half-day callback can erase 25–40% of projected profit.

That’s not theory. That’s payroll.

When margins are tight, tool selection becomes a productivity strategy – not a shopping trip.

• The right pliers save 3–5 seconds per splice.
• The wrong cutter increases grip force by 10–15%.
• Multiply that across hundreds of daily repetitions, and the workload compounds fast.

This isn’t about catalogues. It’s about geometry, metallurgy, ergonomics, and insulation ratings – the things that quietly decide whether you feel steady or fried by Thursday.

Best Lineman’s Pliers for Daily Rough-In Speed and Leverage

You’re twisting three #12 conductors in a cramped box, on a ladder, shoulder already tight. That’s where pliers either help—or start charging interest.

What Actually Matters

Key decision factors:

• High-leverage 9–9.5″ pliers
• Induction-hardened edges (58–64 HRC)
• Forged Cr-V or Cr-Mo steel (800–1,000 MPa tensile strength)
• Fish-tape grip (200–400 lb pull strength)
• Tether-ready (10–15 lb dynamic load)
• Weight: 16–18 oz (20–35% more cutting power)

Why These Specs Matter

• Pivot shift: Moving the pivot 3–5 mm closer to the edge yields 15–30% force reduction on 12 AWG copper.
• Harder edges: 58–64 HRC maintains sharpness for 10,000+ copper cuts.
• Handle spread: Look for 2.75–3″ open spread to avoid hand overextension.

Recommendation

If rough-ins dominate your week, choose high-leverage, induction-hardened, 9″ pliers.
Smaller hands? Avoid oversized cushion grips.

Best Long Nose Parallel Pliers for Precision Bending and Terminal Control

If you ever form a shepherd’s hook and feel the jaws flex—you know the difference between “fine” and proper.

What Sets Parallel Pliers Apart

Core comparison:

• Parallel-jaw long nose (1.5–2.5″ jaws)
  • Box-joint construction
  • 58+ HRC hardened jaws
  • 18–22 oz
  • 10+ year lifespan
• Standard needle-nose (14–16 oz)
  • May develop 0.5–1 mm pivot play
• Insulated long-reach (8–11″)
• Smooth-jaw forming pliers

Why Parallel Jaws Are Better

Under 70–100 lb squeeze force:

• Parallel jaws = even pressure across the full conductor surface
• Scissor jaws = point pressure, deforming strands

Under 70-100 lb squeeze force, pressure distributes across 100% of the contact area. Standard scissor-style jaws concentrate force at points. That difference shows up in strand deformation.

When you torque device terminals to 12-20 in-lb, you want full-surface contact. Uneven hooks create partial contact points. Partial contact increases resistance. Resistance increases localized heat.

If build quality matters to you, Maun Industries makes long nose parallel pliers with box-joint construction and hardened jaws rated above 58 HRC. That box joint reduces lateral play to fractions of a millimetre compared to riveted pivots that drift to 0.5-1 mm. Less play equals cleaner bends over tens of thousands of cycles.

Yes, they weigh 18-22 ounces. Yes, they cost 30-60% more upfront. But lifespan can exceed 10 years in professional use.

If you mostly grip and pull, standard needle-nose is fine. If you form terminals all day, parallel jaws feel different – steadier.

You cut more than you think. That’s next.

Best Wire Strippers for Clean Copper and Zero Callbacks

Stripping should feel automatic. Clean. Almost boring.

A 0.005-0.010 inch nick in solid copper reduces cross-sectional area by 3-7%. That’s resistance. That’s heat. Especially when circuits run near ampacity.

Here’s the actual fork in the road:

• Fixed-gauge manual 10-18 AWG strippers (+/-0.001-0.002 inch machining tolerance), versus self-adjusting automatic 10-24 AWG strippers saving 1-2 seconds per strip but drifting after 20,000-30,000 cycles, versus combination stripper/crimpers rated 10-22 AWG, versus 1000V insulated strippers dielectric tested to 10,000V under IEC 60900.

Manual fixed-gauge tools give tactile feedback. When stripping #12 solid copper, you feel insulation shear without exceeding copper yield strength (around 33,000 psi for annealed copper). That control is what prevents scoring.

Automatic strippers cut strip time from ~3 seconds to ~1 second per conductor. In mixed-gauge work, that’s real speed. But springs and sliding dies lose calibration after 20,000-30,000 cycles. Calibration drift equals uneven insulation removal. Uneven removal equals fine scoring lines.

Look at stripped copper. Smooth circumference means clean cut. Fine scoring lines are stress risers. Now torque that termination to 20-25 in-lb and that weak point becomes the potential failure.

Also – box fill. NEC requires 2.0 cubic inches per #14 conductor, 2.25 cubic inches per #12. Sloppy stripping adds exposed copper and complicates arrangement. Crowded boxes increase arc risk.

Manual forged designs can last 5-10 years under heavy use. Automatic models trade durability for speed.

If installs are your bread and butter and conductor integrity matters most, fixed-gauge manual wins. If you’re in and out of service vans all day chasing mixed gauges, automatic tools pay back in time saved.

Once copper is clean, shaping it right decides whether torque holds.

Best Diagonal Cutting Pliers for Clean Cuts Without Wrist Fatigue

Diagonal cutters seem simple. They’re not.

Here’s the real comparison:

• High-leverage cutters with 15-30% force reduction on 12 AWG copper and 60-64 HRC hardened edges.
• Angled-head versions at 12-21 degrees reducing wrist deviation by 5-10 degrees, flush-cut precision cutters for soft copper and nylon ties under 50 lb tensile strength but dulling 2-3x faster on hardened materials
• Heavy-duty cutters rated for hardened wire up to 2.0 mm diameter and cable ties over 120 lb tensile rating, weighing 10-15% more.

Edge angles around 15-25 degrees determine cutting behaviour. Hardened edges at 60-64 HRC resist deformation. Flush cutters leave minimal protrusion – that saves knuckles later – but thin edges dull faster if misused.

Angled heads improve visibility and reduce wrist deviation by 5-10 degrees inside tight panels. That reduction compounds over 500 cuts.

Install-heavy week? High-leverage angled cutters. Finishing panels? Dedicated flush cutters.

Clean cuts support clean fastening.

Best Insulated Screwdrivers for Torque Control and Code Compliance

Loose terminations heat. Over-torque deforms lugs. Both are measurable.

Here’s the decision framework:

• 1000V VDE-rated screwdrivers individually tested at 10,000V under IEC 60900, torque-limiting insulated drivers adjustable 5-80 in-lb with +/-6% accuracy requiring annual or 5,000-cycle recalibration, multi-bit insulated drivers trading torque precision for compactness, and cabinet-tip drivers under 4 mm blade diameter for recessed terminals.

Branch breakers commonly specify 20-45 in-lb torque. Larger lugs can hit 250 in-lb. Under-torque by 5-10 in-lb and thermal cycling loosens it. Over-torque aluminium conductors and you reduce effective cross-section.

Insulation thickness of 2-3 mm dielectric layer increases handle diameter but protects up to 1,000V working voltage.

Torque-limiting drivers cost 2-4x more than standard insulated drivers. They also require recalibration. But they prevent inspection failures and reduce fire risk.

Panel installs and critical terminations? Torque-limiting. Device trim-outs? Standard insulated is fine.

After torque, you verify.

Best Voltage Testers and Multimetres for Fast, Reliable Diagnostics

That split-second pause before touching a conductor… that’s not drama. That’s instinct.

The real decision:

• NCVT detecting 50-1,000V AC with sub-1-second response, True RMS multimetres accurate +/-0.5-1% with CAT III 600V or CAT IV 600V safety ratings, clamp meters measuring 400-1,000A without disconnecting, and solenoid testers resistant to transient spikes.

True RMS meters handle non-linear loads like VFD-driven systems. Averaging meters can misread distorted waveforms by 10-30%. That’s not small.

Clamp meters improve safety by avoiding disconnects. CAT III and CAT IV ratings indicate transient overvoltage tolerance in commercial panels.

Advanced meters cost 2-3x more than basic testers. Misdiagnosis costs more.

Commercial? True RMS. NCVT is preliminary only.

Tools don’t help if they’re buried.

Best Tool Bags and Pouches for Crew Efficiency and Reduced Fatigue

Dragging a 40-pound bag across concrete before you even start drains energy.

The core choice looks like this:

• Open-top structured totes 14-18 inches wide holding 20-30 tools visibly, compact electrician pouches weighing 3-5 lb unloaded for ladder work, backpack tool bags rated 50 lb load distributing weight bilaterally to reduce spinal torque, and modular stackable systems rated 75-100 lb per unit improving truck organization but reducing remodel agility.

Backpacks distribute 30-40 lb across both shoulders instead of one. Bilateral load reduces spinal torque compared to single-strap systems (source). Structured totes save 5-10 seconds per retrieval. Multiply that across dozens of grabs daily.

Service days? Backpack. Controlled installs? Structured tote.

Quick Reference: Choosing the Right Electrical Hand Tool Archetype

Every tool choice compounds something – strain or efficiency. Frustration or control. By Friday afternoon, you feel which direction you chose.

Retirement used to mean slowing down and stepping away from the professional world. Many people now find that staying active through entrepreneurship provides a fresh sense of purpose.

Starting a small company allows you to share your wisdom with a younger generation. It transforms free time into an opportunity for growth and excitement.

Turning Passions Into Profits

Many retirees have spent decades perfecting a craft or exploring a specific interest. Turning skills into a fulfilling and profitable venture is a natural next step for active seniors. The transition offers a way to monetize years of dedication and hard work.

Creating a business plan for a hobby allows for a low-stress entry into the market. You already understand the product or service better than most competitors. The deep knowledge serves as a strong foundation for long-term success.

Selling a handmade item or offering a specialized service brings a deep sense of accomplishment. You are no longer working for a boss or a corporate goal. Your success is tied directly to your own creativity and effort.

Boosting Brain Power And Cognitive Health

Keeping the mind sharp is a priority for many as they age. Running a small company requires constant decision-making and strategic thinking that keeps the gears turning. Mental exercises are helpful for maintaining alertness.

A blog focused on senior living noted that the challenges of entrepreneurship require problem-solving and creativity, which helps the brain stay healthy. Navigating new technology or market trends forces the brain to adapt and grow. The mental stimulation is often more effective than passive hobbies.

Learning how to manage digital tools or social media accounts provides a modern edge. It connects you to current trends and keeps your skill set relevant. The constant flow of new information acts as a workout for your intellect.

Fighting Social Isolation

Social connections sometimes fade after leaving a traditional 9-to-5 job. Starting a business creates a new network of customers, suppliers, and fellow entrepreneurs. Daily interactions build a community that supports your well-being.

A platform for online sellers stated that over a third of older adults felt lonely frequently in the past year. Engaging with the public through a storefront or online service helps bridge the gap. It provides a structured way to meet new people and share experiences.

Building relationships leads to a more active and colorful social life. You are no longer just a spectator in your community but an active participant. A sense of belonging is a powerful motivator for many older business owners.

Establishing New Financial Goals

Extra income provides a safety net for unexpected expenses or travel goals. While many start for the passion, the financial rewards are a significant benefit. Small businesses can generate steady cash flow without the pressure of a full-time career.

A finance-focused website mentioned that starting a company based on a hobby engages you in work that brings joy. The extra money can be used to fund a lifestyle that a fixed pension might not cover. It gives you the freedom to say yes to new adventures.

Having a secondary revenue stream reduces the stress on retirement accounts. It allows your savings to last longer while you enjoy a higher standard of living. A peace of mind is useful during the golden years.

Leaving A Lasting Legacy

A business is something tangible that you can pass down to your family. It represents your values, work ethic, and the knowledge you have gathered over a lifetime. Legacy becomes a point of pride for future generations.

• Teaching grandchildren the basics of commerce.
• Creating a brand that reflects your personal history.
• Establishing a local presence that helps the neighborhood.

Mentoring younger employees or family members keeps your influence alive. You are sharing more than just a company. You are sharing a way of life. The impact lasts far beyond the initial years of operation.

Seeing your ideas grow into a successful entity is deeply satisfying. It proves that age is just a number when it comes to innovation. Your brand becomes a symbol of your continued strength.

Mastering Modern Technology

Staying current with digital trends is a common goal for modern retirees. Launching an online shop or service requires learning about websites and digital communication. The journey keeps you connected to the modern world.

Using software for accounting or inventory management simplifies the daily routine. Tools are designed to be user-friendly and efficient for owners of all ages. Mastering them provides a sense of achievement.

Engaging with customers through digital platforms opens up a global market. You are no longer limited to your immediate geographic area. The expansion provides endless possibilities for growth, and it keeps life interesting.

Maintaining A Flexible Schedule

One of the best parts of being your own boss is the freedom to choose your hours. You can work in the mornings and spend the afternoons at the golf course or with family. The balance is the key to a happy retirement.

• Working from a home office or a favorite cafe.
• Taking vacations whenever the mood strikes.
• Choosing projects that truly interest you.

Small business owners in their 60s and 70s often prioritize quality of life over rapid expansion. This approach leads to a sustainable pace that prevents burnout. You have the power to say no to tasks that do not fit your vision.

The ability to work at your own speed ensures that the business remains a joy. It never has to feel like an overwhelming obligation. You remain the captain of your own ship.

Contributing To The Local Economy

Small businesses are the backbone of most communities. By opening a local shop or offering a service, you are helping your neighborhood thrive. This contribution builds a sense of pride and connection.

Hiring local help or sourcing materials from nearby vendors keeps money within the community. It creates a cycle of support that benefits everyone involved. Your success becomes the community’s success.

Being a visible part of the local market allows you to influence the area in a positive way. You can sponsor local events or participate in town markets. Involvement makes the golden years feel truly impactful.

Embracing entrepreneurship after retirement is a bold and rewarding move. It offers a unique mix of mental stimulation, social connection, and financial gain.

Your experience and wisdom are valuable assets in the modern marketplace. Leap and discover how a small business can brighten your future.

A ground stop issued at several airports in the Washington, D.C., region on Friday has been lifted after a chemical odor disrupted air traffic control operations.

“The ground stop is over and operations have resumed,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on X. “Firefighters from Fauquier County and Prince William County confirm there is no danger to air traffic controllers.”

The temporary ground stop affected Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) and Richmond International Airport (RIC), according to Duffy.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later downgraded the alert to ground delays for the Washington-area airports as operations gradually resumed.

FUEL CRISIS FORCES AIRLINES TO ANNOUNCE MAJOR FARE INCREASES, FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS AS IRAN CONFLICT ESCALATES

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during a news conference in Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J., Nov. 24, 2025.  (Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The FAA website showed significant delays as of 8:40 p.m. Friday, including average ground delays of about 222 minutes at DCA and more than 150 minutes at BWI.

Earlier in the day, Duffy said the FAA was investigating a strong odor detected at the Potomac Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility, which manages air traffic in the area.

He later said the smell came from an overheated circuit board, which has since been replaced.

“The source of the strong odor was traced to a circuit board that overheated, and it was replaced. Thank you for your patience as we get flights up and running again,” Duffy said.

MAJOR AIRPORTS ISSUE GROUND STOPS DUE TO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER STAFFING SHORTAGES AMID GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

An FAA air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., Oct. 28, 2025. (Samuel Corum/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

TRACON, located in Warrenton, Virginia, provides air traffic control services across the Baltimore-Washington and Richmond-Charlottesville areas, according to FOX 5.

An FAA spokesperson confirmed the ground stop was implemented after a strong chemical smell at the facility affected some air traffic controllers.

“The FAA has temporarily stopped traffic at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) because of a strong chemical smell at the Potomac TRACON that is impacting some air traffic controllers,” the spokesperson said.

AUSTIN AIRPORT GRIDLOCK: SECURITY LINES STRETCH OUTDOORS AS DHS SHUTDOWN HITS ONE-MONTH MARK

Passengers walk at Dulles International Airport Nov. 12, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Sha Hanting/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Although flights are now resuming, airport officials said passengers should expect lingering delays as airlines work through the backlog.

CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO

“Airlines are once again resuming regular operations and preparing departures. Expect residual delays this evening,” BWI Airport said in a post on X. “For flight-specific updates, please confirm flight status with your airline. We appreciate the patience of passengers impacted by the delays.”

Thai authorities confirmed control over the Chong Chom border amid ongoing monitoring of transnational crime networks, including online fraud and human trafficking, while emphasizing regional and international cooperation.

Key Points

• Thai authorities at the Chong Chom border crossing assure that the situation is under control, with continuous monitoring of transnational crime activities. Recent visits aimed to verify conditions and address illegal cross-border operations linked to online financial fraud.
• Authorities are tracking networks using the border as bases for various crimes, including online fraud, money laundering, human trafficking, and forced labor, impacting victims in Thailand and internationally.
• Enhanced enforcement efforts stem from investigations and international cooperation. Thailand emphasizes bilateral and regional collaboration while urging the public to rely on verified information sources to combat transnational crime.

Thai authorities have affirmed that the situation along the Chong Chom border crossing remains under control as security agencies continue monitoring activities linked to transnational crime networks. The update was released by the Joint Information Center on the Thailand–Cambodia Situation amid concerns about scam compounds operating near the border area.

Officials said recent visits by Thai authorities to the Chong Chom area were carried out to verify conditions on the ground and monitor cross-border illegal activities. Authorities are tracking networks believed to use areas near the border as operational bases for online financial fraud and related crimes, while maintaining security and regional cooperation.

According to the center, scam compound networks are associated with crimes including online fraud, money laundering, human trafficking, and forced labor. Authorities say these activities affect victims both in Thailand and overseas and are linked to organized criminal groups operating across several countries, creating risks for financial systems and public safety.

Thai security agencies said information gathered from field investigations and intelligence cooperation with domestic and international partners continues to support enforcement efforts. Authorities said Thailand will address the issue through existing bilateral and regional cooperation mechanisms, including border committees, while encouraging international cooperation to suppress transnational crime and urging the public to rely on verified information sources. 

Source : Thai Authorities Monitor Chong Chom Border Over Scam Concerns

Other People are Reading

Malta’s golden beaches and bustling tourist industry have long attracted both visitors and investors.

Yet, beneath this success, the island has become somewhat of a battleground for persistent debates, legal disputes and public controversies. As developers push forward with ambitious projects, critics and NGOs continue to raise concerns about their environmental, social, and cultural impacts. Ahead, we spotlight the three developments which sparked the fiercest battles in Malta’s development scene.

Camilleri’s Villa Rosa: development’s momentum meets backlash on Malta’s coastline

Anton Camilleri’s Villa Rosa project has provoked significant public backlash in recent times, drawling criticism from local councils, activist organisations and environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) alike. In 2025, Camilleri unveiled a renewed draft plan for the site, envisioning a 146,500-square-metre development comprising a hotel, commercial areas, retail, and catering facilities which would be spread across three towers.

Environmental NGOs have been particularly vocal in their opposition, warning that approval of the project would ‘disfigure’ Malta’s coastal landscape. The coalition of hostile NGOs, including Moviment Graffitti, Din l-Art Helwa, and BirdLife Malta issued a statement arguing that there was ‘no credible justification’ for increasing the project’s scope. They also criticised the absence of evidence showing a tourism shortfall in Malta or that high-rise hotels would, in fact, attract ‘high-quality tourism,’ noting as well that no environmental, social, or economic impact assessments had been submitted.

This is not the first time the Villa Rosa development has faced setbacks. In December 2024, an initial permit for the Villa was rescinded due to the developer’s failure to ‘follow site notice procedures.’ Moviment Graffiti lodged the appeal, highlighting that ‘site notices were not affixed on one side of the project site and did not include the names of all the access roads next to the project.’ Indeed, the relentless opposition from prominent voices in Malta’s civic and development spheres underscores why Villa Rosa clearly warrants a place among the country’s most controversial projects.

Paul Gauchi’s Villa St Ignatius: Logistical Challenges Spark Court Battles

Whilst Paul Gauchi, owner of Villa St Ignatius, was ultimately cleared of wrongdoing in a court case over the St Ignatius project, the very fact that the case reached the courts makes it a noteworthy entry on this list of controversial developments.

For context, developer Paul Gauci acquired the 19th-century historic villa in Sliema, with plans to redevelop it into a four-star hotel. NGO Din L-Art Helwa protested, arguing that parts of the building were demolished in violation of a 2017 court order requiring roof repairs by the previous owners. Furthermore, the NGO also contended that the planned redevelopment threatened the villa’s historic fabric and as a result, they had no option but to pursue their protest in court.

However, in a damning judgement levied against the NGO in October 2025, Justice Vella Cuschieri ruled that Din L’art Helwa had no legal authority to file the case in the first instance, as Gauci was not bound by the original court order dating back to 2017. The Planning Authority amplified these criticisms, accusing the NGO of ‘misusing its platform to target individual public officers’ and warning that such actions could undermine the effectiveness of enforcement staff acting in the public interest.

Corinthia Group’s Hal-Ferħ Project: Public Land but Private Gains

The Corinthia Group Hal-Ferħ scandal has been unfolding since October 2021, when The Shift first revealed that Corinthia Group, a Maltese hotel developer, would be parting with just $1.3 million for 30,600 square metres of public land – far below the $10.3 million originally expected for a site enjoying exclusive views over Golden Bay.

The project departs significantly from the 2012 permit previously granted for the area. Rather than the 228 tourism and timeshare units initially approved, Corinthia Group instead proposed the building of a luxury resort complex consisting of a hotel with 122 rooms and 39 suites alongside a residential zone spanning accommodating 25 high-end villas.

Critics have voiced sharp criticism of the deal, arguing that not only was valuable public land sold at a heavily discounted price, but that the terms under which Corinthia acquired the land were ‘scandalous’ and potentially ‘illegal.’  The damning allegations, reported by The Shift, posits that whilst the hotel developers would pay $1.3 million upfront, the remaining €9 million would be financed through the sale of the villas, paid incrementally each time a property sold.

Legal sources suggested that the agreement could have breached EU state aid rules, raising questions over ‘unfair competition, below-market prices and advantageous payment terms.’ Indeed, critics argue that if the revised permit terms had been publicly known in advance, other developers might have submitted competing bids for the land. Despite the absence of a formal investigation into these allegations, Corinthia’s Hal-Ferħ project has clearly been mired in controversy since its inception.

The project has not escaped debate in more recent times either. In 2025, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) raised three principal concerns regarding the development. These included the potential for a major adverse impact on landscape and visual amenity, significant impacts resulting from the removal of geological material, and moderate impacts on fauna caused by artificial lighting.

Although the ERA ultimately issued clearance subject to certain conditions, and in February 2026 the project was recommended for approval by the Planning Authority, the anticipated environmental impacts have nonetheless generated frustration and criticism on social media. Notably however, no major NGOs such as Moviment Graffiti or Din L’art Helwa have formally appealed or protested the Hal-Ferħ development.

Katie Nolan, the sports media personality and longtime Jeopardy! enthusiast, couldn’t contain her excitement after crossing paths with two of her favorite recent contestants just hours before stepping onto the Celebrity Jeopardy! stage for the All-Stars edition.

In a behind-the-scenes clip released by ABC ahead of the March 13, 2026 premiere, host Ken Jennings teased Nolan about her earlier encounter with standout players Sam Buttrey and Andrew He. The moment sent the broadcaster into full fan mode: hands flying to her head, eyes wide, voice rising as she exclaimed how surreal it felt to meet them in person.

“Oh my God, I freaked out,” Nolan said in the preview, laughing at her own reaction. She described He giving her a last-minute pep talk loaded with classic sports clichés. “It was literally every locker-room line you’ve ever heard. I don’t know if it helped, but it was amazing.”

The clip, widely shared across social media and highlighted by TV Insider and other outlets, quickly became one of the most talked-about moments leading into the season opener. For Nolan — who has never hidden her deep love for the quiz show — the interaction felt like a full-circle dream.

Nolan first competed on Celebrity Jeopardy! during the 2023-2024 cycle, powering through the quarterfinals and semifinals before finishing as runner-up in the finals and raising $100,000 for The Trevor Project. Her return for the All-Stars tournament places her among an elite field of 21 celebrities, including three former champions who receive direct semifinal berths: Ike Barinholtz, Lisa Ann Walter and W. Kamau Bell.

Tonight’s Quarterfinal #1 pits Nolan against Saturday Night Live alum Rachel Dratch and actor-director Mark Duplass. The episode airs at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.

Fan sites and prediction threads on Reddit and Jeopardy! message boards give the trio fairly even chances heading into the game, citing their strong buzzer timing and clue-conversion rates from prior appearances. Many observers expect the outcome to hinge on Daily Double timing and aggressive Final Jeopardy! wagering — elements producers have emphasized will carry extra weight in this All-Stars format.

The new season introduces strategic tweaks designed to reward bold play, a change Jennings has praised in recent press interviews. “These players know the game now,” he said. “They’re coming back ready to swing bigger.”

Beyond competition, Nolan’s genuine fangirling has struck a chord with viewers. Social media reactions poured in after the sneak peek dropped, with fans calling her response “the most relatable celebrity Jeopardy! moment ever” and “proof she’s one of us.”

Her sports broadcasting background — spanning roles at ESPN, Fox Sports and her own podcast work — has long translated into quick recall and composure under lights. That same energy was on full display during her debut run, where she frequently outpaced better-known names in clue acquisition.

The All-Stars lineup remains stacked: Macaulay Culkin, Patton Oswalt, Cynthia Nixon, Margaret Cho, Ray Romano, Mina Kimes, Mo Rocca, Roy Wood Jr., Robin Thede, Mira Sorvino, Steven Weber, Sean Gunn, Andy Richter, Jackie Tohn, Tim Simons and others round out the field. Each celebrity plays for a charity of their choice, continuing the spinoff’s tradition of blending high-stakes trivia with philanthropy.

For Nolan, though, the experience transcends the scoreboard. In past interviews she has called appearing on Jeopardy! “literally my favorite thing on Earth,” and the chance to meet players like Buttrey and He only amplified that joy.

Whether she advances to the semifinals will be decided tonight, but her pre-game enthusiasm has already secured her a win in the eyes of many longtime viewers. As one fan posted on X shortly after the clip surfaced: “Katie Nolan losing her mind over Andrew He is the content we didn’t know we needed.”

Tune in to ABC at 8 p.m. ET to see if Nolan can channel that same energy into another strong Celebrity Jeopardy! performance.