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☆ I switched from a hybrid car to a $25,000 electric Mini Cooper. It's my first EV and it's so fun to drive.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Andrew Lambrecht | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

He went with the 2023 Mini Cooper SE, which is a fully electric model priced at just over $25,000. I bought my first fully electric car, the Mini Cooper SE, in July. I gravitated toward the Mini Cooper SE, despite it costing slightly more, because it shares many of its technical components with the BMW i3 since BMW Group owns Mini. The gas cap on a 2023 red Mini Cooper SE. I've enjoyed every moment of owning my Mini Cooper SE.

The United States is among over 100 countries that have pledged to cut their methane emissions 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels. They also say smaller wells often produce only insignificant methane emissions that don't warrant the cost and effort of a monitoring program. The problem, environmentalists say, is that collectively, the smaller wells produce a massive amount of climate-damaging methane. Exempting wells that produce less than 6 barrels per day would effectively exclude more than 80% of those marginal wells from the EPA rule, according to KIOGA. The supplemental ruling could also address the industry's use of flaring, or the deliberate burning of excess natural gas from well sites, which can also lead to methane emissions.

☆ SEC pushes ahead with slate of proposals to boost corporate reporting, disclosure requirements
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Bob Pisani | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A flag outside the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022. While Washington is consumed with the elections next week, the Securities and Exchange Commission is continuing to consider numerous rulemaking proposals that could significantly increase the reporting and disclosure requirements of corporate America. The SEC is considering two proposals Wednesday. These proposals are moving slowly from the "proposed" stage to the "adopted" stage; all or part of his agenda could be adopted in 2023. There is likely to be vociferous pushback on more controversial proposals such as climate disclosure.

☆ October reader favorites: Space heaters, shampoos and more
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( Shari Uyehara | Shari Uyehara Is The Manager Of Editorial Operations Of Select On Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

October is officially behind us and it was a rather eventful month in the world of sales and deals. We covered the Prime Early Access Sale, a second Prime Day of sorts, which essentially kicked off early Black Friday holiday shopping. We also reported on early Black Friday sales from retailers including Best Buy, Target and Walmart. To help readers prepare for the holidays, we’ve begun expanding our gift guide coverage, including gamers gifts, gifts under $25, gifts for couples, tech gifts and more. Below are 12 of the bestselling products we covered in October, excluding the most popular deals we covered during the fall Prime Day.

☆ NFL Week 8 Preview: Seahawks, Giants face off behind strong quarterback leadership
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( Hannah Brewitt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +20 min

The Seahawks have won three of their last four while the Giants are on a four-game win streak. The Colts beat their division rivals 34-27 thanks to a last-gasp touchdown from quarterback Matt Ryan to rookie Alec Pierce. Just last week, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones earned NFC Player of the Week honors for his performance against the Jaguars. The Jaguars played in London just last year, when quarterback Trevor Lawrence became the first rookie quarterback to win a regular season game in London. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is coming off a turnover-free Week 7 against the Giants.

☆ A potentially cancer-causing chemical is sprayed on much of America’s farmland. Here is where it is used the most.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( Danica Jefferies | Danica Jefferies Is An Intern With The Data Graphics Team For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +9 min

For those only exposed through food, the EPA says that glyphosate residues on food are safe up to certain thresholds. The chemical giant Monsanto introduced glyphosate in its product Roundup in 1974. “Glyphosate is the most widely used chemical weedkiller in human history because of genetic engineering,” said Dave Murphy, the founder of Food Democracy Now, an advocacy group that tests glyphosate in food. “It’s sprayed ubiquitously and Monsanto has, for decades, just maintained that it’s the safest agricultural chemical ever made.”The EPA’s safety limits for glyphosate exposure from food are twice the levels allowed in the European Union. The company pointed NBC News to other studies — including some that it has sponsored — that either refuted a link to cancer or challenged the relationship between acres sprayed and exposure levels.

☆ The Chevy Bolt’s huge sales prove America is craving a cheap electric car
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The Bolt EV and its new, more SUV-like sibling the Bolt EUV had record sales in the third quarter of the year with 14,000 being delivered to customers. Prices for the new Bolt EUV, which is taller and roomier, dropped to a base of about $28,200, $6,300 less than before. The 2023 Bolt EV now has a starting price of $25,600 and, for the Bolt EUV, $27,200. The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is a taller, roomier version of the Bolt EV electric hatchback. Like many electric cars, it can be driven “one pedal” style, with the car braking gently as the accelerator pedal is lifted.

☆ U.S. awards $1 billion to electrify school bus fleets
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 26 (Reuters) - The Biden administration on Wednesday unveiled nearly $1 billion in awards to U.S. school districts to replace aging, gas-fueled school buses with cleaner, mainly electric models. The funding is the first tranche of $5 billion that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hand out over five years through a clean school bus program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021. The EPA's clean school bus program is part of a broader push by the administration to upgrade public school infrastructure and reduce pollution from old buses. Transitioning to an electric school bus fleet nationwide would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5.3 million tons per year, according to a study by the non-profit Public Interest Research Group. Last month, EPA said it would nearly double its planned $500 million in clean bus awards for this year due to overwhelming demand from school districts.

☆ Ford unveils 2023 Escape to sell alongside Bronco Sport in highly competitive compact SUV segment
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

DETROIT — Ford Motor is updating its popular Escape as part of a two-pronged sales strategy alongside the newer, more rugged Bronco Sport in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. The starting price for the 2023 Escape ranges from roughly $29,000 for an entry-level model to $40,000 for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The 2023 Escape is expected to begin arriving in dealer showrooms early next year. U.S. sales of the Escape outsold the Bronco Sport by roughly 30,000 units through the third quarter of this year. The Escape retains its powertrain options, including a traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

☆ I drove a Tesla Model Y after testing 14 other electric cars. I loved its sleek interior and easy charging but the giant screen is overkill.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Since the company doesn't provide press cars, I borrowed a 2022 Model Y from a friend and put it through its paces. Awesome tech featuresThe Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderThe Model Y comes with an impressive assortment of tech features accessed through its snappy, iPad-like touchscreen. Lots of rangeThe Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderMany EVs sacrifice driving range for enhanced performance or vice-versa. Cargo space galoreThe Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderTesla did a great job of maximizing space for passengers and their stuff. The Tesla Model Y. Tim Levin/InsiderThe Model Y benefits from a front trunk and a surprisingly large under-floor storage spot in back.

☆ Tom Brady reaffirms his commitment to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +16 min

CNN —Tom Brady has reaffirmed his commitment to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a difficult start to the new season, both on and off the field. Jeff Dean/AP It was tough times for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Norm Hall/Getty Images Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen hurdles Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid as he scrambles for a first down. David Richard/AP Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Breshad Perriman fumbles after catching a pass during the first half against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3. Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports/Reuters New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas makes a reception against Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J.

The idled St. Croix refinery, formerly called Limetree Bay, was shut down by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in May 2021 after a series of chemical releases into the environment sickened neighboring residents. The refinery was sold in December 2021 for $62 million to West Indies Petroleum and Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation, following the bankruptcy of its former private equity owners. The owners also failed to provide hazard assessments and other documentation for the facility, the EPA said. The refinery was sold in December 2021 for $62 million to West Indies Petroleum, a Jamaican oil storage company that intends to operate the facility. In June, West Indies Petroleum denied its ownership of the facility, though the EPA has said it does.

☆ NFL: Welcome Back Dak, Cowboys' Prescott returns to face the Lions
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-23 | by ( Hannah Brewitt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +18 min

CNN —Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott will be back in action this week after missing the last five games with an injury. Ross D. Franklin/AP Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen hurdles Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid as he scrambles for a first down. The Colts beat their division rivals 34-27 thanks to a last-gasp touchdown from quarterback Matt Ryan to rookie Alec Pierce. Adam Hunger/AP Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush celebrates with Dak Prescott after the team's 22-10 win against the Los Angeles Rams. Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports/Reuters New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas makes a reception against Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J.

☆ The US never banned asbestos. These workers are paying the price.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-23 | by ( Kathleen Mcgrory | Neil Bedi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +39 min

But protocols failed to match reality at the Niagara Falls plant, according to more than a dozen workers. In addition to those signature diseases, which are rare even among asbestos workers, the tiny strands can harm the body in other ways. In the 15 years that followed, congressional attempts to ban asbestos would continue to fall short. OSHA declined to make an official available for an on-the-record interview or comment on ProPublica's findings at the Niagara Falls plant. At the OxyChem plant in Wichita, union president Keith Peacock said he was comfortable with the way asbestos was handled.

☆ Should You Buy An EV Now?
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( Dan Neil | Illustrations John W. Tomac | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +2 min

Why do I want an electric vehicle? You want an electric vehicle because they are generationally improved products: quieter, quicker, more refined, more efficient, offering superior vehicle dynamics, less maintenance and lower per-mile operating costs. For them per-mile costs will be measured in pennies, not quarters. According to the U.S. EPA, the average EV produces about two-thirds fewer emissions than an IC car in a well-to-wheel analysis, which counts emissions from producing/delivering either fuel or electricity. On a life-cycle basis—including end of use—an EV’s total emissions are less than half that of a comparable gas-powered vehicle.

☆ U.S. EPA opens civil rights probe into Mississippi capital's water crisis
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( Daniel Trotta | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday opened an investigation into Mississippi state agencies to determine if they violated civil rights in the majority Black city of Jackson in the course of funding of the city's water infrastructure. Representatives of those two departments and the office of Governor Tate Reeves did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Even before that crisis, the city had been under a boil water notice due to "elevated turbidity levels," meaning the water appear cloudy. That followed a string of disruptions to the city's water supply in recent years caused by high lead levels, bacterial contamination and storm damage. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Aurora EllisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' turns 40: Star Henry Thomas reflects on the film
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( Marianne Garvey | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

the Extra-Terrestrial” celebrates its 40th anniversary, Henry Thomas, who starred as Elliott in the film, is reflecting on the movie and the fame that came with it. Thomas spoke to CNN this week as an updated 4K Ultra HD version of the movie was released. Initially, Thomas said, he didn’t understand the little alien who came to live in Elliott’s house. “I remember as a kid, you know, I was really into ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones,’ Thomas recalled. “I imagine if it were a bad film that was universally reviled, we wouldn’t be talking about it now 40 years later,” Thomas said.

☆ Tom Brady apologizes for comparing NFL to ‘going away on deployment for the military’
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

CNN —Tom Brady has apologized for a “very poor choice of words” after he compared playing in the NFL to a military deployment. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson dives for a two-point conversion during the Vikings' 29-22 victory over the Chicago Bears. Gerald Herbert/AP Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is tripped up by Denver Broncos cornerback K'Waun Williams. Jasen Vinlove/USA Today Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens makes a sensational, one-handed catch over Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. on September 22. Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports/Reuters New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas makes a reception against Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J.

The civil rights organization alleged that the state’s rollout of federal dollars has favored whiter communities, even as Jackson has struggled to comply with state and federal guidelines meant to protect drinking water quality. The NAACP’s federal complaint raises concerns about a loan program overseen by the state Department of Health that distributes federal funding to communities to improve their water systems. Problems with water billing and collections have also resulted in Jackson missing out on sorely needed revenue that could go toward repairs. The EPA’s inquiry comes just days after the launch of a congressional investigation concerning the city’s water crisis. Reps. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., have asked Reeves to answer a series of questions about how the state has spent or plans to spend federal funds that can upgrade water systems in the state.

☆ Mississippi Faces EPA Probe of Jackson Water Supply Cutoff
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Adolfo Flores | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday said it has launched an investigation into whether Mississippi state agencies discriminated against the mostly Black city of Jackson by not funding improvements to its crumbling water system. The investigation is in response to a complaint filed with the EPA against the Mississippi Department of Health and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality by the NAACP on behalf of nine Jackson residents who went without running water late this summer.

☆ Russia evacuates civilians in Kherson as Putin's military faces Ukrainian advance
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-19 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Yuliya-Talmazan-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Yuliya Talmazan | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

The new commander of Russian forces in Ukraine said Tuesday that his troops in the country’s south were facing “a rather difficult” situation after a Ukrainian counteroffensive pushed them back and threatened their supply lines. “Our further plans and actions regarding the city of Kherson itself will depend on the emerging military tactical situation,” Gen. Sergei Surovikin said. “Difficult decisions could not be ruled out,” he added in a rare interview with Russian state television that came not long after he was installed by the Kremlin. Ukraine has been laying the ground for a counteroffensive there for months, striking key bridges and military infrastructure, while also advancing in the east. “The Russian military has been rumored to be pushing for a withdrawal for weeks, with some pushback from the Kremlin, and we may be seeing a reversal of this policy,” he said.

The breakdown occurred after Jackson was pummeled by days of heavy rain and the city’s main water treatment plant failed. In an interview on Monday, he said that withholding the funds Jackson needs to ensure safe drinking water puts lives at risk. “Mississippi is one of several states that absolutely rely on the generosity of the federal government,” Thompson said. More than 200 Jackson residents and supporters hold signs as they march to the governor's mansion to protest water issues in the city. Service was restored by the next week, and most Jackson residents no longer have to boil their water, but there are lingering concerns about water quality.

☆ What to do with your old phones, gadgets and other e-waste
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-14 | by ( Catherine Thorbecke | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

But in the process, these and other companies may also be adding to a growing problem: electronic waste. Friday marks International E-Waste Day, an annual opportunity to reflect on the impacts of electronic waste and do more to repair or recycle them. The e-Stewards group and Sustainable Electronics Recycling International each offer online tools to find recycling centers that they have certified. The collective impact of recycling e-waste can be staggering. But not all municipalities in the US offer infrastructure for e-waste recycling.

☆ Polestar unveils a new $84,000 electric SUV it's hoping will help cement its foothold in the U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-12 | by ( John Rosevear | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Swedish EV maker Polestar on Wednesday unveiled a new electric SUV that it's counting on to expand its sales and presence in the United States. The new model, called the Polestar 3, is a five-passenger EV that the company describes as a "performance SUV." Priced at about $84,000, the car comes loaded with technology, including an Nvidia computer running advanced driver-assist software developed by Polestar's part owner, Volvo Cars. Another potential rival, BMW's all-electric iX SUV, starts at about $85,000. Polestar is a joint venture between Volvo Cars and Chinese automaker Geely, which has owned Volvo Cars since 2010.

☆ A potentially cancer-causing chemical is sprayed on much of America’s produce. How high is exposure near you?
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-10 | by ( Danica Jefferies | Danica Jefferies Is An Intern With The Data Graphics Team For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

The chemical giant Monsanto introduced glyphosate in its product Roundup in 1974. “It’s sprayed ubiquitously and Monsanto has, for decades, just maintained that it’s the safest agricultural chemical ever made.”The EPA’s safety limits for glyphosate exposure from food are twice the levels allowed in the European Union. Additionally, two reports by organic advocacy groups found glyphosate in food products including cereals, cookies, crackers and sandwich bread. The EPA concluded in 2020 that glyphosate posed “no risks to human health” and was not likely to cause cancer. But a federal appeals court rejected that determination in June, stating that the EPA did not adequately assess the risks to endangered species and human health.

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