February Archives - First Washington News

February 1, 2023

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 | Kaiser Health News

Authorities Urge A lot more Girls To Take out Fallopian Tubes To Steer clear of Cancer

The radical stage is recommended for ladies with higher genetic threat for ovarian most cancers. Meanwhile, a new analyze implies obesity can result in related modifications in the brain to Alzheimer’s sickness. And Bloomberg experiences that some Us citizens are nonetheless ingesting poisonous bleach products and solutions as a overcome-all.

The New York Moments:
To Prevent Most cancers, Much more Ladies Should really Look at Eradicating Fallopian Tubes, Authorities Say

There is no dependable screening examination for ovarian most cancers, so physicians urge women at substantial genetic hazard for the condition to have their ovaries and fallopian tubes eradicated as soon as they are completed obtaining children, generally around the age of 40. On Wednesday, a primary investigate and advocacy organization broadened that advice in strategies that may well surprise a lot of girls. (Rabin, 12/1)

In updates on mpox —

The Hill:
Community Overall health Unexpected emergency For Mpox Formally Ends

The public wellness emergency for the mpox outbreak that commenced last year is officially ending as of Tuesday, with the number of noted conditions continuing to dwindle and advocacy teams declaring the emergency’s conclusion a victory for the LGBTQ local community. The Biden administration declared in December that it was not anticipating to renew the general public wellness emergency (PHE) for mpox, previously referred to as monkeypox, that was initially declared in August 2022. The PHE was renewed after in November. (Choi, 1/31)

In other wellbeing and wellness information —

NBC Information:
Obesity Can Lead to Variations In The Mind Comparable To Alzheimer’s, Examine Implies

Remaining chubby in midlife has been connected to better possibility of creating Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and a new study reveals that mind adjustments in overweight persons mirror some of all those with Alzheimer’s. Researchers at McGill College in Montreal analyzed mind scans of extra than 1,300 folks in the very first analysis to straight review the designs of brain shrinkage in overweight men and women and in Alzheimer’s individuals. (Carroll, 1/31)

Stat:
Brain MRIs Reveal Effects Of ‘Toxic Stress’ On Black Children

Stress filled experiences all through early childhood — particularly economic strife — appear to act as a poisonous stressor that can alter locations of the brain tied to the processing of tension and trauma, in accordance to a new study published Wednesday. The scientists uncovered that Black kids were impacted far more than white children, largely since of the greater quantities of poverty and adversity they facial area. (McFarling, 2/1)

Bloomberg:
Drinking Bleach Is Deadly. Why Are Some People However Consuming MMS?

Enter the term “Miracle Mineral Solution” into the search bar on Amazon.com, and, guaranteed adequate, there’s a vast selection of products and solutions that online reviewers say get rid of every thing from bronchial asthma to arthritis. The issue is that the get rid of-all potion normally recognized as MMS is, in essence, industrial quality bleach. And marketing this poisonous and in some cases lethal chemical concoction as drugs is illegal. (Brown, 2/1)

CBS News:
Layoff Survivor Guilt Is Authentic For Workers Who Endure Layoffs

Mass layoffs like these roiling the tech sector have an effect on additional than the individuals who reduce their jobs. Laid-off workers confront functional problems, these kinds of as staying economically afloat and securing new employment, as well as challenging emotions, like feeling turned down. Meanwhile, people who continue to be right after their colleagues are dismissed put up with from “survivor layoff guilt,” in accordance to office psychologists and layoff survivors them selves. (Cerullo, 2/1)

CBS Information:
Sausage Recall: Daniele Worldwide Recollects 53,000 Pounds Of Charcuterie, Salami, Pepperoni And Sausage Goods About Listeria Fears

Daniele Intercontinental, an American maker of organized meats, is recalling just about 53,000 lbs of sausage goods that could be contaminated with listeria bacteria. The ready-to-eat solutions beneath remember were being created among Could and November of last year, and were being transported to vendors in December and January. (Cerullo, 1/31)

In environmental health information —

CNN:
The Dirtier Your Air, The Better Your Risk Of Melancholy Or Anxiousness, Analyze Finds

People today who live in a remarkably polluted region have a much bigger threat of melancholy and anxiety than individuals who reside with cleaner air, a new examine states. The review, revealed Wednesday in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, identified that folks who ended up exposed to greater amounts of a number of air pollutants for a very long interval – which includes particle pollution, nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxides – experienced an improved threat of depression and nervousness. (Christensen, 2/1)

United states Right now:
EPA Proposes Variations To Air High quality Expectations For Soot Pollution

Before this thirty day period, the Environmental Security Agency proposed bringing the restrictions down from 12 micrograms for every cubic meter to amongst 9 and 10. The Cleanse Air Act necessitates the EPA to review air quality specifications each and every five yrs – but this proposed revision is the very first in a decade to address soot levels. Some teams say the new limit is not sufficient, particularly for urban communities of color overburdened by pollution, outdoor staff and some others who are vulnerable. (Hassanein, 1/31)

March 4, 2022

FEBRUARY U.S. AUTO SALES: Seasonally adjusted sales rate falls to 14.15 million

The seasonally modified U.S. auto sales price fell to 14.15 million in February, down from 15.2 million in January but however ahead of the rates posted for the final five months of 2021, according to figures produced Wednesday by Motor Intelligence.

The closely watched regular effects fell in line with analysts’ SAAR estimates that ranged from 14.1 million to 14.4 million. Business authorities have predicted ongoing weak profits final results as the field grapples with low inventories brought on by the international microchip scarcity and several supply chain interruptions.

Among the the automakers that noted February success — together with Ford Motor Co., Hyundai Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. — deliveries fell 12 p.c to 559,549 motor vehicles, according to the Automotive Information Analysis & Info Centre. The final results are incomplete due to the fact many other automakers, this kind of as Common Motors, Stellantis and Volkswagen, only report quarterly effects.

This is a recap of success from providers that described this week.

Ford Motor Co. revenue fell 21 p.c in February. That involves a 21 percent fall at the Ford division and 23 p.c decrease at Lincoln.

Revenue of its all-essential F-Series pickup line plummeted 30 per cent as most of its nameplates posted yr-more than-calendar year declines.

The automaker said it took in much more than 72,000 new retail orders in February and that 33 per cent of its product sales final thirty day period came from individuals who had put preceding orders.

“Our new solutions are conquesting from competition at a charge that is 26 percentage details increased than Ford over-all, including Maverick, Mustang Mach-E, Bronco and Bronco Sport,” Andrew Frick, vice president, Ford Profits U.S. and Canada, reported in a statement.

Toyota drops 11{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}

Toyota Motor North America on Tuesday said February U.S. mild auto profits fell 11 percent to 162,587. Income for the Toyota model fell 12 p.c, although product sales for Lexus had been off 5.6 p.c.

Vehicle product sales plummeted 30 percent, though pickup income fell 13 per cent, despite a 16 {cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} get in Tundra revenue.

The Toyota brand’s crossover and SUV product sales rose 3.7 percent, mostly centered on a solid general performance by the Highlander. Lexus-branded crossover and SUV sales fell 3.7 p.c.

Electrified car or truck gross sales dropped 13 percent.

Toyota Motor’s inventory stood at 110,674 motor vehicles — a 16-day supply — at the end of February, down from 123,686 a thirty day period in the past.

It experienced 93,307 Toyota-brand motor vehicles, down from 103,634 a thirty day period back. It also described inventory of 17,367 Lexus-model cars, down from 20,052 a thirty day period in the past.

Honda deliveries plunge

American Honda’s U.S. mild car product sales fell 21 {cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} amid stock struggles introduced on by the chip shortage and winter storms. People figures involve a 21 p.c slide at the Honda division and 20 per cent drop at Acura.

At Honda, only the Accord sedan and HR-V crossover posted income gains in comparison with the exact same period of time a thirty day period back. The HR-V’s 13,340 revenue in February marked the nameplate’s 13th-consecutive regular record, Honda claimed in a statement.

The automaker said 60 percent of vehicles en route to dealers are pre-offered, a signal of ongoing powerful demand from customers.

Mazda posts 8.3{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} acquire

Mazda North The us noted an 8.3 p.c maximize in profits past month with 28,166 motor vehicles sent. That marked the automaker’s second-best February U.S. sales overall performance.

Mazda’s gains ended up mainly pushed by its crossovers, which include a 36 p.c revenue increase for the CX-5, its greatest-volume nameplate, and a 21 {cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} improve for the CX-9. The two autos posted finest-at any time February final results

Mazda’s motor vehicle gross sales, however, fell 32 per cent.

The automaker said CPO profits also fell 32 p.c as opposed with the similar period of time a yr ago to 3,562.

Korean brands submit strong benefits

Korean affiliate marketers Hyundai, Kia and Genesis reported sturdy U.S. deliveries for February inspite of ongoing retail headwinds that brought on reduce forecasts as automakers struggle to rebuild depleted inventories.

People headwinds, brought on by production cuts stemming from the ongoing semiconductor scarcity, didn’t stop Hyundai from recording an 8 p.c acquire in U.S. deliveries to 52,424. Income of the Tucson compact crossover led the way, soaring 37 {cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} to 12,928 models. The new Ioniq 5 EV created 2,555 deliveries.

“Our latest advertising attempts with Tucson and Ioniq 5 have worked well to make recognition in competitive segments,” explained Randy Parker, senior vice president of nationwide sales for Hyundai Motor The usa. “We intend to retain the momentum and market place share gains heading.”

Hyundai mentioned it failed to report any fleet profits. The automaker stated U.S. inventories stood at 18,621 models at the stop of the thirty day period compared with 18,060 at the end of January.

Affiliate Kia posted a 2.3 percent obtain to 49,182 deliveries in February as EV sales grew.

“Kia carries on to outpace the marketplace and ‘charge ahead’ with the shift towards electrified autos as gross sales of our range of electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions ongoing to break records and now make up 13-percent of our profits,” Eric Watson, vice president of product sales functions for Kia America, mentioned in a statement.

“With initially-thirty day period income of the all-electric Kia EV6 exceeding 2,100 units we are self-assured that even far more shoppers thinking of their own shift to electrified vehicles will now look at Kia.”

Luxurious brand Genesis said it produced its best February success ever as deliveries rose 45 {cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} to 3,482 vehicles.

Former forecasts

Just before the results arrived in this 7 days, deliveries of new motor vehicles in February had been approximated to tumble 10 to 11 {cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} from a yr before, according to forecasts from Cox Automotive, TrueCar, J.D. Energy and LMC Automotive. Retail gross sales are projected to drop 5.7 {cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} from February 2021 to 922,100, J.D. Energy and LMC claimed.

February is historically one of the year’s slower income months even when inventory is abundant. But a lack of chips has left little to select from on dealership tons, and field industry experts you should not foresee that will modify whenever before long.

“With retail stock on speed to complete a fourth consecutive month down below 900,000 models and ninth consecutive thirty day period down below just one million units, the new-motor vehicle supply problem is not displaying symptoms of in close proximity to-time period advancement,” Thomas King, president of the details and analytics division at J.D. Power, claimed in a assertion. “For that reason, profits in February are getting identified by the selection of motor vehicles delivered to dealerships somewhat than reflecting actual buyer demand from customers.”

March 2, 2022

What is today’s news? | Monday, February 28, 2022

In advance of the night chores, look at out present-day newest information.

Right here is a roundup of the headlines in circumstance you’ve got skipped it.

Technological innovation and Equipment

Editor Alex Gray writes about New Holland’s Speedrower In addition series, which has improved electricity, new technological innovation, and a fresh new design and style for 2022.

“When we introduced the product calendar year ‘22 New Holland, Speedrower Additionally, generally the full device was redesigned from the head all the way again via the rear axle,” suggests Lena Bioni, product internet marketing manager for New Holland. “Its options enhanced a large amount of the efficiency, with more quickly infield functions and transport speeds.”

Editor Chelsea Dinterman handles modern information from Syngenta.

The company has announced a 1-of-a-type device to position sustainability insights into the fingers of farmers. The Sustainable Results in Agriculture (SOA) standard is obtainable by the Cropwise Sustainability application.

“Sustainability assessments do not have to be a time-intensive method – consumers who leverage Cropwise Sustainability usually full a 20-30-moment farm evaluation and receive immediate benefits,” mentioned Liz Hunt, Syngenta sustainable and responsible organization head, in a news release.

ReClaim sprayer engineering was introduced by Precision Planting in January 2022 at the firm’s once-a-year Winter Convention.

In this video, internet marketing manager Bryce Baker points out the technology, which is in beta.

“We dwell in a miraculous age,” says Jerry Nelson. “Thanks to modern technological know-how, we can get a pizza, Facetime with Grandma, and upload your most current TikTok video – all though motoring alongside at 70 mph in your self-driving automobile.”

Nelson reflects on the Shoebox Process of storing memorabilia, which could appear to be inefficient, but brings a big delight element.

Very hot Topics in Agriculture

Editor Madelyn Ostendorf covers the latest in the spread of avian influenza.

The point out of New York claimed two added situations of avian influenza past Thursday. A person situation was reported in a flock of captive wild birds in Ulster County, and the other in a backyard flock of blended species birds in Dutchess County.

The USDA has quarantined the premises, and birds on the home have been depopulated to stop the spread of the ailment.

While pressing China to are living up to its trade commitments, the United States will concentration more and more on how to defend its economic passions in dealing with an unreliable companion, reported U.S. trade agent Katherine Tai.

China and the United States are the two major economies in the entire world and their in general relationship is “profoundly consequential,” stated Tai on the closing day of USDA’s annual Outlook Forum.

Drought price tag California’s agricultural sector $1.2 billion and 8,750 comprehensive- and element-time work opportunities previous calendar year, according to a new report prepared for the state’s Office of Foodstuff and Agriculture.

It is the most current evidence that local weather improve is upending the country’s most productive agricultural location.

Final yr was just one of the driest in California’s recorded history, and a lot of farmers’ drinking water utilization was also constrained by new conservation insurance policies.

March 1, 2022

Nutson’s Wekly Auto News Wrap-up February 20-26, 2022

AUTO CENTRAL CHICAGO – February 27, 2022; Every Sunday Larry Nutson, The Chicago Car Guy and Executive Producer, with able assistance from senior editor Thom Cannell from The Auto Channel Michigan Bureau, compile The Auto Channel’s “take” on this past week’s automotive news, condensed into easy to digest news Nuggets.

LEARN MORE: Full versions of today’s news nuggets along with thousands of pages of relevant news and opinions, information stored in a million-page library published and indexed on The Auto Channel during the past 25 years. Complete information can be found by copying a bold headline and then inserting into any Site Search Box.

Nutson’s Automotive News Wrap-up – Week Ending February 26, 2022 Below are the past week’s important, relevant, semi-secret, or snappy automotive news, opinions and insider back stories presented as
expertly crafted easy-to-understand automotive universe news nuggets.

* U.S. DoE factoid of the week: The Environmental Protection Agency maintains a listing of “off-cycle” vehicle technologies that reduce emissions but are not sufficiently accounted for in city and highway test cycles. These technologies include active aerodynamics, thermal control technologies, active warm up, engine idle stop-start, high efficiency lighting and alternators. Manufacturers can gain credit toward meeting their emissions requirements by adopting these technologies and several saw widespread adoption by vehicle manufacturers for the 2020 model year. The use of thermal glass or glazing to reduce transmission of heat from the sun reached a production share of 89{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}, followed by high efficiency lighting at 85{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} and passive cabin venting at 78{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}. The oft not-loved Engine Idle Stop-Start system had a production share of 50{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}.

* For the eighth consecutive week, the nation’s average gas price has climbed, rising 3.2 cents from a week ago and stands at $3.52 per gallon according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million individual price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country. The national average is up 20.7 cents from a month ago and 88.9 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has risen 5.7 cents in the last week and stands at $3.93 per gallon, the highest since May 20, 2014. Oil prices have seen a see-saw between two different situations. Oil is rising due to the Russian incursion, and falling on the potential Iran nuclear deal unleashing Iran’s crude oil.

* The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is recognizing 65 models with the 2022 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, as improved headlight offerings boost more vehicles into the top tier. Another 36 models earn the lower-tier TOP SAFETY PICK award for a total of 101 winners overall. This time last year, there were 90 winners, including 49 earning TOP SAFETY PICK+. Hyundai Motor Group, which includes the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands, has the most 2022 awards overall and the most awards in each category — 11 TOP SAFETY PICK+ and 10 TOP SAFETY PICK awards for a total of 21. Volkswagen Group, which includes the Volkswagen and Audi brands, is not far behind with eight TOP SAFETY PICK+ and three TOP SAFETY PICK awards. Volvo earns 10 TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards. See the full report here.

* Automotive consulting firm AutoPacific just issued its forecast of fully electric light vehicle sales in the U.S. of around 700,000 units in 2022 with strong annual increases throughout the 6-year forecast period. The forecast comes as consumer demand for EVs is also at its highest yet, having spiked significantly in the past two years.

* DeLorean will return as an electric vehicle, according to various reports including a recent story in the San Antonio Business Journal, which says DeLorean Motor Co., now known as DeLorean Motors Reimagined, plans to hire 450 people for its new home in Port San Antonio. DeLorean teased its return to the automotive market with a 30-second advertisement that aired in selected markets as part of Super Bowl LVI pre-game coverage.

* Volkswagen has launched the countdown for the electric ID. Buzz! The World premiere of the zero-tailpipe-emission ID. Buzz is scheduled for March 9th. Two versions to be sold in Europe. The new electric Bus debuts this year as ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo. Production of the ID. Buzz starts in the first half of this year, and the European launch follows just a short time later in the Fall. The ID. Buzz is also set to be sold as a long-wheelbase model in the U.S. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz will make its first-ever U.S. public appearance at SXSW from March 11-20, 2022.

* Raptor everything! The 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor made its debut and it’s coming to the U.S. with a 392-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine paired up with a 10-speed automatic. So get ready to fly across the Mojave Desert. It’ll arrive next year.

* The cargo ship carrying a load of VW Group vehicles continued to burn all week with less intensity. By week’s end fire crews were able to board the vessel to douse hot spots. The cause of the fire is not yet determined. Battery electric vehicles on board had made the fire difficult to extinguish. VW, Audi, Porsche, Bentley and Lamborghini dealers are scrambling to try and find replacement vehicles for their customers. The latest estimate of the total loss is $335 million.

* French authorities are installing “sound radars” in some cities to detect and photograph vehicles making excessive noise, which they say is a public health hazard. New sensors, or “sound radars,” were placed in seven cities last week as an experiment. The sensors can detect and take pictures of vehicles making excessive noise, a problem that officials say has gotten worse in recent years. The hope is to eventually set a noise-pollution limit and fine those motorists exceeding it.

* Ford is recalling more than 330,000 Mustangs in the U.S. to fix backup camera displays that go blank or become distorted. The recall covers cars from the 2015 to 2017 model years. The rear view camera wiring can become loose or damaged, causing the problem.

* Ford is also recalling nearly a quarter-million heavy duty pickup trucks in the U.S. because the drive shafts can fracture and cause a loss of power. The recall covers certain F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickups from the 2017 through 2022 model years. The trucks have gasoline engines and aluminum drive shafts.

* Stellantis NV has issued a temporary stop sale on a limited number of Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for a problem preventing the vehicles and their key fobs from communicating. Customers have reported being locked out of their vehicles and unable to start them. Both the two-row Grand Cherokee and the three-row Grand Cherokee L are affected. Parts to fix the problem are being expedited to dealers.

* From ClassicCars.com we read Denise McCluggage will be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in early March as a member of a Class of 2022 that also includes Pete Brock, Helio Castroneves, Jack Roush and Banjo Matthews. While she won’t be there, she died in 2015 at the age of 88, the car in which she won her first race will be. The car, a Jaguar XK140, was a gift from Briggs Cunningham, the wealthy American sportsman she met in the early 1950s while covering a yacht race as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle.

* The Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan, has announced its 2022 inductee class: The Green Book publishers Alma and Victo Green; Lamborghini founder Feruccio Lamborghini; motorsports pioneer Lyn St. James; Lu Guanqui, founder of Chinese automotive supplier Wanxiang; and Taicho Ohno, pioneer of the Toyota Production System.

* Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group’s Executive Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer has been named 2022 World Car Person of the Year by the The World Car Awards jury panel representing 102 journalists from 33 countries. The 2022 World Car Awards program will end at the New York Auto Show on April 13, 2022 with the announcement and presentation of the: World Car Design, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Urban Car, World Electric Vehicle and World Car of the Year.

* On the 85th birthday of his car owner, Roger Penske, 23-year-old NASCAR Cup Series rookie Austin Cindric beat Bubba Wallace to the finish line by .036 seconds in overtime to win last Sunday’s 64th running of the Daytona 500. Cedric piloted the Discount Tire sponsored No. 2 Team Penske Ford to a packed house at Daytona. It was the first big race for NASCAR’s Next Gen race car. It was the first time a rookie won the Daytona 500 since 2011.

* Michael Andretti is targeting expanding his motorsport portfolio into Formula 1 in time for the 2024 season. Formula 1 has featured 10 teams since 2017, with the most recent addition being the US firm Haas, but the regulations allow for as many as 13 entrants. Andretti Autosport’s empire includes teams in the NTT IndyCar Series and Formula E, but it has recently targeted a further expansion into Formula 1. Andretti had submitted an entry to the FIA to field a new F1 team, starting in 2024, under the name of Andretti Global. The application requires approval from Formula 1’s governing body the FIA.

Stay safe. Be Well.

February 26, 2022

What is today’s news? | Friday, February 25, 2022

While the conflict between Russia and Ukraine carries on to unfold, its outcomes are currently remaining felt across the globe.

Here is a roundup of posts to enable continue to keep you knowledgeable on the markets, fertilizer sector, trade procedure, and a lot more.

Russia and Ukraine

Rebuilding resilience has the USTR very chaotic these days, in accordance to U.S. Trade Representative’s Ambassador Katharine Tai. “The pandemic was a major shock to the (trade) process,” Tai suggests. “And, what we are seeing involving Russia and Ukraine is yet another shock to the process.”

The U.S. has skilled pandemics, organic disasters, and war prior to, but this brings us to a want for innovation from our stakeholders and financial state, the U.S. trade official claims.

As Russia kilos Ukraine’s funds Friday, rushing tankers and troopers toward toppling the authorities in Kyiv (Kiev), civilians are scattering for shelter, corporations are shutting down, and general public transportation is scarce.

Iurii Mykhailov, a Kyiv resident and Productive Farming contributor, is reporting from within the traces of war.

Fertilizer

Editor Madelyn Ostendorf handles the lates on the fertilizer industry.

Even though the U.S. imports most of its potash from Canada, a state which generates 39{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of potash globally, we also get 7.8{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} from Russia. Because it is this kind of a main player in the worldwide marketplace, sanctions on Russia have a ripple outcome on markets, claims Jason Troendle, director of industry intelligence and investigation at The Fertilizer Institute.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine this 7 days may drive up the expenditures of farm fertilizers globally — which virtually quadrupled last yr in rate in the United States and continue to be high — and offers an opportunity for unscrupulous corporations to artificially inflate these prices further more, according to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

Markets

Editor Laurie Bedord interviews Angie Setzer, co-founder of Consus, LLC, about the circumstance in Ukraine and its brief- and prolonged-phrase impacts on agriculture.

“Today transformed a lot of items,” Setzer claims of yesterday’s invasion of Ukraine by Russia. “We have develop into a different world, and it is unattainable not to imagine of all the implications this is acquiring and could have on our state. The international markets are now reflecting that.”

Crops

Editor Gil Gullickson writes about scheduling for herbicides this year.

Communicate with your chemical retailer. Examine weed control guides compiled by your community land-grant universities. And above all, have a system B or even prepare C. Those people are approaches farmers can deal with looming 2022 herbicide shortages, claims Monthly bill Johnson, Purdue University Extension weed expert.

It’s a challenging scenario, considering that aged standby substances are most impacted by shortages.

Livestock

A person cow can consume 1 to 2 two gallons of drinking water for each 100 lbs . of human body body weight each working day. Multiply that in the incredibly hot summer months months or if the cow is lactating. It is important to have a big enough watering tank so just about every animal can get the h2o it requires.

Editor Jodi Henke interviews Brad White, a professor at the University of Veterinary Drugs at Kansas Point out College and director of the Beef Cattle Institute, about this topic.

February 23, 2022

Nutson’s Weekly Auto News Wrap-up: February 20, 2022

AUTO CENTRAL CHICAGO – February 20, 2022; Every Sunday Larry Nutson, The Chicago Car Guy and Executive Producer, with able assistance from senior editor Thom Cannell from The Auto Channel Michigan Bureau, compile The Auto Channel’s “take” on this past week’s automotive news, condensed into easy to digest news Nuggets.

LEARN MORE: Full versions of today’s news nuggets along with thousands of pages of relevant news and opinions, information stored in a million page library published and indexed on The Auto Channel during the past 25 years. Complete information can be found by copying a bold headline and then inserting into any Site Search Box.

Nutson’s Automotive News Wrap-up – Week Ending February 20, 2022 Below are the past week’s important, relevant, semi-secret, or snappy automotive news, opinions and insider back stories presented as
expertly crafted easy-to-understand automotive universe news nuggets.

* Was the Super Bowl game better than the commercials? There were no fewer than five electric vehicle commercials broadcast during the game. The average Super Bowl spot this year cost a record $6.5 million for 30 seconds, so it’s telling that General Motors, BMW, Kia, and Polestar have gone all in on ads featuring electric cars and SUVs. Nissan, one of the few car companies that chose not to solely advertise an EV, gave its electric SUV Ariya a brief cameo.

* U.S.DoE factoid of the week: The United States imports many of the minerals used in EV batteries, such as cobalt, graphite, lithium, manganese, and nickel, with lithium being the predominant mineral. Although use of these minerals is not restricted to battery production for EVs, they are nonetheless important for meeting the increasing demand for EV production. From 2016-2019, over 90{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of the lithium imported to the United States came from Argentina (55{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}) and Chile (36{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}). During this same time period, Gabon produced 69{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of the manganese imported to the United States, while imports of cobalt, graphite and nickel were not as heavily dependent on a single country. In terms of U.S. net import reliance, 100{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of graphite and manganese was imported, 76{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of cobalt was imported, and about 50{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of lithium and nickel was imported in 2020.

* Quote of the week: “We urge investors to dial-back expectations of autonomous car/robotaxi commercialization at scale over the next 5 years at least.” Morgan Stanley’s Adam Jonas on the hype surrounding self-driving vehicles. Hat tip to Phil LeBeau of NBC News.

* Reuters reports that Ontario and Windsor Canada authorities cleared out truckers blockading the Ambassador Bridge between Windsor and Detroit, reopening a critical link in the North American auto manufacturing supply chain. Auto plants that shut down because parts could not move across the bridge should be able to reopen, though Toyota and Honda said production will be curtailed this week.

* The world’s power grids were not designed to replace the energy for transportation that is currently supplied by petroleum. In Europe, utilities and charging startups are behind in a race to deploy smart charging technology that can automatically program EVs to pull current from the grid at off-peak hours, and return electrons to the grid if demand from homes and workplaces spikes. A study by Ernst and Young warns Europe’s grid faces an “enormous challenge” if Europeans actually hit an EU goal to deploy 130 million EVs by 2035. This news from Reuters.

* MotorTrend announced that the Porsche 911 GT3 has been named MotorTrend’s 2022 Performance Vehicle of the Year. MotorTrend says the competition was fierce for this inaugural award, with the GT3 besting twenty-one other contenders including the Lamborghini Huracán STO and the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.

* The latest Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch Report for Q4 2021 is out. The year closed out with a new leader in non-luxury brand consideration, with Ford – fueled by hot new products and more plentiful inventory – dethroning longtime leader Toyota, which previously held the top spot for nearly four years straight. Among luxury shoppers, Lexus eked past BMW as the most-considered brand, while Tesla remained hot on their heels.

* GM plans to resume production of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and larger Bolt EUV on April 4 after many months of production stoppage. It is the longest-known production stoppage for a safety defect in GM’s history. Production was stopped in August as GM gave priority to provide new batteries to recalled customer-owned Bolts. GM recalled more than 140,000 Bolts to replace battery modules after a series of fires.

* State Farm and Ford announced the launch of Drive Safe & Save Connected Car usage-based insurance (UBI) for customers with eligible connected Ford or Lincoln vehicles. State Farm customers with eligible connected vehicles can opt into the State Farm UBI program, Drive Safe & Save, which adjusts premiums to an individual vehicle’s mileage and customer driving behavior. State Farm will debut Drive Safe & Save Connected Car in Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Oregon, for policies effective on or after Feb. 27, 2022, followed by a rollout across more states (excluding Calif., Mass. and R.I.). You will need to let big brother watch over you for this program.

* Michigan U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence sent a letter signed by 65 other House members urging the Department of Transportation to update safety standards to require the use of accurate female crash test dummies. There is no crash test dummy that represents the average female body used in car safety testing, despite women making up more than half of all licensed U.S. drivers. Experts say that may contribute to a disparity in crash outcomes: Women get in fewer car accidents than men. But when they do, they’re up to 73{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} more likely to be injured and 28{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} more likely to die, according to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

* Joe White at Reuters shared that in a Reddit chat covered by Automotive News VW Chairman Herbert Diess suggests VW is considering a new electric station wagon derived from the Space Vizzion concept (attention shooting-brake obsessed auto writers,) and the CEO responded to a question about an electric VW pickup truck for the United States with an enthusiastic “Good idea!” VW has been shut out of the U.S. pickup market in part because of the ancient 25{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} “chicken tariff” the U.S. imposes on imported trucks, a legacy of a 1960s U.S.-Europe trade war. The success of Ford’s compact Maverick compact (Euro-sized) pickup and the huge interest in Tesla’s Cybertruck and the electric F-150 must be getting attention in Wolfsburg. And we add, VW owns Navistar which owns the international Harvester name.

* Diess also said the Beetle might return in an all-electric version using VW’s scalable MEB platform. Ironically, when the new Beetle appeared as the Concept 1 back in 1994 the original design idea by J Mays and Freeman Thomas was for it to be an all-electric car. But, that never happened.

* PPG, the paint company, said 67{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of the vehicles sold in 2021 were white, black or grey. The share of red cars decreased by 1 percentage point to just 7{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}. PPG tried to put a happy face on this, saying two-tone paint jobs are rising in popularity. A lot of color choice has to do with what dealers order for inventory that they know they can sell easily. Will we see more color variety on the road when more new vehicle buyers place orders with an automaker?

* A cargo ship carrying about 3,965 Volkswagen Group vehicles—VW, Audi, Porsche, Bentley and Lamborghini, destined for North America was abandoned in the Atlantic about 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal after a fire broke out in the hold. The 650-foot-long Felicity Ace has a crew of 22 that have all been rescued safely.

* Subaru climbed two spots to first place in Consumer Reports’ annual ranking of the most well-performing, safe and reliable automotive brands. The rest of the top ten are: Mazda, BMW, Honda, Lexus, Audi, Porsche, Mini, Toyota and Infiniti. The Ford Mustang Mach-E was selected by the group as one of its Top Picks, climbing ahead of Tesla. See more details here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-best-cars-top-picks-2022/

* Blinded by the light no more. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a final rule allowing “adaptive driving beam headlights” on new vehicles. It will go into effect when published in the Federal Register in the next few days. The headlights, commonly used in Europe, have LED lamps that can focus beams on darkness such as the driver’s lane and areas along the roadside. They also lower the intensity of the light beams if there’s oncoming traffic. Camera sensors and computers help determine where the light should go.

* Dodge is putting its money where its parts are when it comes to Direct Connection, the brand’s exclusive new source of factory-backed performance parts. The Direct Connection Contingency Program will offer Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak racers $10,000 to win at National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Factory Stock Showdown and National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) Factory Super Cars events, giving Drag Pak competitors multiple shots at taking home a five-figure winner’s purse during the 2022 season. The $10,000 purse, the largest available contingency award from a manufacturer in both NHRA Factory Stock Showdown and NMCA Super Cars classes, will be up for grabs for Drag Pak drivers at 14 total events. The NHRA Factory Stock Showdown schedule includes eight stops during the 2022 season, while NMCA Factory Super Cars will feature a slate of six races.

* NASCAR will begin a new season — and a new era — today, Sunday February 20, at the 2022 Daytona 500. The race will be the first full event for the new Next Gen cars. The race is sold out. The stands are full There are no covid restrictions and limits. Forty cars will roll onto the starting grid for the 64th edition of the Great American Race. Reigning Cup Series champion Kyle Larson earned the pole position in single-car qualifying. The Hendrick Motorsports driver turned a 49.680-second lap (181.159 mph average speed) on Daytona’s 2.5-mile superspeedway oval.

* Autoweek paid tribute to Bill Robinson, whose career spanned a time of remarkable change, and whose influence extended beyond his own work. His story shows how people still make a difference in an industry that is heavily focused on hardware. Robinson began his career as an automotive designer in 1948, went on to work on the classic Packards of the 1950s. Later, he became a teacher at the College for Creative Studies, the automotive design school in Detroit. At CCS, Robinson was a mentor to a generation of aspiring designers who have since become leaders in the industry, including Ralph Gilles of Stellantis and Richard Vaughan of Rivian. Robinson died this week at 96.

* Autoweek also sadly reports Kevin Olson, a two-time USAC National Midget Champion, was killed in a car crash on February 11 in Janesville, Wisconsin. The head-on crash also critically injured wife Nancy, according to multiple reports. Olson, 70, had retired from racing in 2020, according to the Gazette, in Janesville. Olson, who resided in Evansville, Wisconsin, is a member of both the United States Auto Club (USAC) Hall of Fame and the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame. He began his career on the national stage in a USAC National Midget race in 1972 at Springfield (Ill.) Speedway. His final national USAC National Midget race was 2014 at Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Stay safe. Be Well.