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New Hanover County unveils new electric school bus

New Hanover County Schools has taken a significant step toward greener and more efficient student transportation with the introduction of a new electric school bus. This eco-friendly initiative is part of the county's broader strategy to reduce diesel emissions and greenhouse gases, all while enhancing the quality of student commutes. Unlike traditional buses, the electric model offers a quieter and fume-free ride, an unexpected safety improvement as reduced noise keeps students seated and focused. While the initial cost of an electric bus is estimated at around $400,000 while a traditional school bus costs around $100,000. Officials are optimistic about long-term cost savings, especially considering the nearly million dollars spent on diesel fuel in the previous year.

This begs the question…how long does a bus battery last and how much does it cost? While I could not find the answer to this most electric car batteries are warrantied for 8-10 years or 100,000-150,000 miles. A replacement battery for an average Tesla model is estimated to cost around $13,000

The first electric bus is set to hit the roads in December, with plans to add two more in the coming months, following the lead of neighboring counties, such as Columbus and Bladen County, in embracing sustainable school transportation.

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3M Commits to Halt PFAS Production by 2025 Amid Growing Legal Pressure and Investor Demands

[Reuters] 3M, the U.S. industrial conglomerate, has announced its commitment to cease production of PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," by 2025. The move comes in response to mounting legal pressure and increasing investor demands for phasing out PFAS production. Shareholders overseeing $8 trillion in assets had previously urged multiple companies to discontinue their use of these chemicals. 3M's decision is expected to set a precedent for other chemical manufacturers as investors increasingly prioritize sustainability in the industry.

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Catch us at the Spot Festival in Hampstead this weekend!

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US infant mortality rate sees largest increase in two decades

[WWAY] The U.S. experienced a significant 3% increase in infant mortality rates in 2022, the largest rise in two decades, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This increase disproportionately affected white and Native American infants, infant boys, and babies born at 37 weeks or earlier, with notable rises in deaths due to maternal complications and bacterial meningitis. Possible factors contributing to this alarming trend include the rebound of RSV and flu infections following pandemic precautions, though experts are still uncertain about the precise reasons for the sudden increase. The national infant mortality rate reached 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022, up from 5.44 the previous year, marking the first statistically significant rise since 2001-2002, raising concerns about whether this is a one-time fluctuation or the start of a more lasting trend. This unsettling trend occurred despite a general decrease in overall U.S. mortality rates in 2022 due to the waning impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among older adults, and a decrease in maternal deaths. While over 30 states saw slight increases in infant mortality rates, Georgia, Iowa, Missouri, and Texas experienced statistically significant rises, indicating a complex interplay of factors contributing to the national statistic.

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Catch us at the Spot Festival in Hampstead this weekend!

FreeBeesApiary.com | 418 Biscayne Drive Wilmington 28411 | 910-612-5842

Surf Forecast

THU AM: 2-3 ft - FAIR | PM: 1-3 ft - CHOPPY
FRI AM: 1-2 ft - CHOPPY | PM: 2-3 ft - CHOPPY
SAT AM: 2-4 ft - CLEAN | PM: 2-4 ft - FAIR

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Weather Forecast

THU 02 Sunny | 61°/44° | PREC 1% | NNE 12 mph
FRI 03 Sunny | 70°/51° | PREC 3% | NNE 12 mph
SAT 04 Mostly Sunny | 73°/57° | PREC 12% | NNE 11 mph

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