Current Events in March 2021

Bitcoin took another wild ride over the weekend. On Saturday evening, the cryptocurrency leader hit an all-time high of $61,781, but it had rolled back to $56,909 by Monday at 10 a.m. -- a loss of about $5,000 a coin and below Bitcoin's previous peak of $58,196 in late February.

Much of what happens with cryptocurrency is complex. Justin d’Anethan, sales manager at digital asset company Diginex in Hong Kong, told Reuters that “technical factors” magnified Bitcoin’s new record, and the spike was delivered into thinner markets.

“A small move up triggered many liquidations throughout Saturday and Sunday, thus becoming a not-so-small move,” d’Anethan said.

A Reuters report that India would pursue a ban on digital assets might have also thrown a wet towel on the cryptocurrency. However, one analyst theorized that the type of legislation India is proposing won’t be a long term hindrance to Bitcoin. 

“Because it’s decentralised, government bans or acceptance is somewhat irrelevant,” Seth Melamed, the Tokyo-based chief operating officer of cryptocurrency exchange Liquid, told Reuters. “Capital will find a way.”

Bitcoin’s cheerleaders are still all-in

With financial service companies such as MasterCard trying to move Bitcoin into the mainstream, and investors like Elon Musk making a heavy play, the cryptocurrency has been currying considerable favor this year. Analysts also think that some of the $1.9 trillion stimulus checks from the Biden administration are landing in the laps of people who’d like to invest. 

Some noted investors -- such as Mark Cuban -- think that gold is dead as a hedge against inflation. And analysts believe the rise of Bitcoin has been helped by the prospects of a steep economic recovery. 

A new study conducted by researchers from the European Society of Cardiology found that exhaustion may increase the risk of men having a heart attack. They explained that many things can contribute to exhaustion, including feeling irritable or distant from social connections. When these issues are present, men are at a heightened risk of having a cardiovascular event. 

“Vital exhaustion refers to excessive fatigue, feelings of demoralization, and increased irritability,” said researcher Dr. Dmitry Panov. “It is thought to be a response to intractable problems in people’s lives, particularly when they are unable to adapt to prolonged exposure to psychological stressors.

“The relationship of exhaustion with threatening cardiovascular events should be taken into account when assessing risk,” he added. 

How exhaustion affects heart health

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from nearly 700 men involved in the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) MONICA Project. The participants ranged in age from 25 to 64 years old and had no history of heart issues when the study began. In addition to monitoring health outcomes, the participants completed the Maastricht Vital Exhaustion Questionnaire to determine what role that played in their heart health. 

The researchers noted a significant relationship between those who had the highest levels of vital exhaustion and those who eventually had heart attacks. Nearly 70 percent of the men had vital exhaustion, and they were nearly three times more likely to have a heart attack within five years than those without vital exhaustion. Similarly, exhaustion made a heart attack more than two times as likely within 14 years. 

The researchers also assessed the risk of heart attack after accounting for factors like education, marital status, and age. They learned that participants without a college degree were more prone to heart attacks as a result of exhaustion, as were men who were widowed and middle-aged men. 

While things like diet and exercise certainly play a role in consumers’ heart attack risk, the researchers hope these findings expand the scope of risk factors for heart-related concerns. 

“Efforts to improve well-being and reduce stress at home and at work can help reduce vital exhaustion,” said Dr. Panov. “Involvement in community groups is one way to increase social support and become less vulnerable to stress. Together with a healthy lifestyle, these measures should be beneficial for heart health.” 

A new study conducted by researchers from Children’s Hospital Colorado has explored the risks associated with marijuana and breastfeeding. According to the researchers, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in marijuana that creates the feeling of being high, can last in women’s breast milk for up to six weeks. 

“With the increasing utilization of marijuana in society as a whole, we are seeing more mothers who use marijuana during pregnancy,” said researcher Dr. Erica Wymore. “However, given the lack of scientific data regarding how long THC persists in breast milk, it was challenging to provide mothers with a definitive answer regarding the safety of using marijuana while breastfeeding and simply ‘pumping and dumping’ until THC was no longer detectable in their milk.”

“With this study, we aimed to better understand this question by determining the amount and duration of THC excretion in breast milk among women with known prenatal marijuana use,” she added.  

Abstaining from marijuana

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from women who had a history of marijuana use before pregnancy and had delivered their babies between November 2016 and June 2019 at two Colorado hospitals. Four hundred women were eligible for the study, but only 25 enrolled and just seven successfully abstained from marijuana during the first six weeks post-delivery. 

Though these women weren’t using marijuana after giving birth, they all had reported using it during pregnancy or had tested positive for the drug at the time of delivery. Ultimately, the researchers learned that all seven women had traces of THC in their breast milk six weeks after giving birth. Though the levels of THC differed in each of the women, it remained detectable nearly two months later. 

Though the study didn’t look at the effects that THC can have on infants when passed through breast milk, the researchers say several earlier studies have identified the risks associated with women smoking marijuana during pregnancy. To reduce any potential negative health effects, they urge women to abstain from marijuana both during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. 

“This study was not about the impact marijuana has on babies, but we are concerned,” said Dr. Wymore. “Especially when we consider that today’s marijuana is five to six times higher in potency than what was available prior to recent marijuana legalization in many states.” 

Audi is recalling 238 model year 2019-2021 A8s and model year 2020-2021 S8s.

A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.

This could cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it if necessary.

The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin April 23, 20121.

Owners may contact Audi customer service at (800) 253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.

Ford Motor Company is recalling about 2.6 million of the following:

• Model year 2006-2012 Ford Fusion,
• Model year 2007-2010 Ford Edge,
• Model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger,
• Model year 2006-11 Mercury Milan,
• Model year 2006-12 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ, and
• Model year 2007-10 Lincoln MKX vehicles.

Takata driver-side front airbag inflators were installed as original equipment and contain a calcium sulfate desiccant.

Takata determined that desiccated propellant in these inflators may degrade after long-term exposure to high humidity and temperature cycling, which could cause an inflator to rupture during airbag deployment, resulting in serious injury or death.

What to do

Ford will contact owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side front airbag inflator or airbag module.

Owner notifications will begin the week of April 1, 2021.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 29,289,999 (29,158,244)

Total U.S. deaths: 530,962 (529,377)

Total global cases: 118,742,439 (118,222,254)

Total global deaths: 2,632,955 (2,623,286)

$1,400 payments to start flowing this weekend

Just hours after President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion coronavirus (COVID-19) spending bill, the White House said direct payments could start hitting Americans’ bank accounts this weekend. Under the measure, most Americans will receive payments of $1,400 from the government.

Individuals with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less and joint filers who earn $150,000 or less will get the $1,400 payments. Each dependent child will also get that amount, so a family of four would receive $5,600.

The payments start to phase out for individuals earning more than $75,000 and will cut off completely for anyone who makes more than $80,000.

Biden wants all adults vaccinated by May 1

President Biden is asking states to revamp eligibility requirements so that all adults in the U.S. can be vaccinated by May 1. The updated timeline comes as millions of seniors have been vaccinated and supplies of the three approved vaccines are being spread across the country.

“If we do this together, by July the Fourth, there’s a good chance you, your families, and friends will be able to get together in your backyard or in your neighborhood and have a cookout or a barbecue and celebrate Independence Day,” Biden said in a televised speech.

While upbeat in his tone, the president also cautioned that a return to normalcy will require some caution and common sense.

Scientists say some can skip the second vaccine dose

If you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19 and recovered, scientists say you may be able to skip the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Writing in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai said people who have had the virus gained a limited amount of immunity from their illness.

The researchers say the concentrations of antibodies protecting against COVID-19 in coronavirus survivors were 10 to 45 times higher than in those who had not been ill. Immune responses after the first dose didn't significantly differ between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines among the study participants.

Scientists say this could be an important finding since it would stretch the available supplies of the two vaccines that, under normal circumstances, require two shots.

The pandemic taught some money lessons

A new survey commissioned by Slickdeals, a social media shopping platform, shows a majority of Americans -- about 60 percent -- believe the year of living with the COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed their spending and shopping habits.

With movie theaters closed, as well as many bars and restaurants, consumers reported spending less money on entertainment. They also traveled less, resulting in an increase in savings.

However, they increased their spending on groceries, self-care products, household bills, takeout, and health care. They also paid down a record $83 billion in credit card debt.

Restaurants don’t expect much decline in drive-thru sales

With more states allowing restaurants to reopen and more people getting vaccinated, restaurant dining rooms may soon be close to normal occupancy. But the fast-food restaurant industry, which pivoted to enhanced drive-thru service during the pandemic, doesn’t expect much of a drop in business.

The Wall Street Journal reports that fast-food chains also have yet to show signs of backing away from their drive-thru strategy now that the end of the pandemic is in sight. It reports that chains like Sweetgreen and Shake Shack have announced plans to add drive-thru lanes in the coming months. 

Analysts say drive-thru service is highly efficient for fast-food outlets, allowing them to handle a large sales volume with fewer people. As dining rooms reopen, most restaurants will likely take additional cleaning and sanitation measures, which will eat into margins and make drive-thru sales more attractive.

Around the nation

• California: CVS Health has announced that it is adding COVID-19 vaccinations at 119 new sites across the state to help speed up the vaccine rollout. The company says the new sites could be in operation as early as Sunday.

• Michigan: In addition to the aid provided in the $1.9 trillion federal relief package, Michigan homeowners thrown out of work by the pandemic are getting some state assistance. The partnership was formed by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), at the request of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office, to provide uniform relief for homeowners financially affected by COVID-19.

• Washington: Gov. Jay Inslee has announced that all counties in the state will move to Phase 3 reopening on March 22. Under Phase 3, indoor spaces, like restaurants and movie theaters, can have 50 percent occupancy.

A trial conducted in the U.K. has found that Novavax Inc’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate is 96 percent effective in preventing cases of the original version of the virus. 

The company said Thursday that its analysis of more than 15,000 patients in the U.K found zero cases of severe illness or deaths among those who got the vaccine. The overall vaccine efficacy against both the original COVID-19 and the B.1.1.7 strain was slightly lower at 89.7 percent. 

“Importantly, both studies confirmed efficacy against the variant strains,” said Novavax CEO Stanley C. Erck, in a statement. 

Novavax also conducted a smaller trial in South Africa and found that in HIV-negative participants, the vaccine was around 55.4 percent effective against the newer, more contagious variant that has been spreading there and in other parts of the world. 

“The complete analysis shows that vaccine-induced protection began 14 days after dose 1 – although increased efficacy was observed seven days after dose 2, the primary endpoint for the study,” according to Novavax.

Third trial planned

In late February, Novavax recruited 30,000 participants for a third trial in the United States. The results of the trial are expected this summer. 

“We are very encouraged by the data showing that NVX-CoV2373 not only provided complete protection against the most severe forms of disease, but also dramatically reduced mild and moderate disease across both trials,” Erck said. 

“Today marks one year since the WHO officially declared the COVID-19 pandemic, and with this data in hand, we are even more motivated to advance our vaccine as a potential weapon in the fight to end the suffering caused by COVID-19.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected consumers both physically and mentally, and several recent studies have focused on the mental health concerns that have emerged or worsened over the last year.   

Now, a new study has found that health care workers worldwide have been struggling with their mental health since the start of the pandemic. The report showed that anxiety, depression, and PTSD have all steadily increased among those in the medical field. 

Increasing mental health concerns 

The researchers analyzed 65 global studies on health care workers’ mental health. Their work included data starting from December 2019 and running through August 2020; it encompassed information on more than 97,000 health care workers in nearly two dozen countries. 

The findings showed that health care workers’ mental health has taken a hit since the start of the pandemic. Anxiety was the most prevalent concern among the participants, as more than 22 percent of health care workers experienced a spike in anxiety as the pandemic progressed. Similarly, both PTSD and depression were identified in more than 21 percent of the health care workers involved in the study. 

On a global scale, the researchers explained that less than five percent of people struggle with depression and generalized anxiety disorders. These findings highlight just how much of a toll the pandemic has taken on those who have been working on the front lines. 

The researchers hope that these findings spark changes in the health care field so that mental health services are made more widely available to those who need them. 

Finding healthy coping skills

With stress levels higher than ever, several recent studies have looked at ways that consumers can learn to manage their mental health concerns. 

Having pets and spending time outdoors have both been found to be effective ways of dealing with depression and anxiety during the pandemic, while other studies have found that establishing healthy coping skills or adopting breathing techniques can also be beneficial for mental health. 

Verizon has announced that it’s expanding its 5G home internet service availability to 10 new cities this month. 

Verizon’s 5G home internet service will launch March 18 in parts of Cleveland, OH; Las Vegas, NV; Louisville, KY; Omaha, NE and San Diego, CA. On March 25, the service will become available in parts of Charlotte, NC; Cincinnati, OH; Hartford, CT; Kansas City, MO and Salt Lake City, UT.

Verizon says its 5G home internet service boasts typical download speeds of around 300 Mbps and max speeds of up to 1 Gbps with no data caps. It comes with an “Internet Gateway” device that consumers can set up on their own. 

Initially the service was only available to consumers in a handful of cities because Verizon wanted to wait to receive newer, more powerful equipment that was capable of receiving 5G signals from transmitters significantly farther away. 

The carrier’s 5G home internet service has no annual contract and costs $50 per month with a Verizon mobile plan, or $70 per month for non-Verizon customers. 

T-Mobile said this week that its own version of the service will launch before the end of this month. The company says it’s aiming to boost average download speeds to 400Mbps this year and to extend the service to 7-8 million customers over the course of the next five years. 

President Biden’s Labor Department has blocked Trump administration rules that would make it easier to classify workers as independent contractors. 

The rules, which were published January 7 in the Federal Register and set to take effect this week, stated that workers should be considered contractors if they are able to control their own schedules, have a lack of direct supervision, and freedom to work for other companies. 

Uber and Lyft drivers, for example, would not be entitled to overtime and minimum wages because they have flexibility. Now, the proposed rules have been put on hold until May 7, when the Labor Department will review them again.

Debate over driver classification

The Labor Department’s action could potentially lead to new challenges to California’s AB5 legislation, which took effect last year. Under AB5, workers must be treated as employees if they work in the same business as the company that pays them. 

Uber and Lyft pushed back against the legislation in the form of a $205 million campaign. The ride-hailing firms ultimately passed Proposition 22 and were allowed to continue classifying their drivers as contractors. Although AB5 remains in place, it’s possible that the Labor Department could eventually classify drivers as employees. 

In a statement, Uber said it “looks forward to working with the Biden administration and the Department of Labor on this rule-making to ensure independent workers have access to new benefits and protections they deserve.”

There’s good news for Chrome users who think Google’s internet browser is slow and a memory hog. The company says it’s made some big time improvements in the efficiency column with Chrome 89, the newest version of its browser that was released earlier this month. 

Those improvements are supposed to be good for users on Mac machines, Windows computers, or Android phones. However, Google made no mention of any improvements specifically for Apple iOS (e.g. iPhones and iPads) users.

Chrome 89 is the second update Google’s made on its legacy browser this year. In January, it released version 88, which was focused mostly on security fixes.

What Google claims will be better

Google’s laundry list of improvements is a little deep in the weeds technically-speaking, but here’s what you can expect:

Memory improvements on Windows and Mac computers: In Chrome M89, Google says it’s seeing “significant memory savings” of up to 22 percent on Windows machines. To make that happen, the company is “discarding” memory that the open tab is not actively using, such as big images you’ve scrolled off screen. 

When it comes to Mac computers, Chrome is also shrinking its memory footprint in background tabs and says it’s seeing up to 8 percent memory savings. “Finally, with more data from the field on tab throttling, we’re seeing up to 65 percent improvement on Apple Energy Impact score for tabs in the background, keeping your Mac cooler and those fans quiet,” wrote Mark Chang, the company’s Chrome Product Manager.

Improvements on Chrome for Android: Google says it’s “repackaged” Chrome on Android so that users who were frustrated by occasional crashes should see those misgivings happen less. In addition, the company claims there’s a 5 percent improvement in memory usage, 7.5 percent faster startup times, and up to 2 percent faster page loads. 

For Android users who bought the latest Android devices (Android Q+ and 8GB+ of RAM), Google says those metrics will be even better.

“Finally, we’ve built a way for Chrome on Android to start up 13 percent faster,” Change says, citing the use of “Freeze-Dried Tabs.” “Chrome now saves a lightweight version of your tabs that are similar in size to a screenshot, but support scrolling, zooming, and tapping on links. We use these Freeze-Dried Tabs at startup while the actual tab loads in the background, getting you to your pages faster.” 

A special heads-up to everyone who shares their Netflix accounts with friends and relatives: The streaming video service is testing a new policy regarding the sharing of accounts. In the test, a group of customers will get a prompt to sign up for a separate account if they aren’t watching with the actual subscriber.

The message reads: “If you don’t live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching.” 

It’s important to note that the Netflix police aren’t on the prowl and this isn’t a full-fledged crackdown… yet. But the company has made noise about this before. A Netflix spokesperson told The Streamable that the tests will only be on TV devices and that they are “designed to help ensure that people using Netflix accounts are authorized to do so.”  

The household issue

The company didn’t say if users in the test must all be using the same IP address to be considered in the same “household,” but the company’s terms of use specifically state that an account can only be shared with members of your household. 

“The Netflix service and any content viewed through our service are for your personal and non-commercial use only and may not be shared with individuals beyond your household,” it reads.

Netflix has long had a tight stance on sharing passwords and accounts. "We expect that Netflix is a household level purchase, and that sharing with members of the household is a reasonable thing to do," Neil Hunt, Netflix's Chief Product Manager, told Digital Spy back in 2016. Drilling down on what is and what isn’t a “household,” Hunt gave an example that many families are likely to run into.

"When the kids go off to college, are they going to use that login? Well, that's probably OK, but when the kids go off and form their own household, they want the control of having their own account, so eventually that turns into a new revenue stream for us there as well."

Hunt said that the company expects the service will be shared “within the household,” but admitted that you're unlikely to get a slap on the wrist for pushing the envelope a little.

"I don't think we are obsessed with enforcing compliance with a one-household-per-account constraint. Because, in reality, it's a high-value programme, so that's what people are going to do,” he said.

Despite the economic hardship brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Americans paid an average of $41,066 for a new car or truck in February, according to data compiled by Kelley Blue Book (KBB).

February’s average transaction price (ATP) was an increase of $2,515 -- about 6 percent -- from February 2020.

"February's average transaction price performance year-over-year has continued to climb," said Kayla Reynolds, industry intelligence analyst at Cox Automotive, KBB’s parent company. "On the other hand, month-over-month performance showcases the impact of the luxury and non-luxury mix in the market -- with more than half of the luxury vehicle segments reporting drops in transaction prices from January 2021."

Sales of luxury brands may have been lower, but the ATP surged on increased sales of more expensive trucks and SUVs. Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler, saw the biggest increase in its ATP, rising more than 12 percent to $45,653.

Dodge, Fiat, and Ram lead the way

Stellantis' success largely rode on the Dodge, Fiat, and Ram brands, all of which were in the top five for year-over-year brand transaction price increases. Sales of the Dodge Durango were higher over 2020 and also benefited from being the highest priced vehicle in the brand's lineup. 

Stellantis customers also paid more for Ram pickups, with the ATP jumping about 10 percent over last February. With the absence of the more moderately-priced Dodge Caravan -- which was retired in 2020 -- Stellantis’ revenue per sale grew.

The company could grow its ATP even more in the coming year with the introduction this week of the Jeep Wagoneer. The rugged and economical utility vehicle manufactured between 1963 and 1993 is being reborn as a fully loaded luxury SUV that can have a sticker price approaching $100,000.

Bargains

Consumers searching for a bargain last month spent a lot less at their Mitsubishi dealer. For the second month in a row, Mitsubishi's two highest-priced models --the Eclipse Cross and Outlander -- suffered a decline in sales, dropping the brand’s ATP by nearly 7 percent.

The average price paid for a Ford car or truck rose more than 9 percent last month, followed closely by Honda. Nissan customers paid more than 3 percent less for a new car or truck.

In terms of vehicle types, consumers paid nearly 15 percent more for a minivan in February than they did a year earlier. The biggest decline was for a high-performance car, with the ATP falling more than 6 percent.

A new study conducted by researchers from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute explored some of the best practices and risks related to taking kids’ blood pressure readings.

According to the team, it’s important for health care professionals to measure kids’ blood pressure in both arms to get the best accuracy. 

They explained that just taking the reading on one arm can misdiagnose kids’ risk of having high blood pressure; however, after reading both arms, doctors can make a clearer assessment of kids’ health. 

“Misdiagnosis could occur when the blood pressure difference is greater than about 5 mmHg, but one in seven healthy children had a difference greater than 10 mmHg, which could lead to a failure to identify stage one or two hypertension,” said researcher Melanie Clarke. 

“Given blood pressure measured in a child’s right and left arm are often different, it’s important to take measurements in both arms to make a correct diagnosis,” she said. “Accurate blood pressure assessment in kids is critical for identifying the potential risk for damage to the heart and blood vessels, which can lead to early-onset cardiovascular disease.” 

Making a correct diagnosis

The researchers had 118 kids between the ages of seven and 18 participate in the study. The team measured the participants’ blood pressure in both arms, analyzed the differences in the readings, and then focused on the significance behind those differences. 

The study showed that 25 percent of the kids involved in the study with no previous heart conditions showed a significant difference in their blood pressure readings between their two arms. This is important because if a doctor only measures one arm, they’re not getting the complete picture. Kids who have high blood pressure, or who are at risk of having high blood pressure, could be missed because if doctors don’t get all the data that’s available to them.

“There are good clinical reasons for measuring blood pressure in both arms in children and adolescents in the evaluation of hypertension and this study provides clear support for this approach,” said researcher Gary Jennings. 

The researchers also learned that the difference in readings was even more common in kids who had a history with heart concerns. This makes it all the more necessary for doctors to check both of kids’ arms to ensure that they’re delivering the most accurate course of treatment. Having high blood pressure during childhood can often lead to high blood pressure in adulthood, so it’s important for parents, kids, and their doctors to know the risks.

“We know high blood pressure is common in adults but many people don’t realize how common it is in kids too,” said Mynard. “More work needs to be done to draw attention to the problem of childhood hypertension and its long-term consequences.” 

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic depressed gasoline prices for most of 2020 but now that the pandemic is a year old, gas prices are surging.

The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.83 a gallon, eight cents higher than a week ago. But the price has risen 32 cents in the last month and is around 50 cents higher than a year ago.

The average price of premium gas is $3.41 a gallon, five cents higher than seven days ago. The average price of diesel fuel is $3.04, four cents higher than last week.

A number of factors are pushing prices at the pump higher. Oil prices have been rising since the start of 2021 and traders are betting the economy will explode in the next couple of months. Demand for gasoline has also increased recently as more people are venturing out.

But AAA also points to a sharp decline in refinery output, which has reduced the supply of gasoline at the time demand is increasing. Refinery utilization dropped last week to the lowest point on record.

As a result, eight states -- California, Hawaii, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and Alaska -- now have statewide average gas prices that are more than $3 a gallon.

“With crude oil prices back on the rise, we could see the national average climb towards $2.90 this spring with some relief by early summer,” said Jeanette McGee, AAA’s spokesperson. “The last time we saw the national average flirt with $3 was nearly three years ago in May 2018. At that time, crude was averaging about $71 per barrel.”

The states with the most expensive gas

These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

• California ($3.78)

• Hawaii ($3.53)

• Washington ($3.22)

• Nevada ($3.25)

• Arizona ($3.07)

• Pennsylvania ($3.01)

• Oregon ($3.06)

• Alaska ($3.04)

• Illinois ($2.99)

• New Jersey ($2.90)

The states with the cheapest regular gas

The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

• Mississippi ($2.50)

• Louisiana ($2.54)

• Texas ($2.57)

• Missouri ($2.64)

• Alabama ($2.65)

• South Carolina ($2.58)

• Arkansas ($2.60)

• Oklahoma ($2.64)

• Tennessee ($2.61)

• North Carolina ($2.62)

General Motors is recalling 33,838 of the following vehicles:

• Model year 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL,
• Model year 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana,
• Model year 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and

Certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles.

The tires were cured for too long during production.

Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss.

Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them -- as necessary -- free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021.

Owners may contact GMC customer service at (888) 988-7267, Buick customer service at (866) 608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at (800) 222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at (800) 458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.

Polaris of Medina, Minn., is recalling about 16,500 Model Year 2020-2021 RANGER 1000, RANGER CREW 1000, RANGER XP 1000, and RANGER CREW XP 1000 and Model Year 2020 ProXD 2000G, ProXD 2000G H, ProXD 4000G and ProXD 4000G H vehicles.

The throttle pedal can return to the idle position more slowly than anticipated once the pedal is released or stick in the depressed position, posing a crash hazard.

The firm The firm has received 52 reports of throttle pedals returning to the idle position slowly or sticking, including six reports of vehicle crashes resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves model year 2020-2021 RANGER 1000, RANGER CREW 1000, RANGER XP 1000, and RANGER CREW XP 1000 recreational off-highway vehicles and model year 2020 ProXD 2000G, ProXD 2000G H, ProXD 4000G, and ProXD 4000G H off-road utility vehicles.

The vehicles were sold in black, blue, burgundy, camo, gray, green, orange, red, sand, tan, titanium, and white.

The RANGER vehicles have three or six seats and the ProXD vehicles have two or four seats. Both have “POLARIS” stamped on the front grille.

The model number and VIN are printed on a portion of the left rear frame (on the driver’s side of the vehicle) under the cargo box.

The vehicles, manufactured in the U.S and Mexico, were sold at Polaris dealers nationwide from April 2020, through January 2021, for between $13,000 and $31,000.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is notifying all dealers and contacting registered owners directly.

Consumers may contact Polaris at (800) 765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday or online at https://www.polaris.com/en-us/off-road-recalls/ to check their vehicle identification number “VIN” or go to “Product Safety Recalls” page to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls, or https://www.polaris.com/en-us/recalls/off-road/.