Scientists have identified a previously unknown group of polar bears in southeast Greenland living in an environment with relatively little sea ice, potentially pointing toward a way to preserve some of the iconic species as Arctic sea ice melts.
Why it matters: The research suggests polar bears can live in a wider variety of conditions than scientists previously thought — and, some scientists say, raises the possibility that some groups of polar bears in select locations could be more resistant to global warming's sweeping changes.
Driving the news: For some models, the price hikes are the fourth of the year, Reuters reported Thursday citing information from brokerage Credit Suisse.
Tesla officials, including CEO Elon Musk, spoke of material cost and price increases in April during the company's quarterly earnings call with analysts.
An ongoing La Niña event in the tropical Pacific Ocean is at near record intensity for this time of year and could extend its streak into a rare third fall and winter season, according to forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Why it matters: La Niña, which is characterized by cooler than average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, has repercussions for the Atlantic hurricane season.
Baby formula manufacturer Abbott announced late Wednesday it has paused production at its plant in Sturgis, Michigan, due to a severe storm system that caused flooding.
Why it matters: The U.S. has faced a baby formula shortage because of supply chain issues compounded by the earlier closure of Abbott's Sturgis facility after an FDA product recall. The plant resumed production of EleCare and other specialty and metabolic formulas on June 4.
The California Public Utilities Commission announced plans Wednesday to fine three state utility companies more than $22 million in total for the "poor execution" of power shutoffs aimed at preventing wildfires in 2020.
Driving the news: The CPUC proposed fining Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) $12 million, Southern California Edison $10 million and San Diego Gas & Electric $24,000 and ordered the companies to take corrective action, per a statement from the regulator.
Ford is recalling 2.9 million vehicles due to a rollaway risk, per AP.
Why it matters: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received multiple reports of property damage and injuries potentially related to the problem.
More than 100 million people are under heat warnings and advisories Wednesday, as an "extensive" heat wave is expected to bring above-normal to record-breaking temperatures in many places from Michigan to northern Florida, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The big picture: The heat wave is expected bring with it thunderstorms along its periphery, making "several tornadoes, large to very large hail, and damaging winds all appear likely" across parts of the Upper Midwest into Upper Michigan, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
Why it matters: Aviation is a rapidly growing source of greenhouse emissions, including carbon dioxide, and has not been subjected to federal regulations under the Clean Air Act or other statutes.
Why it matters: The EPA now believes, based on newly available science, that certain types of these chemicals are more dangerous than previously thought.
General Motors' VC arm is the lead investor on a $10 million Series A funding round for Wind Catching Systems, a Norwegian startup looking to commercialize next-wave floating offshore wind designs.
Why it matters: It's GM Ventures' first funding for a renewable power startup and a move that the auto giant calls complementary to its widening rollout of electric cars.
President Biden will warn CEOs of the nation's largest oil companies on Wednesday that he's considering invoking emergency powers to boost U.S. refinery output, according to a letter obtained by Axios.
Why it matters: Biden's direct engagement with the oil giants is part of an ongoing White House effort to tame fuel prices despite limited options — and cast oil companies as responsible for consumers' higher bills.
"Immediate action" is needed to avoid a water supply crisis next year because of the Colorado River's depleted reservoirs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's chief, Camille Calimlim Touton.
What's happening: Superintendent Cam Sholly said about a dozen campers were still in the backcountry of the park that straddles three states, but the park has contacted them and while they were ready to leave by helicopter this hadn't been needed yet, WBAL-TV reports.
