Volkswagen is preparing to cut as many as 100,000 jobs over the coming years and close four factories in Germany.—ft.com Last year, Volkswagen produced and sold approximately 8.98 million vehicles worldwide. The company is adjusting its production capacity to build 500,000 fewer cars at its European factories.—wsj.com In China, the expected launch of many new … Continue reading Volkswagen to Cut Jobs and Close Factories

Meteorologists are warning of an extreme winter storm. As temperatures are expected to fall, U.S. residents will need more natural gas to heat their homes. Very low temperatures can also disrupt gas pipelines. A huge decrease in storage is expected. Natural gas prices are at their highest since 2022.—cnn.com  

BP’s gas project on the Mauritania–Senegal maritime border, a prime fishing area, created a 500-meter exclusion zone over a natural reef, rich in fish. Fisherman income has dropped significantly. BP pledged eight artificial reefs to restore their livelihood.—bbc.com

The historic Dutch village of Zaanse Schans, famous for its windmills, attracts millions of tourists—2.6 million last year alone—despite having only 100 residents. Tourists trample gardens, invade privacy, and cause overcrowding that diminishes everyone’s enjoyment. The local council will charge each tourist €17.50 ($20.50) beginning next spring.—bbc.com

In the UAE, slowing down to watch a crash can result in a fine of up to 1,000 dirhams, the equivalent of $270 U.S. dollars. The curiosity to watch a car accident delays ambulances, endangers lives, and prevents other drivers from reaching their destinations on time.—khaleejtimes.com

The extra fee at the grocery store for a plastic shopping bag is reducing the amount of bags being used.  Plastic pollution from shoppers not only diminishes the enjoyment of nature but also harms marine animals that ingest plastic bags, often resulting in starvation and death.—cnn.com

President Biden announced that $4 billion in federal funding will help replace the 150-year-old Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel. The tunnel is a major bottleneck for Amtrak, Maryland commuter trains, and freight rail traffic. Once completed, capacity in the tunnel will nearly triple.—washingtonpost.com