Americans aren't buying them and Trump wants to take away their $7,500 tax credit — but General Motors CEO Mary Barra still thinks electric vehicles are the future. Never mind the $888 million her own company just poured into gas-powered V-8 engines — Barra seems to think they'll go the way of the dinosaurs sooner rather than later. Car brands need to pick a lane: Build what consumers want, not what bureaucrats demand."I see a path to all EV," she announced at the Wall Street Journal's Future of Everything conference late last month. "I do believe we'll get there because I think the vehicles are better.” Barra's commitment to phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035 has made GM one of the frontrunners in the EV race.Consumer doubtsMeanwhile, actual consumers still bring up the rear. A recent AAA survey reveals that 63% of Americans are skeptical about EVs, citing high costs, higher insurance premiums, and inadequate charging infrastructure.Then, there's that almost billon-dollar investment in gas-guzzlers. Something tells us Barra's not exactly putting her money where her mouth is. Can she have it both ways? As some automakers resist the all-EV push and others cling to outdated mandates, the auto industry is at a crossroads. Let’s unpack the contradictory strategy, consumer hesitancy, and the brands charting their own paths in this high-stakes debate. This could impact the economy, your driving choices, and where you spend your money..RELATED: Introducing 'Quick Fix': Practical answers to all your car questions Blaze MediaThe rubber meets the roadBarra has positioned GM as an EV leader, boasting, “We have more EVs in the market right now than anyone else in this country.” GM’s lineup includes nine electric models, such as the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ, and GMC Hummer EV, with four more planned.The Equinox EV, priced around $35,000, aims to make EVs accessible to everyone. To support this, GM has invested $35 billion through 2025 in EV and autonomous vehicle development, including a battery cells factory outside Nashville. In contrast, last December, GM announced it would sell its stake in the Ultium Cells plant in Lansing, Michigan, to LG Energy Solution. Partnerships with EVgo and Pilot Company aim to expand fast-charging stations, with Barra asserting, “Charging is just going to continue to get better.” GM has dropped the “Ultium” brand name for EV batteries.Hedging betsYet, GM’s actions tell a different story. In a surprising move, the company announced an $888 million investment in its Tonawanda Propulsion plant, outside of Buffalo, New York, to produce the sixth generation of V-8 engines for full-size trucks and SUVs.These engines promise stronger performance, better fuel economy, and lower emissions through new combustion and thermal management innovations. This follows a $579 million investment in January 2023 to upgrade the Flint Engine plant for the same V-8 engines, marking Tonawanda as the second facility to produce them. Barra defended the move, saying, “Our significant investments in GM’s Tonawanda Propulsion plant show our commitment to strengthening American manufacturing and supporting jobs in the U.S.” She added that the Buffalo plant, operational for 87 years, will deliver “world-class trucks and SUVs to our customers for years to come.”This dual strategy raises questions. Is GM truly committed to an all-electric future, or is Barra hedging her bets to meet consumer demand for gas-powered vehicles? Consumers might argue she’s trying to have it both ways — pushing a government-favored EV agenda while quietly acknowledging that Americans still want gas trucks and SUVs. Barra’s claim of “choice” feels like a nod to market freedom, but it’s hard to ignore the influence of past presidential administrations’ heavy-handed EV mandates. If GM is serious about consumer choice, why not let the market — not bureaucrats — set the pace?'No' to top-down mandatesAmericans aren’t buying the EV hype. AAA’s latest survey shows only 16% of U.S. adults are “very likely” or “likely” to buy an EV as their next car, the lowest interest since 2019. Meanwhile, 63% are “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to go electric, up from 51% last year. Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering, noted, “While the automotive industry is committed to long-term electrification and providing a diverse range of models, underlying consumer hesitation remains.”The reasons are clear: high battery repair costs (62%) and purchase price (59%) top the list. AAA’s "Your Driving Costs 2024" analysis confirms EVs’ higher upfront costs, despite long-term savings. Additionally, 57% see EVs as unsuitable for long-distance travel, 56% cite insufficient public charging stations, and 55% fear range anxiety. Safety concerns trouble 31%, 27% struggle with home charging (especially in apartments), and 12% worry about losing tax credits.These numbers reflect a market rejecting top-down mandates. Consumers aren’t anti-EV — they’re anti-being told what to buy when the infrastructure and affordability aren’t there. Barra’s EV push aligns with policies mandated by past administrations, but her V-8 investment suggests she knows the market isn’t ready to abandon gas. This contradiction exposes a flaw in centrally planned transitions: You can’t force consumers to want what doesn’t work for them.Hybrid theoryWhile GM straddles both worlds, other automakers are rejecting the all-EV narrative. Toyota has been vocal about its skepticism, focusing on hybrids like the Prius, which deliver fuel efficiency without charging hassles. Toyota’s investment in hydrogen fuel cells for semi-trucks positions it as a pioneer in alternatives to battery EVs. RELATED: Toyota, Jeep, and the big emissions scam Camerique/Getty ImagesMazda, with its MX-30 EV, prioritizes gas engine improvements and hybrids, citing battery production costs and environmental concerns. Subaru, offering the Solterra EV, emphasizes hybrids and awaits better charging infrastructure.Hyundai is navigating the shifting auto landscape with a pragmatic strategy that prioritizes consumer demand over government mandates, a move drivers can applaud. The company’s $7.6 billion Metaplant in Georgia is now expanding to include hybrids, with Kia models joining the lineup in 2026. Hyundai’s focus on hybrids, like the 2026 Palisade, reflects growing demand for fuel-efficient options that don’t rely on sparse charging infrastructure. Meanwhile, Hyundai continues to produce gas-powered vehicles, recognizing that internal combustion engines still dominate consumer preferences in many markets. Unlike GM’s Barra, who pushes an all-EV future while investing in gas engines, Hyundai’s approach avoids hypocrisy by openly embracing a mix of EVs, hybrids, and gas vehicles. This flexibility shields Hyundai from policy swings — like potential tariff hikes or the loss of EV subsidies — while giving drivers the freedom to choose what fits their lives, not what bureaucrats dictate.Stellantis, parent of Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Chrysler, balances plug-in hybrids like the Jeep Wrangler 4XE with gas vehicles, catering to diverse consumer needs. These brands are listening to the market, not bureaucrats. By offering hybrids and gas options, they’re giving consumers what they want — freedom to choose — while GM’s $888 million V-8 investment suggests even Barra knows gas isn’t going away soon. In addition, GM currently does not offer a hybrid powertrain in its vehicles. This resistance to EV mandates reflects buyers' common sense: Let the market, not the government, decide what drives America.The road to freedom?Barra’s vision for 2035 is ambitious, but her actions betray uncertainty. GM’s EV efforts for affordable models, batteries, and charging partnerships are serious, but the $1.4 billion combined investment in V-8 engines for Tonawanda and Flint shows she’s not ready to abandon gas. AAA’s survey proves consumers aren’t convinced, and brands like Toyota, Stellantis, Mazda, Hyundai, and others are betting on hybrids to bridge the gap. Car brands need to pick a lane: Build what consumers want, not what bureaucrats demand.If you’re eyeing an EV, the lineup is diverse, but AAA’s data urges caution. Can you charge reliably? Can you afford the cost? Does the range work for your life? If not, you’re among the 63% holding back — and that’s your right. You're in the driver's seat; where you go should be up to you — not bureaucrats.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey made abundantly clear to radicals during a press conference on Thursday that Florida handles rioters a whole lot differently than authorities on the West Coast, underscoring that violence will be met with violence, and the odds are not in radicals' favor.Sheriff Ivey, flanked by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, noted at the outset that Americans are moving to the Sunshine State in record numbers, in part, "because they know their families will be safe here, their businesses will be safe. They won't have to contend with what we're seeing in places like Los Angeles and New York and Chicago."Ivey indicated that this coveted safety is the result, in part, of Florida law enforcement's approach to crime and the state AG's support for law enforcement.'We will be notifying one of your family members where to collect your remains.'Uthmeier announced Thursday that violence and intimidation against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will not be tolerated and indicated he had directed the Florida Highway Patrol to partner with federal law enforcement to ensure that Florida-based federal agents doxxed by radicals have a direct line of communication with local FHP leadership. The Florida AG also instructed FHP to have troopers conduct routine welfare checks on doxxed agents' residences to ensure their safety and the safety of their families."Border Patrol and ICE agents enforcing immigration law deserve protection from leftists trying to harm them," Uthmeier said in a statement. "If the left doxxes these agents, we will have their backs. Whether you make the poor choice to riot or publish an agent’s personal information online to bring harm, you are committing a crime in Florida. We will find you and hold you accountable."Sheriff Ivey noted that peaceful protest is welcome and "part of our democracy" and that peaceful protesters will enjoy the protection of law enforcement."If you let it turn violent, hoo," continued Ivey. "You do not want to do that in Brevard County."RELATED: Kamala, Newsom, AOC outed: Leaked DHS memo claims they back violent illegal aliens over Americans ans Photo by BENJAMIN HANSON/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images"If you resist lawful orders, you're going to jail. Let me be very clear about that. If you block an intersection or a roadway in Brevard County, you are going to jail. If you flee arrest, you are going to go to jail tired because we are going to run you down," continued the sheriff. "If you try to mob-rule a car in Brevard County — gathering around it, refusing to let the driver leave — in our county, you're most likely going to get run over and dragged across the street. If you spit on us, you are going to the hospital and then jail. If you hit one of us, you are going to the hospital and jail — and most likely, get bitten by one of our big, beautiful dogs."Ivey kept working his way down his list of promises, adding, "If you throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying one of your family members where to collect your remains at because we will kill you, graveyard dead. We're not going to play."'We must stand for law and order.'The sheriff expressed disgust over the attacks on law enforcement further afield, especially the attacks on ICE agents in Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's California."Go protest all you want. Do it peacefully," said Ivey. "But don't you dare break the law."There are a handful of "No Kings" uprisings planned for Saturday in Brevard County. The protests, championed by billionaire Walmart heiress Christy Walton and backed by numerous radical groups and NGOs, are billed as a "response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration."Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in an interview Tuesday that his state has taken a decidedly different approach to illegal aliens and leftist violence than California."California under [Newsom's] leadership is the Shangri-la of sanctuary states. They invite illegals in. They pay for their health care. They give them in-state tuition. Obviously, they don't cooperate with ICE, but they're taking it to a whole new level," said DeSantis. "The governor of California and the mayor — part of it's ineptitude, but part of it's by design — are actually siding with the people who are creating the unrest.""We must stand for law and order," stated DeSantis.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

I’ve often wondered what our Founding Fathers would think of their great American experiment. Imagine George Washington strolling down the Las Vegas Strip, Thomas Jefferson riding the Tennessee Tornado at Dollywood, or John Adams catching a “throwed roll” at Lamberts in Missouri. Would they be awestruck by the Independence Day fireworks in New York City? Or cheer at the Super Bowl? Would they marvel at the soaring Gateway Arch in St. Louis? Or the majesty of the Rocky Mountains? Would Betsy Ross wash down a Moon Pie with an R.C. Cola? ‘The greatness of America doesn’t begin in Washington,’ Ronald Reagan said. ‘It begins with each of you — in the mighty spirit of free people under God.’On the last day of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked if we had a republic or a monarchy? “A republic, if you can keep it,” he was said to reply. Without a doubt, America is the most exceptional nation in the world. In the face of great adversity and insurmountable odds, we have overcome. And we have been blessed. And that’s why I set out on a mission with my friend Michelle Cox to write “Star-Spangled Blessings: Devotions for Patriots.” It’s a collection of stories about how God has lavished our country with a bounty of star-spangled blessings. That’s not to say that our great nation has not been through some squabbles. We’ve had more than a few — and some were doozies. We’ve made lots of mistakes, but we’ve also righted many wrongs. Perseverance is a word that has defined us over the years. Franklin Roosevelt announcing to the nation about a date that would live in infamy. Walter Cronkite relaying to the nation a shocking bulletin from Dallas. President George W. Bush standing on a pile of rubble at Ground Zero with a bullhorn.Yet, amid great tragedy, our nation has always found strength in almighty God — our defender and our protector. President Trump knows of that strength, that divine intervention. He survived not one but two assassination attempts. “Many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason. And that reason was to save our country and to restore America to greatness, and now we are going to fulfill that mission together,” he said during a speech in 2024. I vividly recall watching as the shots rang out in Butler County, Pennsylvania. My heart stopped as Trump dropped to the stage. But then, he rose up, and with blood streaming down his face, he thrust his fist into the air and shouted, “Fight, fight, fight!”President Trump would then urge Americans to read their Bibles, to get back to church, and to pray. “Let’s make America pray again,” he said. The president caught quite a bit of grief from the atheists and the Democrats for that altar call.“Religion and Christianity are the biggest things missing from this country, and I truly believe that we need to bring them back, and we have to bring them back fast,” the president said at the time. “I think it's one of the biggest problems we have. That’s why our country is going haywire. We've lost religion in our country. All Americans need a Bible in their home, and I have many. It's my favorite book. It's a lot of people's favorite book.”Now, that’ll preach, as we say back home in Tennessee.RELATED: The art of prayer: How to unleash its power Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty ImagesSure, we have lost our way in this country. We’ve been so focused on taking back Congress and the White House that we forgot to take care of our homes and our communities.Ronald Reagan said it best in 1984 when he told the nation that “the greatness of America doesn’t begin in Washington. It begins with each of you — in the mighty spirit of free people under God, in the bedrock values you live by each day in your families, neighborhoods, and workplaces.”As I write in “Star-Spangled Blessings,” we must return to the faith of our founders. A faith that compelled George Washington to pray on bended knee at Valley Forge. A faith that compelled John Adams to petition the almighty to bless those who resided in the White House. A faith that compelled Franklin Roosevelt to ask Americans to pray for a spiritual awakening. It’s that sort of American spirit that has resonated with people across the fruited plain. These are moments that define us as a nation.Lee Greenwood, the singer-songwriter who penned “God Bless the USA,” is a friend of mine, and his anthem to the land of the free and the home of the brave still brings a tear to my eye as I write these words from the hills of Tennessee.And I suspect that if America’s founders were here today, they would love this land from sea to shining sea. And they would join their fellow countrymen in asking God to bless the USA.

In music, careers can turn on a dime. In 1972, his career turned when he was asked to join the Stones' fifth American tour. The post Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground on ’72 Stones Tour appeared first on Best Classic Bands.

AMD has just quietly launched a new budget gaming CPU with 3D V-cache, and you won’t need a brand new Socket AM5 motherboard to run it either. The new AMD Ryzen 5 5500X3D has six cores and is based on the aging Zen 3 architecture, with lower clock speeds than the 5600X3D, but that huge extra helping of cache is still likely to make it a decent gaming chip. Is there a catch? Why, of course there is. As we found in our AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D review, that massive 64MB slice of cache can have a significant impact on gaming performance, making this eight-core chip the best gaming CPU you can buy right now, and this new AMD CPU could end up being a great budget upgrade option for owners of older Socket AM4 systems. In fact, even if your motherboard is a first-gen Ryzen model from 2017, there’s still a good chance you’ll be able to update the BIOS and install this new CPU. Continue reading Meet the AMD Ryzen 5 5500X3D, a new budget gaming CPU with a big catch MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Ryzen 7 9800X3D review, Best gaming CPU, Radeon RX 9070 XT review

I can say with confidence that of everything I went hands-on with at Summer Game Fest, nothing got me as animated as Crimson Desert. On the one hand, I was snorting with glee at the RPG’s ridiculous but satisfying combat inspired by fighting games. On the other hand, its baffling mechanics led to arguably my most impassioned and lengthy rant of the entire event. Continue reading Crimson Desert's new demo wowed me, but this medieval RPG still needs work MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best action games, Best fantasy games, Best action-adventure-games

Defanging the Iranian regime, if successful, will contribute to a more stable and peaceful status quo in the region.

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For a little over a decade now, video game remasters have found a place of prevalence alongside regular new releases. Some of these remasters are half-baked cash-grabs trying to keep what is effectively still a new game in the public eye a little longer.