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Friday, April 11, 2025

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China raises tariffs on U.S. to 125% as 'tit-for-tat' trade war escalates; Victory in federal court for northern ID grizzlies; MD's local libraries brace for federal funding cuts; MS residents' outcry prompts Social Security Admin. to reverse course on phone service cuts.

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Speaker Johnson says safety net programs will be "protected" in House budget. Secretary of State Rubio defends the administration's revoking of hundreds of student visas, and rural libraries could close as federal funding is cut.

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Trump's tariffs sow doubt and stress for America's farmers, rural Democrats want working class voters back in the fold, and a cancelled local food program for kids worries folks in Maine.

Survey: Fuel efficiency top of mind for AR car shoppers

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Friday, February 7, 2025   

Americans continue to see improving fuel economy as the most significant change they want from vehicle manufacturers when they offer new products.

A new Consumer Reports survey shows strong support in Arkansas and beyond for regulations that lower fuel costs and emissions. Chris Harto, senior policy analyst for transportation and energy at Consumer Reports, said the survey reveals customers don't trust automakers to actually deliver those fuel savings without regulations.

"Only 27% of Americans said that automakers care about lowering fuel costs for their customers," he said. "On the other hand, almost two thirds of Americans, 64%, agree that the U.S. government should continue to increase fuel-economy standards."

President Donald Trump's recent executive order ended the electric-vehicle mandate. Harto said they are concerned that his administration may weaken standards, putting future consumer savings at risk. He added that if left in place, these standards could save drivers an additional $6,000 in fuel costs over the next five years.

Harto said automakers can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by enhancing aerodynamics, reducing vehicle weight and leveraging hybrid technology. He said their analysis of the top 10 best-selling conventional hybrid cars and trucks can offer substantial long-term savings.

"Increase in price is only about $1,500, but they deliver thousands and thousands of dollars in fuel savings the life of the vehicle," he said. "It comes out to about $5 in fuel savings for every $1 in increased vehicle price."

Improvements in fuel economy and emission standards have translated to "massive" savings, according to Consumer Reports, including fuel savings of more than $9,000 for the average new car today, compared with cars produced in 2001.


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Social Issues

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