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Dec 22 2023 BMJ

Sales of emergency contraception are estimated to rise by around 10% in the US in the week after the New Year holiday, suggesting that this period is associated with increased risks of unprotected sex compared with other holidays, finds a study published in the Christmas issue of The BMJ.

Other holidays such as Valentine's Day and Independence Day were also associated with an increase in sales, but to a lesser extent.

Although this annual spike in sales might seem humorous, the researchers point out that as many US states have increased restrictions on abortion "it is indicative of unmet contraceptive need that calls for further attention."

New Year's Eve celebrations are associated with increased sexual activity, which is less likely to be protected due to increased alcohol intake. New Year's Eve is also linked to higher rates of sexual assault and limited access to other forms of contraception due to restricted opening hours of clinics, medical offices and shops.

To assess sales of emergency contraception following the New Year holiday, the researchers analysed retail scan data for levonorgestrel, a medication which has been available over the counter with no age restrictions since 2013.

Despite its common nickname as the "morning after pill," levonorgestrel is effective when taken within 96, and possibly 120, hours after unprotected sex though is more likely to work the sooner it is taken. This makes timely access of critical importance.

They focused on sales in the week following New Year's Eve and New Year's Day from 2016 to 2022 in US retail outlets including grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, dollar stores, and military outlets.

To account for potential changes in the population at risk of pregnancy, weekly sales were divided by the size of the female population aged 15 to 44 years old.

Overall, sales of levonorgestrel increased by 0.63 units per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44 years old in the week after New Year's Eve. Based on population estimates in 2022, this equated to almost 41,000 additional pills sold that year. Related StoriesWomen using NSAIDs alongside hormonal contraception may be at increased risk of blood clotsA public health problem: The global increase in sugar-sweetened beverage consumptionResearchers investigate the advantages and disadvantages of two types of contraceptive coils

The researchers also considered other holidays which may be associated with higher unprotected sexual activity, including Valentine's Day, Independence Day and St Patrick's Day.

Valentine's Day was associated with an increase in sales about half of the size of the New Year's increase: 0.31 units per 1000 women. US Independence Day was associated with a 0.20 increase in sales and St Patrick's Day was associated with 0.14 increase.

Holidays such as Mother's Day, Father's Day and Easter, were not associated with an increase in sales.

The researchers point to some limitations. For example, emergency contraception sales are not synonymous with use and the data do not include emergency contraception acquired through medical clinics, independent pharmacies and online sales. Differences in how and which holidays are celebrated and how reproductive healthcare is accessed may also limit the generalizability of the findings to other settings, they add.

Nevertheless, they say their results suggest that the nature of certain celebrations might make them important public health targets and they suggest that "targeting behavioral risks, prevention strategies to mitigate sexual violence, and improving access to contraception around holidays may limit the risks associated with unprotected vaginal intercourse."

"More than ever, emergency contraception is a critically important option for people in the US, particularly those living in regions with bans or severe restrictions on abortion," they write.

"Future work will explore how other dynamics at play in the US context, including state abortion restrictions, affect emergency contraception purchasing behavior and imply potential public health interventions to provide contraceptive care to those who need it the most." Source:

BMJJournal reference:

Wagner, B., & Cleland, K. (2023). Retail demand for emergency contraception in United States following New Year holiday: time series study. BMJ. doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-077437.

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From $189 a month: 5 of the best EV lease deals in November [Updated]

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From $189 a month: 5 of the best EV lease deals in November [Updated]

We’re now two months out from the end of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit on September 30, and there are still solid deals to be had on some pretty spiffy EVs. In fact, three of our top five November specials are cheaper than what was offered in September, and two come with home EV chargers and free installation. Here are November’s top 5 EV lease deals, as spotted by our friends at CarsDirect.

Hyundai-EV-IONIQ-5
Photo: Hyundai

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 lease from $189/month

The updated 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range is still a standout EV lease deal, holding steady even after the end of the federal EV tax credit and new import tariffs. Through December 1, you can lease one for $189 a month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year) with $3,999 due at signing. That works out to an effective monthly cost of about $300.

The price bump is far smaller than many expected, especially considering Hyundai’s $17,000 in lease cash. And if you’re tempted by an upgrade, the SEL RWD trim is just $50 more per month under the same terms. You’ll get a model that’s roughly $7,000 more in value and $18,750 in savings. The IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range offers an EPA-estimated 245 miles of range, and this particular offer is available in the Los Angeles and greater California metro areas.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Hyundai IONIQ 5 in stock. –trusted affiliate link

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2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 lease from $189/month

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 SE RWD Standard Range is tied with the IONIQ 5 for the most affordable EV lease deal this month, offering standout value even after the federal EV tax credit era. In the California metro area, you can lease it for $189 per month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year) with $3,999 due at signing, and Hyundai is sweetening the deal with $13,000 in lease cash.

That brings the effective monthly cost to around $300. With an EPA-estimated 240 miles of range, 149 horsepower, fast-charging capabilities, and a sleek, distinctive design, the IONIQ 6 remains a fan favorite. This offer is valid through December 1.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Hyundai IONIQ 6 in stock. –trusted affiliate link

Ford Mustang Mach-E
Photo: Ford

2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E from $219/month

The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select RWD with Package 100A is offering bigger savings this month, making it an even stronger pick for EV shoppers. Known for its premium design and an EPA-estimated 300 miles of range, the Mach-E remains a favorite among drivers who want style and substance.

You can now lease it for $219 per month for 24 months (10,500 miles per year), with a down payment of $4,499 due at signing. That’s $20 less per month than the September advertised deal, although the term is shorter. With an effective monthly cost of around $406, it’s only $45 more than before the tax credit ended.

The offer includes $6,750 in lease cash for qualified lessees, plus a free Ford Charging Station Pro with complimentary home installation – a rare perk. If you already have a home charger, you can opt for an additional $2,000 in bonus cash instead. This deal is currently available in California through January 5, 2026.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Ford Mustang Mach-E in stock. –trusted affiliate link

Honda-Prologue-EV
Photo: Honda

2025 Honda Prologue from $239/month

Until January 5, the 2025 Honda Prologue, with a 308-mile range, can be leased for $239 a month for 36 months (10,000 miles) and $1,199 due at signing in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maryland. That means the Prologue has an effective monthly cost of $272, making it a great value.

For those in California and other CARB-emission states, you can lease for $279 for 36 months (10,000 miles) and $1,299 due at signing, resulting in an effective monthly cost of $315. This was the best-priced lease deal before the new East Coast three-state offer.

The price includes a $3,300 loyalty discount or conquest cash, available only to those currently leasing a Honda or planning to switch from another manufacturer in select states. If you aren’t living in California, Florida, New York, or other select states, you’re still eligible for a bonus of $2,000.

These bonuses are stackable with the $5,000 dealer cash, $8,250 Honda lease cash, and a $1,500 additional lease bonus, which replaces the $7,500 tax credit.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Honda Prologue in stock. –trusted affiliate link

Ford-F-150-lightning-XLT
Ford F-150 Lightning XLT Source: Ford

2025 Ford F-150 Lightning from $279/month

You can now lease a 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning 4×4 Super Crew XLT w/ Pkg 311A for a low monthly payment of $279 for 36 months (10,500 miles) and $6,729 due at signing. With an MSRP of $65,190, that makes the effective monthly cost of $466. It has an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles and 452 hp.

That’s $23 less a month than the advertised September lease deal with the federal tax credit. The offer includes $9,500 in lease cash and, like the Mach-e, a complimentary home EV charger and installation or an additional $2,000 in savings. This offer is available in California through January 5, 2026.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Ford F-150 Lightning in stock. –trusted affiliate link


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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Hyundai gave its new fuel cell EV some serious upgrades, but is it enough?

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Hyundai gave its new fuel cell EV some serious upgrades, but is it enough?

The new Nexo is a significant upgrade over the first model, but will Hyundai’s fuel cell EV make an impression in the US?

Meet the new Hyundai Nexo fuel cell EV

Hyundai is launching a slate of new vehicles, ranging from EVs to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and even fuel-cell electric vehicles.

First launched in 2018, the Nexo marked a milestone as Hyundai’s first dedicated hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Although it wasn’t exactly a hit due to the lack of hydrogen fueling stations, especially in the US, Hyundai is taking another crack at the market with its new and improved fuel cell EV.

Hyundai introduced the new Nexo earlier this year, claiming it’s “poised to set a new standard for zero-emission transportation.”

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With significant upgrades to its fuel cell and power electronics systems, the new Nexo features up to 190 kW total output and a WLTP driving range of up to 513 miles (826 km) from a five-minute hydrogen refill.

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The new Hyundai Nexo fuel cell EV (Source: Hyundai)

It also boasts features such as Active Noise Control, road-noise-canceling tech, sound-absorbing tires, e-Handling, and a Smart Regenerative System (SRS), which delivers a smooth, quiet ride.

Inside, Hyundai’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) sits at the center, featuring dual 12.3″ driver cluster and infotainment screens. The setup includes OTA updates and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Hyundai-new-fuel-cell-EV-interior
The interior of the new Hyundai Nexo fuel cell EV (Source: Hyundai)

Like its battery electric vehicles, the new Nexo offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, enabling you to power electronics on the go.

A digital center mirror and digital side mirrors are available in select markets (not the US), replacing the traditional mirrors. In addition, the European-spec version can tow up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs), the first fuel cell EV to offer that level of capability.

The Nexo is 4,750 mm long, 1,865 mm wide, and 1,640 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 4,750 mm, or about the size of a Honda CR-V.

Hyundai-new-fuel-cell-EV
The new Hyundai Nexo fuel cell EV (Source: Hyundai)

Although Hyundai is committed to expanding FCEV infrastructure, it might not be enough to lure buyers in the US.

Hyundai said the new Nexo fuel cell EV is already a hit in South Korea, where hydrogen fueling stations far outnumber those in the US. The company sold nearly 7,000 new Nexo models globally through August, more than four times the previous generation’s sales in the same period last year.

Will the new and improved Nexo make a bigger impact? According to Car and Driver, which test drove the updated FCEV, “the compact Nexo will need far more than clever engineering to make it big in the US.” In Hyundai’s home market, it’s already proving more popular.

Hyundai will launch the new fuel cell EV in other global markets starting in early 2026.

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Senate approves funding bill to reopen US gov’t, awaits vote in House

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Senate approves funding bill to reopen US gov’t, awaits vote in House

The US government is moving closer to reopening after more than 40 days of being shut down, following several Democratic lawmakers in the Senate siding with Republicans to pass a funding bill.

On Monday, the US Senate held a late-night vote for a bill “continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026,” which passed 60 to 40 in the chamber. The bill is expected to fund the government through Jan. 31, 2026, provided it passes in the House of Representatives and is signed into law by President Donald Trump.

As Tuesday is a US federal holiday, the House is not expected to reconvene to vote on the bill until Wednesday at the earliest. Prediction platform Polymarket has already adjusted its expectation that the US government will return to normal operations on Friday, likely following the passage of the House bill.

Source: Polymarket

Amid the government shutdown — the longest in the country’s history — many federal agencies have furloughed staff and reduced operations to align with the lack of funding.

Even if the bill were to immediately pass and be signed into law, it will likely take some time before staff can return to work. The operations plan at the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), for example, will allow employees to come back on the “next regularly scheduled workday following enactment of appropriations legislation.”

Related: China raises alarm over alleged US role in one of the largest Bitcoin hacks

Digital asset market structure negotiations proceeding

On Monday, the leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee released a discussion draft of a comprehensive bill on crypto market structure. The draft followed weeks of reported negotiations between Democratic and Republican lawmakers, about four months after the House passed its version of the legislation.