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AUTO REVIEW: Vacationing In Palm Springs With The All-Electric 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge: The Rise Of Conscious Design

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Volvo Car USA invited auto media for a vacation-styled test drive of the C40 Recharge — its first pure electric Volvo – for a climactic experience behind the wheel of the latest evolution of Scandinavian engineering, design, and sustainability. An ambitious transformation plan will lead to complete electrification of its vehicles by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2040.
The post AUTO REVIEW: Vacationing In Palm Springs With The All-Electric 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge: The Rise Of Conscious Design first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 years ago

April 12, 2022

Oakland Post

Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins, www.AutomotiveRhythms.com

With the pandemic seemingly beginning to dwindle, people have been anxious to travel freely again, whether for vacation or simply to an idyllic destination for a work trip. In my case, I was able to unify the best of both worlds through an excursion to Palm Springs, California, to explore the depths of the all-electric 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge crossover while enjoying downtime in the desert oasis of The Parker Palm Springs.

Work-life and obligatory family responsibilities call for the mind, body, and spirit to recharge as often as possible to offset daily burdens. Therefore, the relaxing resorts, cultured experiences, plant-based eateries, and the mid-century modern architecture of Palm Springs were perfect for my journey. But what’s even more interesting is that the profusion of electric vehicles (EVs) on the market has led us to consciously rethink our lifestyles in order to reduce carbon footprints from what we eat and drink to how we drive and live. Humans overconsume in every category, so mindfulness, minimalist, and reductive habits are vital pillars to saving this planet from self-destruction. As a vegan myself, I know it’s an anomalous approach from the norm; however, it is necessary for every facet of living.

Volvo Car USA invited auto media for a vacation-styled test drive of the C40 Recharge — its first pure electric Volvo – for a climactic experience behind the wheel of the latest evolution of Scandinavian engineering, design, and sustainability. An ambitious transformation plan will lead to complete electrification of its vehicles by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2040. The Volvo EV, built in Ghent, Belgium, is also the first to feature a leather-free interior that ultimately reduces the vehicle’s weight, increases its levels of compassion, and decreases its carbon footprint since 14.5% of all human-generated greenhouse emissions stem from animal agriculture.

This goal was a personal ambition of Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson, who had to persuade company executives and Volvo dealers that this was the righteous path for evolutionary vehicle development. Volvo partnered with Asian-American fashion designer Phillip Lim to fabricate handbags from the Nordico cabin materials that Volvo developed to convince the dealers’ wives that sustainability can be premium. In the end, the majority concurred. The Microtech, a suede-like fabric, and its quality textures are made from recycled PET bottles, bio-attributed material from sustainable forests, and wine bottle corks. “We have a vision of where we need to go in the future, with the first step to ensure we harness sustainable, natural, and recycled materials,” said Robin Page, Head of Design at Volvo Cars.

After flying into Palm Springs International Airport, you will pick up your EV and head to The Parker to relax poolside at the Gene Autry or Silicon Valley while recouping. The iconic property is one of the most eclectic and art-based hotels in America. Yes, it also has charging stations onsite to re-energize your ride. As part of the Fit Fathers movement, I’m all about exercise when traveling, so activities such as the Terre Battu tennis courts, hitting the fitness studio, yoga, bicycling, and hiking were all up my alley. The Palm also offers Croquet, a giant chess set, and golf. In addition, the Palm Springs Yacht Club provides facials, massages, manicures, an indoor pool, and much more for self-care.

Ready to ride quietly and efficiently in your bubble-shaped Fjord Blue Metallic C40 Recharge featuring a black glass roof, black dual rear spoilers, black lower body surround, 20″ eco-styled rims, and unique closed grille? Its magnetic blue personality is stellar, and vigor is impressive when calling upon the 402-horsepower from the battery-electric powertrain featuring permanent AWD. This came in handy during mountainous uphill driving through Coachella Valley en route to Cahuilla Tewanet Vista Point to learn about the Cahuilla people who gathered Nakwet berries, Tevat nuts, Hunavet leaves, acorns, Mutal plants, and more for food and to make essentials like baskets. The rugged and arid landscape provided every resource they required, although an intimate understanding of how to source and craft each was paramount. There is also a nature path to take a meditative walk before journeying to your next destination.

The 226-mile drive range from the 78 kWh high voltage battery is plenty for touring around Palm Springs, but I would like to see around 300 miles before a power source is required, which seems to be the norm with premium EVs. You can charge 0% to 80% in roughly 40 minutes with DC fast charging. Volvo recently partnered with Star bucks to have ChargePoint infrastructure placed along a 1,350-mile route between Denver and Seattle. As many as 15 locations and 60 DC Fast Charging handles will be available to coffee lovers of the popular café.

For my next stop, I used the new 9” center touchscreen and Google ecosystem that integrates Google navigation, Google calendar, Google Play for music and talk shows, and

Google Assistant, which supports natural speech. Say “Hey Google” and tell the system your destination. I prefer Google maps on my phone and love this technology over CarPlay. The updated multimedia system also reduces the complexity and distraction of Volvo’s prior system. The C40 Recharge escorted me by Angel Cove Monument and then to an exquisite Garage Living home located off the picturesque Winter Sun Drive. In this case, the custom garage transformation company outfitted the single-family residence with:

Three Volvo-branded Level 2 home chargers
Flexible work-from-home space with built-in desk and foldable meeting table
Entertainment center with state-of-the-art smart TV and Bowers & Wilkins speakers
Innovative storage solutions for active lifestyle equipment

For a healthy, plant-focused lunch, I stopped at Chef Tanya’s Kitchen for some of the most delicious vegan food I have ever eaten. Wow, I was in heaven as the choices were abundant, from Tempeh burgers and power salads to chickpea TuNo salad sandwiches and Moroccan roasted cauliflower. The chef’s ideologies match succinctly with Volvo’s as she’s inspired by love to make good food that is natural, healthy, and kind to the environment.

After fueling with fresh foods, continue your sightseeing to various famous architectural sites using the C40 Recharge’s one-pedal drive feature. You engage just the gas pedal since lifting off of it slows down the Volvo as if you hit the brake pedal. Though, it can be remarkably abrupt. My afternoon was highlighted by views of The Kauffman House, the first Swiss Miss House, Dinah Shore House, Forever Marilyn, That Pink Door, and the Park Imperial South.

En route back to The Parker, I tuned to the Marley station on SIRIUS / XM as the melody flowed from the impressive Harman/ Kardon audio system. The interior is roomy, effervescent, and stylish, especially the handcrafted Crystal gear knob. I made it back in a flash to rest up in my cozy poolside room featuring a Bougainvillea-clad patio. So, what are you waiting for? Switching to an EV provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuel-powered transportation. And with an array of cost-effective, high-quality home chargers available, going electric is simpler than ever.

The 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge is sold exclusively online with a $58,750 MSRP but includes the full federal tax credit of $7,500. “Conscious design can fundamentally transform our society, and it’s integral that brands harness the opportunities on offer,” said Martin Raymond, Co-Founder of The Future Laboratory. Yes, I agree wholeheartedly, but now it’s time to end my temporary routine from the norm and head back to the East Coast. So long, Palm Springs, until we meet again!

The post AUTO REVIEW: Vacationing In Palm Springs With The All-Electric 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge: The Rise Of Conscious Design first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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LIVE from the NMA Convention Raheem DeVaughn Says The Time Is Now: Let’s End HIV in Our Communities #2

Set against the backdrop of the NMA conference, Executive Officers from the National Medical Association, Grammy Award Winning Artist and Advocate Raheem DeVaughn, and Gilead Sciences experts, are holding today an important conversation on HIV prevention and health equity. Black women continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV despite advances in prevention options. Today’s event […]

Published

3 days ago

February 3, 2026

Oakland Post

Black women continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV despite advances in prevention options. Today’s event is designed to uplift voices, explore barriers to access, and increase awareness and key updates about PrEP, a proven prevention method that remains underutilized among Black women. This timely gathering will feature voices from across health, media, and advocacy as we break stigma and center equity in HIV prevention.

Additional stats and information to know:

● Black women continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, with Black women representing more than 50% of new HIV diagnoses among women in the U.S. in 2022, despite comprising just 13% of women in the U.S.

● Women made up only 8% of PrEP users despite representing 19% of all new HIV diagnoses in 2022.

● Gilead Sciences is increasing awareness and addressing stigma by encouraging regular HIV testing and having judgment-free conversations with your healthcare provider about prevention options, including oral PrEP and long-acting injectable PrEP options.

● PrEP is an HIV prevention medication that has been available since 2012.

● Only 1 in 3 people in the U.S. who could benefit from PrEP were prescribed a form of PrEP in 2022.

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TRUMP: “Washington, D.C. is Safe”

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — President Trump, who typically travels with a full contingent of high-level protection, insinuated that he finally felt safe enough to go to dinner in the District of Columbia. “My wife and I went out to dinner last night for the first time in four years,” said the nation’s 47th president.

Published

3 days ago

February 3, 2026

Oakland Post

By Apriil Ryan
BlackPressUSA Washington Bureau Chief and White House Correspondent

“Washington, D.C. is safe,” President Trump declared from the Oval Office today. Those words came while Trump was hosting Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the question-and-answer session, which primarily focused on a peace deal in the Russian-Ukrainian war, Trump explained, “You did that in four days.” He was speaking of how fast the National Guard quelled the violence in what was once called Chocolate City.

The President deployed the National Guard to D.C. a week ago, to a city with reduced crime rates over the previous year. Violent crime dropped by 26%, marking the lowest level in 30 years. Homicides also fell by 11%.

President Trump, who typically travels with a full contingent of high-level protection, insinuated that he finally felt safe enough to go to dinner in the District of Columbia. “My wife and I went out to dinner last night for the first time in four years,” said the nation’s 47th president.

Trump reinforced his claim about the newly acquired safety in D.C. by relaying that a friend’s son is attending dinner in D.C., something he would not have done last year.

After the president finished his comments, a reporter/commentator in the room with close connections to Marjorie Taylor Greene jumped into the high-level conversation to affirm the president’s comments, saying, “I walked around yesterday with MTG. If you can walk around D.C. with MTG and not be attacked, this city is safe.”

That reporter was the same person who chastised President Zelenskyy months ago during his first Oval Office meeting with Trump for not wearing a business suit. Zelenskyy, a wartime President, has been clad in less formal attire to reflect the country’s current war stance against Russia.

Without any sourcing, President Trump also said, “People that haven’t gone out to dinner in Washington, D.C., in two years are going out to dinner, and the restaurants the last two days have been busier than they’ve been in a long time.”

The increase in policing in Washington, D.C. is because a 19-year-old former Doge employee was carjacked in the early hours of the morning recently.

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Rising Energy Costs Weigh Heaviest on Black Households

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — For many African American families, the cost of keeping the lights on and homes heated or cooled is not just a monthly bill — it’s a crushing financial burden.

Published

3 days ago

February 3, 2026

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

For many African American families, the cost of keeping the lights on and homes heated or cooled is not just a monthly bill — it’s a crushing financial burden.

A new national study from Binghamton University and California State University, San Bernardino, finds that Black households spend a far larger share of their income on energy compared to white households, even when income levels are the same. “We often say that African Americans suffer more, but we often blame it just on income. And the reality is, there is something more there,” study author George Homsy, associate professor at Binghamton University, wrote. “It’s not just because they tend to be poor. There is something that’s putting them at a disadvantage. I think what happened is it happens to be where they live.” The study, published in Energy Research & Social Science, analyzed 65,000 census tracts across the United States. It found that while the average American household spends about 3.2% of income on energy bills, households in the majority African American census tracts spend an average of 5.1%.

Homsy and researcher Ki Eun Kang point to the age and condition of housing stock, along with lower homeownership rates, as key drivers. Their research concludes that “energy burden is not simply a matter of income or energy cost but also race, which might be driven by place.” Older, less energy-efficient housing and high rental rates in Black communities mean residents often cannot make upgrades like improved insulation or new appliances, locking families into higher bills.

Tradeoffs and Health Risks

The consequences go beyond money. Families forced to spend 10% or more of their income on energy — what experts classify as “unmanageable” — may cut back on food, medicine, or other essentials. More than 12 million U.S. households report leaving their homes at unsafe temperatures to reduce costs, while millions more fall behind on utility bills. The health effects are severe. High energy burdens increase risks of asthma, depression, poor sleep, pneumonia, and even premature death. The issue is especially acute for African Americans, who are disproportionately exposed to housing and environmental conditions that amplify these risks.

Washington, D.C.: A Case Study

In Washington, D.C., the problem is particularly stark. A recent analysis by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) shows that SNAP-eligible households spend more than 20% of their income on energy bills. Across the metro area, nearly two-thirds of low-income households devote over 6% of their income to energy, and 40% face what researchers call a “severe financial strain,” paying more than 10%. Pepco, the District’s primary electricity provider, has implemented three consecutive annual rate hikes, pushing the average household bill to $114 per month as of January 2025. Shutoffs have followed — nearly 12,000 customers lost service in 2024, with disconnections doubling after a summer rate hike. Washington Gas has also sought a 12% rate increase and pushed a controversial $215 million pipeline replacement project, rebranded as “District SAFE.” The plan could ultimately cost D.C. households an additional $45,000 each over several decades, or nearly $1,000 annually added to bills.

Historical Roots

Researchers argue that these inequities are not accidental but rooted in history. The ScienceDirect study reveals that African American communities living in formerly redlined neighborhoods continue to face disadvantages today — from poor housing quality to higher climate risks. Homsy says policymakers must make targeted efforts. “It is harder to get to rental units where a lot of poor people live,” he noted. “We need to work harder to get into these communities of color.”