Shock me like an electric wheel… California is reportedly urging the EPA to approve a proposal that could supercharge EV adoption. In August, America’s most populous state approved a plan to ban new sales of gas-only vehicles by 2035 (sales would have to be electric or plug-in hybrid). But CA still needs the Biden admin’s approval to move forward, and the White House hasn’t endorsed setting a hard date to phase out gas vehicle sales. Still, CA is leading the EV charge: last year the state accounted for 40% of zero-emission vehicles sold in the US.
Esports on hard mode… Esports has struggled to turn hype into profits as it copes with budget-tightening from sponsors (especially crypto ones) and waning lockdown-era interest in gaming. Last week the Madison Square Garden Co. offloaded its team, and esports org FaZe Clan said it’s laying off 40% of staff. The team Evil Geniuses is reportedly ditching high-paid players. But it could be hard to cut costs since companies running the tourneys (like Tencent-owned Riot Games) are charging lofty entry fees (even $10M+).