Daily Skimm: Stoves, Biden, and a Green Comet

Gaslit

The Story

Gas stoves could be on their way out.

What’s happening?

This week, a commissioner for Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said the agency is considering banning gas stoves across the US. Natural gas stoves are used in more than 40% of US homes — aka more than 40 million Americans. But a study last year found that they release an alarming amount of methane and nitrogen oxides…and sometimes when turned off. Other reports showed gas stove emission levels can cause respiratory disease, heart issues, cancer, and more. And another linked gas stoves to about 12% of childhood asthma cases. Now, the CPSC says it could be time to go electric.

Should I switch to an induction cooktop?

Maybe. This winter, the federal agency is apparently planning to open public comment on gas stove hazards. The CPSC says an alternative to banning new gas stoves could be setting new standards on emissions from those appliances. In the meantime, if you want to make the switch to an electric stove, the gov may lend you a helping hand. That’s because the Inflation Reduction Act includes a nearly $850 rebate for those who make the switch to electric appliances. Plus, an additional $500 to help cover the costs of converting. But the American Gas Association says electric homes require “expensive retrofits” that could “significantly” drive up the overall cost of housing.

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For years, the case against gas stoves have been heating up. And the risks are found to disproportionately affect low-income families and people of color, since those homes tend to be under-invested and located near air polluting sites. But if you’re not ready to pass on the gas, you can use the stove less or test out a TikTok air fryer recipe.

And Also...This

What many still want answers on…

The Biden docs. Yesterday, President Biden spoke publicly for the first time on the classified documents discovered in a closet in his DC think tank. Biden said he was “surprised” by the November discovery, first revealed publicly this week. When asked what was in the docs, he said, “I don’t know.” CNN might: a report yesterday said the documents — dating back to Biden’s time as VP — included briefings on Iran, Ukraine, and the UK. And found that they were labeled “sensitive compartmented information.” Aka highly sensitive. Next up: the GOP-led House Committee on Oversight and Accountability has launched an investigation. The Justice Dept has reportedly asked a Trump-appointed US attorney to investigate the Biden docs.

Where many are struggling…

California. Yesterday, heavy rains, strong winds, mudslides, and flooding continued to ravage the state for the third week in a row. At least 17 people have died as a result of the storms, with Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) saying it’s now claimed more lives than the state’s wildfires in the last two years. More than 34 million people are under flood watch. Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes. And more than 90,000 are without power. President Biden has issued an emergency declaration to bring federal support to more than a dozen counties. Now, Californians are facing a forecast of more rain through the weekend.

Who people are mourning…

Karon Blake. Over the weekend, a man shot and killed the 13-year-old boy in Washington, DC. The shooter told authorities he went outside of his house with a gun to investigate what he suspected were people breaking into cars. And following an “interaction” with Blake, he fatally fired his weapon multiple times. Now, amid broader calls for the Black Lives Matter movement, many want answers, like the name of the man who killed the Black middle schooler.

Who's taking a page out of Harry Styles' "Golden"...

The Golden Globes. Last night, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association rolled out the red carpet for its 80th award show. Jenna Ortega dressed up on a Tuesday. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy eased concerns about a trilogy. Zendaya fans were euphoric. “The White Lotus” and Jennifer Coolidge reminded us that season 3 can't come soon enough. Austin Butler is still the King...or at least sounds like him. “House of the Dragon” is likely celebrating with a Negroni Sbagliato with Prosecco in it. Ke Huy Quan and Ryan Murphy had us in our feels. Eddie Murphy gave advice worth one's weight in gold — and reminded everyone to “keep Will Smith's wife's name out of your f***ing mouth.” Host Jerrod Carmichael would agree — considering he was also throwing jabs at about everyone from Will Smith to the HFPA's lack of diversity.

While Kendrick Lamar’s headlining Bonnaroo...

Coachella is also back. Bad Bunny and BLACKPINK are two of the acts — marking the first time headliners include a Latin American artist or K-pop group. How you like that?

With Girl Scouts cookie season heating up...

We’ve cooked up the definitive guide. We will not be taking questions.

What's calling all skygazers...

A green comet taking over the night sky.