Latest news with #ParksandRecreation
Business Wire
a day ago
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Consumers Don't Hear Enough About the Benefits of EVs. Now They Will.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electric vehicles (EVs) are changing the way people drive—and save—right now. Millions of drivers are already spending less on gas and maintenance and taking advantage of available incentives by buying new and used EVs. Others haven't made the switch because they don't realize how much they could save. At the same time, federal incentives end September 30 th and state EV tax credits and policies are under threat creating more consumer questions. With lower costs to maintain and a smooth, quiet ride, EVs are a smart financial choice now and into the future. That's where the Electric For All education campaign comes in, helping drivers understand what they can save by going electric. Powered by Veloz, a national nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit, this program provides clear, accessible information about EVs. It arrives at a critical moment as more drivers seek straightforward answers and trustworthy resources. Electric For All is the first and largest nonprofit-led EV education campaign in the U.S., backed by $43.5 million in funding from Electrify America. 'Access and education are the catalyst for accelerating EV adoption—and the gateway to cleaner air and healthier communities,' said Robert Barrosa, President and CEO of Electrify America, and Veloz board member. 'With this campaign, we're expanding our mission to empower consumers nationally with the knowledge they need to confidently choose zero-emission vehicles and drive the transition to a more sustainable future.' EV options are expanding fast to fit every lifestyle, and consumers are responding. In Q1 2025, EV sales jumped 11.4% in the U.S., with California continuing to lead the nation. According to Bloomberg's annual Electric Vehicle Outlook report, EVs are set to represent one in four new passenger vehicles sold globally this year, demonstrating consumer confidence and ongoing momentum. 'Electric For All is rooted in a simple idea: when people have the facts, they're more likely to take action,' said Josh D. Boone, Executive Director of Veloz. 'We are making sure those facts are clear and accessible because the way forward is electric.' Bringing the message to life, this educational effort features a supportive voice who genuinely believes in the benefits of EVs: actor, woodworker and best-selling author Nick Offerman. Known for his role as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation and currently appearing in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Offerman brings authenticity, relatability, and a grounded tone to this national EV education effort. 'Weaning our civilization off of fossil fuels is the obvious path forward to choose, if we want to be responsible to ourselves and future generations in the way we steward our planet's resources,' said Offerman. 'I'm pleased to lend my voice to this positive effort.' With Offerman leading the voiceover work for a series of educational video spots, he provides a humorous yet trustworthy tone for what Veloz has always championed, making EVs accessible and understandable for all. The Electric For All education program uses a clean, simple visual style to cut through the noise. It blends photoreal live-action EVs with graphic illustration, creating a look that feels both classic and modern. Its multilingual, mixed-media approach builds trust through straightforward messaging and memorable visuals. The program's content highlights the everyday benefits that matter most to drivers, including cost savings from incentives and savings on gas, convenient charging options at home and on the go, driving range, affordability, and the variety of new and used EV models. Featured prominently in the campaign are two of Ford Motor Company's best-selling EVs: the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning. 'We're proud to see the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning featured in this campaign. These vehicles reflect Ford's belief in the freedom of choice and how our electric vehicles are designed to offer a compelling option for every lifestyle,' said Cynthia Williams, Global Director at Ford Motor Company and a Veloz board member. 'Supporting education around electric vehicles is key to helping more drivers see what's possible.' This program will continue into 2026 with in-person experiential components and opportunities for everyday people to have real conversations about the benefits of EVs. The initiative is also committed to reaching low-income and disadvantaged communities. With dedicated multilingual media buys and enhanced tools on including a robust ZIP code search, the initiative ensures messaging, messengers, and media reflect community needs across the U.S. At its core is which is a multilingual hub available in 15 languages, including English and Spanish. It offers easy tools to compare new and used EVs, find available incentives by ZIP code, locate charging stations, and understand long-term cost savings, making EV ownership more accessible for every community. 'Our research consistently shows that people want to learn more about EVs, but they haven't had reliable information,' Boone added. 'Electric For All gives consumers the tools and facts to decide for themselves and see how much they can save by going electric.' About Veloz Veloz is the power behind the nation's largest and most inventive multi-partner public awareness campaign for electric vehicles, the architect of events and programming garnering both state and national attention, and the organization bringing together high-powered, diverse board and members from the public and private sectors. The organization was launched in 2017 and is built on the success of the California Plug-In Electric Vehicle Collaborative founded in 2010. Veloz is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nick Offerman Says ‘Dumb People Insist Ron Swanson' Voted for Trump: Ron ‘Would Despise' Trump ‘Because He's Disrespectful to Women'
Nick Offerman said in an interview with IndieWire while promoting his film 'Sovereignty' that only 'dumb people' think Ron Swanson, his beloved 'Parks and Recreation' character, is a Donald Trump supporter. Offerman played Ron on all seven seasons of the NBC sitcom, which ran for 126 episodes between 2009 and 2015. The actor said that MAGA supporters think Ron 'must be one of us' just because he has a shotgun or something. 'Dumb people insist that Ron Swanson would've voted for Trump. And I don't deign to answer myself,' Offerman said. 'I take it to Mike Schur, the main creator of Ron, and he said, 'Swanson would've despised Trump, because Ron loved capitalism. And Trump made the stupidest move you could make as a capitalist, which is to go into public service.'' More from Variety European Producers Praise New Czech Investment Obligation for Major Streamers, Say Trump Tariffs Turned U.S. Market 'Stone Cold' White House Photoshops Trump Onto 'Superman' Poster, Touts the 'American Way' Amid MAGA Outrage Over James Gunn's 'Immigrant' Comment Podcaster Andrew Schulz Voted for Trump but Is Turning on Him: 'I Voted for None of This... I Want Him to Stop Wars. He's Funding Them. Reduce the Budget. He's Increasing It.' 'He would think he's an absolute idiot,' Offerman continued about Ron's thoughts on Trump. 'He would also despise him because he's disrespectful to women and many others. And that's just an example of all the people and value sets that Ron would despise, because Ron is a good person.' Offerman has always been protective over Ron since 'Parks and Recreation' wrapped. Earlier this year, the actor defended the LGBTQ+ community against homophobic hate on X after Michael Flynn Jr., son of retired Army lieutenant general and Trump's former U.S. national security advisor Michael Flynn, attempted to use a clip of Ron Swanson to denounce Pride Month. 'Just wanted to post how I feel about 'pride' month,' Flynn Jr. wrote on X accompanied by a 'Parks and Rec' clip showing Swanson throwing a rainbow flag into a dumpster. Only the clip was doctored to make it appear as if Offerman's character was homophobic. The real scene, from the fourth season episode 'The Trial of Leslie Knope,' sees Ron throwing his computer in the trash. The edit Flynn Jr. shared on X replaced the computer with the rainbow flag. 'Ron was best man at a gay wedding you dumb fuck,' Offerman fired back on X. 'Happy Pride.' Offerman was referring to the 'Parks and Recreation' series finale, 'One Last Ride,' where Ron serves as the best man to his hairdresser, Typhoon (Rodney To). Best of Variety Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples Oscars 2026: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Wagner Moura and More Among Early Contenders to Watch New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Axios
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Axios
Exclusive: Ron Swanson helps jump-start big new EV push
Electric vehicle advocates on Monday are launching a $43.5 million campaign that touts EVs' benefits — and has a star pitchman in actor Nick Offerman. Why it matters: The nonprofit EV group Veloz's effort lands as the new budget law ends federal consumer tax credits this fall and Trump 2.0 dismantles other Biden-era EV policies. The advertising and public awareness push, funded by charging network Electrify America, marks a major effort by Veloz to expand its work beyond California. "Electric for All" is the "first and largest nonprofit-led EV education campaign in the U.S.," an announcement to be released Monday states. The big picture: Veloz executive director Josh D. Boone tells Axios exclusively there's no direct tie to the recent legislation, noting Veloz has eyed going national since its launch almost nine years ago. But he said it's "good timing" because "more Americans are interested in EVs than ever" and need factual info. He said Veloz is encouraging people to tap federal incentives before they vanish. But it's also highlighting local and state incentives that remain, and more broadly making the case for moving from gasoline to electrons. "They have long-term benefits beyond just getting a federal tax credit," Boone said in an interview. "There's cost savings from gas. There's total cost of ownership — they're just cheaper to own and operate and fuel than gas vehicles," he said. How it works: It's a 50-state campaign that targets people seeking their next vehicles within six months to two years, Boone said. It includes TV, radio, search results, podcasts, social media and more, and it's aimed at buyers across income levels. The spots steer people toward a multilingual Veloz site that helps them find incentives and browse models, among other features. Zoom in: One spot shows the deconstruction of a gas-powered engine with the overlay of Offerman's voice making the case for EVs. "When you take away the spark plugs, the oil filter, belts, the alternator, and, oh yeah, the gas tank, you tend to take away other stuff, like headaches," he says. "EVs have fewer parts, fewer repairs and are less expensive to drive," adds the comedian, best known as the irascible Ron Swanson of "Parks and Recreation." Threat level: U.S. EV sales growth was slowing even before the new federal law. EVs (including plug-in hybrids) were 9.6% of light-duty sales in Q1, per the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, an auto trade group. Q1 sales commonly drop from Q4, but the 1.3% decline was steeper than prior dips, the group's latest report states. Flashback: Volkswagen created Electrify America in 2017 under the settlement of its diesel emissions cheating scandal. It agreed to invest $2 billion over 10 years in infrastructure, access, and education initiatives. The intrigue: The Veloz campaign will feature in-person events. "You've ... got to give people the opportunity to touch electric vehicles, get in an electric vehicle, take a ride and drive, because that's where you really start getting the 'aha moment' when people's faces light up and they get excited about electric vehicles," Boone said.
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
These 15 Summer-Themed TV Episodes Are Worth Binging
Sex and the City - "Twenty-Something Girls vs. Thirty-Something Women" (Season 2, Episode 17) The women in Sex and the City head to the Hamptons as Samantha Jones hosts an A-list summer party. However, the weekend is bumpy as the women compare themselves to women in their twenties. In the episode, Charlotte York lies about her age to a younger guy (who ends up giving her crabs). Modern Family - "I Love a Parade" (Season 10, Episode 1) Watch the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker crew celebrate the Fourth of July in "I Love a Parade." Gloria Delgado-Pritchett deals with her first Fourth of July celebration without her son, Manny Delgado. New Girl - "Heat Wave" (Season 5, Episode 9) The group at the loft (Nick Miller, Schmidt, Winston Bishop, Cece Parekh, and Reagan) suffer a heat wave in Los Angeles. Nick comes up with a strange, creative way to stay cool in the apartment. Reagan finds an easier way by just buying an AC. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - "Will Goes a Courtin'" (Season 4, Episode 6) Another heat wave episode for the summer vibes. While being tenants of the pool house, Will and Carlton fight Phil Banks in court over unpaid rent and no air conditioning. The night before court, Will and Carlton throw a pool party with friends to cool off, while Hillary wears a short dress at her job as a weather woman to get through the heat. Full House - "You Pet It, You Bought It" (Season 8, Episode 6) The heat in San Francisco causes the Tanners to figure out ways to stay cool. Michelle Tanner runs a lemonade stand and raises over $200, leading her to make an impulsive purchase. Parks and Recreation - "Summer Catalog" (Season 2, Episode 20) In "Summer Catalog," Leslie Knope prepares for Pawnee's summer catalog to promote seasonal events. She takes Ron Swanson and the rest of the leaders of the Parks Department out for a picnic. Friends - "The One Where Rachel is Late" (Season 8, Episode 22) Rachel Green is ready to have her baby, but feels like it will never happen. Rachel rocking summer fits while being pregnant is such a fabulous thing to watch during the season. Survival of the Thickest - "When in Rome, B****!" (Season 2, Episode 1) Mavis Beaumont wakes up in Rome, Italy, for a season of romance. This episode is a reminder that Rome trips and romance are a must during the summer. Everybody Hates Chris - "Everybody Hates the G.E.D." (Season 4, Episode 22) In this episode, Chris has summer anxiety as he thinks he's going to repeat the 10th grade. Hacks - "Primm" (Season 1, Episode 2) Ava Daniels needs to get to know her boss, so she and Deborah Vance take a road trip until unexpected car troubles occur. Deborah ends up leaving Ava to figure out the solution in the scorching heat of Las Vegas, NV. Forever - "The Vineyard" (Season 1, Episode 5) Watching this episode of Forever definitely gets you in the summer mood. Keisha Clark and Chloe head to Martha's Vineyard to find Justin Edwards. The Summer I Turned Pretty - "Summer House" (Episode 1, Season 1) Of course, the entire series of The Summer I Turned Pretty gets you in the summer feels, but especially the first episode. Belly, her brother, Steven, and their mom, Laurel, make their way to Cousins Beach to stay with close friends, Susannah, Conrad, and Jeremiah. This episode not only introduces a new dynamic in the relationship between the characters, but it also sets the tone for the season. Sister, Sister - "Summer Bummer" (Season 3, Episode 19) Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell switch places frequently on Sister, Sister, but this time they do it for weeks. In "Summer Bummer," Tia goes to summer school for Tamera, and Tamera goes to summer camp for Tia. Inevitably, the two get themselves into a mess. Broad City - "In Heat" (Season 2, Episode 1) In this episode of Broad City, Abbi and Ilana struggle in the New York City heat. Ilana searches for a last-minute gift for her close friend, Lincoln, while Abbi tries to buy an AC for a more comfortable room. Abbi and Illana walking around the park with ice packs truly represents summer. Gossip Girl - "Summer, Kind of Wonderful" (Season 2, Episode 1) The group heads to the Hamptons, NY. In "Summer, Kind of Wonderful," the summer is almost ending, but the drama continues. The all-white, elegant outfits and day parties make this episode a must-watch for the summer.
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Nick Offerman Says Ron Swanson Is Not A Trump Supporter
Nick Offerman is shutting down "dumb people" who think his most beloved TV character would be a Trump supporter. In an interview with IndieWire to promote his new film Sovereignty, Nick made it clear that Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation would not be an unwavering supporter of the 47th president. Nick played Ron in Parks and Rec for seven seasons and 126 episodes between 2009 and 2015. Since then, the character Ron has lived on as a prime choice for clips, memes, and GIFs shared across the interwebs. The actor boiled it down to the fact that MAGA supporters might believe, "Well, he had a shotgun, so he must be one of us," he said. "Dumb people insist that Ron Swanson would've voted for Trump. And I don't deign to answer myself," Nick continued. "I take it to Mike Schur, the main creator of Ron, and he said, 'Swanson would've despised Trump, because Ron loved capitalism. And Trump made the stupidest move you could make as a capitalist, which is to go into public service.'" Nick believes that Ron wouldn't be MAGA at all, and he would despise its leader. "He would think he's an absolute idiot. He would also despise him because he's disrespectful to women and many others. And that's just an example of all the people and value sets that Ron would despise, because Ron is a good person." As a fan of Parks & Recreation who relates so hard with the series (I'm a Donna Meagle with a Tom Haverford rising at my job), it's obvious that Ron wouldn't be a Trump supporter. For one, he's not even a Republican. "Ron Swanson, a wonderful creation from much more brilliant minds than my own, people hold up for the wrong reasons, and take their own reading of this true Libertarian who was cool with everybody," Nick said in the interview. Ron fired back with a reference to the series finale, "One Last Ride," which included the wedding of Ron's hairdresser, Typhoon. "Ron was best man at a gay wedding you dumb fuck," Nick wrote. "Happy Pride." So that's that! Ron is a Libertarian LGBTQ+ ally. Period.
