To say the Dodge Charger Daytona has sparked debate would be putting it mildly. The Charger’s transformation into an EV hasn’t exactly been met with universal applause, and early sales reflect that sentiment with some dealers already letting them go for well below MSRP.

Still, a few have made it to the streets (or rather, the drag strips), giving us our first glimpse of how this electric muscle car performs where it truly matters.

This blacked-out Charger Daytona recently appeared at The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and in its first race, was lined up against a black Tesla Model Y (though it’s not clear if it’s the mid-trim Long Range AWD or the flagship Performance variant). The Charger appears to be the entry-level R/T version rather than the flagship Daytona Scat Pack.

Read: Dodge Charger Daytona Lease Drops To As Low As $249 With $4K Down, 0% APR For 6 Years

According to Dodge, the Charger Daytona R/T delivers 456 hp and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque, with a temporary boost to 496 hp for 15 seconds using the PowerShot function. That puts it above a standard Ford Mustang GT in terms of power, helping it hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.7 seconds. On paper, those numbers are impressive—but real-world performance is where reputations are made.

The Tesla, on the other hand, is a pre-facelift model. If it’s the Performance variant, it should deliver 456 hp and 497 lb-ft (674 Nm) of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of just under 4 seconds. Typically, these versions run the quarter-mile in well under 12 seconds, which suggests this one likely isn’t a Performance.

Furthermore, it seems to be missing the usual Performance model cues, like the distinctive wheels and red brake calipers. Unless the owner swapped those out, it’s probably the Long Range AWD model, which produces 384 hp and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm). If that’s the case, the outcome is even more embarrassing for Stellantis’ so-called “muscle coupe.”

The Race

In the race, the Tesla gets the jump off the line and takes a relatively easy win, crossing the quarter-mile in 12.54 seconds at 111.52 mph (179.46 km/h), whereas the Dodge needed 12.87 seconds at 111.84 mph (179.99 km/h). While being beaten by a Model Y is admittedly a little embarrassing, the Dodge’s time is roughly on par with a Mustang GT that can run the quarter-mile in the mid-12-second range. Sure, it cannot match the V8 rumble of the Ford, but the silent rush of an EV does have its fans.

Would the Scat Pack Have Fared Better?

The outcome raises an interesting question: Would the more powerful Daytona Scat Pack have given the Tesla a better fight? With 630 hp and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque, jumping to 670 hp with PowerShot, the Scat Pack is built for speed. Dodge claims it can run the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds, which could have turned the tables in this electric rivalry.

Maybe next time, Dodge. For now, the Model Y gets to keep its bragging rights.

Mercedes recently confirmed plans for an affordable “G-Class,” which will slot beneath the regular model. However, if you’re willing to make a few tradeoffs, you can get a baby G-Class even quicker.

This pint-sized cutie is known as the Bodo G-Wagon / E-Wagon and it’s a golf cart that closely echoes its namesake. The attention to detail is impressive as the model is instantly recognizable as a G-Class and even comes with working lights, turn signals, and windshield wipers. They’re joined by a spare tire carrier as well as stylish two-tone wheels.

More: Mercedes-Benz Garia Golf Cart Redefines The Term “Sports Car”

While the interior isn’t as nice as the real thing, it’s still pretty impressive for a golf cart as it sports a digital instrument cluster and a small infotainment system. There’s even a dual screen rear entertainment system, although it looks very basic.

Screens aside, there are power windows and locks as well as a heater and air conditioner. There’s even a rearview camera and stylish metal accents.

Mecum

While the G 580 with EQ Technology has a 122 kWh battery pack and a quad-motor all-wheel drive system with 579 hp (432 kW / 587 PS), the Bodo relies on a 10 kWh battery and a 20 hp (15 kW / 20 PS) motor. This enables the model to hit a top speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) and travel up to 80 miles (129 km) between charges.

This particular golf cart is being auctioned by Mecum on March 21, but one dealer has the vehicle listed for $21,900 new. That’s more than a new Chevrolet Trax, but it’s a small price to pay to be the ultimate baller on the back nine.

Mecum

Throughout most of history, large luxury vehicles had at least one big advantage over, say, sports cars or lesser models: they were quiet inside. That’s typically part of the premium experience. However, according to several Cybertruck owners, Tesla’s latest creation seems to have missed that memo.

One owner took their concern about excessive wind noise to their local Tesla service center, and the proposed solution was surprisingly low-tech: tape. Yes, plain old tape, the same stuff you might use to wrap gifts or patch a torn page, was suggested as the fix for a high-tech, futuristic vehicle.

The customer in question anonymously posted about their experience on a Facebook Cybertruck group. “Is it just my truck?! They said nothing [sic] to do about it. Is that normal? Only from the driver side,” they wrote. Their comment was specifically aimed at the response they got to their request.

Read: Cybertruck Gets Magnetic Wraps That Let You Change Color In Minutes For $2K

In the document from the service center the customer details their complaint. “Wind Noise – I already service this issue and was said this is standard. After driving your loaner, I found that the noise in my car is much stronger then in others.” They had tested another Cybertruck and found it to be noticeably quieter, confirming that the noise wasn’t just a quirk of the model but a specific issue with their vehicle.

This is where the tape comes into play. The tech working on it says in the document that they’ve verified it is a problem. However, due to the “body fitment specifications,” no adjustment to the panels is possible. The tech noted that “the noise heard is normal air turbulence that is expected with higher speed. No further action required at this time.”

The only action they performed is described as “found that taping off the panel gap between driver front fender and frunk reduced the noise.” Does that mean that the frunk is no longer accessible? That wouldn’t be too good. Of course, being that this is a post from an anonymous source, the whole thing could be fabricated, but the comments on the post suggest that it isn’t.

Several Cybertruck owners report the same wind noise issue. “The wind noise on mine is super loud, especially on windy days like yesterday,” said one commentator. “I bought decibel meter. About 50mph sound is 70db. Goes to 73 at 80mph,” said another.

On the other hand, some in the comment section said they didn’t have issues. Still, we’ve documented them in the past here as well. Clearly, not every Cybertruck is within the 10 micron accuracy window Elon Musk once called for.

Notably, wind noise complaints go beyond the Cybertruck when it comes to Tesla. Model 3 and Model Y buyers often complain about similar issues and have even taken to forums to discuss solutions that involve other DIY measures.

It’s worth pointing out that EVs can sometimes exhibit what sounds like excessive wind noise when in reality it’s comparable to what one gets in an everyday ICE car. The difference being that an ICE drivetrain can muffle that wind noise to a degree.

Honestly, I can see where the service technician is coming from here. They have no other way to satisfy the customer and taping panel gaps or transitions is a proven and effective way to eliminate some wind noise. I did it to my very own Ford Flex over some worn-out trim pieces a month ago. It works quite well and is hard to spot when done right. 

In early February, a curious line item appeared on the State Department’s largest contract of 2025: “Armored Tesla (Production Units)” with a staggering price tag of $400,000,000. The entry showed up on an official procurement document, sparking immediate denials from the Trump administration, which insisted that the deal originated under Biden. But now, newly surfaced evidence suggests that might not be entirely accurate.

According to a report from NPR, which says it obtained a new document from the State Department, the budget breakdown for the 2025 fiscal year tells a different story. It shows just $483,000 allocated for electric vehicles, along with an additional $3 million designated for support equipment like chargers, for a total of nearly $3.5 million. No mention of hundreds of millions for armored Teslas.

More: Cybertruck Crushes Safety Tests With 5-Star Rating (Updated)

NPR says it also spoke to a former White House official who believes the Trump administration did intend to buy $400 million worth of Teslas. “I don’t think this is a clerical error. It was likely someone who is new in [the] State [Department] who decided, ‘OK, we’re gonna do this with Tesla,'” they said on the condition of anonymity.

Interestingly, a spokesperson for the State Department told NPR on Monday that the $400 million was “an estimate” and that “the Department of State has no intention to move forward with the solicitation.” They also pointed out that the proposal was in its early stages and was not yet a full contract but was meant “strictly to gather information.”

For his part, Elon Musk also claims to know nothing about this deal so it’s plausible the truth is in the middle.

Perhaps someone in the Trump administration genuinely believed Tesla was the best choice for armored vehicles, and the plan was quietly dropped after public scrutiny. Or maybe the budget line was just an ambitious placeholder. Either way, the deal seems to be off the table for now—but given the rapid twists in this saga, that could change at any moment.

For what it’s worth, the document submitted to the White House from the State Department listed several concerns about converting an EV to an armored personnel carrier. Beyond just protecting the battery to the point that assailants couldn’t pierce or damage it, the department wrote “finding an electric vehicle that can hold the weight of armor and have viable range for protection driving are other initial challenges.”

For now, it seems the State Department’s armored Tesla fleet is on ice. But as the political narrative continues to shift, this story might not be over.

Tesla is struggling to sell cars in Europe, with sales plummeting by 50.3% in the EU and 45.2% in the combined EU, EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), and UK markets in January 2025 compared to the same month last year. Surprisingly, this drop comes at a time when BEV sales across all of Europe surged by 37%, showing that demand for zero-emission vehicles isn’t the problem.

More: Tesla Vows To Prosecute Vandals Over Swastikas, But Owners Have Little Recourse

According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), Tesla sold 9,945 units in January 2025, down from 18,161 in January 2024. The drop was especially severe in Germany, where sales fell by 59.5% to just 1,277 units, and in France, with a 63% decrease to 1,143 units.

To put this in perspective, Tesla’s performance was so poor that even China’s SAIC Motors managed to sell more than twice as many cars in January, with 22,994 deliveries.

What’s Behind Tesla’s Fall?

Several factors could explain Tesla’s underwhelming performance. One likely reason is the growing negative publicity surrounding Elon Musk’s controversies, including the infamous salute and his outspoken political views, which have stirred debate across Europe. His support for Germany’s far-right AfD party and a jailed activist in the UK has reportedly damaged his public image, which in turn could be impacting Tesla’s brand perception in the region.

Another contributing factor could be the timing of the Model Y update. With the bestseller getting a significant refresh for 2025, many customers might be holding off, leading to reduced demand for the outgoing version. Additionally, Tesla had to retool its production lines for the new Model Y, which may have caused temporary supply disruptions.

Inventory shortages could also be to blame. According to Bloomberg, Tesla might be dealing with low stock levels in certain markets due to an aggressive push to boost year-end numbers in December 2024.

BEV Sales Soar Across Europe

Despite Tesla’s struggles, the overall demand for fully electric vehicles in Europe continues to grow. ACEA reports that 124,341 BEVs were sold in the EU and 166,065 units in the broader Europe+EFTA+UK region in January 2025. This represents a healthy market share of 16.7% in Europe+EFTA+UK, up from 11.9% in January 2024.

More: Hybrids Close To Outselling Petrol Cars In Europe Says New Data, But That’s Kinda Misleading

Still, the region’s favorite powertrain type is HEVs (self-charging hybrids) with a 34.9% market share, followed by gasoline (29.2%). In contrast, the market shares of diesel (8.8%) and PHEVs (7.6%) have declined compared to last year, now falling behind BEVs.

In the EU alone, the combined market share of gasoline and diesel cars fell to 39.4% in January 2025, down from 48.7% the previous year. Overall, new car registrations in the EU decreased by 2.6% to 831,201 units, largely due to declining sales in key markets such as France (-6.2%), Italy (-5.8%), and Germany (-2.8%).

Production of the Scout Terra and Traveler models isn’t scheduled to begin until 2027, but Jay Leno recently had the opportunity to jump behind the wheel of the new Traveler with Scout chief executive Scott Keogh. During the interview, Keogh revealed a few interesting titbits about the duo, including the chemistry of the battery packs in development.

Earlier this month, Keogh confirmed that the BEV and EREV versions would have different battery chemistries, without providing any additional details. In this clip, he reveals the electric versions will use a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack while the EREV will utilize a smaller lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The BEV should have around 350 miles (563 km) of range, while the EREV will be able to travel up to 500 miles (804 km) thanks to the range-extending ICE.

Read: Scout’s Extended-Range EVs To Offer About 500 Miles Of Combined Range

According to Keogh, the intention behind the EREV model is for the small gasoline generator and the electric motor to work together so seamlessly that drivers won’t even notice when the engine is being used. This will be aided by the fact that the engine will be located at the rear of the vehicle, reducing NVH.

Off-Road Chops

The boss of Scout also talks up the off-roading credentials of the Terra and Traveler models, noting they will have electronically locking differentials and sway bars that can be disconnected at the touch of a button. He also reveals that an adjustable air suspension will be an optional extra on both models.

As neither of the two Scout models are production vehicles, Leno was only allowed to drive the Traveler around an airport in LA. Indeed, the cars brought to Leno’s Garage don’t even have seatbelts. Keogh says that approximately 70% of shoppers are opting for the Traveler. He also confirmed previous reports saying that the majority of people are ordering the range-extender.

If you’re on the lookout for a new hybrid and EV and are a Costco member in the US, you might want to take a look at the Costco Auto Program, as they might be able to get you a very competitive deal. The program has partnered with dealerships across the United States and is offering compelling discounts on models like the Volvo EX90, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and even the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray.

The Costco Auto Program allows members to browse through a large inventory of used and new cars at dealerships. The program promises to make the car buying experience easier, as Cosco does the price haggling for you and arranges prices with dealerships for its members. It’s also now encouraging shoppers to get behind the wheel of an electrified vehicle, launching a new EV Marketplace with several limited-run deals.

Read: Bread, Milk, And… A Chevy Equinox? How GM Is Using Costco To Boost EV Sales

Between now and April 30, 2025, Costco Gold Star and Business Members who use the service will get a $1,000 discount on any 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV, Blazer EV, Equinox EV, GMC Sierra EV, or Hummer EV SUV/Pickup. Executive Members will be eligible for a $1,250 discount.

Those shopping for something a little more sporty can pick up a 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray with a $2,750 discount for Gold Star and Business Members, and a $3,000 discount for Executive Members. The newly-arrived 2025 Volvo EX90 is also available with a competitive discount. Gold Star and Business members can pick up the keys to the all-electric SUV with a $1,500 promo, while a $2,000 discount is available for Executive Members.

It’s not just good deals Costco members will find in the EV Marketplace. The retailer has also launched several educational articles on the platform asking popular questions related to EVs, including queries about public charging infrastructure and driving range.

Cast your minds back to 2022 and you might recall a fantastically swoopy electric crossover coupe from Toyota called the bZ Compact SUV concept. Well, next month, that concept becomes a production reality and could give the automaker’s EV fortunes a real boost.

Toyota today confirmed it would reveal an “all-new exciting and surprising” BEV on March 11 (March 12 central European time) and released a single teaser image and a video that don’t give an awful lot away, but do reveal enough that we can be sure it’s the 2022 concept come to life.

Related: Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept Brings Eye-Catching Styling To Europe

They show a sleek fastback shape and a set of curvy hips and front fenders. The roofline is low, but the body appears to be hoisted well clear of the ground to deliver the “elevated driving dynamics” Toyota refers to in its limited blurb. The automaker also promises “surprising space, comfort and versatility,” and claims it will have a strong emotional appeal.

Toyota doesn’t mention the crossover’s name, but judging from recent reports, there’s a good chance it won’t be named bZ because even its bZ4X big brother is rumored to be ditching the absurd jumble of numbers and letters for something more sensible later this year.

The teaser also doesn’t tell us much about the new EV’s tech specs, but we can look at the concept’s dimensions to get an idea on size. Back in 2022, Toyota said the bZ Compact SUV measured 4.54 m (178.7 inches) long and 1.56 m (61.4 inches) tall. If the production version sticks to those numbers it’ll come in at 152 mm (6 inches) shorter and 90 mm (3.5 inches) lower than the Toyota bZ4X.

No power figures or battery capacities were given for the concept but Toyota’s new Urban Cruiser electric SUV, which is smaller in size than the new crossover, has a choice of 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery packs.

Single-motor, front-wheel drive versions of the Suzuki e-Vitara clone make 142 hp (106 kW / 144 PS)  with the small battery and 172 hp (128 kW / 174 PS) with the bigger one, while the optional dual-motor powertrain boosts total output to 182 hp (135 kW / 184 PS).

The gallery below contains one teaser shot of the new production crossover and multiple images of the 2022 bZ Compact SUV concept.

Polestar is keen to lure customers away from EV market leader Tesla and is offering incentives worth as much as $20,000 to buyers willing to jump ship and lease the new Polestar 3 SUV. While there are a few hoops that shoppers will need to jump through, the process should be relatively simple and cuts a significant chunk off the Polestar 3’s $68,900 starting price.

Read: Kia Tries To Woo Tesla Owners With Discounts

Anyone in the US who currently owns or leases a Tesla can qualify by providing Polestar with registration or insurance documents showing the VIN, name, address, and expiration date. This offer is only available from February 21 to February 28, but if buyers can provide the necessary details, they’ll receive a $5,000 Polestar Conquest Bonus toward the lease of a new 2025 Polestar 3.

Stackable Savings for Bigger Discounts

In addition to this bonus, the carmaker continues to offer its $15,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Noncash Incentive, bringing total savings up to $20,000 off a lease. Even if you don’t own a Tesla, you’ll still be eligible for this $15,000 discount if you sign a Polestar 3 lease by February 28.

The deals appear to be offered for the entire range of the Polestar 3, but the availability of different variants differs depending on where you live in the US. That’s important as Polestar insists vehicles must be delivered by the end of February 28 to be eligible for the two discounts.

A Closer Look at the Polestar 3 Lineup

The 2025 Polestar 3 range kicks off from $68,900 for the Long Range Single Motor model, offering 350 miles (563 km) of range alongside 299 hp and 361 lb-ft (489 Nm) of torque. It joins the Long Range Dual Motor that had served as the entry-level version in 2024, starting at $74,800, while the Polestar 3 with the Performance package starts at $80,800.

Lease prices vary depending on the model and incentives. Factoring in the $15,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Noncash Incentive, you could lease a Long Range Dual Motor with an adjusted capitalized cost of $55,795, paying $599 per month for 27 months, with $5,599 due at signing. That”s an effective monthly payment of $806, and over the lease term, buyers would pay $21,762 excluding the downpayment. However, Polestar has not disclosed the monthly payment for Tesla owners who can stack the additional $5,000 discount.

But Is It Really Worth It?

From a financial perspective, it’s essential to look beyond the flashy discounts and focus on the effective monthly payment. Polestar’s incentives are attention-grabbing, but buyers should be cautious about other financial details like the APR on leases or the residual values, as these could easily offset the discounts.

More: Tesla Rolls Out Regular 2026 Model Y In Europe, Cuts Prices By Up To $2,100

For example, the well-equipped Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD Launch Edition—with every option ticked on, including the $8,000 FSD (Supervised), 20-inch wheels, $2,000 Performance upgrade and more—is currently available for $796 per month on a 36-month lease with 10,000 miles per year and no downpayment. This price will certainly drop further once Tesla releases the standard versions of the refreshed Model Y.

Tesla is no stranger to legal troubles and is now the subject of another lawsuit, although this time it comes from Down Under. According to a new suit in Australia’s Federal Court, Tesla Motors Australia has overstated the driving ranges of its EVs, overpromised on self-driving features, and has vehicles suffering from instances of phantom braking.

The latter has plagued Teslas for quite some time and has been the subject of other lawsuits, including in Germany. Just last week, a German court ruled that Tesla’s Autopilot system is “defective” and not “suitable for normal use” due to phantom braking problems.

Read: Court Rules Tesla’s Autopilot Defective For Normal Use After Phantom Braking

In this case, Aussie law firm JGA Saddler describes phantom braking as a “dangerous phenomenon [that] would terrify you and your passengers and could, if it causes an accident, result in serious injury and/or death.”

In addition, the director of JGA Saddler, Rebecca Jancauskas, has taken issue with Tesla selling its long-promised Full-Self Driving features without delivering on the promises its made for the system. She also asserts that many Tesla vehicles sold in Australia cannot achieve 75% of their advertised driving range, and believes the automaker has known about its defects for years but has so far failed to address the problems or pay any compensation to owners.

“It is hoped this claim underscores the importance for all EV manufacturers to be truthful in their marketing, deliver on their promises, and ensure their products are safe and reliable,” Jancauskas told Yahoo! News.

The class action is open to anyone who has purchased or leased a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y with the controversial Tesla Vision system since May 2021.

“Tesla made promises about their vehicles’ safety, performance and features such as their ‘full self-driving,’ but it appears some of these promises are falling flat,” Jancauskas added. It’s unclear how many owners and lessees have signed up to be part of the class action.

Northeast Michigan held one of the shortest fishing seasons ever — 17 minutes. Hundreds of people gathered and raced against the clock in an effort to catch a lake sturgeon, or "dinosaur" fish.

President Trump's calls for the U.S. to take over Greenland have sparked alarm and outrage.

Denmark, which is responsible for Greenland's security, recently announced that it would further boost its defense spending.

And a recent poll found 85 percent of Greenlanders are opposed to being part of the United States.

Parliamentary candidate Naaja Nathanielsen is one of them.

It isn't clear whether Trump's ambitions for Greenland will take. But some politicians in the territory are taking his calls for acquisition more seriously than ever before.

For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

Tony and Taylor are back, discussing news headlines and why it’s valuable to attend conferences like the upcoming STN EXPO East in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“I didn’t know you could get an award for doing something you liked already,” Superintendent Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr. said of a childhood reading award that draws parallels to his current nomination for Super of the Year from AASA, The School Superintendents Association. He and Transportation Director Kevin Snowden discuss the passion, care, technology and collaboration that serves the students at Jefferson County Schools in Alabama.

Read more about leadership.

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The post (STN Podcast E248) It’s Not Business, It’s Personal: Alabama District Talks Transportation Collaboration appeared first on School Transportation News.

School districts around the country showed their appreciation for student transportation staff during Love the Bus Month through gifts, food, and special events. Scroll through the gallery to see how districts and bus companies are showing that they love the bus and  recognizing the dedication of their drivers and other transportation staff.

1 of 66

Related: Update: Love the Bus Month Underway, NAPT Seeks Recognition Year-Round
Related: WATCH: Maine District Highlights Drivers for Love the Bus Month
Related: NAPT Gives New Life to Love the Bus Month

The post Gallery: Love the Bus Month 2025 Celebrations appeared first on School Transportation News.

Furthering school bus safety through comprehensive emergency training is a joint effort between transportation and first responders, a topic that STN EXPO East panelists will discuss in North Carolina.

Paul Hasenmeier, public safety director and fire chief at Hernando County Fire Rescue in Florida, will share his firsthand experience responding to school bus incidents, including fires and crashes. He will provide insight into how student transportation can partner with fire departments during his session “Fire Department Response to School Bus Incidents” on Saturday, March 22.

Hasenmeier is also the author of “School Bus Extrication,” which details the technical training and school bus construction knowledge necessary for firefighters to quickly and adequately respond to school bus emergencies requiring student or driver extraction.

During his STN EXPO presentation, Hasenmeier will discuss how fire departments approach crashes and fires involving school buses, including internal combustion and electric models. The presentation will include photos and analysis of the various situations and environments firefighters can encounter and lessons learned that student transporters can take away to better prepare their drivers and students being transporter.

Following that session, Hasenmeier will facilitate a panel discussion on “Developing Mock Casualty Exercises with Local First Responders.” He will be joined by Peggy Stone, director of transportation for Lincoln County Schools in West Virginia, and Katrina Morris, executive director of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation and transportation director for West Shore Educational Service District.

Morris and Stone will discuss with Hasenmeier how to build relationships with local fire departments and learn how to provide necessary provisions for emergency training exercises. They will lead an interactive discussion with attendees on the planning needed to create training scenarios that will equip student transporters for potential emergency situations.

The STN EXPO East conference will be held March 20-25 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in North Carolina. Register at stnexpo.com/east.

Related: STN EXPO East Brings Child Passenger Safety Training to North Carolina
Related: National School Bus Inspection Training Program at STN EXPO East Adds OEM Training
Related: Security Sessions at STN EXPO East Address Violence, Safety Programs

The post STN EXPO East Sessions Focus on Fire Safety, Partnerships with First Responders appeared first on School Transportation News.

Fighting is continuing for a fourth day in Iran’s southeastern port city of Chabahar.

Chabahar is the principal port in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province, which borders Pakistan’s Baluchistan. On both sides of the border, Baluchi separatists have mounted attacks on central government security forces, but attacks have intensified on the Iranian side of the border. Over the past six months, under the pretext of carrying out training exercises, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has mounted large-scale sweep operations across Sistan Baluchistan, and has suffered a steady flow of casualties.

The fighting in Chabahar broke out on February 22, when Jaish Al Adl separatists forced the evacuation of a government building responsible for the administration of rural affairs, then blew it up. Jaish Al Adl also attacked the Chabahar office of the Islamic Revolution Housing Foundation. A protracted gun battle was taking place in central Chabahar on the morning of February 25, widely shared on social media, as IRGC security forces attempted to surround a Jaish Al Adl position.

Iranian military and security forces raided a house in Chabahar, Sistan and Baluchestan, using RPGs and heavy gunfire as clashes continue.
Halvash that covers the event in the southeastern province reports the area is fully surrounded, but details on casualties or the reason for… pic.twitter.com/cWykemERkR

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) February 25, 2025

For external observers of Iran, it is difficult to gauge when local fighting will spread to other restive areas and spark a wider insurrection. The Iranian Crown Prince in exile, interviewed on February 25, believes Iran is already “in a revolutionary, or at the very least, a pre-revolutionary fervor," he said. “It’s escalating every day.”

But more pertinently, the IRGC – as an acute internal observer of the scene –- evidently also believes this to be the case, mounting large-scale internal security exercises, focused on border areas with large minority populations. These ‘exercises’ are a mix of mobilization rehearsals, intimidatory shows of force and an opportunity to launch pre-emptive strikes on what are thought to be forces opposed to the Islamic regime. Besides Sistan Baluchistan, these ‘exercises’ have also covered the Kermanshah area of western Iran, the traditionally restive Arabic-speaking Khuzestan across the border from Basra, and Tehran itself. The IRGC’s primary role is not defense of the country, but protection of the Islamic Revolution and its leaders, and the areas where the IRGC has exercised are the first places to look for any further uprisings sparked by the activity in Chabahar.

A particular area of concern for the IRGC appears to be the southern coastline abutting the Gulf of Oman, which has seen increased levels of both Iranian regular and IRGC naval activity.  Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, the regular Iranian Navy commander, told Press TV recently two of his five deployed flotillas were covering this southern flank from the Indian Ocean. 

The unprecedented levels of IRGC activity have been accompanied by a series of statements from the IRGC’s senior leadership.  These statements reflect concern that the country may face further attacks from Israel, but also from the United States, aimed at neutralizing Iran’s covert nuclear weapons development program.  Such statements have threatened a True Promise-3 operation, a larger scale ballistic missile and drone attack than Operation True Promise-2 launched against Israel on October 1, 2024. The Iranians have also brandished their ability to mount drone attacks from ships, and have been resupplying their Houthis allies. On the political front, the Iranian leadership has intensified its courting of allies and sympathizers, seeking to enmesh them in its defense and security arrangements.

Deep ocean search company Ocean Infinity has rebooted the hunt for Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 that disappeared over the Indian Ocean 11 years ago. 

In the early hours of March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 took off from Kuala Lumpur, headed north for Beijing. The plane then reversed course and made for the Indian Ocean, and at about 0214, it passed out of radar range as it headed west over the Strait of Malacca. MH370 never arrived at its destination, and all passengers and crew were presumed lost at sea. Pieces of the aircraft floated ashore in Tanzania, Reunion and South Africa, confirming that it had crashed, but a three-year seabed search failed to turn up any sign of the wreckage on the bottom.

Ocean Infinity has agreed to undertake a new search on unusual terms: a reported "no-find, no-fee" arrangement. If it finds the wreck site, it will receive $70 million; the details of the contract are still being finalized, even though deployment and operations have already begun, Malaysian transport minister Anthony Loke told reporters on Tuesday. 

It is a high-profile test for Ocean Infinity's new low-crew survey techniques. The company has deployed the Armada 7806, a Vard-built compact survey ship designed to perform ROV and AUV search operations with less overhead and lower fuel consumption than a conventional platform. The 78-meter hulls have two moonpools for underwater vehicle deployment, and can operate ROV missions with as little as 16 crewmembers on board. 

AIS data provided by Pole Star suggests that the Armada 7806 finished her transit and arrived on station in the Indian Ocean on Monday. As of Tuesday, she was holding position and broadcasting her status as restricted in ability to maneuver, indicating AUV or ROV survey operations. 
 

The wreck of a Dutch submarine that rescued survivors after an Australian minesweeper was sunk by Japanese warships during World War II has been discovered at a famous ship graveyard off the coast of the Australian city of Fremantle. About eight decades after it went missing, the wreck of HNLMS K XI has been identified and is said to be lying in 40 meters of water off Rottnest Island, outside of the well-known Rottnest ship graveyard.

The wreck was discovered by a technical diving group called Wrecksploration on January 1. The Western Australian Museum (WAM) worked in conjunction with the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE) to identify the boat using the group's 3D model of the site. K XI is said to be one of the most significant vessels to have been discarded in or near the graveyard, which is the final resting place for about 50 shipwrecks.

K XI was built in Fijenoord, Rotterdam between 1922 and 1924 for the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNN) and was deployed to patrol waters in the colonial Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia). Commissioned in 1925, the submarine was the first of three boats in the K XI class and one of 25 boats built for the submarine division of the RNN. At least 15 boats were deployed in the Netherlands East Indies.

On March 9, 1942, K XI's crew rescued 13 survivors from the 151 crew of the Royal Australian Navy’s minesweeping and convoy escort sloop HMAS Yarra (II) that had been sunk by Japanese warships. The 13 men had survived in rough waters for five days floating on life rafts and clinging to life through occasional spoonfuls of water and a few biscuits.

For more than three decades, WA Museum has been investigating the Rottnest graveyard, where it believed K XI was resting. When divers discovered the wreck outside of the main dumping site, RCE agreed to finance the photogrammetry work, which was developed into a 3D model and submitted to the WA Museum for identification.

“Over the decades, the use of archival sources, local knowledge, and remote sensing surveys has allowed the Museum to identify a number of significant sites in the graveyard. In this project, we compared archival records with the 3D model created by Wrecksploration to confirm that the wreck was the K XI,” said Corioli Souter, Head of Maritime Heritage at the WA Museum.

During WWII, Fremantle Harbor was the largest submarine base in the Southern Hemisphere and was the second-most important Allied submarine base in the Pacific Theatre after Pearl Harbor, with U.S, British and Dutch submarines operating from Fremantle. A total of 11 Dutch submarines operated out of Fremantle during the time period.

Archeologists say that the discovery of the wreck of K XI provides an insight into the behaviors and practices of ship dumping off Fremantle in the immediate post-WWII period. Apart from K XI, six miniature Welman two-man submarines, eight submersible canoes, four aircraft, and other military equipment are believed to have been dumped at the graveyard.

The wreck of K XI is protected by Australia’s laws as an important heritage site, meaning that divers can visit but cannot damage, disturb, or remove any part.

A Russian research vessel has gone down because of heavy icing conditions at the port of Novorossiysk, Russia, according to dissident media outlet Crimean Wind. 

The small research vessel Ashamba, operated by the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, was moored at a marina in Novorossiysk last weekend during a severe winter storm. The crew could not counter the ice buildup fast enough to avoid a capsizing, and the vessel gradually listed to port and sank. 

The risk of pollution is reportedly limited, as the vessel had a small quantity of diesel on board. The owner is deploying booms to contain any pollution, and is making plans to raise the wreck. 

The Transport Prosecutor's Office for Novorossiysk has launched an investigation into the casualty, and is looking at whether there may have been any breaches of maritime regulations. Separately, the Investigative Committee of Russia's transport division has started the process of beginning its own investigation, according to Russian outlet PortNews. 

Damaged freighter still awaiting port of refuge

According to Ukrainian sources, the aging freighter Pavel Grabovskiy remains stuck near the port of Azov because local authorities refuse to provide a port of refuge. 

On February 16, the 46-year-old Grabovskiy began taking on water through a hole in the hull while under way in the Sea of Azov. Tugboats were deployed to provide it with assistance, and Russian authorities assert that the situation is stable. 

Petro Andryushchenko, head of Ukraine's Center for the Study of Occupation, told Channel 24 that the freighter is still stuck at sea after more than a week. 

"Apparently, the situation is much more serious, but they are trying not to disclose it, given the recent tanker accidents in the Black Sea. As of yesterday, the ship was in a roadstead near the port of Azov. Its repair in the open sea is much more difficult than in the port, but it was not allowed to dock," said Andryuschenko.

As the industry prepares for the commercial introduction of the first ammonia-fueled marine engines, efforts are continuing to develop the infrastructure that will be needed to support ammonia at scale as a fuel for the maritime industry. Japan’s NYK Group (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha) working in partnership with Seatrium and its design company LMG Marine, is reporting a groundbreaking step in advancing the sector.

The group’s design for an ammonia-fueled ammonia bunkering vessel has passed the next key milestone in its development. ClassNK reviewed the design engineering developed by LMG and issued the next Approval-in-Principle for the project. The partners report the design will now be submitted to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore for evaluation. Singapore hosted the first ammonia bunkering operations and certification program in early 2024 for the converted offshore support vessel developed by Fortescue. 

The AiP certification validated the ammonia-fueled ammonia bunkering vessel design’s compliance with stringent safety, technical, and environmental standards. LMG Marin provided design capabilities, leading to a Hazard Identification Study (HAZID) for design validation. The comprehensive HAZID conducted was instrumental in ensuring optimal safety, performance, and operational reliability. 

The partners report the vessel design incorporates the consortium's two key features to ensure safety and operational reliability. It uses ammonia fuel dual-fuel engines from IHI Power Systems and a bunkering boom by TB Global Technologies. The bunkering boom features a unique technology called the High Speed Ammonia Purging Emergency Release System (ERS), which enables a reliable and efficient disconnection between vessels in an emergency.

NYK is already at the forefront of ammonia-fueled shipping. In 2024, it completed the conversion of its pioneering LNG-fueled tugboat Sakigake into an ammonia-powered vessel. It completed one of the first ammonia bunkering operation which used truck-based delivery and the vessel is now demonstrating operations in Tokyo Bay.

The effort to develop an ammonia bunker vessel began several years ago. In September 2022, the project received its first AiP certification based on a 3D model.

NYK said the design for the bunker vessel is an essential contribution to developing the infrastructure needed for ammonia bunkering. The designs will be reviewed by the authorities in Singapore, which already is one of the world’s largest bunker ports, and seeks to be a hub for innovation.