House Clears $3 Billion For Auto Technology Research September 16, 2009 WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House of Representatives approved a $3 billion proposal on Wednesday to further spur research into advanced batteries and other technologies to power electric cars and other vehicles. The bill, proposed by Michigan Representative Gary Peters, would also establish a technology program for commercial trucks, transit vehicles and heavy duty machinery. The government has in recent months sharply boosted funding for battery research as U.S. automakers seek to reverse their fortunes and increase production of hybrids and introduce electric cars.
Burt Reynolds Enters Fla. Rehab For Pill Addiction WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Actor Burt Reynolds has checked himself into a rehab facility in West Palm Beach to be treated for an addiction to painkillers. Reynolds’ manager Erik Kritzer said in a statement Wednesday that the “Smokey and the Bandit” star was struggling after a recent back surgery and “realized that he was in the prison of prescription pain pills.” Kritzer says Reynolds hopes his story will help others in similar situations and that they will not try to solve the problem by themselves.