Modern dating has evolved into a complex landscape, complete with its own ever-expanding vocabulary designed to capture the nuances of romantic relationships in the digital age. From the first match on a dating app to navigating the ups and downs of commitment, new terms are coined almost daily to describe behaviours, trends, and situations unique to contemporary relationships. This linguistic shift reflects how technology, cultural changes, and evolving social norms have transformed the way we meet, communicate, and connect with potential partners. In 2024, the online dating landscape introduced several terms that encapsulated emerging behaviours and trends. Here are some of the most popular and talked-about dating trends: Breadcrumbing is a popular dating trend that refers to when someone sends you occasional flirtatious messages but doesn't intend to pursue a real relationship. These messages, or "breadcrumbs," are often just enough to keep you interested and invested, but not enough to lead to any meaningful connection or commitment. Examples of breadcrumbing include sporadic texting or messaging on social media, sending flirtatious or suggestive messages, but never following through, and making plans, but constantly cancelling or postponing. Breadcrumbing can be frustrating and confusing, leaving the person on the receiving end wondering if they're really interested or just playing games. This term describes a situation where someone who previously ghosted you unexpectedly reappears in your life, attempting to rekindle the connection without acknowledging their prior disappearance. This person might send a text, like a social media post, or even try to rekindle the relationship without acknowledging their prior disappearance. The term likens this behaviour to a "zombie" rising from the dead, metaphorically representing how the person resurfaces after seeming to vanish completely. Zombieing can be frustrating and confusing for the person on the receiving end, as it often lacks a clear explanation or apology, leaving them to question the intentions behind the unexpected return. Love Bombing is a dating trend where someone showers their partner with overwhelming affection, compliments, gifts, and attention early in the relationship. While this can seem romantic and exciting at first, love bombing is often a manipulative tactic used to establish control or create dependency. The "bomber" may use this excessive display of love to quickly gain the other person's trust and affection, only to later shift to more controlling or emotionally abusive behaviours once the relationship is firmly established. This stark change can leave the recipient feeling confused and emotionally vulnerable. In 2024, the term gained prominence as people became increasingly aware of the importance of healthy boundaries and identifying red flags in relationships. Experts recommend watching for balance and consistency in a partner's actions to avoid falling into the trap of love bombing. Benching is a dating trend where someone keeps another person as a "backup" option while actively pursuing other romantic interests. The "bencher" gives just enough attention to keep the other person interested, such as sporadic messages, compliments, or plans that rarely materialize, but avoid committing to a relationship or taking things to the next level. The term draws from sports, where players sit on the bench, waiting to be called into the game. In the dating world, it reflects the sense of being sidelined while the bencher explores other opportunities. For the person being benched, this behaviour can lead to frustration, confusion, and emotional exhaustion. Affordating is a dating trend that emerged as a response to economic pressures and the rising cost of traditional dates. It focuses on planning and enjoying affordable or cost-conscious outings while still fostering meaningful connections. Instead of extravagant dinners or pricey events, affording encourages creative, budget-friendly activities such as picnics in the park with homemade food, exploring local attractions that are free or inexpensive, like museums with discounted tickets, and cooking together at home for a cosy and personal experience. Chameleoning is a dating trend where someone changes or adapts their personality, interests, and behaviour to mirror their partner's preferences in an attempt to be more likeable or compatible. While this might initially seem like an effort to connect or impress, it often leads to the person losing their sense of self and authentic identity within the relationship. In 2024, chameleoning became a focal point in discussions about healthy dating behaviours, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and finding partners who appreciate authenticity. Sober Dating is a growing dating trend where individuals choose to connect and get to know each other without the influence of alcohol or other substances. With the rise of wellness culture, more people are prioritising their physical and mental health, including rethinking alcohol consumption. This approach emphasises clarity, authenticity, and intentionality in romantic interactions. The term gained traction in 2024 as part of a broader cultural shift toward mindful living and creating more intentional romantic connections. Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the worldSYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 22, 2024-- News Corporation (“News Corp” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA: ASX: NWS, NWSLV) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of Foxtel Group (“Foxtel”) to DAZN Group Limited (“DAZN”), a premier global sports streaming platform. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholder loans in the amount of A$578 million outstanding and owing to News Corp will be repaid in full in cash at closing. Foxtel’s current debt will be refinanced at closing and transfer with Foxtel, and News Corp will hold a minority equity interest in DAZN of approximately 6% as well as one seat on its Board of Directors. Telstra Group Ltd (“Telstra”) will also sell its minority interest in Foxtel, have its shareholder loans of A$128 million repaid, and take a minority stake in DAZN of approximately 3%. The proposed transaction values Foxtel at an enterprise value of A$3.4 billion, representing more than 7x fiscal 2024 Foxtel EBITDA. The agreement follows a strategic and financial review of Foxtel as part of News Corp’s ongoing efforts to optimize its portfolio and simplify the structure of the Company. Under News Corp’s management, Foxtel has become a digital and streaming leader in sports and entertainment. With DAZN’s global reach, industry leading technology and broad content portfolio, the proposed transaction enhances Foxtel’s position as a digital-first, streaming-focused business, led by the current CEO, Patrick Delany, and his world-class management team. The proposed transaction likewise empowers News Corp to further focus on its key growth segments: Dow Jones, Digital Real Estate Services and Book Publishing, while also providing the Company with a shareholding in a larger, global sports streaming and entertainment company with over 300 million viewers across 200 markets. DAZN continues to experience significant growth as it pursues expansion into new markets and across more sports. The transaction, which is expected to close in the second half of fiscal 2025, is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. For News Corp financial reporting purposes, Foxtel will be classified as discontinued operations as of the second quarter of fiscal 2025. “This agreement is a victory for News Corp shareholders, DAZN, and sport fans in Australia and around the world,” said News Corp Chief Executive Robert Thomson. “Foxtel has been transformed into a genuine digital and streaming leader in Australia, and we believe DAZN is the right owner to take the business to the next level with their technological capabilities, global footprint and compelling sports rights. This transaction also allows News Corp to focus on our other growth pillars of Dow Jones, Digital Real Estate and Book Publishing, while benefiting from repayment of our shareholder loans and an improved credit profile. We are proud to be a long-term partner of DAZN and its talented team.” Shay Segev, Chief Executive Officer of DAZN, said: “Australians watch more sport than any other country in the world, which makes this deal an incredibly exciting opportunity for DAZN to enter a key market, marking another step in our long-term strategy to become the global home of sport. Foxtel is a successful business that has undergone a remarkable digital transformation in recent years, and we are confident that our global reach and relentless pursuit of innovation will continue to drive the business forward and ensure long-term success. “We are committed to supporting and investing in Foxtel’s television and streaming services, across both sports and entertainment, using our world-leading technology to further enhance the viewing experience for customers. We are also committed to using our global reach to export Australia’s most popular sports to new markets around the world, and we will continue to promote women’s and under-represented sports. “We’re looking forward to working closely with Patrick Delany and his team, as well as News Corp and Telstra as shareholders in DAZN, to realise our ambitious vision for the future of sport entertainment.” The Chairman of Foxtel, Siobhan McKenna, said the agreement with DAZN was international recognition of the transformation of Foxtel from an incumbent pay TV operator to a sports and entertainment digital and streaming leader. “Over the last seven years the Foxtel team, with the strong support of News, have achieved an extraordinary turnaround in an intensely competitive environment.” Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany said: “News Corp’s unwavering support and guidance has seen Foxtel successfully reinvent itself into a dynamic, streaming-led business delivering strong financial performance. We are excited to embark on the next chapter with DAZN, a premier global sports streaming provider, as our new shareholder. DAZN’s backing will enhance our strategy needed, provide access to their global reach, and strengthen the infrastructure and technology to accelerate our transformation. Most importantly, we will continue to be a proudly Australian-based business, led by local management, committed to delivering locally-produced sports and entertainment content for our audiences." Goldman Sachs served as financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Allens served as legal advisor to News Corp on the transaction. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations or beliefs, as well as assumptions about future events, and these statements are subject to factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The words “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “believe,” “potential,” “will,” “should” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this release and include statements with respect to, among other things, the expected timing for the completion of, and the potential benefits from, the sale of Foxtel. Readers are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Many factors, such as the risks and uncertainties related to the parties’ efforts to comply with and satisfy applicable regulatory approvals and closing conditions relating to the sale, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of this date and News Corp and Foxtel undertake no obligation (and expressly disclaim any obligation) to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. About News Corp News Corp (Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) is a global, diversified media and information services company focused on creating and distributing authoritative and engaging content and other products and services. The Company comprises businesses across a range of media, including: information services and news, digital real estate services, book publishing and subscription video services in Australia. Headquartered in New York, News Corp operates primarily in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, and its content and other products and services are distributed and consumed worldwide. More information is available at http://www.newscorp.com . About Foxtel The Foxtel Group is one of Australia's leading media companies with 4.7 million subscribers. Its businesses include subscription television, streaming, sports production and advertising. The Foxtel Group is owned 65% by News Corp and 35% by Telstra. The Foxtel Group's diversified business includes Fox Sports, Australia's leading sports production company, famous for live sports and shows with the best commentators and personalities. It is also the home of local and global entertainment content and continues to be the partner of choice for the widest range of sports and international content providers based on established, long-term relationships, growing streaming audiences, and position as the largest Australian-based subscription television company. About DAZN As a world-leading sports entertainment platform, DAZN streams over 90,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide. DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN. DAZN partners with leading pay-TV operators, ISPs and Telcos worldwide to maximise sports exposure to a broad audience. Its partners include Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Sky, Movistar, Telenet, Vodafone, and many more. DAZN is a global, privately-owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 3,000 employees. The Group generated $3.2bn in revenue in 2023, having grown its annual revenues by over 50% on average from 2020 to 2023, through diverse revenue streams comprising subscriptions, advertising, sponsorship, and transactional. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit www.dazngroup.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241222637954/en/ CONTACT: News Corp Corporate Communications Arthur Bochner 646-422-9671 abochner@newscorp.comNews Corp Australia John Connolly +61 417 684 064 jc@jcp.com.auNews Corp Investor Relations Michael Florin 212-416-3363 mflorin@newscorp.comAnthony Rudolf 212-416-3040 arudolf@newscorp.comDAZN Corporate Communications (Hawthorn Advisors) Richard Suchet +44 7824 824943 DAZN@hawthornadvisors.comTelstra Communications Principal Jonathon Larkin +61 0477 310 149 jonathon.larkin@team.telstra.com KEYWORD: NEW YORK AUSTRALIA/OCEANIA AUSTRALIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: GENERAL SPORTS SPORTS PUBLISHING ENTERTAINMENT ADVERTISING ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA TV AND RADIO SOURCE: News Corporation Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/22/2024 06:04 PM/DISC: 12/22/2024 06:04 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241222637954/enAmazon expands use of robots
EV batteries have been coasting on the same liquid-electrolyte technology ever since the early 2000s, with some significant tweaks leading to improved performance and lower costs over the years. Still, a sea change in the approach to battery design is needed in order to bring the cost of electric vehicles down to the point of meeting — or even beating — gasmobiles on cost, and energy storage innovators are banking on new solid-state ceramic technology to turn the tide. Ceramic batteries — sometimes called “glass batteries” — replace the flammable liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium-ion EV batteries fully or partly with a stable, more environmentally friendly solid material. The evolution of the solid-state battery has been a long time coming. One breakthrough was reported by Hitachi back in 1985, but the idea didn’t gain much traction until 2017. That’s when a team at the University of Texas Cockrell School of Engineering reported an electrolyte based on glass, building on the work of the legendary lithium-ion battery innovator Professor John Goodenough and senior research fellow Maria Helena Braga. Moving up to 2024, we find the Taiwanese company ProLogium at the forefront of innovators commercializing EV batteries with ceramic electrolytes. The company has been shifting its R&D timeline into high gear. In the latest news, on December 12, ProLogium announced that its next-generation lithium ceramic battery was awarded a new certification by the independent safety and performance inspection firm TÜV Rheinland. The achievement follows an initial certification earned in March. “The TÜV Rheinland certification confirms that ProLogium’s next-generation lithium ceramic battery delivers an industry-leading energy density of 811.6 Wh/L (volumetric) and 359.2 Wh/kg (gravimetric),” ProLogium explained in a press statement, adding that the new milestone was achieved on a battery off the company’s pilot-scale production line. Located in Taouyan, Taiwan, the demonstration facility started operation earlier this year to produce EV batteries with a gigawatt-scale goal in its sights. ProLogium also notes that automakers around the world already have thousands of its ceramic batteries in their hands for testing and development (probably including EV up-and-comer Vinfast , for one). The previous certification from TÜV Rheinland in March involved a battery with an energy density of 749 Wh/L and 321 Wh/kg. Doing the math (which ProLogium did), the new certification of 811.6 Wh/L and 359.2 Wh/kg represents improvements of 8.36% and 11.90%, respectively, outpacing the company’s own forecast from October. This year’s burst of timeline-breaking activity did not come out of nowhere. “This milestone...reflects 18 years of relentless efforts in addressing key battery challenges and optimizing manufacturing processes,”observed ProLogium founder and Chairman Vincent Yang , who listed the company’s separator-free ceramic layer and its 100% composite silicon anode among other key breakthroughs. Apparently we ain’t see nothing yet. In the December 12 announcement, ProLogium teased “further groundbreaking innovations” to be unveiled at CES 2025 . The annual, and influential, tech showcase will be held in Las Vegas in January. ProLogium also states that its new EV batteries beat other market-ready technologies on performance, with an energy density of up to 79.6% higher than the emerging lithium-iron-phosphate and nickel-manganese-cobalt formulas. “This translates to smaller, lighter battery packs with longer range and improved energy efficiency,” ProLogium notes. The new EV batteries are also capable of delivering 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) range in five minutes, according to the company. To be clear, commercially successful EV batteries are not necessarily the ones with the best energy density. Cost, manufacturability, and supply chain factors also go into the equation. Still, solid and semi-solid ceramic EV batteries are having a moment, and there is still room for additional improvement. Researchers at McGill University in Canada, for example, recently reported on a method for improving the performance of ceramic EV batteries by replacing a dense ceramic plate with a porous plate, filling the holes with a polymer. “By using a polymer-filled porous membrane, we can allow lithium ions to move freely and eliminate the interfacial resistance between the solid electrolyte and the electrodes,” explains research team leader Professor George Demopoulos of the school’s Department of Materials Engineering. “This not only improves the battery’s performance but also creates a stable interface for high-voltage operation, one of the industry’s key goals,” he adds. Here in the US, keep an eye on new EV batteries from the startup Ion Storage Systems . In December of 2023 the University of Maryland spinout hooked up with the leading French materials specialist Saint-Gobain to deliver the specialized powder needed to formulate the battery’s ceramic “brain.” ION received a vote of investor confidence last year from Toyota Ventures, among other private sector stakeholders, as well as public funding including grants to the University of Maryland. Another big thumbs-up came this summer, when the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E funding office tapped ION for a $20 million award through its SCALEUP “Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy technologies with Untapped Potential” program, aimed at accelerating the technology into EV batteries for the commercial market. To qualify for SCALEUP funding, an applicant needs to establish a de-risked and viable route to commercial deployment . ION is putting its SCALEUP dollars to work on setting up a ceramic electrolyte separator production pilot line along with five other key elements leading to commercial manufacturing. The grant also seems to have caught the eye of Leonid Capital Partners, which announced a debt investment of $10 million in ION on November 13th. “Unlike traditional designs, ION’s technology eliminates flammability risks , reduces the need for extensive cooling systems, and provides industry-leading energy density attributes,” Leonid Capital explained, indicating that the defense and aerospace sectors will be the low hanging fruit for commercial application. “Our early performance-driven customers will be battery users who have a need that is not met by existing technology such as high temperature applications like autoclavable battery-powered medical devices or fire-sensitive applications like underwater military vehicles and space-based systems,” ION notes on its ARPA-E page. As with ProLogium, ION is another example of persistence paying off. The company puts the start date for its core technology at the University of Maryland 14 years ago, back in 2012, before spinning out as a startup in 2105. EV batteries have come a long way since the 1990s, when the initial version of GM’s EV-1 electric vehicle sported 32 rechargeable lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion EV batteries with liquid electrolytes have ruled the roost since then, and now it’s time for a new wave of energy storage innovation to enter the field. Follow me via LinkTree , or @tinamcasey on LinkedIn and Bluesky. Photo (cropped): A new wave of high-performing, fast-charging solid state EV batteries with ceramic electrolytes is coming into the market, with the Taiwanese firm ProLogium among the leaders (courtesy of Prologium). CleanTechnica's Comment Policy LinkedIn WhatsApp Facebook Bluesky Email RedditINVESTIGATION NOTICE: Kaskela Law LLC Announces Shareholder Investigation of Zuora, Inc. (NYSE: ...This partnership brings together Panaya's robust AI-powered Smart Testing platform and Tritusa's rich testing expertise to deliver superior testing outcomes for Australian enterprises HACKENSACK, N.J. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Panaya , the leader in SaaS-based AI-Powered Smart Testing and Change Intelligence for ERP, CRM, and Enterprise Cloud Applications, announces today a new partnership with Tritusa, an Australian company specializing in SAP Testing and Quality Assurance. This collaboration aims to provide Australian enterprises with enhanced SAP testing capabilities, including Test Automation, to ensure seamless, efficient and risk-free SAP implementations. As businesses in Australia increasingly adopt SAP S/4HANA, the need for robust testing solutions has never been greater. Panaya and Tritusa are combining their strengths to meet this demand. Panaya's cutting-edge AI-powered solutions, paired with Tritusa's comprehensive SAP testing services – including Test Management & Governance, Test Assurance, Functional Testing, Test Automation, and Performance Testing – offer a powerful, 360-degree, suite of solutions for organizations looking to optimize their SAP testing processes. This partnership allows businesses to leverage Tritusa's local expertise and Panaya's innovative technology to improve test quality, test environment readiness, and overall test effectiveness. Organizations can now accelerate their SAP projects with confidence, ensuring high-quality outcomes and minimal disruption to their operations. Shabi Levi , Head of Global Channels and Alliances at Panaya , shared his appreciation for the collaboration: "We are very pleased to partner with Tritusa to bring our AI-driven testing solutions to the Australian market. Tritusa's deep understanding of SAP testing and their commitment to quality make them an ideal partner. Together, we will empower Australian businesses to achieve faster, more reliable SAP transformations." Jag Sothivel, Technical Director at Tritusa , also highlighted the value of the partnership: "Partnering with Panaya allows us to offer our clients state-of-the-art testing solutions that go beyond traditional approaches. Panaya's technology perfectly complements our testing services, and we look forward to delivering outstanding results for our customers." About Tritusa Tritusa is an Australian company, specializing in SAP Testing and Quality Assurance. They focus on a comprehensive array of SAP Testing & Assurance services, including Test Management & Governance, Test Assurance, Functional Testing, Test Automation and Performance Testing & Engineering. They go beyond traditional SAP testing approaches and assist their customers to improve their test data quality, test environment quality, and test user quality, ensuring seamless testing outcomes. About Panaya Panaya, a SaaS-based company certified by SAP, Oracle, and Salesforce.com, offers an all-in-one platform for Smart Testing solutions and Change Intelligence tailored for ERP, CRM, and cloud business applications. Panaya accelerates and de-risks digital landscapes with AI-powered Test Automation, Test Management, and Impact Analysis. Panaya's focus on ease of use and an intuitive interface ensures seamless collaboration between business and IT, empowering business users and IT professionals to gain real-time visibility and control over their projects. This capability enables faster releases and continuous delivery of high-quality software. Since its founding in 2006, over 3,000 companies across 62 countries, including a third of the Fortune 500, have trusted Panaya to drive rapid, quality testing and change management in their enterprise business applications. For more information, contact Panaya at marketing@panaya.com or visit www.panaya.com . For media inquiries, contact Dana Averbouch, daverbouch@panaya.com . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1636386/3844879/panaya_Logo.jpg
Stephen Olowoniyi scores 18 as Southern Indiana knocks off Shawnee State 91-56Landfills in Colorado release millions of metric tons of greenhouse gasses each year as organic waste including food, paper and yard trimmings decomposes into the soil, contributing to global warming and harming human health. Colorado, as part of its multi-pronged approach to eliminate 90% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, is planning to address those landfill emissions next year with rules that could require operators to install new equipment to curb the amount of methane they release and to increase monitoring technology to better track just how much is being generated. The state’s Air Quality Control Commission is expected to create the new rules in August, which would place Colorado among the nation’s first states to enact more stringent regulations on landfills than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency . The state kicked off its efforts last week with the first of three public hearings to explain why environmental leaders want to regulate landfill emissions of methane, a far more potent pollutant than carbon dioxide, and how they would propose doing so. Along with reducing air pollution, the methane reduction also would benefit communities in Colorado that live near landfills, where residents often are Latino, Black or Indigenous and earn less money than the average household. Finally, reducing methane would also help the Front Range improve its air quality , which is in severe violation of federal ozone standards. “Methane is an incredibly potent climate pollutant and reducing methane emissions from landfills is a very cost-effective climate action solution,” said Suzanne Jones, executive director of Eco-Cycle , a nonprofit recycler in Boulder. “And it’s an opportunity for Colorado to use its expertise on methane monitoring of oil and gas operations to apply to landfills as a model for the rest of the country.” There are 51 active landfills in Colorado, and some are owned and operated by cities and counties, while others are owned by private companies. It’s unclear how many will be impacted by the new methane reduction regulations, since regulators have not finalized their proposal that would determine how big of a polluter a landfill would need to be to fall under the new rules. Landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions behind oil and gas production and livestock farming in the United States. Colorado’s landfills released 1.45 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2020, the most current data available from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment . That’s 1% of all the greenhouse gas emissions in the state, Tim Taylor, a supervisor in the department’s climate change program, said during last week’s public hearing. However, environmentalists and even federal and state regulators believe the amount of methane leaking from landfills could be much greater. In June, a NASA study using satellite data estimated that landfills in the U.S. are releasing 50% more methane than the EPA reports, and a subset of 70 high-emitting landfills found emissions were 77% higher on median than what was reported to the EPA. Only 21 of Colorado’s landfills are large enough to report their methane emissions to the EPA under current regulations, but they account for 76% of the industrial methane sources in the state, ahead of mining, manufacturing and food processing, according to a report released this month by Industrious Labs and Healthy Air and Water Colorado , a coalition of health care professionals fighting climate change. Landfills are “living masses of waste” where food scraps, discarded paper products and landscaping material break down over the years and release methane along with other chemicals such as benzene and toluene, said Katherine Blauvelt, circular economy director at Industrious Labs, a group focused on reducing industry’s impact on climate change. “Colorado landfills are responsible for the equivalent of 1 million cars on the road,” Blauvelt said. “Every little bit of methane you don’t put in the atmosphere has a positive impact. The way you do that is through basic regulations. In Colorado, it’s like we are on Windows 2000 technology.” The EPA already requires larger landfills to control and report emissions, but Colorado is planning to expand those requirements to smaller landfills, increasing the number that will be regulated, Taylor said. Under the EPA’s requirements, landfills are regulated based on their designed capacity, but Colorado will order landfills to follow the new rules based on the amount of waste they already have in place, he said. Landfills that fall under the threshold Colorado sets will be required to install gas collection and control systems to capture the methane, Taylor said. Then the operator would have choices: Install an enclosed combustion flare so methane is burned off and turned into carbon dioxide, which is a less potent pollutant, or convert the methane into a natural gas that can be used in the electrical grid, Taylor said. The state also is considering a requirement for landfills to use biofilters or biocovers to reduce methane emissions. “Biocovers and biofilters are passive methods for reducing landfill emissions because they rely on naturally occurring microbes or methane-eating bacteria to convert methane to carbon dioxide or water without the need for any external energy input or active intervention,” Taylor said. Environmentalists also are pushing the state for more monitoring of landfills, including the use of drones and satellite imagery to better detect leaks that otherwise might be unseen because of looser monitoring requirements. Employees at landfills that already monitor emissions do so once a quarter by walking the property with detection devices, Blauvelt said. Air flights conducted to look for methane leaks from the sky have detected unreported plumes at multiple Colorado landfills, including the Tower Landfill in Commerce City, the Larimer County Landfill in Fort Collins and the North Weld Landfill in Ault, according to the Industrious Labs report. At the Tower Landfill, there were nine large methane plumes detected by flights in September 2023 and August 2024. Those plumes were so large that they would have been considered super emitters by the EPA’s standards for the oil and gas industry, the report said. The landfill, which is owned and operated by Republic Services , detected more than 20 instances that went over federal limits for methane emissions during a quarterly inspection in August. But “a landfill can leak methane more than quarterly,” the report said. Colorado received a federal grant for aerial monitoring of methane emissions in the state and environmentalists hope it will be applied to regulating landfills, Blauvelt said. “This is about common sense improvements based on what we know about methane,” she said. Melissa Quillard, a Republic Services spokeswoman, said the August 2024 plume at Tower Landfill happened as the company was constructing a new landfill cell and had multiple pieces of excavation equipment running. That work temporarily exposed waste so that engineered liners and additional infrastructure could be installed, she said. Quillard’s email did not address the September 2023 plume. While Republic Services does not comment on pending rule changes, Quillard noted that gas coming from landfills fluctuates throughout the day based on the age and composition of waste, weather, construction and how the trash is being moved around the landfill. Any monitoring and reporting techniques would need to take into account those dynamics, she said in a statement emailed to The Denver Post. Satellites and drones capture a moment in time and do not follow the EPA’s existing reporting model or provide a representative assessment of a landfill’s overall emissions, she said. Republic Services owns three landfills in metro Denver, and the company is building a new organic waste facility in the area. Two of the local sites are in the early stages of developing projects that will convert methane to usable natural gas. And the company already uses capture-and-control systems to burn off methane, Quillard said. One thing that will not be addressed as the landfill methane emissions rule is created is how to lower the amount of waste sent to landfills through expanded composting and recycling. That’s because this rule will be created by the Air Quality Control Commission, a body that can only set air pollution policies. Brian Loma, the hazardous waste reduction advocate for GreenLatinos Colorado , hopes the state health department’s Hazardous Waste and Materials Management Division will push for improved composting and recycling at the same time the air quality commission takes up proposed methane rules. GreenLatinos supports more regulation of landfills because so many Latinos live within a mile of trash dumps, forcing them to breathe dirtier air. “The No. 1 way to reduce methane emissions is to not put organic material in the landfill,” Loma said. If you go Two more public hearings about Colorado’s proposed rules to reduce methane emissions from landfills are scheduled in early 2025. They are set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 11 and 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 26, and will be held on Zoom. To register to attend or comment on the rules, visit tinyurl.com/4pfnc8yy . Get more Colorado news by signing up for our Mile High Roundup email newsletter.
Specified Technologies Inc. Unveils Firestop Clash Management and Locator Updates
Scores of (ASX: XJO) stocks are set to go before New Year's Eve. In fact, they're all scheduled to go ex-dividend on 30 December. This sets a deadline for ASX investors interested in racking up some extra before the year is out. However, act with caution. Don't go buying stocks just because they're about to pay a dividend! recommends making sure they stack up on a basis before investing your hard-earned money. ASX 200 stocks going ex-dividend on 30 December If you want the next dividend from these ASX 200 stocks, you need to buy them before the ex-dividend date. This is the first day that the stock will trade without its next dividend attached. The share price typically goes down on the ex-dividend date. This is because the stock is less appealing without the dividend attached. Investors also know that the company's will take a hit when the dividend is paid to shareholders. It's useful to be aware of the ex-dividend dates on the ASX 200 stocks you own or are watching. If you already own the stock, this awareness will forewarn you of the likely share price fall on ex-dividend day. By the way, that fall may present a good opportunity for . If you've been watching a stock and would like to buy it, and the price is right, knowing the ex-dividend date may help you plan the timing of your purchase. Here are a bunch of ASX 200 stocks going ex-dividend next week and the amounts they will pay investors. 15 ASX 200 stocks going ex-dividend on 30 DecemberCabinet Approves Decisions On Public Sector Modernisation, Human Resources Development
MADRID (AP) — Real Valladolid beat Valencia 1-0 and rose off the bottom of La Liga on Friday. Moroccan forward Anuar scored with a solo effort after 19 minutes. “It's a sense of relief because we needed the three points,” Anuar said on broadcaster DAZN. “It was like a final, and fortunately, we managed to come out on top.” Valladolid's Juanmi Latasa was sent off 12 minutes from time after a video review showed he used an elbow, but the home side managed to hold on for the win against a toothless rival. It was a welcome three points for caretaker coach Álvaro Rubio and his first since replacing Paulo Pezzolano, who was fired at the start of December. Valencia replaced Valladolid on the bottom of the table. Valencia has only two wins in 15 league games, but two games in hand. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerJets aren't ready to send Aaron Rodgers to the sideline as a lost season reaches the home stretch
Huff shot 6 for 12 (6 for 11 from 3-point range) and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line for the Mocs (7-4). Trey Bonham added 21 points while going 6 of 9 from the floor, including 3 for 6 from 3-point range, and 6 for 6 from the line while he also had three steals. Makai Richards shot 4 of 6 from the field to finish with eight points. The Bulldogs (4-6) were led by Anthony Bryant, who posted 19 points and four steals. Alabama A&M also got 11 points from Darius Ford. Chad Moodie had nine points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Education Sec. Sonny Angara MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has vowed to “remedy” the huge cut on the budget of the Department of Education (DepEd) for 2025, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said on Sunday. The education chief, a former senator himself, could not help but again express his dismay over the bicameral conference committee’s huge reduction of DepEd’s budget for next year. “After all the promises and nice words, sadly Congress cut the President’s proposed budget for the [DepEd], particularly P10 billion for computerization,” Angara said in a statement. READ: Solon says P10-billion DepEd’s budget cut a call for accountability Last week he disclosed that P10 billion was reduced from the DepEd’s computerization program, which he said could have been used to buy gadgets, including computers for public school students. In the final version of the P6.352-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB), DepEd’s allotment was reduced by nearly P12 billion to P737 billion from its original proposal of P748.6 billion. This was the same fate suffered by the Commission on Higher Education and the University of the Philippines system. Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Department of Foreign Affairs as well as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority were given huge increases in their budgets. Angara noted Marcos’ remarks in his State of the Nation Address in July when he asked Congress to “help bridge the digital divide.” “In [the] past years, Congress has increased the President’s proposed budget for DepEd and education,” Angara, who previously served as chair of the Senate finance committee, pointed out. He cited the apparent pledge from Marcos himself to find ways to restore the budget cuts of DepEd. “President [Marcos] himself told us he will remedy this,” Angara pointed out, but did not say how. One way is to discuss it backdoor with the legislators to have the budget restored, similar to the discussions on the Magna Carta for Seafarers wherein the Senate recalled the bill several times from the Office of the President and underwent backdoor negotiations between the President and the senators. Another remedy would be for the President to veto the particular line item of DepEd for its computerization program. However, 1-Rider party list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez explained that the P10-billion reduction was primarily due to DepEd’s very low utilization rate of its previous funds for the procurement of information and communications technology (ICT) equipment. “Congress cannot keep throwing good money after bad. This is not about depriving education, it’s about ensuring proper fund use and accountability,” Gutierrez said, as he cited DepEd’s poor track record in spending wherein the Commission on Audit itself had noted that the agency disbursed only P2.075 billion of its P11.63-billion budget last year for ICT equipment. “As former Senate finance committee chair, Secretary Angara knows that the law is clear: unused funds must be accounted for before new allocations can be made. Now that he’s education secretary, he should focus on fixing DepEd’s internal mess. Congress cannot turn a blind eye to these issues,” Gutierrez said. The budget cuts at the bicameral committee meetings have raised other doubts and concerns. Sen. JV Ejercito on Sunday said he supported a scrutiny of the massive reductions suffered by major agencies, saying that he was also clueless about the wisdom behind the fund transfers in the final version of the 2025 GAB. He acknowledged, for instance, the skepticism prompted by the P213 billion increase in the proposed funding for the DPWH to a record P1.113 trillion. “Admittedly, that [increase] raised a lot of questions, but that was not among my main concerns,” Ejercito told dzBB in an interview. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . He also expressed his reservations about the P26-billion allotment for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program, saying this only perpetuates the doleout mentality in the country. —with a report from Jeannette I. AndradeIn an age defined by globalization and technological advancement, over 40,000 residents of Char Asariadaha union in Rajshahi's Godagari upazila continue to live without electricity, relying on candles, kerosene lamps and hurricane lanterns for light. Located just five kilometers from Pirizpur, a well-connected area with electricity and internet access, Char Asariadaha remains untouched by modern infrastructure. The lack of electricity has severely hampered the union's progress, leaving its residents isolated from the benefits of contemporary civilization. The residents said that in 2015, the non-governmental organization Avha, with technical assistance from the government’s Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), established a solar power plant in the union under the Avha Mini-Grid Project. The project provided electricity to 1,300 households, but residents faced exorbitant rates—more than double the regular electricity cost—while enduring inconsistent power supply. The initiative was discontinued in mid-June this year due to financial losses, leaving the union entirely without electricity once again. Imam Hossain, a Dhaka University student and resident of Char Asariadaha, described the challenges, "The mini-grid project didn't benefit the majority. Out of 100 homes, perhaps only 20 had access, and even they didn't receive uninterrupted power. Our union needs 7 to 10 megawatts of electricity but the project provided only 60 kilowatts." Efforts to secure a sustainable power solution have been ongoing, with residents appealing to the Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO). However, proposals to establish a solar plant have raised concerns due to the potential impact on agriculture, as such projects require large tracts of land. Instead, residents advocate for a 10-megawatt power line via submarine cables across the Padma River. Char Ashariadaha Union Parishad chairman Ashraful Islam stated that discussions with NESCO are ongoing. "NESCO is conducting surveys and considering options such as solar plants, towers, or cables. A final decision is pending," he said. Yasir Arafat, the supervising engineer for NESCO's Rajshahi region, confirmed that plans are under review. "Our chief engineer, Mizanur Rahman, is overseeing the matter. We are evaluating permanent solutions, such as submarine cables or other methods, to ensure sustainable electricity for the area," he said.
Kuwait and India sign MoUs on defense, sports, and cultural cooperation
Giant Dogecoin Investor Returns After 4 Years, Scoops Up More DOGE and Makes Whale-Sized Bet on Rival Token Teasing a 24040% Bull Run