New York City Implements Traffic Congestion Pricing, the First in the USSave this picture!Rush hour traffic jam with taxis and cars merging on Varick Street towards the Holland Tunnel in Manhattan, New York City. Image Ryan DeBerardinis via ShutterstockNew York City has implemented the first congestion pricing scheme in the US, charging drivers up to $9 per day to enter a designated zone south of Central Park, encompassing areas like Times Square and Wall Street. The initiative aims to alleviate chronic traffic congestion, improve air quality, and generate revenue for public transportation improvements, addressing New York City's ranking as the world's most congested urban area for two consecutive years. The plan went into effect Sunday, January 5th, 2025.Save this picture!The plan, while intended to improve traffic flow and fund public transit, has faced significant opposition. Lawmakers from New Jersey and New York suburbs criticize it as an unfair tax on commuters, while a legal challenge from New Jersey officials, citing environmental concerns, was unsuccessful. The diverse reactions, ranging from anger from commuters to support from residents illustrate the varied impacts and opinions on the congestion charge's efficacy and fairness. The program, initially proposed in 2019 and repeatedly delayed, faced legal challenges and a last-minute toll reduction by Governor Hochul before its final implementation.Save this picture!The system utilizes existing tolling infrastructure, relying on 1,400 cameras across 400 lanes, and it includes reduced rates outside peak hours and discounts for drivers already paying bridge and tunnel tolls. While cities like London and Paris have seen positive results from similar initiatives, New York's program faces significant headwinds. The substantial backlash from drivers and businesses in the tri-state area underscores the potential for negative impacts. Transparency regarding the program's effects on traffic flow, air quality, and public transit usage will be crucial to evaluating its long-term success or failure. Related Article New York City Unveils Plans to Transform Fifth Avenue into a Pedestrian-Centered Boulevard Congestion pricing works on a fairly simple economic theory that increasing cost decreases demand and shifts transportation to other modes like trains, buses, and cycling. This is a tried-and-true transportation planning tool that has been used in Singapore since the 70s and has also been used in similar-sized cities like London and smaller (but still large) cities like Milan and Stockholm. I fully expect that after several months of lowered car traffic people will begin to feel safer riding their bikes and buses will see fewer delays. - David Banks, a lecturer at the University at Albany's Department of Geography & Planning, for NewsWise Save this picture!In other similar news, New York City has announced plans to transform Fifth Avenue into a pedestrian-centered boulevard, enlarging sidewalks and reducing traffic lanes to improve pedestrian comfort and support the economic development of street-side commercial and retail venues. The city also recently announced the installation of + POOL, a floating swimming pool equipped with an innovative water filtration system, at Pier 35 in New York's East River.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorCite: Maria-Cristina Florian. "New York City Implements Traffic Congestion Pricing, the First in the US" 07 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025413/new-york-city-implements-traffic-congestion-pricing-the-first-in-the-us&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

The Trillium Awakening / NOD StudioSave this picture! Santiago BaravalleCabins & LodgesEl Cuyo, MexicoArchitects: NOD StudioAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:238 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Santiago Baravalle Lead Architects: Jorge Berea, Fernando Artigas, Ricardo Hernndez More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. In the heart of Yucatn, Awakening represents an innovative approach to sustainable hospitality, designed to harmonize with the natural environment. This project, intended to be replicated across various locations in the region, draws inspiration from the organic forms of nature and redefines the relationship between architecture, landscape, and functionality.Save this picture!The design of Awakening is based on the abstraction of a petal, whose fluid geometry shapes three main elements converging in a central vertical communication core. This concept is realized atop a reflective water surface, creating the impression of floating structures that engage in dialogue with their surroundings.Save this picture!The main access features a gravel pathway intertwined with carefully preserved native vegetation. Warm, indirect lighting enhances the landscape, intensifying the serene atmosphere of the setting.A pathway of suspended concrete stepping stones over the water mirror invites contemplation from the very beginning. This route leads to a covered area that serves as a transition between the exterior and interior.Save this picture!On the ground floor, a similar pathway of suspended concrete stepping stones over the water mirror invites reflection from the outset. This path guides visitors toward a sheltered space that transitions seamlessly from the outdoor environment to the interior.Save this picture!From the main lobby, a staircase enveloped by a bamboo dome ascends to the master bedroom. This dome, both a structural and aesthetic element, allows natural light to flood the stairs, emphasizing the connection between interior spaces and the surrounding environment.Save this picture!Save this picture!The master and secondary bedrooms prioritize comfort without compromising sustainability. Each features a central bed, a private bathroom, and expansive views of the jungle. Additionally, the rooms connect to the social area, which includes a swimming pool linked to a jacuzzi and lounge chairs oriented toward the jungle, creating a seamless flow between the structure and the natural landscape.Save this picture!A bar area, accessible from outside the villa, adds versatility to the space. Its design balances practicality with a direct relationship to the surrounding environment.Save this picture!The project blends organic forms with a meticulous selection of local and sustainable materials. The structure is supported by bamboo columns, which distribute loads through carefully designed geometries. Concrete slabs, inspired by the petal's form, shape the roofs and floors, while walls are clad in regional plaster and stone. These finishes ensure durability while achieving a harmonious integration with the environment.Save this picture!Aligned with its sustainable commitment, Awakening minimizes reliance on traditional systems, such as air conditioning, favoring natural cross ventilation and passive lighting.Awakening celebrates the union of contemporary design and sustainability. Each space is crafted to maximize connection with nature, offering users an experience that seamlessly combines luxury with respect for the environment.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeNOD StudioOfficePublished on January 07, 2025Cite: "The Trillium Awakening / NOD Studio" 07 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024835/the-trillium-awakening-nod-studio&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Stack CommerceShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more They say breaking up is hard, but when you meet this lifetime cloud storage plan, youll dump Dropbox like you never even knew it. Why stick with a partner who wants to charge you every month when you could have 10TB of storage for a one-time payment?Internxt cloud storage is practically proposing to you with this lifetime offer: $279.99 with code HOLIDAY20 at checkout (reg. $349.99). We know it sounds like a lot upfront, but a similar Dropbox plan costs $15 monthlymeaning this plan pays for itself after 18 months.How does Internxt compare to Dropbox?Many Dropbox alternatives that weve shared dont have mobile or desktop apps, but Internxt does, making it an excellent substitute. Just open the app, transfer your files, and cancel that pricey subscriptionwhat a great way to save money in the New Year!Then, youll have 10TB of cloud storage to use for life. Is this larger than your current plan? Heres an estimate of what you can store:2.5 million photos2,000 hours of HD video20 million documentsEvery photo and file you upload is secured with end-to-end encryption. Basically, this means that everything is broken into smaller digital pieces so unintended recipients cant read it.Another cool security feature of Internxt cloud storage is that its source code is 100 percent open-source. That means anyone who knows GitHub can review it and ensure there are no secret functions or vulnerabilitieseven if you dont know it yourself. Their willingness to share is a positive sign that its secure.Get 10TB of cloud storage without fees for $279.99 with code HOLIDAY20 at checkout (reg. $349.99) until January 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.StackSocial prices subject to change.Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan $279.99 with code HOLIDAY20See Deal

Nature, Published online: 07 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-024-04216-1Around 6,000 years ago, a group known as the CucuteniTrypillia culture developed egalitarian settlements north of the Black Sea and created the regions earliest urban centres. Then, after two millennia, they vanished.

Nature, Published online: 07 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00020-7To ensure trust, AI weather-forecast models still need training in physics

This 2014 satellite photo shows Pakistan's Khor Kalmat tidal lagoon brimming with water at the heart of an arid desert. This fluctuating body of water, which looks like "ink bleeding onto parchment," helps support life in this harsh environment.

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It won't be long before The Last of Us Season 2 arrives, as HBO Max has released a new teaser trailer confirming an April 2025 release window. Set in a post-apocalyptic world after the collapse of human civilization, the brief but effective teaser shows off some of the new horrors awaiting Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey's characters of Joel and Ellie, as well as Kaitlyn Dever's Abby Anderson in action as she hunts down the duo in the ruins of the old world. While the first season of The Last of Us adapted the first game, the second season will not adapt all of The Last of Us Part 2. The video game sequel also expanded on its world significantly, as it introduced new factions that Ellie and Abigail ran into, like the Washington Liberation Front based in Seattle, who are opposed by a dangerous religious cult known as the Seraphites.Both games were recently remastered for PS5, and The Last of Us Part 2 received additional graphical upgrades for Sony's new PS5 Pro console last year. The exact number of episodes for season two hasn't been confirmed yet, but given that HBO boss Casey Bloys previously mentioned the new season launching "in the Emmy window," that means at least six episodes of the season will have to be released if HBO wants the show to be in consideration at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards.Continue Reading at GameSpot

At CES 2025, Sony officially announced that feature film adaptations of Horizon Zero Dawn and Helldivers are currently in development. For the Horizon film, Sony's Columbia Pictures company will produce the movie, which is set in a post-apocalyptic future where human civilization has reverted back to a primitive state following a cataclysmic robot uprising. With machines now the dominant lifeforms, the mainline Horizon games focus on Aloy, her mysterious origins, and the future of humanity. This isn't the first time that Sony and Columbia Pictures have worked on a live-action video game project, as the film company previously produced an adaptation of Naughty Dog's Uncharted back in 2022. Starring Tom Holland as Nathan Drake and Mark Wahlberg as his mustachioed mentor Victor Sullivan, Uncharted was a modest hit at the box office and made $407 million worldwide. Head of PlayStation Productions Asad Qizilbash briefly spoke about the Horizon film at CES 2025, explaining that it's currently in an early stage of development.What's also interesting is that Horizon was originally lined up to get a live-action Netflix series, but last year it was reported that the project wasn't moving forward due to workplace misconduct allegations surrounding The Umbrella Academy showrunner Steve Blackman.Continue Reading at GameSpot

While exploring The Zone, players will encounter various NPCs that will eventually lead to a minor quest to a full-fledged side mission like For Science! in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The aforementioned mission involves Skif meeting up with Yaryk Mongoose, who'll task players to activate a second measuring device atop a Silo. It's a relatively short quest but will reward players with a Malachite pass to help them enter and use the facilities of the STC Malachite.