Musician and filmmaker Dimitri Coats, guitarist for the punk supergroup OFF!, joined Talking Strange to discuss his punk rock sci-fi comedy feature film, Free LSD.Aaron: Who among the cast of musicians took to acting in a surprising way?Dimitri: That would have to be Keith. People would pull me aside and say, Hey, are you sure you know what youre doing? He has the lead role! And I would tell everybody, Look, I wrote this role for him; I know his strengths; I know his weaknesses; and I truly believe that he can do it! And something really remarkable happened in editing where we made him more reactionary His face and his eyes were so expressive, like a window into how he was feeling.Aaron: Knowing how he is as a performer on stage and then seeing this, it felt like two different people.Dimitri: Yeah, as we assembled his performance in the editing process, this kind of Forrest Gump quality started to emerge, and we were like, Oooo, thats great! This is working!Thats the thing about this film: we knew our fans would appreciate it, and maybe punk rock fans in general would appreciate it because of all the people who are in it and then we started thinking, What is somebody going to think thats coming at this completely cold and has no idea that theres actually a band called OFF! and that record exists?I am extremely proud of the outcome, and I think in some ways its a touching film. We didnt set out for it to be such, but there are times when its moving. And that was the psychedelia that we wanted.Watch Free LSDCat Footwear and DC have joined forces to unveil a limited-edition Batman-themed shoe collection called Built for the Knight.This Gotham City-inspired line merges Cat Footwearsdurabilitywith the iconic heroism of Batman, designed for those who tackle lifes everyday challenges head-on, whether at work or in the shadows of the city. Featuring two standout stylesthe Colorado Grader and the Intruder Galosheach pair in this collection pays homage to Batmans rich history with unique elements like the comic strip lining and the iconic Batman logo, making each shoe a badge of honor for fans ready to protect their own Gotham.Find out more at Cat FootwearJoin our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Damon Wayans spoke about how he purposely got himself fired from Saturday Night Live by going off script.Wayans frustration bubbled up during a live sketch called Mr. Monopoly. He didnt feel that the sketch was strong, but after dress rehearsal, it was chosen above one of his own sketches, which was once again cut for time. I snapped. I just did not care, Wayan said.Read more at VarietyKorean action star Jang Hyuk is set to make his directorial and writing debut with action film Stop Stop Dark Cold.Jang Hyuk has played roles in films like Volcano High, The Swordsman, The Killer and Iris 2 as well as shows like Slave Hunters and Bloody Heart. Trained extensively in Jeet Kune Do, Jang will mark his directorial and writing debut with Stop Stop Dark Cold. [The film] is currently in the script development phase and is slated to begin production in mid-2025.Read more at DeadlineSeverance star Tramell Tillman is setting the record straight about his character on the Apple TV+ series and whether hell dance again.Like the rest of the world, Tramell Tillman is rewatching season one of Severance. As one of the stars of the hit Apple TV+ series Tillman plays Milchick, the supervisor of the severed employees of Lumon Industries he was, of course, there for all of it. But the shows unexpectedly long hiatus has been testing his memory, too, and he wanted to make sure he was prepared for all the questions coming his way during the press tour for the long-awaited season two premiere.Read more at The Hollywood Reporter

Fernando and Jeff talk CES 2025, waxing poetic about the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, turning your iPhone into a GameBoy, and the LG UltraFine 6K Display.9to5Mac Overtimeis a weekly video-first podcast exploring fun and interesting observations in the Apple ecosystem, featuring 9to5Macs Fernando Silva & Jeff Benjamin.Subscribe to Overtime via Apple Podcasts and our YouTube channelfor more.Show linksHostsSubscribeAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

They're ready to move in together.Office SpaceMulti-hyphenate billionaire Elon Musk has grown so close to president-elect Donald Trumpthathe'll be moving with him well, sort of following next week's inauguration.Musk, who was put in charge of a so-called "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) last year by Trump, is expected to be assigned space in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is part of the White House complex and a five-minute walk from the West Wing, the New York Times reports.That's despite the fact that DOGE isan entirely advisory body and not an actual government "department."The news again highlights the incredibly cozy relationship between Musk and Trump and, more generally, between corporate America and the White House in what critics including the outgoing president Joe Biden are calling the rise of American oligarchy.On a separate level, the arrangement again raises a question pertinent both to Trump's foes and allies: after Musk spent an unprecedented hundreds of millions to get the real estate tycoon into office, who's really calling the shots?Never Let Me GoThe department Musk will be co-leading alongside pharmaceutical CEO Vivek Ramaswamy is anticipated to be run out of the office block. Currently, its staff are working out of SpaceX's offices in Washington, DC.According to an announcement last year, DOGE will be tasked with slashing government spending, a process that will involve the examination of highly classified contracts.While DOGE's purported objective is to slash a whopping $2 trillion from the federal government budget, Musk has since attempted to manage expectations, admitting that the department is more likely to only cut half that amount.The mercurial entrepreneur hasbarely left Trump's side since the election, going as far as to occupy a cottage near Trump's property in Mar-a-Lago an overbearing presence thathas annoyed Trump's aides and allies.Nobody knows how far DOGE will manage to get in its attempt to butcher the federal government's budget,and Musk's personal role remains a subject of debate. Becoming a "special government employee" would force Musk to disclose financial relationships, according to the NYT.If he were to forgo such a status, Musk would be required to hold public meetings and make any DOGE documents available to the public.Trump is also a notoriously fickle partner; whether or how long the bromance will survive the turbulent Trump administration is anybody's guess.After being sworn in as president, Trump will likely have little time and energy for Musk's enormous need for attention a reality that could put additional strain on the unusual father-son-styleduo.More on Trump and Musk: Trump Seems Awfully Touchy About the Impression That He's Taking Orders From Elon MuskShare This Article

Time zones: EST (UTC -5), CST (UTC -6), MST (UTC -7), PST (UTC -8), AKST (UTC -9), HST (UTC -10)Want to know the real secret to building a personal brand on LinkedIn?In this role, youll get a behind-the-scenes look at how to turn a LinkedIn profile into a thought leadership machine.Youll work remotely with our key executives, helping them grow their networks, engage with industry leaders, and build followings that inspire and educate.TLDR: Youll see the playbook in actionand keep it for life.What Youll Do:Write Comments: Drop bold, attention-grabbing comments on LinkedIn posts from big names and rising stars. The goal? Visibility and relationships that matter.Make Connections: Send smart, personalized connection requests to industry peers who actually add value to the network.Send DMs: Fire off thoughtful, value-packed messages that spark genuine conversations.Qualify Leads: Use your instincts (and our guidance) to spot high-potential prospects worth pursuing.Book Meetings: Line up meetings with our CEO for the people who are ready to take action.What Were Looking For:Natural Connector: Youre the kind of person who can turn strangers into allies with a single conversation.Relentless Consistency: You show up every day, knowing steady action drives real results.Metric Crusher: You dont just set goalsyou smash them, whether its comments, connections, or meetings booked.Time-Zone Ninja: You can overlap with Pacific Time to make sure youre in the mix when it matters most.What Youll Get:Talent-Driven Pay: Earn $18$30/hour based on one thing: your skills.Ultimate Flexibility: Work remote, part-time (W-2), and grow as we grow.Step-by-Step Game Plan: Proven systems to nail comments, connections, and DMsno guesswork, just results.On-the-Job Masterclass: Learn the real-world tactics of social selling and outreach that even YouTube cant teach.Make Your Mark: Help drive meaningful conversations and open doors in the cybersecurity world.Ready to Jump In?Click the big red Apply for this position button to get started. Then simply fill our our application form it takes less than 2 minutes. Related Jobs See more Sales and Marketing jobs

7.8 /10 SCORE Our Verdict Our Verdict Best for: Back sleeper Combo sleeper Side sleeper Stomach sleeper Score Breakdown Performance 9 /10 Policies 7 /10 Durability 7 /10 Features 8 /10 Pros and Cons Pros Extremely breathable because of Purple grid technology Relieves pain around hips and shoulders and firm enough to support spine It's suitable for every sleeper type Cons Might feel too strange for those who want a regular foam mattress Not supportive enough in the long term for people over 230 lbs Not ideal for people on a tight budget Table of Contents The bed-in-a-box section of the mattress market is wildly diverse these days, but as a mattress reviewer, one of the most frequent questions I'm asked is, "So what's the deal with Purple?" Purple's mattresses have grown beyond their online-only beginnings, now being sold in many mattress stores, and the brand owes much of its reputation to its unique "GelFlex Grid" layer. I've slept on and loved this layer on my Purple mattress for five years, but I'll be the first to admit it's not for everyone. That's why I've rewritten this review to help you decide whether a Purple mattress could be the right choice for your mattress preferences and sleep style.Looking for a new mattress? Besides our Purple mattress review, we've got recommendations for the best memory foam mattress, the best firm mattresses and the best mattresses for back pain. Video: Purple mattress reviewWatch CNET video producerOwen Poolereview the Purple mattress. First impressions of Purple Dillon Lopez/CNETI first tested the old version of the Purple mattress over six years ago. While that bed has some design issues, like very poor edge support, I thought it was the most comfortable mattress I had ever laid down on, thanks to its unique experience and feel.The Purple mattress underwent a redesign to address some of the issues customers had with it, and the current version is much improved. The name of the special top layer was changed to the "GelFlex Grid," but the material itself remained the same, which is exactly what I wanted.Overall, my impression of the Purple mattress is very positive because it is an objectively better version of a mattress I already liked a lot.Is the Purple mattress right for you?For anyone looking for something new in their next mattress, the Purple brand should be at the top of the list. The Purple mattress specifically is good for anyone who wants a mattress without coils, wants something with an accommodating firmness profile and wants something (relatively) affordable. The big reason to get Purple is the unique material that is not found in any other mattress that I have tested, and I have tested hundreds. What does the Purple mattress feel like?Purple mattress feelThe feel of the Purple mattress is honestly difficult to describe because it is so unlike every other mattress, and often, it helps to describe how a mattress feels by describing what it doesn't feel like (i.e., memory foam versus latex foam).I like to say the feel of the Purple mattress is very "gel-like." The origin of the GelFlex Grid material was actually for medical purposes, as a cushion for wheelchairs to help prevent sores. It has similar characteristics to gel shoe insoles. Dillon Lopez/CNETWhen lying down on your back or your stomach, the bed feels buoyant, like you are almost weightless and floating on top of the material. However, if you switch to your side, the bed will conform to your body's shape and provide cradling support. Plus, the bed is ultraresponsive, which means it moves with you and facilitates rotating between sleeping positions, unlike traditional memory foam.Most people who try a Purple mattress have a pretty strong reaction to it because it is so different. The reaction is usually positive, but sometimes it is negative. I personally love the feel of Purple, but it is by no means universally comfortable.Purple mattress firmness and sleeper typesThe Purple mattress is available in only one firmness profile, and in our testing, we found it to be around a medium on our firmness scale, which makes a lot of sense. The Purple mattress is the brand's "flagship" mattress, and most brands want to make the bed most shoppers buy with an accommodating firmness profile. Dillon Lopez/CNETA medium firmness generally works well for all sleeping positions: back, stomach, side and combination. It is also popular for couples who can't agree on a mattress with a soft or firm profile.Our new mattress testing device, the Mattress Smasher 9000, measures firmness more objectively and scientifically. It gave us a firmness score of 5.9 out of 10 for the Purple mattress, which is right in line with our manual testing score.Purple mattress construction Dillon Lopez/CNETThe construction of the Purple mattress is pretty standard compared to that of its competitors until you get to the top layer.The bottommost layer is a thick layer of dense support foam, which is what we always see with virtually every mattress that doesn't feature coils. Above the support foam is another layer of foam that functions as a buffer between the dense support foam below and the main comfort layer above, which is the aforementioned GelFlex Grid.The GelFlex Grid is made of "hyper-elastic polymer," which was developed for medical purposes before the Purple creators figured out how to make it mattress-size. It has very little surface area, and you can stretch it to many times its original size without breaking. Hyper-elastic polymer is very durable and will take a very long time to degrade.Purple mattress performance Dillon Lopez/CNETEdge supportI mentioned in the first impressions section that the old version of the Purple mattress had very poor edge support. The Purple mattress now has solid edge support because there is a firmer foam border that surrounds the GelFlex Grid. It is not the best edge support I have ever tested, but it is a massive improvement over the old model.Beds with poor edge support make you feel like you're going to roll off the mattress near the outer edge. It is easy to sleep near the perimeter of the edge if you are sharing a bed with a partner or pets, and thanks to the foam border improvement, I don't think you will experience issues with the new version of the Purple mattress.Motion isolation "Motion isolation" refers to how well the bed deadens the impact of movement on the mattress -- if you are a light sleeper who shares a mattress with someone who tosses and turns a lot, having good motion isolation is especially important.Despite how responsive the GelFlex Grid is, the motion isolation on the Purple mattress is pretty good. It definitely outperforms more traditional coil mattresses and performs similarly to other beds made of foam layers, which perform better than coil beds in general.The Purple mattress isn't going to deaden impacts as well as a memory foam mattress like the Nectar Classic, but it does a solid job and should work well for most light sleepers.Temperature regulationOne big benefit of the GelFlex Grid I haven't mentioned yet is it does an excellent job at helping the Purple mattress sleep temperature neutral. Because the material has very little surface area, that means the bed has amazing airflow which helps prevent heat build up. Also the material doesn't retain heat like some types of foam, so it does a great job at staying temperature neutral.I slept on a Purple Hybrid mattress for years and I noticed this benefit a lot during the summer months.There are many mattresses with designs similar to the Purple mattress, minus the GelFlex Grid. Compared to beds like the Casper One, Leesa Original and Nectar Classic, the Purple mattress is quite a bit more expensive, and I think that is because of that special top layer.Purple will usually run some sort of discount throughout the year that increases around major holidays and may sometimes include a bundle deal if you are interested in an adjustable base.Make sure to look at our mattress deals page for the latest on the Purple mattress, but just know you will be paying a bit of a premium for the special material found in Purple.Purple mattress policies Dillon Lopez/CNETFree shippingThe Purple mattress will ship to your door at no extra cost via FedEx or UPS, in either a large box or a large bag. We have usually seen Purple mattresses delivered in a bag, but there's virtually no difference in the process of setting up the bed if it's in a box or a bag.Purple's 100-night trialAll Purple mattresses come with a standard 100-night trial period, during which you can determine whether you actually like the mattress and want to keep it long-term.We usually see 100 nights with most brands, and we think it is plenty of time to decide whether to keep a mattress. However, keep in mind that it can take a few weeks for your body to fully adjust to a new bed, no matter how well it suits your preferences.Return policyIf you don't like the Purple mattress after the first 30 nights, you can return it at no extra cost and get a full refund. Returning a mattress is actually pretty easy. Many people think you have to somehow ship the bed back to them, but that's not the case.Usually, they will arrange for someone in your area to pick it up, and then it often gets donated.All Purple mattresses are backed by a standard 10-year warranty. If you buy a mattress online, a 10-year warranty is the minimum you should expect.How does the Purple mattress compare to similar mattresses?Purple mattress vs. Leesa Original The Leesa Original is the flagship foam mattress from Leesa, one of my favorite mattress brands. Aside from the GelFlex Grid, the construction of both is pretty similar, with dense support foam and a pressure-relieving transition layer. Both mattresses have medium firmness profiles, so they are accommodating for most sleepers.These beds differ the most in price and feel. The Leesa Original has a very comfortable, soft, neutral feel that pretty much everyone likes. It is also much more affordable than the Purple mattress. For people not interested in a new type of mattress, I think the Leesa Original is a safe choice. Purple mattress vs. Casper OneThe Casper One is the flagship foam mattress from Casper, which is another one of the most popular online mattress brands. Aside from using foam support layers and being from popular brands, the Purple mattress and the Casper One actually don't have all that much in common. The Casper One is significantly firmer than the Purple mattress, coming in at a proper medium-firm on our scale, which means it is ideal for back and stomach sleepers, and it has a simultaneously dense and responsive feel.The biggest reason to get the Casper One is its price point. After a discount, it regularly goes for $900 or less for a queen size, which is a big savings compared to the Purple mattress. Final thoughts on the Purple mattress Dillon Lopez/CNETThe Purple mattress is a truly unique mattress and provides a sleep experience like no other. The bed has an accommodating firmness profile, and it performs well in the categories of edge support, motion isolation and temperature regulation -- but the real reason to get the Purple mattress is its gel-like feel. If the idea of sleeping on the special GelFlex Grid isn't exciting, then you might look elsewhere because foam mattresses are more affordable and less divisive than Purple.But for someone looking for something totally new that could unlock a whole new level of comfort and quality sleep, then I think the Purple mattress is the bed for you.You might like the Purple mattress if:You want a unique mattress feelYou enjoy a mattress with a medium firmness profileYou want a mattress without coilsYou are a hot sleeperYou might not like the Purple mattress if:You prefer a coil bedYou want a traditional mattress feelYou are shopping on a tight budgetOther mattresses from PurplePurple Restore Hybrid: The Purple Restore mattress is the base model of the Purple Restore Hybrid Collection. It features the same 2-inch-thick layer of GelFlex Grid material from the Purple mattress. The biggest difference is that the Purple Restore uses coils instead of foam for its main support layer, and it has a medium-firm profile. This bed used to be available in two different firmness options, but now it is only available in one. Its firmness is ideal for back, stomach and combo sleepers who don't favor their side. The Restore Hybrid will be quite a bit more expensive than the Purple mattress, usually about $2,200 for a queen-size.Purple Plus Mattress: The Purple Plus mattress is almost identical to the Purple mattress, with only one key difference. The bed has an additional two inches of comfort foam below the two-inch layer of GelFlex Grid. This extra foam softens the Purple Plus, making it a proper medium-soft on our firmness scale, which is ideal for strict side sleepers looking for maximum pressure relief for their hips and shoulders. The Purple Plus will also be more expensive than the Purple mattress by about $400 in the queen-size.Purple mattress FAQs What are Purple beds made of? It uses a variety of coils and foam, but Purple is most well known for its GelFlex Grid material, which is made from hyper-elastic polymer. Show more Are Purple beds made in the USA? Yes, Purple beds are made in the USA with American-made materials. Show more Are Purple mattresses safe? Yes, all of its beds are Certa-Pur US certified, which means they are free of ozone-depleting chemicals and other chemicals, like formaldehyde, so it is perfectly safe. Its beds are also Clear Air Gold certified. Show more

January 17, 20258 min readHow Trump Will Roll Back Climate and Energy Policy on Day OneThere are 50 to 100 expected executive orders on Trumps first day in office. Many will focus on boosting fossil fuels and reversing climate policyBy Scott Waldman & E&E News President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall on Oct. 14, 2024, in Oaks, Pennsylvania, as moderator South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) listens. Jim WatsonAFP via Getty ImagesCLIMATEWIRE | President-elect Donald Trump's attack on the Biden administration's climate agenda begins in three days.How much survives the initial assault is still unclear. But Trump has made it clear that a purge is coming.On his first day, Trump could sign somewhere between 50 and 100 executive orders, with more expected over the following weeks, said Stephen Moore, who served as Trumps senior economic adviser on the campaign. A first target will be rolling back the climate-focused executive order that President Joe Biden signed a few days into his term, he said.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.I do anticipate many of them will be energy focused, because a lot of what Biden did was through executive order on energy, Moore said. So a lot of them would be rescinding things like the EV mandate and some of the environmental rules will be softened and some of the funding of the green energy programs will be lifted.The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment.Executive orders can be just as much a political message as they are an actual policy. Biden used an early flurry of executive orders to reorient the White House around addressing climate change and to make it clear that boosting the clean energy industry and cutting carbon emissions would be among his top priorities in office.Executive orders cannot change a law or regulation, but it seems likely that Trump will attempt to do so anyway, said David Hayes, who served as a senior climate adviser in the Biden White House and helped draft climate-related executive orders. Some of Trumps initial executive orders may overstep their legal authority and get immediately bogged down in court, he said.The President doesn't have the authority to essentially ignore the legally required process that typically is involved in a major change in direction for an agency under its congressionally authorized and mandated mission, Hayes said.Some of the forthcoming executive orders will become legislative priorities for the GOP-controlled Congress. Others may not survive the different battling constituencies that make up Trumps new governing coalition, particularly since Republicans have only a razor-thin advantage in the House.One early point of tension is Trumps desire to repeal the entirety of the Inflation Reduction Act a move opposed by both oil companies and at least 18 Republican members of the House.On the campaign trail, Trump pledged to be a dictator on Day 1 when it came to oil and gas production. The executive orders that he begins to roll out next week will be the first step in that process, but theyre still largely symbolic, said Frank Maisano, a senior principal at Bracewell."All of these environmental and energy executive orders are going to be symbolic in nature or agenda setting, Maisano said. The details, the specifics, the process, will all have to be undertaken to implement.Here are some of the expected orders that could start rolling out in the hours after Trump is inaugurated on Monday.Eliminate the White House climate adviserRussell Vought, Trumps pick to return as head of the Office of Management and Budget, was an architect of Project 2025, the 900page conservative policy blueprint organized by The Heritage Foundation. He has spent the past four years crafting hundreds of executive orders that Trump could issue on his first day in office.One of them would eliminate the role of the White House climate adviser. Vought has also proposed eliminating the Domestic Policy Council in the White House.Instead, Vought's plan, as written in Project 2025, would put in place a senior aide reporting directly to incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles to lead the fight for sound energy and environment policies both domestically and internationally."That aide would focus on cutting climate and environmental regulations to help boost domestic oil and gas production with as few restrictions as possible. Their focus would be to ensure the White House helps meet the fossil fuel industry's needs, and to that end they would coordinate the work of the Council of Environmental Quality, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Security Council, the National Economic Council and the Domestic Policy Council.Begin reversal of EPA power plant rulesEarly executive orders may also signal how and when the new administration plans to undo key elements of Bidens climate regulatory regime including EPA's new pollution limits for power plants.Bidens EPA finalized tough new standards for coal-fired power plants and newly built gas generation last year. Industry challenges to the rule are ongoing. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit heard oral arguments on it in December but has yet to issue a decision.Trumps early directives might provide clues about how quickly his administration will move to rescind and replace those standards which depend on carbon capture and storage technologies that the fossil fuel industry says arent ready for prime time.Revise or roll back methane rulesAn executive order might also tease changes to EPA rules to rein in heat-trapping methane leaked at new and existing oil and gas facilities. EPA published a standard last year that some industry groups support, but still hope to tweak. Another target is a related Interior Department measure to tighten limits on gas flaring on federal lands.The petroleum industry broadly is less keen on a congressionally mandated fee on excess methane, which takes effect this March based on last years emissions. The American Petroleum Institute in its recent roadmap for a second Trump term argued that EPAs plan to implement the fee misinterprets Congressional intent, and does little beyond increasing the cost of production for American oil and natural gas.Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced a bill on Tuesday to repeal the levy. Trump could boost that effort by mentioning it in an executive order.The EPA under Trump is also likely to revise Biden-era tweaks to greenhouse gas reporting rules for oil and gas.Target electric vehiclesTrump vowed to end an electric vehicle "mandate on his first day in office. While theres no actual mandate, Trump could issue an executive order signaling his intent to target EPAs latest round of car regulations, which are designed to encourage the use of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.He could also go after Californias long-standing authority under the Clean Air Act to write its own regulations for car and truck emissions. Californias Advanced Clean Car II plan, which has been adopted by 11 other states and the District of Columbia, would phase out most gas-powered cars by the mid-2030s.Energy was on the ballot in the last election, American Petroleum Institute President Mike Sommers told reporters on a conference call this week. And EV policy and the policies pursued by the Biden administration, I think, were roundly rejected by American voters.Trump tried addressing both those priorities in his first term, but the effort largely stalled. Since then, EVs have grown from a niche market to roughly 10 percent of new car sales. While the rate of growth has slowed, carmakers sold a record number of electric models in 2024.Try to roll back fuel economy standardsRepublicans and the oil industry have railed against the Department of Transportations decision to increase the mileage requirements for cars and trucks, known as the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards.During his first term, Trump tried to roll back the Obama administrations CAFE standards, and his supporters have urged him to do the same for the Biden administrations standards, which were finalized in June.The rules would raise the fleetwide average from nearly 47 miles per gallon in 2026 to 50.4 mpg in 2031. Trumps nominee for Deputy Transportation Secretary, Steven Bradbury, has written that the standards are pure fantasy and are intended to promote electric vehicles.An executive order could signal the beginning of an effort to roll back those rules.Lift the pause on new LNG export permitsTrump has long promised to immediately lift a pause on new LNG export permits that the Biden administration implemented to conduct an economic and climate assessment. The resulting analysis, released last month, found that "unfettered" shipments of the fuel would make domestic prices rise.Trump has faced growing pressure from industry executives to take action. Questions over the role of U.S. natural gas exports, both to China and U.S. allies, have featured prominently in confirmation hearings this week for several of his Cabinet nominees.Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, said he hopes a reversal of the pause is something the Trump administration addresses on Day 1.Thats another example of Biden administration policies that just appear to be very anti-energy, frankly, he said during an event this week hosted by the American Petroleum Institute. Making America more of a resource supplier, not just for American needs but also for our allies around the world, makes the world safer and less dangerous.The U.S. became the world's largest LNG exporter during the Biden administration.Exit the Paris climate agreementTrump is expected to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement for the second time.That would put the U.S. among just a few nations that arent party to the 2015 accord. The announcement of a Paris exit may be included as part of a Day 1 executive order. The Trump administration would then need to notify the United Nations in writing of its intention to withdraw, which would take a year to become official.America's first exit from the agreement took months for Trump to announce due to resistance from some close advisers and Cabinet members. But this time, the president hasnt deliberated the value of staying in the pact, and none of his advisers or Cabinet nominees appear to have swayed him to reconsider.Everybody is for getting out, said Myron Ebell, who led Trumps EPA transition team in 2017 and was a proponent of the Paris exit. He argues that Trump should submit it for the Senates approval as a treaty, which is unlikely, thereby making a withdraw more lasting.Legal experts and former officials say the U.S. negotiated the agreement in such a way that the president could enter it as an executive agreement without requiring the advice and consent of the Senate, something that would be difficult to achieve given Republican opposition.A withdrawal means the U.S. will drop any pledges it has made under the pact, including promises of climate aid for developing nations and the Biden administrations latest pledge to cut emissions up to 66 percent by 2035.Restrict wind developmentWhen Trump held a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort earlier this month, he railed against wind projects, saying we're going to try and have a policy where no windmills are being built.The comments reinforced the perception that the incoming president will take action to restrict wind development, particularly projects built offshore in federal waters. But exactly what form that executive order takes remains the source of considerable speculation.Many observers expect Trump to halt leasing new tracts of land and ocean for wind development, and to pause reviews for projects currently in the midst of a permitting review. But many projects in the permitting and leasing stages are likely years away from starting construction, lessening the practical impact of such orders.The bigger question is whether Trump will go after projects that have already been permitted by the federal government and have, in some instances, already begun construction.Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) told The Associated Press that he discussed an executive order with Trump about a month ago that would pause offshore wind activities along the East Coast for six months so the Interior Department could review permits issued to projects.Onshore wind projects face less risk because many are built on private or state land, but Trump could stall developments on federal land.Reporters Jean Chemnick, Mike Lee, Sara Schonhardt and Benjamin Storrow contributed.Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2025. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.

Genshin Impact maker agrees to pay $20m in FTC case accusing it of violating children's privacy and deceiving playersAllegedly hid true cost of rare loot box items.Image credit: HoYoverse News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Jan. 17, 2025 Genshin Impact maker HoYoverse has agreed to pay $20m to settle a complaint - filed by the US Department of Justice on behalf of the Federal Trade Commission - accusing it of violating children's privacy laws and deceiving users over the true cost of obtaining rare loot box prizes.As per the FTC's announcement, the complaint accused Singapore-based Cognosphere - which does business under the name HoYoverse - of actively marketing Genshin Impact to children and of collecting their personal information in violation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA). The FTC claimed HoYoverse was aware children under 13 were using its service, but continued to collect their personal information - and share it with third-parties - without obtaining parental consent or complying with other COPPA requirements.Additionally, the filing claimed HoYoverse deceived players regarding the odds of - and true cost of - winning particularly sought-after "five-star" loot box prizes. The complaint argued Genshin Impact's loot box system - said to require players to "exchange real dollars for bundles of virtual currency that then have to be re-exchanged multiple times to open loot boxes" - is "complicated", "challenging", and "confusing", particularly for children and teens.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9 have been revealed - but questions remain.Watch on YouTubeFurthermore, the filing claimed Genshin Impact's purchasing process "misleads consumers about the amount of money [they] spend on loot boxes on an ongoing basis, and the amount of money [they] would likely need to spend to obtain certain prizes". HoYoverse's event banners and influencer campaigns were also alleged to give players the impression they would have better odds of obtaining five-star prizes than was the case in reality.In response, HoYoverse has agreed to pay $20m to settle the complaint - meaning it neither admits or denies the allegations - and will make changes to prevent children under 16 from purchasing lootboxes without a parent's express consent. The proposed settlement - which must be approved by a federal judge - also prohibits HoYoverse from selling loot boxes using virtual currency without providing an option to purchase them with real money, and requires it to disclose loot box odds and exchange rates for multi-tiered virtual currency.Additionally, HoYoverse is required to delete any personal information previously collected from children under 13 without parental consent, and to comply with COPPA going forward.

As we embark on a new year, there is one ongoing theme design lovers are bringing into 2025 for their homes: relaxation. While it may come as no surprise that wellness is top of mind these days, trends over the last year point to a home spa-inspired space being more than just a renovation daydream.TikTokers have taken to their platforms to spotlight their everything-shower routines and their massive rain showerheads to incorporate regular self-care in their regimens. And according to Zillows 2025 Trend Report, homeowners are on the lookout for spa-inspired upgrades like wet rooms to enhance their everyday leisure.As weve noted previously, wellness design is on the rise and interior designers are here for it. Silvana Vergara Tobin, founder of Studio Tove in New York City, has observed through her work that homeowners are continually seeking to transform their spaces into tranquil retreats in reaction to todays fast-paced world. Spa-inspired design has become increasingly popular because it offers a sense of mental balance and slows the frenetic pace of daily life, Vergara Tobin imparts.She views the idea of a spa as more than just a visual experience, but a sensory experience too. The soft light, the soothing aromas, the tactile comfort of soft linens, and the calming sounds create an immersive sanctuary, she explains. Vergara Tobin sees this emerging trend as a reflection of our desires to make our homes not just functional, but also restorative spaces.This shift can also be attributed to the rise of nudge architecture, according to Patricia Kennedy, founder of Rendezvous Design in Greater South Florida. She calls this the art of incorporating wellness throughout our spaces to gently prompt moments of mindfulness throughout the day.Thankfully you dont have to remodel your home to make a spa-inspired space a reality. Kennedy recommends grounding your home with harmonious elements like flowing water and metal accents for balance and refinement. By thoughtfully selecting luxurious accessories, layers of texture in materials, and serene color palettes, a spa-inspired home brings a sense of wellness and relaxation into everyday life, Vergara Tobin adds.Below, interior designers break down all of the key elements that can add calming elements to your space. Whether you want to upgrade your bathroom for spa days or give your entire home a peaceful refresh, these ideas will help you create a restorative atmosphere.Incorporate indirect lightingLight is more than just illuminationits an element that interacts with materials and textures in transformative ways, says Vergara Tobin. She recommends prioritizing indirect lighting to create a soothing atmosphere, as direct light can cast a harsh glare on its surroundings. Plus, consider how natural light impacts your chosen materials. Think about these questions: Does it create a sheen, amplify the light, or change the colors? One of her favorite examples is the Esculpa Elongated Wall Light by Visual Comfort, as it adds organic texture and warmth through its shape and color.Wade Logan Brynie LED Semi Flush Mounted SconceWest Elm Linear Metal LED Floor LampAllegra Wall Sconce with Linen Shade by Jake ArnoldKelly Wearstler Esculpa Elongated Wall LightUse luxe linensWhen in doubt, these interior designers say investing in luxurious linensnamely bed and bath itemsis a must to create a spa-inspired feel in your home. High-quality towels and bath mats elevate the sensory experience and add a touch of indulgence, says Vergara Tobin. Personally I use the Lotus towels from Matouk at home, and they feel incrediblesoft, durable, and luxurious.Matouk Lotus TowelsCoyuchi Andes Suri Alpaca Knit RobeParachute Linen BundlePottery Barn Morgan Memory Foam Bath MatInstall unique water featuresWater is at the heart of a spa experience, so its essential to select fixtures that elevate both functionality and aesthetics, says Vergara Tobin. A well-designed shower faucet that offers adjustable temperature and water pressure can make all the difference. She points to picks that offer a luxe user experience and design-forward silhouette to enhance your space. Plus, consider appliances like a high-end humidifier to improve the moisture levelsespecially during the cold-weather monthsand air quality in your space.Rejuvenation West Slope Thermostatic Tub & Shower Set with HandshowerGROHE Euphoria 260 CoolTouch Thermostatic Shower SystemDyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH03Rejuvenation Theodora Single VanityUnwind on cozy furnitureFor ultimate relaxation, Kennedy recommends looking for furniture thats designed with both luxury and sustainability in mind. Whether shopping for a mattress-in-a-box or sofa, search for options with ergonomic designs that can help support meditative pause, fostering mental clarity and relaxation, she adds.Arhaus Kipton Motion ReclinerCastleryAudrey LeeCastlery Harper Lift-Top Coffee TableHugger Curved Boucle Apartment Sofa by Leanne FordEarthfoam Organic MattressAdd nature-inspired accentsTurn to natural elements to give your home a relaxing feel. Vibrant greenery breathes life and fresh energy into spaces, says Kennedy, while natural materials like wood and stone provide grounding textures, fostering a sense of stability and authenticity. One of the easiest ways to bring the outside in is by incorporating unique houseplants, floral arrangements, and ceramic planters for a fresh, organic ambience in your interiors.West Elm Glazed Ceramic PlanterThe Sill Philodendron Green PlantWest Elm Ronan Ficonstone Indoor/Outdoor Trough PlanterJJ's Flower Shop Petite Neutral Arrangement

In BriefPosted:3:48 PM PST January 17, 2025Image Credits:AmazonAmazon suspends US drone deliveries following crash at testing facilityAmazon has paused testing of its delivery drones following a crash involving two of its models, according to Bloomberg. Its the latest setback for Amazons beleaguered Prime Air program, which aims to deliver around 500 million packages a year to customers by the end of the decade.Bloomberg reports two Amazon drones crashed in rainy weather at a testing facility in Pendleton, Oregon, in December. In another incident in September, drone operators employed by the company were testing how the drones would perform if one of their propellers failed, according to Bloomberg, and accidentally launched two test flights at once causing the drones to collide.Amazon said it would suspend drone deliveries in Texas and Arizona, where it has commercial drone operations, pending a software update to its drone fleet, according to Bloomberg.Amazons drone program has faced numerous setbacks, including the departure of key executives. Last April, Amazon ended Prime Air drone delivery operations in California, although the company plans to expand its drone delivery tests overseas.Topics

With basketball and hockey seasons fully underway, Chicagos United Centerhome to the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawksis already a bustling place. A $7 billion vision to redevelop the area surrounding the sports arena and Chicagos West Side was revealed last summer and this week, new renderings emerged as the first phase of the proposed seven-phase project was given the green light by the Chicago Plan Commission. The 1901 Project, named after the United Centers address along Madison Street, posits more green space and mixed use options for the neighborhood to enjoy year-round. Its the vision of the stadium owners Michael Reinsdorf and Danny Wirtz. RIOS is serving as master planner and the landscape design for the project will be headed by New Yorkbased Field Operations.Renderings show the music hall clad in metal. (Courtesy Chicago Plan Commission)A 6,000-seat music hall is planned for development. (Courtesy Chicago Plan Commission)Our goals and the community goals and the city goals really are all the same: We all want this to be something special, United Center CEO Terry Savarise told the Chicago Plan Commission.In a presentation shared with the Chicago Plan Commission visuals and details of the planned 6,000-seat music hall were released. Renderings of the music hall show the building clad with perforated metal panels and an aluminum curtain wall. Its gold and bronze coloring appears to glisten in the daylight and glow from within when lit up in the evening hours. Other components envisioned for phase one include a hotel, parks, and pedestrian-forward greenspaces.Renderings of the hotel show a boxy, rectangular design. The base was visualized as being clad with stone, while the parking levels above are sheathed with metal louvers. The facade of the hotel floors above could be clad with a metal rainscreen system.A hotel is also a component of phase one. (Courtesy Chicago Plan Commission)As discussed when the 1901 Project was first unveiled the spaces around the United Center and corridors around the stadium, such as Madison Street and Adams Street, will be greened up. In its presentation to the Chicago Plan Commission, RIOS showed visuals that revealed planters lining the streetscape and plaza rich with vegetation and ample areas for benches and other seating. The proposed 10-acre park with winding pathways, shade pavilions, and sports field is still a part of the vision; it will occupy the top of a parking structure. Elsewhere around the neighborhood, parking lots will be transformed over to pedestrian spaces.The vision prioritizes pedestrians (Courtesy Chicago Plan Commission)Those of us who live in the community are very open to this because weve been literally living across the street from parking lots, said Alderman Walter Burnett, chair of the Chicago Plan Commission. It will be nice to have homes and businesses.A total of seven phases are planned. The developers and designers previously shared that the subsequent phases will be further developed based on market conditions and community feedback. Other ideas circulating on what they could bring to the neighborhood around United Center include housing, improved transportation infrastructure, and more park space.According to planning documents, phase one is estimated to complete in 2028.