Latest news with #TDLR
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Pre-tax profits at Luas operator Transdev reduce by 61%
Pre-tax losses at the operator of the Luas reduced by 61 per cent to €3.53 million in 2023. Accounts filed by Luas operator, Transdev Dublin Light Rail Ltd (TDLR) show that the company recorded the sharp decrease in losses as revenues rose by 13 per cent from €81.7 million to €92.38 million. In a note with the accounts the directors said that losses reduced by 61 per cent 'mainly due to the improvement of the operational performance and exceptional energy index in December 2022'. The energy index relates to the efficient consumption of energy. Concerning a tram damaged during the Dublin Riots, the note said that on November 23rd 2023, 'a riot occurred in Dublin City Centre where tram #5037 was blocked by those involved'. READ MORE The note went on to say that 'the tram driver evacuated all passengers and secured the tram, so nobody was injured during the event. The tram was set alight during the riot resulting in severe damages. The tram is currently being repaired and is scheduled to be back in service at the beginning of 2026'. Asked to quantify the costs of the damage a spokeswoman for Transdev said on Wednesday: 'As this matter is currently before the courts, we are unable to comment further. The details are also commercially sensitive.' David McWilliams on how 'big incentives' to build could save Dublin city Listen | 36:51 Commenting on the performance of the business in 2025, the Transdev spokeswoman said: 'In 2025, we are seeing record levels of performance and passenger numbers, reflecting strong public confidence and the essential role Luas plays in Dublin's transport network'. A key trend from last year which continued in 2025 for the Luas was a notable increase in weekend travel, driven by growing demand related to retail, events, and leisure. In 2024, Luas recorded 54 million passenger journeys, reflecting a strong and sustained recovery following the pandemic, it said. The 54 million passengers in 2024 was a 12 per cent increase on the 48.2 million passengers in 2023. Last year, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) put an estimated value of €1.75 billion on the new Luas operation and maintenance contract. The note attached to the Transdev accounts noted that the current contract would expire at the end of November 2025. The directors said that the timeline had been extended to August 2026 to facilitate the tender process for a new contract, incorporating operations and asset maintenance activities for the Luas light rail system. Staff numbers in 2023 increased from 603 to 648 as staff costs rose from €33.66 million to €37.16 million.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Rainmaker CEO breaks silence on weather modification's role in Texas flooding
A weather modification company has come under scrutiny after claims that its cloud-seeding operation may have contributed to the catastrophic floods in Texas. Flash floods swept across Central Texas on July 4, killing at least 27 little girls at a summer camp and another 93 people throughout the region. Just two days before the disaster, Rainmaker carried out a cloud-seeding operation approximately 130 miles southeast of Kerr County, the area hit hardest by the raging floodwaters. Now the company's CEO, Augustus Doricko, is facing mounting speculation and public outrage, but said Rainmaker 'unequivocally had nothing to do with the flooding.' 'Our meteorologist proactively suspended operations a day before the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning,' Doricko told FOX News. He said even the most aggressive cloud-seeding projects typically generate tens of millions of gallons of precipitation spread across hundreds of square miles. That would be a minuscule amount compared to the trillions of gallons unleashed by the tropical storm that triggered flooding, Doricko added. A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which oversees cloud-seeding in the state, confirmed to that 'the clouds targeted were small and isolated and completely dissipated by 4pm CT on July 2.' Cloud seeding, used in around 50 countries worldwide, is a technique that involves releasing substances like silver iodide or salt into clouds to stimulate rainfall or snowfall. But experts say the process has limited power and cannot produce the kind of devastating storms seen in Texas. 'Scientific studies have shown that, at best, cloud seeding causes an average of a 10-percent increase in precipitation,' the TDLR spokesperson told 'Under ideal conditions, cloud-seeding projects can provide minimal to moderate enhancement to existing moisture-bearing clouds, not violent storms or floods.' Doricko echoed that stance, telling Fox News host Will Cain that the company's July 2 operation yielded less than a centimeter of rain When asked whether the silver iodide Rainmaker injected into clouds could have supercharged the deadly storm, Doricko was blunt: 'Absolutely not. Remaining in the atmosphere? No, not that either.' He explained that the aerosols used in cloud seeding dissipate within hours after rainfall is triggered. 'Dispersing it into open air it would persist longer, Doricko added. 'But one, we were seeding clouds rather than dispersing it into the open atmosphere and two, any amount that would have remained in the ensuing days and hours operation, would have been so radically defused.' 'It would have been lower in concentration. Just a background dust.' Doricko said he was not surprised by the surge of attention in recent days, as he was flooded with questions, accusations and even threats. 'I always anticipated that a moment like this would happen,' he said. 'Basically every time there's been severe weather somewhere in the world, people have blamed weather modification.' Nonetheless, social media users questioned whether Rainmaker's operations could be connected to the disaster in Texas. 'Well … this is weird … A company called Rainmaker, conducted a cloud seeding mission on July 2 over Texas Hill Country,' reads one X post. '2 days later, the worst flood in their history occurred … in the exact same area that the Rainmaker flights were. 'The entire goal of Rainmaker is to increase the precipitation of existing clouds. Why do we let these corporations f*** with the weather?' Texas Sen. Ted Cruz shot down the idea that the practice is to blame for the deluge leading to the flash floods. 'To the best of my knowledge, there is zero evidence of anything related to anything like weather modification,' Cruz said at a press conference addressing the floods on Monday. 'Look, the internet can be a strange place,' the senator added. 'People can come up with all sorts of crazy theories.' Ken Leppert, an associate professor of atmospheric science at the University of Louisiana Monroe, said it 'had absolutely nothing' to do with the flash floods in Texas. 'Cloud seeding works by adding aerosols to existing clouds,' he said. 'It doesn't work by helping to create a cloud/storm that doesn't already exist. 'The storms that produced the rainfall and flooding in Texas were not in existence two days before the event.' The Texas Hill Country, in the central part of the state, is naturally prone to flash flooding due to the dry, dirt-packed areas where the soil lets rain skid along the surface of the landscape instead of soaking it up. After a flood watch notice was issued midday on July 3, the National Weather Service issued an urgent warning overnight for at least 30,000 people. The July 4 flash floods started with a particularly bad storm that dropped most of its 12 inches of rain in the dark early morning hours. There was so much rain that the Guadalupe River rose higher than it has in 93 years by almost a foot, according to local reports.
Newsweek
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Map Shows Where Cloud Seeding Takes Place in Texas
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Cloud seeding operations have covered about one-sixth of Texas, spanning approximately 31 million acres across the Northwest, West, and South regions of the state as of 2022, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Projects have included the West Texas Weather Modification Association, South Texas Weather Modification Association, Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District, Trans Pecos Weather Modification Association, and the Rolling Plains Water Enhancement Project, each targeting millions of acres. Why It Matters Weather modification has become entangled in political debate. Recent events—such as deadly flooding in Texas' Hill Country and subsequent political commentary—have once again brought the topic to the fore. Officials and experts have attested that weather modification efforts are incapable of controlling severe events like hurricanes or large-scale floods, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration having previously issued fact checks dispelling claims about secret government weather control. What To Know This TDLR map shows weather modification projects in Texas. This TDLR map shows weather modification projects in Texas. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation The Main Cloud Seeding Projects in Texas West Texas Weather Modification Association (WTWMA) : This group covers about 6.4 million acres in west-central Texas, conducting both rain enhancement and hail suppression. : This group covers about 6.4 million acres in west-central Texas, conducting both rain enhancement and hail suppression. South Texas Weather Modification Association (STWMA) : Based in Pleasanton, this program targets about six million acres from the Edwards Plateau to the coastal bend region. : Based in Pleasanton, this program targets about six million acres from the Edwards Plateau to the coastal bend region. Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District (PGWCD) : This project aims to enhance rainfall and groundwater recharge over nearly 4.1 million acres in the eastern Texas Panhandle. : This project aims to enhance rainfall and groundwater recharge over nearly 4.1 million acres in the eastern Texas Panhandle. Trans Pecos Weather Modification Association (TPWMA) : Active since 2003, TPWMA seeds clouds across 5.1 million acres along and west of the Pecos River. : Active since 2003, TPWMA seeds clouds across 5.1 million acres along and west of the Pecos River. Rolling Plains Water Enhancement Project: Initially covering 3.5 million acres, this initiative has added more counties over time to its coverage. How Cloud Seeding Works Weather modification, commonly referred to as cloud seeding, is an eco-friendly method used to increase precipitation—such as rain or snow—from clouds, according to the North American Weather Modification Council (NAWMC). The process involves dispersing tiny particles, or "seeds," into the clouds to stimulate the formation of extra water droplets or ice crystals, which speeds up precipitation and enhances the cloud's effectiveness. Cloud seeding is also employed to minimize hail damage and dissipate fog. "This well-established technology has been in use since the 1940s in dozens of countries around the world," it says. What People Are Saying Bria DeCarlo, a meteorologist for the South Texas Weather Modification Association told the Houston Chronicle: "Weather modification is a long-term water management strategy that has been proven to be effective for the drought-stricken areas across the United States and Texas." What Happens Next On Saturday, Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was introducing a new bill which would target "weather modification." The bill would prohibit "the injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere for the express purpose of altering weather, temperature, climate, or sunlight intensity," she said on X. "No person, company, entity, or government should ever be allowed to modify our weather by any means possible!!" she wrote in a follow-up post.
CBS News
27-06-2025
- CBS News
Texas officials shut down 6 massage parlors allegedly linked to human trafficking, sexual services
Six massage parlors across Texas have been shut down after investigators uncovered alleged links to human trafficking, unlicensed activity, and sexual services, state officials announced. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issued a six-month emergency closure for these parlors effective June 16. The TDLR's investigation revealed that the six parlors are owned by the same person, Wanli Peng. Houston P&L Massages Therapy, PLLC, and Dallas Health Care Enterprise, LLC were also ordered to stop operations at the locations. The locations are: Massage A+, 3211 W. Wadley Ave., Ste. 12, Midland Healing Garden Massage, 956 S. Fry Rd., Katy Massage Pro 1, 2150 FM 2920 Rd., Ste. 200, Spring Massage Invite, 2685 Highway 6 S., Houston Yu Spa, 2001 Coit Rd., Ste. 169, Plano YY Spa, 501 Birdwell Ln., Ste. 17, Big Spring Advertisements connected to all the locations offering sexual services were found during the investigation, TDLR said. Investigators said they discovered a range of violations, including evidence that employees were living at the locations, employees working without licenses, and sexual paraphernalia and role-playing costumes on site. At the Plano location, Yu Spa, a customer reported to Plano Police that an employee had inappropriately touched him during a massage. Shortly after the complaint was filed, an employee from the spa was arrested and charged with prostitution, inappropriately touching an undercover cop and offering sexual services for pay. Peng also owns two additional massage businesses, Morris Spa in Flower Mound, Texas and Chi Kung Foot Spa in Dallas. TDLR investigators said they found "signs of human trafficking" at both locations. Peng surrendered the license for Morris Spa and was operating Chi Kung Foot Spa without one, officials said. Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring can contact the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). If the situation is an emergency or you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and alert the authorities.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill to end Texas Lottery Commission goes to Gov. Abbott
AUSTIN (Nexstar) – Legislation to abolish the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) is closer to becoming law. Friday night, Senators accepted House amendments to Senate Bill 3070, sending the bill to Gov. Greg Abbott for approval. SB 3070 would allow lottery games to continue, but would abolish the TLC and hand over control of the Texas Lottery and Charitable Bingo to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The decision comes amidst a host of scandals for the commission, resulting in investigations from both the Texas Rangers and the Attorney General's Office. State Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, filed the legislation, after originally filing a bill to eliminate the lottery entirely. The final version of the legislation calls for the incoming Texas Lottery division of TDLR to undergo a sunset review to see how they're functioning under the new department. It sets a decision on whether to abolish the lottery completely in 2029.' 'Specifically, sunset will assess whether TDLR has sufficient tools to ensure the integrity of the game,' Hall said Friday on the Senate floor. Hall said TDLR will not pay out a lottery prize unless the winner submits forms required by the IRS, and that information is verified. The bill also calls for lottery mobile applications to end. If Abbott signs the bill into law, the lottery will have this summer to transition to TDLR before the TLC is abolished on Sept. 1. Because the TLC is up for sunset anyway, a Abbott veto would still mean the TLC is abolished on Sept. 1, but the Texas Lottery would go with it. After the vote earlier this month in the House, the commission issued a statement saying it will follow the direction of the legislature. 'The TLC is prepared to fully support the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation with ensuring that a smooth, seamless and successful transition occurs for both the administration of the lottery and the regulation of charitable bingo,' the commission's statement read. Hall has previously said that he would prefer that the state get out of the lottery business altogether. On Friday, he suggested more legislation could come in the future. 'Senate Bill 3070 represents a new chapter in our efforts to protect Texans from a vice that takes advantage of the poorest people in our state. But this is not the end of the story,' Hall said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
