Latest news with #Meridian
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘American Idol' Champ Jamal Roberts Debuts at No. 1 on Hot Gospel Songs Chart With ‘Heal'
Newly crowned American Idol winner Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old gym teacher from Meridian, Miss., debuts at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart (dated May 31) with 'Heal.' He capped off his championship run on the ABC competition May 18 with a stirring rendition of the faith-based track, which was written by Tom Odell, who released his version in 2013. Released May 18, Roberts' 'Heal' sold 9,000 downloads in the United States in the week ending May 22, according to Luminate. It tops Gospel Digital Song Sales, marking his initial No. 1; he previously hit No. 4 with 'He's Preparing Me' earlier in May. On the all-genre Digital Songs survey, 'Heal' opens at No. 2, granting Roberts his first top 10 in his rookie appearance. The spiritual power ballad also drew 918,000 official U.S. streams in the tracking week. More from Billboard Meet 2025's 'American Idol' Top 12 Contestants Zak Starkey Rubbishes Reports He Retired from The Who, Insists He Was 'Fired' Lorde Makes Surprise Appearance at Aotearoa Music Awards Meanwhile, Roberts is joined on Digital Song Sales by two fellow American Idol finalists: Breanna Nix with 'Higher' (No. 4; 5,000 sold), and John Foster with 'Tell That Angel I Love Her' (No. 6; 4,000 sold). They finished in third and second place, respectively, in the series' latest season. Notably, the three acts' haul outpaces that of American Idol contestants from a year ago, when champion Abi Carter was the sole competitor to appear on the Digital Song Sales chart (dated June 1, 2024) following the finale, with 'This Isn't Over' (No. 23; 2,000 sold). Pastor Mike Jr. adds his record-extending seventh straight career-opening leader on Gospel Airplay as 'Amen' lifts 2-1. He co-authored the song with Adia Andrews, David Lamar Outing II and Terrell Anthony Pettus. Pastor Mike Jr., from Birmingham, Ala., last led Gospel Airplay with 'Windows' for a week in June 2024. Before that, he reigned as featured on Kierra Sheard's 'Miracles,' for a week in July 2023, and with his own 'Impossible,' featuring James Fortune (two weeks, April 2023); 'Amazing' (two weeks, May 2022); 'I Got It' (four weeks, beginning in March 2021); and 'Big Rock City' (10 weeks, beginning in February 2020). In addition to owning the career-opening record run, Pastor Mike Jr. boasts the longest streak of Gospel Airplay No. 1s overall. Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Tamela Mann follow with active streaks of six consecutive chart-toppers. (Cobbs Leonard ranks at No. 7 on the latest list with 'Do It Anyway,' a week after it reached No. 6.) Additional reporting by Alex Vitoulis. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
NZ Windfarms Shareholders Approve Meridian Acquisition
The proposed scheme of arrangement (the Scheme), under which Meridian Energy Limited (Meridian) will, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, acquire 100% of NZ Windfarms Limited (NZX: NWF) ('NZ Windfarms'), has today been approved by NZ Windfarms shareholders at a Scheme Meeting. The resolution to approve the Scheme was passed by the requisite majorities of shareholders – namely 75% or more of the votes cast in each interest class and more than 50% of the total number of NZ Windfarms shares on issue were voted in favour of the Scheme. Details of the total number of votes cast are set out in the market announcement released today by NZ Windfarms. The final steps in the Scheme process are now underway, including an application to the High Court for final orders. The Scheme remains subject to final orders being granted by the High Court and satisfaction (or waiver) of other customary implementation conditions. The final hearing at the High Court in Auckland is currently scheduled for 16 July 2025. 'We're delighted to have the support of NZ Windfarms' shareholders and now look forward to the outcome of the High Court process. If approved, this transaction will reward NZ Windfarms' shareholders for the value created to date, while also enabling more efficient financing of the Te Rere Hau repowering project,' says Meridian's General Manager Strategy and Portfolio Rory Blundell. The Te Rere Hau repowering project involves the design, construction and operation of up to 39 new turbines with generation capacity of up to 170MW. It will be New Zealand's first wind farm repowering project and has the potential to generate seven times the annual renewable energy production of the current turbines.
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Kaibosh gets a clean-energy boost in the fight against food waste
Five million kilograms of food saved. Eleven million meals delivered. And now, two electric vans on the road. Since 2008, Wellington-based food rescue charity Kaibosh has rescued the equivalent of 250 fully loaded supermarket trucks of food, keeping it out of landfill and getting it to people in need. 'One in four children in Aotearoa often or sometimes go without food,' says Susie Robertson, Kaibosh's chief executive. 'For Māori children, it's one in three. For Pacific children, it's one in two. That's the reality we're facing.' Kaibosh runs seven days a week, collecting surplus food from supermarkets, growers and markets, sorting it at one of three regional bases, and redistributing it to 154 partner charities across the Wellington region. All food is donated and distributed free of charge. 'We don't purchase food, and we don't charge anyone for it,' says Robertson. 'Everything we collect is rescued and everything we give out is free to community groups, food banks, marae and others supporting people in need.' Now, with the help of Meridian Energy's Community Decarbonisation Fund, Kaibosh is also cutting its transport emissions, a key step in staying true to its 'zero food poverty, zero food waste' mission. 'It's a no-brainer,' says Robertson. 'We're already fighting climate change by keeping food out of landfill. Switching to electric vans means we're not undoing that good work on the road.' The Decarbonisation Fund provided Kaibosh with two electric vans, supporting its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint while continuing to collect and distribute large volumes of fresh food. The environmental benefits are just as powerful. Food waste in landfill is a major source of methane, one of the most damaging greenhouse gases. 'Methane does immediate harm to the atmosphere,' says Robertson. 'So every kilo of food we save makes a difference, not just to people, but to the planet.' Meridian's support means Kaibosh can keep expanding its reach without undermining its environmental mission. Electric vans had always aligned with the organisation's values, but the high upfront costs limited adoption. 'Most community groups are running off the smell of an oily rag,' says Robertson. 'EVs are expensive. We couldn't have done this without Meridian's help.' The Decarbonisation Fund helps community organisations cut emissions through real-world electrification, from solar panels to EVs and energy-efficient upgrades. The fund is powered by the net proceeds of Meridian's Certified Renewable Energy product, which enables businesses to match the amount of electricity they use with an equivalent amount of electricity put into the national grid from one of Meridian's hydro stations or wind farms which have been independently verified as producing 100% renewable electricity. All net proceeds go towards decarbonisation projects like Kaibosh's, and since 2022 the fund has invested a total of nearly $3 million. 'There's a real alignment in values between Meridian and Kaibosh,' says Robertson. 'We're both about reducing emissions and creating a more sustainable Aotearoa. It's a great fit.' Those values also run deep for Robertson herself. 'I've worked in youth health and development, but I've always cared about the environment too,' she says. 'Kaibosh brings those two worlds together - people and planet.' Robertson says nearly three-quarters of the food Kaibosh provides to communities is made up of produce, dairy, meat and eggs, the kind of food many families now struggle to afford. 'We're not just giving out calories, we're giving people real, nutiritious food, food they'd feel proud to serve their whānau.' Kaibosh's partner services range from housing organisations to marae. The need is growing fast. 'We're seeing families where both parents are working and still can't afford to put food on the table,' she says. 'They're one unexpected bill away from real hardship.' That's why partnerships like the one with Meridian matter so much. 'With support like this, we can do even more,' says Robertson. 'More food rescued, fewer emissions, and more dignity for the people we're here to serve.'
Hans India
6 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Meridian School celebrates investiture ceremony
Hyderabad: Meridian School, Madhapur, celebrated its 19th Investiture Ceremony with grandeur, pride, and a deep sense of purpose. This year, to mark the school's 19-year journey, 19 different varieties of plants, including medicinal saplings, were dedicated to the newly elected Student Council Members. In a symbolic and heartwarming gesture, the Head Boy and Head Girl were presented with saplings by the Founders, Neelkant Butta and Renuka Butta, which they had the special privilege of planting on campus. The ceremony reflected the school's annual theme 'SIKHARA: From Potential to Pinnacle.' Each performance — from energetic dances to soul-stirring songs — echoed this message of growth, excellence, and vision. President Lalitha Naidu emphasized the school's focus on holistic development, sharing insights into the new programs and enriching additions made to the curriculum at Meridian Madhapur. The Chief Guest, Y N Vivekananda Rao, a legal luminary, praised the confidence and energy levels of the students and reflected on the dynamic roles students play as 21st century learners and leaders. Principal K Bhavani spoke about the significance of the number 19 in Meridian's journey, highlighting how the institution is maturing from its teenage years into a phase of poised leadership and deeper impact.
Buzz Feed
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
37 Helpful Products You'll Be Very Smug You Bought At The Beginning Of Summer
A handy as heck Burt's Bees sunburn soother you'll want to stock up on if you're a "just in case" kinda human — it's made with aloe and coconut oil to hydrate skin and gently relieve pain from the sun's unforgiving rays within just a few hours. A three-pack of vintage-inspired polarized sunglasses for anyone who needs to stock up on a few "these look like Ray-Bans, but I won't cry into my Baja Blast if I accidentally leave them in the Taco Bell parking lot" pairs this year. These are especially handy because you can match the subtle prints to whatever 'fit you're wearing! A waterproof disposable camera so you can have all the nostalgia of capturing vacation memories in the '90s and all the hijinks of doing it underwater. Reviewers especially love this as an option to keep their actual cameras safe! A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray for anyone ready to go full YEEHAW!! on that at-home pedicure. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck. A "cold tech" cooling comforter, aka the holy grail of blankets for hot sleepers — this is designed with lightweight, breathable fabric that instantly reduces your skin temperature, helping with night sweats, hot flashes, and general overheating at night. Bonus: it's fully machine washable without losing its magic cooling powers! A pair of waterproof wireless earbuds with AirPods Pro energy — except these feature a charging case that, bless its technologically savvy heart, has an LED display letting you know exactly how much charge is left. Reviewers also love how delightfully comfortable and sweatproof these are, making them a solid, affordable option for talking on the phone and exercising. And a pair of sweatproof "floating" air conduction headphones designed to stay put by settling just over your ear instead of inside it — basically all the convenience and privacy of earbuds, without the discomfort of physically putting them in your ears. It picks up calls just as well as any other pair, and is designed so the sound isn't audible to anyone else! A DEET-free plant-based bug repellent to repel mosquitos for up to six hours *without* repelling all the humans in your general vicinity, because unlike other popular repellents, this has a lovely lemon eucalyptus smell. A delightful little tool called the "Bug Bite Thing" — it suctions on all kinds of bug bites to reduce swelling, itchiness, and redness. A delightfully affordable battery-operated patio umbrella light you can easily install without any tools, so you don't have to do wine and cheese in the darkness if the sun sets before your appetite does. A Meridian "Manscape" trimmer perfect for summer touch-ups — a lot of people don't know is an excellent razor for *anyone* shaving in sensitive areas, since it's mainly marketed toward men. If you're worried about nicks, cuts, ingrown hairs, and razor burn, particularly in your pubic area, this waterproof trimmer is about to be your new favorite gizmo. Plus Eos' Cashmere Skin Collection Shave Oil — yes, that's right, the astronomically TikTok-famous Eos "cashmere" body lotion now comes in shave oil form, just in time for potential summer shaving shenanigans. Reviewers are notably impressed by how close of a shave they can get with this, particularly in sensitive areas, helping spare you from razor burn and ingrown hairs. A teensy undetectable laptop mouse jiggler you can slide into the USB to keep your computer active on Teams, Slack, and all those other various technological overlords that keep track of you so you can take some moments to yourself in the sunshine when you need it. ☀️😎 A Yonanas fruit soft serve maker that magics any frozen fruit into an ice cream or sorbet texture so you can have a yummy frozen treat made to your *precise* favorite fruit combos. A lot of folks with dietary restrictions swear by this to get their ice cream kicks! Jergens Natural Glow Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion to give you a gradually-building, vacation-worthy ~sunkissed glow~ over the course of just a few days. Not only is this easy peasy to apply compared to other finickier, streaking lotions, but it's formulated with collagen and elastin to help your skin appear firmer *and* glowier. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, aka humidity's WORST ENEMY. 😈 This super lightweight argan oil solution is designed for all hair types to help manage frizz and define waves and curls without weighing them down, and will be the MVP in your hair arsenal in the warmer temps — especially considering how costly competitive serums are! A waterproof, sandproof, super lightweight JBL Flip 6 speaker so you can impress your friends not just with your excellent playlist curation skills, but the ridiculous sound quality that comes out of this tiny gizmo. It's so portable that you can easily tuck it into a tote bag on your way to a beach or pool hang, and waterproof that reviewers even keep it in the shower! E.l.f.'s Squeeze Me More Lip Balm Duo with some real "Laneige, but make it cheap" energy. This mango and watermelon duo is actually the oh-so-tropical remix of the brand's wildly beloved Squeeze Me More Lip Balm that came out last year, so reviewers are already obsessed with how lightweight, hydrating, and deeelicious these go-to balms are. A fast-acting, refillable plug-in fly trap for flies, fruit flies, moths, and gnats that works up to 400 feet by using a light to lure them. The best part?? The "trap" part is on the back, so you don't have to behold a little bug graveyard in your kitchen when you flick on the lights in the morning. And an investment-worthy high-voltage outdoor bug zapper to stop uninvited guests from joining you during dinner on the patio — this gizmo instantly stops mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and moths in their tracks. Mixsoon Bean SPF 50 Sunscreen with an ~airy~ texture, making this K-beauty staple perfect for anyone who loves a good SPF but hates the icky sticky feeling of it. This feather-light, hydrating sunscreen plays so well with makeup that it's about to become the primer of your ✨dreams✨. PLUS an SPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar, a K-beauty staple with a curved balm stick style that makes it super easy to apply, and a non-sticky, white cast-free formula that plays ABSURDLY well with makeup. If you're looking for a lightweight "soft matte" sunscreen to protect your skin, this is your new BFF. A portable Chill-O-Matic Instant Beverage Cooler, aka every finicky cold bevvy drinker's DREAM. This gadget can take a 12-ounce can of seltzer, soda, or beer at room temperature and make it ice cold in just one minute. A lot of people who complain that their fridge doesn't make drinks "cold enough" also swear by this for an extra icy kick. A 360-degree portable neck fan that puts all the other versions of it to shame — this one is designed with a comfier non-slip silicone neck grip and bladeless fans, so you don't have to worry about your hair getting caught in them. An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra just as comfy, supportive, and versatile as the real thing that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed to be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat. And a pair of high-waisted running shorts with a comfy scrunch-elastic waistband reviewers also compare to the Lululemon version. These are lightweight, quick-dry, and come in so many adorable colors that your butt might just want them on rotation until laundry day. A ~beverage fridge~ because at this point, bevvy culture has become so pronounced that it's disrespectful to put your beloved Diet Cokes, Spindrift, and various hard seltzers of choice in the fridge with the rest of your food. This chic cooler holds 115 cans (!!) so you never run out of space to live that bevvy life. A blister-preventing foot balm that basically magics an extra layer between your skin and your shoe, so you can break in and wear your favorite summer flats, heels, and sandals without worrying about getting big ole blisters on your feet. An air purifier with a true HEPA filter *and* a UV light sanitizer that did not come here to play, particularly not in the summer — reviewers swear by this for dealing with smoke from wildfires to high pollen counts to seasonal allergies, but this reusable filter also traps dust, odors, and pet dander to help you breathe easier. A pack of unscented SweatBlock wipes that work for up to *seven days* after application — perfect for those of us whose underarms are a little, uh, enthusiastic, to say the least. Reviewers especially swear by this for events that might bring on nervous sweating! A 360-degree rotatable electric car fan for the backseat that's handy whether or not your car has a functional AC — if you live in an area where your car scorches in the summer, you know full well that you'll take ANY KIND OF AIR YOU CAN GET. Parents especially swear by this to keep kiddos in rear-facing car seats cool! And a two-pack of car cooling cushions that plug right into your car's adapter to *instantly* circulate air and cool off the interior. No more showing up to the function SWEATING OUT OF EVERY PORE IN YOUR BODY!! Hallelujah. A weatherproof outdoor Wi-Fi extender you can easily mount on a pole or wall so "work from home" becomes "work from the backyard with an ice-cold Diet Coke in hand." Being one with nature still counts even if you're scrolling Reddit. And an outdoor power strip stake designed to blend into the landscape, so you can plug in all your fun backyard tech for the summer without sacrificing the ~~aesthetic~~. This features a nine-foot-long cord and can power up to six things at a time, so it's no slouch! A two-way "walkie-talkie" radio with a 16-mile radius, making it easy to go on summer hiking and camping trips without losing track of your fellow humans if one of you is like, "Oh, wow! A bird!!" (Guilty as charged.) Parents also swear by them for keeping in touch with kids too young for phones if they're out walking the dog or playing with friends! Sol de Janeiro's aluminum-free "Rio Deo" refillable deodorant — because yes, that yummy sunshine pistachio caramel "can't put my finger on it, but I'm obSESSED" smell from their cult-favorite skin-firming Bum Bum Cream is now available for your armpits. Everyone raise a glass to celebrate (REAL high, so we can all get a whiff of summer ☀️☀️😋). A Lululemon-esque adjustable mini belted pack (aka ~fanny pack~) you can wear around your waist or shoulder for a lightweight bag alternative that you won't lose, since it is literally attached to you. A lot of reviewers mention how genuinely *stunned* they are by how much this little bag can secretly carry.
