TEMPE, Ariz. — Fresh off of an upset victory over BYU that jumped the Sun Devils into first place in the Big 12 Conference standings, Arizona State is now the highest-ranked team in the conference after jumping up to No. 14 in the AP Top 25, which was released on Sunday. ASU made the largest jump of any school in Sunday's poll, moving up seven spots from No. 21. The next closest jumps were No. 12 Clemson and No. 17 Iowa State, who each moved up five spots from their rankings last week. This is the highest ASU has been ranked in a decade. ASU hit No. 12 in the final AP Top 25 poll in 2014. This week also saw several teams fall in the poll after a chaotic Saturday in college football. No. 25 Army and No. 23 Colorado both fell seven spots, No. 15 Ole Miss and No. 13 Alabama both fell six spots, and No. 20 Texas A&M, No. 19 BYU and No. 10 Indiana all fell five spots. Next up, the No. 14 Sun Devils will play archrival Arizona in the 98th edition of the Territorial Cup. The game will be played at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson. If ASU wins that game, they will clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game, which will be played at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Full AP Top 25 Oregon (11-0) 1525 points (61 first-place votes) Ohio State (10-1) 1463 points Texas (10-1) 1395 points Penn State (10-1) 1301 points Notre Dame (10-10 1278 points Georgia (9-2) 1242 points Tennessee (9-2) 1110 points Miami (FL) (10-1) 1096 points SMU (10-1) 1001 points Indiana (10-1) 998 points Boise State (10-1) 984 points Clemson (9-2) 789 points Alabama (8-3) 739 points Arizona State (9-2) 727 points Ole Miss (8-3) 661 points South Carolina (8-3) 639 points Iowa State (9-2) 498 points Tulane (9-2) 446 points BYU (9-2) 445 points Texas A&M (8-3) 399 points UNLV (9-2) 231 points Illinois (8-3) 188 points Colorado (8-3) 161 points Missouri (8-3) 142 points Army (9-1) 133 points Others receiving votes: Kansas State (98), Memphis (46), Syracuse (37), Louisville (24), Washington State (10), Duke (6), Louisiana-Lafayette (5), Florida (4), LSU (2), Georgia Tech (2). Arizona sports The city of Phoenix is home to four major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix. The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events every year, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises. 12Sports on YouTube Get the latest news and stories from 12Sports on the 12News YouTube channel. And don't forget to subscribe!Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face royal Christmas snub as King Charles 'ignores their calls'wolfy casino no deposit bonus 。

Health Alert as Flu Cases Surge: Are Your Masks Expired? As temperatures drop and the air becomes more frigid, a troubling health concern is emerging: influenza cases are spiking across the country. The flu virus is spreading rapidly, raising alarms for citizens and health officials alike. Amid this surge, many people are turning to masks as a defense mechanism to protect themselves and others. However, some individuals might still be using masks they purchased during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It is important to note that these masks could have a shelf life that may affect their efficacy. Certain mask manufacturers specify expiration dates, which means that older masks might not provide the same level of protection they once did. Experts recommend checking whether your masks are still within their effective usage period. As these items age, material degradation could compromise their ability to block harmful pathogens. In light of the rising flu cases, ensuring your protective gear is up-to-date becomes a critical step in personal and public health safety. In conclusion, to stay healthy during this flu season, it’s not just about wearing a mask, but wearing the right mask. Always verify the condition and expiration date of your masks to ensure they provide adequate protection against airborne illnesses. Stay informed and stay safe in these challenging times. Unmasking the Hidden Facts: Flu Season Preparedness and Mask Efficacy In light of the recent surge in influenza cases, it’s paramount for individuals to reassess the effectiveness of their protective measures, primarily focusing on the masks they’re using. While many have relied on masks initially acquired during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, questions arise regarding the current efficacy of these masks. Let’s delve into the vital aspects of mask usage, features, compatibility, and innovations to ensure optimum protection during this challenging season. Many of the masks purchased in 2020 were designed for a specific period of use, after which their protective capabilities may diminish due to material degradation. The porous materials used in masks, like the fibers in surgical masks or N95 respirators, can deteriorate over time, reducing their ability to filter pathogens. It’s therefore crucial to review the expiration dates recommended by manufacturers. Failing to do so could result in using compromised protective gear, negating the very purpose of wearing a mask. With advances in technology, new mask types have emerged that offer enhanced protection and comfort. Innovations such as self-sterilizing masks, masks with adjustable filters, and those incorporating antiviral coatings provide added layers of defense. These features can significantly increase the longevity and efficiency of masks, making them an attractive option for those seeking to upgrade outdated gear. Understanding the various types of masks available is key to choosing the right one: – Surgical Masks : Lightweight and disposable, they offer basic protection but have a limited lifespan. Pros include comfort and cost-effectiveness for short-term use. However, they provide less protection compared to respirators. – N95 Respirators : Known for their high filtration efficiency, these masks are more durable and effective against airborne pathogens. The downside is that they can be uncomfortable for long periods and may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions. – Cloth Masks with Filters : These masks offer customizable protection levels and are reusable. While eco-friendly and often stylish, their effectiveness depends heavily on the materials and construction quality. While protecting individual health, ecological impact should also be taken into account. Opting for reusable masks with replaceable filters not only provides prolonged use but also minimizes environmental waste. Before purchase, consider the mask’s compatibility with existing accessories like eyeglasses to reduce fogging and discomfort. 1. Inspect the Materials : Look for any signs of wear or deterioration on the mask. This includes fraying, tears, and loss of elasticity in straps. 2. Verify Expiration : Check the packaging or mask for expiration details. If unsure, consult the manufacturer’s website or customer service. 3. Fit and Seal Test : Ensure that the mask fits snugly against the face without gaps. A proper seal enhances protection against airborne particles. 4. Additional Resources : For more detailed guidance on selecting and caring for masks, visit the World Health Organization . Maintaining up-to-date, effective protective gear isn’t merely a personal health matter but a public responsibility. As science and technology continue to evolve, the future holds promise for even more efficient and accessible protective solutions. Staying informed on these developments helps ensure individuals are adequately equipped to face seasonal health challenges, such as flu outbreaks. Stay vigilant, prioritize safety, and adapt to new innovations in health protection technology.

New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire gunsBrock Purdy participated in the start of Thursday's practice with the 49ers but the San Francisco starting quarterback was not on the field for the majority of the workout, casting doubt over his availability to play Sunday at Green Bay. Purdy is dealing with a right shoulder injury and the 49ers are also potentially without left tackle Trent Williams and Nick Bosa due to injuries. Bosa was listed as out of Thursday's practice with an oblique injury. Williams also didn't suit up Thursday. He played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable. Purdy's typical Thursday post-practice media session was scrapped until Friday as the 49ers did not make any quarterback available. Kyle Allen would step in for Purdy as the starter if he can't play against the Packers. Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren't where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven't won close games, not because of injuries. "Seven games left is like an eternity," Foerster said. "So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year." With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways. The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season. --Field Level Media

Ducks coming off disappointing loss face Seattle in a home-and-home'We Can Breathe!' Emotional Cowboys React To Wacky Win at Commanders

2 threaten loan app customers using morphed pics, arrestedThe reigning Super Bowl champions saw their run of 15 straight wins ended by the Buffalo Bills last week, but got back to winning ways thanks to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. After a late Chuba Hubbard touchdown and two-point conversion had made it 27-27, the Chiefs got the ball back with less than two minutes on the clock and a 33-yard run from Mahomes helped set up Spencer Shrader for a game-winning field goal. THE CHIEFS SURVIVE AGAIN. 🔥 Patrick Mahomes comes up CLUTCH with a 33-yard run late, before Spencer Shrader wins it as time expires! Get your #NFL action on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/POt57HQYig — ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) November 24, 2024 Mahomes finished the game with 269 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to Noah Gray in the first half. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored two touchdowns as the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts 24-6 to improve their record to 10-1, matching that of the Chiefs. David Montgomery also ran for a score before having to leave the game with a shoulder injury. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended a four-game losing streak with a 30-7 win over the New York Giants, who “mutually agreed” to terminate the contract of quarterback Daniel Jones earlier this week. Jones’ replacement Tommy DeVito was sacked four times while opposite number Baker Mayfield ran for a touchdown and completed 24 of 30 pass attempts for 294 yards. Rachaad White, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker also ran for touchdowns in a one-sided contest. The Dallas Cowboys ended their five-game losing streak with a remarkable 34-26 win over the Washington Commanders, with 30 points scored in the final three minutes. KaVontae Turpin’s 99-yard kick-off return for a touchdown looked to have sealed victory for the Cowboys, only for the Commanders to respond with a field goal before getting the ball back with 33 seconds remaining. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin sprinted 86 yards through the Dallas defence for a touchdown, only for Austin Seibert to miss the extra point. 99 YARDS TO THE 🏡 @KaVontaeTurpin was gone!! 📺: #DALvsWAS on FOX📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/LvklCbYJ1e pic.twitter.com/4ckMWDEDPL — Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 24, 2024 The Commanders tried an onside kick and Juanyeh Thomas returned it 43 yards for a touchdown. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw four touchdown passes as the Miami Dolphins cruised to a 34-15 win over the New England Patriots, while the Tennessee Titans pulled off a surprise 32-27 victory at the Houston Texans. The Minnesota Vikings improved to 9-2 thanks to a 30-27 overtime win against the Chicago Bears, Parker Romo kicking the decisive field goal from 29 yards.

Days after furloughing dozens of its employees without pay, EV startup Canoo told the remainder of its staff they will be on a “mandatory unpaid break” through at least the end of the year, Friday A company email seen by the outlet said employees would be locked out of Canoo’s systems by the end of Friday, with their benefits continuing through the end of this month. The report follows Canoo’s last week that it was idling its Oklahoma factories and furloughing employees while it worked “to finalize securing the capital necessary to move forward with its operations.” As notes, the company reported that it had only about $700,000 left in the bank last month. Also on Friday, the company a 1-for-20 reverse stock split, effective December 24th. Canoo says the consolidation aims to keep its stock listed on the Nasdaq exchange and attract “a broader group of institutional and retail investors.” Canoo was founded in 2017 to sell electric vans and trucks to adventure-seeking customers but has mostly only ever made vehicles for the US government. As ’s Andrew Hawkins , analysts have warned of its risk of insolvency as it’s teetered on the edge of running out of cash since 2022. Canoo has lost a steady stream of executives since then, including and, more recently, its . /JOHANNESBURG – Key Republicans are already pressing to kick South Africa out of lucrative trade arrangements, should the South African government not change its position on Russia, China, Iran and Israel. Most at risk is South Africa’s duty-free exports to the U.S. of items such as cars and citrus fruit under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) — and with it the potential loss of tens of thousands of African jobs. South Africa is likely to be under intense scrutiny from the incoming administration. A publication from the in 2023 warned that a country wanting AGOA’s preferential trade agreements “cannot act in a manner that undermines U.S. national security or foreign policy interests.” South Africa joins Russia’s military aircraft and naval vessels on exercises, allowing Pretoria’s naval bases to be used by the Kremlin and Russia’s sanctioned warships. Senior South African military officials have received training in Moscow. At the U.N., South Africa has refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. South Africa’s majority ANC party has met with terror group Hamas, and recently one branch of the ANC supported a local Muslim leader who reportedly shouted to a cheering crowd, “I am Hamas, Cape Town is Hamas, Viva Hamas!” The government also issued a statement condemning the killing this year of Hamas leader . The country’s foreign minister, Ronald Lamola, spoke out against the “assassination” of this designated terrorist leader, saying “such acts of extrajudicial killings violate international law.” South Africa has accused Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice. South Africa’s biggest trading partner is China, with the two countries being founder members of the BRICS trade organization. South Africa has welcomed the inclusion now of Iran in BRICS. There have been accusations of deep links between Tehran and Pretoria. “Given the South African positions on the Russia-Ukraine and Mideast conflicts, South Africa is leaning away from American positions in a number of ways, most especially in its vigorous pursuit of Israel and its leaders in the international courts,” J. Brooks Spector told Fox News Digital. Spector, a former U.S. diplomat now based in Johannesburg, and associate editor of the respected Daily Maverick, added that “continuing action and rhetoric by South Africa in its pursuit of Israel in international court efforts will, however, encourage Republicans in Congress (and probably in the administration as well) to strip South Africa of benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, assuming the act is renewed next year.” “Such pursuits by the South African government may also lead to efforts to cut back on assistance to important efforts such as PEPFAR — the aid program that, together with the Global Fund and local organizations, has been crucial in the country’s successful efforts combatting HIV and AIDS,” he said. One such leading Republican, Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Fox News Digital, “I remain concerned about South Africa’s efforts to cozy up to Russia, China and Iran, including Iran’s terror proxies, and the impact this has on U.S. national security — a vital element in AGOA eligibility. The country’s foreign policy actions will remain a focus of my oversight efforts.” Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and member of the Senate Finance Committee, slammed South Africa in 2023: “South Africa has harbored sanctioned Russian ships, expanded relations with Iran and issued statements against Israel’s right to defend itself following Hamas’ recent terror attacks” Both of these influential Republican leaders are expected to become more powerful when President-elect Trump takes office in January, with Scott’s office staff telling Fox News Digital, “Sen. Scott looks forward to working with the Trump administration to ensure that AGOA participants are not undermining our national security interests.” South Africa’s moves are very definitely in an extremely bright spotlight in Washington. From inside the beltway, Richard Goldberg told Fox News Digital he’s worried particularly over potential links between South Africa and Iran. Goldberg is a former member of the National Security Council, and a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He told Fox News Digital, “The first step is to build the case publicly and give South Africa one last moment of choosing. We should declassify intelligence about South Africa’s deep relationship with Iran, and any other support or partnership with terrorist groups.” Goldberg continued, “And then we need to use our full diplomatic and economic weight to force Pretoria to choose between the United States and our terrorist adversaries. AGOA should be one of several items on the policy menu.” South Africa’s Department of International Relations didn’t respond to several requests for comment, but COSATU’s Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks, did. COSATU is the Confederation of South African Trade Unions, historically aligned with . Parks is highly respected for his meaningful and dignified pursuance of workers’ rights. His members have much to lose, including potentially their jobs, if South Africa is pushed out of AGOA. But he appeared to be cautiously optimistic when talking to Fox News Digital. “We are confident that our relations with the U.S. will continue to grow, including through AGOA, simply because it is to the benefit of both our peoples,” he said. “We’ve been extensively involved in engagements between South Africa and the U.S., on how to deepen our relations and toward the renewal of AGOA,” Parks continued. “We’ve engaged extensively with our colleagues in the U.S. labor movement, business community, Congress (both Republicans and Democrats), the State Department, Department of Labor, NSC and the White House.” As Trump moves into the White House, nearby Ebrahim Rassool will be starting his second term as South African ambassador to the U.S. This month he talked to the Daily Maverick on South Africa’s challenges with the new administration, referring to South Africa’s attack on Israel at the ICJ. “We will stick by the case, but let us now trust our legal team,” he said, “trust the evidence that we have placed in front of the judges of the ICJ, trust the judges of the ICJ to come to a sustainable, just solution — but that we need to put away the megaphone now.” Rassool pointed out that the South African oranges exported to the U.S. under AGOA enabled Americans to drink orange juice all year round, when Florida and California oranges were out of season. Rassool added, “Why would you want to punish America with expensive cars when the BMWs coming from South Africa are going to be much cheaper than getting them from Germany or manufacturing your own? “Likewise, to point out that American cancer patients are receiving medical nuclear isotopes that come from South Africa.” The expulsion of South Africa from AGOA would be “disastrous,” Renai Moothilal, CEO of the National Association of Automotive Component & Allied Manufacturers, wrote last year in the Business Day newspaper. “It will be no surprise if some component manufacturers close their doors. U.S.-headquartered multinational manufacturers with plants here may exit the South African country if there are volume losses linked to our exclusion from AGOA, or other forms of political pressure are brought to bear.” Observers note there are loud threats coming from himself, including a claim that he will slap a 100% import tariff on countries like South Africa if, as members of BRICS, they adopt a new currency to rival the dollar. In the other corner of the ring, South African politicians are taking a more placatory and reserved tone. The Democratic Alliance or DA is South Africa’s main opposition party. But since May, they have also been members of the government of national unity, working in a sometimes noisy coalition with President Ramaphosa’s ANC. Emma Powell, the DA’s national spokesperson for foreign affairs, told Fox News Digital that it’s likely the relationship between Pretoria and Washington “will become increasingly transactional, with greater emphasis placed on equitable reciprocity. This would contrast the Biden administration’s approach to beneficiation-based investment and development. There is also likely to be less tolerance for any action on the part of the South African government that may be perceived as undermining the national security interests of the United States.” Powell added that “the Trump administration is also likely to take a more cautious approach on AGOA eligibility.” Spector told Fox News Digital he could take home one strong positive: “The incoming U.S. president’s often-expressed support for transactional foreign economic policies may possibly be an incentive for Africa’s nations — urged on by South Africa – to come together with initiatives offering trade and market concessions in Africa to America.”Blizzard is releasing the HD remasters of the first two parts to mark the 30th anniversary of the Warcraft series. The strategy game classics have been technically modernized, while Warcraft III: Reforged is receiving a major update. The new editions are available now. Stiven_SRB / via X Blizzard Entertainment has released the first two parts of the Warcraft series as HD remasters without prior notice, but after various leaks. The new editions will be released just in time for the 30th anniversary of the real-time strategy games. At the same time, Warcraft III: Reforged is receiving an update to version 2.0. The Warcraft I and II remasters feature completely remastered HD graphics while retaining the original game mechanics and soundtrack. The developers have modernized the user interface and adapted the controls to current standards. What’s new is the ability to move units using the right mouse button. Warcraft Remastered Battle Chest Launch Trailer Warcraft III: Reforged, which was released in 2020 and was negatively received by fans and critics at the time, is getting a revision with Update 2.0. The new version contains improved environmental graphics, a revised interface and various technical optimizations. Players can now switch between the classic and remastered looks. The original version of Warcraft III: Reforged was so heavily criticized that Blizzard introduced an unlimited refund option. The new update addresses many of the criticisms raised at the time. Infographic Warcraft, Diablo & Co.: The history of Activision Blizzard The remasters are available individually or bundled in the new Warcraft Battle Chest. The package includes both the revised and original versions. Warcraft I: Remastered costs 10 euros, Warcraft II: Remastered costs 15 euros. The Battle Chest with all three titles is available for 40 euros. The Battle Chest also contains a digital gallery with previously unpublished concept art and development documents from the series’ 30-year history. You also get additional content for other Blizzard games, such as Warcraft III skins, a meat truck mount for World of Warcraft and smaller goodies for Diablo 3, Starcraft 2. As part of the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct stream, Blizzard announced further innovations: The mobile game Warcraft Rumble will also be released for PC in December. The card game Hearthstone will receive a StarCraft expansion in January 2025. A new dungeon has been announced for World of Warcraft. World of Warcraft will receive player housing in the next few years. WoW Classic is getting a faithful version of the Mists of Pandaria expansion from 2012. Research Snipers is currently covering all technology news including Google, Apple, Android, Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung News, and More. Research Snipers has decade of experience in breaking technology news, covering latest trends in tech news, and recent developments.Under Ayao Komatsu’s leadership, Haas has made a lot of strides both on and off the track. While the team’s performance took a step forward in 2024, they also forged some new partnerships for the team’s long-term future — including a technical partnership with Toyota-Gazoo Racing . Recently, they have landed another IT partner named Mphasis, which will be working with the Kannapolis-based outfit on multiple fronts. The CEO of Mphasis, Nitin Rakesh, recently spoke about their collaboration with Haas F1, highlighting that it is a five-year partnership and a long-term commitment for them. Besides working on the cybersecurity aspects for the team, Mphasis will also be looking to bolster the technological foundation of the American outfit ahead of the 2026 aero and engine regulations coming into effect. “They have significant needs when it comes to real-time car performance analytics, looking at every aspect from engine performance to tuning,” Rakesh added. He also highlighted how they will be working on “computer vision” to enable Haas to identify any potential issues with their cars when they come to the pitlane garage. This will certainly be a huge boost for the efficiency of a small team like Haas, who have often struggled to have state-of-the-art technology and equipment like the top teams. The Mphasis CEO also understands the importance of the 2026 regulations which will completely change the car concept with active aerodynamics and new engines with more electrical power. “There will be a lot of planning and testing around the new car. The goal of our partnership is to identify where we can be most effective across all these areas,” he said. The 2025 season will be a foundational year, says Rakesh, as Haas will be keen to take a significant step forward for 2026 with the tools Mphasis provides. Mphasis CEO is an F1 fan and keen on Haas’ growth Given it is a five-year deal between Mphasis and Haas, it is safe to say that the American outfit may have found another long-term partner, which could really help them grow in the future like the OEM manufacturer outfits. These technological partners can help a team’s trajectory immensely, as there is more bandwidth for the leadership to focus on their on-track performance. Rakesh wishes for the same as he wants to make Haas a “highly effective” team as they head into the 2026 season. He mentioned that this is a “passion project” for him, as he has been an avid F1 fan for 30 years. He also spoke with Haas’ team principal Komatsu and was fascinated to learn about how he and his subordinates deal with a “pressure cooker” environment in F1. “I’m trying to get a behind-the-scenes look to glean lessons for our own business. How do they use technology, navigate through apparent chaos, control the controllable variables, and respond to unknowns?” , he added. Aiming to blend technology into their work, Rakesh is keen on catering to Haas’ needs and facilitating some ease into the lives of their engineers, mechanics, and other team members. He stated that Mphasis will also be looking to learn from the high-performance environment of F1.

Artificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there’s a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here’s a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. A Florida law bans children under 14 accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create . In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their . The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Many states have passed laws since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents , copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with “binary triggers” that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use . To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn’t , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay , thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona’s nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. “I think it’s very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens,” Young said.A thrill ride manufacturer that has designed a 1,000-foot-tall roller coaster that would shatter all height and speed records is looking for a theme park willing and able to build the towering behemoth. The once-impossible dream of a 1,000-foot-tall coaster is now feasible and in top secret development by an unnamed ridemaker, according to Dennis Speigel, an industry expert with International Theme Park Services . “The project is still under heavy wraps with the final international location yet to be announced,” Speigel wrote on the ITPS website. “But the progress is quite well along and so far is nothing short of breathtaking in every sense of the meaning.” ALSO SEE: Six Flags to spend $1 billion on 11 coasters over next 2 years The 1,000-footer would be twice as tall as any coaster ever built and smash a new record for world’s tallest coaster about to be set in 2025. Six Flags announced in November that its 456-foot-tall Kingda Ka coaster in New Jersey would be removed and replaced by a new record-breaking launch coaster in 2026. The 2005 Kingda Ka held the title of world’s tallest coaster for two decades. ALSO SEE: 5 of the world’s fastest coasters are closed, but a new king will soon rise The 415-foot-tall Superman: Escape from Krypton at Six Flags Magic Mountain now reigns as the tallest operating coaster in the world while the 420-foot-tall Top Thrill 2 coaster at Ohio’s Cedar Point remains closed for repairs. Falcon’s Flight will become the world’s tallest coaster at a skyscraping 640 feet when the new ride debuts in 2025 at Six Flags Quiddiya in Saudi Arabia. ALSO SEE: Coaster war brewing between Six Flags Magic Mountain and relatively unknown European rival Speigel got a sneak preview of the 1,000-foot-tall coaster by the as-yet-unidentified ride manufacturer that swore him to secrecy. Technological advancements in computer- and AI-assisted design have made the pipe dream of a 1,000-foot-tall coaster a very real possiblity, according to Speigel. ALSO SEE: 4 reasons why Universal won’t launch Fast & Furious coaster until 2026 “It’s only a matter of time and financial investment before this aspiration becomes a reality,” Speigel wrote on the ITPS website. The record-setting coaster will need to be built on a swath of land large enough to accommodate the amount of track needed for the launch and run out on either side of the 1,000-foot precipice. ALSO SEE: Six Flags Magic Mountain plans 21st roller coaster for 2026 The structural engineering team behind the project has designed a coaster that can withstand immense vertical and lateral forces, according to Speigel. An “ingenious” braking system will help control the incredible speeds of the coaster that will likely require riders to wear safety goggles, according to Speigel.

Gautam Adani's conglomerate could find it harder to get funding following a U.S. arrest warrant for its billionaire founder, with some banks considering halting fresh credit to the Indian group due to an alleged $265 million bribery scheme. Some global banks are considering temporarily halting fresh credit to the Adani Group after the U.S. indictment but maintaining existing loans, sources told Reuters. Ratings agency S&P warned in a statement that the group will need regular access to equity and debt markets given its large growth plans, but it might find fewer takers. "We believe domestic, as well as some international banks and bond market investors, look at Adani entities as a group, and could set group limits on their exposure," it said. However, S&P added that the rated entities have "no immediate and lumpy" debt maturities. 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Research firm CreditSights highlighted refinancing for the conglomerate's green energy business, which is at the centre of the allegations, as its biggest near-term concern. Bonds issued by the Adani Group dropped sharply for a second day on Friday and although the shares of some Adani firms clawed back some of Thursday's losses, the overall market value of all 10 stocks has dropped by $27.9 billion over two sessions. Adani Green Energy, which is at the centre of the U.S. allegations, has lost nearly $7 billion of its value. U.S. authorities have charged Adani and seven other people with agreeing to pay bribes to Indian government officials to obtain contracts that could yield $2 billion of profit over 20 years as well as to develop India's largest solar power project. Adani Group has said the accusations as well as those levelled by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in a parallel civil case are "baseless and denied" and that it will seek "all possible legal recourse". Some analysts said the fallout was unlikely to be limited to the Adani group of companies. "India's renewable energy sector, a critical pillar for global climate goals, may face reduced international investment as a result of this controversy," said Nimish Maheshwari, an independent analyst who publishes on Smartkarma. "Investors may demand greater transparency and due diligence, slowing down the pace of project financing." The Securities and Exchange Board of India, the country's market regulator, is making preliminary checks to see if disclosures made by Adani entities were inadequate and if they breached local market regulations, a SEBI official told Reuters. SEBI did not respond to a request for comment. The regulator has completed a separate investigation into the group, but not yet issued orders, after Hindenburg Research in January 2023 alleged improper use of tax havens and stock manipulation, which the group has denied. Falls in Adani dollar bond prices on Friday included a 2.5c drop on the dollar for 2029 Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone bonds. At 87.8c, they are down more than 5c over the two sessions. Longer-dated maturities have fallen around 5c in two days and trade just below 80c. Adani Transmission and Adani Electricity Mumbai bond prices had similar declines. Investors are also watching to see if more Adani deals could be scuttled after Kenya cancelled a procurement process worth nearly $2 billion that had been widely expected to award control of the country's main airport to the group. It also nixed a 30-year, $736-million public-private partnership deal that an Adani Group firm signed with the energy ministry last month to construct power transmission lines. Adani Green also cancelled a scheduled $600 million U.S. bond sale. U.S. prosecutors say Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani and others bribed Indian officials to gain business advantages in renewable energy projects in India that benefited Adani Green and a company called Azure Power, which was listed on the New York Stock Exchange until late 2023. They are also accused of making misleading statements to the public, including U.S. investors, despite being made aware of the U.S. investigation in 2023. Adani has not appeared in public or commented on social media since the indictment and his whereabouts remain unclear. Indian authorities have not responded to opposition calls for a probe into the indictment, which came not long after Adani raised $1.5 billion through two share sales by flagship firm Adani Enterprises and power distribution arm Adani Energy Solutions. (Reporting by Scott Murdoch and Tom Westbrook; Additional reporting by Chris Thomas, Ira Dugal, Aditya Kalra and Krishna Das; Editing by Edwina Gibbs and Alexander Smith) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Anxiety about money, gun violence and hate crimes ranked high on list of American's concerns Limiting your news consumption may help ease stress and anxiety More than before, Americans surveyed say they'll make mental health resolutions for 2025 FRIDAY, Dec. 27, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Should you cut back on doom scrolling in 2025? Worries about money, gun violence and hate crimes ranked high among many people's lists of worries at the end of 2024, according to a poll that is part of American Psychiatric Association (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly opinion poll series. The survey included 2200 U.S. adults. Reducing news consumption may be beneficial for your mental health , experts say. "If current events seem overwhelming it may be time to limit your news consumption,” Dr. Marketa Wills , medical director of the APA, said. “While we like to stay informed, the news can also impact our mental health, and being mindful of that impact is important," Wells said in a news release. According to the APA's research, American adults have remained most anxious about the economy and gun violence throughout 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, more than 1/3 of Americans surveyed (33%) say they will make mental health-related New Year’s resolutions, which is a 5% increase from last year. In fact, the increase is the highest result the APA has collected since it began asking the question in 2021. As usual, many people report that they will pledge to be more physically active in 2025; other resolutions focus on participating in mentally healthy activities. Spend more time in nature (46%) Meditation (44%) Focus on spirituality (37%) Take a social media break (30%) Journaling (29%) “A new year brings with it new opportunities but also renewed concerns about the very important issues that impact our lives,” Wills said, adding that “any time of the year, mental health matters. Staying mindful of how we’re doing while taking active steps to care for ourselves is a terrific resolution.” More information The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has more on stress and anxiety management. SOURCE: American Psychiatric Association (APA), news release, Dec. 13, 2024; APA, press release, Dec. 18, 2024 If you make resolutions, consider starting or re-starting a practice that will nurture your mental health, such as meditating or taking a break from social media.

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