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New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire gunsChina’s drive to buttress its military modernization through increased international arms sales has slowed, according to a new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, with experts citing Chinese-made weapons systems’ lack of combat experience as one key obstacle. The SIPRI report issued this week shows significant growth in total international arms sales driven by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Revenues earned by the world’s 100 largest defense companies grew by 4.2% to a total of $632 billion in 2023. But the growth for Chinese companies in 2023 was only 0.7%, the smallest since 2019. The United States was the world's largest arms exporter last year with 41 American companies in the top 100, earning $317 billion in arms revenue. Only nine of the top 100 enterprises were from China, with total arms revenue amounting to $103 billion, according to the survey. The slowdown comes despite China’s efforts to find overseas markets for its weapons to support its geopolitical objectives. Over the past year, Chinese defense contractors participated in a number of defense exhibitions overseas. More than 60 defense firms participated in the Eurosatory — one of Europe’s biggest defense expos — in France in July. Chinese defense companies also participated in events in Vietnam, Singapore, Qatar and together with Russia at an arms fair in Pakistan. Analysts say Beijing still faces a range of obstacles as it seeks to grow its reputation as a major arms seller. They say Beijing’s close ties to Moscow and the fact that many of its systems — while advanced — have not been battle-tested, are some of the reasons China’s weapons sales appear to be lagging behind other countries. Technology transfer For many countries allied with the West, China's perceived support for Russia and its war in Ukraine are a key deterrent to purchasing Chinese arms. Fenix Chiang, a senior military reporter for Taiwan's China Times newspaper, says that nations such as Poland, which see Russia as a primary threat, are unlikely to buy Chinese or Russian-aligned weaponry, opting instead for more reasonably priced South Korean alternatives. "Poland would never choose military weapons from China or those aligned with Russia, as they would offer little security,” Chiang said. Wendell Minnick, a former journalist for the Defense News website, said China's lack of after-sales support and unwillingness to share critical technologies with buyers weakens its position in the global arms market. “They will sell you a fighter jet, but they don’t provide very in-depth training opportunity for the country they sell them to,” Minnick told VOA's Mandarin Service in a webcam video interview. “That’s a huge problem.” Minnick said that by contrast, Washington supplies training for Taiwan’s F-16 pilots in the United States. “They are getting face-to-face, boot on the ground experience with real U.S. fighter pilots and training. China doesn’t really provide much in the way of training,” Minnick said. Lack of maintenance and spare parts support is another problem for China in promoting its weapons to the international market, he added. “You just don’t deliver an advanced weapon system and then say thank you, so long, goodbye, good luck. You have to supply them with continued maintenance and upgrade and spare parts,” Minnick said. “You also have to provide manuals that are in the local languages, not in Chinese.” Not battle-tested Analysts say the biggest challenge Chinese weapons face abroad is their lack of real combat experience. “Nobody likes to buy an advanced weapon system that has not seen combat,” said Minnick, “So that’s a huge problem for China until their systems begin to actually be deployed to combat with a proven combat record.” Erich Shih, a Taiwanese military expert, also believes that a lack of combat experience is a weakness of Chinese weapons. "When it comes to the export of mainland China's fighter jets, if there's one thing they lack, it's real combat experience,” Shih said. “In other words, from the perspective of buyers, the question is whether these weapons are truly reliable." The use of Western technology in Chinese weapons has become another obstacle for China in selling arms overseas. Chang Ching, a senior researcher at the Taipei-based think tank Society for Strategic Studies, notes that there have long been rumors that China is interested in selling its J-10 fighter jet to Argentina, and that Argentina is interested as well. “However, the ejection seats used in the jets are produced by Martin-Baker, and the U.K. does not approve the export of Martin-Baker’s zero-zero ejection seats to Argentina,” Chang said. “Unless China can replace them with domestically developed ejection seats, any equipment with components from other countries will face restrictions and limitations when sold abroad." Dual-use advantage On the positive side for Chinese arms companies, Chinese military drones perform well in the global market due to fewer export restrictions compared to U.S. and European counterparts, according to a report from the Mercator Institute for China Studies, or MERICS, Fenix Chiang says drones from Da-Jiang Innovations, a Chinese technology company, can be easily adapted for military use after being exported to Ukraine. China has reportedly exported dual-use technologies to both sides of the conflict in Ukraine. Highlighting one example, Chiang pointed to China’s sale to Russia last year of 10,000 “DesertCross 1000-3" off-road vehicles that were made for civilian use but can be useful on the battlefield. In another example, China retired its Type 056 missile frigate and transferred the vessel to the Chinese Coast Guard. “Several of these vessels have been sold to other countries,” Chang said.

The Latest: Police believe gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO has left New York CityDec 3 (Reuters) - Chipmaker Marvell Technology (MRVL.O) , opens new tab forecast fourth-quarter revenue above estimates on Tuesday, betting on robust demand for its custom artificial intelligence chips from businesses adopting booming generative AI technology. Shares of the Santa Clara, California-based company rose more than 8% in extended trading following the results. The stock hit a record high during Tuesday's trading session. Marvell's shares have risen nearly 60% this year as Wall Street pours billions of dollars into AI-linked stocks, placing huge bets on the future of genAI technology. Shares of larger competitor Broadcom (AVGO.O) , opens new tab have rallied about 50% this year. Demand for advanced chips that can support the complex processing needs of genAI has soared as companies race each other to develop the most sophisticated models. The company forecast fourth-quarter revenue of $1.80 billion, plus or minus 5%, compared with analysts' average estimate of $1.65 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. While the market for AI processors is dominated by Nvidia (NVDA.O) , opens new tab , Big Tech has been vying to reduce its dependence on the chip leader's supply-constrained semiconductors, which has helped companies such as Marvell. Marvell said on Monday it had expanded its partnership with Amazon.com (AMZN.O) , opens new tab and entered into a five-year agreement with the tech giant's cloud unit, which includes supplying custom AI products. Revenue in Marvell's data center segment grew 98% to $1.10 billion in the third quarter from a year ago. Its total quarterly revenue was $1.52 billion, beating estimates of $1.46 billion. The company expects its AI revenue to triple to more than $1.5 billion this year and hit $2.5 billion for the next fiscal year, CEO Matt Murphy had said at a company event in April. Revenue derived from custom AI chips alone could be between $2.5 billion and $3 billion in 2025 for Marvell, with optical equipment adding another $1.5 billion to $2 billion to AI revenue, Jefferies analysts had said in a note in October. On the other hand, customers in the company's other end-markets such as wireless carriers have been working to drive down chip inventory after excessive buying during the pandemic resulted in a supply glut. Marvell forecast an adjusted gross margin of 60% for the fourth quarter, compared with estimates of 61%. A significant share of Marvell's revenue is now derived from custom AI chips as AI-linked demand rises. The company's custom chips typically carry lower margins than its off-the-shelf products, known as merchant products. Marvell's enterprise networking segment posted a 44% fall to $150.9 million in revenue, while that of the company's carrier infrastructure unit declined 73% to $84.7 million. The company recorded adjusted earnings of 43 cents per share in the third quarter, compared with estimates of 41 cents. Sign up here. Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa and Abhinav Parmar in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

CLEVELAND (AP) — The NFL has closed an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is ending the season on injured reserve for the second year in a row. The league has been reviewing the case for months , trying to determine whether Watson should be punished. “The matter is closed,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said Friday in an email to The Associated Press. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.” Watson, who served an 11-game suspension in 2022, was accused of assault in Texas by a woman in September. She was seeking more than $1 million in damages before the sides reached a confidential settlement. Watson strongly denied the allegations through his attorney, Rusty Hardin. The 29-year-old Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture in October. He's been rehabbing the injury in hopes of returning next season. The Browns still owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons after they traded three first-round picks to Houston and signed him to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract that has backfired. Watson has only played in 19 games over three seasons due to the suspension and injuries. He was acquired by the Browns, who were comfortable with his character despite Watson being accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions while he played for the Texans. While he's in the clear with the league, Watson's future with Cleveland isn't so certain. His massive contract — and its salary-cap ramifications — has put the Browns in a bind in terms of trying to improve their roster. Cleveland has had a disappointing season after making the playoffs a year ago and could move on from Watson, but the cost would be exorbitant if the team just releases him. The Browns signed Jameis Winston for one season to be Watson's backup. Winston has gone 2-3 as a starter since taking over and he's put some life into Cleveland's offense, which didn't score 20 points or gain 300 yards with Watson before his injury. His 2023 season was ended by a broken bone in his shoulder, requiring surgery. Winston has indicated he would come back, and he could be a viable option as a starter even if the Browns draft a young QB. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

President-elect Donald Trump is naming the former U.S. Border Patrol chief pushed out by the Biden administration to lead the Customs and Border Protection, which monitors hundreds of ways to enter the country. Trump's CBP nominee Rodney Scott is a 29-year border-enforcement veteran who clashed with President Joe Biden's team on how best to tackle illegal immigration and other border-related matters. He was asked to leave his Border Patrol position within the first six months of Biden taking office in 2021. Scott's return signals how seriously Trump is taking his ambitious immigration and border security agenda, which includes launching a mass deportation effort within his first 100 days. As the border patrol chief during Trump's first tenure as president, Scott helped implement the Remain in Mexico Policy , Title 42 and Safe Third Country agreements. The president-elect said he was "thrilled" to bring Scott back to public service. Customs and Border Protection has more than 60,000 federal employees, which makes it one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country. It carries the responsibility of inspecting roughly 300 ports of entry, such as airports, seaports and land borders. That will be a significant role in Trump's returning administration should he keep his pledge to impose strict tariffs on foreign countries such as Canada, Mexico and China. Trump has unveiled a host of other appointments as part of his immigration crackdown featuring well-known hardliners such as Caleb Vitello, an assistant director for firearms and tactical programs as acting director of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement; Tony Salisbury as deputy homeland security adviser; and Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, to be ambassador to Chile. Heather Gonzalez, vice president of American Families United Vice President, a liberal-leaning immigration reform group , said Friday the nominations, "signal a dangerous commitment to continuing and even escalating" policies that could lead to family separation. "We reject any attempt to further criminalize immigrants, vilify them and break up families for political gain," Gonzalez said. "The nominees' track records suggest they will not work to protect the values of family unity and justice that are foundational to our nation. Instead, their leadership will only deepen the wounds inflicted on communities already living in fear and uncertainty." But South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who has been plucked to be Trump's head of the Department of Homeland Security, praised Scott and Vitello's selection in a social media post Friday, welcoming both to the team. "Together, we will Make America Safe Again," Noem said in a post on Truth Social. Contributing: Josh MeyerPush a pole, watch the birds, grasp opportunity in 2025

NoneConcerns have also been raised about the “renormalisation” of smoking. Dr Rachel O’Donnell, senior research fellow at the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health, said restrictions on smoking in outdoor places can “reinforce” a message that smoking “isn’t a socially acceptable thing to do” and could also help smokers to kick the habit. In November, it emerged that the UK Government is to scrap plans to ban smoking in the gardens of pubs and restaurants in England. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the hospitality industry has “taken a real battering in recent years” and it is not “the right time” to ban smoking outside pubs. But smoking and vaping could be banned in other public places in England – such as in playgrounds or outside of schools – under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. According to the World Health Organisation, there is no safe level of second-hand smoke exposure. In a briefing for journalists, Dr O’Donnell said decision-making “should be on the basis of all the evidence that’s available”. She added: “Any debate about legislation on smoking in outdoor settings shouldn’t only focus on air quality and second-hand smoke exposure levels, because the impacts of restrictions in outdoor settings are also evident on our social norms.” Smoke-free outdoor environments “reinforce smoke-free as the acceptable norm”, she said. “This, I think, is a critically important point at a time where in the media, over the last year, we’ve seen various reports and questions as to whether we might be on the cusp of renormalisation of smoking for various reasons, and so smoke-free public environments still have a critically important role to play. “If you reduce opportunities to smoke, it can also help individuals who smoke themselves to reduce the amount they smoke or to make a quit attempt.” Dr O’Donnell said visibility of tobacco products and smoking is a “form of marketing for tobacco companies” as she pointed to studies highlighting the increasing number of tobacco depictions on screen. She went on: “The more often young adults observe smoking around them, the more likely they are to believe that smoking is socially acceptable, which feeds back into this idea of renormalisation of smoking. “So, restrictions on smoking in outdoor public places have other positive knock-on effects, potentially for young people as well, just sending out that clear message that this isn’t a socially acceptable thing to do and see, and this could help to discourage smoking initiation among young people at quite a critical time.” On being exposed to second-hand smoke at work, she added: “I think sometimes when we think about exposure to second-hand smoke in outdoor settings, in pubs, in restaurants, we think about that sort of occasional customer exposure, the nuisance element of it when people are out enjoying a meal with friends, but we also need to be reminded that this is a repeated occupational exposure for those who are working in hospitality and serving drinks and food. “Now, as we’ve already seen, concentrations of second-hand smoke in these settings are generally low, and they’re likely to present a low risk to health for most healthy people. “But ... there’s no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke, and so any individual with pre-existing heart, lung or respiratory conditions may be particularly vulnerable even to low levels of exposure. “We know that second-hand smoke is its known carcinogen, and on that basis those exposed in the hospitality sector have a right to be protected. “On that basis, there’s a need to protect them, as there is anybody in any workplace setting from second-hand smoke exposure in all areas of workplaces and spaces.” Sean Semple, professor of exposure science at the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health, said: “I think that if I were a policy-maker, which I am not, then I would be looking at those occupational exposures as well. “I have asthma, if I was being occupationally exposed to SHS (second-hand smoke), and knowing that I was one of a very small number of workers now being legally exposed to SHS in the workplace, then I might not be very happy about that.” A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “As part of our 10 Year Health Plan we are shifting focus from sickness to prevention, including tackling the harms of smoking and passive smoking. “The landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill is the biggest public health intervention in a generation and will put us on track towards a smoke-free UK.”

Reports of Online Child Sexual Exploitation up 45 Percent: Public Safety Canada

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) ruled out vs. RamsTrump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staffPhoto: The Canadian Press FILE - Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, speaks during a press briefing at the White House,March 21, 2022, in Washington. A ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans, a top White House official said Friday. Biden administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies , as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies, told reporters Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. The update from Neuberger is the latest development in a massive hacking operation that has alarmed national security officials, exposed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the private sector and laid bare China's hacking sophistication. The hackers compromised the networks of telecommunications companies to obtain customer call records and gain access to the private communications of “a limited number of individuals." Though the FBI has not publicly identified any of the victims, officials believe senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures are among those whose whose communications were accessed. Neuberger said officials did not yet have a precise sense how many Americans overall were affected by Salt Typhoon, in part because the Chinese were careful about their techniques, but a “large number" were in the Washington-Virginia area. Officials believe the goal of the hackers was to identify who owned the phones and, if they were “government targets of interest,” spy on their texts and phone calls, she said. The FBI said most of the people targeted by the hackers are "primarily involved in government or political activity.” Neuberger said the episode highlighted the need for required cybersecurity practices in the telecommunications industry, something the Federal Communications Commission is to take up at a meeting next month. “We know that voluntary cyber security practices are inadequate to protect against China, Russia and Iran hacking of our critical infrastructure,” she said. The Chinese government has denied responsibility for the hacking.

The Cavaliers built a 45-38 lead with just over 10 minutes to go, but went cold after that in their ACC opener.

The suspect in the high-profile killing of a health insurance CEO that has gripped the United States graduated from an Ivy League university, reportedly hails from a wealthy family, and wrote social media posts brimming with cerebral musings. Luigi Mangione, 26, was thrust into the spotlight Monday after police revealed his identity as their person of interest, crediting his arrest to a tip from a McDonald's worker. He has been connected by police to the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week in broad daylight, in a case that has laid bare deep frustrations and anger with the nation's privatized medical system. News of his capture triggered an explosion of online activity, with Mangione quickly amassing new followers on social media as citizen sleuths and US media try to understand who he is. While some lauded him as a hero and lamented his arrest, others analyzed his intellectual takes in search of ideological clues. A photo on one of his social media accounts includes an X-ray of an apparently injured spine, though no explicit political affiliation has emerged. Meanwhile, memes and jokes proliferated, many riffing on his first name and comparing him to the "Mario Bros." character Luigi, sometimes depicted in AI-altered images wielding a gun or holding a Big Mac. "Godspeed. Please know that we all hear you," wrote one user on Facebook. "I want to donate to your defense fund," added another. According to Mangione's LinkedIn profile, he is employed as a data engineer at TrueCar, a California-based online auto marketplace. A company spokesperson told AFP Mangione "has not been an employee of our company since 2023." Although he had been living in Hawaii ahead of the killing, he originally hails from Towson, Maryland, near Baltimore. He comes from a prominent and wealthy Italian-American family, according to the Baltimore Banner. The family owns local businesses, including the Hayfields Country Club, per the club's website. More from this section A standout student, Mangione graduated at the top of his high school class in 2016. In an interview with his local paper at the time, he praised his teachers for fostering a passion for learning beyond grades and encouraging intellectual curiosity. He went on to attend the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science by 2020, according to a university spokesperson. While at Penn, Mangione co-led a group of 60 undergraduates who collaborated on video game projects, as noted in a now-deleted university webpage, archived on the Wayback Machine. On Instagram, where his following has skyrocketed from hundreds to tens of thousands, Mangione shared snapshots of his travels in Mexico, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. He also posted shirtless photos flaunting a six-pack and appeared in celebratory posts with fellow members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. However, it is on X (formerly Twitter) that users have scoured Mangione's posts for potential motives. His header photo -- an X-ray of a spine with bolts -- remains cryptic, with no public explanation. Finding a coherent political ideology has also proved elusive. Mangione has linked approvingly to posts criticizing secularism as a harmful consequence of Christianity's decline. In April, he wrote, "Horror vacui (nature abhors a vacuum)." The following month, he posted an essay he wrote in high school titled "How Christianity Prospered by Appealing to the Lower Classes of Ancient Rome." In another post from April, he speculated that Japan's low birthrate stems from societal disconnection, adding that "fleshlights" and other vaginal-replica sex toys should be banned. ia/nroGurgaon, Dec 6: UPES, a leading multidisciplinary university in India, has formed a strategic partnership with the University of Waterloo, Canada, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to leverage the expertise of both institutions to create transformative learning opportunities in online executive education by bringing WatSPEED, the University of Waterloo’s professional learning initiative, to India. A statement said that the MoU outlines several key areas of collaboration. Firstly, the institutions aim to work towards integrating WatSPEED’s high-quality, flexible course offerings with UPES’ expertise and student outreach, ensuring innovative and accessible learning solutions. This collaboration seeks to enhance opportunities for working professionals in India to upskill and reskill, aligning with the demands of the global economy. Secondly, the partnership aims to facilitate the establishment of international credit transfer pathways, enabling UPES students to seamlessly transfer credits earned from their programs to applicable courses or degree programs at the University of Waterloo. This process will align with the academic standards of both institutions enabling a smooth transition for students pursuing advanced studies abroad. The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of a high-level delegation from the University of Waterloo, including Dr. Vivek Goel, President; Dr. Mark Giesbrecht, Dean of Mathematics; Dr. Mary Wells, Dean of Engineering; Sanjeev Gill, Associate Vice-President of Innovation and Nenone Donaldson, Vice-President, Advancement. At the signing, Dr. Sunil Rai, President; Dr. Abhishek Sinha, Dean – School of Law and Head- International Affairs and Dr. Vijaysekhar Chellaboina, Dean – School of Computer Science, represented UPES. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Sunil Rai, President, UPES, expressed his excitement about the collaboration. He said, “Over the years, UPES has worked tirelessly to forge meaningful collaborations with some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Our collaborations with leading global universities provide learners with unique international exposure, equipping them to excel as skilled professionals in a global economy. This partnership between UPES and the University of Waterloo highlights our commitment to delivering globally benchmarked education.” Dr. Vivek Goel, President of the University of Waterloo, stated, “As technological advancements and global forces dramatically reshape industries, education will be essential for driving innovation and economic growth. Our collaboration with UPES to deliver professional and executive education will equip learners with the skills and adaptability required in the dynamic Indian economy. We look forward to working together to build transformative educational pathways that transcend borders and embody our commitment to shaping a better future for humanity and our planet.”

On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com .

By DAVID A. LIEB 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 rein in the artificial intelligence industry 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. Related Articles National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen National Politics | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone National Politics | Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media 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 requires parental consent for minors 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 combating political deepfakes 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 fabricated images or videos in political ads . In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification . The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights 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 to cover abortions with no deductible , 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 marijuana for medical purposes . 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 ballot measure approved by voters 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 banned texting while driving , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent , 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 cutting individual income taxes 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. Associated Press writers Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed.We celebrate the birth of Christ, Christmas and welcome a New Year. 2024 was tough on most of us and I’m looking forward to 2025. While times have been challenging, we live in a very special place. Recent events have us climbing uphill, but we can still enjoy our piece of paradise and go fishing. Christmas is a great opportunity to make time for family gatherings. Be thankful for your family and friends and find time to enjoy them, as some are not as fortunate. Gifts are nice but hugs join our souls together. Enjoy sharing time exploring our waterways. It allows us to unwind and slow down to hear each other. Fishing poles can add entertainment, but time together away from the hustle is what’s important. If you want to be a better person and fisherman, just stop thinking and open your mind to become aware of each other and your surroundings. Engage your senses, begin to blend into your environment. Observe the birds; they are much easier to observe than fish under water. As we watch the above-surface activity, notice any ripples or surface anomalies. Wakes from fish moving beneath the surface create waves, size dictates larger features. If you’re casing at this, lead it significantly. If you attempt to chase wakes, fish just move faster. Sit still and allow the animals to settle, birds or fish. The fish eat the same critters those birds are chasing. Patience lets us enjoy the scenery while we pursue the fish and catch more. Discussing our observations helps us to connect with each other and the animals around us. Try going old school, using a push pole to carefully explore the calm grass flats. This is the stealth approach required to learn in the backcountry. It’s amazing how well this works. Most of our fish stocks are looking the best they have been in years. 2025 could be our best action in decades. Red tides are lurking nearby but so far are not killing fish. The discharges by Army Corp of Lake Okeechobee into our rivers could feed these blooms. If you can escape, go fishing, grasp the opportunity. Most guides have openings. Just watch the weather and take advantage of fair days. The First of the year, lane snapper and red grouper open back up. Gags and red snapper will be closed, however. Always consult your fish rules app for the latest information. Nearshore fishing provides several dinner prospects. Sheepshead, snapper, flounder, and red mouths are good eating and available now. Light spinning rigs and shrimp or cut bait produce results. Keep terminal gear to a minimum. Fish have eyes. Be patient and slow everything down. Waters are cooler now, and fish are cold blooded. Any hard bottom holds fish as pressure has been light since the storms. Enjoy the warmer south winds prior to the cold fronts. If it’s windy, choose a protected inside location. Stay comfortable and safe. Gulf waters can be rough and dangerous if you get caught by sudden wind events. Cold fronts can sweep in and surprise you. Be sure you don’t scare your guests, don’t keep children out too long. If they enjoy the adventure they will want to do it again. Let’s go fishin’ soon. Capt. Van Hubbard is a columnist for the Beacon.

The Christian’S Approach To Morality And The 2024 Election – Drew Alan Hall

:Labour minister Vasamsetty Subhash announced the implementation of the “Talliki Vandanam” scheme for students with 75 per cent attendance. The “Munu” meal scheme for hostel students will also be improved for better nutrition. Minister Subhash made these statements during the Mega parents-teachers meeting meetings held on Saturday in schools across the erstwhile East and West Godavari districts. He visited Zilla Parishad High Schools at Kotipalli and Pamarru villages in the Ramachandrapuram Assembly Constituency. Subhash participated in Mega Parents-Teachers meeting across East and West Godavari districts, urging parents to limit children's screen time and keep them away from harmful habits. He also highlighted the importance of monitoring students' use of technology and ensuring safety, with women police deployed in schools. District officials emphasised parental involvement in school development and preventing child marriages.

Syrian government services come to ‘complete halt’ as workers stay at homeI’M a Celebrity star Coleen Rooney is poised to bag a mega-money deal that could see her become the new Holly Willoughby — if she continues to perform well in the jungle. Her every move is being closely observed by bosses at ITV as they eye her up to be a presenter on a new batch of lucrative shows backed by big-spending advertisers. They also want to tap into the “Coleen Effect”, which sees thousands copy her purchases — such as the £1,000 silk pyjamas the 38-year-old Wag wore to fly to Australia and have now virtually sold out. A TV insider said: “Coleen already brings with her the Midas touch when it comes to endorsing the kinds of products which ITV’s advertisers sell. “She has over a million followers on Instagram alone, and most of them scan her pictures and observe everything she wears and buys. “The more glamorous Love Islanders and some soap stars also have large online followings and hugely influence what social media users spend their money on. Read More on TV “But Coleen has the girl-next-door charm of someone like Holly to connect with millions of ordinary shoppers in a way that few other stars do. “But they’ll also be watching her time in the jungle to see how she fares and just what the public reaction is to her. “There are vast sums of money at stake with the deals for the new batch of ITV shows which they are considering her up for.” She could now appear in shows bankrolled by some of Britain’s biggest firms. Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 The channel is set to introduce more advertiser funded programmes (AFPs), where companies not only sponsor shows but also pay the costs of creating them. Recent examples include ITV’s Cooking with the Stars, hosted by Emma Willis , and M&S: Dress for Less with AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay . Both were paid for by M&S , but more are in the pipeline with other big companies involved. Mum-of-four Coleen, wife of former England footie skipper Wayne Rooney, has previously presented for the channel on a sporadic basis. She co-hosted on a 2006 episode of Tonight with Trevor McDonald and on 2008’s Coleen’s Real Women, when she looked for females to front ad campaigns. Last year she was seen in a Disney+ documentary, Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story , which chronicled her courtroom clash with rival Rebekah Vardy . It was a huge hit for the streaming platform. But she has been brought firmly back into the ITV arena by signing up for the jungle, with reports she may also now be regarded as a potential panellist on the hit daytime talk show Loose Women . A spokeswoman for ITV and Coleen declined to comment. i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz , Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street , was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women . She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher . Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan . It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."

The Cavaliers built a 45-38 lead with just over 10 minutes to go, but went cold after that in their ACC opener. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says Hampton’s superintendent just got a massive raise. Here’s how it compares. Hampton’s superintendent just got a massive raise. Here’s how it compares. John Hinckley Jr. nixes plans to open Williamsburg music store John Hinckley Jr. nixes plans to open Williamsburg music store Poquoson’s Carter Jones, Lafayette’s Baum Hogge are sophomore stars in state semis Poquoson’s Carter Jones, Lafayette’s Baum Hogge are sophomore stars in state semis Amber Alert canceled for 3 children last seen at Augusta County bus stop Amber Alert canceled for 3 children last seen at Augusta County bus stop Naval Academy can continue using race in admissions, federal judge rules Naval Academy can continue using race in admissions, federal judge rules Williamsburg-area Democrats announce candidacy for House seats Williamsburg-area Democrats announce candidacy for House seats Digging resumes in the search for a woman in a Pennsylvania sinkhole Digging resumes in the search for a woman in a Pennsylvania sinkhole Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the U.S. Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the U.S. An appeals court ruled there were issues with a man’s sentencing. Then the Norfolk judge increased it. An appeals court ruled there were issues with a man’s sentencing. Then the Norfolk judge increased it. Trending Nationally Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass MAGA influencer Nick Fuentes charged with battery of woman he maced: report ‘America’s Got Talent’ comedian Kabir ‘Kabeezy’ Singh dead at 39 Police may search a vehicle based on the smell of raw cannabis, Illinois Supreme Court rules ‘Oppenheimer’ actor Emma Dumont comes out as transmasculine, changes nameFive clues Love Island winners Nicole and Ciaran have split – as fans share awkward video that ‘proves’ secret break up