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ace car rental wild card Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed a law that allows those who sign up to fight in Ukraine to write off unpaid debts worth almost $100,000, the government announced. The new legislation will be a strong motivation for some to join up, experts said, as Russia seeks new ways to recruit fighters for the nearly three-year conflict grinding through troops. The new legislation will allow those who sign a one-year contract to fight in Ukraine after December 1 to free themselves of existing bad debts. It also covers their spouses. The law concerns debts where a court order for collection was issued and enforcement proceedings began before December 1, 2024. The total amount of unpaid debt that can be covered is 10 million rubles, around $96,000 at current rates. Parliament approved the bill earlier this month. The legislation will largely concern younger Russians of fighting age, since those in their 30s and younger are most likely to have loans. Russia has extremely high interest rates for loans and many Russians have almost no cash savings, although the proportion of home owners is relatively high. "Previously (for those fighting) there was only provision for taking repayment holidays on loans," Sergei Krivenko of advocacy group Citizen Army Law told Vazhniye Istorii Telegram channel. The new legislation applies to those who are conscripted for national service and those mobilised for the so-called "special military operation", Krivenko said. Conscripts cannot be sent to the front line but can choose to sign a contract to join the professional army and be sent to fight in Ukraine. Russian authorities "are strengthening the motivation to sign a contract," political analyst Georgy Bovt wrote on Telegram. The legislation provides "another way to get rid of an unbearable burden of credit, at least for several hundred thousand people," Bovt wrote. Over 13 million Russians have three or more loans, according to a central bank report released last month covering the first two quarters. This was up 20 percent on the same period last year. The average amount owed by those with three or more loans is 1.4 million rubles ($13,400 at current rates). Many start with a bank loan and then apply for further loans from microfinance organisations. Russians serving on the front line are already paid far more than the national average. Ukraine also has legislation allowing those fighting to get preferential terms for loans and in some cases to write off debts. bur/tw

Mickey, Minnie, Goffy and Wemby“My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia's decades-long cinema ban. Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different — and the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award. Roula Dakheelallah was named the winner of the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Thursday. The award — and the glitzy festival itself — is a sign of Saudi Arabia's commitment to shaping a new film industry. “My heart is attached to cinema and art; I have always dreamed of a moment like this,” Dakheelallah, who still works a 9-5 job, told The Associated Press before the awards ceremony. “I used to work in voluntary films and help my friends in the field, but this is my first big role in a film.” The reopening of cinemas in 2018 marked a cultural turning point for Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that had instituted the ban 35 years before, under the influence of ultraconservative religious authorities. It has since invested heavily in a native film industry by building theaters and launching programs to support local filmmakers through grants and training. The Red Sea International Film Festival was launched just a year later, part of an attempt to expand Saudi influence into films, gaming, sports and other cultural fields. Activists have decried the investments as whitewashing the kingdom’s human rights record as it tightly controls speech and remains one of the world’s top executioners. With FIFA awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia this week, Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi activist with the London-based rights group ALQST, said Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman “has really managed to create this bubble where people only see entertainment and they don’t see the reality on the ground.” These efforts are part of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan unveiled in 2016 to ease the economy's dependence on oil. As part of it, Saudi Arabia plans to construct 350 cinemas with over 2,500 movie screens — by this past April, across 22 cities, it already had 66 cinemas showing movies from the local film industry, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood. (The Red Sea International Film Festival attracts a host of talent from the latter industries, with Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra Jonas also picking up awards Thursday.) The country's General Entertainment Authority last month opened Al Hisn Studios on the outskirts of Riyadh. As one of the largest such production hubs in the Middle East, it not only includes several film studios but also a production village with workshops for carpentry, blacksmithing and fashion tailoring. “These facilities, when they exist, will stimulate filmmakers,” said Saudi actor Mohammed Elshehri. “Today, no writer or director has an excuse to imagine and say, ‘I cannot implement my imagination.’” The facilities are one part of the equation — the content itself is another. One of the major players in transforming Saudi filmmaking has been Telfaz11, a media company founded in 2011 that began as a YouTube channel and quickly became a trailblazer. Producing high-quality digital content such as short films, comedy sketches and series, Telfaz11 offered fresh perspectives on Saudi and regional issues. In 2020, Telfaz11 signed a partnership with Netflix to produce original content for the streaming giant. The result has been movies that demonstrate an evolution on the storytelling level, tackling topics that were once off-limits and sensitive to the public like secret nightlife in “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) and changing social norms in “Naga.” “I think we tell our stories in a very simple way, and that’s what reaches the world,” Elshehri says of the changing shift. “When you tell your story in a natural way without any affectation, it will reach every person.” But the films were not without their critics, drawing mixed reaction. Social media discoursed ranged from pleasure that Saudi film were tackling such topics to anger over how the films reflected conservative society. As Hana Al-Omair, a Saudi writer and director, points out, there are still many stories left untold. “We certainly have a long time ahead of us before we can tell the Saudi narrative as it should be,” she said, acknowledging that there are still barriers and rampant censorship. “The Goat Life,” a Malayalam-language movie about an Indian man forced to work without pay in Saudi Arabia, is not available on Netflix's platform in the country. Movies that explore political topics or LGBTQ+ stories are essentially out of the question. Even “My Driver and I,” featured at the Red Sea festival alongside 11 other Saudi feature-length films, was initially too controversial. It centers on a Sudanese man in Jeddah , living away from his own daughter, who feels responsible for the girl he drives as her parents are absent. It was initially blocked from being made because of the relationship between the girl and the driver, filmmaker Ahd Kamel has said, even though it's not a romantic relationship. Now in 2024, the film is a success story — a symbol of the Saudi film industry's evolution as well as the growing role of women like Kamel behind the camera and Dakheelallah in front of it. “I see the change in Saudi cinema, a very beautiful change and it is moving at a wonderful speed. In my opinion, we do not need to rush,” Dakheelallah said. “We need to guide the truth of the artistic movement that is happening in Saudi Arabia.”On a scale of one to 10, just how desperate do you think Kim Kardashian is for attention? Judging by the billionaire’s weirdly sexual photoshoot with a robot, the answer may be an 11. The entrepreneur and influencer, who is a big Tesla fan, recently posed with the company’s Optimus bot in a Tesla Cybercab (a self-driving taxi ) for a series of photos which might be described as avant-garde if you’re being polite, and dystopian thirst traps if you’re not. She also posted some rather less sultry videos of her interacting with the humanoid robot. The photoshoot has ignited something of a debate online about whether Kardashian is deliberately aligning herself with Elon Musk, who runs Tesla, and outing herself as a Trump supporter. Which is a bit of a stretch really as I’m not sure that – with the exception of an admirable stint working on criminal justice reform – Kardashian has ever pretended to be a leftist. Kardashian is a billionaire who has been sued for unfair labor practices and who announced, back in 2018, that she has “ nothing bad to say ” about Trump. Her Tesla-themed photoshoot was hardly a radical new direction for her. It is, however, a sign of the “autonomous everything” direction in which we’re headed. The world’s most famous influencer cozying up to a robot in a self-driving taxi is yet another example of how AI-powered autonomous technology is slowly marching into our lives. When it comes to Tesla’s Optimus robot, of course, the operative word here is slowly. The robot, which isn’t available for sale to the general public yet, may look flashy but it isn’t clear just how sophisticated it actually is yet. The Optimus robots were a major part of Tesla’s Cybercab reveal in October, serving drinks to the crowd and even chatting with them – as it turns out, however, these “cutting-edge” robots were actually being remotely controlled by humans . Which is a step up, I suppose, from when Musk unveiled plans for a “Tesla Bot” in 2021 by bringing out a human in a robot suit who proceeded to breakdance to electronic music. Musk has been talking a big game about human-replacement robots for a long time , saying they’re being designed to do “ boring, repetitious and dangerous ” work. The tech billionaire, who has a habit of wildly overpromising what he is capable of, also keeps telling us they’re going to be released any day now. In 2021, for example, he suggested the “Tesla bot” would launch in 2022 . Earlier this year he claimed Tesla will produce “genuinely useful” humanoid robots to start working in its factories next year and plans to roll them out to other companies in 2026. I wouldn’t hold your breath that this will actually happen. Which is not to say, however, that development of these sorts of robots is a long way away. Robotic dogs, made by Boston Dynamics, are already being deployed by police departments and one has been guarding Trump at Mar-a-Lago . Deadlier versions of these dogs are also in the works: the US army has reportedly sent at least one “robot dog” armed with an artificial intelligence-enabled gun turret to Saudi Arabia for testing. More generally, military use of AI-enabled weaponry is booming , fundamentally changing the nature of warfare. Gaza is currently a real-life testing field for some of this tech: earlier this year, one Israeli intelligence officer told the Guardian that powerful AI systems “made it easier” to kill people and destroy homes. And while robot dogs may not be in Gaza yet, numerous eyewitnesses have said that the Israeli military is using sniper drones – quadcopters with rifles attached to them – and they’re shooting civilians and children. Are the people developing autonomous weapons kept up at night with worry about how their technology might be abused? Palmer Luckey , the billionaire founder of Anduril , the artificial intelligence weapons company, certainly doesn’t seem to be. In a recent conversation with Pepperdine University’s president, Jim Gash, Luckey enthused about how society needs a “warrior class that is enthused and excited about enacting violence on others in pursuit of good aims”. So this is what you should think about when you see cutesy photoshoots with robots like the one Kardashian just did. You should think about how these robots are going to be used by the self-proclaimed “warrior class”. I have a feeling that we’re going to see versions of Optimus being deployed to crack down on protesters well before the Tesla robots are cooking us all dinner and doing our drudge work. Georgia officials have dismissed all members of a state committee charged with investigating deaths of pregnant women. Why? Because ProPublica did a little investigating itself and, back in September, got hold of internal documents which found Amber Thurman and Candi Miller died preventable deaths as a result of a state abortion ban. McBride recently became the first openly transgender person to be elected to the US House of Representatives. Cue vicious bullying from her future colleagues. This week the South Carolina representative Nancy Mace filed a motion to ban McBride and other trans women from women’s bathrooms in the Capitol. “If you think this bill is about protecting women and not simply a ploy to get on Fox News, you’ve been fooled,” wrote Natalie Johnson, Mace’s former communications director. She added, a real effort to protect women would involve “a bill to bar Matt Gaetz, a sexual predator with an affinity for underage girls, from ever walking those halls again”. Sign up to The Week in Patriarchy Get Arwa Mahdawi’s weekly recap of the most important stories on feminism and sexism and those fighting for equality after newsletter promotion “OnlyFans says it empowers content creators, particularly women, to monetize sexually explicit images and videos in a safe online environment,” a Reuters Investigation notes . “But [we] found women who said they had been deceived, drugged, terrorized and sexually enslaved to make money from the site.” The word “squaw” is thought to have originally just meant “woman” in the Algonquin language but eventually morphed into a misogynistic and racist term. It will now be removed from more than 30 geographic features in California by 2025. Thaslima Begum’s Guardian article helped bring attention to Mazyouna Damoo’s family’s struggle to evacuate her from Gaza. After the Israeli authorities repeatedly blocked requests for her urgent medical evacuation she was finally allowed out to get help in the US . Police in Japan managed to crack the Mystery of the Disappearing Shoes and figure out why footwear was disappearing from a kindergarten. The culprit? It was ... a weasel . The Guardian has a video of the shoe thief in action, and this fun linguistic nugget: “[T]he musky scent of the Japanese weasel gave rise to the saying itachi no saigo-pei . That literally translates as ‘the weasel’s final fart’, but is used to refer to the last word or act of an unpopular or dislikable person.”

Money, Gun Violence, Hate Crimes: Poll Reveals Top Worries at the End of 2024Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is cautioning Iowans to be aware of sweepstakes scams after helping a central Iowa couple save more than $16,000 from a scamming attempt. Sweepstakes scams are when scammers use the promise of a prize to get someone’s money or personal information. These scams typically take place over the phone where scammers usually ask individuals to pay money or provide personal and financial account information to receive prize, which is actually nonexistent. Last month, Bird’s office helped the couple after a scammer called the 72-year-old husband, telling him he won a Publishers Clearing House prize of $3.5 million, plus $5,000 a week for life, according to a release put out by the office on Monday. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird speaks during a town hall campaign event for Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley on May 17, 2023, in Ankeny, Iowa. He was instructed to pay $16,340.18 in upfront fees and taxes, leading him to mail a cashier's check to a Miami address provided by the scammer. The man’s wife and daughter learned what happened and contacted their son-in-law, who was at a training for Iowa county attorneys, the release said. The son-in-law spoke with an investigator from the Iowa Attorney General’s office about the scam and they were able to intercept the package and return it to the couple after working with a local postal inspector. “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” Bird said in the release. “I am so glad that we saved this Iowa couple their $16,000. Sweepstakes scams are evil and manipulative. And con artists will do everything they can to exploit Iowans’ emotions, like the excitement of hitting the jackpot, in order to steal from you.” Bird encourages Iowans to call her office at 1-888-777-4590 if they or someone they know is suspicious of a sweepstakes scam. Here are ways to spot a sweepstakes scam, according to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office: AARP is warning shoppers about these scam texts seeking personal information such as date of birth, Social Security Number, or account log ins. (Scripps News Baltimore) Financial scams are an unfortunate reality of life for consumers. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadians reported $530.4 million (CND) in financial fraud losses in 2022, a 170.2% increase in just one year. And the situation in the U.S. is even bleaker, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting Americans lost more than $10 billion (USD) from financial fraud in 2023. While some scams are obvious, others can be rather convincing. It doesn't help that scams are constantly evolving, and new types of fraud are invented daily. A quick slip-up, and you could be giving away some of your vital information. To protect yourself, Money.ca shares tips to think like a thief and stay current with the most common scams. While Facebook is a great place to connect with people, it's almost become a prime hunting ground for thieves. One common scam involves fraudsters who set up a group or fan page that looks identical to an authentic brand. For example, it could be an airline or a popular retailer. They'll then advertise a contest where all you need to do is enter your personal information or bank details for your chance to win. As soon as any "brand" starts asking for specific information about you, red flags should be going off. It's okay to give your name and email, but if they're asking for your government ID numbers, bank account, or copies of your ID, it's probably a scam. Note that there are other scams on Facebook, including account cloning, where someone poses as a relative or friend and asks for financial help. There are also romance scams where the end game is getting you to send them money. If something doesn't seem right, don't be afraid to call the brands or your friends in person to see if what they're advertising or asking for is legit. Artificial intelligence, or AI, is seemingly everywhere nowadays, so it's only fitting that AI is now making its way into consumer financial scams. Fraudsters are using AI for a whole host of scams, including deepfakes, a process in which scammers employ AI to create convincing voice clones, making it difficult for victims to distinguish between real and fake emergency situations. But the threat of AI scams also extends to phishing attacks, with fraudsters using AI bots to create sophisticated emails, text messages, and social media accounts. These bots are highly personalized and can bypass traditional spam filters, increasing the likelihood of users falling for the scam. Online shopping scams have become a prevalent issue in today's digital age. Scammers have honed their skills and are now specifically targeting online shoppers, who are particularly vulnerable to fraud. These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers creating fake websites and launching social media campaigns to deceive unsuspecting consumers. What makes these scams even more dangerous is that they often impersonate well-known brands, luring shoppers with unbelievably low prices that are simply too tempting to resist. What makes these scams even more dangerous is that they often impersonate well-known brands, luring shoppers with unbelievably low prices that are simply too tempting to resist. Because of this, it's important to be cautious when encountering too-good-to-be-true offers, especially when shopping online , as they can have devastating financial consequences. Tax scams are a very common form of fraud that prays on a collective fear of the tax man. These scams come in many forms, but follow one basic pattern: Someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency or the Internal Revenue Service will call or email and claim you owe back taxes. If you don't pay immediately, you'll be arrested or deported. The claim seems far-fetched, but it targets seniors or new immigrants who may not know any better. You'll know it's a scam when they ask you to pay by gift cards or Bitcoin. They'll also tell you that you'll be arrested or deported right away if you say anything to anyone. Just hang up if you ever get one of these calls. Tax authorities will never call you with aggressive language or threats. They'll also never ask for immediate payment. If you're not sure if a call you received is fraudulent, call the agency directly and ask them if an agent has been trying to contact you. Package delivery scams have become increasingly prevalent in recent times. Individuals are receiving fake messages, supposedly from reputable companies such as Amazon, UPS, FedEx, or the post office, regarding upcoming or missed deliveries. These scams aim to deceive you into clicking on links that direct them to fraudulent sign-in pages or websites infected with malware. It is crucial to remain vigilant and exercise caution when encountering such messages. With the cost of rent rising in many parts of the country, many people are looking to cut back on their living expenses. Thieves know that and are starting to exploit people by putting up fraudulent ads about apartments or rooms for rent on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. The price will usually be a touch below market price, which will drive up interest. These listings will look legit as there will be plenty of pictures, but once you reach out, you'll know that it's a scam as they won't do a face-to-face showing. While it's easy for locals to verify if the rental available is real or not, fraudsters target people who don't live in the area, but need affordable housing. Also, note that this scam doesn't apply to just monthly rentals. The same scam has been used for short-term rentals in popular tourist destinations. The fraudster will demand the first and last month's rent via wire or e-transfer. Once you've made the deposit, you'll never hear from them again. To avoid this scam, always view the property in person and verify the person is the owner. The easiest way to do this is to ask to see a property tax bill with their name on it. You could even check with the city's public records to verify ownership. Many job postings online look legit, but are clearly fake. One of the most common job scams involves working from home. Your new employer will send you a cheque. You'll use part of that money to set up your home office. The rest of the money will be sent back to your employer via e-transfer. The cheque will seem legit at first since some of the funds become available right away. However, the cheque will eventually bounce after a week or two. While you could return any items you purchased, there's no chance of recovering the funds you sent via e-transfer. So although you're clearly a victim of fraud, your financial institution won't be returning any money to you. Fraudsters are constantly coming up with new scams, so it's important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Remember, being proactive and cautious is key to protecting yourself from financial scams. Stay vigilant and follow these guidelines to safeguard your personal and financial information. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. 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Self-Care and Home Spa Days Just Got an Upgrade With These Stunning, Soft PajamasStock market today: Dow closes at record, S&P 500, Nasdaq rise as Wall Street notches strong weekly gains - Yahoo FinanceLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein was carted off the field and taken to a hospital with a left leg injury sustained while being sacked in the first quarter of Saturday's Atlantic Coast Conference game at Louisville. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein was carted off the field and taken to a hospital with a left leg injury sustained while being sacked in the first quarter of Saturday's Atlantic Coast Conference game at Louisville. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein was carted off the field and taken to a hospital with a left leg injury sustained while being sacked in the first quarter of Saturday’s Atlantic Coast Conference game at Louisville. The redshirt freshman’s left ankle was caught at an awkward angle beneath Louisville defensive end Ashton Gillotte’s hip on a twisting tackle for a 4-yard loss at midfield. Panthers medical personnel rushed to Holstein’s aid, with a cart arriving quickly on the field within minutes. Holstein’s leg was placed in a boot before he was helped onto the cart. He gave a thumbs-up to nearby teammates as he left the field to applause before being taken a hospital. Holstein started for the Panthers (7-3, 3-3 ACC) after missing last week’s 24-20 home loss to No. 17 Clemson with a head injury sustained in the previous game against Virginia while sliding at the end of a run. He left an Oct. 24 game against Syracuse after taking a hit, but returned against SMU the following week. Holstein completed 3 of 4 passes for 51 yards before being intercepted in the end zone by Louisville’s Stanquan Clark on the game-opening possession. He was relieved by junior Nate Yarnell. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Advertisement

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All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by Glamour editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission. Glamour' Wondering how to quit smoking? Congratulations. You not only are in the right place but have made a vital first step in the right direction. That's no small feat. Quitting any habit is difficult, but know that it's not impossible: I quit smoking over a decade ago and used what I learned to help my sister quit vaping earlier this year. It took a lot of hard work and discomfort for both of us, but it was—obviously—very worth it in the end. We both wanted to stop for good, which, according to addiction experts who have quit smoking themselves, is the most important thing. You have to be willing and ready to do the work to quit, not just vaguely toy with the idea because you know . “Most people do realize that it's absolutely unhealthy to smoke and what the health hazards are,” a psychotherapist and behavioral specializing in quitting smoking and author of , says. “The problem is that they're addicted to nicotine. The key factor is readiness.” As for how to know you're truly ready? Take stock of your emotions. Are you sick of the habit that has you in its clutches, both physically and financially? Dr. Rosenberg, who used to smoke three packs of cigarettes daily, says this is crucial: “Are you tired of the idea of having to be outside in a cold, rainy, snowy day? Are you tired of looking to make sure that you won't run out of cigarettes, that you have enough to last you if it's a bad climate and you can't go out? Readiness is being tired of doing it already and wanting to get rid of it. This is the key factor for everyone, and if they're ready, then they will have success.” Aside from the general frustration around the hold your habit has on you, everyone has at least one specific reason for why they finally want—or feel ready—to quit. While removing in the United States should be the most obvious, however, it's often not the only one. For example, mine was fairly trivial, but it did the trick: I had just moved to New York from California and didn't like standing outside in the cold. My sister was finally inspired to quit vaping when she noticed it was negatively impacting her skin. “The reasons people decide to quit range widely from and fitness, cost, and social reasons,” says , PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist, substance use and health researcher, and education director at . “Sometimes it is hearing that a family member or friend has become ill related to smoking that gives someone the push to make a change, or realizing that a 30-minute exercise class is getting harder and harder to complete that gives the push to make a change.” The medical benefits to quitting are, frankly, astounding: It can decrease your , as well as your risk of heart failure, blood clots, and stomach ulcers. According to , MD, a family physician in Raeford, North Carolina, and a member of the (AAFP) board of directors, smoking can lead to heart problems and progress to heart failure. “Cigarettes contain tar carbon monoxide, which are actually pesticides,” Dr. Smith says. “The DDT arsenic, aldehyde, all of these wonderful little ingredients causes the heart rate to increase and aggravates the blood pressure. Because of that, they can lead to pretty serious heart problems and even progress to that heart failure. We also know that they cause blood clots that can form stomach ulcers.” All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by Glamour editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission. Smart Goals Here's what to expect—including benefits, potential side effects, and what to do in social situations. Now let's talk about cancer. Most people associate smoking with lung cancer, but , MD, a smoking-cessation expert, former leading researcher with UC San Francisco's Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education and current head of medical affairs at nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) brand , notes that there are several other types of cancers people often don't realize smoking can cause. “In addition to prolonging your life, quitting reduces the risk of a ton of different cancers, including some that you didn't even think of,” he says, pointing to cervical cancer and breast cancer as some of the lesser known examples. And let's not forget about the other benefits you'll see when you understand how to quit smoking. According to Dr. Smith, one of the less known risks of smoking is the impact on skin in terms of wrinkles, and Dr. Rubinstein says the same: “Quitting can also improve your , as smoking rapidly ages and increases wrinkles,” he explains. “It doesn't necessarily reverse that, but it prevents it from getting worse.” Trying to ? Quitting smoking can help. “If you're planning to get pregnant, quitting increases the chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy,” adds Dr. Rubinstein. “For men, quitting decreases the risk of impotence down the road.” While many people smoke to relax, people actually report improvements in after quitting, says Dr. Rubinstein. “Believe it or not, a few months after people quit, people report decreased anxiety and decreased depression,” he tells Indeed, according to 2023 , quitting smoking is associated with significant improvements in anxiety and depression among people with without psychiatric disorders, proving that, at the very least, quitting will not mental health symptom—which is a valid concern for many smokers who do so out of stress or anxiety—and will likely improve them over time. And of course, quitting will inevitably save you money. How much, exactly? Well, that depends on how much you smoke and where you live, but if you live in New York State and smoke one pack a day, quitting would would save you $480 a month, $5,840 a year, and $87,434 over the course of 10 years, according to data from Now that you're, hopefully, feeling inspired to quit, here's how to start the process. Before anything, be sure not to overload your plate with aspirations and goals before you even begin. “A lot of of people make too many plans for January 1: ‘I'm going to get fit, quit smoking, and change my job.’ It's too much and can be overwhelming,” Dr. Rubinstein says. “Pick one big thing like quitting smoking—that's the best thing for your health.” Of course, this can be supplemented by smaller, related goals, like stretching or going on more walks. But overall, pick one big goal, like quitting smoking, and stick to just that. The first thing to do when quitting smoking is identify your “why,” and if you don't yet have one, figure it out. “This is the time to pull out the paper pen and start writing, ‘Why do I want to quit smoking?’ and list everything,” says Dr. Smith. , a psychotherapist in New York and Washington, DC, and author of , says the same: “Make a list of all the reasons you want to stop smoking, such as better health, saving money, and fresher breath, and review your list daily,” he suggests. If it's a physical list, keep it nearby or somewhere easy to access, like inside your wallet. If it's digital, save it in your Notes app. Dr. Rubinstein recommends doing the same with photos of your main reasons to quit. “Is it because you want to avoid second- and third-hand exposure. Is it your kid? Is it your health or your skin?” he says. “Take a picture of that and put it on your refrigerator or on your phone, so if things get tough, you can click on it, remind yourself, ‘Why am I doing this again?’” Every single expert interviewed for this story suggested picking a firm quit date. “I'm a big believer in at least a few days out, but no more than two weeks, so that you can commit and stick to it,” says Dr. Rubinstein. “The reason for that is it's a good idea to prepare.” After setting a date, Dr. Rosenberg recommends “advertising” it: “Tell all your friends, ‘I made an appointment, I'm going to stop smoking, and this is my quit date. I want to do it.’” This is not only for accountability but so your friends and loved ones don't unintentionally hinder your progress. “Let people know that you're going to quit so they don't offer you a cigarette, they quit with you, or at the very least, they'll support you through your quit,” says Dr. Rubinstein. One easy way to do this is to post it to social media—both for accountability and so everyone knows with one simple action as opposed to telling everyone you know individually. All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by Glamour editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission. Smart Goals This is the year I finally say no to the “gymtimidation” that's stood in the way of my fitness goals. Here's how I'm doing it. “Having a clear plan gives you the best success,” Oberleitner explains. “Explore your resources and consider what types of plans have worked for you with other behavior changes in the past.” As part of your plan, consider taking the following steps. “The biggest things to identify when getting started are, first, if you had prior attempts, what worked and what didn’t for you. Get started with your plan from there,” says Obertleitner. Second? Consider your smoking patterns, such as locations and times of day, and make sure to focus on a plan that addresses each of those, she adds. Finally, review lists of common motivations for quitting and common triggers for smoking. “Focus in on your top three on each of those lists and plan for them,” Oberleitner continues. “The more personalized your approach, the better your setup to succeed.” One of the most common triggers is simply seeing something that reminds you of smoking in your environment, like the lighter you keep in your car or pocket, says Oberleitner. Thus prepping your environment in advance of your quit is essential. “If you smoke in your car, get it detailed before the quit date so you're less tempted to smoke in there,” she says. “If you smoke at home, box up or throw away those vape pens, ashtrays, and lighters.” Next you'll want to identify whom you can turn to for support. “It can be helpful to have a friend or family member who you can call to seek support while you are quitting, and let them know in advance that you hope to call on them,” says Oberleitner. This can be in person or online, adds Dr. Rubinstein. “Having social support is a huge help, and we are trying to do that on social media and in real life,” he says. In fact, heroutinely answers smokers' questions on Instagram and TikTok via educational videos. Try finding and engaging with accounts like these to help make your quitting experience easier and look into quitting forums like Reddit's “It is incredibly important to have a trusted support network when you are looking to break an addiction, and support can take many different forms: friends, family, peers, and even professional support through mental health resources,” Oberleitner says. So while social support among like-minded people is important, the quitting experience can greatly benefit from professional guidance and resources. If you're not sure where to start, Oberleitner suggests starting with the CDC's It has a quitting smoking hotline, 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), a text line which can be accessed by texting , and the . Familiarize yourself with them in advance of your quit date. Another option is to reach out to your medical practitioner or family physician, says Dr. Smith: “We are trained in this area, particularly with behavior counseling and behavior intervention. Let us connect you with those resources if you're not quite sure where to go or how to get connected.” This is also a fantastic time to pursue therapy and/or mental health counseling to help you through quitting. “ by SimplePractice is also a great source for individuals looking for information on various conditions, ailments, and can serve as a source of truth for folks seeking therapy to support their journey to quit smoking,” says Oberleitner. All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by Glamour editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission. Smart Goals A step-by-step guide if 2025 is the year you're finally ready to hand in your resignation. Atop therapy, you'll need to find new ways to manage stress and anxiety as it comes—because it will. “Anticipate tough times ahead,” says Alpert. “Stressful situations may increase likelihood for relapse, so anticipate them and come up with a plan to manage your stress. Form new habits, and replace what was once your smoke break with a new activity such as a brisk walk or healthy snack.” For example, if you paired smoking with drinking, try to you drink and have a snack instead of smoking. “In that pre-quit-date period, you can do things like start practicing stress reduction activities,” adds Oberleitner. “ , sit in nature, do deep breathing, listen to calming music, or any range of things that help you personally feel more relaxed. It is like exercising a muscle, the more practice you give relaxing before the quit date, the easier it will be to use that skill when it gets hard in those first few days and weeks of quitting.” If you really have no idea where to start, try coloring books for the time being. At the very least, it will serve as distraction at the height of your cravings. $8.00, Amazon $10.00, Amazon You'll also want to find new ways to fill your time over all. “Before a quit date I always have people add up the amount of time they are spending smoking,” Oberleitner says. “Sometimes estimates from clients have been as much as two hours of their day. That is a lot of time that you can (and need to) fill with new activities.” “It is never the best approach to take away something you enjoy [without replacing it],” she continues. “Maybe now is the time to read that new book, join that new club, or start doing art again. The key is that it is something active and typically done while smoking. Fill the time with something that makes you feel good!” And honestly, if that “hobby” is something “lazy,” like binge-watching a new series or scrolling through ASMR TikTok. You're already doing something good for your health; your time-filling hobbies don't have to be so productive that you end up running a marathon (though doing so will definitely get easier the longer you go without smoking!). Be sure to plan how you'll manage cravings—and especially when you least expect it. “Come up with a plan for some predictable situation: ‘What am I going to do when I'm really stressed out at work?’ That's when it's a good idea to have someone on your phone on autodial that you can call,” says Dr. Rubinstein. “Have a plan for how you're going to handle incredible stress handle when someone literally offers you a cigarette and puts it in your face or when you are drinking, which is a huge one.” In good news, those intense cravings typically go away in about five minutes, so it's advised to put together a quick “cravings kit” to get you through the worst of it. “Have some tools and supplies ready for the go,” Dr. Rubinstein suggests, pointing to toothpicks as an especially useful tool, and Alpert agrees. “This tough time is temporary. You can get through it. Indulge in lollipops, gum, carrots, or celery sticks to keep your mouth occupied and satisfy your oral fixation.” $17.00, Blip You'll also want to decide whether you want to quit cold turkey or use medication like nicotine replacement. “If you do decide that you want to go the quit medication route, I actually suggest, in that few days before you quit, you buy a few and try them out,” Dr. Rubinstein says. “Try the different flavors, try gum versus lozenge because you're going to be using it for at least 12 weeks, so it would be nice to get something you feel comfortable with.” It's essential to prepare for common withdrawal symptoms. “You might feel more irritable, hungry, and tired, among other things,” Dr. Rubinstein says. “Knowing those feelings are coming in advance helps you to find things that will help you cope with those feelings, like plan to step away when irritability peaks or call a friend, and prepare yourself for the struggle knowing the symptoms are time-limited.” Also of note? According to Alpert, oftentimes people who quit deal with an increase in hunger. “You may snack a little more,” he says. “Your metabolism, which increases during smoking, will also be restored to a normal rate. This is part of the process of quitting, but it's temporary.” You don't have to do this alone: There are several treatments, medications, and therapies that can help make the process easier. “Consider medications to help with the quit attempt,” says Oberleitner. “Both over-the-counter nicotine medications and prescribed medications can be quite helpful.” Dr. Smith agrees, reiterating the importance of working with your doctor to find an ideal solution. “Your family physician is trained in [quitting smoking] beyond that of counseling, and can utilize other therapies,” she says, pointing to everything from FDA-approved methods like NRT and prescription medications to holistic remedies as techniques her patients have tried. “We look at what's available an ensure that it can work for that individual,” she adds. “If there are other cardiac or other health issues or medical problems that need to be reviewed before we can prescribe, we can do that.” There are several nonmedication treatments with great success too, adds Dr. Smith, such as behavior feedback and hypnosis. Dr. Rosenberg tells he's helped more than 40,000 people quit smoking via hypnosis and has over a 90% success rate with this method. The numbers tell a similar story over all too: Several studies on addition and smoking demonstrate that hypnosis has between an and success rate as a treatment for smoking. “Unfortunately, life doesn’t always allow us to avoid stressful situations, so I recommend two things,” Oberleitner says. “First, if there are stressors you can reduce, do it. If you have too much going on and you have the opportunity to prioritize your quitting for the moment, this can be very beneficial.” She also suggests building new ways to manage those stressors in the days leading up to your quit date. “The key is that it isn’t always the stressors themselves that make quitting hard; it is the way we experience the stress,” she explains. “The more tools we have to manage our stress, the stronger we will be in fighting off those cravings.” "The other key thing to avoid is being around other people who are smoking,” Oberleitner continues. “I think of it almost like a magnetic force: You have to exert much more power to resist smoking if you are directly faced with the opportunity to do it.” Some of Oberleitner's clients have said this is the hardest part of quitting for them, since smoking is social for some people. Plus, the thought that they might not get those outside breaks with friends and family can be hard. “It might mean asking people you live with to make temporary changes to support you,” she says. “If they can’t or won’t, it means being prepared to do what you need to do to distance yourself, for example, hanging out in different areas of the home if that is the best you can do in the short-term.” One of Oberleitner's favorite activities for managing cravings is called urge surfing. “The idea behind it is that cravings or urges do not last forever,” she says. “Urges to smoke are likely occurring, peaking, and decreasing on and off throughout the day, but when we work so hard to fight them, it feels like the day is just one big untangled urge. In urge surfing we actually help people find a way to focus in on that urge, notice what it feels like, and notice it peak and reduce. It is amazing what we can learn about ourselves and our urges if we lean in sometimes rather than fighting it.” Learning to sit with and really feel those urges will pay off in the long run too. “This really helps us break the cycle of craving to smoking,” Oberleitner says. “We learn that smoking is not the only thing that leads to the reduction in cravings.” It's never a bad idea to stay active, but doing so when quitting smoking is especially important. “I'm a huge believer in exercise,” Dr. Rubinstein says. “Even if it's just walking, if you could find someone that agrees to walk with you. If not every day, a couple days a week where you just know, ‘At five o'clock I got my walking partner, I'm going to distract myself.’” Same with staying hydrated. “Start drinking a lot of fluid when you quit. It cleans your body of the nicotine,” Dr. Rosenberg says. “Try to drink 100 ounces a day for at least three days, because it takes three days for the nicotine to get out of your body.” He suggests keeping a small sports bottle with you at all times. “That way, if you feel like putting something in your mouth, you start out by having some water instead.” Dr. Rosenberg also recommends taking B complex of vitamins for about a month. “B complex is great for addiction, since part of the B complex is nicotinic acid, which helps with withdrawal symptoms,” he says. “Cravings are powerful and can overwhelm our ability to think things through in the moment, so I recommend holding on to physical reminders of why you are doing the hard work of quitting smoking,” Oberleitner suggests. “Maybe it is a rock that reminds you of a trip you took with your family who you want to be healthier for to enjoy time with them, or a picture of something you are saving up for that the money once spent on smoking is going to go toward. Whatever it is, make sure it is now and in the present, and make sure you can hold it and look at it when that desire to stop trying inevitably hits.” Another option, according to Alpert, is to place notes in key places around your house and office to remind yourself of your goal. “They might say something like, ‘I'm a nonsmoker and feel healthy, clean, and strong,’” he says. If you're more of an auditory learner, Dr. Rosenberg advises his clients to listen to their hypnosis recording every day for 30 days. “It reinforces the fact that they do not want to smoke,” he says. Of course, you don't need to listen to hypnosis on repeat (unless you want to), but you can listen to self-help books, inspiring podcasts, or recordings of loved ones—or yourself—reminding you of why you're really doing this in order to bring you back down to earth. The quitting process is different for everyone, and can take multiple attempts. “After about three months, your dopamine receptors and your nicotine receptors roughly start to return to where they were at baseline, so some of the brain rewiring at least goes back to normal after about three months,” Dr. Rubinstein explains. However, there is much more to it than that. “There's the physical addiction, which is part of what those receptors are, and there's the psychological addiction,” Dr. Rubinstein explains. “You might have been using it as a coping mechanism for different behaviors, or it might be linked with alcohol, so every time you smell a beer or smell that smell in a bar, you crave it. That's harder to break.” But one thing is for sure: It gets easier with time. What won't be easy, however, are the first few weeks. “Understand that the first two to three weeks will be the toughest,” says Alpert. “That's when your psychological withdrawal symptoms will be strongest. Remind yourself that this tough time is temporary. You can get through it.” Slip-ups and relapses happen. “We're all human,” says Dr. Rubinstein. “If you have a slip, let it slide. Just pick up where you are and keep going.” Dr. Smith agrees: “Do not not beat yourself up. We know that trying to quit smoking, a habit for many people that have had lifelong for years, sometimes for a long as they can remember, we know that it's going to happen.” Sometimes a slip can turn into a full-on smoking “relapse,” but experts assert that take away from your hard work. In fact, it arms you with even more knowledge for your next quit attempt. “Take time to note what you learned,” advises Oberleitner. “What can you learn about when the relapse happened? After you take the time to learn, decide if you need more support or a new approach.” “Maybe now is the time to try that medication or seek out a therapist who can support you,” Oberleitner concludes. “Whatever you need to do, make sure to pick that new quit date and get back to it.” Glamour. Originally Appeared on More Wellness Is everyone without me? Women . Why? This is what looks like at 48 After years of daydreaming, I at 34

NEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Monteverde & Associates PC (the "M&A Class Action Firm"), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating: Liberty Broadband Corporation (NASDAQ: LBRDA , LBRDK , LBRDP ) , relating to the proposed merger with Charter Communications, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Liberty Broadband common stockholders will receive 0.236 of a share of Charter common stock per share of Liberty Broadband common stock they own. Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/liberty-broadband-corporation-lbrda-lbrdk-lbrdp/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. Keen Vision Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: KVAC ), relating to its proposed merger with Madera Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Keen Vision common stock will be canceled and converted into the right to receive a number of Madera common stock. Click here for more information : https://monteverdelaw.com/case/keen-vision-acquisition-corp/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. EnLink Midstream, LLC (NYSE: ENLC ) , relating to the proposed merger with ONEOK. Under the terms of the agreement, each outstanding EnLink common unit will be converted into 0.1412 shares of ONEOK common stock. Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/enlink-midstream-llc-enlc/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask: About Monteverde & Associates PC Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders...and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341. Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America [email protected] Tel: (212) 971-1341 Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PCHyderabad, Nov 23 (PTI) With the party winning just one seat out of the 16 it contested in Maharashtra, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday asked his party workers not to lose heart but to work with renewed determination. He congratulated party candidate Mufti Ismail for winning from Malegaon. "I am thankful to the people of Maharashtra who voted for us in large numbers. To our candidates, party workers and supporters, I urge you all to not lose heart and work with renewed resolve," he said on social media platform X. The election results show that people are looking for a "genuine political alternative" and the AIMIM has established itself in Maharashtra’s politics, he said. Imtiaz Jaleel led the party in a tough battle and his own seat (Aurangabad East) was not easy, Owaisi said, expressing confidence that the former MP would bounce back. The other candidates, including Farooq Shah, have also put up a formidable fight and their efforts would pay off in future, he hoped. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

Avior Wealth Management LLC lowered its position in shares of CVS Health Co. ( NYSE:CVS – Free Report ) by 72.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,753 shares of the pharmacy operator’s stock after selling 4,662 shares during the quarter. Avior Wealth Management LLC’s holdings in CVS Health were worth $110,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Pzena Investment Management LLC boosted its position in shares of CVS Health by 132.9% during the 2nd quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 12,936,388 shares of the pharmacy operator’s stock valued at $764,023,000 after purchasing an additional 7,382,931 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in CVS Health by 33.5% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 5,289,788 shares of the pharmacy operator’s stock valued at $310,722,000 after buying an additional 1,327,855 shares during the period. National Pension Service boosted its holdings in shares of CVS Health by 17.4% during the 3rd quarter. National Pension Service now owns 2,843,402 shares of the pharmacy operator’s stock worth $178,793,000 after buying an additional 421,416 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can grew its position in shares of CVS Health by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 2,436,343 shares of the pharmacy operator’s stock worth $143,890,000 after buying an additional 57,214 shares during the period. Finally, California State Teachers Retirement System lifted its position in shares of CVS Health by 1.0% during the 1st quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 2,114,329 shares of the pharmacy operator’s stock valued at $168,639,000 after acquiring an additional 21,381 shares during the period. 80.66% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price target on shares of CVS Health from $64.00 to $63.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 9th. Barclays cut their price target on CVS Health from $75.00 to $71.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 7th. Truist Financial restated a “buy” rating and set a $67.00 price objective (down previously from $76.00) on shares of CVS Health in a report on Wednesday. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated a “neutral” rating and issued a $62.00 target price on shares of CVS Health in a report on Tuesday, October 1st. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of CVS Health from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Thursday, November 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, CVS Health has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $72.28. CVS Health Trading Up 1.6 % CVS Health stock opened at $58.01 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a current ratio of 0.80. CVS Health Co. has a fifty-two week low of $52.71 and a fifty-two week high of $83.25. The stock has a market cap of $73.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.72, a PEG ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 0.55. The firm’s fifty day moving average price is $59.21 and its 200-day moving average price is $58.61. CVS Health ( NYSE:CVS – Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 6th. The pharmacy operator reported $1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.08 by $0.01. CVS Health had a return on equity of 10.72% and a net margin of 1.36%. The firm had revenue of $95.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $92.72 billion. The company’s revenue was up 6.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.21 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that CVS Health Co. will post 5.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. CVS Health Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, October 21st were issued a dividend of $0.665 per share. This represents a $2.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.59%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, October 21st. CVS Health’s dividend payout ratio is currently 67.51%. About CVS Health ( Free Report ) CVS Health Corporation provides health solutions in the United States. It operates through Health Care Benefits, Health Services, and Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness segments. The Health Care Benefits segment offers traditional, voluntary, and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CVS Health Co. ( NYSE:CVS – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for CVS Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CVS Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .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.Cam Carter put LSU ahead for good with a jumper 1:08 into the third overtime and the Tigers came away with a wild 109-102 win over UCF on Sunday in the third-place game of the Greenbrier Tip-Off in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Carter's make sparked a 5-0 spurt for LSU (5-1), which mounted a ferocious second-half rally that began after Darius Johnson drilled a 3-pointer to put the Knights up 52-34 with 12:57 to play in regulation. UCF (4-2) got back within two in the third overtime, but it never found a way to draw even. Vyctorius Miller and Jordan Sears sealed the victory, combining for three buckets down low that gave the Tigers a 106-99 cushion with 17 seconds remaining. Carter was the late-game hero for LSU, scoring the final four points of regulation to forge a 70-70 tie. He also knocked down a go-ahead 3-pointer with 3:19 left in the first extra session to give the Tigers a 76-75 advantage. Sears gave LSU a four-point edge with a triple of his own with 2:10 to go, but the Tigers failed to stay in front, and UCF's Keyshawn Hall kept the game going by sinking two free throws with six seconds remaining to make it 82-82. Neither team led by more than three in the second overtime, with Hall again coming to the Knights' rescue. He made two layups in the final 52 seconds of the frame to knot things at 93 and send the teams to a third OT. Few could have predicted 15 minutes of extra basketball after UCF put together a 25-3 first-half run that lifted it to a 38-18 advantage with 2:12 left until the break. LSU responded with seven unanswered points, but the Knights still led comfortably, 40-25, at intermission. Sears finished with a game-high-tying 25 points to go along with nine boards, while Jalen Reed recorded a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double for the Tigers. Carter netted 20 points, Miller had 16 and Dji Bailey chipped in 14. Johnson collected 25 points, six rebounds, eight assists and five steals for UCF. Hall totaled 21 points and 10 boards, and Jordan Ivy-Curry supplied 20 points. LSU outshot UCF 43.2 percent to 40.7 percent and had narrow advantages from behind the arc (12 made shots to 10) and the free-throw line (21-18). --Field Level Media

The connection between Shakespeare and Thomas Jefferson’s famous quote: Letter to the EditorTOKYO — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan announced plans to work toward a merger that would form the world's third-largest automaker by sales, as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors Corp. also agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Automakers in Japan lag behind their big rivals in electric vehicles and are trying to cut costs and make up for lost time as newcomers such as China's BYD and EV market leader Tesla devour market share. Honda's president, Toshihiro Mibe, said Honda and Nissan will attempt to unify their operations under a joint holding company. Honda will lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. They aim to have a formal merger agreement by June and to complete the deal and list the holding company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by August 2026, he said. People are also reading... Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized at UNMC after falling from horse Nebraska volleyball falls to Penn State in 5 sets in Final Four: How it happened Nebraska volleyball libero Lexi Rodriguez signs to play with Omaha pro team Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola addresses transfer portal speculation: 'It was unfortunate' Longtime Wahoo boys basketball coach Kevin Scheef resigns Amie Just: Lexi Rodriguez deserved a national title. For her career to end like this? 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A merger could result in a behemoth worth more than $50 billion based on the market capitalization of all three automakers. Together, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi would gain scale to compete with Toyota Motor Corp. and with Germany's Volkswagen AG. Toyota has technology partnerships with Japan's Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month, with unconfirmed reports saying Taiwan iPhone maker Foxconn was seeking to tie-up with Nissan by buying shares from the Japan company's other alliance partner, Renault SA of France. Nissan's CEO Makoto Uchida said Foxconn had not directly approached his company. He also acknowledged that Nissan's situation was "severe." Even after a merger, Toyota, which rolled out 11.5 million vehicles in 2023, would remain the leading Japanese automaker. If they join, the three smaller companies would make about 8 million vehicles a year. In 2023, Honda made 4 million, and Nissan produced 3.4 million. Mitsubishi Motors made just more than 1 million. "We have come to the realization that in order for both parties to be leaders in this mobility transformation, it is necessary to make a more bold change than a collaboration in specific areas," Mibe said. Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi earlier agreed to share components for electric vehicles like batteries and to jointly research software for autonomous driving to adapt better to electrification. Nissan struggled following a scandal that began with the arrest of its former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, in late 2018 on charges of fraud and misuse of company assets, allegations that he denies. He eventually was released on bail and fled to Lebanon. Speaking Monday to reporters in Tokyo via a video link, Ghosn derided the planned merger as a "desperate move." From Nissan, Honda could get truck-based body-on-frame large SUVs such as the Armada and Infiniti QX80 that Honda doesn't have, with large towing capacities and good off-road performance, Sam Fiorani, vice president of AutoForecast Solutions, told The Associated Press. Nissan also has years of experience building batteries and electric vehicles, and gas-electric hybrid powertrains that could help Honda in developing its own EVs and next generation of hybrids, he said. The company said in November that it was slashing 9,000 jobs, or about 6% of its global workforce, and reducing its global production capacity by 20% after reporting a quarterly loss of $61 million. It recently reshuffled its management and Uchida, its chief executive, took a 50% pay cut while acknowledging responsibility for the financial woes, saying Nissan needed to become more efficient and respond better to market tastes, increasing costs and other global changes. "We anticipate that if this integration comes to fruition, we will be able to deliver even greater value to a wider customer base," Uchida said. Fitch Ratings recently downgraded Nissan's credit outlook to "negative," citing worsening profitability, partly because of price cuts in the North American market. But it noted it has a strong financial structure and solid cash reserves that amounted to $9.4 billion. Nissan's share price also fell to the point where it is considered something of a bargain. On Monday, its Tokyo-traded shares gained 1.6%. They jumped more than 20% after news of the possible merger broke last week. Honda's shares surged 3.8%. Honda's net profit slipped nearly 20% in the first half of the April-March fiscal year from a year earlier, as its sales suffered in China.

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Manmohan Singh: Assam remembers a diligent tenant, true representativeThe city of Las Vegas, Nevada, has honoured star with a special ceremony. Las Vegas mayor Brian Knudsen proclaimed December 16 as Billy Gibbons Day and welcomed Gibbons to City Hall to mark the event. Addressing Gibbons, alongside the musician's wife and a Las Vegas showgirl, Mayor Knudsen said: "We, the Mayor and members of Las Vegas City Council, do hereby take great pride in proclaiming December 16, 2024, as Billy Gibbons Day." The mayor's official proclamation reads: "Billy Gibbons is an American rock musician, best known as the guitarist and primary vocalist for 'That Little Ol Band From Texas' – ZZ Top. "Billy began his canter in Moving Sidewalks and was the . "Billy Gibbons formed ZZ Top in late 1969 and released ZZ Top's first album in early 1971, They are known for their live performances, sly and humorous lyrics, and the matching appearances wearing sunglasses, hats and long beards. "Billy has supported Las Vegas entertainment and the local community through his musical appearances for the past 55 years." Sign up below to get the latest from Classic Rock, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! You can watch the proclamation in the social media post below. Recalling that support slot his teenaged group the Moving Sidewalks performed for Hendrix in Texas in 1968, they boldly covered two Hendrix songs in their set. He said: "To try and wrap your head around those compositions, it was something so new you didn’t quite know where to begin. "We were fortunate to be able to interpret our versions of and . They were Texas interpretations. "On leaving the stage I was grabbed by the shoulders and there was Hendrix smiling. He said: ‘I got to meet you. You got a lot of nerve! I like it.'" Stef wrote close to 5,000 stories during his time as assistant online news editor and later as online news editor between 2014-2016. An accomplished reporter and journalist, Stef has written extensively for a number of UK newspapers and also played bass with UK rock favourites Logan. His favourite bands are Pixies and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Stef left the world of rock'n'roll news behind when he moved to his beloved Canada in 2016, but he started on his next 5000 stories in 2022.