Q. My new year’s resolution is to clean out my garage and get rid of any pesticides that are expired, not needed, or harmful to wildlife. How do I find out what I should get rid of? Do fertilizers have an expiration date? ANSWER: This is an excellent new year’s resolution! If you have any pesticides that are expired or not needed anymore, make sure they are labelled (hopefully with the original) and place them in a sturdy box so you can take them to your nearest hazardous materials disposal site. Fertilizers don’t really expire, but they may become clumpy and unusable, so these can be disposed of in a similar way. The laws concerning pesticides change frequently, so it’s always a good idea to take inventory and get rid of any chemicals that are no longer considered safe to use. Take note of the active ingredient(s), which should be listed on the front of the container, and look them up on the UC IPM website. There you can find an active ingredient index that will give you information on precautions, how it works, and possible adverse effects, including effects on wildlife. There is also a list of less toxic alternatives that is quite useful. When you are ready to dispose of your old pesticides, fertilizers, and other household chemicals, you can find a drop off site by searching “Household Hazardous Waste + (your county)”. Alternatively, your waste management company’s website should also have this information. Q. What rodenticides are least likely to harm wildlife? We have a terrible rat problem, but I don’t want to hurt the local predators. Realistically, there are no rodenticides that are completely safe for non-target species like owls, bobcats and coyotes. Poisons such as brodifacoum, bromadiolone, and difethialone are single-dose rodenticides. These poisons kill quickly, usually within a day of ingestion. Once eaten, the drug is stored in the liver and prevents blood clotting. Since these drugs are not excreted before the rodent dies, predators and scavengers can be poisoned. If you have any of these rodenticides, please dispose of them properly and do not use them. Older poisons such as warfarin, chlorophacinone, and diphacinone are multiple-dose rodenticides. These are generally considered to be less harmful to wildlife but can cause problems if a predator or scavenger consumes multiple rodents that have been poisoned. To minimize the risk of secondary poisoning to wildlife or pets, follow the instructions on the label closely. Promptly remove and dispose of any dead rodents by sealing in a plastic bag and disposing in a secure trash container. Don’t handle dead rodents with bare hands. Buried rodents can be exhumed by dogs or coyotes. If possible, find other ways to kill rodents. I prefer the electrocution-type traps since they are humane and easy to use. Never use sticky traps outdoors since they are more likely to catch non-target animals and are inhumane. For more information on rat control, see ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/rats/pest-notes/#gsc.tab=0OTTAWA — A lawyer for terrorism suspect Mohamed Harkat told a Federal Court judge Tuesday the Algerian-born refugee has been linked to extremists through speculation, not hard evidence. Harkat, 56, was arrested in Ottawa in December 2002 on suspicion of being an al-Qaida sleeper agent. Harkat says he fled strife-ridden Algeria and worked with an aid agency in Pakistan before he arrived in Canada in 1995 using a false Saudi passport. He denies any involvement in terrorism. The federal government has long been trying to deport the former gas-station attendant using a security certificate — a legal tool for removing non-citizens suspected of ties to extremism or espionage. A Federal Court judge who reviewed the certificate ruled in 2010 there were grounds to believe Harkat is a security threat who maintained ties to Osama bin Laden's terror network after coming to Canada. The judge found Harkat operated a guesthouse for Ibn Khattab and his organization for at least 15 months in Pakistan, demonstrating active membership in an organization involved in terrorist activities. Harkat is back in Federal Court challenging a 2018 decision by a federal delegate that he should not be allowed to remain in Canada. He argues he faces a risk of torture if returned to Algeria. In a written submission to the court, federal lawyers note the delegate found that Harkat’s role as the operator of Khattab's guesthouse made the recruitment, vetting, preparation and training of jihadists and terrorists possible. This allowed the Khattab organization, and the broader bin Laden network with which it was linked, to commit various terrorist acts, the submission adds. In their own submission, counsel for Harkat question the evidence that Khattab was indeed a terrorist. Lawyer Barbara Jackman, representing Harkat, told the hearing Tuesday the federal conclusions were not only unreasonable, but "also it's taking facts and speculating to fill in the blanks." Jackman said operating a guesthouse is not a crime. "Doesn't it depend on the knowledge and intent of the person who's operating the guesthouse?" asked Justice John Norris. The judge suggested the government would need to establish that Harkat knew the purpose of the place. Jackman said Harkat denies even working at the guesthouse. Even so, she took issue with the evidentiary reasoning. "You have to show a connection to the crime or the criminal organization in some kind of real way," she said. "He's a passive actor running a hotel that people come in and out of." At the end of the hearing, Norris said he would make a ruling on Harkat's challenge at a later date. Civil libertarians have criticized the security certificate process as fundamentally unjust because the detainee sees only a summary of the accusations, making them difficult to challenge. In a 2014 ruling, the Supreme Court of Canada said the security certificate regime does not violate the person's right to know and contest the allegations they face. The Supreme Court also concluded Harkat "benefited from a fair process" when Noel reviewed his case. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3, 2024. Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press

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Best gifts for fitness lovers and wellness enthusiasts you want to treat this ChristmasSeattle, Washington, Dec. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wilder World , currently ranked as the 9th most wishlisted game on the Epic Games Store, has released its official gameplay trailer. Featuring high-speed racing, first-person shooter combat, and social interactions, the trailer shows a glimpse of what users can expect from the full release in 2025. The official gameplay trailer is now available for viewing here . This platform enables creators and players to engage in a customizable and interactive metaverse experience. Powered by AI, blockchain, and NFTs, Wilder World delivers a player-driven economy and numerous opportunities to build, earn, and explore. The tech stack behind Wilder World offers a seamless player experience where Web3 elements are fully abstracted. For non-Web3 native gamers, on-chain processes are completely invisible, creating an experience on par with traditional gaming. Additionally, Wilder World is preparing to launch its own blockchain built on the Polygon CDK. With its official super early access launch set for Q1 2025, Wilder World gives players full economic control via its on-chain marketplace and NFTs. Early access registration details are available at https://www.wilderworld.com/earlyaccess . Core Vision and Gameplay Economy Wilder World's Wiami, a city 13.5 times larger than GTA 5, offers gaming, social events, and more. Its NFT-driven economy allows players to trade and own in-game assets like avatars, cars, and land through the Wilder World Metaverse Market (WWMM). Players can co-create, customize, and build experiences, enabling endless opportunities for participation and innovation. "At the core of Wilder World's vision is the belief that players - the Wilders - should be the true architects of their digital universe. Wilder World will empower creators to shape their realities today while building meaningful, lasting legacies in a limitless, interconnected metaverse", said n3o, Wilder World Executive Producer Wilder World's 110+ team features industry veterans like Procedural Generation Leads Michael Pryor (prev. Nike, CDO at DesignMorphine), Oleg Soroko (After Form), Lead Concept Artist Brandon Gobey (prev. DNEG, worked on Dune, Bladerunner, and more), and BAFTA winner Jon Reilly (worked on The Witcher, The Avengers, and more) as Lead Character Artist. Sim-Racing legends Aristotelis Vasilakos (prev. Assetto Corsa) and Marcus Reynolds (prev. Simbin) lead vehicle handling, while Chris Kochan (prev. Apple) directs the production. Partnerships and Industry Backing The global distribution partnership with Samsung aims to bring the Metaverse experience to more users through the integration of Wilder World on Samsung's Smart TVs and Gaming Hub. This collaboration allows users to access, trade, and interact with Wilder World assets directly via Samsung TVs. Furthermore, Wilder World partnered with Polygon and Celestia to enhance the scalability and accessibility of its virtual ecosystem. This collaboration ensures gasless transactions and strong infrastructure for Wilder World's ecosystem, enabling players to engage with on-chain gameplay experiences. "Wilder World introduces a digital platform where players have control over their virtual assets and experiences. This is the metaverse we've all been building toward, and it's incredible to see it come to life," says Sandeep Nailwal, Polygon Co-Founder. Furthermore, Wilder World partnered with NVIDIA as the first Web3 game on GeForce Now (GFN), and Epic Games, where it ranks among the top 10 most anticipated games globally. About Wilder World Launched in 2021, Wilder World is an AAA metaverse that blends photorealistic graphics, AI-driven systems, and blockchain technology. Spanning a map 13.5x larger than GTA5, it features a player-driven economy, interactive gameplay, and partnerships with leaders like Samsung, NVIDIA, and Epic Games. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G8SwYp6gPo Website | X | Telegram | Discord ### For more information about Wilder World, contact the company here: Wilder World Monica Botez, partner [email protected] Seattle, Washington, United States CONTACT: Monica Botez, partner

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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.NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees slugger Aaron Judge wins his second AL MVP award after leading MLB with 58 home runs.