California is about to tax guns more like alcohol and tobacco—and that could put a dent in gun violence
Starting in July 2024, California will be the first state to charge an excise tax on guns and ammunition. The new tax—an 11% levy on each sale—will come on top of federal excise taxes of 10% or 11% for firearms and California's 6% sales tax......»»
Marine cloud brightening models show unexpected consequences of geoengineering
A combined team of Earth scientists and climate specialists at the University of California San Diego and the National Center for Atmospheric Research has found via modeling that geoengineering projects such as marine cloud brightening can have unexp.....»»
Amid increasing mountain lion sightings, California county turns to Facebook to share info
Authorities—concerned about an increasing number of mountain lion encounters including one earlier this year that killed a man and severely injured his brother—are asking residents of one California county to turn to Facebook to spread the word......»»
Violence towards refugee and migrant women often goes undetected. Researchers find a way to help fix that
Recent deaths have highlighted the seriousness of intimate partner violence nationally. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, the number of women killed by partners increased by 28% from 2022 to 2023. While the overall homicide rate r.....»»
California lawmakers reject proposal to curb well-drilling where nearby wells could run dry
Over the past several years, California's water managers have seen a pattern emerge in farming areas of the Central Valley: Even as declining groundwater levels have left thousands of residents with dry wells and caused the ground to sink, counties h.....»»
AT&T can’t hang up on landline phone customers, California agency rules
State dismisses AT&T application to end Carrier of Last Resort obligation. Enlarge (credit: Getty Images | Joe Raedle ) The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) yesterday rejected AT&T's request to end its landl.....»»
Smartphone ban in schools backed by California governor [U: Social media laws in NY]
The possibility of a smartphone ban in schools in Apple’s home state of California looks increasingly likely after Governor Gavin Newsom added his support. The move follows an opinion piece by the US Surgeon General proposing a warning label on.....»»
Lifesaving and life-changing: The kindness shown to forced migrants during their journeys
Forced migrant survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) have experienced acts of everyday and extraordinary kindness from people they met throughout their journeys, a new study reveals......»»
Wild yeasts from Patagonia could yield new flavors of lagers: Genetic mutations enhance alcohol production
New strains of yeast for brewing lager beers, created by hybridizing wild strains of yeast from Patagonia with brewer's yeast, can yield novel flavors and aromas, reports a new study by Jennifer Molinet and Francisco Cubillos of the Universidad de Sa.....»»
Researcher: Improving gender equality will help end violence against women, but it"s only part of the puzzle
The spike in reports of women murdered by men this year has prompted widespread conversations across Australia about how we end gender-based violence. Much of this discussion has been about the importance of creating a more gender-equal society......»»
Smartphone ban in schools backed by governor in Apple’s home state
The possibility of a smartphone ban in schools in Apple’s home state of California looks increasingly likely after Governor Gavin Newsom added his support. The move follows an opinion piece by the US Surgeon General proposing a warning label on.....»»
"Critical fire conditions" continue to hamper firefighting as blazes across California grow
Crews battling wildfires across California on June 18, including the Post fire in Los Angeles County, face another day of gusty winds and low humidity that will push flames into tinder-dry fuel, weather forecasters warned......»»
Fisker is out of cash, not making cars, and filing for bankruptcy
No word on parts, warranty, or, most crucially, software updates in the future. Enlarge / Car designer Henrik Fisker poses with a Fisker Ocean at the Salvation Army California South Division's annual Sally Awards in June 2022. (c.....»»
California wildfires grow amid warm temperatures, gusty winds
Crews battling wildfires across California on Tuesday, including the Post fire in Los Angeles County, face another day of warm summer heat and gusty winds that will push flames into tinder-dry fuel, weather forecasters warned......»»
Social media apps may gain tobacco-style warning labels, as US Surgeon General sounds alarm over youth impact
Tobacco products in the US contain very blatant, obvious warning labels that outline their health risks. If the US Surgeon General has his way, this same strategy will soon be employed to combat the harm caused by social media apps. more….....»»
Researchers report on effectiveness of violence against women campaigns during sports events
In a paper published in the journal Event Management, researchers have investigated the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and its One Million Stars to End Violence (OMSTEV) campaign to see how effective such a campaign was when connected to a major.....»»
High fliers: Pleasure-seeking parrots are using aromatic plants, stinky ants and alcohol to preen themselves
Birds have been known to seek out pungent chemicals for various reasons. Some consume fermented fruits with gusto and suffer the ill effects. Others expose themselves to ants, but only the stinky kind. These ants produce useful antimicrobials and ins.....»»
Research team prepares ESA"s Arctic Weather Satellite for liftoff
With ESA's Arctic Weather Satellite due to launch in a few weeks, the satellite is now at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California being readied for its big day. Once in orbit, this new mission will show how short-term weather forecasts in the A.....»»
Wildfire north of LA rapidly spreads as hot, gusty winds continue
Firefighters are battling a series of wildfires that broke out across California over the weekend amid early summer heat and dry, gusty winds......»»
Social media is the new cigarette
The U.S. Surgeon General is calling on Congress to implement a tobacco-style warning label on social media platforms......»»
Suicide threats are a weapon of family violence. How can police balance mental health needs with protecting victims?
It's relatively common for perpetrators of family violence to threaten suicide to control a victim-survivor's actions. A study by the Australian Institute of Criminology suggests 39% of women who experience coercive control are subject to perpetrator.....»»