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California Approves Nation's First Tire Efficiency Standards to Save Drivers $1 Billion Annually

California Approves Nation's First Tire Efficiency Standards to Save Drivers $1 Billion Annually

California has become the first state in the U.S. to implement tire efficiency standards, a move designed to save drivers approximately $1 billion per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The California Energy Commission unanimously approved a new rule that will phase in standards for replacement tires, ensuring they are at least as energy-efficient, on average, as original equipment tires. The regulation also includes a 'leaf' rating labeling system to help consumers identify more efficient options. The first phase of these regulations will target the most inefficient tires starting in 2029, with a stricter standard taking effect in 2033. Exemptions are in place for snow tires and competition tires, while all-weather tires will be tracked for potential future regulation. This initiative aims to address the issue of replacement tires often being less efficient than original equipment, leading to increased fuel consumption for internal combustion vehicles and higher electricity demand for electric vehi...
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Meta Faces Landmark Federal Trial Over Allegations of Addictive Social Media Design for Youth

Meta Faces Landmark Federal Trial Over Allegations of Addictive Social Media Design for Youth

Meta Faces Landmark Federal Trial Over Allegations of Addictive Social Media Design for Youth
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Meta Platforms Faces Pivotal Federal Trial Over Child Safety and Data Collection

Meta Platforms Faces Pivotal Federal Trial Over Child Safety and Data Collection

Meta Platforms Faces Pivotal Federal Trial Over Child Safety and Data Collection
TheStreet TheStreet
Meta stock battered by threat that is hurting the social media giant

Meta stock battered by threat that is hurting the social media giant

If Meta's court loss from two weeks ago in New Mexico left the company's shareholders shaken, the court battle that is just beginning in California could turn out to be an existential crisis for the social media giant. Meta shares closed trading down 3.54% Monday, August 17, as markets seemed to ...
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High Surf and Erosion Uncover Decades-Old Infrastructure in Newport Beach

High Surf and Erosion Uncover Decades-Old Infrastructure in Newport Beach

A series of powerful hurricane-driven swells, influenced by a growing El Niño climate pattern, has caused significant sand erosion along the shoreline of Newport Beach, California. This erosion has exposed decades-old infrastructure, including rocks, concrete chunks, and rusted metal rods, near the west jetty at the Wedge, a popular surfing spot. The swells were generated by at least three hurricanes in the central and eastern Pacific since July 2026, including Hurricanes Fausto and Genevieve, which also prompted high surf warnings and life-threatening rip currents across Southern California. The erosion has sparked both curiosity and safety concerns, as lifeguards have reported increased preventive actions and rescues this summer. Additionally, other areas, such as Point Dume State Beach and Tamarack State Beach, have experienced severe erosion and damage due to high tides and surf.
Reuters Reuters
Meta targeted children to boost Facebook and Instagram use, lawyer says as landmark trial begins

Meta targeted children to boost Facebook and Instagram use, lawyer says as landmark trial begins

By Diana Novak Jones and Jonathan Stempel Aug 18 (Reuters) - Meta Platforms intentionally sought to addict children to its Facebook and Instagram platforms, a lawyer for California said on Tuesday at the start of a trial that could reshape some of the most popular apps on the planet.
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Federal Judge Allows Star Witness and Key Evidence in California's Lawsuit Against Meta Over Child Safety

Federal Judge Allows Star Witness and Key Evidence in California's Lawsuit Against Meta Over Child Safety

A federal judge has ruled that California can present a star witness and key evidence during opening statements in its lawsuit against Meta. The ruling, issued by California Northern District Chief Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, resolves two significant pretrial disputes in favor of the multistate coalition of attorneys general. The lawsuit alleges that Meta designed its products to addict children and misled the public about their safety. The judge dismissed Meta's attempt to prevent whistleblower Arturo Béjar from testifying, calling it a 'Hail Mary' attempt by the defense. Additionally, the states are permitted to show jurors select evidence supporting their claims during opening statements, weeks before the evidence is formally introduced through witness testimony. This decision marks another legal setback for Meta, which has actively sought to prevent the case from going to trial and to limit the evidence presented.
Reuters Reuters
Meta trial that could reshape Facebook, Instagram gets underway

Meta trial that could reshape Facebook, Instagram gets underway

By Diana Novak Jones Aug 18 (Reuters) - A coalition of states suing Meta Platforms over claims Facebook and Instagram were designed in ways that harmed young users' mental health began making its case on Tuesday in California federal court in a trial that could reshape some of the most popular apps
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Four States Initiate Trial Against Meta in California Over Alleged Harm to Children

Four States Initiate Trial Against Meta in California Over Alleged Harm to Children

Opening statements are set to begin in a trial in Oakland, California, where Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, faces allegations of causing harm to children. Four state attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey are leading this effort, marking the first of 29 states to pursue claims that Meta violated consumer protection laws. The trial will also address allegations from all 29 states that Meta breached the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by unlawfully collecting data from children. An advisory jury of eight people has been selected, with U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers presiding over the final ruling. The trial is anticipated to last six to eight weeks, with a verdict expected in October. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri are slated to testify. This trial is a component of the broader social media adolescent-addiction multidistrict litigation (MDL), which has consolidated thousands of cases nationwide since 20...
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Commercial Property Insurer FM Acquires Wildfire Intelligence Firm FortressFire

Commercial Property Insurer FM Acquires Wildfire Intelligence Firm FortressFire

Commercial Property Insurer FM Acquires Wildfire Intelligence Firm FortressFire
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Super El Niño Expected to Amplify Global Weather Extremes

Super El Niño Expected to Amplify Global Weather Extremes

A record-breaking Super El Niño is underway, with Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures averaging 2.7°C (4.9°F) above normal as of early June 2026, according to the Climate Prediction Center and ClimateBrink. These temperatures are forecast to peak at nearly 4°C (7°F) above average by November. This phenomenon is expected to disrupt global weather patterns, leading to warmer and wetter conditions in some regions and drier, more fire-prone conditions in others. In the U.S., New England is likely to experience a warmer and wetter winter with less snow, while the Pacific Northwest may face a drier winter, extending wildfire risks. Meanwhile, California could see an increase in atmospheric rivers, raising concerns about flooding and landslides. Globally, regions like Indonesia and Australia may face drought and wildfire risks, while parts of South America could experience significant flooding.