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3 fall into ocean after California wharf partially collapses due to heavy surf from major stormFive Below, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Financial Results
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PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Carrier Global Corporation CARR , global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.225 per outstanding share of Carrier common stock. The dividend will be payable on February 7, 2025 to shareowners of record at the close of business on December 20, 2024 . "Today's 18% dividend increase further demonstrates our commitment to disciplined capital allocation," said Carrier Chairman & CEO David Gitlin . "After successfully executing on our transformation, we remain laser-focused on delivering outsized value for our customers, employees, and shareowners." Carrier Carrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, is committed to creating solutions that matter for people and our planet for generations to come. From the beginning, we've led in inventing new technologies and entirely new industries. Today, we continue to lead because we have a world-class, diverse workforce that puts the customer at the center of everything we do. For more information, visit corporate.carrier.com or follow Carrier on social media at @Carrier . Cautionary Statement : This communication contains statements which, to the extent they are not statements of historical or present fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" under the securities laws. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management's current expectations or plans for Carrier's future payment of a dividend, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "expectations," "plans," "strategy," "prospects," "estimate," "project," "target," "anticipate," "will," "should," "see," "guidance," "outlook," "confident," "scenario" and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. Forward-looking statements may include, among other things, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flow, results of operations, uses of cash, share repurchases, tax rates and other measures of financial performance or potential future plans, strategies or transactions of Carrier, Carrier's plans with respect to its indebtedness and other statements that are not historical facts. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. For additional information on identifying factors that may cause actual results to vary materially from those stated in forward-looking statements, see Carrier's reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and Carrier assumes no obligation to update or revise such statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. CARR-IR Contact: Media Inquiries Jason Shockley 561-542-0207 Jason.Shockley@carrier.com Investor Relations Michael Rednor 561-365-2020 Michael.Rednor@carrier.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carrier-board-of-directors-announces-an-18-percent-increase-in-quarterly-dividend-to-0-225-per-share-302324348.html SOURCE Carrier Global Corporation © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Why Dutch Bros stock price keeps rising
JUSTIN Baldoni has retained the celebrated lawyer who is representing the Mendenez brothers' family in his legal fight with his It Ends With Us co-star, Blake Lively. The U.S. Sun can confirm attorney Bryan Freedman has his hands full as he's dealing with two high-profile cases in Los Angeles . He's found himself in the spotlight in recent months as Eric and Lyle Menendez fight for their freedom after decades behind bars for murdering their parents, Kitty and Jose . Despite the horrific crime, they are being supported by the majority of their parent's family members, who have spoken out at press conferences and are campaigning for the brothers to be released. Erik and Lyle have long accused their late father of sexual abuse and accused their mother of turning a blind eye. They have garnered a lot of support as new evidence has emerged about their alleged childhood abuse. Blake Lively Freedman has been present at the hearings and press conferences in recent months as he works with the victim's families. Ahead of the next court date in January, the lawyer will also be focused on Baldoni's case. Lively is suing for sexual harassment, claiming that Baldoni's actions caused "severe emotional distress" and he went on to launch a smear campaign to "destroy" her reputation. The 37-year-old actress claims Baldoni, 40, showed her naked videos and images of other women and talked about his alleged previous porn addiction, according to court docs seen by The U.S. Sun. Most read in Celebrity 'DESPERATE ATTEMPT' Freedman released a statement on Baldoni's behalf after the lawsuit was revealed by The New York Times. "These claims are completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media," he said. "It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, as yet another desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real time and unedited, which allowed for the internet to generate their own views and opinions." The undated legal complaint was filed with the California Civil Rights Department and the case is likely to drag on for months. The U.S. Sun understands once the CRD has issued a right-to-sue notice, they will not investigate the complaint. A spokesperson for the CRD told The U.S. Sun on Monday, "Our department is not currently involved as a party to an active lawsuit in court with respect to the matter you referenced. "However, that is not an indication as to whether or not a civil rights complaint has been filed with us. "Generally speaking, there are two avenues for workplace discrimination complaints filed with our department: 1. A worker can file a complaint with our department for us to independently investigate the facts and legal issues. 2. A worker can request an immediate right-to-sue in order to potentially file their own lawsuit in court without the involvement of our department." LEGAL BATTLE They added, "For the latter, the right-to-sue notice is issued immediately, and our department is no longer involved and generally does not conduct an investigation." Baldoni's attorney featured in a profile piece in the Hollywood Reporter earlier this year, with the headline, " The Street-Fighting Lawyer Who’s Become Hollywood's Dark Knight ." ESPN broadcaster Sage Steel, who hired Freedman after she was suspended from her job, praised the attorney at the time. She told the outlet, "He's the kind of person you need if you're David fighting Goliath." The publication also claimed his "relentless go-for-the-jugular MO — in the press, via depositions, through court filings, during private dispute resolution — is, to his mind, rooted in hyper-competitiveness." His client list is impressive and varied having represented everyone from Kevin Spacey to FKA Twigs. Rumors about Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni not seeing eye-to-eye began earlier this year during the promotional tour for their movie, It Ends With Us. The film had a budget of around $25 million and was a box office hit, grossing a worldwide total of $351 million. But despite its success, Lively and Baldoni were hardly seen together during the promo tour. Internet sleuths noticed the pair didn't follow each other on social media, and many of the cast only followed Lively. TMZ then alleged that they fell out over "fat-shaming", and Baldoni supposedly kissing for too long during scenes. Baldoni hired a crisis management firm before reports began to emerge of Lively not being nice to interviewers and she was slammed for 'tone-deaf' comments about the movie. The film was released on Netflix days before Lively filed her lawsuit, which includes texts between Baldoni's publicist and a crisis management expert. Lively's team claims they were obtained through a subpoena, and one alleges Baldoni wanted the actress's career to "be buried." Meanwhile, Lively has four lawyers listed for her from two different legal teams, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. The actress has accused Baldoni of repeatedly crossing the line both during filming and when the cameras stopped rolling. Legal documents allege there was a meeting attended by Lively, her actor husband Ryan Reynolds, 48 , Baldoni, bosses of Wayfarer Studios, and lawyers, to address her complaints on set. Among her alleged demands were that Baldoni's previous "pornography addiction" and her lack of porn "consumption" should no longer be up for discussion. She also allegedly demanded they should not talk about their sex lives, "genitalia" or "personal times that physical consent was not given in sexual acts, as either the abuser or the abused." Lively also stated that she would not take part in sex scenes outside those agreed when she signed up for the movie, per the lawsuit. The film is based on Colleen Hoover’s novel about Lily and her abusive boyfriend Ryle, played by Lively and Baldoni. According to the lawsuit, she said touching or sexual comments from Baldoni and lead producer Jamey Heath "would not be tolerated" and that there should be "no more improvised kissing", "biting or sucking of lip" without consent. Read More on The US Sun She also allegedly banned Baldoni, who also directed the movie, from bringing his friends on set during sex scenes and said there needed to be a full-time intimacy coordinator. In a statement to the New York Times, Lively said, "I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted."Houston Astros welcome 1B Christian Walker to team; say negotiations with Bregman stalled
By foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic , ABC When Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka opened a joint press conference with Lloyd Austin in a luxury hotel on his country's west coast at the weekend, he couldn't resist making a brief quip about just how extraordinary the US defence secretary's visit was. "We all pray it's not an indication that we are looking at some dangerous years ahead," the prime minister declared, with a small smile. "We are here to talk about peace, and how we guard, protect and promote that peace." Rabuka's comment neatly captured the mix of anticipation and trepidation that Pacific officials and leaders feel as they navigate the cross-currents created by major powers intent on entrenching their positions in the region. Austin had just become the first US defence secretary to pay a visit to the Pacific island nation, and his arrival in Fiji was a sign of the times. As China's military might continues to swell, the United States is responding by expanding its military presence across the Pacific, swivelling its focus back to countries and territories that its planners and strategists have long ignored. This isn't just in Melanesian nations like Fiji. The US is also rapidly expanding its arsenal and bases across Micronesia, where it already has an entrenched military presence. A smiling Rabuka, sporting a tie emblazoned with the Stars and Stripes, praised Austin and called his visit a "milestone". But Pacific leaders like Rabuka also know that protecting the peace is easier said than done. So why was the Secretary of Defence making this historic trip to Fiji? How is US military strategy shifting across the Pacific? Here is what it might mean for leaders and everyday people across the region. What did the US and Fiji agree on? There was plenty of pomp and fanfare in Nadi to mark the defence secretary's visit. Austin and Rabuka announced almost $5 million from the US to help support Fiji's military modernisation, and signed a new deal to bolster "bilateral logistics cooperation" - which will make it easier for the US to help Fiji during emergencies by quickly transferring things like fuel and medical supplies. The prime minister heaped praise on the announcements, saying American security assistance had long been indispensable. "Fiji has benefited greatly from the US Fiji defence relationship through many programs...that have enabled us to protect our borders and our marine resources, and has assisted us in tackling trans-national crime," he said. The two men also confirmed the two countries would begin negotiating a "status of forces" agreement, a legal pact that would help set rules and arrangements for US military personnel in Fiji. The defence secretary said that would pave the way for "increased exercises" and "military-to-military engagements" between the US and Fiji. "The [agreement] will enable us to deploy and re-deploy forces in support of Fiji. And help us train with the Fijians on a very routine basis," Austin said. Jennifer Parker, an expert associate at the National Security College, told the ABC that while the agreement was hardly unusual (the US has signed dozens of similar pacts with allies and friendly nations) it would still have strategic significance. "It's a clear sign that we'll likely see more US troops rotating through or visiting Fiji for exercises or for coastguard deployments," she said. But that doesn't mean the US will establish a permanent military base in Fiji, as it has in allied countries like the Philippines and Japan. Austin told journalists there was "no notion" of a permanent base, and the idea wasn't on the table during talks. "We did not have any discussions like that," he said. It's not just Fiji So why is the United States suddenly so intent on stepping up its efforts in Fiji, and why now? One big reason is Fiji's location. Jennifer Parker calls Fiji "really strategically important" because it sits on or near many of the vast maritime routes between Pacific ports used by warships and merchant vessels alike. "If you think about the protection of sea lines of communication across the Pacific, access to Fiji is pretty central to that," she said. For decades the United States hasn't been anxious about that access because it exercised overwhelming naval superiority across the Pacific. That's now changing. US defence planners know that China has now built a formidable navy capable of challenging US power in the region. Beijing has also worked assiduously to cultivate stronger security and commercial ties across the Pacific, and US leaders have publicly declared that China wants to leverage that to set up military bases across the region. Parker said while access to sea lines was "not being contested at the moment", the US is clearly "concerned" by China's increasing influence and is trying to buttress its own position. "This is about building greater US influence and greater US access in Fiji," she tells the ABC. It's not just Fiji. Last year the Biden administration struck a sweeping defence cooperation agreement with Papua New Guinea, while promising to help the country modernise and develop its defence forces. The US is also helping to redevelop the Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island, although funding has been slow to flow. Anna Powles from Massy University says rising tensions between the US and China in Asia are "driving" increasing US defence engagement across the Pacific. "The US is seeking a series of security arrangements...to embed the bilateral relationship within the recipient country's security eco-system and facilitate the US military's ability to operate in the Pacific, including, for example, access to bases," she tells the ABC. She argues that if the US succeeds in that, it not only sends a "symbolic message" but will also help it project power through the Pacific. "All these agreements provide the US Navy with options in the Pacific, both in peacetime and, particularly, during a potential crisis." It's not just Melanesia If the United States is taking its first steps in Papua New Guinea and Fiji, it is moving with much greater speed and urgency in Pacific waters closer to China. The military is racing to upgrade, restore and expand facilities across multiple US Pacific territories, as well as in independent Pacific states that have "Compact" agreements tying them closely to Washington. US troops are clearing the jungle on Tinian Island in the Northern Marianas, restoring a vast World War II-era airfield not far from the major US military base on Guam. They've already rebuilt another WWII airfield in Palau on the island of Peleliu - where the US and Japan fought a vicious and bloody battle in 1944 - and are installing advanced new radar systems in other parts of the country. It's a similar story on the island of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia, where the US hopes to extend yet another old airfield. Some details of the strategy might be classified but US planners and defence leaders are blunt about what they are doing, and why. If war breaks out, the US expects China will strike military targets in what defence planners sometimes call the "first island chain" closest to the Chinese mainland - including American bases in Japan and the Philippines. Both Guam and the Pacific Island bases that are being rapidly redeveloped are in what's sometimes called the "second island chain" - within China's reach, but harder and more taxing for it to strike. And if China succeeds in destroying or disabling the US base in Guam, the military wants to be able to send its troops, warships, planes and critical supplies to other facilities across the second island chain, to make sure it can keep on fighting. Jennifer Parker says if a full-scale conflict breaks out between the US and China in Asia, then US Pacific territories and bases in Micronesia could quickly become "critical". "If there was to be a conflict in the Indo-Pacific it's pretty clear that any US and allied forces in the first island chain would suffer significant losses and would need to be a fall back outside the first island chain," she said. "And the Pacific becomes critical in terms of being able to position and fight back, in a conflict scenario." A zone of peace? The expanding latticework of defence and policing agreements across the Pacific also sits uncomfortably with the rhetoric used by its leaders, most of whom preach for peace and non-alignment. For example Sitiveni Rabuka, who stood beside the US defence secretary on Saturday, has been championing the idea of an "Ocean of Peace" in the Pacific. Rabuka and other Pacific leaders - including those who have struck security arrangements with Beijing - seem confident they can square that circle, enjoying the benefits of security investments without risking being caught up in a regional conflagration or losing their sovereignty. But Anna Powles says there is still a "tension" between the rhetoric used by Pacific leaders and the security agreements they are increasingly signing off on. "There needs to be a wider conversation about what these potentially competing positions mean for Pacific countries and the region overall and what the obligations are of Pacific countries in a time of crisis," she says. Some civil society groups in the Pacific are also deeply uneasy about the way outside powers are trying to entrench their positions, saying it's driving a rapid militarisation of the Pacific. "Clearly there is an agenda that has been set," says Sharon Bhagwan, a prominent Fijian activist working on peace and security issues. "The question should be asked, should the investment really be about militarisation, when we need hospitals, when we need the human security agenda to be met?" "Isn't that far more important?" She says Pacific governments and regional organisations need to invest real time and effort building a practical framework for the "Ocean of Peace" Rabuka has championed. "There's actually a very critical need right now to actually make sure that our governments, our intergovernmental agencies, particularly the Pacific Islands Forum, is actually getting better at peace building, rather than at militarisation," she says. But Jennifer Parker says while Pacific leaders might face some "difficult" questions in an era of strategic competition, they're also adept at exploiting it. "In many ways for Pacific island nations this period of competition could actually be a great opportunity to get greater investment, and much-needed resilience in some of their infrastructure," she said. "So certainly, it's a difficult position to be in. But there are lots of opportunities as well."The Darnold-Jefferson connection is thriving for the surging Vikings Sam Darnold sensed the backside pressure as soon as he dropped back with Minnesota trailing by four points late in the fourth quarter in Seattle, so he moved into a safe space in the pocket and did precisely what the Vikings would prefer him to do wi Dave Campbell, The Associated Press Dec 23, 2024 3:40 PM Dec 23, 2024 4:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrate after a 5-yard touchdown catch by teammate wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear) Sam Darnold sensed the backside pressure as soon as he dropped back with Minnesota trailing by four points late in the fourth quarter in Seattle, so he moved into a safe space in the pocket and did precisely what the Vikings would prefer him to do with the game on the line. He threw the ball down the field to Justin Jefferson. The perfectly placed throw near the sideline beat double coverage for a 39-yard touchdown that put the Vikings back in front with 3:51 remaining in a 27-24 victory over the Seahawks on Sunday. “It was a great call,” said Jefferson, who had 10 receptions for 144 yards and two scores, all season highs. “I’m not going to say too much about that play, but something went on where me and Sam were on the same page, and he found me and we went up.” The Vikings were understandably coy about the context around the go-ahead touchdown , when Darnold made a difficult on-the-run pass just over cornerback Tariq Woolen that Jefferson deftly twisted to catch next to his backside hip so he could shield the ball from late-breaking safety Julian Love. Darnold saw Love's shoulders initially shaded inside just enough to believe he couldn't retreat fast enough to prevent Jefferson from getting the ball. Jefferson also applied some improvisation to his route that Darnold clearly and properly read during the play. “I want those guys to have some freedom in those moments,” coach Kevin O'Connell said. “We do a lot of things with Justin and Sam, seeing the coverage and then with some route opportunities to get to at the line of scrimmage, and I think those guys have just gotten so comfortable with that stuff.” Darnold's long-delayed breakout performance under O'Connell has been one of the stories of the NFL this season, one that wouldn't have unfolded as neatly for the third overall pick in the 2018 draft without such synergy between him and his superstar wide receiver. If the Vikings (13-2) win their last two games, they will not only be NFC North champions for the second time in three years but also get the No. 1 seed and the lone first-round bye in the NFC for the playoffs. “Every single game we’re finding different ways to overcome adversity, overcome the different stuff defenses have thrown towards us," Jefferson said. “Sam has done a great job being a leader.” What's working The pass rush was strong, with Andrew Van Ginkel recording two sacks and pressure leading to both interceptions of Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. The Vikings were credited with eight hits on Smith. What needs help The Vikings converted only three of 12 third downs, their second-worst rate of the season. Stock up Theo Jackson, who saw significant playing time at safety with Harrison Smith out, had the game-sealing interception with 49 seconds left. Stock down Tight end Josh Oliver has played 47% of the snaps the last two games, his two lowest usage rates of the season. He dropped the only pass he was thrown on Sunday. Injury report The defense ought to get a big boost this week with the expected return of the 13-year veteran Smith from his first absence in two years when he was sidelined at Seattle with a foot injury. Linebacker Ivan Pace, who has missed four games on injured reserve with a hamstring strain, is also on track to be back with his return to practice. Backup defensive lineman Jalen Redmond, who didn't play against the Seahawks because of a concussion, has made progress through the protocol, O'Connell said. Backup cornerback Fabian Moreau, who was inactive at Seattle with a hip injury, will continue to be evaluated throughout the week. Key number 13.6% — That's the third-down conversion allowance rate for the Vikings over the last two games, with Chicago and Seattle combining to go just 3 for 22. The Vikings rank second in the NFL in third-down defense at 33.7% for the season and also rank second on fourth down at 36.7%. Up next The Vikings host Green Bay on Sunday, with the kickoff moved to the late afternoon showcase spot on Fox. If Minnesota loses to the Packers, the Lions will clinch the NFC North and the Vikings would open the playoffs on the road as the No. 5 seed at best. Even if the Lions were to lose at San Francisco on Monday night, the Vikings would need to win at Detroit on Jan. 5 to take the division title. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Dave Campbell, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Aiming for top seed, Lions play 49ers on road before closing regular season at home against Vikings Dec 23, 2024 4:03 PM Nothing's guaranteed, but Bucs need to win out to give themselves best shot to make the playoffs Dec 23, 2024 3:55 PM NFL Inactive Report Dec 23, 2024 3:54 PM
ZUORA SHAREHOLDER BUYOUT LAWSUIT FILED: Investors Encouraged to Contact Kaskela Law LLC to Discuss Their Rights and Options with Respect to $10.00 Per Share Buyout Proposal
'Large number' of Americans' metadata stolen by ChineseDr. J says social media has opened up plenty of opportunities for NBA players: "They're playing the same game but are getting paid a lot more"
UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Rescuers contemplated the safest way Wednesday to search for a woman who apparently fell into a Pennsylvania sinkhole while looking for her lost cat, saying a crumbling old coal mine beneath the surface complicated efforts and endangered workers. Crews worked through the night in the Unity Township community of Marguerite to find Elizabeth Pollard, 64. A state police spokesperson said early Wednesday they were reassessing their tactics to avoid putting the rescuers in danger. "The integrity of that mine is starting to become compromised," Trooper Steve Limani told reporters at the scene about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers used water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk "for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Limani said. "We're probably going to have to switch gears" and do a more complicated dig, he said. On Tuesday, crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. "We cannot judge as to what's going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void," Graham said. "And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort." Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the operations officer at the scene, said they were "hoping that there's a void that she could still be in." Pollard's family called police about 1 a.m. on Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out Monday evening to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. In an interview with CBS News, Pollard's son, Axel Hayes, said he is experiencing a mix of emotions. "I'm upset that she hasn't been found yet, and I'm really just worried about whether she's still down there, where she is down there, or she went somewhere and found somewhere safer," Hayes said. "Right now, I just hope she's alive and well, that she's going to make it, that my niece still has a grandmother, that I still have a mother that I can talk to." The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they didn't notice the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. "It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it," Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl "nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Cardinals' feel-good month comes to a screeching halt after a head-scratching loss to Seahawks
Value Transformation LLC Contributes to Cutting-Edge Knowledge with SAE International's Release of Dictionary of Electric and Hybrid VehiclesBy Hannah Furness It was one of the great exploits of a golden age of exploration: Bertram Thomas, a British diplomat, spent 42 days travelling overland along the coast of Oman. As recorded in his 1928 diary, Thomas journeyed by camel to document specimens new to Western science – and was later congratulated by King George V. Nearly a century on, a group of explorers is to make the same journey – using camels, but with the addition of 4x4s, podcasts and social media posts – supported from afar by the Prince of Wales . READ MORE: Queen Mary announces new podcast series The camels are currently in "boot camp", the expedition leader joked, after concerns that "soft" modern animals would not prove as hardy as their 20th-century forebears. Launching the Jewel of Arabia expedition on Monday at the Royal Geographical Society, the Prince told the 2024 team: "I wish I was able to join you, but will be following very closely." The Prince is a co-patron of the adventure, along with Crown Prince Theyazin bin Haitham, the heir to the Omani throne. The expedition will see a team of six, lead by Mark Evans, retrace the steps of Thomas, with young people from Oman joining them at certain points to witness and share the highlights. It is intended to "raise awareness amongst young people both in and outside of Oman of the value of Oman's natural heritage and biodiversity as well as the environmental challenges the country and the wider world face". Podcasts, interviews on Omani radio and an online tracker will be used so people can track the journey in real time. READ MORE: Kate to join King, Queen, William for big event next week palace confirms The Prince said: "The expedition will walk in the footsteps of British explorer Bertram Thomas and take in the wonderful coastline of Oman. "They will be able to take in the beauty of Oman, and also see the damage done by climate change." The Prince recalled that a winner of his Earthshot Prize – the company 44.01, which removes CO2 from the atmosphere permanently by mineralising it – was from Oman and said he had "warm memories" of visiting in 2019. "The expedition will not only highlight Oman's biodiversity and natural heritage, but also symbolise the enduring friendship between our two countries," he added. Mark Evans, 63, expedition leader said: "The stars of the show will undoubtedly be the camels." He added they were currently in "camel boot camp" in Oman to prepare for them for the month-long desert trek. The group will start each day at 5am, aim to cover 25-30kms (16-19 miles) a day and will sleep in the desert without tents. Mr Evans will be joined on the journey by Nigel Harling, a British police officer with exploration experience, Ana-Maria Pavalache, a mountain leader and photographer, Dhirka Al Mawali and Ibrahim Al Hasni, instructors with Outward Bound Oman, and Amour Al Wahibi who Mr Evans said was "the only one who knows how to find first gear on a camel". READ MORE: The House of Grimaldi, Monaco's royal family, explained Along the route, they will be met by young people from schools across Oman including, on the third day, in a specially-adapted "Boma" off-road wheelchair. The Prince was keen to hear how the crew would navigate across the desert and how young people in Oman were engaging with environmental issues. While he does not plan to fly to Oman in January to join the expedition, he told guests at the Royal Geographic Society that he would "try and make something happen" in the future regarding another visit to the country. The Prince added: "We're in the planning process." Before giving short speeches, the Prince and the Crown Prince were shown photographs taken by Thomas during his travels. At the time of the original expedition, the area was known as one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, with hundreds of miles of arid desert dubbed the "Empty Quarter", or Rub Al Khali, and unvisited by Western travellers. Thomas lived in Oman, working for its sultan, and taking leave in the winter months to travel extensively. He developed a "relay" system, taking on fresh camels and guides in each new tribal territory. FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE : Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details. The coastal journey prepared Thomas for the crossing two years later, in which he became the first documented Westerner to cross the Empty Quarter, receiving a telegram of congratulation from King George V. The biggest challenges for Thomas were said to have been warring tribes, lack of water in watering holes and his dependence on his Omani companion, Sheikh Saleh, as they navigated the desert. Following his success, Thomas gave lectures around the world and wrote a book, Arabia Felix, with an introduction by TE Lawrence . Next year will be 225 years since a friendship treaty was signed between Britain and Oman. Members of the royal family are regularly invited to become patrons of expeditions. In 2023, the Princess of Wales became patron of Capt Preet Chandi's successful mission to become the first woman to cross Antarctica solo. © Telegraph Media Group Limited 2024Oh, What Fun it is to Drive: Pilot's Holiday Campaign is Bringing Joy to the Road
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