The situation at Mazowe Jumbo Mine is complex and marred by corruption, violence, and illegal activities. At the center of the controversy is a man named Knowledge Rutavi, who claims to be a representative of former employees but has been accused of being a criminal with connections to high-ranking politicians. Rutavi's background is questionable, with reports suggesting that he was dismissed from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)due to corruption and misconduct. Despite this, he has managed to exert significant influence over the mine, allegedly using his connections claim, his closeness to second Vice president cde Kembo Mohadi , politibiro member Senator Cde Omega Hungwe , CIO high ranked official Tapomwa and the ZRP Deputy comissioner general Steve Mutamba to mention but just a few. Intimidating, terrorizing ,interfering with mazowe metallion gold Mine cooperation operations hence exploitation of the precious mineral resources is the hit Christmas song of self opointed untouchable prefect at mazowe Jumbo mine Mr Knowledge Rutavi . The mine has been plagued by illegal mining activities, with gangs of machete-wielding individuals terrorizing the area , surprisingly, crimes of serious nature such as killing of people are happening under gaurd and watch of the Zimbabwe Republic Police suport unity whose constittutional core mandate is to protect and savegaurd lives and properties. allegedly the ZRP suport unity was contructed to provide mine security services in a deal amounting 18 k plus per month in return of the coperate security services by Mazowe metallion gold Mine cooperation. The police response has been inadequate, to anextend where by senior ZRP suport unity Chief Supretendent Marange has been fingered out in corruption and working with criminals in the illegal mining activities at mazowe metalliongold Mine. The Ministry of Mines' instructions and recommendations such as closing of illegal mining pits and rehabilitation of usable mining shafts have been discarded and ignored due to criminals and political influence putting lives of the innocent at risk and making mazowe metallion corporation compliance and adherence to the mining laws difficult if not impossible. From 2018 to date several deaths have been recorded due to ground degradation as a result of illegal mining activities by criminals claiming to be zanu pf youths and other part official such as cde Chawana and his counterpart loice chenjerai who was convicted for contempt of high court order by the Magistrate ,concession court sometimes in July 2024 she is now playing her her cards from a distance. Loice Chenjerai is also known for her controversy in the Mash Central ZANU PF part circles. Furthermore, there are concerns about corruption and name-dropping, with politicians and criminals allegedly working together disguised and misquarreding as representing the former employees interest in a justified political will, in actual fact disregarding and undermining the fundermental principals of good governance,that's Zimbabwe is open for business mantra, in line with the vision 2030 SDGs by his exallence the president of Zimbabwe Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa. The concerns of Mazowe Jumbo Mine's former employees are multifaceted and alarming. It appears that these criminal individuals masquerading as former employees the likes of Knowledge Rutavi, Makotore and their colleagues committing fraud, and sabotaging investments and economic development. These criminals are reportedly enjoying the spoils of the mine's precious gold production, selling it on the black market without paying taxes or contributing to the government's national fiscas.1 Furthermore, the claims of unpaid salaries and terminal benefits dating back to 2018, have been long resolved by the Labour court . Criminals hiding under former employees made several attempts appealing agirnist Labour court running in favor of the company ,fraudulent attempt s of creating liability for the company to pay in usd not rtgs currenncy ot the time . Some appeals and dubious coperate rescue application were disregarded and dimissed by the Supreme Court of zimbabwe, some where removed off the role by the Comercial court of zimbabwe some time in August 2024 and some pending in the labor court. The company, Metallon Gold, committed to pay the owed salaries using bond notes ,pay ment was made in the employee legal practitioner account in 2019 but some employees rejected to collect demanding payment in US dollars instead. The mine was first established in 1896, during the colonial era, and was initially operated by the British South Africa Company. The mine changed hands several times, with various companies operating it until the 1960s. The mine was nationalized by the Zimbabwean government and operated by the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC). The mine was privatized and acquired by Metallon Gold, a company owned by Mzi Khumalo, a South African businessman. Mzi Khumalo, a South African businessman, acquired Metallon Gold in the 2000s and expanded the company's operations in Zimbabwe. Under Khumalo's leadership, Metallon Gold became one of the largest gold producers in Zimbabwe, with operations at Mazowe Jumbo Mine, among others. In 2023, Nambi Investments, a Zimbabwean company, acquired the Mazowe Jumbo Mine from Metallon Gold. The acquisition marked a new era for the mine, with Nambi Investments promising to revitalize operations and ensure the mine's sustainability. However, despite the changes in ownership and management, the mine has continued to face challenges, including: - Illegal mining activities - Corruption and name-dropping - Violence and intimidation - Labor disputes and unpaid salaries - Environmental degradation As the head of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Block, it is essential to address these challenges and ensure that the Mazowe Jumbo Mine operates in a responsible and sustainable manner.How to watch Tyler Perry’s ‘Sistas’ season 8 new episode free Dec. 4

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NoneNexa Resources Announces Closing Transaction of Chapi Mine Sale to Quilla ResourcesMANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City’s players were booed by their own fans Tuesday after blowing a three-goal lead against Feyenoord in the Champions League to extend their winless run to six games. Jeers rang around the Etihad Stadium after the final whistle of a dramatic 3-3 draw. “They are disappointed. Of course we understand it,” City manager Pep Guardiola said. “They are completely right to express what they feel.” After five-straight losses in all competitions, City looked to be cruising to victory after going three up inside 50 minutes. But Feyenoord mounted an improbable comeback and leveled the game in the 89th to leave the home crowd stunned. While the worst losing streak of Guardiola’s managerial career was brought to an end, his wait for a first win since Oct. 26 goes on. Erling Haaland had scored twice, with Ilkay Gundogan also on target to put City in control. But goals from Anis Hadj Moussa in the 75th, Santiago Gimenez in the 82nd and David Hancko in the 89th turned the game on its head. According to stats supplier Opta, it was the first time in Guardiola's managerial career that his team had failed to win a game after leading 3-0. It said it was the first time City had failed to win from that position since 1989. “We lost a lot of games lately, we are fragile and of course we need a victory," Guardiola said. “The game was good for the confidence, we were playing a good level, but the first time something happened we had problems.” A win would have moved City up to fifth in the Champions League standings , but the draw left it 15th with three games remaining in the first phase of the competition. The top eight teams advance to the round of 16, while teams ranked ninth to 24th go into a playoff. City’s players, including Bernardo Silva, Josko Gvardiol and Haaland looked visibly frustrated as they left the field to cheers from the delirious traveling Dutch fans in the away section of the stadium. “If you are 3-0 up at home you can never give it away like this. It is what it is at the moment. The only thing we can do is fight back and stay strong,” City defender Nathan Ake said. City plays Premier League leader Liverpool on Sunday — defeat would leave it 11 points adrift of its title rival. “We will learn for the future. It has been and will be a tough season for us and we have to accept it," said Guardiola, who had a cut on his nose during the game. He said it had been caused when he scratched it with his fingernail. James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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NEW YORK — There's a Christmas Day basketball game at Walt Disney World, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby. An animated game, anyway. The real game takes place at Madison Square Garden, where Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs face the New York Knicks in a game televised on ABC and ESPN and streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+. The special alt-cast, the first animated presentation of an NBA game, will be shown on ESPN2 and also stream on Disney+ and ESPN+. Madison Square Garden is a staple of the NBA's Christmas schedule. Now it merges with a bigger home of the holidays, because the "Dunk the Halls" game will be staged at Disney, on a court set up right smack in the middle of where countless families have posed for vacation photos. Why that location? Because it was Mickey Mouse's Christmas wish. "Basketball courts often have the ability to make a normal environment look special, but in Disney it can only turn out incredible," Wembanyama said in an ESPN video promoting his Christmas debut. The story — this is Disney, after all — begins with Mickey penning a letter to Santa Claus, asking if he and his pals can host a basketball game. They'll not only get to watch one with NBA players, but some of them will even get to play. Goofy and Donald Duck will sub in for a couple Knicks players, while Mickey and Minnie Mouse will come on to play for the Spurs. "It looks to me like Goofy and Jalen Brunson have a really good pick-and-roll at the elite level," said Phil Orlins, an ESPN vice president of production. Walt Disney World hosted real NBA games in 2020, when the league set up there to complete its season that had been suspended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those games were played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The setting for the Christmas game will be Main Street USA, at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. Viewers will recognize Cinderella's castle behind one baseline and the train station at the other end, and perhaps some shops they have visited in between. Previous alternate animated broadcasts included an NFL game taking place in Andy's room from "Toy Story;" the "NHL Big City Greens Classic" during a game between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers; and earlier this month, another NFL matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys also taking place at Springfield's Atoms Stadium as part of "The Simpsons Funday Football." Unlike basketball, the players are helmeted in those sports. So, this telecast required an extra level of detail and cooperation with players and teams to create accurate appearances of their faces and hairstyles. "So, this is a level of detail that we've never gone, that we've never done on any other broadcast," said David Sparrgrove, the senior director of creative animation for ESPN. Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 phenom from France who was last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, looks huge even among most NBA players. The creators of the alternate telecast had to design how he'd look not only among his teammates and rivals, but among mice, ducks and chipmunks. "Like, Victor Wembanyama, seeing him in person is insane. It's like seeing an alien descend on a basketball court, and I think we kind of captured that in his animated character," said Drew Carter, who will again handle play-by-play duties, as he had in the previous animated telecasts, and will get an assist from sideline reporter Daisy Duck. Wembanyama's presence is one reason the Spurs-Knicks matchup, the leadoff to the NBA's five-game Christmas slate, was the obvious choice to do the animated telecast. The noon EST start means it will begin in the early evening in France and should draw well there. Also, it comes after ABC televises the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" for the previous two hours, providing more time to hype the broadcast. Recognizing that some viewers who then switch over to the animated game may be Disney experts but NBA novices, there will be 10 educational explainers to help with basketball lingo and rules. Beyond Sports' visualization technology and Sony's Hawk-Eye tracking allow the animated players to make the same movements and plays made moments earlier by the real ones at MSG. Carter and analyst Monica McNutt will be animated in the style of the telecast, donning VR headsets to experience the game from Main Street, USA. Other animated faces recognizable to some viewers include NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who will judge a halftime dunk contest among Mickey and his friends, and Santa himself, who will operate ESPN's "SkyCam" during the game. The players are curious how the production — and themselves — will look. "It's going to be so crazy to see the game animated," Spurs veteran Chris Paul said. "I think what's dope about it is it will give kids another opportunity to watch a game and to see us, basically, as characters."

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VALENCIA, Calif. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than 180 years, Cunard has championed the restorative power of ocean travel. New ground-breaking research conducted on Cunard's flagship, Queen Mary 2, confirms that just five days at sea can positively impact various cognitive abilities, such as memory, logical reasoning, perceptual abilities, and problem-solving, demonstrating that Cunard's Transatlantic Crossing significantly benefits mental and emotional wellbeing. In a first-of-its-kind neuroscience study, the results revealed that Cunard's Transatlantic Crossing, combined with their program of enriching experiences, can increase cognitive abilities by 26%, making travelers more alert, focused, and resilient. The study, conducted by Human Understanding Agency, Walnut, involved 40 guests from around the world embarking on the iconic Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton to New York . Researchers used biometric tools to measure cognitive and physiological changes before and after five days at sea. The results were remarkable, showing notable improvements in memory, problem-solving, attention, and overall emotional well-being. Key findings included : Dr Jack Lewis , a neuroscientist, commented on the findings: "What stands out for me in this study is how neatly all the pieces fit together. The passengers' time on the ship clearly reduced their stress levels based on subjective and objective measures. The main stress hormone, cortisol, is well-known in the science research literature to interfere with various cognitive processes. So, the boost in memory and logical reasoning capacity identified in this study is likely to be attributed to the stress-relieving impact of ocean travel. This, combined with the amazing array of stimulating activities onboard the world's only ocean liner, allows the passenger's brains to unlock their full potential." Beyond the study's cognitive findings, Cunard's unique offering provides an unmatched sanctuary for relaxation and renewal. From captivating lectures by world-renowned experts as part of the Cunard Insights program to personalized wellness treatments, each element of the voyage is thoughtfully designed to foster well-being. This is all complemented by Cunard's celebrated White Star Service, ensuring every moment aboard is distinguished by personalized attention and elegance. Katie McAlister , President of Cunard, added: "This study reinforces what we have always known - a Cunard voyage is much more than just a holiday. Our thoughtfully curated enrichment programs, bespoke wellness experiences, world-class dining, and renowned White Star Service combined with the opportunity to unwind and embrace the serenity of the ocean leave our guests feeling refreshed, inspired, and reinvigorated." For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com . For Travel Advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSourceCruises.com , or call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273. NOTES TO EDITORS The neuroscience study was conducted by Walnut Unlimited. 40 guests traveling on the Queen Mary 2 from Southampton to New York on October 18, 2024 , took part in the study. Two tests were performed on either the day before or the first day aboard and another 5-6 days later towards the end of the sailing. The study used a combination of self-report and biometric measures to monitor psycho-physiological reactions using a neurofeedback device to measure and record the natural electrical activity of the brain and a Galvanic Skin Response Recorder (also known as GSR) to measure and record the natural electrical resistance of the skin. Further images can be downloaded here: https://we.tl/t-2jeggkkNxP About Cunard Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840, celebrating an incredible 184 years of operation. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment, and outstanding White Star service. From a partnership with a two-Michelin starred chef, to inspiring guest speakers, to world class theatre productions, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys and round world voyages, destinations sailed to also include Europe , the Caribbean , Alaska , the Far East and Australia . There are currently four Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth , Queen Victoria and new ship, Queen Anne , entered service in May 2024 . This investment is part of the company's ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc. www.cunard.com (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK). Photography Photos are available in our image library, Asset Bank: https://cunard.assetbank-server.com/ Please note, once directed to the page you will need to "Register for an account." Your request may take up to 24 hours for approval to access the library of assets. You will be notified via email to complete your registration. Social Media Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline For additional information about Cunard, contact: Jackie Chase , Cunard, jchase@cunard.com Cindy Adams, cindy@mgamediagroup.com About Walnut Unlimited Walnut Unlimited, blend scientific expertise - neuroscience, data science and behavioural science with the very best of quantitative and qualitative research to understand human decision making. They work with some of the world's best-known brands - unlocking human understanding to drive better, human centred decisions, that will bring people closer to brands and bring about positive behaviour change. About Dr Jack Lewis Dr Jack is a neuroscientist dedicated to making brain science accessible. His research on sensory integration and brain function has been published in leading journals, and he's authored bestsellers like Sort Your Brain Out as well as The Science of Sin. A seasoned broadcaster, Dr Jack has hosted Secrets of the Brain and appeared on BBC, Sky, and Discovery. As a speaker and consultant, he shares neuroscience insights to inspire audiences and drive innovation across industries. Passionate about STEM, he bridges science and storytelling to engage the widest possible audience. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/neuroscience-study-aboard-cunards-queen-mary-2-reveals-cognitive-benefits-of-slow-travel-at-sea-302315764.html SOURCE Cunard

SANTA CRUZ — Three people fell into the choppy ocean waves after part of the Santa Cruz wharf collapsed Monday, city officials said on social media. Two of the victims were rescued from the waters by lifeguards and a third self-rescued, officials said. The Santa Cruz Fire Department and Santa Cruz Police Department were responding to the incident, they said on social media. The wharf was closed as of 1 p.m. City officials have also asked residents to avoid low-lying areas due to debris and a high surf advisory. They especially advised avoiding beaches. Traffic is blocked off for all except emergency personnel. This is a developing story.UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The team looking for a missing Pennsylvania woman believed to have fallen into a sinkhole has determined that an abandoned coal mine is too unstable for people to safely search underground, authorities said Wednesday while still expressing hope Elizabeth Pollard will be found alive. 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. Emergency crews and others have been trying to find Pollard, 64, for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near what is thought to be a freshly opened sinkhole above the long closed, crumbling mine. Authorities said in a noon update that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and is not stable. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," said Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Trooper Cliff Greenfield said crews were still actively searching for Pollard. “We are hopeful that she’s found alive,” Greenfield said. Searchers were using electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. Search dogs may also be used. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. On Wednesday afternoon, machinery was removing material from the area around the hole while police and other government vehicles blocked a clear view of the scene. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers had been using 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," Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said. 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 have 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 being tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. “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.” Bacha said they were “hoping that there’s a void that she could still be in.” Pollard's family called police at about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Her son, Axel Hayes, said Pollard is a happy woman who likes going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. His mother worked for many years at Walmart but recently was not employed, he said. “I’m just hoping right now that she’s still with us and she’s able to come back to us,” he said. 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 had not noticed 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. “Let’s be honest, we need to get a little bit lucky, right?” Limani said Wednesday. “We need a little bit of luck on our side. We need a little bit of God’s good blessing on our side.” 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. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!None

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — Two people were rescued when a California pier partially collapsed and fell into the ocean Monday as the state's central coast was pounded by heavy surf from a major storm expected to bring hurricane-force winds to the seas off the Pacific Northwest. Residents were warned to stay away from low-lying areas near the beaches around the Santa Cruz Wharf, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco. “You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the National Weather Service's Bay Area office said on the social platform X. Lifeguards rescued two people from the water and a third person was able to swim to safety, the Santa Cruz Fire Department said on Instagram. Their conditions were unknown. Coastal roads in Santa Cruz were closed following the pier's partial collapse, city officials said. Gov. Gavin Newsom's has been briefed and the state's Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials, his office said. Ocean swells along California's central coast could reach 26 feet (8 meters) as the Pacific storm gains strength through Monday, the weather service said. “A rapidly developing storm will bring hurricane force winds to the areas well offshore of the Pacific Northwest tonight,” the weather service's Ocean Prediction Center said on X. Winds off Oregon and Washington could peak near 80 mph (130 kph) and seas will build over 30 feet (9.1 meters), forecasters said. The Santa Cruz Wharf collapse Monday came about a year after the Seacliff State Beach pier just down the coast was battered beyond repair by a heavy winter storm.

How Trump’s bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woesSylvester Stallone almost stamped out his relationship with his now-wife when things got rocky. The 78-year-old is looking back with regret at the time he decided to send Jennifer Flavin Stallone a breakup letter via FedEx in 1994, three years before they married. "Who FedExs a breakup letter?" Sean Hannity asked the Rocky star on the first episode of his Fox Nation show Sean , released Dec. 3, to which the actor, sitting beside his wife, responded, "A coward does." Sylvester added, "That's the most insincere breakup you can get. You put it down in words 'cause you don’t have the guts to do it face to face." The Expendables actor—who share Sophia Stallone , 28, Sistine Stallone , 26, Scarlet Stallone , 22, with his wife of 27 years—stressed he didn't actually want to break up with Jennifer at the time. "In my profession, or my life, I should say, the way I've been structured is my history with relationships is an abomination," he said. "I couldn't live without her. She is my everything, my sun, my moon, everything." Jennifer, now 56, has herself also spoken about the infamous FedEx breakup letter, which Sylvester sent her in March 1994. "He sent me a six-page handwritten letter, in pen," she told People a few weeks later. "It was pretty sloppy." She also shared at the time that she had learned that the actor had been having an affair with supermodel Janice Dickinson , who had given birth to a daughter the previous February. Ultimately, a paternity test revealed Sylvester was not the child's biological father, leading him and Janice to end their romance. He reconciled with Jennifer in 1995. That was not the only time Sylvester and Jennifer had called it quits on their relationship. In August 2022, the actor's wife filed for divorce after 25 years of marriage. By the following September, the couple appeared to be back together, with the Rambo star sharing an Instagram photo of the two holding hands, along with the caption, "Wonderful...." Their rep later confirmed the two had reconciled. "They decided to meet back up at home, where they talked and were able to work out their differences," they told Page Six that month. "They are both extremely happy." Look back at more famous couples who reconciled after calling it quits... Sylvester Stallone & Jennifer Flavin Stallone In 1994, four years after they went public with their relationship and three years before they married, the Rocky actor sent a breakup letter to his now-wife via FedEx. "Who FedExs a breakup letter?" Sean Hannity asked the actor on the first episode of his Fox Nation show Sean , released Dec. 3, 2024. The actor, sitting beside his wife, responded, "A coward does." Around the time she received the letter, Jennifer learned that Sylvester had been having an affair with supermodel Janice Dickinson , who had given birth to a daughter months earlier. A paternity test later revealed he was not the child's biological father, and he and Janice split and he got back together with Jennifer. In August 2022, she filed for divorce after 25 years of marriage. By the following month, the couple was back together . When they saw each other at the 2007 Golden Globes, their "love connection" was palpable, according to Jessica's 7th Heaven costar Beverley Mitchell . "I was like, 'OK, this is happening.'" After several years together, however, they released a joint statement in March 2011 confirming their mututal decison "to part ways." But it was clear they still had feelings for each other . Soon enough, the pair reconciled and tied the knot in October 2012. They welcomed son Silas on April 8, 2015, and his brother Phineas in July 2020. "We have similar values," Jessica told Marie Claire in 2017. "We believe in loyalty, honesty. We like to have fun. We like a lot of the same things. Also, in the business, we're all very career-oriented, and you have to be a little selfish. I understand that about my peers—about being focused and driven—and if you can find that and someone who shares the same values as you, it's like, 'Score!'" Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez No one had the resurrection of Bennifer on their bingo card heading into 2021. But the couple who so splashily dated before calling off their engagement in September 2003 (though they didn't confirm their split until January 2004) had other ideas. Ben and J.Lo saw their previous commitment and raised it a marriage, tying the knot in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022, and celebrating with a big bash in Georgia a month later. In August 2024, the v from Ben after two years of marriage. As reports of an imminent engagement started to make the rounds in the U.K. in early 2007, William broke up with his college sweetheart after four years together. That June, however, he invited Kate to a costume party at his barracks in Dorset (his first military posting was with the Blues and Royals of the British Army's Household Cavalry) and apparently her sexy nurse outfit was the shot in the arm the future king needed . A few years later, William proposed with the 12-carat Ceylon sapphire ring that belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana , and the couple's engagement was announced Nov. 16, 2010. When looking back at their brief split, William said in their first joint interview, "We were both very young. We were both finding ourselves and being different characters. It was very much trying to find our own way and we were growing up so it was just a bit of space, and it worked out for the better." Kate admitted she "wasn't very happy about it" at the time, but ultimately it made her "a stronger person." The knot was tied April 29, 2011 . The singer and the motocross racer started dating in 2001 after meeting at the Summer X Games. They married in 2006, but two years later ended up taking an 11-month break. "We were working all the time; there was so much time between our visits," Pink explained their rationale to Redbook. "Carey would see me for five days and be gone for six weeks. We'd try to fix everything in those five days—you just can't do that." The lusty pair reunited when Pink made Carey a photo album of old cards and pictures, showed him her unsigned divorce papers and wore his favorite pair of lingerie in a hotel suite in Las Vegas. They welcomed daughter Willow June 2, 2011, and son Jameson Dec. 26, 2016. Even these two had some ups and downs before taking their vows on Sept. 14, 2013. After meeting on the set of Legend's "Stereo" music video in 2006, the pair quickly coupled up, but a year later the singer started feeling overwhelmed. "I was really stressed and busy," he told The Guardian in 2017 of that almost-pivotal time. "I was just like: 'I'd just be happier single right now,' and she was like: 'No.'" So that was cleared up in the course of a day. They've since become parents to Luna (April 17, 2016), Miles (May 16, 2018), Esti (Jan. 13, 2023) and Wren (June 19, 2023, via surrogate). The Real Housewives of Atlanta star had been with Gregg since 1996, but filed for divorce in 2011. "I always felt like you have to teach people how to treat you and I felt like at that time that Gregg wasn't treating me the way I felt I should be treated," she shared on Uncensored in 2018. "It was me teaching Gregg a lesson." Gregg clearly got the message, as the pair remarried in 2013, letting the cameras in for I Dream of NeNe: The Wedding , and they were together until his death from cancer in 2021 . The Frozen star and the Armchair Expert host first hit it off at a friend's birthday party in 2007, but within a few months, their relationship took a turn. "He sat me down and said, 'I can't have this right now. I think you're wonderful, but I am still dating other people.' And then I, like, liquefied and fell to the ground, but I felt incredibly respected that he had the balls to tell me we weren't in the same place," Kristen later told Pop Sugar . But after only four days, the actress' phone rang with a remorseful Dax begging her to take him back. They married in 2013, on some day or other , and are parents to daughters Lincoln and Delta . The Maroon 5 singer dated Behati for almost a year, but in 2013 The Voice judge had seemingly moved on with model Nina Agdal . But after just a couple of months, Adam was back with Behati and he brought a ring with him . "Famous last words: "I'll never get married,'" he said on The Tonight Show in October 2013. "You know, I still don't think you have to get married, unless you meet someone that makes you want to marry them. And then you marry them and it's wonderful." Adam and Behati share daughters Dusty Rose (Sept. 21, 2016), Gio Grace (Feb. 15, 2018) and a son born in 2023 whose name they've yet to disclose. The very hot-for-each-other All My Children costars briefly cooled off in 1996, but quickly reconnected at a taping of what was then Live With Regis and Kathie Lee . "It was their Mother's Day special. They were pre-taping it, and one of the dreams of one of the mothers was to meet Mark and me. We were her favorite characters on All My Children ," Kelly recalled on Betches' Comments by Celebs . "She wanted to meet us, and I think we drove out a new car or pushed out a new pool table or something. She got a present from her kids and we brought it out to her. It all is so connected." The next day, May 1, 1996, they eloped in Las Vegas and went on to have sons Michael (June 2, 1997) and Joaquin (Feb. 24, 2003) and daughter Lola (June 16, 2001). They also now share a talk show, Live With Kelly and Mark . The longtime friends met in 2009 when Hailey's dad Stephen Baldwin introduced his daughter to Canadian heartthrob backstage at The Today Show . Seven years after their first meetup, they went Instagram official, Justin posting a pic of them sharing a kiss. But that only lasted a few months, and they went their separate ways. In May 2018, however, the model and the "Sorry" singer reunited with a vengeance: They got engaged that July and married in September. In an interview with The Times UK , Hailey reflected on their surprising trajectory. "I met him when I was really young and he was one of my best friends...at a certain point in time that turned into something else, but that just happens when you're 18, 19," she said. "We went through a long period of time when we weren't friends...We've moved past that." In August 2024, Hailey and Justin welcomed their first baby , son Jack Blues Bieber . The Breaking In actress and the NBA player made their red carpet debut in July 2010, but by the start of 2013, they needed some time apart. "It was because of distance and scheduling," Gabrielle told Glamour . "I finished filming the show, then I flew to Vegas right away to start shooting Think Like a Man Too . I couldn't take time off, and I missed some quality togetherness we desperately needed." Within a few months, however, the all-star pair had made up, and by the end of the year, Dwyane was ready to bring it on. They got married on Aug. 30, 2014. The 98 Degrees singer and the TRL host met in 2006 on the set of Nick's music video for his marital-breakup lament "What's Left of Me," with Vanessa playing the role of heartbreaker. They started dating, but split in June 2009. "We're trying to figure things out," Nick told Us Weekly. I don't pretend to know what the future holds, but everything's good. Vanessa's a good girl, and I care about her a lot." They found their way back to each other by October 2009 and married on July 15, 2011. They're parents to sons Camden (September 2012) and Phoenix (December 2016) and daughter Brooklyn (January 2015).

AP Business SummaryBrief at 5:20 p.m. ESTIan Schieffelin, Clemson topple Penn State to win Sunshine SlamAir Canada plans to bar carry-on bags and impose a seat selection fee for its lowest-fare customers in the new year, as discount carrier tactics increasingly enter the mainstream. Starting Jan. 3, basic fare passengers on trips within North America and to sun destinations will have to check duffel bags, rolling suitcases and large backpacks for a fee — $35 for the first, $50 for the second. A small personal item such as a purse or laptop bag will be allowed on board for free, as will strollers, mobility aids and medical devices. The country’s largest airline also said that as of Jan. 21, lower-tier customers will have to pay if they want to change the seat assigned to them at check-in — a policy it had suspended just two days after implementation earlier this year amid backlash from travellers. The moves mark a shift toward a budget airline-style offering from Canada’s flag carrier, which along with rivals has relied increasingly on ancillary fees for formerly bundled services that range from checked bags to on-board snacks and Wi-Fi access. Air Canada says the changes align its fare structure with similar ticket options from other Canadian carriers and “better distinguish its fare brands.” In June, WestJet rolled out its “UltraBasic” fare. The ticket tier allows no more than a personal item on board — stored under the seat — and charges a fee for seat selection, including after check-in, whether online or in-person. Discount carrier Flair Airlines always charges for a carry-on, which costs between $29 and $74 depending on its size. No-frills fares carry growing appeal for big airlines seeking to capture cost-conscious travellers as budgets tighten after inflation and interest rate hikes. “They’re competing with these low-cost carriers on various routes,” said Richard Vanderlubbe, founder of Hamilton, Ont.-based travel agency Tripcentral.ca. “This is what wins in the price-sensitive area of the market.” Criticism of bare-bones ticket offerings is “easy,” Vanderlubbe said, but the fare tiers — up to seven at Air Canada — give travellers choice. U.S. carriers such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have similar categories, though American and Delta still allow basic economy travellers to bring a bag onto the plane at no cost. “It’s a market solution to kind of an ugly problem,” Vanderlubbe said. “If you’re paying the lowest of the low, then who should get the middle seat at the back?” He added that customers need to be aware that what they see as the lowest fare on a price comparison search may not wind up being the cheapest option once the fees are tallied. “It’s not transparent until you’ve gotten a certain depth into the booking: ‘Oh, here’s the seat selection fee. Oh, here’s the baggage fee. Oh, here’s the carry-on fee.’ And watch out if you don’t check in online, there’s a massive penalty if you don’t,” Vanderlubbe said. “It’s kind of drip, drip, drip, drip. And it works,” he said, calling the trend “troublesome.” Transport Minister Anita Anand agreed. “I was just made aware of a decision by Air Canada to introduce new carry-on baggage fees. I am extremely concerned. Canadians work hard and save up to travel. They rightly expect excellent service, not extra fees,” she said Wednesday in a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Some competitors sought to seize on Air Canada’s announcement to highlight their own offerings. “Now the choice should be clear,” Flair said in a post on X. “The products are the same, one just costs way less.” That’s not always true. Some Toronto-Vancouver tickets in March start at $129 for Flair and $135 for Air Canada and WestJet. Other routes see a bigger difference, with Calgary-Toronto priced at $139 for Flair, $209 for Air Canada, $175 for WestJet and $198 for Porter. Air Canada noted that basic fare passengers who arrive at the boarding gate with ineligible bags will be charged $65 per item to check them. It also announced that customers on its “comfort economy” fare — the middle of the seven tiers — can check two bags for free starting Jan. 3, rather than one. Air Canada took in nearly US$2 billion in so-called ancillary revenue in 2022, up by nearly 50 per cent from five years earlier, according to airline consulting firm IdeaWorksCompany. The category’s share of total revenue for the company grew to more than 15 per cent from below 11 per cent in the same five-year period.