Agriculture & Forestry Resources
Strawberry lovers disappointed as farms across Virginia shut down early
For over a decade, Jimmy Messick has nurtured fields of strawberries at his family-run farm in Bealeton, Virginia. But this year, the farm's lush, green rows have yielded a sobering reality. Despite years of consistent success, the 2025 strawberry season has marked a historic low for Messick and other growers in the region. Instead of thriving crops and bustling pick-your-own events lasting through early summer, fields have thinned early, forcing an abrupt end to a much-anticipated seasonal
Strawberry lovers disappointed as farms across Virginia shut down early
For over a decade, Jimmy Messick has nurtured fields of strawberries at his family-run farm in Bealeton, Virginia. But this year, the farm's lush, green rows have yielded a sobering reality. Despite years of consistent success, the 2025 strawberry season has marked a historic low for Messick and other growers in the region. Instead of thriving crops and bustling pick-your-own events lasting through early summer, fields have thinned early, forcing an abrupt end to a much-anticipated seasonal
India Hosts United Nations Event to Celebrate International Tea Day
India took center stage at the United Nations headquarters in New York by hosting a high-level event to mark International Tea Day, drawing global attention to the beverage’s deep impact on livelihoods, sustainable development, and cultural exchange. Held on May 21, the celebration was themed "Tea for Livelihoods, Tea for SDGs", bringing together diplomats, UN officials, and tea-producing nations to recognize tea's crucial role in rural development and economic empowerment
India Hosts United Nations Event to Celebrate International Tea Day
India took center stage at the United Nations headquarters in New York by hosting a high-level event to mark International Tea Day, drawing global attention to the beverage’s deep impact on livelihoods, sustainable development, and cultural exchange. Held on May 21, the celebration was themed "Tea for Livelihoods, Tea for SDGs", bringing together diplomats, UN officials, and tea-producing nations to recognize tea's crucial role in rural development and economic empowerment
Montara residents call for urgent wildfire cleanup on state-owned land
For 25 years, Larry De Young has lived peacefully in the coastal town of Montara in San Mateo County, raising horses and enjoying the open landscape. But what was once a tranquil view has become a growing concern. Just across a dirt road from his property lies a stretch of state-owned land, now densely packed with flammable, non-native eucalyptus trees and other overgrowth that he believes poses a severe wildfire threat to his home and his community. The 100-acre parcel of land wa
Montara residents call for urgent wildfire cleanup on state-owned land
For 25 years, Larry De Young has lived peacefully in the coastal town of Montara in San Mateo County, raising horses and enjoying the open landscape. But what was once a tranquil view has become a growing concern. Just across a dirt road from his property lies a stretch of state-owned land, now densely packed with flammable, non-native eucalyptus trees and other overgrowth that he believes poses a severe wildfire threat to his home and his community. The 100-acre parcel of land wa
Thousands of birds to fly over Chicago, migration alert issued
As spring deepens, Chicago is poised to witness a remarkable natural phenomenon: the mass migration of thousands of birds soaring across the night skies. This seasonal spectacle has prompted the issuance of a migration alert for the region, highlighting the need for community cooperation to safeguard these traveling flocks. In the coming nights, weather conditions will align to create optimal migration patterns for a wide variety of bird species. Forecasts indicate light winds and
Thousands of birds to fly over Chicago, migration alert issued
As spring deepens, Chicago is poised to witness a remarkable natural phenomenon: the mass migration of thousands of birds soaring across the night skies. This seasonal spectacle has prompted the issuance of a migration alert for the region, highlighting the need for community cooperation to safeguard these traveling flocks. In the coming nights, weather conditions will align to create optimal migration patterns for a wide variety of bird species. Forecasts indicate light winds and
Multiple tomato brands pulled from shelves across U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a significant recall of tomatoes across 14 states due to potential salmonella contamination. This recall involves products from two separate companies: Ray & Mascari Inc. and Williams Farms Repack LLC. Ray & Mascari Inc., based in Indiana, has recalled its 4-count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in plastic clamshell containers. These tomatoes were distributed through Gordon Food Service Stores in the following states
Multiple tomato brands pulled from shelves across U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a significant recall of tomatoes across 14 states due to potential salmonella contamination. This recall involves products from two separate companies: Ray & Mascari Inc. and Williams Farms Repack LLC. Ray & Mascari Inc., based in Indiana, has recalled its 4-count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in plastic clamshell containers. These tomatoes were distributed through Gordon Food Service Stores in the following states
Rare Twin-Headed Snake Thrives at Berkeley Pet Facility
In a rare and fascinating event, a two-headed California kingsnake was born at a pet facility in Berkeley, and has already beaten the odds by surviving beyond the early stages of life. The creature, named Angel and Zeke, has two fully functional heads sharing one body—a condition known scientifically as bicephaly. Occurring in approximately one out of every 100,000 reptile births, the survival of such animals is exceedingly uncommon. The male kingsnake hatchling was discover
Rare Twin-Headed Snake Thrives at Berkeley Pet Facility
In a rare and fascinating event, a two-headed California kingsnake was born at a pet facility in Berkeley, and has already beaten the odds by surviving beyond the early stages of life. The creature, named Angel and Zeke, has two fully functional heads sharing one body—a condition known scientifically as bicephaly. Occurring in approximately one out of every 100,000 reptile births, the survival of such animals is exceedingly uncommon. The male kingsnake hatchling was discover




