Latest news with #KenJohnson
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Some states issue bounty on handsome yet smelly tree
(NEXSTAR) — There is something idyllic about walking down a tree-lined street, especially in spring when blooms are bursting. It's why visitors from far and wide flock to Washington, D.C., every spring to admire the cherry blossoms. There are some blooming ornamental trees that, while impressive, have been found to be menacing to native species. They're so problematic, officials in some states have issued a bounty for it. The species, the Callery pear tree, has a complicated origin story in the U.S. Originally imported from Asia in 1909 for the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University, the tree was again brought to the U.S. a decade later by the Department of Agriculture to help the common pear (a non-native but naturalized species here) develop resistance against a destructive bacterial disease. Once its ornamental value and hardiness were recognized in the 1950s, the Callery pear was used to develop cultivars, including the Bradford pear tree, according to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. You may be familiar with other cultivars that have since been created, including the Cleveland Select, Aristocrat, and Redspire. It was believed, initially, that the trees were not able to reproduce, which experts later found to be inaccurate as the species found a way to cross-pollinate because of the cultivars, Shad Hufnagel, Forest Health Coordinator for the Kansas Forest Service, told Nexstar's KSNW. While the pear trees have many apparent benefits — they grow quickly, can adapt to different regions, tolerate droughts and pollution, produce a dazzling bloom, and form a symmetrical shape — the Callery is less than desirable. They typically have dense growth and thorns, per the USDA, which can prove detrimental to equipment and livestock that encounter them. Their ability to grow among pine plantations 'can impede some forest management practices,' while their dense growth can block out native species. The Callery pear trees are also known to be weak, causing them to be damaged by storms frequently, experts note. $95M settlement over Siri eavesdropping claims approved: How to make a claim And yet, there's something worse about them: their odor. 'The fragrance of Callery pears has been described as smelling like dead fish, vomit, urine, and other undesirable things,' Ken Johnson, a horticulture educator at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, wrote last year. Nonetheless, the trees have rapidly spread across the U.S. and can be found in several states, primarily throughout the East. Some of those states are inviting residents to annihilate the trees, oftentimes in exchange for a preferred native species or even money. Earlier this year, the Virginia Department of Forestry offered a Callery pear exchange program, offering residents free 'native, young, healthy' replacement trees for the removal of the trees from their property. Hundreds of residents, who were responsible for all costs related to removing the Callery pear tree, took advantage of the program. Missouri's Invasive Plant Council offered a native tree in exchange for one or more Callery pear trees in April. The Kansas Forest Service expects to host a buyback program in the fall. Organizations in Ohio have launched bounty and exchange programs, some of which target other invasive species as well. Pennsylvania recently launched its own program to replace invasive trees and shrubs. Similar programs have been offered in South Carolina. Several states have outlawed the Callery pear tree in their state. It may look stunning, but officials want you to kill this bug if you see it Ohio became the first state to make it illegal to sell, grow, or plant the tree in 2023, followed by Pennsylvania and South Carolina in 2024. Next year, Minnesota will prohibit the tree's sale statewide. Starting in 2027, Callery pear trees and their relatives can no longer be moved or sold within Kansas. Callery pear trees are identifiable by their white blooms in spring, which typically come early and produce the aforementioned foul smell, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture explains. Its leaves are wavy, rounded to teardrop-shaped, and have fine teeth. Thorns can be found on branches and stems. Callery pears can also produce large crops of tiny, hard pears that are green to brown that become soft after the first frost. Come fall, the tree's leaves will be 'brilliantly colored,' if they aren't tarnished by frost due to their late color change. Johnson told Nexstar that while fall is the best time to do woody plant management, as trees are sending resources from the leaves back down to the roots, you can still take down a Callery pear tree now. He recommends cutting down the tree and treating the stumps with an herbicide, and watching for suckers — stems that can grow from the base of a tree or its roots. Why Costco, Sam's Club typically have lower gas prices than other stations While it isn't considered invasive in every state, including Illinois, and can still be purchased, Johnson noted the species does still have invasive qualities. 'Just because you can still buy it doesn't mean you should. We know it causes problems,' he explained, noting that that is true for all the cultivars of the Callery pear tree. 'Look for something else you want. Those spring blooms, redbuds, dogwoods, things like that, still have those nice blooms and the added benefit — at least they don't smell bad.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
18-05-2025
- General
- The Hill
Some states issue bounty on handsome yet smelly tree
(NEXSTAR) — There is something idyllic about walking down a tree-lined street, especially in spring when blooms are bursting. It's why visitors from far and wide flock to Washington, D.C., every spring to admire the cherry blossoms. There are some blooming ornamental trees that, while impressive, have been found to be menacing to native species. They're so problematic, officials in some states have issued a bounty for it. The species, the Callery pear tree, has a complicated origin story in the U.S. Originally imported from Asia in 1909 for the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University, the tree was again brought to the U.S. a decade later by the Department of Agriculture to help the common pear (a non-native but naturalized species here) develop resistance against a destructive bacterial disease. Once its ornamental value and hardiness were recognized in the 1950s, the Callery pear was used to develop cultivars, including the Bradford pear tree, according to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. You may be familiar with other cultivars that have since been created, including the Cleveland Select, Aristocrat, and Redspire. It was believed, initially, that the trees were not able to reproduce, which experts later found to be inaccurate as the species found a way to cross-pollinate because of the cultivars, Shad Hufnagel, Forest Health Coordinator for the Kansas Forest Service, told Nexstar's KSNW. While the pear trees have many apparent benefits — they grow quickly, can adapt to different regions, tolerate droughts and pollution, produce a dazzling bloom, and form a symmetrical shape — the Callery is less than desirable. They typically have dense growth and thorns, per the USDA, which can prove detrimental to equipment and livestock that encounter them. Their ability to grow among pine plantations 'can impede some forest management practices,' while their dense growth can block out native species. The Callery pear trees are also known to be weak, causing them to be damaged by storms frequently, experts note. And yet, there's something worse about them: their odor. 'The fragrance of Callery pears has been described as smelling like dead fish, vomit, urine, and other undesirable things,' Ken Johnson, a horticulture educator at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, wrote last year. Nonetheless, the trees have rapidly spread across the U.S. and can be found in several states, primarily throughout the East. Some of those states are inviting residents to annihilate the trees, oftentimes in exchange for a preferred native species or even money. Earlier this year, the Virginia Department of Forestry offered a Callery pear exchange program, offering residents free 'native, young, healthy' replacement trees for the removal of the trees from their property. Hundreds of residents, who were responsible for all costs related to removing the Callery pear tree, took advantage of the program. Missouri's Invasive Plant Council offered a native tree in exchange for one or more Callery pear trees in April. The Kansas Forest Service expects to host a buyback program in the fall. Organizations in Ohio have launched bounty and exchange programs, some of which target other invasive species as well. Pennsylvania recently launched its own program to replace invasive trees and shrubs. Similar programs have been offered in South Carolina. Several states have outlawed the Callery pear tree in their state. Ohio became the first state to make it illegal to sell, grow, or plant the tree in 2023, followed by Pennsylvania and South Carolina in 2024. Next year, Minnesota will prohibit the tree's sale statewide. Starting in 2027, Callery pear trees and their relatives can no longer be moved or sold within Kansas. Callery pear trees are identifiable by their white blooms in spring, which typically come early and produce the aforementioned foul smell, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture explains. Its leaves are wavy, rounded to teardrop-shaped, and have fine teeth. Thorns can be found on branches and stems. Callery pears can also produce large crops of tiny, hard pears that are green to brown that become soft after the first frost. Come fall, the tree's leaves will be 'brilliantly colored,' if they aren't tarnished by frost due to their late color change. Johnson told Nexstar that while fall is the best time to do woody plant management, as trees are sending resources from the leaves back down to the roots, you can still take down a Callery pear tree now. He recommends cutting down the tree and treating the stumps with an herbicide, and watching for suckers — stems that can grow from the base of a tree or its roots. While it isn't considered invasive in every state, including Illinois, and can still be purchased, Johnson noted the species does still have invasive qualities. 'Just because you can still buy it doesn't mean you should. We know it causes problems,' he explained, noting that that is true for all the cultivars of the Callery pear tree. 'Look for something else you want. Those spring blooms, redbuds, dogwoods, things like that, still have those nice blooms and the added benefit — at least they don't smell bad.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lipari Mining Announces Q1-2025 Production and Sales Results
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 14, 2025) - Lipari Mining Ltd. (Cboe CA: LML) (FSE: OY90) ("Lipari" or "the Company") today announces production and sales results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 ("the Quarter" or "Q1-2025") from the Company's wholly-owned Braúna Diamond Mine in Brazil. All figures are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. Q1-2025 HIGHLIGHTS Q1 2025 ore tonnes mined: 169,758 tonnes, increased by 88% compared to the same period the previous year (Q1-2024: 20,398 tonnes) Tonnes processed: 173,443 tonnes, increased by 52% (Q1-2024: 82,450 tonnes) Carats recovered: 25,291 carats, increased by 84% (Q1-2024: 3,980 carats) Carats recovered per 100 tonnes of ore processed: 14.6 cpht, increased by 67% (Q1-2024: 4.8 cpht) Carats sold: 22,524 carats, up 66% compared to the same period the previous year (Q1-2024: 7,637 carats) $223 per carat achieved for total proceeds of $5.02 million (Q1-2024: $1.80 million) Average recovered diamond grade of 14.6 cpht (Q1-2024: 4.6 cpht) Completed 513 metres of underground development during the period (Q1-2024: 215 metres) Cash of $2.33 million; (Q1-2024: $0.25 million) Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Lipari commented: "Q1 was a technically demanding period as we completed the transition of our Braúna operation from open pit to underground mining during January. Ore production from the underground mine steadily increased over the Quarter resulting in increased diamond production during February and March. We sold 22,524 carats during the Quarter at a unit sales price of $223 per carat, which was in line with expectations given the subdued market environment. Ongoing uncertainty around U.S. tariffs impacted rough diamond trading and temporarily dampened the strong demand we saw at the start of the year. We remain confident that demand for natural diamonds will rebound once market conditions stabilize, and we are well positioned to benefit from a stronger pricing environment through the remainder of 2025." Operating Results To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Q1-2025 Sales Results During the Quarter, 22,524 carats of natural diamonds were sold for $5,017,092 (US$3,679,014), averaging $223 per carat (US$163 per carat), 66% more carats were sold by volume compared to the same period the previous year. The Q1-2025 sale included a number of good quality diamonds that weighed in excess of 10.80 carats, including a 71.07 carat stone of high value. During Q1-2024, 7,637 carats were sold for $1,798,755 (US$1,141,464) averaging $236 per carat (US$185 per carat). At the end of Q1-2025, the Company held an inventory of natural diamonds awaiting sale of 23,307 carats (Q1-2024: NIL). For the purposes of the Cdn/US dollar conversions an exchange rate of $1.36 was used, being the exchange rate on January 29, 2025, the date of the sale completed in Q1-2025 (Q1-2024: $1.27/USD). Figure 1 - 71.07 carat diamond. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Figure 2 - Close-up view of the 71.07 carat diamond recovered during Q1-2025. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The Company will be releasing its Q1-2025 financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis on May 15, 2025. This information will be available on the Company's website at and on SEDAR+. About Lipari Mining Ltd. Lipari Mining is South America's leading diamond producer, with a strong track record of operations at the Braúna diamond mine in Brazil, which has produced over 1.2M carats to date. Lipari is now applying its expertise to advance the highly prospective Tchitengo Diamond Project in Angola, marking the next phase of growth for the Company. The Company is committed to environmentally responsible mining practices. Lipari's Braúna mine is the only diamond mine in the world that recycles nearly 100% of the water used in ore processing, producing a dry tailings product which has potential as a soil remineralizer for the agricultural industry. Lipari's shares are listed for trading on the CBOE Canada exchange and trade under the symbol "LML", and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "0Y90". For further information, please contact: Lipari Mining Johnson Chief Executive Officer and President Phone: +55 (71) 3369 Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" regarding the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to: the Company's plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. All forward-looking statements and information are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company concerning anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, development plans, exploration, development and mining activities and commitments. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the demand for natural diamonds and the Company's ability to benefit from a stronger pricing environment through the remainder of 2025, development plans for the Company's mineral projects and expected mine life. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the impact tariffs will have on the demand for natural diamonds,, development plans for the Company's mineral projects and expected mine life. The forward-looking statements made herein are subject to a variety of risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially and adversely from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Specific reference is made to the Company's listing statement on file with the Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities (and available on for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect the Company's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. CBOE CANADA OR THE FRANKFURT STOCK EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lipari Mining Announces Q1-2025 Production and Sales Results
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 14, 2025) - Lipari Mining Ltd. (Cboe CA: LML) (FSE: OY90) ("Lipari" or "the Company") today announces production and sales results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 ("the Quarter" or "Q1-2025") from the Company's wholly-owned Braúna Diamond Mine in Brazil. All figures are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. Q1-2025 HIGHLIGHTS Q1 2025 ore tonnes mined: 169,758 tonnes, increased by 88% compared to the same period the previous year (Q1-2024: 20,398 tonnes) Tonnes processed: 173,443 tonnes, increased by 52% (Q1-2024: 82,450 tonnes) Carats recovered: 25,291 carats, increased by 84% (Q1-2024: 3,980 carats) Carats recovered per 100 tonnes of ore processed: 14.6 cpht, increased by 67% (Q1-2024: 4.8 cpht) Carats sold: 22,524 carats, up 66% compared to the same period the previous year (Q1-2024: 7,637 carats) $223 per carat achieved for total proceeds of $5.02 million (Q1-2024: $1.80 million) Average recovered diamond grade of 14.6 cpht (Q1-2024: 4.6 cpht) Completed 513 metres of underground development during the period (Q1-2024: 215 metres) Cash of $2.33 million; (Q1-2024: $0.25 million) Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Lipari commented: "Q1 was a technically demanding period as we completed the transition of our Braúna operation from open pit to underground mining during January. Ore production from the underground mine steadily increased over the Quarter resulting in increased diamond production during February and March. We sold 22,524 carats during the Quarter at a unit sales price of $223 per carat, which was in line with expectations given the subdued market environment. Ongoing uncertainty around U.S. tariffs impacted rough diamond trading and temporarily dampened the strong demand we saw at the start of the year. We remain confident that demand for natural diamonds will rebound once market conditions stabilize, and we are well positioned to benefit from a stronger pricing environment through the remainder of 2025." Operating Results To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Q1-2025 Sales Results During the Quarter, 22,524 carats of natural diamonds were sold for $5,017,092 (US$3,679,014), averaging $223 per carat (US$163 per carat), 66% more carats were sold by volume compared to the same period the previous year. The Q1-2025 sale included a number of good quality diamonds that weighed in excess of 10.80 carats, including a 71.07 carat stone of high value. During Q1-2024, 7,637 carats were sold for $1,798,755 (US$1,141,464) averaging $236 per carat (US$185 per carat). At the end of Q1-2025, the Company held an inventory of natural diamonds awaiting sale of 23,307 carats (Q1-2024: NIL). For the purposes of the Cdn/US dollar conversions an exchange rate of $1.36 was used, being the exchange rate on January 29, 2025, the date of the sale completed in Q1-2025 (Q1-2024: $1.27/USD). Figure 1 - 71.07 carat diamond. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Figure 2 - Close-up view of the 71.07 carat diamond recovered during Q1-2025. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The Company will be releasing its Q1-2025 financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis on May 15, 2025. This information will be available on the Company's website at and on SEDAR+. About Lipari Mining Ltd. Lipari Mining is South America's leading diamond producer, with a strong track record of operations at the Braúna diamond mine in Brazil, which has produced over 1.2M carats to date. Lipari is now applying its expertise to advance the highly prospective Tchitengo Diamond Project in Angola, marking the next phase of growth for the Company. The Company is committed to environmentally responsible mining practices. Lipari's Braúna mine is the only diamond mine in the world that recycles nearly 100% of the water used in ore processing, producing a dry tailings product which has potential as a soil remineralizer for the agricultural industry. Lipari's shares are listed for trading on the CBOE Canada exchange and trade under the symbol "LML", and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "0Y90". For further information, please contact: Lipari Mining Johnson Chief Executive Officer and President Phone: +55 (71) 3369 Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" regarding the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to: the Company's plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. All forward-looking statements and information are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company concerning anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, development plans, exploration, development and mining activities and commitments. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the demand for natural diamonds and the Company's ability to benefit from a stronger pricing environment through the remainder of 2025, development plans for the Company's mineral projects and expected mine life. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the impact tariffs will have on the demand for natural diamonds,, development plans for the Company's mineral projects and expected mine life. The forward-looking statements made herein are subject to a variety of risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially and adversely from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Specific reference is made to the Company's listing statement on file with the Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities (and available on for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect the Company's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. CBOE CANADA OR THE FRANKFURT STOCK EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AM Best Chief Ratings Officer a Featured Guest on InsuranceAUM.com Podcast
OLDWICK, N.J., May 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best Senior Managing Officer and Chief Ratings Officer Ken Johnson appears as the featured guest in the latest podcast to discuss AM Best's market segment outlooks and potential impact on investment risk. During the episode, Johnson discusses the factors underpinning AM Best's outlooks on the property/casualty and life/annuity insurance segments, and touches on leading industry topics such as private credit, offshore reinsurance, the growing role of private equity/asset manager-owned insurers and the shift toward more complex ownership structures. Johnson has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry and credit analysis and was named senior managing officer and chief ratings officer of AM Best at the start of 2025. The podcast series explores insurance asset management and is hosted by Stewart Foley, CFA, founder and managing partner. To listen to the episode, please visit the podcast center. The episode also can be downloaded at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast hosting sites. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit Copyright © 2025 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on Contacts Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
