Latest news with #Rollins
UPI
an hour ago
- Business
- UPI
New details unveiled on USDA's 'Great American Farmers Market'
The Great American Farmers Market will run from August 3-8 on the National Mall. On Wednesday, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins (pictured March 26 outside the White House in Washington, D.C.) said the event will provide a "perfect opportunity to showcase the rich bounty of our agriculture." File Photo by Francis Chung/UPI | License Photo July 23 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled further details Wednesday on the looming six-day "Great American Farmers Market" in Washington and which is slated to start in a little over a week. "America's farmers, ranchers and producers dedicate their lives to feeding their fellow citizens," said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in a statement. USDA officials announced earlier this month the department will host the event from Aug. 3 to Aug 8. on the National Mall in the nation's capital and will invite local American producers and growers to attend. A ribbon-cutting with live music will be part of the kick-off at Sunday's opening ceremony at 4 p.m. EDT on August 3. The Great American Farmers Market will be held as part of America 250, the celebration of the country's birthday, and will bring 50 vendors a day from 28 states. On Wednesday, Rollins added that the GAFM event on the National Mall will provide a "perfect opportunity to showcase the rich bounty of our agriculture." Organizers have hosted a farmers market every year since 1995 to provide access for vendors in the Washington, D.C., area. This year, the event is being expanded to include farmers from all 50 states. On August 4, Rollins and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will take part in a cooking demonstration that will also see "wellness-inspired activities," such as sunset goat yoga. The next day for "Faith and Fellowship Tuesday" will see live worship bands and people of different religions taking part. Dr. Alveda King, niece of slain civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., will be will be featured in the daily events to "reflect, celebrate, and serve through shared spiritual experiences that honor the role of faith in agricultural life and community wellbeing," according to officials. On Wednesday, the day's theme of "Protecting America's Legacy" will focus on forests, firefighters and "salute the heroes who safeguard America's landscapes." It will feature interactive talks and a special meet-and-greet with Smokey Bear. The next day will be "America the Beautiful Day." Thursday's festivities will see seed-planting for kids, garden tours and a "special visit" by a George Washington impersonator to tell the story of his 250-year-old cherries. Closing out the nearly week-long event will be "Farmer First Friday" on August 8 to "honor the backbone of American agriculture" with tributes, face painting, a move night showing of Charlotte's Webb, in addition to other daily activities.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
USDA grants more than $675M for Florida's hurricane-affected farmers
July 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is unleashing more than a half billion dollars in further aid to Florida growers and businesses in the aftermath of Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene and Milton. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was in the Sunshine State on Monday to meet with Florida officials, business, agricultural leaders and producers and signed a $675.9 million federal block grant with the state's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to provide additional relief for Florida's farmers to cover loses in its infrastructure, citrus and timber industry. In a statement, Rollins noted that American farmers and ranchers in Florida's southeast "have been hit hard and suffered significant economic losses during the last two hurricane seasons." "USDA has worked closely with the State of Florida to ensure those impacted have the relief they need," she said, adding the administration "has our farmers' backs and will ensure they have the resources they need to continue to produce the safest, most reliable and most abundant food supply in the world." Hurricane Helene's near-record-breaking size and storm surge last year in September wreaked havoc and caused billions of dollars in damage along over 500 miles of Florida's coastline. It ended with over 230 people dead in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia as the storm flooded towns, destroyed roads and bridges, and Helene swept away homes, farms and livelihoods. In June, USDA said Florida's orange crop for the 2024-2025 season was predicted to be its smallest since before World War II, with plummeting orange juice sales down over 50% since 2000. Rollins said Monday in a social media video that Floridians had faced "such difficult challenges over the last decade or so, most recently with all the hurricanes that have hit." "Most importantly, help is coming to our growers," the secretary said in Felda after her meeting with state and local officials. "It's right around the corner," she added. The $675 million federal infusion of dollars for FDACS to administer came as part of funding via the 2025 American Relief Act. On Monday, Florida's agriculture chief stated that his state's producers had endured "back-to-back devastating hurricane seasons," describing the additional federal assistance as a "major victory that will help them rebuild, recover and continue feeding our state and nation." "Food production is not just an economic issue, it's a matter of national security," said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. "And we appreciate the president's consistent support for our farmers." Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
UPI
a day ago
- Business
- UPI
USDA grants more than $675M for Florida's hurricane-affected farmers
1 of 5 | U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins (pictured July 15 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.) said Tuesday that American farmers and ranchers in Florida "have been hit hard and suffered significant economic losses during the last two hurricane seasons." Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo July 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is unleashing more than a half million dollars in further aid to Florida growers and businesses in the aftermath of Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene and Milton. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was in the Sunshine State on Monday to meet with Florida officials, business, agricultural leaders and producers and signed a $675.9 million federal block grant with the state's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to provide additional relief for Florida's farmers to cover loses in its infrastructure, citrus and timber industry. In a statement, Rollins noted that American farmers and ranchers in Florida's southeast "have been hit hard and suffered significant economic losses during the last two hurricane seasons." "USDA has worked closely with the State of Florida to ensure those impacted have the relief they need," she said, adding the administration "has our farmers' backs and will ensure they have the resources they need to continue to produce the safest, most reliable and most abundant food supply in the world." Hurricane Helene's near-record-breaking size and storm surge last year in September wreaked havoc and caused billions of dollars in damage along over 500 miles of Florida's coastline. It ended with over 230 people dead in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia as the storm flooded towns, destroyed roads and bridges, and Helene swept away homes, farms and livelihoods. In June, USDA said Florida's orange crop for the 2024-2025 season was predicted to be its smallest since before World War II, with plummeting orange juice sales down over 50% since 2000. Rollins said Monday in a social media video that Floridians had faced "such difficult challenges over the last decade or so, most recently with all the hurricanes that have hit." "Most importantly, help is coming to our growers," the secretary said in Felda after her meeting with state and local officials. "It's right around the corner," she added. The $675 million federal infusion of dollars for FDACS to administer came as part of funding via the 2025 American Relief Act. On Monday, Florida's agriculture chief stated that his state's producers had endured "back-to-back devastating hurricane seasons," describing the additional federal assistance as a "major victory that will help them rebuild, recover and continue feeding our state and nation." "Food production is not just an economic issue, it's a matter of national security," said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. "And we appreciate the president's consistent support for our farmers."
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Is Seth Rollins' Injury Legitimate or a Masterclass in Action? Exploring the Possibilities
Images via WWE: Seth Rollins At the 40th edition of Saturday Night's Main Event, Seth Rollins injured his right knee while trying to perform a lionsault from the second rope and landing awkwardly on the feet. The match got an impromptu finish with LA Knight picking up a quick victory. There were reports of the injury being legitimate, with Triple H confirming the same at the Evolution 2 post-event presser. However, there has been an interesting development on that front. WWE is being extra silent on Seth Rollins' injury update New reports have emerged from Fightful Select, which is bringing into question the legitimacy of Rollins' condition. Moreover, there has been a band of conflicting information, with some staff members being unsure of the larger narrative. For the unversed, Rollins was recently spotted moving with the help of crutches at Evolution and appeared on the Rich Eisen Show that he will be out for the near future. Apart from this, the company is allegedly being extra silent on the matter to create confusion and add spice to the former World Champion's arc leading into SummerSlam. One backstage producer even termed it as 'Machiavellian' which suggested that a complex plan is in action for 'The Visionary'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 21st Century Skills Start with Confident Communication Planet Spark Learn More Undo According to Ross Sapp, 'Producers, talent, and a number of staff are being told that Rollins' injury is legitimate, but there isn't a real solid detail on how long he could be out. Most everyone agrees that Rollins has some sort of injury, but there isn't a lot known on when he actually sustained it or if it was worked on Saturday Night's Main Event.' Is Seth Rollins Injury A WORK? WWE Talent 'Skeptical' | Scrapped SummerSlam Plans For the unversed, Wrestling Observer reported that Rollins had a legitimate injury way before SNME and needed time off anyway to deal with it. But that would not keep him out for long. As already mentioned, even WWE staff members are skeptical about the angle of this injury. Will Seth Rollins Return and Win the World Title at SummerSlam? It will be interesting to see if Rollins' injury will keep him out for a long period, or will this angle lead to something special at SummerSlam? The issue is that Rollins has had a legitimate knee injury and issues in the past. In November 2015, Rollins tore his MCL, ACL, and Meniscus during a house show match against Kane in Dublin. That incident forced 'The Architect' to miss WrestleMania 32 and also ended his first WWE title reign on a dismal note. Moreover, he even took time off after WrestleMania 40 to heal a knee injury after working on both nights of the PLE. Or if this angle is actually a scripted work, then maybe Rollins has something special for SummerSlam. Currently, CM Punk is set to face Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. The possible outcome could be Punk finally winning gold in WWE after 12 years and Rollins ruining his iconic moment by cashing his Money in the Bank briefcase. This could result in another 'Heist of the Century'. Either way, the promotion is tight-lipped on the matter, and it will be interesting to see what happens in the next few weeks. Also read: WWE: Backstage updates on plans for SummerSlam PLE 2025 Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yomiuri Shimbun
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
US Farm Agency Fires 70 Foreign Researchers Following National
WASHINGTON, July 18 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it has fired 70 foreign contract researchers after a national security review intended to secure the U.S. food supply from adversaries including China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. 'USDA has completed a thorough review of individuals authorized to work on contracts with the department and identified approximately 70 individuals from countries of concern,' a spokesperson said. 'The individuals working on these contracts from countries of concern will no longer be able to work on USDA projects.' U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on July 8 had announced a farm security plan that included efforts to bar purchases of U.S. farmland by nationals of the four countries, and to terminate any existing research agreements with them. Rollins said the moves were necessary to secure the U.S. food supply. The contractors had worked at the Agricultural Research Service, the in-house research arm of the USDA, said Thomas Henderson, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1657, which represents ARS workers in Albany, California. Most of those dismissed were Chinese post-doctoral researchers on two-year contracts with the agency, and who were already subject to vetting before being hired, Henderson said. Some arrived to work on July 9 to find their badges no longer worked, he said. Because of a federal hiring freeze that has been extended through October 15, the USDA will not be able to replace the fired staff and will need to halt ongoing scientific work that benefits farmers, like a project to develop a vaccine for a deadly toxin that occurs in undercooked beef, Henderson said. 'We don't have the talent now to progress on these research projects. It's setting us back by years, if not decades,' he said. The USDA did not comment on the concern about lost research capacity. The ARS conducts research on agriculture topics like pests, food safety and climate change that are high-priority to American farmers. The agency has lost about 1,200 employees, more than 17% of its 2024 staffing level, to terminations and voluntary incentives to quit offered by President Donald Trump's administration. In a July 8 memo, Rollins prohibited USDA staff from publishing research with foreign nationals from the four 'countries of concern' without agency approval and from attending events organized by 'foreign adversaries.' Some ARS staff were further told in a meeting that all publications currently under review will be re-analyzed and those co-authored with foreign nationals from the four countries will be denied, said Ethan Roberts, an ARS employee and president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3247. Before the memo, there were already extra review processes in place to publishing research conducted with people from the four countries, Roberts said.
