Latest news with #TaylorCollins
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Texan Trio Aims To Bring Regenerative Meats To American Dinner Tables
Katie Forrest, Taylor Collins, and Robby Sansom of Force of Nature. About an hour outside of Austin, near Fredericksburg, Texas, amidst Hill Country, three successful entrepreneurs have decided to invest in a new venture -- one that includes 900 acres of open lands, currently occupied by bison, turkeys, and pigs to name a few. Katie Forrest and Taylor Collins had started Epic Provisions over a decade ago after being endurance athletes who had shifted to a Paleo diet for nutrition. Robby Sansom, a close friend who was also interest in the food industry, had joined them as CFO and COO at Epic. The trio grew the company, and then sold it to General Mills for reportedly $100 million. While they continued to work with General Mills on how to grow Epic (and learn the pain points along the way), it was with that success -- and some of those earnings -- that they set their eyes on what would be next: building a go-to supply chain of pasture-raised and grass-fed meats. They'd already been immersed in the world of jerky and dried meats, and were working with regenerative ranchers like White Oak Pastures in Georgia. So the world of regenerative agriculture was not new. But instead of creating a snack, they wanted to create a one-stop shop for healthier, grass-fed, pasture-raised meats (such as beef, bison, elk, venison, boar, and chicken). Thus, their latest venture is Force of Nature. And their home office, you could say, is Roam Ranch, where not only do they look after a herd of bison but also host events, run workshops, welcome guests, and even live full-time. As Collins pulls out the golf cart from the driveway, he points out the soil difference between his neighbor's and his. He jokes, 'Ours is full of weeds, and we kinda prefer it that way.' When they bought the land, he said it was sandy, drought-ridden dirt. Today, it's buzzing with activity, even though they've been dealing with drought in the region, Forrest explains. This regeneration of soil is partly due to the bison. 'Bison are nature's iteration of the perfect soil builders,' Sansom says. Their hooves press on the soil, with all their weight, 3,000 pounds worth, he explains. That chips away at the soil crust and incorporates organic matter. Plus, as they roll on their backs, they spread seeds into the ground, further encouraging native grasses and flowers to grow. It's mid-March on the ranch. 'If you come back in a month, this is a jungle, a real food forest. The diversity, the pollinators, there is just so much going on,' says Collins. Plus, there will be baby bison roaming around, says Forrest. 'The majority of the herd is females, and we had a 100% pregnancy rate, which is really incredible. That's a demonstration of health and contextual appropriateness. But imagine this being 70% more animals in a couple of months.' Bison, in the States, have gone from being in the millions to then in periods of near extinction (in the 1800s) and now are seeing a revival thanks to conservation efforts. Yellowstone, which has the largest herd, at about 5,000 animals is perhaps the best demonstration of conservation at work. But at Roam Ranch, Forrest and Collins are tending to Texas, or Southern bison, which are more compact animals than their northern counterparts -- albeit from the same family. And they too have roamed these lands wild in the past, as did black bears, mountain lines, and black panthers says Collins. But most of those are now extinct, he adds. Roam Ranch is an example of one of the many ranches, the Force of Nature team works with to procure their meat. These range from Kansas to South Dakota to Nebraska and Montana. Most are family-owned and they're focused on regenerative grazing and using livestock as a way to revitalize soils and the land. Now they're also tackling America's most popular meat: poultry. 'We didn't use to eat a lot of chicken one generation ago. We eat now 350% more chicken than people would have eaten in the 40s and 50s. And if you go back, historically, there would not have been tribes of people nomadically roaming the grasslands following flocks of chicken,' Sansom says. So it's a challenging problem to solve. Can poultry be done at scale and regeneratively? Not yet, he says, but they're trying. Ultimately, it may also require people to curb their chicken addiction. Much of the problem lies in human's tendency to want to dominate nature. 'When we foce corn to grow, soy to grow, or in this case, force chickens to flourish in a places and in quantities that would be inconsistent with the evolutionary context, we're out of sync.' But Force of Nature wants to be that one-stop shop for regenerative meat -- and that would include poultry. Thus, the trio are tackling one of the most popular meat sources in America and finding ways to do it more regeneratively. 'We're trying to justify making these changes so that we can be the first domino that cracks the door for others to follow,' says Sansom. 'It's not us alone that is going to solve this problem. It has to be a community of growers, producers, brands, and even consumers to find the solutions.' The Cornish Cross chicken, he explains, was the winner in the late 1940s, which was bred to be raised indoors and grew fast. 99% of the chickens consumed today come from this one breed. Force of Nature is not selling this breed; but instead a slow-growing heritage breed, where the goal isn't to multiply them in size in 5 weeks indoors, but allow them to have a more nutritious diet and a life outdoors. And Sansom says clearly that while they're working towards a better poultry industry, they don't feel that 'a regenerative chicken exists at scale today -- yet.' That's because chickens need feed as their main source of food. And for every one acre of pasture-raised chickens, almost 40 acres of food crops are needed. So the answer is not so simple, given the demand for chicken in today's diet. While the Force of Nature believes deeply in regenerative, Sansom says they don't use any regenerative claims on their packaging. 'We work with ROC, Regenify, Savory Institute's Land to Market, and other certifications because the ranchers we source from use those certifications, but we ourselves do not make those claims at this time.' Instead, it's something they do on the backend -- and they welcome questions from customers. But at the moment, they argue that the costs involved with adding certifications on the product could increase the prices further, which they're not keen to do. Plus, it means juggling expectations of different parties. Grocery store buyers, for example, he explains, want price points that are affordable while hitting these values. For them, velocity is a key word: how many units can you sell in a particular category. Given that the trio have been working in the food industry for over 15 years now, they're well-versed in the needs of the different parties involved in retail and distribution. That's why their meats today are available through their website directly and in over 4,000 retailers. 'We had one of the largest health food retailers out here in 2016 to talk them about a regenerative approach to meats. These things take time as people begin to understand that importance of what we're doing. And we want it to be a relationship and a partnership, not transactional,' Sansom adds. Forrest, Collins, and Sansom have all seen the ups and downs of building new supply chains; the challenges are endless. That said, they're not giving up on a vision where Americans eat less, but higher quality meat -- a real shift from the commoditized, industrial approach that has dominated in recent decades.
Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Telegraph
The best carry-on luggage to fit all airlines, tried and tested
Airlines famously love to catch passengers out with extra hidden costs on a flight. Whether it's reserving a window seat or just something to eat, no flight is ever as cheap as advertised. At least there is a way to avoid paying excessive hold luggage charges and that's by packing light (our guide to packing cubes will help with that) and investing in the best carry-on luggage. Cabin luggage often still incurs extra cost, but far less than you'd pay for a 20kg-plus suitcase in the hold. And because it comes on board with you, you don't have to wait to claim it when you land. There are many different styles on offer: do you go for a soft shell cabin bag, or hard? Four wheels or two? Expandable or not? Fashionable or pragmatic? Laptop sleeve or none? Hand luggage that fits every airline, or one that suits the airline you fly with most often? We've taken the guesswork out of it by reviewing the best carry-on luggage in each of the above styles, as well as speaking to ex-British Airways cabin crew. You'll find their advice on carry-on rules and tips on the best luggage brands at the bottom of this article, beneath my reviews. If you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at my top five: The best carry-on luggage: At a glance What is carry-on luggage? 'Carry-on luggage is the bag, backpack or small suitcase you are allowed to bring on the plane with you,' explains Taylor Collins, a former cabin crew member at British Airways. 'You will need to check with your airline for restrictions, since this varies by airline and route.' Unfortunately, there is no standard size for carry-on luggage, with every airline implementing their own size and weight restrictions. If you're looking for a carry-on suitcase that will be accepted by most airlines, you'll most likely be safe with 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. Most airlines also say that carry-on luggage shouldn't weigh more than 10kg. How we test the best carry-on luggage I've spent two months testing these carry-on suitcases in person, rating them for weight, manoeuvrability, compression features, strong zips, TSA locks, clever compartments, interior size, style, durability and any smart features such as battery packs. I also analysed the wear and tear on each after rolling them through airports, train stations and on uneven pavements. I checked the measurements were as listed on their websites and equally how well they fit into overhead lockers on aeroplanes. Here is what I found, starting with my favourite… Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From tents to walking boots, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more The best carry-on luggage of 2025 1. Away The Carry-On £220, Away Best Buy carry-on luggage: 10/10 We like: How easy the suitcases are to manoeuvre around busy streets We don't like: The shell scuffs easily 3.2kg, 40 litre capacity Polycarbonate hard shell 55.1cm x 34.8cm x 22.9cm Lifetime warranty Sometimes companies are guilty of sacrificing practicality for aesthetics. Away manages to triumph in both. The Carry-On is a minimalist suitcase without exterior pockets, made from a sturdy matte polycarbonate shell. The 360-degree spinning wheels are the smoothest and quietest of any of the suitcases I tried, making it a winner on the uneven streets of London. Another handy feature is the built-in USB charger which you can add on for £20. It's not a must, especially as portable battery packs are so cheap to buy these days, but it saves having to root around your smaller bag or even your suitcase to find a charger. Inside is an eraser to get rid of scuffs and marks on the case (an unfortunate by-product of hard shell cases) and a laundry bag. One side has a zip-up pocket while the other has a compression zip and I was happy to find the handles didn't eat too much into the space on the right-hand side. Away suitcases aren't the cheapest but they're excellent value. They're easy to manoeuvre, lightweight and last forever. It doesn't hurt that they're rather smart looking. 2.9kg, 37l litre capacity Polypropylene hard shell case with polyester lining 55cm x 40cm x 20cm 5 year guarantee You'll probably recognise this one. Tripp suitcases make up half the passport queue at Gatwick and are easily recognisable by their bold colours and dimpled front. Tripp has a brand new iteration of its bestselling Holiday range of suitcases: the 8. It's a great budget suitcase, complete with a TSA lock (see FAQ section) – impressive at this price point. Inside are two compartments, one meshed and zipped, the other with compression straps. It's a four-wheeler with seamless 360-degree movement and the polycarbonate shell is lightweight. There's nothing particularly special about the Tripp Holiday 8, it just does the basics well. Without a doubt, the best budget brand in the luggage market. 3. TravelPro Maxlite 5 £139, TravelPro Best lightweight carry-on luggage: 10/10 We like: The number of pockets which you can stuff with last minute packing We don't like: It's not as good-looking as the minimalist hardshell suitcases 2.41kg, 39 litre capacity Polyester soft shell fabric with a water resistant coating 55.2cm x 40cm x 20cm If the shiny new hardshell cases don't appeal to you, this super-lightweight softshell suitcase might be more your bag. TravelPro is perhaps most recognisable for its FlightCrew line, specifically designed for airline crew. Though the Maxlite is designed for regular travellers, it takes in everything TravelPro has learnt from the pros: the need for durability and functionality. That means using strong, water and stain-resistant nylon fabric and easy glide zips, padded exterior pockets and offering a good warranty. This suitcase might not be as pretty as the minimalist hardshell designs, but it's probably the most practical on this list. Most notably, the handle is the softest and most ergonomic I tried. The exterior pockets were deep and padded, meaning I could fit my laptop inside. The interior felt huge, but bear in mind you can only pack on one side; the opening is only a flap, compared to the clamshell designs of others. Personally I found this easier to pack. There was no fussing around with secret compartments. Softshell suitcase loyalists won't find better value than this. 4. Rimowa Original Cabin £1,070, Rimowa Best luxury carry-on luggage: 10/10 We like: The solid design which will last forever We don't like: The exterior picks up scuffs and dents (but can be knocked back into shape) 4.3kg, 29 litre capacity Aluminium-magnesium alloy hard shell 55cm x 40cm x 23cm Lifetime guarantee What is so special about Rimowa suitcases? Simple: they're made with a lightweight aluminium-magnesium alloy, resulting in one of the most durable suitcases money can buy. Rimowa pioneered the aluminium suitcases trend in the 1930s and remains the best today. Aluminium is less commonly used for luggage than polycarbonate or fabric, since it tends to be heavier and more expensive. The trade-off is that it comes with a lifetime guarantee and your suitcase becomes something of a family heirloom. Taylor Collins from British Airways Holidays says: 'Rimowa is the epitome of suitcases, in my opinion. Expensive, but comes with a lifetime guarantee and excellent if you are a frequent traveller.' I was pleased to find both sides of the suitcase had excellent compressive straps, which meant I could pack lots inside. I loved the trunk-style snap of the bulky locks as they click into place. There's certainly a feeling of nostalgia when using this case. Owning a Rimowa suitcase is a status symbol. The brand is owned by LVMH, the luxury goods house which owns Louis Vuitton, Dom Perignon and Givenchy among others. But if you can afford it, you won't find better. 2.8kg, 37 litre capacity Polycarbonate hard shell 54cm x 40cm x 20cm Lifetime warranty Firstly, I absolutely love the smart design of this Antler suitcase, which has earned plenty of compliments from jealous friends and family, coming in black, field green or berry red. This is my suitcase of choice for lugging around planes and trains because it's so smooth and easy to manoeuvre. I don't have to worry about getting stuck in turnstiles (something I've had bad experiences with in the past). It's equipped with a TSA lock on the side and two handles, plus an extendable handle for wheeling. The handle has an innovative twisting mechanism which rotates as you walk for a more comfortable grip. Inside, one half has a compression strap while the other has a zippable compartment complete with extra pockets for last-minute toiletries. The handles do slightly cut into the capacity, but not enough that it's an issue. There's still a good 37 litres of volume. All in all, this Antler suitcase has the British quality you'd expect from a heritage brand. With the lifetime guarantee, I expect to use this one for years to come. 6. Stubble & Co The Adventure Bag £210, Stubble & Co Best carry-on travel backpack: 9/10 We like: The various pockets and compartments We don't like: It might be a little bulky for anyone small of stature 1.6kg, 42 litre capacity Recycled plastic soft shell 53cm x 36cm x 24cm 2 year warranty Sometimes you want a backpack style of carry-on luggage instead of a suitcase, perhaps if you're taking other large suitcases with you for a longer trip and can't manage another wheeler. My choice of carry-on backpack is Stubble & Co's The Adventure Bag (we're also big fans of Stubble & Co's everyday backpack). It features a clam-shell design similar to many of the hard-shell cases on this list, which means it opens out into two sections. There's also an easy access compartment at the top and a padded 16 inch laptop sleeve, both accessible without opening the main compartments. Despite fitting 42 litre volume, it weighs just 1.6kg when empty and the cushioned back means it's genuinely comfortable to walk with on your back. It's worth noting this doesn't have the option of wheels, though, unlike some travel backpacks. Chest straps and waist straps take further strain off the weight, while a luggage sleeve means it can sit on a suitcase. It's also weatherproof and it comes with a separate rain cover. But my favourite thing about this bag is the compartments inside which make organising luggage super easy. Each half has a series of different-sized zipped compartments with mesh coverings, so you can still see what's inside. I'm a big packing cube fan, but I actually find this bag to be compartmentalised enough that I don't need to use them here (although the sections are deep enough that you definitely could if you wanted). Compression straps help to fit more in. It's a little boxy to just use as an everyday backpack, but great as an alternative to a suitcase. 2.3kg, 39 litre capacity Polypropylene hard shell and recycled PET plastic bottles interior 50cm x 40cm x 20cm Limited 5 year warranty Samsonite is on a mission to prove traditional brands can be innovative too with this ridged hardshell carry-on. If you've ever fallen foul of a shampoo disaster and found yourself scrubbing on your hands and knees, you'll love this feature: a removable and machine-washable lining. Genius. Other than that, this suitcase is made with recycled materials, has an integrated USB port and is expandable. Like the Antler suitcase above, check your airline allowances before expanding. Unexpanded, this fits British Airways, Ryanair, TUI, Jet2 and several others. You can fit a fair amount inside this suitcase thanks to the nifty zipped compartments and compression straps. Everything is kept secure with a TSA lock while an integrated ID tag makes it easily distinguishable. I love the modern look of this suitcase and the silver lining. Samsonite is a brand I've used for years, so I'm not surprised I loved this carry-on as much as I did. 2.4kg, 42 litre capacity Polyester soft shell fabric 50cm x 32.5cm x 23cm 30 year warranty Ask frequent travellers and experts their favourite suitcase and you'll be surprised how many people choose the Eastpak Tranverz, which comes in a small, medium and large size. The small is a suitable size for a cabin bag. Unlike other soft suitcases, it features a clamshell design, meaning you can pack up both sides. Usually soft shell suitcases have an opening flap and can only be packed on one side. Each side is secured with compression straps and there's also a zip-fastened front pocket. I love the ruggedness of this suitcase – which is also water-resistant, by the way. I felt far more adventurous wheeling this around than I did the Away or Antler suitcases above. The soft fabric is flexible, too, so I found I could pack it full but still compress my clothes down. It would make an excellent companion to an intrepid traveller. 9. Carl Friedrik Carry-On X £465, Carl Friedrik Best carry-on luggage for first class flyers: 9/10 We like: Beautifully designed with a painstaking attention to detail We don't like: It's unsurprisingly on the heavier side 4.3kg, 43 litre capacity Polycarbonate hard shell with Italian leather detailing 55cm x 38cm x 25cm Lifetime warranty Luxury travel goods brand Carl Friedrik makes smart suitcases with leather handles and detailing that wouldn't look amiss on the arm of James Bond. The suitcases use the industry leading Japanese Hinomoto wheels also used by the likes of Antler and Away. They are, as they claim, 'whisper-quiet' (essential for an international spy). This Carry-On X has a large front pocket for quick access to essentials, with a hard laptop compartment, pen slots and a smaller pocket that fits a notebook. It's like having a separate briefcase and is especially handy for taking laptops through security. Inside, each half has a compression strap and a removable compression pad. I'm particularly impressed by the interior size. Often exterior pockets at the front of suitcases can eat into the room on the inside. Granted, this is marginally wider and deeper than the Away suitcase in position one, but it feels equally spacious despite the exterior pocket. The downside is that it's a little large for some of the budget airlines – you can see baggage restrictions for popular airlines in the FAQ section below. The exterior is made from polycarbonate and there are two TSA locks for extra security. As you might expect from the quality of the thing, it's on the heavier side for a cabin-sized bag at 4.3kg but it's nowhere near heavy. It's best suited to frequent business travellers looking for something smart to show off in the Amex lounge. 10. July Carry On Pro £220, July Best suitcase for business trips: 9/10 We like: The SnapSleeve laptop case makes security a doddle We don't like: It's on the bigger side, meaning it won't fit some airlines 3.4kg, 42 litre capacity Polycarbonate hard shell with aluminium bumpers and nylon lining 55cm x 38.5cm x 21.5cm Lifetime warranty Melbourne brand July brings a splash of personality to the suitcase market with a variety of colourful and customisable suitcases, weekend bags and travel accessories. This Carry On Pro caught my eye in particular because of the SnapSleeve feature. It's essentially a laptop sleeve which sticks and unsticks to the suitcase using Fidlock technology. It's a sort of magnetic, mechanical latch which doesn't budge unless pulled away, making it a lifesaver for airport security. As it's an add-on, it doesn't eat into the overall capacity of the suitcase. It's also water-resistant, to keep your laptop safe from water damage in the rain. The SnapSleeve coupled with the ejectable battery on top makes this July suitcase a stellar companion to a frequent business traveller or digital nomad. Inside you'll also find compressive straps for packing and a hidden laundry bag with a 42-litre volume for packing. I also love July's Carry On Light suitcase which weighs just 1.8kg, though it's a little small for longer trips. 3.9kg, 38 litre capacity 70 per cent recycled polycarbonate hard shell, 100 per cent recycled polyester fabrics 55cm x 40cm x 30cm Limited lifetime warranty We may finally be approaching the day when we don't have to bag up our liquids to be scanned separately, but we'll probably still have to take laptops and electricals out of our carry-on. This case from Oslo designers Db has a section with separate access, making it easier to whip things in and out without everyone seeing your knickers. There's also an external padded laptop compartment. Db was originally called Douchebags and you do pay a premium for its too-cool-for-school ethos, but there's no doubting the build quality. The wheels roll silently without wobble, the shell is tough and light and the 'hook-up system' is a nice touch, enabling you to attach it to a larger Db case. The main drawback is the 30cm depth, which is too big for many budget airlines. It's also a bit of a logic puzzle when you open it out on the bed and unzip all the compartments: which is front, which is back, where should I put my trainers? But those niggles aside, the Ramverk looks good, rolls easily and should last a long time. In the unlikely event any of its parts break, they're designed to be replaceable. So you may never need to buy a suitcase again. Or indeed a Douchebag. 3.4kg, 37 litre capacity Partially recycled polycarbonate hard shell and recycled polyester lining 55cm x 40cm x 23cm Lifetime warranty Horizn Studios recognises the tension between wanting to live as sustainably as possible while also wanting to travel. While buying sustainable luggage obviously doesn't cancel out the impact of flying, it's one of many small steps we can all take to make a larger change. Horizn Studios uses cruelty-free materials, recycled packaging and creates durable products intended to be repaired rather than replaced. This M5 is one of the brand's hero products. Its features include a water-resistant front laptop sleeve, a TSA lock and 360-degree spinner wheels. If you purchase the smart version, you also get a in-built compression and a laundry bag. I don't love the fact that you have to spend extra for compression features, but otherwise I like the look and feel of this suitcase. It's compact and has a lovely sheen. The front pocket is useful with a padded pocket for a laptop and additional space for other packing – perhaps an iPad or Kindle which would also need pulling out at security. 13. The Portable Porter Co. Carry On £260, The Portable Porter Co. Best retro carry-on luggage: 9/10 We like: The beautiful, retro design We don't like: The handle is a little uncomfortable 3.2kg, 40 litre capacity Polycarbonate hard shell and recycled PET interior 56cm x 45cm x 25cm 3 year warranty The Portable Porter Co. Carry On has a retro design with a polycarbonate shell and leather handles. I tried the mustard colour, which is just the right shade of yellow – not too garish and not too muddy. Inside, the lining is made from 15 recycled plastic bottles. Each side offers something a bit different. One half has a strong compression mat and straps, while the other is a zippable compartment with extra pockets. There's also a leather luggage tag and a laundry bag inside, which is a nice touch. My one gripe is that I didn't like the shape of the extendable handle. The actual bit you grip has a strange shape which juts out where you'd wrap your fingers. It's clearly designed for the angle at which you'd hold it if you were to wheel it along beside you. As soon as you go to drag it behind you on two wheels, it slightly digs in. That is me being picky, though. Overall it's a lovely design and I especially love the smart leather handles. 1.89kg, 33 litre capacity Recycled polyamide soft shell exterior and recycled polyester lining 55cm x 40cm x 20cm 2 year warranty This Kipling is probably the softest, most flexible suitcase I tried, meaning as a chronic overpacker, I could cram it full. It's also super light, weighing just 1.89kg, so I didn't have to worry about overdoing it on heavy items. It's also water-repellent, a must for travelling in the UK. Inside is a compression clip – although the straps feel slacker and weaker than others I tried. The opening is a flap, so you only pack on one side. Thankfully, despite how soft the material is, the sides still support themselves and stand up as you pack. This is a two-wheeled design, meaning it's designed to be pulled along behind you. The extendable handle can also be zipped away, which is a nice touch. It's worth noting there's no lock system on this suitcase, so if you're concerned about security, this might not be the one for you. But if you're looking for a comparatively budget-friendly, classic duffel suitcase, you'll love this. 2.2kg, 44 litre capacity (38 litre when not expanded) 'Roxkin' polypropylene hard shell 55cm x 35cm x 26cm Limited 10 year warranty Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud had a hand in the intergalactic appearance of Samsonite's lime green Proxis (it's available in six other colours, so don't be too alarmed), but that doesn't mean the new range is style over substance. It's made of a special multilayered type of polypropylene called 'Roxkin' which is lighter and stronger than the type used in their Upscape, further up our list. The new material makes it more expensive, but the warranty is twice as long: a remarkable 10 years instead of five. The Proxis also comes with a 'WeCare' service whereby any damage caused by airlines gets priority for no-questions-asked repair and if it can't be fixed, they replace it and recycle the old one. We used the Proxis on a trip to Germany. We took it on the plane, train and a taxi and it was as light and resilient as you'd want – light enough for gran to stow in the overhead lockers. During the inevitable travel delays, the USB port by the side handle came in handy. This allows you to recharge your phone from a power bank (not included) stowed in a special compartment inside. Quite a few carry-on cases have this feature now, including the Samsonite Upscape, but it's nicely done in the Proxis, taking up minimal space inside and easy to use on the go. Small differences from the Upscale range include an embossed-leather ID tag, one more divider pad inside and smoother-rolling wheels. Other than that, it is functionally the same. So is it worth the upgrade? Yes, if you travel a lot and could use that extended warranty – but perhaps wait for the sales before parting with your cash. Carry-on luggage FAQs What features should you look for in cabin luggage? 'Check the weight of the bag,' says ex-BA cabin crew member Taylor Collins. 'Carry-on luggage often has a weight limit up to 10kg, meaning the more your suitcase weighs, the less you can pack inside. 'I always tend to opt for a four wheeled case, as this is the easiest to take around the airport. You will also need to ensure that you can lift it up and down into the overhead lockers.' Collins' final two pieces of advice are to choose a suitcase with a lock for security and either to mark your suitcase by tying a ribbon around the candle, or steering clear of black suitcases. It's never any fun trying to tell your black suitcase apart from every other unremarkable black suitcase on the same flight. What is the best cabin luggage to buy? The Away Carry-On is our best-rated cabin luggage because it's the best combination of spacious, durable and attractive with extra features including compression straps and a USB charger. It's lightweight, has a TSA combination lock and has 360-degree spinner wheels, which glide along any surface without making much noise at all. Collins says, 'There is lots of cabin luggage out there to buy and not one glove fits all. Although a softshell suitcase is lighter, a hardshell case is my preference. It's likely to last longer and be more protective.' Which is the lightest cabin luggage? July's Carry On Light claims to be the lightest suitcase in the world. Although I preferred the Carry On Pro reviewed above, I also tested the Carry On Light which weighs just 1.8kg. It still has 32 litres of carry space. For a softshell carry-on, try the Kipling Teagan C, above. It weighs just 1.9kg, only a little more than the July suitcase. As for our ex-cabin crew expert, Taylor Collins, she suggests the Tripp Holiday suitcases: 'Their website is also handy since you can search via carrier – BA, Easyjet etc – and it will show you which case size is accepted.' What size is carry-on luggage? Every airline has different baggage restrictions and some even change their allowances depending on the destination. Collins suggests the average baggage allowance for carry-on luggage is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, which is the British Airways allowance. A cheaper airline like easyJet has a smaller allowance, at 45cm x 36cm x 20cm. RyanAir's allowance is smaller still, at 40cm x 20cm x 20cm. Jet2 has a large allowance for a budget airline, allowing 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, the same as British Airways. TUI Airways allows 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Each airline specifies their own allowances on their own website. If you want a universal cabin bag to fit most airlines, you may be safer sticking to Ryanair's 40cm x 20cm x 20cm. However, if you generally fly with the same airline, you'll be safe sizing up according to their parameters. What is a TSA lock? A TSA lock can only be opened with a special kind of key held by customs and security officials in participating countries (which by now include most democracies). It allows them to bypass the lock on your case so that they can carry out a security check without your help and without damaging your case. The red diamond trademark signifies that a TSA lock has been Travel Sentry-approved, referring to the company that licences the technology. It also refers to America's Transportation Security Administration, who were among the first to use the special keys.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iowa House lawmakers move bills expanding higher education DEI restrictions
Restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Iowa community colleges and private colleges moved forward Wednesday in the Iowa House as lawmakers consider expanding prohibitions already in place at the state's three public universities. Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, last month tabled his own bill, House Study Bill 61, that would restrict community college DEI initiatives after Des Moines Area Community College announced it would pause its DEI efforts in the face of growing state and federal limitations on those programs. But House Higher Education Committee lawmakers on Wednesday revived the measure and took a 7-4 vote along party lines to advance it. More: University of Iowa 'school of intellectual freedom' among bevy of GOP bills battling 'woke' Rep. Monica Kurth, D-Davenport, said the bill was unnecessary. "Community colleges do not currently have these offices, and in this current atmosphere, I don't really see them opening these offices," Kurth said. Collins, the House Higher Education Committee chair, said Wednesday he appreciated that Iowa's community colleges are already in compliance or working toward that. "After conversations with my caucus, we believe these changes are important to codify," Collins said. Iowa's state universities' DEI programming and personnel already have seen ongoing major cuts and restructuring via legislation from the last legislative session that blocked them from operating DEI offices. The three schools governed by the Iowa Board of Regents have redirected more than $2.1 million from DEI roles and offices in response to the law and the regents' directives. Lawmakers also moved 7-4 to advance House Study Bill 60 barring private colleges and universities from participating in the Iowa Tuition Grant financial aid program if they operate a DEI office. The Iowa Tuition Grant is awarded to Iowa residents attending one of the state's private colleges or universities based on financial need. The maximum award for the 2024-25 school year is $8,500 for nonprofit schools or $6,000 for for-profit institutions. More: House bill would block Iowa Tuition Grant awards to private colleges with DEI offices 'I'm always surprised to see that we're butting into private businesses, even if they receive tax dollars," said House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, who is a Drake University associate professor. Collins said that Iowans in November's general election "resoundingly rejected identity politics." "We will no longer be distracted by DEI," Collins said of the state's efforts to shutter DEI offices. "We will now be focused on MEI — that is merit, excellence and intelligence." Lawmakers also voted 10-1 to advance House Study Bill 152 requiring the Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp., now called ISL Education Lending, to provide Iowa College Aid with an annual estimate of the annual percentage rate for the Federal Direct PLUS loan. It also requires ISL Education Lending post possible APRs for private loan programs including College Family Loans and Partnership Loans, and post comparisons between the terms of federal and state loans. The bill is intended to help make sure students know about the costs of loans before they take them on. All bills advanced Wednesday are now eligible for House debate. Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@ Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @marissajpayne. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Community colleges, private universities may face DEI restrictions
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Police could immediately remove squatters occupying vacant property under Iowa House bill
Police could investigate and immediately remove squatters under a Iowa House bill advanced last week that lawmakers hope to move forward to crack down on unauthorized people living on vacant property. The bill, House File 322, also proposes penalties for squatters if they fail to vacate a property when ordered to do so, in line with other states including West Virginia and Florida that have passed or proposed legislation that makes it easier for police to remove squatters or criminalizes squatting. Law enforcement groups fear the bill would violate tenants' due process rights and pose an enforcement conundrum for public safety agencies, while real estate groups favor the proposal and are hoping to speed up the process of clearing unauthorized people from their properties. "We've just seen concerns across the country when it comes to property rights and folks who basically just treat property as if they can squat on it and take it as their own," said Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, who introduced the legislation. "And I just want to make sure the state of Iowa is not vulnerable to those same kinds of practices we've seen other states." Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last March signed into law a first-of-its-kind "Property Rights" bill to help homeowners remove squatters more quickly as squatting cases made national headlines. A mansion in Los Angeles' Beverly Hills neighborhood became a party hub that was rented out and advertised as the "Beverly Hills Lodge." Other squatters were charged with murder in New York City. In Iowa, squatters may establish adverse possession over an abandoned property when they continuously occupy it for five years. Once they hold "color of title," squatters may keep or sell the property. Under the proposal, dubbed the "Stop Squatting Act," property owners could file a complaint seeking removal of any unauthorized people from their property. As part of an investigation, police could review any lease agreement, interview neighbors and make other inquiries to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to provide written notice directing the unauthorized occupant to immediately vacate the property. The unauthorized occupant would be on the hook for an hourly fee for services covering the law enforcement agency's response costs. Individuals who fail to vacate would face criminal penalties. Unauthorized occupants intentionally causing less than $1,000 in damage to a property would face a simple misdemeanor punishable by no more than 30 days in prison and a fine between $105 and $855. Damages exceeding $1,000 would result in a serious misdemeanor, which is punishable by no more than one year in prison and a fine between $430 and $2,560. Rep. Rick Olson, D-Des Moines, signed off on moving the bill forward, but said he will "jump up and down" if it advances to the full committee with the current language. He feared the proposal would put law enforcement in a position of policing domestic disputes and supervising people as they move out instead of responding to more serious crimes. Rep. Henry Stone, R-Forest City, agreed the language needed to be tweaked to respect owners' rights and get people off private land while making sure law enforcement officials are on board. "The overarching addressing this issue needs to happen," Stone said. Squatting is generally considered a civil matter, where property owners go through the courts to file eviction notices and remove an unauthorized squatter. That process can take weeks or sometimes months. Doug Struyk, a lobbyist representing the Iowa State Bar Association, said members of the group were concerned the bill would put law enforcement "into the judge and jury situation" in determining the facts of a situation. He said the current legal process landlords use to evict tenants protects individuals' due process rights. "The concerns here being that we don't believe the existing language provides sufficient due process to deal with the situation and that law enforcement are then placed in a civil matter trying to determine who's in the right, who's in the wrong," Struyk said. Kelly Meyers, with the Iowa Peace Officers Association, said police would typically hand off civil matters to the local county attorney or instruct people to hire a private attorney. "We understand what you're trying to do here, but for law enforcement to come onto a scene and be given maybe a lease or a legal document to review and interpret, civil matters have always been left up to the civil courts, and so we think this is definitely a civil matter," Meyers said. Jen Kingland, a lobbyist representing the Iowa Association of Realtors, said the group supported the bill as there is a potential for squatting to become more widespread in Iowa. She said the group has heard of approximately a handful of cases in the state where squatters have occupied homes that are vacant or listed for sale. "As you all know too, Iowa with its rural nature and some of these properties not being occupied at various times of the year, it can become a potential problem," Kingland said. Developer J.B. Conlin, with Conlin Properties, told lawmakers his company has had "tremendous problems" with homeless encampments on its properties and on adjoining lots. Responding to these instances can drain public safety resources as law enforcement officers have to return several times to a property when someone is found trespassing, Conlin said. In Des Moines, he said sometimes the city has given those living in the encampments about two weeks' notice, upsetting tenants living at his properties. After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last summer that cities can ban people from sleeping in public places, Des Moines passed a city ordinance shortening encampment cleanup notice times from 10 days to three. "I've had very angry calls from tenants saying, 'Listen, I've got kids, and I'm walking kids through this area, and there's drug use and/or something going on, and I … can't move them as a private citizen,'" Conlin said. "I have to rely on law enforcement in order to do that, and they will eventually come and clear the encampment." Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@ Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @marissajpayne. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Legislature bill would penalize squatting on vacant property
USA Today
13-02-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
House bill would block Iowa Tuition Grant awards to private colleges with DEI offices
House bill would block Iowa Tuition Grant awards to private colleges with DEI offices Show Caption Hide Caption Inside Iowa's 2025 Legislative Session: How a Bill Becomes Law Explore the process of how a bill becomes law in Iowa, insights into the 2025 legislative session, key deadlines, and how you can stay informed. Iowa House lawmakers proposed a bill that would withhold state financial aid from private colleges with DEI offices. Students testified that DEI programs are crucial for marginalized communities and their well-being on campus. The House Higher Education Committee also advanced other proposals, including one that would create a University of Iowa School of Intellectual Freedom. Private colleges and universities would be barred from participating in the Iowa Tuition Grant financial aid program if they operate a diversity, equity and inclusion office under a bill pushed forward by Iowa House lawmakers. The proposal, House Study Bill 60, expands the GOP-led push to end DEI initiatives in higher education to private schools after lawmakers last year restricted the efforts at public universities governed by the Iowa Board of Regents. Despite students sharing stories of how DEI programs helped them navigate college, Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, who chairs the House Higher Education Committee, said DEI programs have 'divided us more than ever.' 'DEI is DOA (dead on arrival) in the state of Iowa, and for our private institutions, honestly, this bill should be the least of their worries,' Collins said Wednesday as he advanced the bill out of subcommittee. Collins said he hoped Iowa's higher education institutions begin to work toward compliance with not only this bill, but also the executive order President Donald Trump signed last month ending DEI efforts in the federal government and discouraging DEI initiatives in the private sector. The Iowa Tuition Grant is awarded to Iowa residents attending one of the state's private colleges or universities based on financial need. The maximum award for the 2024-25 school year is $8,500 for not-for-profit schools or $6,000 for for-profit institutions. Adam Bessman, a first-year Drake University student, said he would not be attending school in Iowa if not for Drake's commitment to DEI. '… As a transgender man, I wouldn't be alive — literally, I would not be alive — if it weren't for the support that DEI programs give me and other minority students,' Bessman said. 'These programs allow marginalized Iowans to be safe and supported during their time in higher education.' Under the legislation, anyone may report a private higher education institution for potentially violating the bill to the attorney general, who would then notify the Iowa Department of Education and the institution within 15 days. The institution would be required to take one of two actions within 30 days of receiving notice: Either provide documentation that it was corrected to the attorney general and Department of Education, or demonstrate that the action was not a violation. If this is not done to the attorney general's satisfaction within the 30-day window, the institution would be ineligible to participate in the Iowa Tuition Grant program starting the next academic year. Eligibility could be restored by the next academic year after an institution takes steps to correct the violation or show no violation occurred. 'I continue to have questions regarding our interest in invading in the work of private higher education institutions while holding private K-12 institutions virtually unaccountable when it comes to funding,' said House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, who is a Drake University professor. Democrats have sounded the alarm about the state's spending on education savings accounts, which divert taxpayer dollars toward private school expenses, exceeding initial cost projections. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, there are no income limits to participate in the program. Keenan Crow, director of policy and advocacy for the statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization One Iowa, said this was an inappropriate mechanism for regulating private colleges and opposed the legislation. 'We think that this bill in particular pits marginalized communities against each other. It pits the folks who need the Iowa Tuition Grant against the folks who need DEI services," and sometimes those populations are the same, Crow said. Karrecia Crawley, a Drake University law student who attended Simpson College for her bachelor's degree, said people targeting DEI programs fail to understand history and the racial segregation that preceded DEI initiatives. 'You're trying to take us back to the 1960s,' Crawley said. 'You're trying to take us back to the time where Black folks, where gay folks were not allowed to speak out and have their time, so if you want to sit at a different lunch counter, you're more than welcome to do that, but I will not be doing that.' Patty Alexander, who said she is a mother to a college student, was one of two people to speak in favor of the bill. 'I just hope that we can end the DEI and it will help lower college tuition and make it more affordable,' Alexander said. Committee gives OK to bill creating School of Intellectual Freedom The full House Higher Education Committee also met Wednesday to approve a handful of bills, including legislation creating a new School of Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa. Lawmakers heard a presentation from Luciano I. de Castro, an economics professor at the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business, who pointed to data on political registrations by professors to argue that faculty at universities are overwhelmingly Democratic. "This is a fact we cannot dispute," he said. "Most, but not all, professors are left-leaning." He ended his presentation by telling lawmakers to "make universities great again." More: University of Iowa 'school of intellectual freedom' among bevy of GOP bills battling 'woke' The committee voted 7-4 along party lines to pass House Study Bill 52, which requires the creation of the school, which will "conduct teaching and research in the historical ideas, traditions and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society." "The future of our country is dependent on ensuring that the citizens of this country are taught to cherish and celebrate our western and American heritage," Collins said. "And I want to thank the University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State who have made great progress on this initiative." Konfrst said she's in favor of intellectual freedom and intellectual diversity and called it "offensive and frustrating" when people assume professors won't offer a fair education because of their party affiliation. "I would say that if there is perceived bias and concerns about bias, the way to address that is not to introduce additional bias," she said. Bill would lock in tuition rate for in-state students, limit increases for new classes to 3% The committee voted 9-2 on Tuesday to pass House Study Bill 51, which Republicans named the "College Affordability Act." Under the bill, in-state students at Iowa's public universities would be guaranteed to pay the same tuition rate across their four years of college, and the universities could not raise tuition by more than 3% for any incoming class of in-state students each year. The bill would also require the Iowa Board of Regents to finalize all decisions about tuition increases by Dec. 31 of the year before the school year when the increase would take effect. And each public university would be required to develop at least one bachelor's degree program that could be completed in three years, and at least one program that allows students to work part-time while completing their degree, with their employer paying their tuition. Collins called the bill "one of the most important we consider in this committee." "I think it's important that we provide surety to our students and create some innovative ways where we can not only reduce costs but also get those students more quickly into the workforce," Collins said. Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, said the bill's goals could be accomplished by the Board of Regents, not the Legislature. Pointing to Collins' recent statement on "Iowa Press" that "the Board of Regents should have been doing their job," on some of the issues being addressed by the Higher Education Committee, Jacoby tried unsuccessfully to amend the bill to require the regents to be elected, rather than appointed by the governor. "Each of these factors, these three or four separate initiatives, are things that could be done without legislation," he said. "They could be done by a responsible, innovative and a performance-driven Board of Regents." Republicans voted down the amendment. What else did the Iowa House Higher Education Committee pass? Other bills passed by the Higher Education Wednesday include: House Study Bill 50: The Iowa Board of Regents would be required to carry out a one-time review of all academic programs to determine how they align with the state's workforce needs. The bill passed committee 10-1. House Study Bill 56: The bill says students at Iowa's three public universities must take a class on American history and civil government as a requirement of graduation. The bill is based on model language from Civics Alliance, a New York-based group aiming to stop civics education from being turned "into a recruitment tool of the progressive left." The bill passed 7-4. House Study Bill 63: The bill would create a set of general education requirements for the state's three public universities. The bill passed 7-4. Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@ Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @marissajpayne. Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@ or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller.
