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jokers wild casino reviews Hampton University’s 28-point lead evaporates in season-closing loss at AlbanyMISC and Gentari Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Ammonia Shipping and Floating SolutionsBeneath our feet lies a world often taken for granted, yet it forms the foundation of life on earth. Soil, with its rich, fertile composition, is the unsung hero of our ecosystems. It nurtures plants, supports agriculture, regulates water, and even combats climate change. As we approach World Soil Day, celebrated annually on December 5, it is imperative to reflect on the critical role soil plays in our lives and the urgent need to preserve this vital resource. Rich soil is the lifeblood of gardening, farming, and forestry. It acts as a reservoir of nutrients, allowing plants to grow and thrive. When soil is fertile, it not only supports plant life but also sustains the billions of microorganisms that contribute to a healthy ecosystem. These organisms break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, and improve soil structure, creating an environment where roots can penetrate deeply and plants can flourish. Gardening enthusiasts know the value of rich soil. A healthy garden begins with soil teeming with nutrients and life. The right balance of organic matter, minerals, and moisture transforms barren land into a thriving oasis. Whether growing vegetables, cultivating flowers, or planting trees, the quality of the soil determines the success of the endeavour. Poor soil leads to stunted growth and weak plants, while fertile soil nurtures vibrant greenery, abundant yields, and healthy ecosystems. Feeding the world Fertile soil is essential for feeding the global population. It serves as the foundation for agriculture, enabling the cultivation of crops that sustain billions. Wheat, rice, maize, and countless other staples owe their existence to the soil beneath them. Fertile soil provides plants with essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are crucial for their growth and productivity. Livestock depends on pastures that grow from rich soil, and even fish farming benefits from plants cultivated in fertile environments. In essence, soil nourishes the entire food chain, ensuring that people around the world have access to nutritious food. Healthy soil acts as a natural sponge, absorbing and storing water. This ability reduces the risk of floods and droughts, maintaining a stable water cycle. In agriculture, well-maintained soil minimises irrigation needs by retaining moisture, making farming more sustainable. Soil also plays a vital role in combatting climate change. It acts as a carbon sink, storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide that would otherwise contribute to global warming. By maintaining healthy soil, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. Rich, well-structured soil is less prone to erosion. It binds together through organic matter and root systems, preventing the loss of topsoil due to wind or water. Without fertile soil, landscapes become barren, and agricultural productivity declines. Soil is home to an incredible diversity of life. Microorganisms, insects, fungi, and small animals all thrive in healthy soil, contributing to its fertility and functionality. This biodiversity creates a balanced ecosystem that benefits both plants and animals. World Soil Day, organised by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlights the importance of healthy soil and encourages global efforts to protect it. Each year, a specific theme sheds light on the challenges and solutions related to soil management. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the essential role of soil in sustaining life and the urgent need to combat soil degradation. The 2024 theme focuses on the preservation of soil fertility, a pressing concern as overuse and neglect threaten this invaluable resource. Unsustainable farming practices, deforestation, and urbanisation degrade soil, depleting it of nutrients and reducing its ability to support life. World Soil Day reminds us that protecting soil is not just an agricultural issue; it is a global responsibility. Modern agricultural practices, while aimed at increasing productivity, often harm soil health. Overuse of chemical fertiliser and pesticides destroys beneficial microorganisms, leaving the soil lifeless and compacted. Deforestation removes the protective cover of trees, exposing soil to erosion. Urban sprawl seals fertile land under concrete, permanently removing it from use. Climate change further exacerbates the problem. Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns disrupt the delicate balance of soil ecosystems. As soil dries out or floods, its ability to retain nutrients and support plants diminishes. Preserving soil fertility is not just a task for farmers and policymakers; it is a collective effort that requires action from all of us. Farmers can use crop rotation, cover crops, and organic fertiliser to maintain soil health. These methods reduce nutrient depletion and improve soil structure, ensuring long-term productivity. Planting trees and maintaining vegetation cover can prevent soil erosion. Natural barriers like hedgerows and terraces also help protect soil from wind and water damage. Composting kitchen and garden waste returns valuable nutrients to the soil. It enriches soil with organic matter, improving its texture, water retention, and fertility. Limiting the use of synthetic fertiliser and pesticides prevents the destruction of soil microorganisms. Organic alternatives, such as compost and natural pest control methods, are more sustainable. Public campaigns Public campaigns and education about the importance of soil can inspire communities to take action. Simple practices, such as planting trees or starting a composting initiative, can make a significant difference. Fertile soil underpins the economies of nations reliant on agriculture and shapes the cultural and social fabric of communities. Without healthy soil, humanity would face severe challenges, including food shortages, ecosystem collapse, and intensified climate crises. As we reflect on the role of soil, it becomes clear that this resource deserves more respect and care. It is not merely dirt beneath our feet; it is the foundation of life, supporting everything from the food we eat to the air we breathe. Preserving soil fertility is an investment in the future, ensuring that generations to come inherit a planet capable of sustaining life. By recognising the importance of soil and adopting sustainable practices, we can protect this invaluable resource and reap its countless benefits for years to come. Rich soil is a treasure worth preserving, a gift to humanity and the earth itself.Long before I held conversations professionally, my biggest fear was: will I find someone interesting enough and will they find me interesting? It was always about the conversation. I’m from Manchester, Jeremy grew up in south London. We met at university in Nottingham in 2004 — he was studying management, I was doing history and politics — but our first proper date was at the jazz club Ronnie Scott’s. And genuinely, it was electric. I had so many things to say to him. I never wanted the conversation to stop. He was really listening when so many people are just waiting to talk. Sometimes I’ll throw out a trip wire and go, “Is this boring you?” Not to be mean, just so I know if

Ohio secures 84-68 win against Robert Morris

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15 on Saturday. All Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 2) has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in a wild one back on Oct. 12. The Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1, No. 5 CFP) had their best chance to beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 1988 but were hurt by special teams mistakes and disrupted by an Ohio State defense that sacked quarterback Kurtis Rourke five times. “In life, all good things come to an end,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. Late in the first half, Indiana punter James Evans fumbled a snap and was buried at his own 7-yardline with the Buckeyes taking over. That turned quickly into a 4-yard TD run by Henderson that gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead. Early in the second half, Caleb Downs fielded an Evans punt at the Ohio State 21, raced down the right sideline, cut to the middle and outran the coverage for a TD that put the Buckeyes up 21-7. It was the first time a Buckeye returned a punt for a touchdown since 2014. Howard finished 22 for 26 for 201 yards. Emeka Egbuka had seven catches for 80 yards and a TD. “Our guys just played with a chip today, and that’s the way you got to play the game of football,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. Indiana scored on its first possession of the game and its last, both short runs by Ty Son Lawson, who paced the Hoosiers with 79 rushing yards. Rourke was 8 for 18 for 68 yards. “We had communication errors, pass (protection), every time we dropped back to pass, something bad happened," Cignetti said. Indiana's 151 total yards was its lowest of the season. And it was the most points surrendered by the Hoosier's defense. The takeaway Indiana: Its special season was blemished by the Buckeyes, who beat the Hoosiers for the 30th straight time. Indiana was eyeing its first conference crown since sharing one with two other teams in 1967. That won't happen now. “Ohio State deserved to win,” Cignetti said. “They had those (third quarter scores), and we just couldn’t respond.” Ohio State: Didn't waste the opportunities presented by the Hoosiers when they got sloppy. The Buckeyes led 14-7 at the break and took control in the second half. An offensive line patched together because of multiple injuries performed surprisingly well. “We know what was at stake," Day said. “We don't win this game, and we have no chance to go to Indianapolis and play in the Big Ten championship. And that's real. We've had that approach for the last few weeks now, more than that.” Poll implications Some voters were obviously unsure of Indiana because it hadn't played a nationally ranked team before Ohio State. After this one, the Hoosiers will drop. All about Will Howard made history by completing 80% of his passes for the sixth time this season. No other Ohio State quarterback has done that. He completed his first 14 passes in a row and finished with a 85% completion rate. “I think Buckeye nation is now seeing, after 11 games, that this guy is a winner, he's tough, he cares about his teammates, he's a leader,” Day said. Up next Indiana hosts Purdue in the regular-season finale next Saturday. Ohio State hosts rival Michigan on Saturday.With so much of our lives spent in bed, we all must get a restful night’s sleep so we’re ready to start the day energized. While our bodies naturally cool down as we wind down, some sleep much colder than others. The right mattress can help cold sleepers stay warm and cozy throughout the night. Most mattresses target your sleep position and not your temperature, which makes shopping around tricky. This guide can help you understand what makes the right mattress for cold sleepers and everything you need to know to sleep well. Our top pick, the DreamCloud Premier Rest 16-inch Mattress , is designed to regulate temperature for a comfortable sleep. Cold sleepers should look to any mattress containing foam or latex, as these two materials trap heat more than other options, particularly breathable innerspring mattresses. While trapping in heat is a turnoff for some sleepers, those who are cold embrace the warmth kept within. Hybrid mattresses are increasingly popular. They feature a combination of foam or latex and innerspring layers to provide a balance of comfort and support. The foam or latex layers are typically the uppermost layers and help regulate temperature. How soft or firm the right mattress is for you is influenced mainly by your sleep position and size. Those who sleep on their stomach should avoid a soft mattress so that they don’t sink into the bed and strain their spine, but they should also avoid an extra-firm mattress that doesn’t support their hips and shoulders. Side sleepers should be cradled by a softer mattress with a bit of resistance for their shoulders and head. Back sleepers find firmer options most comfortable. Heavier individuals should avoid softer mattresses as they can sink in and not receive the proper support. Conversely, slighter persons may enjoy less firm mattresses since they can cradle them. For some people, gel foam is a much-desired feature; however, cold sleepers should avoid foam or hybrid mattresses incorporating gel foam. This is because the gel helps offset the heat trappings of foam by adding cooling technology, making the mattress a good choice for those who sleep warm, not cold. Most mattresses that include foam or latex are adept at lessening motion transfer, meaning that one person’s rustling or movement won’t disturb the other person in bed. What’s more, foam and latex options tend to be quiet. Foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are pricier, especially those with multiple layers. Cold sleepers can expect to pay between $600 and $1,200 for a queen-size mattress. A. Investing in a mattress protector is wise, especially for a densely made mattress that traps heat. A mattress protector prevents dust, mites, and, in some cases, liquids from penetrating the mattress, which can cause an odor and lead to slow deterioration. Rotate your mattress every few months so it’s used evenly, especially if you have foam layers that may conform to your body. A. Size and thickness don’t necessarily influence a mattress’s heat retention. Mattresses for cold sleepers come in all standard sizes. That choice should be made based on your size, available space and whether you sleep with a partner. Thickness ranges from around 6 to 14 inches. DreamCloud Premier Rest 16-inch Mattress – Luxury Hybrid Memory Foam What you need to know: This high-quality, thick hybrid mattress has foam layers on top for a warm, cozy night’s sleep. What you’ll love: The innerspring base supports all sleep positions while foam layers hold in warmth. There’s no motion transfer or noise when moving. What you should consider: It may be too firm for petite individuals. ZINUS 12 Inch Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress What you need to know: This mattress offers both comfort and support at a reasonable price. What you’ll love: It includes layers of low-toxin foam that help maintain the temperature as you sleep. It’s also infused with green tea extract, which helps to fight against unwelcome odors. What you should consider: While it does say it includes cooling gel, it’s still too hot for some people. GhostBed 3D Matrix Mattress What you need to know: This adaptable mattress adjusts to your shape and temperature to create the most comfortable sleeping experience. What you’ll love: It’s a hybrid mattress that cradles the body while still supporting the shoulders and hips and lacks motion transfer. The top layers provide warmth and comfort. What you should consider: It may be too soft for heavier individuals. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Matthew Downing threw for two touchdowns and ran for another to lead Elon to a 31-21 season-ending win over North Carolina A&T on Saturday. The game was tied at 7 in the second quarter when the Phoenix turned a fumble recovery into a field goal. That started a string of four-straight scoring possessions. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get the latest sports news delivered right to your inbox six days a week.Boston judge blocks Bourne Republican’s efforts to quickly overturn election

Downing throws for 2 TDs, runs for another, Elon tops North Carolina A&T 31-21Hidalgo leads No. 6 Notre Dame over JuJu Watkins and third-ranked USC 74-61 in big matchup out WestThese numbers are specific to Indiana and reflect how undocumented immigrants impact the state’s economy. FORT BRANCH — Steve Obert’s family-run dairy farm has assembled the best team of workers it’s had in years. The crew is made up of well-trained people managing feed supplies, running the milking parlor and treating sick animals to ensure the 1,200 cows there continue producing about 10,000 gallons of milk a day. But Obert worries the team that is essential to the farm’s success could soon be gone. They’re all immigrants who could be targeted under President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to undertake the largest mass deportation in U.S. history. “It’s absolutely concerning,” he said. “We just can’t deport these people.” While some business owners like Obert question the cost and logistics of deporting millions of undocumented immigrants, Trump on Monday confirmed his commitment to the plan, which he promised to implement the first day he takes office, Jan. 20. On social media, he posted “TRUE!!!” in response to a conservative commentator who wrote that Trump would declare a national emergency and use military assets to lead “a mass deportation program.” Obert, who serves as the executive director of the Indiana Dairy Producers, said the organization is offering an online seminar reeducating farmers about how to maintain the required documents to ensure immigrant workers are audit-proof and can remain in the U.S. Steve Obert, an Indiana dairy farmer and executive director of the Indiana Dairy Producers That’s especially critical in an industry where migrants make up about 80% of the workforce. A mass deportation could lead dairy farms to close in droves and milk tanks to run dry, Obert explained. “You won’t just see a ripple effect,” he said. “It’ll be more like a tsunami when it comes to food production, agriculture and so many other industries.” Across the state, farmers, builders, manufacturers and other businesses that rely heavily on immigrant workers are closely watching how new policies could disrupt the workforce that keeps operations running. In Indiana, undocumented workers make up about 2.2% of the entire labor force and just under 25% of the state’s total immigrant population, according to the American Immigration Council. Foreign-born people in total make up nearly 8% of Indiana’s employees. But those numbers are much higher in the construction industry, in which immigrants make up around 25% of the workforce, equaling more than 43,400 employees in Indiana, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Rick Wajda, CEO of the Indiana Builders Association, right, poses with Indiana U.S. Sen. and Governor-elect Mike Braun. Rick Wajda, CEO of the Indiana Builders Association, said the construction trades are already in the middle of a workforce shortage. Without immigrants, it could become insurmountable. “The immigrant workforce is essential to meeting the demand and sustaining Indiana’s economic and housing market,” he said. Removing any portion of the construction labor force would only deepen the state’s severe housing shortage that’s led to skyrocketing home and rental prices, explained Michael Hicks, director of Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research. “It’ll be more expensive to fix your home or to see a new home built and delay the American Dream for some families of owning their own home,” he said. The same holds true for food prices, which have climbed sharply because of rising inflation following the COVID pandemic. A study conducted by the Peterson Institute for International Economics found that mass deportation could affect agricultural labor and lead to a 10% increase in food prices. Nationally, undocumented people composed roughly 41% of all hired crop farm workers in 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Obert said he trusts that Trump and federal legislators understand that deporting large swaths of the agricultural workforce would only hurt Hoosiers already struggling to afford food. “They all ran on the fact that they would tame inflation and improve housing,” he said. “You’re not going to tame inflation and you’re not going to fix housing if we have a mass deportation.” Gurinder Kaur, CEO of the Immigrant Welcome Center, was leaving her Indianapolis office earlier this month when she saw a man standing outside holding a suitcase. The client said he had just arrived from Haiti with the proper paperwork and was looking for a job. “ ‘I’m here to work.’ That’s what he said,” recalled Kaur, who immigrated to the U.S. from India. “I think that is the crux of the immigrant spirit. We want to work hard. We want jobs, and we want to make an impact.” That stands in stark contrast to Trump’s view that undocumented people drain public resources, drive up housing costs and bring crime and drugs into communities around the nation. In reality, immigrants, regardless of their legal status, have lower unemployment rates and fewer criminal arrests than natural-born citizens. About 77% of foreign-born men participated in the labor force in 2023 compared to 66% of their native-born counterparts, while foreign-born women worked at about the same rate as native-born women, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Indiana, immigrants paid $4.3 billion in taxes in 2022 — $647 million of which came from undocumented workers, according to the American Immigration Council. Undocumented immigrants were arrested at less than half the rate of native-born U.S. citizens for violent and drug crimes, and a quarter the rate of for property crimes, according to a study in Texas covering 2012-18 and released in September by the National Institute of Justice. Add it all up, and Hoosier immigrants work at greater rates, commit fewer crimes, make less money and take fewer state and federal benefits despite having higher rates of poverty, according to a 2019 study by the Center for Business and Economic Research. “This is not the dominant narrative in the current immigration debate, but is one that is born out by the data,” the study says. Jenifer Brown, an Indianapolis-based business immigration attorney, said the question isn’t whether immigrants want to work; it’s whether the nation’s immigration laws will allow them to work. Jenifer Brown, a business immigration attorney in Indianapolis Current policies don’t make it easy for migrants to obtain and keep work visas, she noted, and many worry that it will become even harder under Trump, who put more restrictions on some visa programs during his first term as president. That’s a major concern for businesses and industries who need foreign-born labor but are in a holding pattern as Trump pitches varying ways he might change immigration policy, Brown noted. Companies that use the most highly regulated visas to hire skilled employees, such as software developers and mechanical engineers, could be especially impacted by new visa policies, she explained. “The business community may be in for a rough stretch,” Brown said. “Businesses like stability and consistency, and I think we’re entering a phase where we’ll probably have more uncertainty and unpredictability.” Trump has aimed his immigration policy at deporting illegal immigrants, but the state’s business community almost unanimously agrees that more migrant workers, not fewer, are needed. That’s why nearly every industry is calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s immigration system that would allow current undocumented workers to gain legal status while legally streamlining new immigrants into unfilled jobs. Michael Hicks “Many business groups are pro-immigration,” said Hicks, the Ball State economist. “They want folks to come in.” The Indiana Chamber of Commerce, as part of its 2024 legislative agenda, pushed lawmakers to increase quotas for highly skilled and seasonal migrant workers, while decreasing processing times that can constrict the pipeline of undocumented workers. At the same time, the chamber requested the creation of a new program that would require undocumented workers to earn legal status rather than deport them, as Trump proposes. Industry groups for decades have advocated for an updated work visa program that encourages immigrants to come to the U.S. legally, and at times those changes appeared close to becoming reality. A 2013 proposal from a bipartisan coalition in Congress created a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the U.S. while also improving work visa options for low-skilled workers. The bill passed the Senate but died in the House. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021 proposes similar policies to the 2013 bill and has been approved by the Senate, but the House again has yet to approve the legislation. Despite Trump’s promise of mass deportation, many groups advocating for a business-friendly immigration policy are hopeful such a policy could happen now that Republicans control the House, Senate and White House. Obert, with the state dairy association, is one of those who sees a real opportunity for major reforms from GOP lawmakers whose policy goals include boosting the economy and helping businesses. But if Trump’s mass deportation scheme becomes a reality without a comprehensive immigration reform bill to offset the loss of labor, businesses and consumers in Indiana will suffer, he argued. “The cost of getting rid of millions of immigrants will be astronomical, but I think that’s crumbs compared to the economic impact of not having an adequate workforce,” Obert said. “Inflation won’t be your issue. It’s whether store shelves will be stocked or if they’re going to be empty.”

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