Frank, a geologist from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, spends his free time exploring the Serra Gaúcha range in search of undocumented caves known only to locals. He employs a methodical approach, engaging with residents to gather information about potential cave locations. Frank's interest lies in a peculiar type of cave formed at the intersection of rhyolite and basalt layers, the origins of which are still a mystery to him. In addition to these caves, Frank is also a leading expert on paleoburrows, ancient burrows created by extinct giant ground sloths and armadillos. Despite some unsuccessful expeditions, Frank's passion for speleology drives him to continue his search, contributing to the scientific understanding of the region's geological features.

The article explores the overlooked history of black soldiers in the Farroupilha Revolution in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and their betrayal by both the revolutionaries and the imperial government. It highlights the ongoing marginalization of Afro-Brazilians in the state, despite recent civil rights activism and affirmative action policies at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. The narrative underscores the need for proper acknowledgment of Afro-Brazilians' contributions to the region's history and society.

A severe winter storm has severely impacted Texas, causing widespread power outages and devastating the state's agricultural industry. Texas, a leading producer of cattle, cotton, dairy milk, and broiler chickens, has seen significant disruptions. Power outages have affected water treatment plants, leaving livestock without sufficient water. Processing plants have also been knocked offline, forcing farmers to dump milk due to a lack of transportation and processing options. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller estimates the financial loss from dumped milk to be in the millions.

The US Citizenship Act of 2021, introduced by Senator Bob Menendez and Representative Linda Sánchez, aims to provide a path to citizenship for undocumented farmworkers, contingent on background checks and tax payments. The bill includes elements from the Fairness for Farm Workers Act of 2019, such as mandatory overtime wages for farmworkers. It also facilitates citizenship for the families of undocumented workers and shifts focus from border security to easing the transition to legal residency. Republican lawmakers oppose the bill, arguing it encourages illegal immigration and threatens American jobs, claims the article disputes.

The USDA released a forecast indicating that net farm income in the United States will decrease by 8.1 percent, or $9.8 billion, in 2021. This decline is attributed to a 45.3 percent reduction in government payments compared to the high levels in 2020 due to the pandemic, labor shortages, and trade wars. While some crop receipts, such as soybeans, corn, and wheat, are expected to rise, others like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and milk are forecasted to decrease. Despite a $20.4-billion increase in cash receipts, rising costs for fuel, fertilizer, labor, and feed, along with reduced government aid, are projected to lead to an overall decrease in net farm income, although it remains above the historical average.

Eastern Mennonite University delayed its move-in date and transitioned to online classes after four asymptomatic students tested positive for COVID-19. The decision reflects the broader challenges universities face in safely reopening during the pandemic, as seen with similar shifts at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and University of Notre Dame. EMU's Crisis Management Team had prepared for such contingencies, and faculty and students expressed disappointment but recognized the necessity of the measures. The university's values of creativity, innovation, and resilience are being tested as they navigate the pandemic.

Biologists Ken Otter and Scott Ramsay observed a new song dialect in white-throated sparrows in Prince George, Canada, which omitted a note from their traditional 'Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada' song. Over two decades, they found this new variant spread eastward across Canada, with all western sparrows and half in Ontario adopting it by 2017. The study suggests the variant may have originated between 1960 and 2000 and spread through birds mingling in wintering grounds. The rapid spread challenges existing beliefs about birdsong learning periods. The preference for the new song could indicate a cultural shift among sparrows, akin to human fashion trends. The role of technology and citizen science is highlighted as crucial in detecting such wildlife trends.

A man in his 30s from Keezletown, Virginia, recounts his experience with COVID-19, highlighting initial misdiagnosis, frustration with healthcare protocols, and the eventual positive test result. He discusses the impact of the virus on his health, the response from the health department, and the broader societal and economic implications. The narrative underscores the need for social distancing while expressing concern over the economic fallout and the preparedness of the healthcare system. The community's support and the irrational fear from some individuals are also noted.

Shenandoah Valley Organic (SVO) is revitalizing the poultry industry in the Shenandoah Valley by contracting with farmers who own older barns that larger companies consider obsolete. Founded by Corwin Heatwole, SVO offers farmers more independence and profitability compared to conventional integrators. The company's growth has positively impacted local farmers, allowing them to avoid costly upgrades mandated by larger integrators and to continue generating revenue from their existing infrastructure. SVO's success is attributed to its business model, which includes processing its own organic chickens and offering better net earnings for growers. The company's approach supports the sustainability of generational family farms and has been well-received by the farming community.

Farmer sentiment in the United States has reached its lowest point in three years, according to Purdue University's Ag Economy Barometer. Factors such as Midwest flooding, lowered prices, product surpluses, and the ongoing trade war with China have significantly impacted farmers' outlook. The report highlights a decline in confidence regarding farmland value and financial stability. Despite initial support for the trade war, farmer backing is waning due to inadequate and uneven payouts. The study indicates that current sentiment is the lowest since October 2016.