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As holiday package traffic surges, police across several states are warning homeowners about a growing tactic used by criminal crews: posing as delivery drivers. Authorities say gangs have begun wearing fake FedEx and UPS uniforms, using the disguise to approach homes, scout targets, or force their way inside.

In Atlanta, investigators say a group wearing counterfeit FedEx shirts attempted to push their way into a home after the resident opened the door to accept a “delivery.” The homeowner slammed the door and called 911, but authorities say the suspects fled before police arrived.

In Texas, a Houston family was robbed after two men dressed in brown UPS-style uniforms pretended to drop off a package. Once the door was opened, they forced their way inside, held the residents at gunpoint, and escaped with valuables and electronics.

And in Los Angeles, detectives reported several incidents where porch pirates disguised themselves as drivers — using high-visibility vests and fake lanyards — to blend in while stealing packages. In at least one case, a suspect used the disguise to check whether anyone was home before alerting an accomplice.

Police say criminals take advantage of three holiday factors:

Law enforcement agencies are boosting patrols, but warn that disguises make these crews harder to detect from a distance.

Officials say homeowners can protect themselves by paying attention to these red flags:

Real drivers rarely insist you open the door — and most will leave the package and step back from the entrance.

Police recommend:

Authorities emphasize that legitimate delivery drivers also want these criminals stopped — fake uniforms put the real drivers at risk as well.

With holiday shipping at record highs, officials say criminals see a “golden opportunity.” The disguise is simple, inexpensive, and easy to order online. Homeowners are urged to stay alert, verify unexpected deliveries, and keep doors locked even when at home.

Police say one rule should guide every household this season:
If something feels off about a delivery — trust your instincts and don’t open the door.

A new feed additive designed to reduce methane emissions from cattle is drawing both interest and concern as it begins wider use in the dairy and beef industries. The product, commonly known as Bovaer, contains the compound 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) and has been approved by multiple food-safety authorities worldwide. Supporters say it could significantly reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, while critics question its long-term impact on humans and livestock.

Cattle are among the most significant sources of methane in agriculture, a potent greenhouse gas. Bovaer works by inhibiting an enzyme in the cow’s digestive system that produces methane. Studies conducted over more than a decade indicate that the additive can cut methane emissions from cows by 20–30 percent, depending on diet and conditions.

The additive has been researched for years and underwent evaluations by regulatory agencies before approval. Those assessments concluded that milk and meat from animals fed the additive are safe for human consumption, noting that 3-NOP breaks down in the cow’s digestive system and is not detectable in dairy or beef products.

Food-safety agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have all reviewed the additive. Their reports say the product is safe for consumers when used at the approved dosage levels. Experts also point out that studies showing potential risks—such as benign tumors in rodents—used doses far higher than what cattle receive, and safety margins were built into the approval process.

However, some health scientists and agricultural workers emphasize that the compound, in its pure form, can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. They stress the importance of proper handling, dosing, and training on farms. They also note that the additive is relatively new to large-scale global use, meaning that long-term data on widespread exposure are inherently limited.

The product’s introduction has been met with a mixture of curiosity, skepticism, and online misinformation. Some social-media posts have incorrectly claimed that philanthropist Bill Gates personally created the additive or that it is part of a broader effort to control the food supply. In reality, the additive was developed by an international science and nutrition company, while Gates has invested in separate methane-reduction startups that focus on different technologies.

Food companies using the additive have faced consumer questions and, in some cases, calls for boycotts. Industry groups say misinformation is fueling much of the backlash, and they encourage transparent communication with consumers.

Environmental researchers say methane-reducing feed additives may play a role in climate change mitigation, alongside improved grazing practices, changes in herd management, and emerging technologies such as methane-reducing vaccines.

As the additive rolls out more widely, regulators plan to continue monitoring its safety and effectiveness. Farmers, meanwhile, must weigh both the environmental benefits and the economic costs, while consumers evaluate whether they feel confident in the science behind it.

For now, the consensus among food-safety authorities remains that Bovaer is safe when used correctly — but as with any new agricultural innovation, public trust may take time to catch up with scientific assessments.

Every time you pay a monthly bill — phone, power, internet, insurance — you’re not just covering the service. You’re helping fuel the financial machine behind it.

Most major companies operate under heavy debt. Telecom giants, utilities, cable providers, and even hospitals borrow billions to expand or stay afloat. The interest on that debt has to be paid, and a slice of your monthly bill covers it.

If private equity is involved, the cut gets even bigger. These firms often buy companies using borrowed money, then load that debt onto the business. Your bills then help fund investor returns, not better service.

Publicly traded companies face pressure to keep profits rising every quarter. When Wall Street demands higher margins, consumers usually feel it through higher fees, reduced service, or mysterious “adjustments.”

In the end, your monthly bill becomes a reliable asset that Wall Street counts on — a steady stream of money that keeps shareholders satisfied long before customers see any benefit.

So when prices rise even though nothing improves, the reason is simple: you’re not just paying for the service. You’re paying for the system behind it.