ReportWire

Tag: New England

  • ‘Deep-diving’ sea creatures surface in ‘rare sighting’ off New England coast

    Three marine creatures were seen from the sky off the coast of New England in October, according to the New England Aquarium.

    Three marine creatures were seen from the sky off the coast of New England in October, according to the New England Aquarium.

    Screengrab from the New England Aquarium on Facebook

    In a “rare sighting” from the sky, three “deep-diving” sea creatures surfaced in the Atlantic Ocean in mid-October, the New England Aquarium said.

    The aquariums said its aerial survey team spotted three True’s beaked whales, a species “rarely seen at the surface,” while above the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument off the coast of New England. The aquarium shared a photo of the unique sighting on Facebook.

    True’s beaked whales are small- to medium-sized and can reach lengths of 15.5 to 17.5 feet, weighing up to 3,000 pounds, when they are adults, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They are one of several beaked whale species.

    The whales live in the North Atlantic Ocean, as well as two locations in the Southern Hemisphere, NOAA reports online.

    “There is little information on the abundance of True’s beaked whales worldwide,” NOAA says.

    True’s beaked whales are known to dive as deep as nearly 10,000 feet while searching for food, according to NOAA.

    Their diet mostly consists of squid, and sometimes fish, according to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation.

    During the sighting of the True’s beaked whales, the New England Aquarium said its aerial team saw more than 700 marine animals, “including 402 common dolphins and seven fin whales,” over the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument.

    This large stretch of ocean, about 130 miles from Cape Cod, is rich in biodiversity and has four underwater mountains as well as three underwater canyons, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

    It was presidentially recognized as a national monument in 2016.

    Julia Marnin

    McClatchy DC

    Julia Marnin covers courts for McClatchy News, writing about criminal and civil affairs, including cases involving policing, corrections, civil liberties, fraud, and abuses of power. As a reporter on McClatchy’s National Real-Time Team, she’s also covered the COVID-19 pandemic and a variety of other topics since joining in 2021, following a fellowship with Newsweek. Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, she was raised in South Jersey and is now based in New York State.

    Julia Marnin

    Source link

  • ‘Deep-diving’ sea creatures surface in ‘rare sighting’ off New England coast

    Three marine creatures were seen from the sky off the coast of New England in October, according to the New England Aquarium.

    Three marine creatures were seen from the sky off the coast of New England in October, according to the New England Aquarium.

    Screengrab from the New England Aquarium on Facebook

    In a “rare sighting” from the sky, three “deep-diving” sea creatures surfaced in the Atlantic Ocean in mid-October, the New England Aquarium said.

    The aquariums said its aerial survey team spotted three True’s beaked whales, a species “rarely seen at the surface,” while above the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument off the coast of New England. The aquarium shared a photo of the unique sighting on Facebook.

    True’s beaked whales are small- to medium-sized and can reach lengths of 15.5 to 17.5 feet, weighing up to 3,000 pounds, when they are adults, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They are one of several beaked whale species.

    The whales live in the North Atlantic Ocean, as well as two locations in the Southern Hemisphere, NOAA reports online.

    “There is little information on the abundance of True’s beaked whales worldwide,” NOAA says.

    True’s beaked whales are known to dive as deep as nearly 10,000 feet while searching for food, according to NOAA.

    Their diet mostly consists of squid, and sometimes fish, according to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation.

    During the sighting of the True’s beaked whales, the New England Aquarium said its aerial team saw more than 700 marine animals, “including 402 common dolphins and seven fin whales,” over the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument.

    This large stretch of ocean, about 130 miles from Cape Cod, is rich in biodiversity and has four underwater mountains as well as three underwater canyons, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

    It was presidentially recognized as a national monument in 2016.

    Julia Marnin

    McClatchy DC

    Julia Marnin covers courts for McClatchy News, writing about criminal and civil affairs, including cases involving policing, corrections, civil liberties, fraud, and abuses of power. As a reporter on McClatchy’s National Real-Time Team, she’s also covered the COVID-19 pandemic and a variety of other topics since joining in 2021, following a fellowship with Newsweek. Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, she was raised in South Jersey and is now based in New York State.

    Julia Marnin

    Source link

  • Cape Ann news in brief

    Cape Ann news in brief

    Listings may be sent to: Goings On, Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St.,Gloucester, MA 01930, or emailed to Joann Mackenzie at jomackenzie@gloucestertimes.com, at least two weeks prior to an event.

    Science writing contest

    High school students interested in astronomy and space exploration are invited to enter a new astronomical science writing contest. Accepted genres for entries include research reports, news stories, essays, biographical profiles, book reviews, speculative fiction, dramatic scripts, poems, and musical lyrics. Submitted pieces should be 500 to 2,500 words in length, depending on the genre. Submission deadline is March 15.

    Details about prizes and publishing opportunities may be found at https://bit.ly/4duz8AN.

    More information on submissions including topical prompts may be found at https://bit.ly/3MXaD4x.

    The contest is co-hosted by The Galactic Inquirer, a free online journal on diverse astronomical topics, the American Astronomical Society,vthe International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Education, and the Slooh remote telescopes service.

    Home upgrades

    Essex County Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Home Repair/Aging in Place program can — by using volunteers, donated construction materials and flexible sources of funding — offer very affordable house repairs to help Gloucester seniors age in place. The projects typically take a week, and the homeowner can usually continue living in the home while the work is done. Upgrades include wheelchair ramps, weatherization, handicap features, repairing structural rotting, stairs, roofing, etc. The program is not limited to elder and/or disabled homeowners, and does repairs necessary to maintain sound condition of the home, weatherization and energy efficiency, those needed to alleviate critical health, life and safety issues or code violations, and those that will help older adults age safely in their homes. Habitat staff inspects the property and determines financial qualifications based on total household income. If physically able, the homeowner must contribute sweat equity hours and the home must be owner-occupied. Learn more at https://www.essexcountyhabitat.org/critical-home-repair-program/.

    Teen task force

    High school students of all faiths are invited to join Lappin Foundation’s Teen Antisemitism Task Force. Students will hear from experts about ways they can combat antisemitism and all forms of hate, as well as put into action what they learn. There will be opportunities for teens to share their experiences and ideas as well. Meetings will be held Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30 p.m., once a month. For the complete calendar and list of speakers, visit LappinFoundation.org. There is no cost to join the task force and students can attend meetings as their schedules allow. For more information email dcoltin@lappinfoundation.org. The Teen Antisemitism Task Force is supported by CJP and the Jewish Teen Initiative.

    For job seekers

    If you need help with your resume, cover letter, or some job searching advice, contact jobseeker@sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500 to make an appointment for in-person resume and cover letter assistance with a librarian. Computers, Chromebooks, tablets, Wi-Fi Hotspots, printing, photocopying, scanning, and saving via email and flash drive are all free at the Sawyer Free Library at 21 Main St. Questions? Visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or 978-325-5500.

    ClamFest

    ESSEX — The 39th Annual Essex ClamFest and Arts & Crafts Festival is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Shepard Memorial Park, 24 Martin St, Essex. While the events are free, for $15 festival goes can sample tastes of Cape Ann’s finest chowders from noon to 1 p.m. and vote for their favorites. Tasting only while supplies last. Lots of fun activities, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment and plenty of food vendors on-site. Visit capeannchamber.com

    At Halibut Point

    ROCKPORT — Rockport’s Halibut Point State Park is a coastal gem of the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, with free programs offered to the public. Fall is a particularly beautiful time to visit this singular seascape at 4 Gott Ave., Rockport, just off Route 127. An adult must accompany children. To book guided group tours please call 978-546-2997, visit or halibut.point@mass.gov Follow the park at @massdcr X (Twitter) and Instagram. ADA/reasonable accommodations.

    Halibut Rocks! Geology at the Point, Sundays, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at visitors center, billions of years of geological evolution under your feet at this extraordinary seascape. Ages 8-plus. Rain cancels.

    Atlantic Path trek, Sunday, Nov. 17, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., meet at parking area. Great bird watching, curious geology, incredible views. Advisory: gorgeous but uneven rocky coastline. Prepare accordingly. Bring snacks/water. No amenities along the way. Rain Cancels. Ages 12 and older.

    Halibut Point Tower Talk, Saturday, Dec. 7, noon to 2 p.m. During World War II, Halibut Point’s tower provided valuable coastal defense. Learn its history. Ages 12 and older, all abilities.

    Halloween Mass

    On Sunday, Oct. 27, at 11:45 a.m., Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, 142 Prospect St., welcomes all parents, grandparents, and children to join Father Jim for its third annual Halloween Faith & Family Mass, followed by treats on the lawn. Halloween is often described as a pagan holiday, but this is contrary to its true meaning and authentic origins. The word hallow actually means holy. All Hallows Eve is really a Catholic holiday with roots in both celebrating the lives of the saints and praying for the souls of our departed brothers and sisters. Following the mass, there will be treats on the lawn.

    Drug Take-back Day

    Monday, Oct. 26, is National Drug Take-Back Day and here in Gloucester, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Rose Baker Senior Center will host a collection site in its back lot at 6 Manual F. Lewis Street. The event will also serve to educate people on drug prevention strategies. All drug drop-offs are anonymous; no information is required. The service is free. Items accepted include prescription and over-the-counter medication, medication samples, vitamins, narcotics and liquid medication. Please note: Needles, thermometers, intravenous bags, infected or bloody material or inhalers will not be accepted.

    Pancake Breakfast

    ROCKPORT — Bring your appetite to Pigeon Cove Circle’s “all-you-can-eat” pancake breakfast Saturday, Oct. 26, from 8 to 11 a.m., 6 Breakwater Road, Rockport. On the menu are buttermilk, blueberry and buckwheat pancakes with sausage a real maple syrup. All for just $12. And at the bake table, everyone’s favorite Nisu.

    Archaeological dig

    Archaeologists from the Fiske Center for Archaeological Research at University of Massachusetts Boston will excavate land around the Babson-Alling House on Cape Ann Museum Green. (CAM Green) From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Oct. 25, 26, and 31, the public is invited to observe the excavations which promise to uncover new information about the history of the site. The Georgian house was built by William Allen in 1740 and acquired by the Cape Ann Museum in 2019. The findings will be discussed on Nov. 23 at 3:30 p.m., as part of the CAMTalk: History Series, with Christa Beranek and Laura Paisley of the Fiske Center for Archaeological Research at UMass Boston. Admission is free at CAM Green, 13 Poplar St., Gloucester. Please note: parking is limited..

    ‘Tell-tale Heart’

    From Oct. 24 to 27, the Gloucester Stage Company, 267 East Main St., Gloucester, presents an Edgar Allan Poe Double Header to put you in the mood for Halloween. Created and performed by Livy Scanlon and presented in partnership with The Hanover Theatre Reparatory, this imaginative one-person retelling of “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Cask of Amontillado” is staged as a seance, inviting audiences to conjure two of Poe’s darkest tales. This production runs for one hour with no intermission and is best best for adults and ages 13-plus. For tickets and information, and for schools interested in student matinees, visit gloucesterstage.com oremail Natascha Tretter at natascha@gloucesterstage.com.

    At Manchester library

    MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Fall is underway and with it, new programs and events at Manchester Public Library, 15 Union St., and new Sunday hours, 1-4 p.m. through April. Check out the schedule below and save the dates. Unless otherwise noted, all events will take place at the library. To register, visit www.manchesterpl.org, or call the library at 978-526-7711.

    Lego Time, Mondays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Drop-in, unstructured Lego building fun for kids ages 6 and older.

    Cookbook Club, Saturday, Oct. 26, noon to 1 p.m., meets once a month to share recipes from a cookbook off our library shelves. October’s pick is “Diasporican : A Puerto Rican Cookbook” by Illyanna Maisonet. This month we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with recipes. Questions? Call 978-526-7711.

    Job search help, Monday, Oct. 28, 2 to 3 p.m. 10 Essential Ways To Avoid Job Scams & Conduct A Productive Modern Search (Virtual. Register on our website or by calling 978-526-7711.

    Dungeons and Dragons for Adults (Virtual), Monday, Oct. 28, 7 to 9 p.m. Whatever your level, MBTS’s Head of Adult and Reference Services — Maddy — will be your Game Master.

    Talent Show

    Spaulding Education Fund’s “Night of Stars” talent show is all set for Saturday, Nov. 2, in the Manchester Essex Regional High School auditorium from 4-7 p.m. The entire North Shore community is invited. Performers of all ages may audition — details can be found at https://www.spauldingeducationfund.org/events. Special early-bird pricing is available until Oct. 25.

    Blood drives

    The American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors, especially those with type O blood and donors giving platelets, to make and keep donation appointments now to help hospitals restock blood products for patients. As a thank-you, all who give through Oct. 31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.

    For details on giving, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help.

    Wednesday, Oct. 30: 2-7 p.m., Magnolia Library & Community Center, 1 Lexington Ave., Gloucester.

    Tuesday, Nov. 12: 2-7 p.m., Magnolia Library & Community Center, 1 Lexington Ave., Gloucester.

    Thursday, Nov. 14: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ipswich Community Center, 25 Green St., Ipswich.

    Friday, Nov. 15: Noon to 5 p.m., Our Lady of Good Voyage, 142 Prospect St., Gloucester.

    Monday, Nov. 18: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., True North Ale Company, 116 County Road, Ipswich.

    Appointments also are available at other locations and at the Danvers Blood Donation Center, 99 Rosewood Drive in Danvers, and by calling 800-733-2767, visiting redcrossblood.org or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

    Exchange open

    The Annisquam Exchange opens its doors Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through October. Offering Folly Cove designs, silver, collectibles, estate pieces, linens, fine jewelry, kitchenware, cards, Annisquam apparel from Annisquam Sewing Circle, artworks, toys, candy, and more, at 32 Leonard St. in Gloucester. To learn more, visit www.annisquamexchange.com or email annisquamexchange@gmail.com.

    jomackenzie@gloucestertimes.com (Joann Mackenzie)

    Source link

  • Homeward Bound: My Childhood Connecticut, Only Better, at Dirt Road Farm – Gardenista

    Homeward Bound: My Childhood Connecticut, Only Better, at Dirt Road Farm – Gardenista

    All week, we’re republishing some of our favorite Garden Visits that have a personal connection to our writers. No public gardens here, no vast estates, no professionally designed landscapes—just the backyards, vegetable patches, and flower beds that remind our writers of home. This story by contributor Kendra Wilson is from October 2017.

    Sometimes a distant but well-loved place is even better than you remember. Weston, CT, has reached mythical status with the younger members of my family ever since we were uprooted to live in London, England, signaling the end of long summers, muggy evenings, and the sounds of crickets (and mosquitoes).

    Going back to Connecticut from Grand Central Station this summer was hardly an ordinary commute; fortunately our destination included Dirt Road Farm, the 5.5-acre home of farmers Phoebe Cole-Smith and her husband, Mike Smith. With lunch in the barn overlooking the garden and circa-1830 saltbox house, the dream of a perfect Connecticut setting was very much alive.

    Photography by Kerry Michaels. See more of her work on Instagram: @kerrymi.

    A grapevine shelters the kitchen patio of chef and farmer Phoebe Cole-Smith in Weston, CT.
    Above: A grapevine shelters the kitchen patio of chef and farmer Phoebe Cole-Smith in Weston, CT.

    Like many residents of Weston (and Westport, where commuters got off the train), Phoebe found Connecticut by way of New York, needing more space for her family. With a background in food and a training at the International Culinary Center, Phoebe’s days in publishing in the city were left behind as she made country life work for her. The small farm that she runs with husband Mike Smith offers something for local people, or those chasing a dream of New England, in the form of brilliantly conceived barn suppers.

    A sturdy pergola supports the grapevines.
    Above: A sturdy pergola supports the grapevines.

    Weston in the 1960s and early ’70s was a small town of farms and an “artist’s colony” that included New Yorker cartoonists, authors, and actors. The ratio has changed but this is one farm that has been added, not subtracted, having achieved farm status in 2011.

    Source link

  • Sea turtle strandings have increased dramatically. Congress might create a fund to bail them out

    Sea turtle strandings have increased dramatically. Congress might create a fund to bail them out

    IT WAS PUSHED BACK THIS MONTH ALL NEW AT 6 – HISTORY MADE IN GEORGIA TODAY … AS THE STATE MARKED ITS LARGEST – SEA – TURTLE – RELEASE … ON RECORD. WJCL 22 NEWS BROOKE BUTLER … WAS THERE. SHE TELLS US … HOW THIS ALL CAME TOGETHER.// (NAT – CLAPPING – PEOPLE SAYING GOODBYE) IT WAS ALL SMILES ON JEKYLL ISLAND WEDNESDAY – AS A RECORD BREAKING NUMBER OF REHABILITATED SEA TURTLES – WERE RELEASED BACK INTO THE OCEAN :23 WE ACTUALLY HAD 33 KEMPS AND ONE GREEN SEA TURTLE RELEASED TODAY OFF OF JEKYLL ISLAND. :30 THESE ENDANGERED TURTLES – ALL CAME FROM UP NORTH. THE ORGANIZATION – TURTLES FLY TOO – FLEW THEM IN. :20 SO WE FLEW FROM OUR HOME BASE IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY UP TO MASSACHUSETTS TO PICK THE TURTLES UP FROM THE TEAM AT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM. :28 1:53 HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE DOING THESE RELEASES TOGETHER AS FATHER AND SON? 1:56 1:56 THAT’S IT’S DEFINITELY IT’S VERY COOL. 1:59 (BROOKE STANDUP) I’M TOLD THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REASONS WHY RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS CHOSE JEKYLL ISLAND… AS THE LOCATION FOR THIS RELEASE. 1:15 I THINK IT’S REALLY NICE. IT’S CONVENIENT. OBVIOUSLY, WE HAVE AN AIRPORT ON THE ISLAND, BUT OUR FACILITY, YOU KNOW, WE HAVE A GREAT PARTNERSHIP WITH TURTLES FLY TO AND THESE OTHER FACILITIES UP IN THE NEW ENGLAND AREA, UP IN THE NORTHERN STATES THAT WE ALL BAND TOGETHER AND, YOU KNOW, HELP THESE ANIMALS IN NEED. 1:30 RACHEL OVERMEYER WITH GEORGIA SEA TURTLE CENTER SAID – ALL OF THESE TURTLES..WERE COLD STUNNED WHEN THEY WERE RESCUED. THEIR RELEASE INTO GEORGIA WATERS… ENSURING THEY’LL STAY AT A COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURE. 1:34 OUR WATERS ARE JUST NOW WARM ENOUGH THAT WE CAN RELEASE ANIMALS. 1:38 OVERMEYER SAYS – WHILE SHE’S TAKEN PART IN A NUMBER OF RELEASES OVER THE YEARS – THE WORK – NEVER GETS OLD. 1:55 RELEASES ARE JUST SO SPECIAL BECAUSE IT’S WHAT WE PUT OUR BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS INTO. AND IT’S WHAT WE WHAT WE DO EVERY DAY IS WHAT WE WORK FOR. SO TO BE ABLE TO SEE THEM RELEASED IS IS REALLY EXCITING. 2:06 BROOKE BUTLER… WJCL 22 NEWS. OUT:”THAT ONE

    Sea turtle strandings have ticked up at an alarming rate in New England, but now the reptiles are close to receiving a lifeline from Congress to help them stay in the water.Related video above: ‘Really exciting’: 34 rehabilitated sea turtles released back into the ocean on Jekyll IslandCongress is nearing passage of the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act, which would create a new $33 million federal grant program to fund institutions around the country that rescue, rehabilitate and research stranded turtles. The aid would arrive as scientists and federal authorities are sounding the alarm that an increasing number of cold-stunned turtles are washing up on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, likely as a result of climate change.Less than 50 sea turtles were found stranded on Cape Cod in 2000, but by 2022, that number has ballooned to 866, said Democratic Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts. Quick action is needed to help the turtles because all six species of sea turtles found in the U.S. are threatened or endangered, Markey said.Turtles face “extinction and environmental wipeout” without assistance, said Markey, the sponsor of the act.”Our current rescue efforts are largely volunteer and underfunded, forcing our aquariums to shell out to keep our shelled friends safe,” he said. “We will not let these rescue and rehabilitation organizations, much less sea turtles, sink.”The annual average number of cold-stunned turtles in Massachusetts has also increased over time. Two decades ago, it was 139, and in the past five years it has increased to 739, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in June.The sea turtle act was placed on the Senate’s calendar after unanimously passing the commerce, science and transportation committee on July 31, records state. A similar measure, introduced by Democratic Rep. Bill Keating of Massachusetts, passed the House of Representatives earlier in the year.Both proposals have bipartisan support, and the Senate measure is cosponsored by Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas.Sea turtles sometimes become cold-stunned because they’re unable to regulate their body temperatures. In recent years, hundreds of those turtles have become stranded in Massachusetts. The New England Aquarium operates a Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Massachusetts, that treats the animals, who sometimes need months of care before they can be rereleased into the marine environment.Providing more assistance to organizations that care for stranded turtles “would have a significant impact on the continuation of this collaborative conservation work and the resulting research to solve ocean challenges,” said Vikki Spruill, president and CEO of the New England Aquarium, in support of the proposal last year.

    PORTLAND, Maine —

    Sea turtle strandings have ticked up at an alarming rate in New England, but now the reptiles are close to receiving a lifeline from Congress to help them stay in the water.

    Related video above: ‘Really exciting’: 34 rehabilitated sea turtles released back into the ocean on Jekyll Island

    Congress is nearing passage of the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act, which would create a new $33 million federal grant program to fund institutions around the country that rescue, rehabilitate and research stranded turtles. The aid would arrive as scientists and federal authorities are sounding the alarm that an increasing number of cold-stunned turtles are washing up on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, likely as a result of climate change.

    Less than 50 sea turtles were found stranded on Cape Cod in 2000, but by 2022, that number has ballooned to 866, said Democratic Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts. Quick action is needed to help the turtles because all six species of sea turtles found in the U.S. are threatened or endangered, Markey said.

    Turtles face “extinction and environmental wipeout” without assistance, said Markey, the sponsor of the act.

    “Our current rescue efforts are largely volunteer and underfunded, forcing our aquariums to shell out to keep our shelled friends safe,” he said. “We will not let these rescue and rehabilitation organizations, much less sea turtles, sink.”

    The annual average number of cold-stunned turtles in Massachusetts has also increased over time. Two decades ago, it was 139, and in the past five years it has increased to 739, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in June.

    The sea turtle act was placed on the Senate’s calendar after unanimously passing the commerce, science and transportation committee on July 31, records state. A similar measure, introduced by Democratic Rep. Bill Keating of Massachusetts, passed the House of Representatives earlier in the year.

    Both proposals have bipartisan support, and the Senate measure is cosponsored by Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas.

    Sea turtles sometimes become cold-stunned because they’re unable to regulate their body temperatures. In recent years, hundreds of those turtles have become stranded in Massachusetts. The New England Aquarium operates a Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Massachusetts, that treats the animals, who sometimes need months of care before they can be rereleased into the marine environment.

    Providing more assistance to organizations that care for stranded turtles “would have a significant impact on the continuation of this collaborative conservation work and the resulting research to solve ocean challenges,” said Vikki Spruill, president and CEO of the New England Aquarium, in support of the proposal last year.

    Source link

  • Donald Trump’s “BLM” endorsement draws loud applause from supporters

    Donald Trump’s “BLM” endorsement draws loud applause from supporters

    Former President Donald Trump drew cheers at a rally on Saturday after touting his endorsement from a “representative of Black Lives Matter” (BLM), despite the activist’s disputed affiliation within the decentralized movement.

    Trump is currently among the packed field of candidates seeking the GOP nomination for president in 2024. In nationwide polling averages, he has consistently led the crop of candidates by significant margins, regularly garnering around 50 percent support from likely Republican voters, leading many to consider his nomination by the party next year inevitable.

    Earlier this week, activist Mark Fisher appeared on Fox & Friends to discuss his endorsement of Trump, with the show touting him as a “BLM leader.” During his appearance, Fisher claimed that Trump has done “more for the Black community than any president I can think of in my lifetime” and decried the Democratic Party as “racist.”

    BLM is a decentralized social movement focused on racism and other issues faced by Black Americans that has been more often associated with progressive politics, rather than the socially conservative policies embraced by Trump. While decentralized, the movement is represented by various prominent organizations at the national and state level, many of which have dismissed Fisher’s involvement with them and called his endorsement a “publicity stunt.”

    Former President Donald Trump is seen at a campaign event. Trump on Saturday touted a recent endorsement from an activist who has claimed affiliation with the BLM movement.
    Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images

    Black Lives Matter of Rhode Island, which Fisher has touted his involvement in, told Newsweek in a prior statement that he was “no longer associated” with the group. Fisher is also the founder of an organization in Maryland called “BLM Inc.”

    On Saturday, Trump spoke at a rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he touted Fisher’s endorsement, drawing cheers from the crowd of supporters.

    “Did you see where a very respected representative of Black Lives Matter, new England?” Trump asked. “New England endorsed Trump, he said. He didn’t necessarily say the Republican Party, he said Trump because what we have done in terms of opportunity zones, and jobs and jobs, historically, if you look at the black colleges and universities, 10 year funding.”

    Newsweek reached out to the national arm of Black Lives Matter via email for comment.

    In a joint statement to The Providence Journal, BLM Rhode Island and the BLM Rhode Island Political Action Committee denounced Fisher as an “imposter.”

    “This is a publicity stunt,” the statement read. “The right-wing continues to use and amplify fringe Black voices to create an idea of broad support for their corrupt candidates.”

    It added: “Continuing to call Mark Fisher a Black Lives Matter leader is disingenuous and inappropriate. Both the founder of BLM Rhode Island and BLM Rhode Island PAC have denounced Mark and have made it clear that he is an imposter.”