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It’s natural: Coconuts become tool in shoreline protection

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:57 GMT

NEPTUNE, N.J. (AP) — Coastal communities around the world are adding a tropical twist to shoreline protection, courtesy of the humble coconut.From the sands of the Jersey Shore to the islands of Indonesia, strands of coconut husk, known as coir, are being incorporated into shoreline protection projects.Often used in conjunction with other measures, the coconut material is seen as a cost-effective, readily available and sustainable option. This is particularly true in developing countries. But the material is also popular in wealthy nations, where it’s seen as an important part of so-called “living shorelines” that use natural elements rather than hard barriers of wood, steel or concrete.One such project is being installed along a section of eroded river bank in Neptune, New Jersey, about a mile from the ocean on the Shark River. Using a mix of a federal grant and local funds, the American Littoral Society, a coastal conservation group, is carrying out the $1.3 million project ...

Oil giant Saudi Aramco makes a historic $161B profit in 2022

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:57 GMT

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Oil giant Saudi Aramco reported Sunday earning $161 billion last year, claiming the highest-ever recorded annual profit by a publicly listed company and drawing immediate criticism from activists.The monster profit by the firm, known formally as the Saudi Arabian Oil Co., came off the back of energy prices rising after Russia launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022, with sanctions limiting the sale of Moscow’s oil and natural gas in Western markets. Aramco also hopes to increase its production to take advantage of market demand as China reenters the global market after lifting its coronavirus restrictions. That could raise the billions needed to pay for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plans to develop futuristic cityscapes to pivot Saudi Arabia away from oil. However, those plans come despite growing international concerns over the burning of fossil fuels accelerating climate change. Meanwhile, higher energy prices already have ...

In post-Roe world, college coaches search for middle ground

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:57 GMT

The conversation Cecile Landi never imagined she’d feel compelled to have with the gymnasts she coaches came abruptly last summer, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.Landi, who competed for her native France at the 1996 Olympics before going into coaching with her husband, Laurent, gave her athletes a brief, heartfelt message: I’m here for you no matter what.“I literally will do whatever they need me to do (if they get pregnant), even if I guess it puts me in trouble,” said Landi, who coaches in Texas, a state with one of the country’s strictest abortion bans.For Landi, whose athletes have included seven-time Olympic medalist and five-time world champion Simone Biles and 2020 Olympic silver medalist Jordan Chiles, having a public conversation about such a private matter is part of her evolving role.“It’s just way more than coaching, the relation we have with the athletes, talking to them about everything,” she said.Landi’s holistic approach to her job reflec...

RCMP gifts musical ride horse to King Charles ahead of upcoming coronation

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:57 GMT

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police say they will be gifting King Charles with a new horse, Noble, ahead of the monarch’s upcoming coronation in May.The RCMP says the King will be presented with the horse, which is also being given in recognition of the federal service’s 150th anniversary, at a ceremony.It says the King personally requested a horse from the musical ride to eventually be his new charger when his current steed, George, retires.The musical ride is a troop of police horse riders who perform intricate formations and drills set to music.???? Meet Noble: a gift from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to The King. The seven year-old mare – who stands at 16.2 hands high – is currently settling into life at The Royal Mews in Windsor. pic.twitter.com/l9tYGoRrpr— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 11, 2023The Royal Family says Noble is a seven-year-old black mare, settling into life at the royal mews in Windsor after the King met her for the first ...

Climate change hits home for some on P.E.I. but takes back seat in election

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:57 GMT

STANLEY BRIDGE, P.E.I. — A week into the Prince Edward Island election campaign, there has been plenty of talk about health care and housing. But after post-tropical storm Fiona pounded the Island last fall and heightened fears about rising seas, some observers are questioning why climate change is not front and centre on the campaign trail.Scientists say tropical storms like Fiona that form in the southern Atlantic and head north to the Canadian coast are likely getting more intense as the planet warms. Phyllis Carr, whose Carr’s Oyster Bar in Stanley Bridge, P.E.I., suffered minor damage from Fiona, has seen the shoreline change over the years. To her, climate change is “definitely” one of the most important issues this election.“The amount of erosion that we have in our area is crazy, and on Prince Edward Island as a whole. And how are we going to rebuild?” she asked in an interview last week. “People who own places on the shoreline, how are th...

‘Welcome to Lviv’: Ukrainian city ready for ‘brave’ Canadian tourists

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:57 GMT

LVIV, Ukraine — Two women sit at a table near the front door of a small, nondescript bar in western Ukraine. Speak the password, and they will escort you to a closet, inside which is a staircase that leads down to a stone cellar. As they descend, they’re greeted with bass music from the chic restaurant below. It’s decorated with modern art installations that represent Ukrainian independence and the Russian occupation. On the menu is elevated traditional Ukrainian cuisine. All the ingredients and beverages are sourced from within the country.The speakeasy restaurant in the thriving entertainment district of Lviv is an astonishing sight; certainly not what most people associate with a country at war. Ukrainian leaders say one of the best ways for Canadians to support the embattled country’s economy is to pack their bags and come see it for themselves. “If you’re brave, welcome to Lviv,” says mayor Andriy Sadovyi, spreading his arms wide to gesture t...

A look at Prince Edward Island Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:57 GMT

CHARLOTTETOWN — A look at Peter Bevan-Baker, leader of Prince Edward Island’s Green party.Age: 60Early years: Bevan-Baker was born June 3, 1962, in Scotland, U.K., to John Stewart Bevan Baker, a British composer, and June Findlay. He is one of five children. He made his way to Prince Edward Island after stops in Lewisporte, N.L., and Brockville, Ont. Bevan-Baker became a Canadian citizen in 1992.Education: He has a bachelor of dental surgery from the University of Glasgow, in Scotland. Career: Bevan-Baker ran a dental clinic, a café and a community hall in Hampton, P.E.I. He ran unsuccessfully as a Green Party candidate in 10 elections, both federal and provincial, before he became the MLA for the riding of Kellys Cross-Cumberland in May 2015. He was re-elected in the newly established district of New Haven-Rocky Point on April 23, 2019. Bevan-Baker leads the only Green Party official Opposition in Canada.Family: He has been married to his wife, Ann, for 32 years, and they have four...

A look at Prince Edward Island Liberal Leader Sharon Cameron

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:57 GMT

CHARLOTTETOWN — A look at Sharon Cameron, leader of Prince Edward Island’s Liberal party. Age: 62Early years: Cameron was born on Dec. 5, 1960, in Amherst, N.S., and currently lives in Cornwall, P.E.I. Education: She has a master’s degree in educational psychology from Dalhousie University.Career: Cameron was CEO of the province’s Workers Compensation Board and also served as a provincial deputy minister from 2007-2018. She then worked as academics and research operations director in the office of the vice president of academics and research at the University of Prince Edward Island. She was also a principal and vice-principal at Stonepark Junior High School in Charlottetown from 2001-2007. She became Liberal leader in November.Family: She is married to Fraser Cameron.Quote: “I’ve always been a firm believer that good policy is based on three main pillars — social, economic, and environmental — and at any given point in time one of those pillars can eme...

Off-duty cop found dead in North Side home, ID'd

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:57 GMT

CHICAGO — Police have confirmed that an off-duty police officer was found dead inside a Norwood Park home Saturday morning.The medical examiner's office has identified the CPD officer as 43-year-old Anthony GeraghtyAccording to CPD, Geraghty was discovered unresponsive inside a home at the 5700 block of North Ozark Avenue around 7:45 a.m. where he was pronounced dead on the scene. Woman fatally stabbed on CTA platform in Loop: Police Chicago police said the officer appears to have died of natural causes.Police are still investigating this incident and there is no further information provided.

MAP: Best places to take bluebonnet, wildflower photos

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:57 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Warmer weather has made its way back into Texas, and the spring-like temperatures provide the perfect conditions for wildflowers, like bluebonnets, to grow.Here's a map of the best places to take wildflower pictures in Central Texas, according to viewers.Other spots around Austin to find wildflowers:Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail - 1715 Cesar Chavez St.Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - 4801 La Crosse Ave.Park Hill – 900 S MoPac Express WayMcKinney Falls State Park - 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy.Capital Texas Highway near the 360BridgeBrushy Creek Lake Park - 3300 Brushy Creek Rd. in Cedar ParkBluebonnets at Camp Mabry (Courtesy Karen Walcott)Many viewers also warned about potential issues and hazards to avoid while enjoying the beauty of the bluebonnets and wildflowers.Helpful tips from viewers:Watch out for snakes and fire ants while taking pictures.Do NOT take photos on the side of major highways. "Be smart," the viewer added.Be aware of private property lines.