Dozens of abandoned box turtles discovered in New Jersey

Dozens of abandoned box turtles discovered in NJ

 

CRANFORD, N.J. (PIX11) — A summer stroll along the Rahway River became an ongoing wildlife rescue operation after more than 150 box turtles were discovered abandoned along the riverbank in Cranford, NJ.

New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection believes someone illegally dumped the turtles along the river on Wednesday. Crews say there are Eastern box turtles, which are native to New Jersey, and Three-toed box turtles, a species not native to the state.

Through the efforts of local residents, animal control officers, firefighters and law enforcement, nearly 100 turtles have already been recovered.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish and Wildlife division is leading the investigation, assisted by local animal control officers and the Cranford Fire Department.

One local teenager has been helping rescue the stranded turtles, carefully collecting them and bringing them to the Cranford Fire Department, where officials have established a collection point for recovered animals.

Wildlife experts say box turtles are primarily land animals, not aquatic turtles

“I thought it was really sad,” said Cranford resident Alexandra Augenzucker, who learned about the rescue effort through social media.

 

“You can’t just dump them in the ponds here. If you get here first thing in the morning, they’ll be out there sunning themselves. It’s one of the cool things about living in the Venice of New Jersey.”

Animal rescue organizations are now caring for the recovered turtles.

Dozens of abandoned box turtles discovered in New Jersey Read More »

Scope of attacks on U.S. water supply widens. Iran suspected as culprit

Michigan officials said some of their water systems had been affected but continued to operate safely. Credit:Erin Kirkland (NYTimes)

 

By Dustin Volz and Ernesto Londoño,  The New York Times 

Aug. 1, 2026, 10:46 a.m. ET

The scope of cyberattacks on U.S. water systems has grown to include at least seven states and may be far wider, officials and experts warned, as the authorities raced to safeguard the nation’s water supply against an assault that increasingly appeared to be the work of Iran.

While there were no indications that any water supply had been altered or made unsafe to drink, state and local officials throughout the country were on high alert for potential problems in vulnerable computers that are commonly used to monitor and adjust water quality, including chemical-treatment levels and water pressure. Minnesota first publicly reported the attacks, and now Michigan says its systems have also been targeted.

The attack has little precedent, experts said, but has long been the stuff of nightmares and sensationalized Hollywood thrillers: an apparent cyberattack by a foreign power during a time of war that could, at least in theory, jeopardize the health and safety of Americans.

Officials cautioned that they had not definitively determined that Iran was responsible for the attack and that the investigation was still preliminary. But they said Iran had stepped up cyberattacks since the U.S. and Israel launched a war against the country five months ago, and had previously targeted similar water systems and other critical infrastructure in the U.S. There seemed no financial motive, making a criminal attack less likely.

Scope of attacks on U.S. water supply widens. Iran suspected as culprit Read More »

Biggest battery east of the Mississippi will help power AI complex

Aerial shot of warehouses

Outside Columbus, a host of data centers has transformed the Ohio countryside in just a few years. Soon, Eolian’s massive battery will deliver power in the midst of the AI hub. (Eolian)

By Julian Spector, Canary Media

Just northeast of Columbus, Ohio, the leafy Main Street of New Albany gives way to lush green fields and agrarian ponds — but soon the countryside transitions into mile after mile of enormous white boxes that emit a low hum. This patch of former farmland has become one of the densest clusters of AI computing in the nation, recently joined by Intel, which is constructing a $28 billion computer-chip factory at the northern end of the industrial bloc.

All of this requires a tremendous amount of electricity, but the area falls within the multistate market managed by PJM Interconnection, which has consistently struggled to bring new power plants online even as demand booms. The resulting power price spike has drawn the ire of both Republican and Democratic governors, who are demanding that PJM and tech giants figure out how to stop data centers from driving up costs for everybody around them. No less than the White House is pushing AI companies to ​“build, bring, or buy new power supply.”

A huge battery that just began construction in the heart of the New Albany computing cluster could model a way to accomplish that task.

Read the full story here

Biggest battery east of the Mississippi will help power AI complex Read More »

NJ Republican lawmakers’ statement on Keyport cancer cluster

 

From NJ Republican lawmakers Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn, and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger

 

As concerns continue to grow regarding the reported “cancer cluster” in the Borough of Keyport, we want every resident to know that their health and well-being remain our highest priority. We understand that many families are seeking answers, and we recognize the uncertainty and anxiety these reports have created throughout our community.

Our offices are in regular communication with both the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) as they continue their work. NJDEP is actively conducting environmental testing and reviewing the results as they become available. We remain committed to ensuring residents receive timely updates as verified information becomes available.

While this work continues, it is a good time to consider talking with a healthcare provider about your personal health history and any concerns you may have. Residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise concerned about the cost of preventive screenings should know that quality, affordable care is available locally.

Through the New Jersey Statewide Early Detection and Screening (NJSEED) Program, residents may qualify for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer screenings at little to no cost. These services are available through the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Community Health Center (VNACJ CHC) right here in Keyport, helping to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent residents from receiving potentially lifesaving preventive care.

We strongly encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible for NJSEED services, or who has questions about recommended cancer screenings, to contact the VNACJ Community Health Center in Keyport to learn more about available programs and schedule an appointment. Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in improving health outcomes, and no one should delay seeking care because of cost or uncertainty.

As your representatives, we will continue working closely with local officials, NJDEP, NJDOH, and other appropriate state agencies throughout this process. We remain committed to advocating for transparency, supporting a thorough, science-based review of all available information, and ensuring that every member of our community has access to the resources they need. During times of uncertainty, we encourage residents to rely on credible information and take advantage of the preventive health services available right here in our community.”

NJ Republican lawmakers’ statement on Keyport cancer cluster Read More »

Chill out this summer at your choice of these five Pennsylvania waterfalls

 

Pennsylvania is home to dozens upon dozens of beautiful waterfalls that you can chase throughout the year. However, many Pa. waterfalls don’t allow swimming—a major bummer because swimming near waterfalls is relaxing, scenic, and extremely fun—but we get it: It’s a safety thing. You could get injured or damage the environment around the waterfall.

But don’t shrug your shoulders and head south in search of waterfall swimming holes in West Virginia. There are indeed a number of waterfalls and cascades in Pa. where you can swim and beat the heat this summer. Just be sure to always go with a friend, keep abreast of water conditions, and consider bringing a life jacket or other flotation device. Even if you don’t wear it, you could use it to pull a friend to safety if needed. Aim to stay safe as you cool off in Pa. swimming holes this summer!

We’ve done our best to make sure all of these sites are open for swimming, but be sure to check websites before you leave and follow any signs at the site that caution or bar visitors.

1. Meadow Run, Ohiopyle State Park – Ohiopyle

Meadow Run is actually a 14-mile tributary of the Youghiogheny River. But the stream itself includes a long ribbon of cascading waterfalls, which visitors to Ohiopyle know as the Natural Water Slides. You can take a dip down the slides, carved through sandstone. Find Meadow Run’s Natural Water Slides within Ohiopyle State Park — the attraction has its own parking area.

2. Big Falls Swimming Hole, Tioga State Forest – Morris

One of the best swimming holes in the state is found in rural Tioga County, just south of the town of Wellsboro. The turquoise water of Big Falls Swimming Hole — beautifully blue-green because of limestone deposits — is fed by the waters of Stony Fork Creek via a short but lovely waterfall. Bonus: You can jump into the swimming hole on a rope swing!

The list continues here

Chill out this summer at your choice of these five Pennsylvania waterfalls Read More »

Plug-In Solar Panels Are Popping Up in U.S. Backyards

Ten U.S. states have legalized systems that can be plugged into standard wall outlets. The technology typically does not require permits or electricians.

 

Alex Ottoboni, wearing a black T-shirt, is holding a solar panel on his balcony.
Alex Ottoboni with his balcony solar panel at his condo in the San Francisco Bay AreaCredit…Poppy Lynch for The New York Times

 

By Ivan Penn and Claire Brown,  The New York Times

After watching a YouTube video about solar panels that can be plugged into a regular electrical outlet, Melani Jackson plopped four panels in the backyard of her Salt Lake City home.

 

In the six months since, she has lowered her electricity bill by about $77 in total. While that’s not a large sum, she is happy to have banked those savings, which required little effort on her part.

“I just really appreciated the idea of being able to do something to cut even just a few dollars off my energy bill plus just become a little bit more environmentally friendly,” Ms. Jackson, 35, said.

Millions of Americans worried about rising energy costs might soon follow in her footsteps as states start allowing homeowners and renters to plug in solar panels on balconies, in backyards and other places. Plug-in systems are much smaller and cheaper than rooftop build-outs — some costing just a few hundred dollars a panel. Permits are not required in the states that allow their use, and people can often install them on their own.

Read the full story here

Plug-In Solar Panels Are Popping Up in U.S. Backyards Read More »