Latest news with #USA TODAY
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump withdraws US from UNESCO, again. Are any World Heritage sites in Ohio? What to know
President Donald Trump is removing the United States from UNESCO, again, as his administration labels the international agency "woke," USA TODAY reports. So what does UNESCO do? And is Ohio home to any of its World Heritage sites? Here's what to know. What is UNESCO? What does it do? UNESCO's mission is "to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity." Based in Paris, UNESCO was founded after World War II to promote peace through international cooperation in education, science and culture. One of its core missions is the World Heritage program, which protects historic and cultural sites. Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks in Ohio is a UNESCO World Heritage Site In 2023, the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first for Ohio and the 25th in the United States. The site includes the Octagon Earthworks in Newark and the Great Circle in Newark and Heath as part of eight large earthen enclosures built by ancient American Indian peoples in central and southern Ohio between about AD 1 and 400, the Dispatch reported at the time. The Octagon Earthworks includes remnants of a 2,000-year-old complex that is the largest set of geometric earthworks ever known. The other sites are the Fort Ancient Earthworks in Warren County and five sites that are part of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Ross County. There are 1,248 UNESCO World Heritage sites in 170 countries, including the pyramids in Egypt, Notre-Dame Cathedral in France and the Statue of Liberty in America. Why did Donald Trump pull the U.S. out of UNESCO? Second time president cuts ties with organization White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said UNESCO, which stands for U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, "supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November." Trump withdrew the U.S. from the organization during his first term, only to have the move reversed by President Joe Biden. The move, which goes into effect at the end of 2026, is part of an effort to pull the U.S. out of international institutions he has long criticized. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in a statement to USA TODAY that Trump's decision to withdraw is 'regrettable' and 'contradicts the fundamental principles of multilateralism.' This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: US to withdraw from UNESCO. Are any World Heritage sites in Ohio?
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
You should eat more cantaloupe this summer. Here's why.
It's here: Cantaloupe season. Cantaloupe is the hydrating, versatile healthy fruit that's synonymous with summer. As you cut into a cantaloupe's understated exterior, a vibrantly colored, orange center appears. From vitamin A to vitamin C, cantaloupe packs a punch with essential nutrients that can help support your immune and digestive systems, studies have shown. USA TODAY previously spoke with two registered dietitians to pull back the curtain on the melon's many health benefits. Read on to learn how incorporating cantaloupe into your day-to-day can help you achieve a well-rounded, balanced diet. Cantaloupe is an excellent addition to your diet if you're 'looking to eat more hydrating foods, eat more anti-inflammatory foods (and) eat foods that are nutrient dense,' Hope Brandt, a registered dietitian, previously told USA TODAY. Cantaloupe is a part of the melon family, and it's closely related to honeydew and watermelon. In the context of a balanced diet, the fruit is a good source of antioxidants, potassium and fiber – nutrients that boost immunity, aid the digestion process and offer protection from chronic diseases, according to a 2023 study. 'The most prevalent benefits that we see is from that beautiful orange color, which is caused by beta-carotene,' Monica D'Agostino, also a registered dietitian, previously told USA TODAY. When beta-carotene enters the body, it converts into vitamin A, which is essential for 'promoting eye health, assisting the body in blood cell production and immune response (and) acting as an antioxidant to help fight free radicals,' she explains. Free radicals wreak havoc on the body by damaging healthy cells, D'Agostino says. Beta-carotene acts as a neutralizer of free radicals, which can help to prevent the progression of diseases, including heart disease and cancer, she adds. 'Eating a diet that is high in antioxidants is something that can help reduce chronic inflammation in our bodies over time,' Brandt says. Cantaloupe's high vitamin C content is also particularly helpful with iron absorption, Brandt adds. Is pineapple good for you? Nutritionists answer commonly-searched questions Cantaloupe is a refreshing addition to summer salads and snack plates, and pairing it alongside foods rich in antioxidants, fiber and hydration can help you attain nutrient diversity. When consumed alongside other high-fiber fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes, cantaloupe can 'be incorporated as a way to increase that overall fiber and water in the body, which will assist (with) potential digestive issues,' D'Agostino says. Eating cantaloupe alongside foods such as berries, nuts, Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are among a few examples, she says. Ultimately, variety is key, and to achieve a well-balanced diet, it's important to eat a range of nutrient-dense fruits, D'Agostino emphasizes. Beyond cantaloupe, there's a number of fruits that tout similar health benefits – grapefruit, pomegranate and papaya are also considered to be high-potassium, high-fiber and antioxidant-rich foods, according to studies. In a salad mixed with leafy greens, cantaloupe offers a surprising benefit, Brandt adds. Leafy greens are packed with non-heme iron, which is the iron found in plant-based foods, according to Harvard Health. The body often needs a little extra help when absorbing non-heme iron, and the vitamin C found in cantaloupe can guide this process along more efficiently, Brandt explains. What does vitamin A do? Plus which foods you should eat to get more. One cup of freshly cubed cantaloupe contains 53 calories, which is equivalent to one serving. A serving alone surpasses your daily dose of vitamin A, contains 6% of your daily need of fiber and is nearly enough to meet your daily recommended need of vitamin C, per WebMD. According to the World Health Organization, every day you should aim to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, totaling around 80 grams per portion. If you enjoy cantaloupe, and want to add it to your regular rotation of fruits, D'Agostino says the fruit can be a great option to fill one to two of the WHO's recommended servings. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is cantaloupe good for you? Health benefits and vitamins explained
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Yahoo
Venice Beach, Ocean City and Virginia Beach's boardwalks aren't ranked as high as a CT one
Summer is in full swing, which means it's time for walks on the boardwalk. And if you want to visit a classic one, you'll find one of the very best in Connecticut with stunning views. USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards recently its public space rankings, and one boardwalk in Connecticut ranked among the best in the country. The annual 10BEST awards highlight the best in travel, food and lifestyle, and winners are chosen by a public voting poll after being nominated by industry experts. In the public spaces awards, highlighting the top parks, playgrounds, trails and more from across the country, the Ocean Beach Park Boardwalk in New London ranked second for best boardwalk. Here's what to know about the state's top-rated boardwalk. Located at the end of Ocean Avenue in New London, Ocean Beach Park is a half-mile white sand beach overlooking Long Island Sound. According to USA TODAY, the beach's boardwalk is a "New England gem" which "combines classic boardwalk charm with modern amenities." Boardwalk activities at Ocean Beach Park include an arcade, a playground, a gift shop, mini golf, a triple water slide, a spray park and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Those looking to get away from the water can enjoy a walk on the park's nature trail, overlooking the beautiful Alewife Cove. Beachgoers can also enjoy a variety of classic boardwalk rides, including the spinning Scrambler, the dizzying Octopus and an old-school carousel. The boardwalk also frequently hosts special events, such as music concerts and firework shows. Worked up an appetite from a busy day on the boardwalk? Ocean Beach has multiple casual dining options with spectacular views of the ocean, including the Sandbar Cafe, the Boardwalk Galley and for a sweet summer treat, the Boardwalk Creamery. Ocean Beach Park is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with parking costing $30 on weekdays or $40 on weekends and holidays. Certain attractions on the boardwalk may have additional costs. The boardwalk is located at 98 Neptune Ave. in New London. CT beaches: This little known Connecticut beach town was named a 'hidden gem.' Here's where it is Here is the full ranking of USA TODAY's top 10 boardwalks in the country: Wildwoods Boardwalk - Wildwood, NJ Ocean Beach Park Boardwalk - New London, CT Carolina Beach Boardwalk - Carolina Beach, NC Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - Santa Cruz, CA Kemah Boardwalk - Kemah, TX Atlantic City Boardwalk - Atlantic City, NJ Venice Beach Boardwalk - Venice, CA Ocean City Boardwalk - Ocean City, NJ Ocean City Boardwalk - Ocean City, MD Virginia Beach Boardwalk - Virginia Beach, VA This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Move over Venice Beach, this CT boardwalk named one of best in US
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fourth of July fireworks in Boston: 2025 start time, how to watch
Independence Day is nearly here, and Americans around the country are making plans to celebrate the United States' 249th birthday. Booming fireworks, patriotic parades and outdoor barbecues have become annual traditions, and many employees enjoy the day off from work for the federal holiday. The Fourth of July marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the 13 North American colonies officially separated from Great Britain. Widely considered the "birthplace" of the American Revolution, Boston holds the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, which has been running for decades. Here's what you need to know about Fourth of July fireworks and celebrations in Boston. This year, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will be on Friday, July 4. The concert is schedule to begin at 7 p.m. and the fireworks will start at 9:40 p.m. The show takes place on the Charles River Esplanade between the Longfellow and Massachusetts Avenue Bridges at the DCR Hatch Shell, located at 47 David G. Mugar Way in Boston. Those who can't make the fireworks spectacular in person can catch the show on live TV, airing locally on WHDH from 7-10 p.m. and nationally on The CW Network from 9-10 p.m. Contributing: Bailey Allen, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Boston Fourth of July fireworks: Start time, how to watch
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Several Westchester beaches closed after heavy rainfall causes bacterial contamination
The Westchester County Health Department has preemptively closed several beaches Wednesday, July 2, after heavy rainfall Tuesday evening may have caused bacteria contamination in the water. The health department said 0.72 inches of rainfall in the last 24 hours may have caused bacterial contamination in the swimming water due to road runoff into drainage outfalls near the following locations: Hudson Park Beach Davenport Beach Club Greentree Country Club Surf Club on the Sound Harbor Island Park Beach Point Club Orienta Beach Club Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club Coveleigh Club The health department says these beaches can reopen Thursday, July 3, if bacteria levels meet health code standards. The source for an increase in bacteria is not always clear, but potential causes include: Stormwater runoff Land use within the watershed Naturally occurring bacteria in sand or soil Heavy rainfall or environmental changes like strong winds or high waves Summer 2025: Have fun, stay safe this season. Check out guide to summer safety Freshwater samples: Tested for E. coli: A result of 235 colonies/100 mL or higher exceeds the state standard Ocean samples: Tested for enterococci: A result of 104 colonies/100 mL or higher exceeds the state standard Contributing: USA TODAY New York Connect Team's Victoria E. Freile This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Westchester NY closes several beaches due to possible bacteria
