Latest news with #Flag
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fire weather warnings across western Colorado kick off Memorial Day weekend
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — The first official look at the nineties for the year is here. Sunny skies will dominate the region today with highs near 90 degrees. While some breezes are also expected, there will be a break in gusty outflow winds for today, returning tomorrow. Tonight, expect some cloud coverage to roll back into the region with the lowest temperatures of the night reaching the mid-to-upper fifties. Slight breezes from 5 to 10 miles per hour will persist throughout the remain around 10 degrees normal to end the week. Hot, dry, and windy conditions will produce Red Flag conditions over portions of eastern Utah and western Colorado where fuels have been determined to be critical on Friday. With a shift in the weather pattern over the West this weekend precipitation chances look to increase slightly and temperatures decrease slightly. Confidence remains low on widespread measurable rainfall humidity begins to climb for the region and winds die down for today, extreme fire weather conditions have also begun to decrease for much of the western slope. On top of Grand County and other eastern portions of Utah continuing their Fire Weather Warnings into tonight, some areas of western Colorado have also been added. Some localized critical fire weather conditions may continue across east-central Utah over the next hour, but expect this to subside soon.A flat weather pattern across the Continental United States will be the cause behind the breezes felt this afternoon and some lower humidity levels. Temperatures continue to be significantly higher than average, but not quite at record-breaking levels yet. There could be some virga that develops under some of the stronger vertical updrafts but with the extremely dry boundary layer should prevent any measurable precipitation from reaching the ground. This remains unchanged for tomorrow with hot…dry and windy conditions bringing another round of critical fire weather conditions across portions of eastern Utah in the afternoon. Virga and a very low probability of a shower will be possible near the Wyoming border tomorrow expect a hot and dry one today! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Top 11 Galway beaches to visit while the sun shines – From Salthill to Connemara gems
For those who have never been to Galway, or for those who want to explore their own county, here's a guide to 11 of the best beaches across Galway for a swim, a scenic stroll, or a relaxing afternoon in the sun. Salthill Beach One of the most popular beaches in Galway and just a short walk from the city centre, Salthill beach is the perfect place to grab an ice-cream, go for a walk, or take a refreshing dip. Made up of several small beaches along the iconic Salthill Promenade, it's a favourite spot for running, walking, or simply people-watching – all with incredible views of Galway Bay and the distant Clare hills. If you're feeling brave, the famous Blackrock diving tower is the perfect for the thrill-seekers, with swimmers diving all year round. One of Galway's two Blue Flag beaches, its clear waters make it an ideal spot for swimming. Whether you're diving in, chilling out with a good book, or simply enjoy the salty sea breeze, Salthill is a reliable go-to. Always buzzing with activity, you can check out the local cafes, restaurants and pubs, which are only a stone throw away. Dog's bay / Gurteen Bay One of the most stunning and famous beaches in Connemara is surely Dog's Bay or, on the other side, Gurteen Bay. Located just a short drive from Roundsone, Dogs Bay is a horseshoe shaped bay with a long white sandy beach. Gurteen Bay is on the horseshoe's other side and its beach is as white and stunning. As they are sheltered from currents, both beaches are considered safe for swimming and other watersports. Silverstrand Beach Located in the coastal village of Barna, just a short drive west of Galway City, Silverstrand is a small but stunning beach and a perfect spot to catch the sunset, with breathtaking views over Galway Bay. It's Galway's second Blue Flag beach, with clean waters and a lifeguard service during the summer. Silverstrand is also a popular spot for surfers, and the nearby Barna Woods offers a scenic walking route for those looking to explore beyond the shoreline. Trá an Dóilín Have you ever seen a beach made by coral? Trá an Dóilín in Carraroe is famous for its beach made entirely of very fine coral, making its little rock pools an unique place to explore and where to spend a sunny day. The area is lifeguarded and has toilets throughout the bathing season. Dumhnach Beach Located just a 15 minutes walk from Inishbofin Island's harbour, this beach is often overlooked, but is well worth a visit. The beach is sheltered at the south end and offers calm waters and a uncontaminated sandy beach with small dunes. White Strand Probably the most famous beach along the Renvyle peninsula is White Strand, also simply known as Renvyle Beach. This stunning beach offers white sands, clear waters, and scenic views of the mountains and islands. Ballyloughane Beach Located in the quiet suburb of Renmore, just a 15 minute drive east of Galway city centre, Ballyloughane beach is a hidden gem — perfect for a peaceful day by the sea. This shallow, sandy beach is ideal for families seeking a safe spot to paddle, relax, collect shells or build sandcastles. With picnic tables, cycling and walking paths, it's a great spot to bring a packed lunch and enjoy lunch outdoors while soaking up the sunshine. Kilmurvey Beach When talking about stunning beaches, mentioning Inis Mór's most famous beach is a must. Inis Mór is the largest of the three Aran Islands and the beach can be easily reached in about half an hour of cycling from the Kilronan's pier and it's perfect for a dip as, unlike other parts of the island, there are no strong currents. Another gem of Connemara is Mannin Bay Blueway, only a ten minutes drive away from Clifden. Its sheltered, clear waters make the area perfect for snorkeling but there are no lifeguards so the public is advised to be careful. Loughrea Lake If the ocean is too far away from you or if you just prefer calmer waters, Loughrea Lake offers Also patrolled by lifeguards in summer, the lake offers has a sandy area and is definitely to consider for a swim.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What should Massachusetts's state seal be? You can decide: state is seeking submissions
Massachusetts's current state seal, featuring an indigenous man underneath a sword-holding arm, may be on its way out. After a couple efforts over the past few years, officials are once again trying to create a new state seal. Last week, the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission, created in 2024, put out an open call for members of the public to submit their own proposals. It asks for design sketches or ideas for a new seal or flag, or motto proposals. "This is an exciting moment for Massachusetts,' said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler in a press release. 'Our seal, flag, and motto should reflect not just our history, but the vibrant, diverse community we are today – and the future we are building together. I can't wait to see the creativity, ideas, and sense of belonging that people across Massachusetts will bring to this process." The current Massachusetts state seal debuted in 1898. It features a Native American man on a blue shield with a star in the corner. Above the figure is a disembodied arm holding a sword. Wrapping around the shield from below, is the state motto, 'ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem,' meaning, 'by the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.' The state flag is a white banner with the seal in the middle. Concrete efforts to change the state seal, motto and flag began in 2021. Critics say the symbols are racist: the sword above the Native American on the seal, they say, represents English colonists' cruelty to local tribes, and the motto of peace and liberty does not represent the experiences of Indigenous peoples in the area. However, not everyone wants to change the state symbols: some on social media have expressed support for keeping it the same. According to a state survey conducted by a previous commission in 2023, most preferred symbols for the revised seal included the shape of Massachusetts, the coast or shoreline, or right whales. Many also like the idea of the Mayflower and cranberries, and 30.2% want to keep a Native American or Indigenous person on the seal. Those with ideas for the new state seal, flag or motto can submit their proposals online until June 18. Individuals or organizations can submit written ideas, visual sketches, or full design concepts, according to the website. Then, the Advisory Commission will then select three options and hold at least three public hearings across the state to gather public input. Finally, the Advisory Commission will select final designs for the seal, flag and motto and submit its recommendations to the governor by July 29, 2025. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: What should MA's state seal be? State asks for your submissions
Saudi Gazette
10-05-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Royal Air Force concludes Desert Flag 2025 drill in UAE
Saudi Gazette report ABU DHABI — The Royal Saudi Air Force has concluded its participation in the Desert Flag 2025 exercise at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, following a series of joint air maneuvers conducted alongside forces from allied and partner nations. The exercise aimed to enhance combat readiness, develop operational and technical capabilities, and strengthen integration with participating air forces through simulated combat operations in a realistic, multi-national environment. Lieutenant Colonel Pilot Faisal Al-Marwani, commander of the Saudi air group in the drill, said the exercise provided a valuable opportunity to assess operational readiness under advanced combat scenarios. 'The goals set during the planning phase were successfully achieved,' he noted, 'including raising the efficiency of air, technical, and support crews, improving mechanisms of joint operations, and testing combat capabilities under the pressure of multi-domain operations.' During the exercise, Saudi forces carried out a variety of missions, including offensive and defensive air operations, close air support, combat search and rescue, and nighttime aerial refueling, significantly boosting the preparedness and accuracy of participating also emphasized that safety protocols were strictly followed throughout the drill, from aircraft preparation and preventive maintenance to flight execution, praising the professionalism of the technical teams that ensured continuous and efficient flight added that the Royal Saudi Air Force is finalizing its technical and administrative procedures in preparation to return to the Kingdom following a successful participation that reflects the high level of training and coordination across operational, technical, and administrative Flag is one of the region's most prominent joint air exercises, designed to enhance planning and execution capabilities in a multinational framework and promote military cooperation among partner forces, keeping pace with developments in modern air operations.
The Guardian
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Edward II's coronation roll goes on display alongside King Charles's
The oldest surviving coronation roll – a 2ft hand-stitched official record of Edward II's 1308 crowning at Westminster Abbey – is dwarfed by the 21-metre-long version produced for King Charles III two years ago. Much has changed in 700 years. The former is tightly inscribed, on remarkably well-preserved parchment, recording details of the service, processions, promises, who attended and what ceremonial roles they performed. The latter includes 11,500 copperplate words, is the first to use high-quality paper rather than animal skin, and took the calligrapher Stephanie von Werthern-Gill 56 days to inscribe. Also digitised, it details, at Charles's request, the flowers and the music, and is decorated with illustrations by the designer of the king's cypher, Tim Noad. And, while not all guests are mentioned by name, as a record of what happened at Westminster Abbey on 6 May 2023, it could fairly be described as comprehensive and a work of art in itself. Now the two rolls, part of a tradition dating back at least seven centuries, are on public display for the first time in an exhibition at the National Archives that also includes works of art commissioned by the government to mark the coronation. 'Both rolls contain some element of narration. In 1308, there's not a lot of that, but in 2023 there is plenty, that's why it is very long,' said Dr Sean Cunningham, the head of medieval records at the National Archives. 'Edward's is a more formal record.' While Edward's makes no mention of his queen, Isabella – though does mention Piers Gaveston, 1st Earl of Cornwall and alleged to be the king's lover – Queen Camilla features in Charles's, Cunningham said. Other, less formal and more interpretive records of King Charles's coronation day can be found in the works commissioned from artists that are now part of the government art collection. A monumental oil and acrylic entitled The Mall, by the London-based painter Dale Lewis, spotlights individuals he saw in the central London crowd, including a top-hat wearer, a street sweeper, and a woman with a duck-feathered hat. Its vibrant foreground colours fade to greys at the back. It was not just to reflect the abysmal weather on the king's big day. 'I was thinking about Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, and wanted to bring a bit of the past back. It was very heavy rain,' Lewis said. Cornelia Parker plays on the Chambers dictionary definitions of the words 'king' and 'queen' in her finely embroidered diptych King and Queen (recto and verso) produced in collaboration with Fine Cell Work, a rehabilitation charity training prisoners in fine needlework. An image of the gold state coach was enlarged and fragmented to make Hew Locke's collage on velvet entitled Flag, which he described as a ship that 'sets off hopefully but into unknown waters'. On the ship are portraits of Caribbean cane cutters, a reminder that coronation year was also the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush. 'It's layers of material, and layers of meaning,' he said. Joy Gerrard employs a helicopter view of the crowds in the Mall in two large and finely detailed ink works, depicting the people surging towards Buckingham Palace as the police cordon was lifted for the balcony appearance of king and queen. She said being commissioned 'opened up ideas of witnessing impartiality and celebration that I hadn't considered before in my work'. A finely detailed ink sketch by Manchester-based Leslie Thompson, produced in collaboration with Venture Arts working with learning disabled and neurodivergent artists, draws heavily on popular culture references in Crowd of People and the Different People. His Many of the TV Screens Everywhere series imagines London zoo animals, the Muppets, drinkers at a London pub and his own mum watching the coronation on TV. Other works on show include photographic studies from different communities around the UK on coronation day. Only 18 coronation rolls survive today, housed at the National Archives in Kew, including those for King William III and Queen Mary II, Victoria and Elizabeth II. 'You could describe them as the ultimate public records,' said Cunningham. Details of the free exhibition, which runs until November 2025, can be found on the National Archives website.
