Latest news with #Raleigh-DurhamInternationalAirport
Yahoo
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
The City of Oaks makes a welcome turn toward saving its trees
Raleigh sprouts new apartment buildings, stores and subdivisions at a rapid pace, but what may not be growing in the City of Oaks are trees. It's hard to say exactly how many trees are being lost to development. The most recent assessment came in a Wake County report that measured the change in tree canopy cover from 2010–2020. Countywide, the tree canopy shrank by 3.6 percent, or 11,122 acres. In Raleigh, the decrease was 2.2 percent, or 1,305 acres. But in the more urbanized areas of central and Southeast Raleigh, the loss was greater than 10 percent. With the uptick in development since the pandemic ended, it's likely the canopy loss has continued or accelerated. Losing trees has consequences not only for the city's leafy character, but also for stormwater runoff, air quality, wildlife habitat and the spread of 'heat islands' as temperatures rise with climate change. 'We're losing tree canopy. It's critically important, not only for our brand but our quality of life,' said Sig Hutchinson, a former Wake County commissioner who has supported the expansion of parks and greenways. Now the City of Raleigh is pushing back with a new project called 'Leaf Out.' It is focused on protecting existing trees, expanding the canopy, reducing heat islands and encouraging residents to plant and protect trees on their private property. 'Leaf Out' is a welcome but limited response to tree loss. Its plantings will be only on public land, though its educational efforts could encourage a greater effort by private property owners to preserve and plant trees. The city is surveying the public about ways to protect the canopy and will offer final recommendations in a 2026 report. When it comes to trees, Raleigh has a lot to work with. Despite tree loss, the canopy still covers more than 50 percent of the city. 'There is more canopy here than most cities our size, especially the older ones,' said Zach Manor, Raleigh's urban forester. Hutchinson said visitors who fly into Raleigh-Durham International Airport for the first time often comment to him about the abundance of lush greenery. 'They look down and say, 'Where's the city? It's all a bunch of trees down there,' ' he said. 'Every time I see it, I think, I'm so glad I live down there.' Dave Klemp is committed to protecting the canopy. Klemp, a Raleigh arborist who has a degree in forest management from N.C. State University, founded a nonprofit called Trees for the Triangle. Its website declares its mission as: 'Improving the environmental, aesthetic and economic well-being of the Triangle, one tree at a time.' Trees for the Triangle encourages private property owners to plant native trees. Since launching in 2018, Trees for the Triangle has planted more than 2,200 trees, but Klemp said it's a race against tree loss from development. 'We can't plant faster than in some of these areas where they are wiping things out,' he said. Raleigh's commitment to denser development also leaves less room for trees, he said. 'We're building denser, taller buildings. It's tough to preserve trees with construction going all the way to the property line. The city can't do much about that.' Klemp said the struggle to preserve the Triangle's canopy 'is about a stalemate right now. Development is continuing, but there's what we're trying to do with the Leaf Out program. We need to make a bold push to do what we can to save what we can.' In the push to preserve its canopy, Raleigh should set 'moonshot goals.' Klemp said, 'A lot of tree planting, a lot of tree maintenance.' 'It's easy to be impressed by our tree canopy if you come from places that don't have one. It's something we're proud of,' he said. 'Fifty percent (canopy coverage) is pretty good. If it were to remain, we would be pretty happy with that.' Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-404-7583, or nbarnett@
USA Today
7 days ago
- USA Today
Iranian man pleads guilty to ransomware attacks that targeted Baltimore, other US cities
Iranian man pleads guilty to ransomware attacks that targeted Baltimore, other US cities Show Caption Hide Caption How to avoid scams and frauds online Avoid scams and frauds online with these cybersecurity tips. An Iranian national pleaded guilty for his role in an international ransomware scheme that targeted the computer networks of Baltimore and other U.S. cities, causing tens of millions of dollars in losses and disrupting services, federal authorities said. Sina Gholinejad, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of computer fraud and abuse and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on May 27, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release. Gholinejad was arrested on January 10 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina, federal court records show. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced in August, the Justice Department announced. Gholinejad and unidentified co-conspirators were behind a string of ransomware attacks between January 2019 and March 2024, according to an April 2024 indictment unsealed on May 27. The Justice Department said Gholinejad and his co-conspirators encrypted files on the targeted networks with the Robbinhood ransomware variant to extort ransom payments. The conspirators compromised the computer networks of health care organizations, corporations, and other entities across the United States, according to the Justice Department. The cyberattacks also targeted several U.S. cities, including Baltimore in the high-profile 2019 ransomware attack, and caused "significant disruptions" to essential city services, federal authorities said. The Justice Department added that the conspirators "used the damage they caused these cities to threaten subsequent victims." Though court documents did not allege a state-backed connection in this case, federal authorities have warned in recent years of Iranian government hacking groups targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and private-sector entities. Federal agencies have also issued numerous advisories for cyberattacks by foreign groups, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In November 2023, an Iranian-linked cyber group, Cyber Av3ngers, hacked into the water authority infrastructure in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. The group took partial control of a system that regulates water pressure, and one that includes technology manufactured in Israel. At the time, federal authorities said the group was looking to disrupt Israeli-made technology in the United States. Here's how to stay protected. Officials warn against dangerous Medusa ransomware attacks. Conspirators used hacking tools to gain access to computer networks Federal authorities said Gholinejad and his co-conspirators gained unauthorized access to computer networks with hacking tools. They copied, transmitted, and stored information and files from the infected victim networks to virtual private servers controlled by the conspirators, according to the indictment. The conspirators also deployed Robbinhood ransomware on targeted computers to encrypt files and make them inaccessible to the victims, the indictment states. They then extorted victims by requiring the payment of Bitcoin in exchange for the private key used to decrypt the victims' computer files. The Justice Department said the conspirators attempted to launder the ransom payments through cryptocurrency mixing services and by moving assets between different types of cryptocurrencies. According to the indictment, the conspirators concealed their identities and activities through various methods, such as the use of virtual private networks and servers that they controlled. The attack on Baltimore in 2019 cost the city more than $19 million from damage to computer networks and disruptions to city services that lasted many months, including the processing of property taxes, water bills, parking citations, and other revenue-generating functions, the Justice Department said. Additional victims include computer networks in the cities of Gresham, Oregon; Yonkers, New York; and Greenville, North Carolina, along with the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District in California and the nonprofit Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth, based in New York, according to the indictment. 'Gholinejad and his co-conspirators — all of whom were overseas — caused tens of millions of dollars in losses and disrupted essential public services by deploying the Robbinhood ransomware against U.S. cities, health care organizations, and businesses,' Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, said in a statement. "The ransomware attack against the City of Baltimore forced the city to take hundreds of computers offline and prevented the city from performing basic functions for months," Galeotti added. Contributing: Claire Thornton, USA TODAY; Reuters
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bill Belichick's alleged engagement to 24-year-old Jordon Hudson raises eyebrows after ring photo surfaces
Belichick's rumored engagement sparks NFL buzz (Image via: Getty Images) Bill Belichick has always kept his private life out of the spotlight—until now. The NFL world is abuzz with speculation after the 72-year-old coaching legend's much-younger girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, was photographed sporting what appears to be an engagement ring. The image, snapped at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and reported by TMZ Sports, has sparked a media frenzy, with fans and critics alike asking: Is Belichick really heading down the aisle? Boat Names and Diamond Rings: Bill Belichick hinting at a major life change The speculation didn't start overnight. The same dazzling ring was first noticed back in April during the couple's appearance at a high-profile luncheon in New York City. At the time, it raised eyebrows but now, with multiple sightings and fresh details emerging, the engagement rumors have reached a boiling point. Fueling the fire further is the curious case of Belichick's famously named boat. Previously called 'VIII Rings' in tribute to his eight Super Bowl victories, the vessel now reportedly bears a new title: 'I + VIII Rings.' Many see the update as a not-so-subtle nod to a ninth ring, perhaps an engagement ring for Hudson. While the couple went public with their relationship in late 2024, they've mostly dodged media questions. That changed during an awkward CBS Sunday Morning interview, when reporter Tony Dokoupil asked how the two met. Before Belichick could answer, Hudson quickly cut him off, saying, 'We're not talking about this.' The tense moment quickly went viral, and public opinion hasn't been quiet since. Some see the relationship as a private matter between two consenting adults. Others argue it's a distraction from Belichick's current role at the University of North Carolina, where questions are already swirling about his future. The nearly 50-year age gap has also sparked criticism, with many questioning the dynamics of the relationship. Also Read: Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes set for major comeback and possible contract extension in 2025 Still, amid the backlash and attention, neither Belichick nor Hudson has confirmed or denied the engagement. As rumors swirl and the ring continues to shine, one thing is clear: the legendary coach has entered unfamiliar territory—where the headlines aren't about playbooks or championships, but love, legacy, and a whole lot of public curiosity. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Travelers at RDU speak out after REAL ID deadline
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Passengers passed through security at Raleigh-Durham International Airport for the first time since the REAL ID went into effect Wednesday morning. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has since said that those who still don't have a REAL ID compliant form of identification can still fly, they just need to be prepared for delays at security. Many travelers told CBS17 they've had their REAL ID compliant driver's licenses for a while. 'I saw there was a lot of people at the DMV trying to get it taken care of. I was relieved I'd gone ahead and gotten it taken care of so I could get on my flight,' Jennifer Bucher said. Bucher said she's had her enhanced driver's license for years, ever since she heard about the deadline. Bill Kehoe told CBS 17 that even though he has his proper identification, he has friends and family who don't. 'It's been stressful for folks I work with and some of my family members, but hopefully it will get sorted out,' Kehoe told CBS17. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
John Brantley, the former longtime director of RDU International Airport, has died
John Brantley, the former longtime director of Raleigh-Durham International Airport who helped guide the operation into the modern era, has died. Brantley, 82, died unexpectedly on Friday at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, according to his obituary. Brantley was director of RDU Airport from 1982 to 2011 during a period of tremendous growth 'John's legacy is woven into the very fabric of RDU,' the airport said Sunday on a post on its website. 'He helped guide its evolution from a modest airport with World War II roots into the modern, world-class gateway to the Research Triangle region that it is today.' Brantley was a lifelong resident of Raleigh. He graduated from Broughton High School in 1960 and N.C. State University in 1964. According to his obituary, Brantley began his career with the Federal Aviation Administration in 1966. He was hired to manage development of a long-range plan at RDU in 1977. Brantley became airport director in October 1982. During his 29-year tenure, he led construction of a 10,000-foot runway and new American Airlines' hub facilities. Improvements included a new air cargo and general aviation developments, roadways and parking garages, Terminal 2, and redevelopment of Terminal 1. Following his retirement from RDU, Brantley served as a trustee of Barton College and on the board of directors of the Research Triangle Foundation. In lieu of flowers, Brantley's family is asking that donations be made in his honor to the Raleigh Rescue Mission or the American Heart Association. No plans have been announced yet for his memorial service.
