MORNING HEADLINES | A team of researchers from South Carolina and Georgia is bringing sophisticated equipment and techniques to the job of saving rare, endangered right whales off the Atlantic coast.
According to a story in The State newspaper, researchers are trying to save the whales, which have a population of fewer than 400, through a combination of equipment like a torpedo-shaped glider that searches for their locations and a new buoy with tracking devices off the Savannah coast. Knowing locations can facilitate warnings to ocean-going vessels.
A big threat are collisions with ships because the whales, which swim just below the water’s surface, often are hard to see.
“Unfortunately, in the current political climate, we don’ t think there’s much chance in a regulatory approach,’’ University of South Carolina whale researcher Erin Meyer-Gutbrod told the newspaper when speaking of the lack of strong federal protections for right whales. “So that puts the onus on communication and engagement with individual mariners that are out at sea.’’
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In recent headlines
CP OPINION, Brack: S.C. lawmakers need to find real courage to lead for all. “Our annual pitch at this time of year for the last 16 years has been for South Carolina lawmakers to start making significant progress to help ordinary residents. It mostly falls on deaf ears, year after year… But, as Winston Churchill might say, we never give up.”
- CP, Ask Dr. Jane: Why foreplay doesn’t work and what does
CP’s S.C. WEEK IN REVIEW: South Carolina’s top Statehouse news for 2025. With President Donald Trump back in the White House and Republicans in charge of every branch of government in Washington and South Carolina, 2025 was a year of sharp right turns for Palmetto State policymakers. Other recent statewide stories:
- New state laws set to take effect in January
- Citadel professor confirmed as next Defense Department Inspector General
- S.C. to expand mental health services after settling federal claim
- Once-moderate Treasury secretary – S.C.’s Bessent – emerges as MAGA warrior
- S.C. prisons ‘under attack from drones all the time,’ officials say
Boeing says it will invest $70M to train future S.C. workers. The airplane manufacturer expects to hire at least 1,000 additional workers to meet growing demand for its North Charleston-produced Dreamliners.
Charleston County schools awarded $5M grant for mental health services. School officials say they’ll use the federal grant to hire five new psychologists and expand services at select local schools.
Isle of Palms looks for long-term strategy on erosion. IOP Town Council says it wants to move from temporary mitigation efforts to a long-term plan to fight beach erosion.
HOLIDAYS: Summerville community hosts 4th annual ‘Winter Festival’ . Summerville’s Summers Corner held its Winter Festival this weekend, featuring Christmas-themed entertainment and a Whoville theme.
- Lowcountry 5K supports groups in need at the holidays
- North Charleston’s Park Circle hosts holiday food giveaway for needy families
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