Scientists Prove Shellfish Can Be Farmed Far From Shore

Could offshore clamming become a thing?

By Kitta MacPherson

Laura Steeves (far right), a former postdoctoral student, collaborates
with a fishing partner to prepare a surfclam cage for deployment,
while Ailey Sheehan, a lab manager, activates sensors to facilitate
the launch. Sarah Borsetti/Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory

Rutgers researchers have made a discovery that could change the future of seafood farming in New Jersey.

A study led by marine scientist Daphne Munroe has shown that Atlantic surfclams can be successfully farmed in the open ocean.

Her research, published in the North American Journal of Aquaculture, proves that offshore aquaculture is not only possible but promising. This method could help meet the increasing demand for seafood while protecting wild clam populations.

“We’re among the first to show that offshore clam farming can really work,” said Munroe, an associate professor in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences in the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. “It’s exciting because it opens the door to a new kind of business for New Jersey’s farming and fishing industries.”

The study was funded by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and was done in partnership with commercial fishing companies. 

“We didn’t do this in a lab,” Munroe said, emphasizing the importance of working with industry partners. “We did it in the real world, with real fishermen. That’s what makes the results so meaningful.”

Aquaculture is the practice of farming fish, shellfish and other aquatic organisms. It’s similar to agriculture, but instead of growing crops on land, farmers raise seafood in water. Most aquaculture takes place near the shore in protected bays or in artificial ponds and lakes.

These areas are easier to manage and safer from storms, but they are crowded with other user groups like homeowners and boaters and can be subject to poor water quality which can hinder farm operations. Offshore aquaculture avoids these challenges, Munroe said, by using the vast, cleaner waters of the open ocean, where there is more room and less potential for pollution.

Members of Munroe’s team wanted to test whether surfclams, which are large, hard-shelled shellfish that live buried in sandy ocean bottoms, could be raised offshore, where space is more available. The clams, commonly used in chowders and fried clam strips, are an important part of New Jersey’s commercial fishing industry.

Video: Deploying the clams

Jailed immigrant children punished by Trump regime for telling their stories

Seized Art, Eavesdropping Guards: How do you spell crimes against humanity?

By McKenzie Funk and Mica Rosenberg for ProPublica

When guards appeared earlier this month outside the room Christian Hinojosa shared with her son and other women and children at the immigrant detention center in Dilley, Texas, she guessed what they might be after. She quickly donned her puffy winter jacket, then slipped a manila envelope inside it. “Thank God the weather was cool,” she said — the jacket didn’t raise suspicions.

Then, she said, she was instructed to leave the room while eight to 10 guards lifted up mattresses, opened drawers and rifled through papers. In the envelope were kids’ writings and artwork about life in America’s only detention facility for immigrant families, a collection of trailers and dormitories in the brush country south of San Antonio. She planned to share their letters with the outside world.

Guards have taken away crayons, colored pencils and drawing paper during recent room searches at Dilley, according to Hinojosa and three other former detainees, along with lawyers and advocates in contact with the families inside.

Guards have taken artwork, too, they said — even one child’s drawing of Bratz fashion dolls.

They said detainees have lost access to Gmail and other Google services in the Dilley library amid stepped up searches, seizures and restrictions on communications, making it more difficult for them to contact lawyers and advocates.

They and family members said guards sometimes hover within earshot during detainees’ video calls to relatives and reporters.

The detainees and others interviewed for this story said these measures increased after the Jan. 22 arrival of Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old in a blue bunny hat, sparked protests and congressional visits. They said the clampdown intensified as children and parents at Dilley wrote letters to share with the public and reporters and relatives recorded video calls with the detainees, including those published by ProPublica this month. The children’s stories, many told in their own words, fueled an outcry over the scope of the Trump administration’s deportation campaign, which the president had promised would focus on criminals.

The detainees said the more they tried to make their voices heard, the more difficult it became.

Rightwing Florida MAGAnut running against Rep. Seth Magaziner gets a warm Rhode Island welcome

Protesters gather outside Crowne Plaza in Warwick to protest candidate Vic Mellor and his right-wing 'Rhode Island First Rally'

Steve Ahlquist

©2026 Anthony Ricci

Florida businessman Vic Mellor has announced his intention to challenge Seth Magaziner for the 2nd Congressional District seat in Rhode Island. 

Mellor participated in the January 6, 2021, United States Capitol attack, which he described to Kathy Gregg at the Providence Journal: “January 6 was [in the] top five of the emotional feelings you have for being part of something." 

He and his son, said Mellor, made it inside the Capitol building that day. Mellor is a friend of retired Army General Michael Flynn and has been involved in Flynn’s Reawaken America tour. [See: Michael Flynn and the ‘Destiny of America’]

“I look forward to campaigning for another term next year,” said Representative Magaziner in a statement. “The stakes are high. No one who attacked the Capitol on January 6 should represent Rhode Island in Congress, and especially not someone who has lived outside our state for 30 years.”

As part of his campaign, Mellor held a Rhode Island First Rally¹ on Saturday, March 7, at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick Airport, which drew protesters and counter-protesters to the hotel entrance. Under the watchful eye of Warwick Police Officers, around 75 people gathered across the street from the hotel entrance, holding signs and chanting. Around a dozen counter-protesters stood at the entrance of the hotel, holding signs in support of President Trump and ICE.

Among the protesters were members of organizations opposed to extreme right-wing politics, including Li’l Rhode Visibility Brigade, The West Bay Blue Wave, South County Resistance, South County Rising, Stand Up Rhode Island, Indivisible East Bay RI, Cranston Forward, RI-WTF Resistance Coalition, Indivisible Metro RI, Jewish Voice for Peace - RI, and Indivisible South Coast New England.

Reporter Pat Ford has pictures on Facebook from inside Mellor’s Rhode Island First Rally.

©2026 Anthony Ricci

 SteveAhlquist.news is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. 

Well, there's that

Great leadership, huh?

Kristi is gone...time for these fools to go

With federal award of up to $22 million, Brown researchers to study treatment to slow the human aging process

Brown recoups some of the research money Trump took away to study aging

Brown University

What if people could stay healthier, stronger and mentally sharper as they grow older — not by treating diseases one by one, but by slowing a biological process that drives aging itself? 

A study led by researchers at Brown University and the University of Rochester will test whether a drug developed to treat HIV can quiet a chronic immune response triggered by the body’s own DNA, to help preserve health and function later in life.

The project is supported by a contract up to $22 million from the federal Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). The agency’s highly competitive awards are designed to accelerate bold ideas that, if successful, could reshape how medical providers approach major health challenges. The team is one of several selected by the agency’s PROactive Solutions for Prolonging Resilience (PROSPR) program.

More than 70 million Boomers needing the right kind of medical care

There aren’t enough geriatricians (or home health workers or primary care doctors)

Jerry Gurwitz, UMass Chan Medical School

More than 70 million baby boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964 – are alive today. In 2026, the oldest of them are turning 80.

With longer lives often comes more complicated health needs: multiple chronic conditions, long lists of medications, balance problems that can increase the risk of falls, and changes in memory. Many older adults also begin relying more on spouses, children or other family members to help manage medical decisions.

Ideally, health care in later life should go beyond just treating individual diseases and medical conditions. It should aim to help older people maintain health, independence and optimal quality of life for as long as possible.

Doctors and nurse practitioners trained in geriatrics specialize in doing exactly that. As a geriatrician for nearly four decades, I’ve seen how the right care for older people can prevent falls, reduce risk of medication side effects and help patients make medical decisions that reflect their goals and wishes.

The problem? There just aren’t enough of us. Finding a health care provider with expertise in geriatrics can be extraordinarily difficult. But there’s good news: You can use a few simple strategies that geriatricians rely on to have more productive conversations with your or your family member’s doctor.

AG details scope of Catholic Church child sexual abuse and cover-ups in RI over decades

Providence Catholic bishop apologizes to victims of clergy sex abuse

By Christopher Shea, Rhode Island Current

For more than seven decades, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence concealed the sexual abuse of hundreds of children by over six dozen clergy members, according to a long-awaited report released Wednesday by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha. 

A total of 72 deacons and priests faced credible accusations of abuse dating as far back as 1950, the 282-page report states. Only 14 of the men listed are still alive. 

Systemic sexual abuse by New England Catholic clergy was exposed over two decades ago. But the AG’s report, which took nearly seven years to complete, pieces together as complete a picture as possible of what happened in Rhode Island, home to the largest per capita Catholic population in the nation. 

“The numbers are staggering, shocking, astounding,” Neronha told reporters during a more than two-hour press conference at his downtown Providence office. “And we know we didn’t get it all.”

State Police and the AG’s office found at least 315 victims of abuse, most of which occurred during the 1960s and 1970s. The most recent known incident of misconduct cited was in 2011, when the principal of St. Joseph School in West Warwick alleged a deacon who taught in the school “had pulled down the pants of several sixth-grade boys.”

Most accused priests avoided disciplinary action or criminal charges because the diocese would often transfer them to new parishes without warning those congregations — a practice the report called “priest shuffling.” Neronha said 31 Rhode Island priests were transferred at least five times during their careers, promoting a “culture of secrecy.”

“That went on for decades,” Neronha said.

Only 20, or about 26% of the clergy identified in the report, ever faced criminal charges. Just 14 clergy were convicted. 

Neronha’s office has charged four current and former priests with sexual abuse for allegations over the course of the investigation between 2020 and 2022. 

Three of them are still awaiting trial, while the fourth died after being deemed incompetent to stand trial in 2022.

Trump killed The US lost $35B in clean energy projects last year

Lost jobs, lost opportunities

Naveena Sadasivam, Senior Staff Writer

"This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist's weekly newsletter here."

For more than a decade, the clean energy economy has been on a steep growth trajectory. Companies have poured billions of dollars into battery manufacturing, solar and wind generation, and electric vehicle plants in the U.S., as solar costs fell sharply and EV sales surged. That momentum is set to continue surging in much of the world — but in the United States, it’s starting to stall.

According to a new report from the clean energy think tank E2, new investment in clean energy projects last year was dwarfed by a cascade of cancellations for projects already in progress. For every dollar announced in new clean energy projects, companies canceled, closed, or downsized roughly three dollars’ worth. 

In total, at least roughly $35 billion in projects were abandoned last year, compared to just $3.4 billion in cancellations in 2023 and 2024 combined.

Hooray! Daylight savings time is back tonight

Our Führer

Sen. Gu, Rep. Cotter introduce bill to protect Rhode Island’s groundwater reserves

Protect groundwater while expanding affordable housing stock.  

Sen. Victoria Gu and Rep. Megan Cotter have introduced legislation to protect Rhode Island’s groundwater resources from overuse and overdevelopment.

“Some wells and public water systems in parts of Rhode Island are already showing signs of stress. In my own district, some homes in the Quonochontaug Neck neighborhood have seen their wells go dry temporarily during summer droughts, and homeowners in Jamestown have faced failing wells and a public water system that officials are worried is reaching its limits,” said Senator Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown). 

“Especially in coastal neighborhoods that were overbuilt before zoning laws existed, it is important that continued development doesn’t stress groundwater resources beyond their capacity.”

Said Representative Cotter (D-Dist. 39, Exeter, Richmond, Hopkinton), “Rhode Island is in a housing crisis and it’s important for every community to do its part to solve it. However, it would be short-sighted and counterproductive to allow housing development to put at risk the groundwater resources that supply drinking water across the state. This bill will keep affordable housing incentives intact while ensuring that the clean groundwater that keeps Rhode Island green and livable is protected.”

Trump and Bobby Jr. anti-vax policies kill kids

US flu activity still high, with 8 more pediatric deaths

Mary Van Beusekom, MS

Another eight US children were confirmed to have died of influenza infections last week, for a total of 79 this respiratory virus season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in its weekly FluView update today.

The 2024-25 flu season saw a total of 289 child deaths—the most reported in a non-pandemic flu season since the CDC began tracking pediatric flu deaths in 2004. Of the 79 children who died of influenza this season and had known vaccination status, roughly 90% occurred in those who were unvaccinated.

Flu activity remains moderate (11 jurisdictions) to high or very high (25) across the nation, although indicators are stable or trending downward. Only a few eastern states are reporting likely growing case numbers. Health care visits are holding steady for the sixth week in a row, at 4.4%, while clinical lab positivity is at 17.9%, down from 19.8% the week before. 

Influenza A continues to dominate, although it is steadily losing ground to influenza B. Of the 1,354 influenza A(H3N2) viruses that underwent additional genetic characterization, 92.4% have belonged to subclade K, which has mutations that allow it to evade immunity from this season’s flu vaccine formula.

Weekly flu hospitalizations declined slightly, from 14,940 the week before to 13,785. The cumulative flu-related hospitalization rate (73.3 per 100,000 people) is the third highest since the 2010-11 season. Children have the second-highest cumulative hospitalization rate for that age-group since that same season.

So far this season, the CDC has recorded at least 25 million flu-related illnesses, 330,000 hospitalizations, and 20,000 deaths. Flu-related deaths made up 0.8% of all deaths this week.

RSV most severe in infants, preschoolers

In other respiratory virus news, the amount of acute illness causing people to seek health care is moderate. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity, including emergency department visits and hospitalizations among infants and preschoolers, remains high in many areas of the country. RSV test positivity is at 8.6%, and related deaths made up 0.1% of all deaths.

COVID-19 levels are decreasing overall but growing or likely growing in some eastern and southern states, with 4.3% overall test positivity. COVID-19 deaths made up 0.5% of all deaths.

WastewaterSCAN reported high levels of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, RSV, and human metapneumovirus in wastewater last week.

Attorney General Peter Neronha Endorses Foulkes for Governor

Picks Helena Foulkes over Dan McKee

Attorney General Peter Neronha endorsed Helena Buonanno Foulkes for Governor of Rhode Island. 

“Throughout my career, I have had the honor of serving the people of Rhode Island in courtrooms across our state and in executive leadership roles as your Attorney General and United States Attorney. I know what it takes to lead as a public servant. It is without hesitation when I say that Helena Foulkes has what it takes to be our next Governor,” said Attorney General Neronha. 

“I am confident that she will fight for Rhode Islanders, which is something I think is critically important for that Office. Much like my role as a prosecutor, Helena is arguing the case for change, and she has my support.”

“Attorney General Neronha has spent his career fighting every day on behalf of Rhode Islanders and I am incredibly honored to have his support in this race,” said Helena. 

“Peter has been on the frontlines against the Trump administration and has seen firsthand the importance of strong Democratic governors and attorneys general as the last line of defense to protect Rhode Island against reckless federal policies. He understands the leadership this moment demands and I look forward to earning Rhode Islanders’ support in the days and months ahead.”

‘Disgraceful’: What McKee’s remark says about his warped view of primary elections

Our anti-democratic Democratic Governor thinks no one should run against him, changes his name to Donald Trump-McKee

By Philip Eil, Rhode Island Current

The poll mentioned above was taken before
Hasbro decided to move out of Rhode
Island and take Monopoly with them

Gov. Dan McKee said something stunning during a meeting with the North Kingstown Democratic Town Committee. While discussing his primary election challenge from former CVS executive Helena Buonanno Foulkes, he expressed disbelief and anger that Foulkes — or any of his fellow Democrats — would challenge him.

“I’m a sitting Democratic governor elected and I am going to get primaried in my own party,” he said on Feb. 26, according to a recording released by talk radio station WPRO. “After doing all the work that we’ve done, that’s disgraceful. Period.”

The response from Foulkes’s camp was swift and fierce: “We expect this kind of king mentality from President Trump, not from a Democratic governor.”

But McKee’s remarks deserve more than that. 

Because today, at a time when experts warn of the country’s democratic deterioration, the ways our officials talk about democracy are important. And it is noteworthy — and unsettling — that McKee would be so dismissive toward a foundational part of the democratic process that puts power in the hands of voters, not party leaders. 

First, it’s important to note that these comments fit a pattern from the governor. This is the same guy who, after he won his last primary contest against Foulkes in 2022, publicly refused to take a concession phone call from Foulkes and told a staffer to “Hang up on them.” Afterward, he defended the decision, telling WJAR, “Anybody with a brain in their head would not be calling when they’re watching me on TV giving an acceptance speech.”

 It is the same guy who, during his 2025 State of the State address, banned independent TV cameras from the chamber and booked the State House rotunda for the apparent purpose of keeping protestors out of earshot. Rotunda access was mostly restored for this year’s State of the State after a challenge by the ACLU of Rhode Island.

It is the same governor who, in the aftermath of the Washington Bridge shutdown, called reasonable questions about the job status of now retired DOT Director Peter Alviti “out of line” and “beyond the pale.” 

McKee’s “disgraceful” comment is merely the latest indication that the governor takes umbrage at the norms and everyday pushback that come with elected office.