New survey data takes Mount Kinley down
JUNEAU, Alaska – North America’s tallest peak, Alaska’s Mount McKinley, may have been taken down a notch.
An effort to update decades-old maps using airplane-mounted radar technology showed the mountain, called Denali by locals, stands at 20,237 feet. That’s 83 feet shorter than an estimate of 20,320 feet from the early 1950s.
McKinley would still be more than 680 feet taller than the continent’s second-highest peak, Canada’s Mount Logan.
The discovery was made in 2011, after data from a 2010 flight was processed, but details weren’t widely released until this week.
Obama vows more aid to help N.J. after fire
SEASIDE PARK, N.J. – President Barack Obama says his administration will continue to support New Jersey in its efforts to recover and rebuild after a fire devastated part of a boardwalk just recovering from Superstorm Sandy.
Obama said in a statement Friday he was grateful for the work of the first responders and the safety of all involved after Thursday’s boardwalk fire in Seaside Park and Seaside Heights.
The White House statement says the Obama administration will support state and local efforts to rebuild after yet another blow to New Jersey’s residents and businesses.
The fire engulfed more than four blocks of a Jersey shore boardwalk that had been rebuilt just five months ago.
The cause of Thursday’s blaze is under investigation.
Taliban attack kills two in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – The Taliban attacked a U.S. Consulate in western Afghanistan with car bombs and guns Friday, killing at least two Afghans but failing to enter the compound or hurt any Americans.
The attack in the city of Herat underscored concerns about an insurgency that shows no signs of letting up as U.S.-led troops reduce their presence ahead of a full withdrawal next year.
Within hours of the assault, the U.S. temporarily evacuated many of its consular personnel to the embassy in Kabul 400 miles to the east.
Associated Press
