YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif.

Rangers reminding visitors that regulations ban drones

The bald eagle, the yellow warbler and the peregrine falcon have been joined in the skies above Yosemite National Park by a noisy newcomer: the drone.

Spokesman Scott Gediman issued a statement Friday reminding visitors that federal regulations actually ban the unmanned aircraft, yet that hasn’t stopped drone sightings from becoming a nearly daily occurrence in one of the nation’s most venerated national parks.

In the last few years, Gediman said, rangers have noticed more of the devices in the park – buzzing over waterfalls or above meadows – as guests use them to capture otherwise impossible-to-get photographs of the breathtaking landscape.

As rangers gear up for an increase in visitors during the summer, Gediman said he hopes Friday’s announcement – along with similar advisories on Facebook and Twitter – will encourage people to leave their drones at home.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.

Minke whale carcass found tagged with Greek graffiti

A dead Minke whale that washed ashore in New Jersey suffered some further indignity: Someone tagged it with graffiti.

The whale, which was 12 to 15 feet long, was discovered Thursday morning below Atlantic City’s Central Pier.

Police said the purple markings are not gang-related and appear to be the Greek letters, Tau Epsilon Phi, a fraternity that has chapters at several schools.

Spokesman Jesse Cohen said while it has not been confirmed that Tau Epsilon Phi members were involved, the fraternity considers it a “reprehensible act” contrary to its teachings and is cooperating with authorities.

NEW LONDON, Conn.

Coast Guard breaks ground for new waterfront museum

Supporters of a National Coast Guard Museum are cheering as political and military dignitaries reveled in a ceremonial groundbreaking in Connecticut.

The commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr., signed a deed Friday that transfers the site of the future museum from the city of New London to the Coast Guard. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy also was on hand.

The state will be committing up to $20 million to supplement development and construction of the $80 million museum that will honor the maritime service’s 224-year-history. Millions more dollars need to be raised before construction of the museum.

NEW YORK

NYPD baseball team reports $15,000 worth of gear stolen

Most thieves would balk at stealing on the NYPD baseball team, but the squad has been forced to cancel a tournament championship game after someone made off with its jerseys, gloves and bats.

The team of New York City police officers was at a tournament in Texas when about $15,000 worth of gear and equipment was stolen from a team minivan.

– From news service reports