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Sure, it might be cold and dark, but traveling to wintry places can be magical

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:12:47 GMT

Planning a trip this winter? Yes, it’s tempting to look for sunny spots where you can lie on a beach or play golf. But some of my favorite winter vacations have been to northerly destinations at their coldest, darkest times of year.I don’t ski, so I’m not looking for powder. But I have seen northern lights in Alaska, explored an ice cave in Iceland, and stood outdoors in 20-degree weather watching migrating cranes in Nebraska.I’ve been to Detroit in December, Canada for Christmas, Finland in February. And I’ve taken visitors around my hometown, New York City, in January, when holiday crowds are gone and prices are lower.Here are some tips and ideas for planning a trip in the depths of winter.CITIESThere’s a reason New York City runs Restaurant Week prix fixe menus and 2-for-1 Broadway specials Jan. 16 to Feb. 4: It’s a way to drum up business at a slow time of year. Hotels and theater tickets also dip in price in January and February. Plus, you can get reservations that are otherwis...

At least 20 people killed in blasts at ceremony honoring slain Iranian general, state-run news agency says

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:12:47 GMT

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — At least 20 people killed in blasts at ceremony honoring slain Iranian general, state-run news agency says.Source

Rescuers race against time in search for survivors in Japan after powerful quakes leave 73 dead

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:12:47 GMT

SUZU, Japan (AP) — Japanese rescue workers and canine units searched urgently through rubble Wednesday ahead of predicted bitter cold and heavy rain in what the prime minister called a race against time after powerful earthquakes killed at least 73 people in western Japan. Ishikawa prefecture and nearby areas were shaken by a 4.9 magnitude aftershock on Wednesday — one of dozens that have followed Monday’s magnitude 7.6 temblor centered near Noto, about 300 kilometers (185 miles) from Tokyo on the opposite coast. The quake set off tsunami warnings, followed by waves measuring more than 1 meter (3 feet) in some places.The first 72 hours are especially critical for rescues, experts say, because the prospects for survival greatly diminish after that.“More than 40 hours have passed. This is a race against time, and I feel that we are at a critical moment,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters. “We have received reports many people are still waiting for rescue under collapse...

1 person injured, dog killed in Adams County house fire

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:12:47 GMT

ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — An overnight fire in Adams County remains under investigation Wednesday morning.Adams County Fire tweeted about the blaze just before 3 a.m. It happened at a single-family home east of Federal Boulevard in the 2600 block of 80th Avenue.One person was rescued from the home and rushed to the hospital. Crews have not released an update on their condition. Second person dies after house fire near Fort Collins Adams County Fire said one dog was rescued from the home but has since died.Fire investigators, crime scene investigators, and Adams County Sherriff's Office deputies remained on scene through the early morning hours while crews worked to put the fire out.So far, there has been no word on what caused the fire.80th Avenue is open to traffic.

US national debt hits record $34 trillion

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:12:47 GMT

London (CNN) — The US government’s debt has topped $34 trillion for the first time, just weeks ahead of looming deadlines for Congress to agree to new federal funding plans.Data published by the Treasury Department showed that “total public debt outstanding” rose to $34.001 trillion on December 29. That figure, also known as the national debt, is the total amount of outstanding borrowing by the US federal government accumulated over the nation’s history.The milestone comes just three months after the US national debt surpassed $33 trillion, as the budget deficit — the difference between what the government spends and what it receives in taxes — ballooned.Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a fiscal watchdog, called the record figure “a truly depressing ‘achievement.’”“Though our level of debt is dangerous for both our economy and for national security, America just cannot stop borrowing,” she said in a statement Tuesday.M...

Series of Fronts to Lead to Up and Down Rain Chances

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:12:47 GMT

Following a nice lull in active weather across South Florida, with a streak of lows in 50s, that wave of cold weather will come to an end while rain chances rise.Lows across most of South Florida this morning reached the 50s once again but lows in the 50s going forward will hard to come by over the next 7 days. Some inland locations may still reach the upper 50s tonight but it certainly won’t be as common.One front crossed through the area yesterday and another one will arrive tomorrow. In between these fronts, temperatures will remain mild while skies will be mostly cloudy this Wednesday.Then on Thursday, the front will cross through midday with limited moisture. Besides spotty showers in spots, it will be a mostly dry day with times of sun and clouds.Temperatures will be warmer into the upper 70s for highs courtesy of a southwest wind in the morning.Behind this first out of three future fronts, temperatures are only forecast to drop by a degree or two with another warmup ahe...

Lynn Schools re-open with increased police presence following violent week

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:12:47 GMT

After multiple shootings in Lynn last week, schools in that community are re-opening after winter break with an increased police presence.Lynn Police Chief Christopher Reddy, Mayor Jared Nicholson, and Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools Evonne Alvarez sent a letter to families on Tuesday updating them on preparations being made for the re-opening of schools on Wednesday.“We acknowledge with you the pain and anxiety caused by the senseless acts of violence that occurred these past few days,” the letter reads. “The families of these young men will never be the same, and the grief that they are experiencing is shared by their friends and the school community where they were students.”The letter said city officials are “working diligently to coordinate an increased police presence” for the re-opening, which includes assigning a uniformed officer to Lynn Classical High School while school is in session.On Tuesday, Dec. 26, a shooting in the area of ...

Quincy man arrested after attempting to light raccoon on fire

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:12:47 GMT

A Quincy man was arrested and charged with animal cruelty after police say he attempted to light a raccoon on fire.Quincy Police received a call on Saturday, Dec. 30 reporting that a person was attempting to light a raccoon on fire in the backyard of a house on Royal Street.Upon arrival, officers saw two neighbors arguing and a live raccoon, with apparent burn injuries, in a trap cage.In a video obtained by police, authorities said, Andrew Chieu, 63, of Quincy, could be seen “building a fire in a tin can” before placing the caged raccoon “on top of the tin can as the fire intensified”.Chieu was placed under arrest and charged with violating animal cruelty laws. He was arraigned in Quincy District Court on Tuesday.The raccoon was transported to a local animal hospital for treatment. The animal survived the incident and authorities said the extent of its injuries is unknown at this time.

Fentanyl Test Strips, Wheelchair Repairs Up For Early 2024 Senate Action

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:12:47 GMT

STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, JAN. 2, 2024…..The Senate is poised to kick off the second year of the legislative session with a trio of bills that seek to help people with disabilities and to make fentanyl test strips legal.Senators on Tuesday teed up the three bills to debate at their Thursday session: to protect people who administer or use fentanyl test strips from criminal liability (S 2458), expand wheelchair warranty protections for people with disabilities (S 152), and require new guidance on how police officers should interact with people with autism (S 2204).Fentanyl Test StripsSen. Cynthia Creem said the chief of police in her hometown of Newton first approached her about fentanyl test strips, saying that they are an important overdose prevention resource but are illegal in the state.“They’re highly effective, easy to carry around, everything is right, except it’s considered drug paraphernalia in Massachusetts,” Creem said.The testing strips can warn p...

Crime Briefs: Boston Police identify first shooting victim of the year

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:12:47 GMT

The first Boston murder victim of 2024 has been identified as Nilton Fernandes, 24, of Dorchester.Boston Police responded to the area of 34 High St. in Dorchester a little before 5:30 a.m. Monday, New Year’s Day, for a report of a person shot. Responders pronounced Fernandes, who had clearly been shot, dead at the scene.Police ask that anyone with any information about Fernandes’ killing to contact homicide detectives at 617-343-4470 or to provide information anonymously through the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or by texting the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463).Another shooting in the New YearPolice also responded Monday night to the area of 27 Washington St. in Roxbury where they found a teenage girl suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.She was taken to a local hospital and treated. Her alleged shooter, however, wasn’t far.Police say that witnesses pointed them toward 20 Castlegate Road. After several tries at the door, three people came out of th...