Protest calling for ceasefire in Gaza causes major traffic issues in Boston

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:35:46 GMT

Protest calling for ceasefire in Gaza causes major traffic issues in Boston A protest calling for a ceasefire in Gaza caused major traffic issues in downtown Boston Thursday. The protest happened near the intersection of Congress and State Street, with roughly two hundred people gathering late Thursday afternoon.Just over two months into the current war between Israel and Hamas, demonstrators in Boston said state leaders need to step up their efforts to bring a ceasefire.“We have over two million people in Gaza traumatized and it’s reverberating throughout our communities,” said Eli Gerzon of Jewish Voice for Peace Boston. “We need to do everything we can to stop it,” Gerzon continued. “And Senator Warren and Senator Markey have not done everything they can.Organizers of Thursday’s event said they wanted to disrupt what they called “business as usual.” While crowds gathered, Boston police in a post on X near 5:30 p.m. urged drivers in downtown Boston to seek alternate routes. Police said all streets in the downtown area had reopened as o...

Celtics hold composure late to hold off Cavs, sweep two-game series

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:35:46 GMT

Celtics hold composure late to hold off Cavs, sweep two-game series The Celtics hold themselves to a high standard. Jayson Tatum, after Tuesday’s win over the Cavaliers, said they were the best team in the league. Before Thursday’s rematch, Derrick White said it’s important to continue that standard, especially as teams routinely give them their best shot.That’s why, even in mid-December, Joe Mazzulla challenged the Celtics to treat this unique week like a playoff situation. And they knew after beating the Cavs in Game 1, putting them away in a second two nights later would be a great challenge.The Celtics, in their first two-game series of the week, passed the test. It was certainly not their sharpest performance. They controlled the first half, but still left something to be desired. The Cavs, after a hot shooting display, cooled off and were still within striking distance. Another subpar Celtics third quarter let their visitors come back to life.But like they’ve done several times this season, the Celtics held their composure under pressure. Jays...

Alex Verdugo wishes Boston well in farewell post

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:35:46 GMT

Alex Verdugo wishes Boston well in farewell post A week after being traded to the New York Yankees, Alex Verdugo took to Instagram to offer his gratitude to the Red Sox and all of the fans for their support during his time with the team.“As I reflect on the past four years, I want to thank the Red Sox organization for welcoming me and my family with open arms from day one,” Verdugo wrote. “It was an honor to put on that uniform every day and represent such a storied franchise. I’m grateful to all my teammates I got to share the field and clubhouse with, as well as the friendships I’ve developed here.“To the city of Boston and the fans, thank you for your passion, energy and for embracing me on and off the field. Your support meant more than I could ever express. Boston will always have a special place in my heart! I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my journey.”Originally acquired in the Mookie Betts trade, Verdugo’s time in Boston was marked by a series of peaks and valle...

Deadly SR-905 crash near border prompts lane closures

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:35:46 GMT

Deadly SR-905 crash near border prompts lane closures SAN DIEGO -- A deadly motorcycle crash Thursday prompted road closures near the U.S.-Mexico border in Otay Mesa, authorities said.The collision occurred at 3:54 p.m. on eastbound State Route 905, located west of Britannia Boulevard, where a motorcyclist died from their injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol log. Amber Alert issued for girl, 13, last seen in Imperial County As of 4:53 p.m., all lanes on eastbound SR-905 in the aforementioned location have been closed due to the crash, Caltrans posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.Traffic is being detoured off at Caliente Ave.Check back for updates on this developing story.

One person dead in crash near Scripps Ranch

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:35:46 GMT

One person dead in crash near Scripps Ranch SAN DIEGO -- One person was killed in a crash when a vehicle hit a tree Thursday in the Miramar Ranch North neighborhood near Scripps Ranch, authorities said.The collision occurred around 5:40 p.m. at Spring Canyon Rd. and Scripps Poway Parkway, the San Diego Police Department confirmed to FOX 5. Deadly SR-905 crash near border prompts lane closures Authorities have shut down eastbound and westbound lanes on Scripps Poway Parkway near Scripps Summit.It is unknown if the person was the driver or if anyone else was in the vehicle.Check back for updates on this developing story.

Alaska governor’s budget plan includes roughly $3,400 checks for residents and deficit of nearly $1B

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:35:46 GMT

Alaska governor’s budget plan includes roughly $3,400 checks for residents and deficit of nearly $1B JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy unveiled a budget plan Thursday that would pay residents an oil-wealth dividend of about $3,400 next year using a formula that lawmakers have all but abandoned and use savings to plug an estimated $990 million deficit. The proposal does not include an increase in the per-student K-12 school funding formula, though Dunleavy, a former educator, said he expected education to be at the fore of discussions when lawmakers convene for their new legislative session next month. He said he wanted lawmakers to consider his proposal from last session that would provide bonuses to teachers as a way to help recruit and retain them. Dunleavy blasted the federal government and groups that have challenged oil, mining and other development projects in Alaska, saying it has left the state with choices such as having to make budget cuts, tax residents and businesses, or reduce the size of the yearly dividend. Alaska has no state sales tax or pe...

King Charles pays light-hearted tribute to comedian Barry Humphries at Sydney memorial service

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:35:46 GMT

King Charles pays light-hearted tribute to comedian Barry Humphries at Sydney memorial service CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — King Charles III paid a light-hearted tribute to the late Barry Humphries at a state memorial service Friday in Australia, recalling his own apprehension when the comedian’s alter ego, Dame Edna Everage, played a prank on him a decade ago.Video of the prank during a Royal Variety Performance in London in 2013 was widely replayed after Humphries died in Sydney in April aged 89.Humphries, in the character of the snobbish Everage, approached the then Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, as they sat in the theater’s royal box.Everage looked at her ticket then explained to the laughing royals before leaving: “I’m so sorry, they found me a better seat.”Charles alluded to the joke in a message read by Australian Arts Minister Tony Burke at the memorial service in the Sydney Opera House.“I suspect that all those who appeared on stage or on TV with Barry’s Dame Edna, or who found her appearing at the back of the royal box, will have shared that uniq...

Captains of smuggling boat that capsized off California, killing 3, sentenced to federal prison

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:35:46 GMT

Captains of smuggling boat that capsized off California, killing 3, sentenced to federal prison SAN DIEGO (AP) — The captains of a boat that capsized off the California coast last year while smuggling migrants out of Mexico, killing three people, were sentenced Thursday to federal prison.Jorge Armando Preciado-Vasquez, 30, and Alexis Martinez-Preciado, 20, were given more than 4 years each in prison, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office. The men, both Mexican residents, were sentenced for smuggling.Authorities said they were piloting a boat containing seven adults and a child over Thanksgiving weekend in 2022 when it overturned off Imperial Beach, several miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border.A 39-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man from Mexico drowned along with a still-unidentified young woman from Guatemala, authorities said.Hundreds of maritime smuggling operations occur every year off California’s coast. Attempts to smuggle migrants into the U.S. from Mexico by both land and sea have claimed numerous lives.In March, eight people died when two bo...

Man injured in 2-alarm Scarborough house fire

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:35:46 GMT

Man injured in 2-alarm Scarborough house fire One man has been taken to a hospital following a two-alarm fire at a residence in Scarborough.Fire crews were called to Frolick Crescent in the Scarborough Golf Club Road and Ellesmere Road area at around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday for reports of a house fire.Toronto Fire Services arrived to heavy smoke and categorized the blaze as a two-alarm fire. Crews were able to extinguish the main body of the fire.Toronto police said one man has been rushed to a hospital. The severity of his injuries is unknown.

Browns' Garrett is set to chase Bears' Fields at site of the quarterback's rough NFL debut

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:35:46 GMT

Browns' Garrett is set to chase Bears' Fields at site of the quarterback's rough NFL debut CLEVELAND (AP) — Two years ago, Justin Fields made his NFL start on the road. It was far more miserable than memorable.Blame Myles Garrett.Chicago's quarterback remembers nearly everything about his first game with the Bears in 2021 — the excitement, playing again in Ohio, the bruises.“And then of course getting sacked, too,” said Fields, who was sacked nine times — 4 1/2 by Garrett — and hit 15 times as the Bears were roughed up by the Browns 26-6. “Hopefully we can change that going back this weekend.” Opinion: Will next week decide the fate of Justin Fields and Luke Getsy? On Sunday, Fields and the improving Bears (5-8) will visit Cleveland for a matchup against the Browns (8-5), who have been hammered by injuries and are leaning on veteran QB Joe Flacco to get them to the playoffs for just the second time since 2002.Fields intends to stay upright more than he did in his first game against the Browns, and that will require his linemen, probably a tight end and maybe a...