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WATCH: Young whale leaps out of Seattle bay, dazzling onlookers

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:25:57 GMT

SEATTLE (AP) — A humpback whale visiting the waters off Seattle dazzled onlookers Thursday morning with several breaches in the bay just beyond the city's downtown area.The whale has been spotted for the last three days swimming around Elliott Bay. But on Thursday, the whale breached for about 40 minutes, also performing several pectoral fin slaps and dives.In this image taken from a video, a humpback whale breaches from the waters off Seattle on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. The whale has been spotted swimming in Elliott Bay for three days. Humpback whales visit the waters of the Seattle area as they migrate up and down the West Coast. (AP Photo/Manuel Valdes)Local whale watching groups have identified the young humpback as the calf of an adult female with the identification BCY0995, better known as “Smiley.”It’s not unusual for humpback whales to visit the waters off Seattle as they migrate along the West Coast.Smiley's last calf, Chip, was fatally struck by a Washington state ferry in...

Jets strike targets in Gaza as Israel resumes offensive, warns of attacks to come in south

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:25:57 GMT

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli fighter jets hit targets in the Gaza Strip minutes after a weeklong truce expired on Friday, as the war with Hamas resumed in full force. Black smoke billowed from the besieged territory and Israel dropped leaflets over parts of southern Gaza urging people to leave their homes, suggesting it was preparing to widen its offensive.Renewed hostilities heightened concerns for the about 140 hostages who remain in Gaza, after more than 100 were freed as part of the truce. Qatar, which has served as a mediator along with Egypt, said negotiators from both sides were still trying to reach an agreement on restarting the ceasefire.The resumption of hostilities “complicates mediation efforts and exacerbates the humanitarian catastrophe,” Qatar's Foreign Ministry said.Palestinians visit their houses destroyed in the Israeli bombings in Al-Zahra, on the outskirts of Gaza City, on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. during the temporary ceasefire between Hamas and Isra...

Stretch of 70s with little chance for rain

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:25:57 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Watch out for some areas of fog this morning, especially for our eastern counties where a Dense Fog Advisory is in place until 9 a.m. for visibility less than a quarter of a mile in spots.Dense Fog AdvisoryAn early morning cold front will help to bring in drier air, remove the fog and kick out the clouds. We'll find increasing sunshine today with highs heading for the low 70s this afternoon.We'll find 70s are rather common over the next week as temperatures stay above average for a while. Highs should be closer to the mid 60s this time of year.Highs next few daysWe'll have a couple more cold fronts over the next week, but they will pass through the area without rain.The extended forecast approaching mid-December is wetter-than-normal, so let's hope we start getting more rain during that time. NEW BLOG: NOAA updates December, winter forecasts Winter Weather Outlook: What a strong El Niño could mean for rainfall and ice risk Austin Interactive Weather Stats (2...

5 things to know this Friday, December 1

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:25:57 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Congratulations, you made it to Friday! According to Meteorologist Matt Mackie, a cloudy morning will be followed by showers approaching from the west and linger the rest of the day. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The College of Saint Rose will close its doors at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. A letter from College President Marcia White confirmed the decision. The closure comes in the wake of the college’s recent announcement declaring the need for financial aid from the city of Albany and New York State. Also, crews in Albany responded to a fire at an apartment building near Third Avenue and South Swan Street Thursday afternoon. 1. College of Saint Rose to close end of 2023-24 academic yearThe College of Saint Rose will close its doors at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. A letter from College President Marcia White confirmed the decision. The closure comes in the wake of the college’s re...

Ask Amy: Cousin drama extends to guardianship

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:25:57 GMT

Dear Amy: My husband and his cousin, “Jerry,” are like brothers.Jerry and I got off on the wrong foot, because after agreeing to be best man at our very small wedding, he backed out because his sister — whom I had never met — hadn’t been invited.We quickly extended an invitation to the sister, but Jerry still refused to stand up at our wedding.My husband forgave Jerry and I let the matter go. We’ve seen him only a handful of times since, usually at family events.A few years ago, my husband was diagnosed with dementia, so we got our affairs in order.This included naming our oldest daughter as guardian of our youngest children if we should both die.My husband’s sister is second on the list and another of his cousins is third on the list. Both of them live near us and we spend a lot of time together.They have helped us to raise our children.Jerry recently found out about the arrangement and has now bad-mouthed me to the entire family for “shutting out” my husband’s “almost brothe...

European Commission approves new Geographical Indication from Ireland

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:25:57 GMT

The European Commission approved the addition of 'Achill Island Sea Salt' to the register of Protected Designations of Origin (PDO).‘Achill Island Sea Salt' is the name given to naturally harvested sea salt from the waters around Achill Island, Ireland's largest island located off the West coast of County Mayo. The island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Due to its rural location, the waters around the island are not affected by large cities or heavy industries.‘Achill Island Sea Salt' contains no additives or preservatives and the production process allows for the retention of over 20 trace elements that are naturally present in the seawater. It is characteristic of its origin in taste and appearance, and affected by the purity of the seawater - which has been rated Grade A for shellfish quality by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority – as well as the mineral content and production process applied. Each member of staff is trained to ensure the correct texture, size and shape ...

Majestic 1927 Mediterranean on the waterfront 

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:25:57 GMT

Welcome to this majestic, pristinely preserved and updated waterfront Mediterranean.This restored beauty is set on a circular court and graced with manicured grounds that border a lagoon. It is luxuriously expansive with exquisite architectural artistry circa 1927 throughout public rooms that flow to level, manicured grounds bordering a lagoon and extending to the home’s private dock.Five second-floor bedrooms, served by four full bathrooms, includes a lavish multi-chamber primary suite. Comprehensively updated, the copiously equipped kitchen and bathrooms befit the home’s provenance.Address: 720 Palmera Court, AlamedaList price: $3,850,000Showing by appointment only.Visit: 720Palmera.comAgent: Anthony Riggins, Sotheby’s International Realty 

Bridge: Dec. 1, 2023

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:25:57 GMT

“My uncle collects blunt pencils. I’m afraid his hobby strikes me as pointless.” — graffitiToday’s West led a diamond against four hearts. East took the K-A, South played the seven and queen. East then led a spade, and declarer won. He led the king of trumps to West’s ace, won the club return, drew trumps and claimed. Making four.What about the defense?East’s spade shift was pointless: If West had the king (or ace), he would always get it. East must focus on how the defense can win four tricks in all. His only real chance is to find West with the ace of trumps.THIRD TRUMPAt Trick Three, East must lead a third diamond, attacking South’s trump holding. If South ruffs in his hand and starts the trumps, West ducks twice. Then if South leads a third trump, West can win and lead a fourth diamond, forcing out dummy’s last trump.If instead South doesn’t lead a third trump and cashes his side-suit winners, West scores a ruff with hi...

Top world leaders talk of climate crisis at UN summit. They say they must act on fossil fuels, war

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:25:57 GMT

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — International climate talks turned to a power game on Friday as dozens of world leaders took turns bemoaning the pain of an overheating planet, but two of the world’s most powerful men — President Joe Biden of the U.S. and China’s President Xi Jinping — were glaringly absent.Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, a top oil producer, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, whose biggest cities are regularly choked under poor air, as well as Presidents Emmanuel Macron of France, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Abdel Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt and Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey were among more than 170 world leaders set to address the United Nations climate conference in Dubai over the next two days. The idea is to try to keep the planet from heating too much because of humankind’s actions.In a fire-and-brimstone kicking off of Friday’s parade of VIPs, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, fresh from melting gla...

Live updates | Israel and Hamas trade blame for cease-fire’s end as combat resumes

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:25:57 GMT

Israel resumed fighting in Gaza minutes after a temporary cease-fire deal ended, and accused Hamas of having violated the truce. Hamas blames Israel, saying it declined offers to free more hostages. Mediator Qatar said Friday that efforts are ongoing to renew an Israel-Hamas cease-fire and expressed “deep regret” over the resumption of Israeli bombardments.Over 100 hostages were freed during the seven-day truce, most of whom appear physically well but shaken. Israel says around 125 men are still held hostage. The 240 Palestinians released under the cease-fire were mostly teenagers accused of throwing stones and firebombs during confrontations with Israeli forces. The deal that began Nov. 24 ended after a week and multiple extensions, despite international pressure for the truce to continue as long as possible. Weeks of Israeli bombardment and a ground campaign have left more than three-quarters of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents uprooted, leading to a humanitarian crisis. More th...