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Massachusetts meteorologists ‘keeping a close eye’ on Tropical Storm Franklin as it strengthens toward hurricane status

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:52 GMT

As Tropical Storm Franklin moves north and gets closer to becoming a hurricane, local meteorologists say they’re “keeping a close eye” on the storm’s path and its potential impact on the region.The biggest threat for the middle of next week appears to be an elevated rip current risk for local beaches, according to the National Weather Service.“It looks like we could be getting some really moderate to high rip currents,” Kyle Pederson, meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Boston office, told the Herald on Thursday.“One thing is it shouldn’t be super hot for the beach next week, which could help with not as many people at the beach,” he added.After Tropical Storm Franklin dumped rain on the Dominican Republic and Turks and Caicos, the storm was strengthening and was expected to become a hurricane by the weekend.“We’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on it,” Pederson said.Related ArticlesWeather ...

Mayo Clinic Minute: 4 ideas for avoiding the ‘freshman 15’

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:52 GMT

Deb Balzer | (TNS) Mayo Clinic News NetworkThe term “freshman 15” often refers to weight gain students tend to gain during their first year in college. It’s often their first time away from home and their normal routines.Dr. Denise Millstine, a Mayo Clinic internal medicine physician, shares more on how to avoid the dreaded “freshman 15.”In this season of packing up for college, here’s a warning about packing on the “freshman 15.”“It’s usually not actually 15 (pounds). It’s more often 7 or 8,” says Dr. Millstone.Still, it’s extra weight that Dr. Millstine says is often caused by a change in activity and eating habits from high school to college.“If you’re going to be eating at a cafeteria or eating out more, stop and think: How am I going to manage this?” she says.Dr. Millstine offers four daily goals for every freshman.No. 1: Eat plants.“Ideally, at least five fruits and vegetables...

MBTA to close part of Red Line for 16 days in October

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:52 GMT

The MBTA plans to shut down part of the slow-zone-riddled Red Line for 16 days in October, to accelerate track repairs that would have otherwise taken six months to complete, the agency’s general manager said on Thursday.Shuttle buses will replace train service between JFK/UMass and Ashmont stations, from Saturday, Oct. 14 to Sunday, Oct. 29. The entire Mattapan Line, a trolley service that forms part of the Red Line, will also be closed during that time.“We’re going to get in, we’re going to get it done, and we’re going to get out and give improved service to our riders there,” MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng told the Board of Directors on Thursday. “The track on the Ashmont branch of the Red Line is some of the oldest in our system and needs replacement.”The “critical track work” will eliminate 28 speed restrictions on the Red Line, Eng said, improving travel times on a beleaguered subway line that one transit advocate says is 40 minutes slower than the start of this gubernatoria...

Ask the Pediatrician: What vaccines does my child need by age 6?

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:52 GMT

Dr. Edith Bracho-Sánchez | (TNS) American Academy of PediatricsHave you ever wondered why babies get vaccines starting from the day they’re born? One big reason: The youngest are most at risk of diseases. It’s also the time in your child’s development that their immune system learns the most from vaccines.August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a good time to check whether your child is up to date on vaccines, which help to provide immunity before kids are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Of all age groups, babies are more often hospitalized, and sometimes die, from diseases we can prevent with vaccines. That’s why most of the childhood vaccines are recommended during your baby’s first 12 to 18 months of life.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical groups have all agreed on a schedule for immunizations for kids. The recommended schedule is based on research showing us...

Rolling Stones appear to be teasing the release of a new album called ‘Hackney Diamonds’

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:52 GMT

By George Varga | The San Diego Union-TribuneAre the Rolling Stones preparing to release a new album in September called “Hackney Diamonds?”Speculation is mounting following a recent ad in the Hackney Gazette newspaper. The ad is for Hackney Diamonds, a company that bills itself as “specialists in glass repair” but whose website, hackneydiamonds.com, was registered by Universal Music Group, which handles the legendary band’s back catalog of recordings.The ad itself references several classic songs by the Stones, whose touring saxophonist is longtime San Diego resident Karl Denson. The ad reads: “OUR FRIENDLY TEAM PROMISES YOU SATISFACTION. WHEN YOU SAY GIMME SHELTER WE’LL FIX YOUR SHATTERED WINDOWS. REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW!”For good measure, the ad uses a font similar to the font used on the cover of the band’s 1978 album, “Some Girls.” The ad also says “OPENING SEPTEMBER 2022.”That could refer to the release date for a new album by the Stones, whose 2021 U.S. “No Filter” concert...

Mets announce they will honor Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden next season by retiring Nos. 18, 16

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:52 GMT

The Mets are continuing their efforts to honor the club’s history with the announcement that Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden will have their numbers retired in two separate ceremonies next season. The dates have not yet been announced with the organization planning to release them in the coming months.This shows how far the club has come in recent years when it comes to celebrating the good parts and the complicated parts of its past. The Mets have had fraught relationships with popular alumni, but have worked to rebuild bridges and strengthen bonds in recent seasons.“I’m thrilled that two iconic members of the 1986 championship club will have their numbers retired in 2024,” owner and CEO Steve Cohen said in a statement. “Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden each had an enormous impact on our franchise and it’s my honor to continue our commitment to celebrating our wonderful history.”Strawberry, who wore No. 18, and Gooden, No. 16, will b...

Hot Property: A see-worthy home in Falmouth

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:52 GMT

Homes on the Cape are, of course, available to buy year-round, but if you snag 8 Burgess Street in Falmouth now, there’s still time to squeeze a few more beach weekends into summer 2023.A timeless treasure along the picturesque edge of Snug Harbor in West Falmouth – 8 Burgess Street is where history, charm, and waterfront living intertwine. The Swift lots, laid out in 1881 by Meltiah Gifford, offer a glimpse into a bygone era that still resonates today having been cherished by generations of sun-chasers.As you step onto the property, it’s as if time stands still. The classic Queen Anne shingle style architecture is a testament to the turn of the century, offering both vintage elegance and cozy comfort. It also features a prized deep water dock, a true gem in West Falmouth Harbor, beckoning boating enthusiasts.Made for casual summer living, the home’s expansive porches invite you to unwind and savor the ocean breeze, while the rolling lawn leads you to the tranquil water’...

Campaign money flows to GOP presidential candidates after their debate. Ramaswamy raises $450,000

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:52 GMT

By MEG KINNARD (Associated Press)COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The first Republican presidential debate provided an opportunity for candidates to make their cases directly to a national audience, and some of that attention is translating into fundraising boosts.Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has taken in $450,000 since Wednesday night’s debate, with an average donation of $38, campaign spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin told The Associated Press on Thursday.Ramaswamy, a political newcomer who occupied center stage in the absence of current GOP front-runner Donald Trump, scored several memorable moments during the debate, criticizing some rivals as “super PAC puppets” who were using “ready-made, preprepared slogans” to attack him.Ramaswamy, has largely been self-funding his campaign and raised more than $7.7 million in the second quarter, finishing with more than $9 million on hand.At least one candidate, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, made a direct fundr...

Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte turns 20, whether you like it or not

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:52 GMT

By DEE-ANN DURBIN (AP Business Writer)The seasonal drink that made pumpkin spice a star is turning 20. And unlike the autumn days it celebrates, there seems to be no chill in customer demand.Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte goes on sale Thursday in the U.S. and Canada, as it does each year when the nights start getting longer and the fall winds gather. It’s the coffee giant’s most popular seasonal beverage, with hundreds of millions sold since its launch in 2003. And it has produced a huge — and growing — industry of imitators flecked with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.In the year ending July 29, U.S. sales of pumpkin-flavored products reached $802.5 million, according to Nielsen. That’s up 42% from the same period in 2019. There are pumpkin spice Oreos, protein drinks, craft beers, cereals and even Spam. A search of “pumpkin spice” on Walmart’s website brings up more than 1,000 products. A thousand products that smell or taste like, ...

Lakers to honor Kobe Bryant with statue outside arena on Feb. 8, 2024

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:52 GMT

The Los Angeles Lakers plan to honor the late Kobe Bryant with a statue outside their home arena, further recognizing the five-time NBA champion as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.The bronze statue is set to be unveiled in Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 8, 2024 — a nod to Bryant’s jersey numbers of 8 and 24, the team announced Thursday.Bryant will become the seventh Laker to receive a statue in the plaza, joining former teammate Shaquille O’Neal, as well as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and Chick Hearn.“As you know, Kobe played his entire 20-year NBA career as a Los Angeles Laker,” his widow, Vanessa Bryant, said in a video announcement. “Since arriving in this city and joining the Lakers organization, he felt at home here, playing in the City of Angels. On behalf of the Lakers, my daughters and me, I am so honored that, right in the center of Los Angeles, in front of the place known as the ...