Everything you need to know about Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks: Best vantage points around Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, how to get to the harbourside waterfront, weather warning and more... More than one million expected to watch fireworks show in person Attendees urged to plan ahead and arrive at their spot early READ MORE: Robbie Williams to headline Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations By FREDDY PAWLE FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 00:55, 30 December 2024 | Updated: 00:55, 30 December 2024 e-mail View comments Revellers planning to watch Sydney 's world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks show have been urged to find their spot early with more than one million tipped to attend. More than nine tonnes of fireworks are going to light up Sydney's sky from 264 firing points across Sydney Harbour for this year's highly-anticipated event under the theme 'Forward with Heart'. The first fireworks will be launched during the children's fireworks session, now renamed the Calling Country show, at 9pm before the main event at midnight. Those hoping to see the fireworks in person without spending a fortune can find a space at 35 free waterfront vantage points. But there will be huge competition for the free viewing spots, with the City of Sydney estimating more than one million people to flock to the harbour. Attendees have also been urged to pack an umbrella or poncho with the Bureau of Meteorology expecting 'heavy bursts of rain' to dampen celebrations. Rainfall is also expected earlier in the day, leading to muggy conditions as the mercury is set to rise to 27C in the city and 29C in the Western Suburbs. While public transport will continue to operate throughout the day, authorities have warned attendees to expect 'long queues' for their trip home. Partygoers hoping to watch this year's New Year's Eve fireworks in Sydney have been urged to find their vantage spot early (pictured, revellers during last year's event) More than one million people are expected to flock to the city in order to see more than nine tonnes of fireworks fireworks in person (pictured, last year's event) WHERE YOU CAN WATCH THE FIREWORKS FOR FREE Circular Quay and the Rocks East and West Circular Quay Sydney Opera House The Rocks Hickson Road Reserve Dawes Point Park Campbell's Cove Royal Botanic Garden and The Domain Mrs Macquarie's Point Fleet Steps Bennelong Lawn Tarpeian Lawn Darling Harbour and Barangaroo Darling Harbour Barangaroo Reserve Observatory Hill North Sydney Blues Point Lavender Bay Parklands Bradfield Park and Mary Booth Reserve Eastern suburbs Rose Bay Foreshore Embarkation Park Yarranabbe Park McKell Park Murray Rose Pool and Blackburn Gardens Duff Reserve Dumaresq Reserve Pyrmont Pyrmont Bay Park Giba Park Giba Park Balmain Simmons Point Birchgrove Park Mort Bay Park Yurulbin Park Elkington Park Illoura Reserve Thornton Park Lookes Avenue Reserve Opening times and if alcohol is prohibited or available for sale varies. Credit: City of Sydney Advertisement This year's display is expected to exceed previous spectacles with new technology being used to create ever-more stunning visuals. Foti International Fireworks, behind Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks since 1997, said they have put more than 4500 hours of preparation into this year. The family-owned business promised fireworks that turn into shapes like fish and sharks while others falling from the bridge like a waterfall will spell 'Sydney'. Attendees can also expect artificial intelligence and four drone-powered pyrotechnic platforms to help create the stunning visuals seen around the world. 'We are always looking at ways we can evolve our show and believe this will be one of the most innovative New Year's Eve fireworks displays in the world,' Fortunato Foti told the Daily Telegraph . The most popular vantage points for the show, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Mrs Macquaries Point and the Sydney Opera House, are expected to pack out well before nightfall. Their close view of the Harbour Bridge led to the popular Royal Botanical Gardens and Mrs Macquaries Chair quickly reaching capacity before gates opened last year. Attendees have been warned to bring their own entertainment for the long wait, as many vantage points, even quiter ones, don't allow re-entry after leaving. This year's rendition has promised AI projections and drone-powered platforms to enhance the visual spectacle (pictured, last year's event) NSW Police have warned attendees to not start 2025 'in the back of a police truck' with a massive police operation planned across the state (pictured, last year's revellers) The Bureau of Meteorology expects a 'slight chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening' for New Year's Eve in Sydney. There is also a chance of the rain to be followed by a thunderstorm, but it is most likely to fall over the Western Suburbs. Read More New Year's Eve, Australian style: Travel chaos and wild weather smash major cities - and some revellers keep the party going until dawn Transport for NSW coordinator general Howard Collins said attendees should 'get to their destination early' and patiently hold their spot. 'It's important to understand that we want to walk you into the city and walk you out again,' he said. Sydney Trains chief executive Matt Longlan added that transport to and from areas around the Harbour Bridge will likely be 'very busy'. NSW Police's Operation New Year's Eve 2024 Commander Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna urged partygoers to be safe this year. The operation will see large numbers of uniformed and plain-clothed officers patrolling New Year's Eve events across the state. 'We want everyone to enjoy their New Year's Eve celebrations in a safe and responsible way,' Assistant Commission McKenna said. 'People planning on coming to the city for free vantage points are urged to get in early to avoid missing out. If a location becomes full, do not attend and find an alternative location. 'Police will not tolerate dangerous, criminal or anti-social behaviour. 'We ask people to drink responsibly, know their limit and avoid starting 2025 in the back of a police truck.' Share or comment on this article: Everything you need to know about Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks: Best vantage points around Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, how to get to the harbourside waterfront, weather warning and more... e-mail Add comment
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NoneSANTA ANA, Calif., Dec. 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In a groundbreaking move for the property management and inspection industry, DrBalcony ( drbalcony.com ) introduces its cutting-edge app, a pioneering digital platform designed to revolutionize the balcony inspection process. This innovative tool empowers homeowners, property managers, and Homeowner Associations (HOAs) with a streamlined, intuitive experience, eliminating inefficiencies and redefining how inspections are managed. With a user-friendly interface and advanced features, the DrBalcony App transforms what was once a complex, time-consuming process into one that is seamless and efficient. Users can now obtain instant quotes, create and manage projects, and schedule inspections—all with just a few taps on their devices. “At DrBalcony, we are passionate about reimagining property management through technology,” said Greg, VP of Sales of DrBalcony. “The app reflects our dedication to simplifying inspections while upholding safety and compliance standards. With over 2,500 inspections completed, we’re proud to offer a solution that sets a new benchmark for convenience and reliability.” FEATURES THAT SET THE DRBALCONY APP APART The DrBalcony App is tailored to meet the specific needs of California property owners, offering features designed to ensure the integrity of balcony structures while making compliance with state laws like SB 721 and SB 326 more accessible than ever. Learn more: https://drbalcony.com/services/ A SOLUTION BACKED BY REAL RESULTS “For years, the balcony inspection process has been frustrating and inefficient,” shared Omid, CEO of DrBalcony. “This app eliminates unnecessary complications. From instant quotes to straightforward scheduling, it’s a game-changer.” DOWNLOAD THE DRBALCONY APP TODAY The DrBalcony App is now available for download and marks a significant leap forward in property management. By addressing common pain points in the inspection process, DrBalcony ensures peace of mind for property owners, engineers, and HOAs, all while maintaining safety and compliance with California’s strict balcony safety regulations . About DrBalcony: DrBalcony leverages innovative technology to enhance balcony inspection, focusing on efficiency, safety, and customer-centric solutions. With a mission to simplify the complex, DrBalcony has become a trusted name in the balcony inspection industry, ensuring compliance and safety standards are met with ease. Learn more: https://drbalcony.com/ . Your property’s safety has never been simpler—download the DrBalcony App today! NEWS SOURCE: DrBalcony Keywords: Real Estate, DrBalcony, Balcony Inspections, home inspection, safety, app, solution, service, SB 326, SB 721, SANTA ANA, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (DrBalcony) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P122836 APDF15TBLLI To view the original version, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/drbalcony-app-redefines-balcony-inspections-with-unparalleled-efficiency/ © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) Stock Holdings Trimmed by Advisors Asset Management Inc.For Iowa, it's a chance to tune up going into the bulk of its Big Ten Conference schedule. For New Hampshire, it's an opportunity to collect a nice paycheck and perhaps even pull off a memorable upset. The Hawkeyes and Wildcats will finish their nonconference schedules Monday night when they meet in Iowa City. Iowa (9-3) last played on Dec. 21, erasing an 11-point second-half deficit to outgun Utah 95-88 in Sioux Falls, S.D. Payton Sandfort scored a season-high 24 points and added eight rebounds for the Hawkeyes, while Owen Freeman added 16 despite running into foul trouble. Hawkeyes coach Fran McCaffery praised fifth-year senior Drew Thelwell, Iowa's sixth-leading scorer, who matched his season high with 15 points. "The energy in the building was phenomenal. Drew was right in the middle of that," McCaffery said. "His defense and drawing six fouls, those are stats that are critical to a team's ability to win. Get to the bonus, get to the double bonus. We do that by driving the ball and drawing fouls and that's what we did." Freeman is averaging a team-high 17.1 points and shooting 66.1 percent from the field, while Sandfort adds 16.7 ppg. Iowa has its usual high-powered attack, ranking seventh in Division I in scoring at 87.8 ppg and canning 50.2 percent from the field. The Hawkeyes could add more gaudy offensive numbers against New Hampshire (2-12), which has lost six straight games, including a 90-83 decision on Dec. 22 at Stonehill. The Wildcats have experienced trouble defensively, allowing opponents to sink 45.2 percent of their field goal attempts and score 76.5 ppg. Coming off a successful 2023-24 campaign that saw the Wildcats go 16-15 and win a game in the America East Conference tournament, New Hampshire returned just three players and had to replace AEC Player of the Year Clarence Daniels and his 19.4 ppg. It hasn't gone to the plan of second-year coach Nathan Davis, but he's still hopeful his team can figure things out in conference play. "We've improved across the board as far as our talent level," he said this summer. "I like our pieces." This is the first meeting between the Wildcats and Hawkeyes. --Field Level MediaOne day, when actor and comedian Rosie O'Donnell was in her 50s, her body ached and her arms felt sore, but she pushed through the pain, not realizing she was having a massive heart attack. She had surgery to put in a stent that saved her life. Shortly after her 2012 heart attack, O'Donnell shared her experience on her blog. During her 2015 television standup special, she spoke about how the experience changed her life. The segment included a heart attack acronym the comedian coined: HEPPP (hot, exhausted, pain, pale, puke). O'Donnell's candidness about her heart attack helped spread awareness about how it can present differently in women. She's one of countless celebrities over the years who have opened up about their health conditions, including breast cancer, HIV, depression, heart disease and stroke. When celebrities reveal and discuss their health issues, the impact can be far-reaching. It not only helps to educate the public, but it also can reduce stigma and inspire others. "Health disclosures by celebrities do matter, and we know this from decades of research across a lot of different health conditions and public figures," said Dr. Jessica Gall Myrick, a professor of health communication at Pennsylvania State University in University Park. "They absolutely do influence people." Some of the earliest celebrity health disclosures happened in the 1970s and 1980s with U.S. presidents and first ladies. When first lady Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks after Gerald Ford became president in 1974, she spoke openly about her diagnosis, inviting photographers into the White House and helping make talk of cancer less taboo. In 1987, first lady Nancy Reagan used her breast cancer diagnosis as a chance to advocate for women to get mammograms. Her disclosure came two years after President Ronald Reagan's colon cancer diagnosis, about which the couple was equally as vocal. "Individuals throughout the country have been calling cancer physicians and information services in record numbers," the Los Angeles Times reported after Nancy Reagan's widely publicized surgery. The public showed a similar interest years earlier following Betty Ford's mastectomy. Another major milestone in celebrity health disclosures came in 1991, when 32-year-old NBA superstar Earvin "Magic" Johnson revealed he had tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. "Life is going to go on for me, and I'm going to be a happy man," Johnson assured fans during a news conference. He immediately retired, only to return to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996. His disclosure, along with his work as an advocate for safe sex, helped shatter stigmas around HIV and AIDS. Calls to testing centers increased significantly in the days and weeks after Johnson's announcement. "That celebrity disclosure really helped people see there was a wider susceptibly to HIV," Gall Myrick said. "People were more likely to say, 'I need to think about my own risks.' It was very powerful." When it comes to heart and stroke health, President Dwight Eisenhower helped make heart attacks less frightening and mysterious. During a news conference in 1955, millions of Americans learned from the president's doctors about his heart condition, his treatment, and concrete steps they could take to reduce their own heart attack risk. Other notable figures have shared their health experiences over the years. Soap opera legend Susan Lucci , who was diagnosed with heart disease in 2018, has advocated for women's heart health. Basketball great Kareem Abdul Jabbar talks about his irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation, and advocates for regular health screenings. Lawyer, author and television personality Star Jones continues to speak about heart disease risk after having lifesaving heart surgery in 2010. Longtime TV and radio personality Dick Clark brought stroke and aphasia into the national spotlight when he returned to hosting "New Year's Rockin' Eve" in Times Square just a year after his 2004 stroke and continued until his death in 2012. And actor and comedian Jamie Foxx recently revealed he had a stroke last year. "Celebrity disclosures represent teachable moments," said Dr. Seth M. Noar, director of the Communicating for Health Impact Lab at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. "Searches for different health conditions often spike in the wake of these types of announcements. They cause people to think about these health issues, learn more about them, and in some cases change their behaviors." Celebrities have also highlighted the importance of CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator, or AED, to restore a person's heartbeat if they experience cardiac arrest. Interest in CPR and AEDs spiked in 2023 after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during an NFL game broadcast on national TV. Views of the American Heart Association's hands-only CPR pages jumped more than 600% in the days following Hamlin's cardiac arrest. Three months later, around 3 million people had watched the AHA's CPR video. Family members of celebrities who have died from a heart issue have also spread awareness. After actor John Ritter died of an undiagnosed aortic dissection in 2003, his wife, actor Amy Yasbeck, started the Ritter Foundation to raise awareness about the condition and help others avoid a misdiagnosis. A literature review published in Systematic Reviews in 2017 found that people are conditioned to react positively to celebrity advice. Research also has found that people often follow advice from celebrities who match how they perceive – or how they want to perceive – themselves. The most effective celebrity disclosures are frequently the ones that tell a compelling story and include clear steps people can take to apply lessons the celebrity learned to their own health situation, Gall Myrick said. "People are more likely to take action when they feel confident and capable." Research has shown that celebrity disclosures often impact calls to hotlines and page views on health-related websites, and they can spark behavioral and even policy changes. Anecdotally, Gall Myrick said, people ask their doctor more questions about health conditions and request medical screenings. Celebrities can have a big impact because people tend to have parasocial relationships with them, Gall Myrick said. These are one-sided relationships in which a person feels an emotional connection with another person, often a celebrity. People may feel as if they know the basketball player they've watched on the court for years, or the Hollywood actor they've followed, she said. They want to comfort them after a health disclosure. Social media has only increased this feeling of familiarity, as celebrities regularly share mundane – but fascinating – details of their daily lives, like what they eat for breakfast, their favorite socks, or the meditation they do before bed. "We spend a lifetime being exposed to celebrities through the media, and over time, you get to know these public figures," Gall Myrick said. "Some feel like friendships." A study published in the journal Science Communication in 2020 compared reactions to actor Tom Hanks, who had COVID-19 early in the pandemic, and an average person with COVID-19. Researchers found that participants identified more with Hanks when it came to estimating their own susceptibility to COVID-19. The participants also felt more emotional about the virus that causes COVID-19 when thinking about it in relation to Hanks versus an average person. When a celebrity reveals a health condition, it's a surprise that may feel personal, especially if they are well-liked and the health issue is dramatic and sudden. "We feel like we know them, and the emotional response is what can then push people out of their routine," Gall Myrick said. Noar said a celebrity health story is often a more interesting and powerful way to learn about a health condition than just the facts, which can feel overwhelming. People are drawn to the slew of media coverage that typically follows a celebrity disclosure, he said. "Some of these high-visibility public figures' stories are now woven into some of these illnesses," Noar said. For example, Angelina Jolie is often linked to the BRCA1 gene mutation after the actor shared she had a preventive double mastectomy because of her elevated breast cancer risk and had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed because of her increased risk for ovarian cancer. "It's a narrative, a story that humanizes the condition in a way that very informational communication really doesn't," Noar said. "People remember it, and it can potentially be a touch point." After a disclosure, patients may bring up a celebrity's story during a doctor's appointment and connect it to their own care. Today's multiplatform digital culture only amplifies celebrity messages. "You're seeing everyday people react to these events, and that can have a ripple effect too," Gall Myrick said. "We know from research that seeing messages more than once can be impactful. Often it's not just one billboard or one commercial that impacts behavior; it's the drip drip drip over time." Still, there's a cautionary tale to be told around the impact of celebrity health news, especially if the celebrity has died. An unclear cause of death may lead to speculation. Gall Myrick said that guesswork could potentially end up hurting rather than helping if patients were to act on misinformation or a lack of information. "Maybe the death was atypical or it needs more context," she said. "That's where advocacy groups and public health organizations come in. They need to be prepared for announcements or disclosures about celebrity deaths, and to fill in some of those gaps." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!
Calgary Flames (12-8-4, in the Pacific Division) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (9-12-4, in the Metropolitan Division) Pittsburgh; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Penguins -122, Flames +101; over/under is 6 BOTTOM LINE: The Calgary Flames enter the matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins after losing three in a row. Pittsburgh is 9-12-4 overall and 5-6-2 at home. The Penguins have conceded 96 goals while scoring 65 for a -31 scoring differential. Calgary is 12-8-4 overall and 3-5-4 in road games. The Flames have a 4-7-1 record in games they serve more penalty minutes than their opponents. The matchup Saturday is the second time these teams meet this season. The Flames won 4-3 in a shootout in the previous meeting. TOP PERFORMERS: Sidney Crosby has eight goals and 16 assists for the Penguins. Bryan Rust has four goals and three assists over the last 10 games. Rasmus Andersson has five goals and nine assists for the Flames. Mikael Backlund has scored three goals and added one assist over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Penguins: 4-4-2, averaging 2.3 goals, four assists, 3.4 penalties and 7.1 penalty minutes while giving up 3.7 goals per game. Flames: 5-3-2, averaging 2.1 goals, 3.4 assists, 3.9 penalties and 9.5 penalty minutes while giving up 2.2 goals per game. INJURIES: Penguins: None listed. Flames: None listed. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
The University of Illinois Covers Up Their Actual Racist Hiring Practices in Educational Mumbo JumboThe Constitution is not the product of a “particular party”, Union defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, asserting that the document was neither a gift of colonial rule nor a compilation of good things borrowed from the constitutions of Western countries, but an expression of the country’s “civilisational values.” Also Read : Congress tried to destroy Constitution’s basic principles: Rajnath Singh Speaking in the Lok Sabha to open the debate marking 75 years of the Constitution, Singh took a sharp dig at the Congress and said Opposition leaders were roaming around with copies of the Constitution in their pockets. Also Read : Rahul Gandhi offers Tricolour to Rajnath Singh urging BJP to run Parliament | Watch “Today many leaders of the Opposition roam around with the copies of the Constitution in their pockets. Inhone bachpan se yahi dekha hai (this is what they have learnt from their childhood)... For generations they have seen their family members keep the Constitution in their pockets,” Singh said. Also Read : Defence minister Rajnath Singh headed to Russia to boost defence ties He was taking a potshot at Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, and other Congress leaders carrying copies of the Constitution while on campaign trails. Attacking the Congress for disrespecting the Constitution, he said the 41st Constitutional Amendment Bill was introduced in 1976, the purpose of which was to provide immunity from criminal prosecution to the Prime Minister, governors and the President for all acts done before assuming office and during their tenure. “The 38th Constitutional Amendment tried to make the decision to impose emergency ‘non-justiciable’. The Election Law Amendment Bill was brought, with the sole objective of giving immunity to all those electoral malpractices that challenged the election of Mrs Indira Gandhi,” he said. The Union minister said the Constitution was the result of nearly three years of rigorous debate and deliberation and was not merely a legal document but a reflection of the aspirations of the people, and also a means to fulfil them. “It was an expression of the general will of the people. After many centuries, once again the destiny of India was in the hands of the people of India. The dream of Swaraj, which was seen by the freedom fighters of India and common Indians, had been fulfilled,” he said. Describing the Constitution as “sovereign and omnipotent”, Singh said the document paved the way for nation-building, touching upon all aspects of social, economic, political and cultural life. “At the same time, it also creates a moral trajectory for people,” he said. While the Congress and other opposition parties accused the BJP of wanting to alter the Constitution and made this charge a focal point of their 2024 elections campaign, Singh said the Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder and ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerjee believed that the Constitution should be the result of collective efforts and consensus. “In 1944, six years before our Constitution was written, many prominent leaders gave their views about the Constitution in a document called “Constitution of the Hindusthan Free State”. It also spoke of ensuring religious freedom for all citizens,” he said. He said the Narendra Modi government’s mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas” was in accordance with the spirit of dharma and justice enshrined in the Constitution. He said while the Congress always used the Constitution as a medium for political gains, giving preference to “satta” over “samvidhan” (power over Constitution), the BJP’s commitment to the Constitution was very clear. “We have never played with the independence and autonomy of any institution. The values of the Constitution are not just a matter of saying or showing for us. The values of the Constitution, the path shown by the Constitution, the principles of the Constitution, will be visible everywhere in our minds, in our word, in deed,” he said. He said the Constitution stood firm even in the face of Emergency and corrupt governments. “You look at the history, even during the dark days of Emergency, we strongly opposed every attempt to undermine the basic character of the Constitution,” he said. To counter the opposition’s demand for caste-census, he said the party should explain how it proposes to rejig quotas. “... It should not be used to deceive people. You should tell how much reservation you want to offer to which caste,” Singh said.
WARWICK, R.I. , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As travelers gear up for the busy holiday season, navigating the unpredictable flight landscape will be more crucial than ever. New data analyzed by InsureMyTrip researchers reveals which U.S. airports have experienced the highest (and lowest) percentage of delays and cancellations in 2024. Whether you're visiting family across the country or jetting off for a winter vacation, knowing which airports to avoid could save you time and frustration during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. San Francisco and Buffalo: Travel Hotspots with the Most Disruptions San Francisco International (SFO) takes the top spot for the highest percentage of delayed flights this year, with 37.18% of flights delayed between January and June 2024 . Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) saw the highest percentage of cancellations, with 2.74% of flights scrapped. Holiday Travel to Florida and Texas ? Expect Delays Several airports in popular holiday destinations like Florida and Texas consistently appeared on the list of top airports for delays. Travelers flying through Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood (FLL), Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA), or Tampa (TPA) in Florida , or Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Austin-Bergstrom (AUS), and San Antonio (SAT) in Texas , should brace for potential delays this holiday season. Double Trouble in San Francisco and Miami Both San Francisco International (SFO) and Miami International (MIA) made the top 10 lists for both delays and cancellations, signaling operational challenges that could cause headaches for holiday travelers through the end of the year. Weather Woes Could Hamper Holiday Plans With weather-related delays on the rise, travelers flying through Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), and Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) should keep an eye on the forecast when making holiday travel plans. These airports experienced the highest percentages of weather-related delays. Lowest Percentage of Delays and Cancellations: Where to Fly for a Stress-Free Holiday On a brighter note, Salt Lake City (SLC), Atlanta (ATL), Boise (BOI), and San Jose Mineta International (SJC) were among the airports with the lowest percentage of delays and cancellations — offering smoother travel experiences for those looking to avoid holiday headaches. Find the latest airport delay and cancellation data HERE . The Importance of Travel Insurance During the Holiday Rush As airports become busier during the holidays and flight delays and cancellations become more frequent, the protection offered by travel insurance becomes even more essential. A policy may allow travelers to secure reimbursement for non-refundable trip components such as hotel bookings, tours, concert tickets, cruises, and transportation arrangements (like car rentals) that may be impacted by a flight delay or cancellation. A Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy, for example, can provide coverage for unexpected disruptions, including weather-related and other delays, trip cancellation, missed connections, lost/delayed baggage, along with emergency medical and 24-hour assistance. Bottomline: As the holiday season approaches, this data offers a timely reminder for travelers to book strategically, stay informed about potential delays, and have backup plans in place when navigating through busy airports. Media Contact: Meghan Kayata [email protected] Methodology Rankings were based on the flight delay and cancellation rates per airport between January and June 2024 . Sources include InsureMyTrip and The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). BTS tracks the on-time performance of domestic flights operated by large air carriers. About InsureMyTrip You like options. We do too. It's simple. InsureMyTrip finds you the right travel insurance plan, every time. InsureMyTrip is the authority on travel insurance. We are committed to empowering travelers to make the best possible insurance decisions by leveraging our technology, data intelligence, and expertise. InsureMyTrip is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. SOURCE InsureMyTripUW men dominate NJIT in nonconference finale
I haphazardly closed up the little house this year. I hurriedly swept the floors, took out the trash, checked the windows, pulled the Dutch door shut and whispered, “Thanks for the memories.” Not long after, a fierce night wind pushed the door open. Blowing snow drifted in and nestled in the corners. Tiny hand-shaped footprints crisscrossed the front porch. With the door ajar, raccoons let themselves in and ransacked the place. They tossed plates and cups, knocked the fry pan on the stove to the floor and clawed at the tablecloth in search of crumbs. So uncivilized. The little house really is just that. It measures 6 feet by 6 feet and has a ceiling that will graze the head of anyone over 5 feet, 2 inches tall. The front porch, which usually holds a red geranium and child-size wicker chair, runs the width of the little house. We built the little house 35 years ago. It was how we spent a summer vacation not long after we moved back to the Midwest. The husband drew meticulous plans, hauled in supplies and was assisted by a work crew that played with the hammer, colored all over the blueprints and littered the work site with empty juice boxes and yogurt pouches. Despite all the help, the little house was eventually finished and soon hosting tea parties, secret clubs, bank robberies and foreign invasions. The years flew, the children grew, the gatherings tapered from often to occasional, and the little house was visited less and less frequently. The life and laughter that once shook the walls quietly disappeared. More than a decade passed before a second generation brought the little house back to life. Red, white and blue garlands on the Fourth of July, small bouquets of freshly picked herbs in the summer, a pumpkin on the porch at Halloween and every pot and pan filled with maple leaves and acorns in the fall. A VRBO listing would read like this: Small, aging, rustic cottage. No fridge, heat or running water. Nearest bathroom 20 feet away in the big house. Kitchen fully stocked with plastic food. Decrepit dishware for four and a pink teapot missing the lid. Large chalk wall; no chalk. All you need is imagination. Now, after a busy summer and beautiful fall, the mercury in the thermometer plummeting and the wind howling, the little house stands bare and alone. Just when it appears forsaken and forgotten, a small voice asks to use one of those orange electrical cords in the garage. The plan is to lug a space heater to the little house. And could they cut some evergreens? And could they use that lantern with the candle in the hall? And how soon could I deliver a round of hot chocolate? Once again, the little house bustles with laughter and warmth. At least for one more season. Lori Borgman is a columnist, author and speaker. Email her at lori@loriborgman.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!AeroVironment’s (NASDAQ:AVAV) Q3: Beats On Revenue But Stock DropsAcademy Sports + Outdoors announces new $700M share buyback program and quarterly cash dividend
Former Minister and women’s rights activist Gemma Hussey has died. The 86-year-old passed away following a short illness and was surrounded by her loving family in the care of Gascoigne House Nursing Home. A former Fine Gael TD, Ms Hussey entered politics in 1981 and the following year served as the first female Minister for Education. She subsequently held the Social Welfare and Labour portfolios and served as government leader in the Seanad. As Education Minister, she introduced aural and oral exams. After exiting politics in 1989, Ms Hussey was involved in the European Women’s Federation. In a statement, her family said she was “a very proud Europhile” and encouraged women in former Eastern-block countries to become active in politics for the first time. READ MORE: 'No excuse' - Simon Harris responds to criticism over exchange with upset carer on campaign trail READ MORE: Taoiseach Simon Harris dismisses comparisons between Fine Gael election candidate and Conor McGregor cases Her family said they are deeply proud of her contribution to a better Ireland and a better Europe over a lifetime of service. Ms Hussey was predeceased by her husband Derry, and is mourned by her children, Rachel, Ruth and Andrew, her seven grandchildren, her brother Paddy and a wide circle of treasured friends. Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .How to Watch the NBA Today, December 30