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WNBA has most-watched regular season in 21 years; highest average attendance since 2018

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:51:45 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA once again had strong metrics as the league had its most-watched regular season in 21 years and its highest average attendance since 2018.Viewership was up 21% over last year across its national television partners and the league’s average attendance of 6,615 fans was the WNBA’s highest since the 2018 season. An expanded schedule to 40 games this season helped the league gain its highest total attendance in 13 years (1,587,488).“The significant rise in key business metrics is a testament to the captivating games being played and the WNBA’s expanding appeal,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “This surge in interest not only showcases the immense talent and athleticism on the court but also highlights the compelling narratives that continue to emerge about the players and the league.”The defending champion Aces had the highest average attendance increase, with a league-high 9,551 fans per game — up 66% from last season. Las Vegas...

Gov. Maura Healey declares state of emergency as Hurricane Lee approaches New England

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:51:45 GMT

Gov. Maura Healey declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard Friday ahead of expected impacts from Hurricane Lee this weekend. The storm isn’t expected to make landfall in Massachusetts. Still, Lee is forecast to bring wind, rain and storm surge to parts of southern New England beginning overnight and continuing through part of the day Saturday. “As we’ve seen in recent weeks, severe weather is not to be taken lightly,” Healey said at a press conference announcing her state of emergency declaration. The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning for some communities on Thursday morning, later expanding the warning to include a large stretch of coastline in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.By Friday morning, a coastal flood warning was also in place for Cape Cod and Nantucket, warning of minor to moderate flooding with high tides around 1 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday.Healey said she activated up to 50 National Guard mem...

Home Showcase: A breathtaking reno in Nantucket

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:51:45 GMT

Nantucket, with its rich history and coastal charm, has long been a coveted destination.Tucked away in downtown Nantucket, 11 Pleasant Street stands as a testament to the island’s timeless allure. Originally built in 1750, this historic treasure has undergone an extensive two-year renovation, seamlessly blending history and refined luxury at every turn, led by John Udelson, CEO of Grey Lady Development.As you approach this stunning home, the classic cedar shingle facade immediately captures your attention. With its classic 12-pane windows and symmetrical design, it radiates the quintessential Nantucket aesthetic, promising a warm welcome every time you return.Step inside, and you’ll discover a harmonious blend of old-world intimate spaces and contemporary comforts. Throughout the home, fresh white shiplap graces the walls, providing a versatile canvas for coastal decor that effortlessly adapts to any occasion.The main level opens up to a gourmet kitchen, centered around ...

Zelenskyy plans to visit Washington as Congress is debating $24 billion in aid for Ukraine

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:51:45 GMT

By STEPHEN GROVES, LISA MASCARO and MATTHEW LEE (Associated Press)WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected at the White House and on Capitol Hill next week as he visits the U.S. during the United Nations General Assembly.Zelenskyy’s trip comes as Congress is debating President Joe Biden’s request to provide as much as $24 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine as it fights the Russian invasion.Jake Sullivan, the president’s national security adviser, on Friday confirmed that the U.S. president will host Zelenskyy at the White House on Thursday. It will mark the third time that Biden and the Ukrainian leader have met at the White House. “It certainly comes at a critical time, as Russia desperately seeks help from countries like North Korea for its brutal war in Ukraine, as Ukrainian forces continue to make progress in their counteroffensive, and just after the next Ukraine defense contact group meeting that (Def...

Patriots WR JuJu Smith-Schuster addresses knee health, Week 1 playing time

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:51:45 GMT

FOXBORO — After playing a limited role in last Sunday’s season opener, Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster said Friday he is not bothered by his lack of playing time.“No, I’m not frustrated at all. I’ve been in this league way too long,” Smith-Schuster told reporters in front of his locker. “When the time is called, the opportunity is called for me, I’ll be ready.”Smith-Schuster played 54% of the Patriots’ offensive snaps versus the Eagles, fewer than sixth-round rookie Kayshon Boutte. Another sixth-round rookie, Demario Douglas, replaced Smith-Schuster in the slot during the team’s final drive to try and win the game. Douglas (40) and backup tight end Mike Gesicki (36) finished with more receiving yards than Smith-Schuster, who totaled 33 yards on four catches.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Patriots Christian Gonzalez now takes on even more important role vs. Dolphins New England Patriots | Dolphins’...

3 cheers (and recipes) for leftover Rosh Hashana brisket

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:51:45 GMT

Gretchen McKay | (TNS) Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, is almost upon us. Celebrating the holiday with family and friends probably means a few sure things when it comes to dinner. There will be sweet foods like apples dipped in honey and honey cake to ensure a sweet and happy new year. The supper table also will feature pomegranates, a symbol of fertility with its many red seeds, along with rounds of braided challah to signify the circle of life.But the one food many look forward to above all else during the two-day celebration that begins Friday, Sept. 15, is the ultimate Jewish comfort food: sweet and sour slow-cooked brisket.Braised with onions and tomato until it’s melt-in-your mouth tender, brisket is the Jewish equivalent of ham on Easter or turkey with all the fixings at Thanksgiving. No Jewish feast is complete without the humble cut of beef, and eating it means it’s probably a special occasion. It also goes without saying that your bubbe’s recipe i...

Patriots Christian Gonzalez now takes on even more important role vs. Dolphins

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:51:45 GMT

FOXBORO — Cornerbacks aren’t typically known to quietly go about their business.Check out one of Deion Sanders’ news conferences as Colorado’s head coach if you’re looking for evidence.But Christian Gonzalez fits more into the personality mold of soft-spoken ex-Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore, and the rookie’s play spoke loud and clear in a seemingly impossible NFL debut matchup against A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith. Gonzalez let up seven catches on 10 targets for 71 yards against one of the NFL’s best wide receiver duos while breaking up a pass on fourth down and providing quality support in the run game. He was one of three Patriots defenders to be on the field for 100 percent of snaps.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Patriots WR JuJu Smith-Schuster addresses knee health, Week 1 playing time New England Patriots | Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill isn’t afraid of Patriots double teaming him in Week 2 ...

Massachusetts pot boss suspended by State Treasurer Goldberg

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:51:45 GMT

Treasurer Deborah Goldberg has suspended the state’s top cannabis boss, an office spokesperson has confirmed to the Herald.Shannon O’Brien, the $181,722 chairwoman of the Cannabis Control Commission, was suspended on Thursday, according to Andrew Napolitano, director of communication for the Office of the Massachusetts State Treasurer.Napolitano did not provide any other information aside from confirmation that O’Brien has been suspended.“We cannot comment on a personnel matter,” Napolitano said.The suspension comes just over a month after O’Brien apologized for an outburst, saying she was too blunt in saying the state’s legal weed rollout was in a “crisis.”The Bay State hit a new one-month high in legal weed sales — $136 million in July.O’Brien, the former state treasurer, oversees a commission which regulates the $3 billion cannabis industry.She surprised the commission during the middle of a regulator discussion in July when she announced Executive Directo...

Workers strike at all 3 Detroit automakers, a new tactic to squeeze companies for better pay

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:51:45 GMT

By TOM KRISHER, MIKE HOUSEHOLDER and JOHN SEEWER (Associated Press)DETROIT (AP) — Nearly one in 10 of America’s unionized auto workers went on strike Friday to pressure Detroit’s three automakers into raising wages in an era of big profits and as the industry begins a costly transition from gas guzzlers to electric vehicles.By striking simultaneously at General Motors, Ford and Chrysler owner Stellantis for the first time in its history, the United Auto Workers union is trying to inflict a new kind of pain on the companies in hopes of clawing back some pay and benefits workers gave up in recent decades.The strikes are limited for now to three assembly plants: a GM factory in Wentzville, Missouri, a Ford plant in Wayne, Michigan, near Detroit, and a Jeep plant run by Stellantis in Toledo, Ohio.The workers received support from President Joe Biden, who dispatched aides to Detroit to help resolve the impasse and said the Big 3 automakers should share their “reco...

Ask the Pediatrician: How can schools prepare for sudden cardiac arrest?

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:51:45 GMT

Dr. Alex B. Diamond and Dr. Stuart Berger | (TNS) American Academy of PediatricsDid you know sudden cardiac arrest is the main cause of death in young athletes? This fact may be surprising. But it has prompted 43 states to require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for all high school students before graduation. In addition, many states now require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools.What happens with sudden cardiac arrest?Sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating. It can cause death within minutes. Certain conditions can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, but not all the causes are known.Sudden cardiac arrest is rare in young people. When it happens, it’s often to young athletes during competition or practice. But sudden cardiac arrest can happen at any time to any young person, even if they aren’t in sports.When a person’s heart stops beating, quick action can mean the difference between life or death. CPR and AEDs save ...