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Editorial: Few EV models eligible for new tax credit

Published Sun, 02 Feb 2025 14:10:13 GMT

If you’re in the market for a new car, wouldn’t you be more likely to buy a climate-friendly electric model if you could save thousands of dollars off the sticker price?That’s the idea behind electric vehicle subsidies authorized as part of the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress last year, which are supposed to accelerate the fight against climate change by making zero-emission cars more affordable. But that’s a far cry from what’s likely to happen. Under complicated new rules released by the Treasury Department, only a handful of more than 90 electric car models for sale in the U.S. will be eligible for incentives that allow car buyers to claim a tax credit of up to $7,500.For that you can thank U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va. Restrictions on sourcing battery parts and critical minerals were added to the legislation in order to win his support and, at least theoretically, encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce the electric vehicle supply chain’s dependence on China....

Boys wrestling All-Scholastics and All-Stars

Published Sun, 02 Feb 2025 14:10:13 GMT

BOYS WRESTLING ALL-SCHOLASTICSNate Blanchette (Central Catholic)Michael Boulanger (Milford)Thomas Brown (Chelmsford)Jack Callahan (Tewksbury)Brayton Carbone (Shawsheen)Luke Connolly (Northeast/Bishop Fenwick)Miles Darling (Essex Tech/Masconomet)Brock Desmarais (Dracut/Tyngsboro)Matthew Harrold (Haverhill)Rawson Iwanicki (St. John’s Prep)Hampton Kaye-Kuter (Milford)Rafael Knapp (Algonquin)Nathan Leach (Bridgewater-Raynham)Emmett Logan (Lowell)Drew McGourty (Braintree)Yandel Morales (Andover)Brent Nicolosi (Haverhill)Jonah Paulino (Monty Tech)Alex Schaueblin (St. John’s Prep)James Tildsley (Shawsheen)Sidney Tildsley (Shawsheen)Jayden Toppan (Gloucester)Michael Toppan (Gloucester)Joe Tully (Carver)Matthew Walsh (Bedford/Acton-Boxboro) NATE BLANCHETTECENTRAL CATHOLICThe 182-pound junior was taken down just twice all season in going 53-0, winning the Lowell Holidays, Div. 1 North, Div. 1 State, All-State and New England titles. He recently won the NHSCA Nationals in Virg...

Check out these great ideas for April Vacation fun around Boston

Published Sun, 02 Feb 2025 14:10:13 GMT

The dogwoods are starting to bloom all around town. You’ve swapped the winter parka for a light fleece. And friends are talking about their getaway plans. This can only mean one thing: It’s almost time for April vacation.If you aren’t headed anywhere yourself, then watching as others pack swimsuits for the beach or walking shoes for Europe may leave you with a slight case of FOMO. No need for that – not when there are so many cool, glam, and  fun things happening right here in Boston. Jump on a few of these plans — with friends, significant others, family, or on your own — and revel in the joys of April vacay.Hover above the city with your SOThe ultra-chic rooftop restaurant Contessa is hands-down one of the most gorgeous spots overlooking Back Bay, and with its fresh pastas and seafoods (the tonnato crudo is to die for), it’s also one of the city’s most romantic spots. And it’s located in The Newbury (previously The Taj and The Ritz), among Boston’s most storied and stu...

Franks: Crew of the Titanic also used poor judgment

Published Sun, 02 Feb 2025 14:10:13 GMT

This April is the 111th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. That tragedy did not just happen by chance.Arrogant people who boasted that the ship was invincible played a major role. The “best engineers” during those times determined that even if the “unsinkable” ship were to start sinking it would take two or three days before the vessel would fully submerge, thus offering plenty of time to rescue everyone on board.Well, it did sink, and it only took two or three hours, not days. More than 1,500 passengers died.The crew of the Titanic was getting repeated warnings of icebergs ahead. But they were either “asleep” at the wheel or distracted by other events. Maybe they were arresting the ship’s bartender for watering down drinks. Regardless of the reason, they confidently forged ahead at a rapid speed.Like those mariners over one hundred years ago, the United States today is refusing to listen to danger warnings, especially from those who have been saying for most of President Jo...

Lowry: DA Bragg is already losing the case

Published Sun, 02 Feb 2025 14:10:13 GMT

You don’t know what’s in the indictment.That was the line that progressives repeatedly threw at conservatives dubious about Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case over the last couple of weeks.Well, we’ve seen the unsealed indictment, and we still don’t know the other crime besides falsifying business records that’s being alleged, because Bragg didn’t specify it in a shocking prosecutorial failure and abuse of the process.To review, Donald Trump paid off porn star Stormy Daniels, with whom he had an alleged affair, prior to the 2016 election. Such hush payments may be sleazy, but they aren’t illegal.Still, the reimbursements from the Trump Organization to Trump fixer Michael Cohen, who paid off Daniels, were logged as legal expenses. This was deceptive and potentially a misdemeanor. Dragging a former president through the criminal justice process just to get him on such a minor offense, though, was unappealing even to Bragg.How...

Dear Abby: Man wants out of despicable brother’s will

Published Sun, 02 Feb 2025 14:10:13 GMT

Dear Abby: My older brother is toxic. I want to cut ties with him because he has always criticized, antagonized, marginalized and dismissed me. He has no filters and also criticizes and ridicules my grown children. I’ve had enough.If I were ghosted, I’d want to know why and not be blindsided. But it’s pointless to engage or explain to him. He’s a lifelong bachelor with no children or significant other, so he has me in his will if he goes first. I would be physically ill to inherit his estate — home, car, funds and personal effects. I want nothing from him. Should I notify his attorney and copy my brother that I wish to be removed from his will? — Other Brother in WashingtonDear Other Brother: It would be even more effective if you include in your letter the reasons for your decision.Dear Abby: I have been divorced from “Mildred” for 10 years. I have been with my girlfriend, “Eleanor,” for five years, and we are serious. (Sh...

Motorcyclist dies in East County crash

Published Sun, 02 Feb 2025 14:10:13 GMT

EL CAJON, Calif. -- A motorcyclist was killed in a crash last weekend in the El Cajon area, law enforcement said.The incident occurred Sunday around 8:23 p.m. near 1601 Pepper Drive, California Highway Patrol Officer Jared Grieshaber said in a release.Authorities say a 64-year-old man driving a 2015 Ford F-150 northbound on Pepper Drive and a 47-year-old man riding eastbound on a 2011 Ducati 848 collided into each other, ejecting the rider onto the street. CHP pursuit ends in K-9 takedown The motorcyclist died from his injuries while the driver of the Ford was not injured, Grieshaber confirmed. It is unknown if driving under the influence was a factor in the crash, according to CHP.The identity of the 47-year-old man is pending until an autopsy is performed by the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office, authorities said.

Harrah's Resort SoCal guest hits $1 million jackpot

Published Sun, 02 Feb 2025 14:10:13 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- A lucky winner is now a millionaire after hitting the Impressive Progressive jackpot at Harrah's Resort Southern California, casino officials announced Friday.Laili M. was awarded $1,022,473, one of the largest jackpot wins in Southern California this year, on a $5 progressive wager playing blackjack, the press release said. "Her first two cards were each a 7 of diamonds," Harrah's Resort SoCal said. "The dealer’s up card was a 7 of diamonds, giving her the 3 7s in diamonds needed for the best Cash Spin wheel on that game. The wheel was spun and landed on 100% of the Ultra meter!" SuperLotto Plus ticket matching 5 numbers sold in North County The casino said it is unknown what Laili plans to do with her earnings.The jackpot win comes after another Harrah's Resort SoCal guest won $1,407,630 playing the table game EZ Baccarart in December 2022, according to officials.

Sight to see: Carlsbad Flower Fields in full bloom

Published Sun, 02 Feb 2025 14:10:13 GMT

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- With all of the wet weather the San Diego area has endured, it's a good time to take in the sights of the Carlsbad Flower Fields.The 50-acre rainbow of ranunculus flowers, now in full bloom, glow up the city's coastline. Guests can walk along the paths to observe and take pictures of the beautiful gardens. The outdoor space, as well as a 200-seat barn, are also available to be used for events like weddings and corporate gatherings. This San Diego beach is considered ‘the most beautiful’ in the US: study Attractions include tractor-driven wagon rides, a 1,500-square foot greenhouse filled with Ecke poinsettias, the sweet pea maze, Santa's playground, an orchid greenhouse and other themed gardens.Tickets are available by reservation while parking is free.The Carlsbad Flower Fields are open through May 14, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

China announces ‘combat readiness patrols’ around Taiwan

Published Sun, 02 Feb 2025 14:10:13 GMT

BEIJING (AP) — The Chinese military announced exercises around Taiwan on Saturday in a new act of retaliation for a meeting between the U.S. House of Representatives speaker and the president of the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory.The People’s Liberation Army said the three-day “combat readiness patrols” were a warning to Taiwanese who want to make the island’s de facto independence permanent. It gave no indication whether they might include a repeat of previous exercises that included firing missiles into the sea, which disrupted shipping and airline flights.Speaker Kevin McCarthy held talks with President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday in California, adding to a series of foreign lawmakers who have met Tsai to show support in the face of Chinese intimidation. Beijing responded Friday by imposing a travel ban and financial sanctions against American groups and individuals associated with Tsai’s U.S. visit.Taiwan split with China after a civil war i...