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Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified mutations in the the first severe bird flu case in the US that may increase its ability to infect humans.  These mutations, found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, play a key role in helping the virus attach to cells in the upper respiratory tract. This discovery stems from the first severe US case of H5N1, involving a Louisiana resident over 65 who had direct contact with infected backyard birds.  Earlier report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Notably, these mutations weren’t present in the bird sam…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $1.15B Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $1.15B Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday's 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Potentially Historic $1.15B Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Dec. 27 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $1.15 billion (with a B) and a $516.1 million cash option. The winning numbers were 03-07-37-49-55 with a Mega Ball of 06 and a Megaplier of 3X. If won at that level, the jackpot would be the largest Mega Millions prize ever won in December and the seventh largest in Mega Millions history, according to the Lottery officials. MegaMillions If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday,…

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by Zak Failla
News
Lucky Salem Lottery Winner Earns $25K A Year For Life Lucky Salem Lottery Winner Earns $25K A Year For Life
Lucky Salem Lottery Winner Earns $25K A Year For Life A Massachusetts woman claimed a yearly prize that will keep on giving.  Felicia Linton, of Salem, won the multi-state $25,000 a year for life prize in the Lucky for Life game after the first five numbers on her Quic Pic ticket matched those selected in the Dec. 15 drawing. Linton claimed her prize Thursday, December 26 at Massachusetts State Lottery headquarters in Dorchester. She chose the cash option and received a one-time payment of $390,000 (before taxes). She said she plans to invest her winnings. Linton bought her winning ticket at Nicole’s Food Store, 406 Essex St. in Sal…

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by Josh Lanier
Sports
Legendary Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies At 78 Legendary Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies At 78
Legendary Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies At 78 Greg Gumbel, a distinguished sports broadcaster renowned for his extensive career with CBS Sports, has died at the age of 78. A cause of death has not yet been released. Gumbel's career spanned several decades, during which he became a familiar and trusted voice in American sports broadcasting.  He was particularly known for his work as a play-by-play announcer for NFL games and as the studio host for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. His calm demeanor and professionalism endeared him to colleagues and audiences alike. Gumbel's contributions to sports broadcasting were significan…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
DUI Lowell Driver Had Babies In Car During I-84 CT Hit-Run Crash: State Police DUI Lowell Driver Had Babies In Car During I-84 CT Hit-Run Crash: State Police
DUI Lowell Driver Had Babies In Car During I-84 CT Hit-Run Crash: State Police A Massachusetts woman was intoxicated and had two babies and another adult in the vehicle when police say she caused a crash and then fled the scene on I-84 in Connecticut on Christmas. Pheak Si, 40, of Lowell, was behind the wheel of a purple Honda Accord when she struck a vehicle in the eastbound lanes of I-84 in Vernon then continued east near Exit 67 around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25, Connecticut State Police said. Troopers found the vehicle driving erratically near Exit 72, and failing to stay in its lane, police said. They conducted a motor vehicle stop and identified the driver as …

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product: Here's What to Know Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product: Here's What to Know
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product: Here's What to Know A popular frozen vegetable product is being recalled due to undeclared milk allergens, posing a risk to individuals with milk allergies. Key Details: Company: Lidl Product Name: “Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables” Product Details: 10.5 oz box, UPC 4 056489 122876 Distribution Period: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 to Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 States Affected: Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia Consumer Action: Do not consume the product. Return it to any Lidl store for a full refund; no rece…

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by Joe Lombardi
Sports
18-Year-Old Boston College Player Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft On Worldwide Stage 18-Year-Old Boston College Player Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft On Worldwide Stage
18-Year-Old Boston College Player Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft On Worldwide Stage A native New Yorker projected to be the first pick in this year's National Hockey League is displaying his talents on a worldwide stage. Long Island resident James Hagens had two goals and two assists on Thursday, Dec. 26 as Team USA opened play at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championships with a 10-4 win over Germany in front of over 13,000 fans in Ottawa, Ontario. Hagens' second goal, which he fired in from the slot, gave Team USA a 4-2 lead with six minutes to go in the second period. Hagens, who plays center, had the primary assist on the team's sec…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Mass Man Gunned Down Outside Apartments ID'd As 45-Year-Old Mass Man Gunned Down Outside Apartments ID'd As 45-Year-Old
Mass Man Gunned Down Outside Apartments ID'd As 45-Year-Old A man who was shot multiple times outside of an apartment complex in Norfolk County earlier this month has been identified as a 45-year-old Brockton man, authorities said.  Tremalle Clark was shot repeatedly at 112 Longmeadow Drive in Holbrook on December 6, the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office said. Paramedics rushed him to Boston Medical Center, where he later died of his injuries.  The investigation into the fatal shooting continues. Authorities urge anyone with information about the shooting to call Holbrook Police or the Massachusetts State Police Homicide Unit…

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by Josh Lanier
News
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month For the second time in a month a stowaway was caught on a Delta Air Lines flight, sparking concerns. The flight, from Seattle to Honolulu, was preparing for takeoff when crew members discovered the unticketed passenger onboard, leading to the plane returning to the gate on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Delta Airlines said that safety protocols were followed, resulting in the passenger’s removal and subsequent detention by law enforcement. The identity of the person has not been released. “As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed…

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by Joe Lombardi
Real Estate
Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics
Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics Homebuyers are increasingly considering political leanings when choosing neighborhoods, according to a brand-new report.  Real estate agents note that clients prioritize communities aligning with their political views, seeking compatibility beyond traditional factors like schools and safety, the Axios story says. This trend may lead to more politically homogeneous neighborhoods, potentially impacting local governance and community interactions. Additionally, new real estate platforms, such as Oyssey, provide insights into neighborhood political affiliations, further enabling buyers to…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
East Coast Well-Represented In Yelp's Best New Restaurant List East Coast Well-Represented In Yelp's Best New Restaurant List
East Coast Well-Represented In Yelp's Best New Restaurant List The East Coast is well-represented on Yelp's just-released rankings of the best new restaurants in 2024. "For this list, the data team analyzed business rating and review volume for restaurants opened in the last 18 months," Yelp said. NY Well-Represented Leading the pack is Mēdüzā Mediterrania, located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.  This top-ranked eatery specializes in “Mezze” dishes, which are typically served as appetizers or light meals in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines.  The menu is crafted for sharing and features a delightful variety of f…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook
Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook The arrival of an unsettled weather pattern at the end of this week will bring a storm system that could deliver snow as the new year begins. Current long-range models indicate that the potential snowmaker may arrive on Wednesday, Jan. 1. If it arrives overnight, we could see accumulating snowfall. However, with daytime temperatures expected to be in the 40s, any snow during the day may mix with rain, or precipitation could be entirely rain. There’s also a chance for a wintry mix or snow on Thursday, Jan. 2. Before this unsettled weather begins, expect dry conditions from Christmas Day, W…

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by Joe Lombardi