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Top 5 pet-friendly hotel chains in the US

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

Laurie Baratti | (TNS) TravelPulseAs a pet parent, I know how distressing it is when heading out on a trip to have to leave your furry, four-legged family members behind. It can cause you to wonder whether you actually want to go on a vacation at all. And, of course, the pain and anxiety of that separation goes both ways, with pets often getting anxious, depressed or developing behavioral issues while their owners are away.Luckily, we’re seeing an increase in pet-friendly accommodations being offered by hospitality companies across the U.S. Perhaps it’s because of the recent boom in adoptions of pandemic pups and quarantine kitties, and the fact that more people are working from home and forming deep bonds with their fur-kids.Whatever the reason, hotel chains are steadily embracing the reality that travelers want to have their pets with them on their trips. And, rather than lose business to Airbnb or other vacation rentals that might offer more animal-inclusive offerings, more hotel...

New charges filed against registered sex offender

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- On August 30, Lawrence L. Elliot Jr., 66, was arrested by the Amsterdam Police Department. Elliot, a level three sex offender, failed to register internet accounts and failed to complete his 90-day verification check-in. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Elliot is required by law to disclose such accounts with local law enforcement or the New York State sex offender registry within 10 days of creation. Police say that on one of his unregistered accounts, Elliot falsely represented himself as an attorney offering legal representation. Elliot was charged with:Failure to verify address every 90 daysTwo counts of failure to registerUnauthorized practiceElliot was processed at the Amsterdam Police Headquarters. He was arraigned and remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail.

Father accused of shooting son in groin during argument

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

FLORISSANT, Mo. -- A father is accused of shooting his adult son in the groin during a family argument. Joshua Benjamin, 48, now faces felony charges for the assault with a deadly weapon. The sentencing for the felonies ranges from three to 15 years in prison. They would be served consecutively.The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office says that Benjamin was involved in a series of minor physical altercations with family members on Saturday. That was when he went to his bedroom to get his gun. He returned to the living area and shot his son with the handgun. Call for Help closure has East St. Louis mothers crying for aid The victim was taken to the hospital to be treated for the gunshot wound. The extent of his injuries is not available.“Any physical violence among family members is uncalled-for, but pulling a firearm on a family member is absolutely unacceptable and will be prosecuted aggressively in St. Louis County,” writes St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley ...

Top 6 counties to raise a family in Illinois

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

(STACKER) — A ranking of the best counties in Illinois to raise a family puts the entire Chicago metro among the top choices.Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to raise a family in Illinois using data from Niche. Niche ranks counties based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. How Chicago gas prices have changed since the 70s Of the top 30 counties, the top 6 are found around Chicago. They are:DuPageLakeKaneKendallWillCookSee the full list, and the detailed breakdown below showing the stats which back-up the rankings.Among the full list are counties which boast some of the top schools and fun, family-friendly activities for every season. Keep reading to explore the best counties to raise a family. Maybe you'll find one that suits your brood.#30. Boone County, Illinois- Population: 53,592- Median home value: $163,200 (82% own)- Median rent: $974 (18% own)- Median household income: $74,076- Top public schools: Belv...

Free and cheap things to do in metro Denver in September

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

Free coffee drinks for teachersZiggi’s Coffee is brewing up a big thank you for teachers. On Sept. 6, all educators and school district employees can take a break to enjoy a free 16-ounce drink of their choice at the local coffee shop. The offer includes teachers, principals, bus drivers, custodians and anyone else who has a valid school/faculty ID or other proof of school district employment. The offer is only available in-café. ziggiscoffee.com/blog/back-to-school-discount-day.htmlWater World’s Bow Wow Beach Doggie DayWater World is offering an opportunity for furry kids to have big fun with its annual Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day on Sept. 9. Pups of all sizes are invited to the pool party. However, pooches must be at least one year old, leashed during park arrival/exit, and accompanied by a responsible owner 18 or older. Proof of current rabies vaccination and waivers must be signed prior to entry. Admission is only $9.99 per dog. (Pet parents get in at no cost.) Each timed entry ses...

Enough excuses! This one piece of trail etiquette is crucial. | Opinion

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

The uppermost switchback on the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park is eight feet wide. Yet the last time I hiked out, I was stymied by a group of young hikers walking down shoulder to shoulder, tapping on their phones.Even when I said, “Ahem, excuse me,” I was unceremoniously nudged out of the way — not on the cliff side, but still.It shouldn’t need mentioning, but while walking on a rocky trail where one may fall to one’s death, it is best not to be watching one’s phone. And in case you were wondering, uphill has the right of way.I am often told that people coming downhill should have the right of way because they might lose control and can’t easily stop. Well, on a shared trail, one should not be losing control, and certainly not on a trail where a fall could lead to dying, as above.Uphill has the right of way because it is harder to stop and restart while climbing. Yes, some hikers want to stop and rest and that is their prerogative, but if I have my uphill mo...

United flights briefly grounded nationwide, including at Denver International Airport, due to technology issue

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

United Airlines flights in Denver and nationwide were briefly grounded today due to a global problem with the airline’s computer system, according to Denver International Airport.The problem temporarily impacted at least 35 flights that were trying to land at the airport, said spokesperson Stephanie Figueroa.We have identified a fix for the technology issue and flights have resumed. We’re working with impacted customers to help them reach their destinations as soon as possible.— United Airlines (@united) September 5, 2023The Federal Aviation Administration announced the ground stop was lifted for the United States and Canada at 11:50 a.m.Denver International Airport reported 175 delays and two cancelled flights as of 12:50 p.m., according to FlightAware. Of those, United Airlines had 78 delays and one cancellation. SkyWest, which operates flights for United and other airlines, reported 39 delays.This is a developing story.Get more Colorado news by signing up for our Mile...

Death Valley National Park still closed after Tropical Storm Hilary floods

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

It's unclear when Death Valley National Park will reopen to visitors after heavy rains from Tropical Storm Hilary forged new gullies and crumbled roadways at the site of one of the hottest places in the world, officials said.The storm dumped a furious 2.2 inches (6 centimeters) of rain Aug. 20, roughly the amount of rainfall the park usually receives in a year. This year's rainfall broke its previous record of 1.7 inches (4 centimeters) in one day, set in August of last year.“Two inches of rain does not sound like a lot, but here, it really does stay on the surface,” Matthew Lamar, a park ranger, told the Los Angeles Times. "Two inches of rain here can have a dramatic impact.”The park, which straddles eastern California and Nevada, holds the record for the hottest temperature recorded on the planet — 134 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius), reached in 1913.Pockets of water sit in low spots in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes after floods. Aug. 2023. (NPSRocks, mu...

UCLA, USC among top colleges in the U.S.: Forbes

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

Multiple public universities located in Southern California were named on Forbes’ “America’s Top College List for 2023.”The publication ranks colleges nationwide based on return on investment, average student debt levels and outcomes for their graduates. Schools also ranked highly on the list if students return to campus after their first year, graduate on time and secure high salaries jobs after graduation. UC schools admit record number of California applicants; Latino students lead the pack A complete breakdown of the methodology can be found here.In Southern California, multiple universities and colleges were named on the list, with one campus being named among the top 10 “best” colleges in the U.S.This is where a few Southern California-based universities and colleges ranked7th: UCLA14th: USC21st: UC San Diego24th: UC Santa Barbara36th: Pomona College37th: UC Davis41st: Claremont College43rd: San Diego State University47th: Caltech61st: University of California, Irvine71st: H...

'Dream Weaver' singer Gary Wright dies at 80

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:14 GMT

Singer Gary Wright, best known for his hit song "Dream Weaver," has died at 80 years old. Wright passed away at his home in Palos Verdes Estates on Monday morning, his son Justin told TMZ. Just six years ago, the singer was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and then with Lewy body dementia. Diana Ross sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to Beyonce at SoFi Stadium Recording artist Gary Wright performs during the David Foster and Friends concert at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Oct. 15, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)He told the site that his father's Parkinson's "progressed rapidly" over this past year and he eventually lost the abillity to "move around and speak."Dorian also posted about his father's passing on Instagram. "This morning I got to sit in lotus bye my father’s side chanting and meditating for two hours," the caption read. "As I chanted his last chant I watched him take his last earthly breath. Thank you dad for letting me help you leave your body for the...