Some residents in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions woke up to a White Christmas Eve on Tuesday morning. Around 20 million people are under winter weather alerts across the regions, which received upwards of an inch of snow. Washington, D.C., and New York City may see an inch of snow, while parts of northern New England could see 2 to 6 inches of snow, especially in the mountains of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Metropolitan hubs that will be impacted by this storm system include Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Burlington, Vermont. The National Weather Service is advising people who need to drive to do so slowly and safely as the snow may be slick. Christmas Eve travel was briefly snarled as the Federal Aviation Administration issued a nationwide ground stop for all American Airlines flights on Tuesday. The airline said a “vendor technology issue” was the reason for the ground stop, and not the weather. But can residents in the area expect a White Christmas? It seems unlikely. This snow is expected to last about two hours and move out quickly, with improving conditions by early Tuesday afternoon. As of Tuesday morning, the Christmas Day forecast for the Northeast is chilly but dry. Frosty temperatures being seen in the Northeast are also expected to subside. "Much of the East Coast region will have a moderation trend in the cold temperatures going into Christmas Eve, as the arctic surface high moves offshore and milder air from the Ohio Valley advects eastward across the region," the National Weather Service said. In the West, a storm system bringing low elevation rain and mountain snow to the region continues. Around 2 to 4 inches of rain is expected along the coast from the Pacific Northwest into central California, while the Sierra Nevada could see up to a foot of snow. Residents are advised to stay away from the coast, where "dangerous and life-threatening beach conditions" with coastal flooding has been seen, according to the weather service's Bay Area field office. The Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed Monday as a result of major storm swells, sending three people into the ocean and leaving them with minor injuries. By Christmas Day, this storm will bring some snow to the Rocky Mountains as the next storm system moves into the West Coast from the Pacific.Get Your Home Guest-Ready With Black Friday Deals on Luxury TowelsVANCOUVER - A Canadian activist is accusing Hong Kong authorities of meddling in Canada’s internal affairs after police in the Chinese territory issued a warrant for his arrest. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * VANCOUVER - A Canadian activist is accusing Hong Kong authorities of meddling in Canada’s internal affairs after police in the Chinese territory issued a warrant for his arrest. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? VANCOUVER – A Canadian activist is accusing Hong Kong authorities of meddling in Canada’s internal affairs after police in the Chinese territory issued a warrant for his arrest. Victor Ho and fellow Canadian Joe Tay are among six overseas activists targeted by Hong Kong police who announced rewards of HK $1 million, equivalent to about C$180,000, for information leading to their arrests. The warrants announced on Tuesday say the six are wanted for national security offences such as secession, subversion and collusion with foreign forces. Ho says in a Chinese-language post on Facebook that he’s proud of the arrest warrant, joking that it’s the “best Christmas present.” But he says as a Canadian citizen he’s protected by the Canadian Charter and is exercising his right to freedom of speech. Ho is the former editor-in-chief of the Sing Tao Daily newspaper, and helped launched a plan in Canada to elect an unofficial “Hong Kong parliament” in 2022. Only “patriots” are eligible for election in Hong Kong under a 2021 law passed by China’s parliament, the National People’s Congress, and pro-democracy protesters have been the subject of mass arrests. Tay is the founder of Canada-based activist group HongKonger Station and is seeking the Conservative Party nomination in Markham Unionville in Ontario. The Hong Kong Police say in a statement the six wanted activists have “absconded overseas.” The Hong Kong government had previously issued two rounds of arrest warrants and bounties for other prominent activists, including ex-lawmakers. In his Facebook post, Ho questioned whether Hong Kong authorities were “trying for another cross-border arrest” or if Beijing wants “Canada to become their client/subordinate state.” Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. He joked that the reward being issued had allowed him to recover some “fugitive dignity.” “So I’m worth something after all, and it’s hard for me to hide my pride as we enter 2025,” he said. Neither Ho nor Tay immediately responded to requests for comment. — With files from Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 24, 2024 Advertisement AdvertisementNone
This image provided by FinaMill shows the FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder Set. The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. (FinaMill via AP) This image provided by QelviQ shows a wine bottle chiller. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. (QelviQ via AP) This image provided by FUJIFILM North America Corporation and FUJIFILM Corporation Tokyo shows a smartphone printer. Fujifilm Instax’s Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the printer with film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. (FUJIFILM North America Corporation and FUJIFILM Corporation Tokyo via AP) This image provided by FeatherSnap shows a female cardinal bird perched on a FeatherSnap Wi-Fi Solar Powered Camera Smart Bird Feeder. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. (FeatherSnap via AP) This image provided by Nama shows the M1 plant-based milk maker. If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid unnecessary ingredients like sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. (Nama via AP) This image provided by Pull Start Fire shows the matchless fire igniter in use. Made of 89% recycled materials, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling.(Pull Start Fire via AP) This image provided by Uncommon Goods shows a 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set. Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. (Uncommon Goods via AP) This image provided by easyplant shows a Marxii Calathea plant in a small, beige, self-watering pot. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. (easyplant via AP) This image provided by Souper Cubes shows No Mess Utensils held upright on pot edges. The No Mess Utensil lives up to its name. The utensils, a serving spoon and a ladle, have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot. (Ashley Cuoco via AP) This image provided by FinaMill shows the FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder Set. The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. (FinaMill via AP) By JESSICA DAMIANO Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Related Articles Things To Do | US airports with worst weather delays during holiday season Things To Do | The right book can inspire the young readers in your life, from picture books to YA novels Things To Do | Holiday gift ideas for the movie lover, from bios and books to a status tote Things To Do | ‘Gladiator II’ review: Are you not moderately entertained? Things To Do | Beer pairings for your holiday feasts If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.Betty White Forever: New stamp will honor the much-beloved 'Golden Girls' actoregal complications may impede Indonesia’s planned transfer of five Australian drug trafficking convicts who have served nearly two decades of their life sentences in Indonesia, as well as a Filipina on death row, to their home countries, as the administration of President seeks to shore up diplomatic relations with neighboring countries. Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas told Reuters on Saturday that Indonesia had agreed “in principle” to hand the five prisoners over to Australia, although the details of the transfer were still being hashed out, as Indonesia also wanted some of its prisoners held in Australia to be repatriated in return. The five Australian prisoners were members of the so-called Bali Nine, who were arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle just over 8 kilograms of heroin out of Bali. They are the last remaining members of the group serving life sentences. The others were executed, released or died of other causes. Supratman acknowledged that Indonesia lacked formal procedures for international prisoner transfers but said ones would be developed soon. He added that the transfer would be contingent on the counterpart country recognizing Indonesia’s judicial process. "This [transfer] is important to maintain a good relationship with friendly countries. But this is also in our interest because we have prisoners abroad," Supratman said, as quoted by Reuters. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell confirmed that negotiations were ongoing and that the five Australians would continue serving their sentences if the transfer deal proceeded, AFP reported. Delivered straight to your inbox three times weekly, this curated briefing provides a concise overview of the day's most important issues, covering a wide range of topics from politics to culture and society. By registering, you agree with 's Please check your email for your newsletter subscription. Coordinating Politics and Security Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra and Presidential Communications Office head Hasan Nasbi were not available for comment when contacted by on Sunday. If the prisoner transfer takes place, it will follow another under the Prabowo administration, that of Filipina domestic worker Mary Jane Veloso, whom Indonesia agreed last week to return to the Philippines. Veloso is currently in a Yogyakarta prison, where she has been for 14 years. She had been sentenced to death. Rights activists applauded the government’s decision to return Veloso. But some legal experts questioned the legal basis for her transfer. Coordinating minister Yusril said on Friday that such a deal was possible through a mutual legal assistance (MLA) arrangement, which he said was well within a sitting president’s authority to pursue despite the lack of regulations. But he also urged the government and lawmakers to quickly hash out a law on the matter. Indonesia’s notoriously strict drug laws, which do not spare foreign nationals from death row, have on past occasions sparked international outrage. The April 2015 execution of the Bali Nine’s two ringleaders, who, along with five other foreign nationals and an Indonesian, were executed by firing squad, caused a major diplomatic rift between then-president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s administration and Australia, which recalled its ambassador in protest. Veloso, meanwhile, was supposed to be among the condemned convicts before being granted a last-minute reprieve, which was followed by multiple failed attempts from the Philippines over the years to request her return. When it was finally granted last week, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. extended his “heartfelt gratitude” to Prabowo, whom he met in a bilateral meeting in September while Prabowo was still president-elect. As in Veloso’s case, the Australian government previously had no luck in negotiating the return of the remaining members of the Bali Nine until Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a direct request to Prabowo on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Peru last week. Prabowo also received a similar request from France during the summit. International law expert Hikmahanto Juwana cautioned the government against rushing into any prisoner transfer plan, saying that it would set a bad precedent for the Prabowo administration unless Indonesia first enacted a law on the matter. “[Proceeding with the transfer without a clear legal basis] will tear our existing laws to shreds. Previous administrations have always reasoned that prisoner transfers are not possible since there is no specific law on them, but the new administration seems to disregard this fact entirely,” Hikmahanto told the on Sunday. “Prabowo has his ‘good neighbor’ policy, but it cannot disregard our laws,” he added. International relations expert Ahmad Rizky M. Umar said Indonesia’s newfound lenience on prisoner transfers was likely a result of Prabowo’s interest in improving bilateral ties. “If the prisoner transfer is part of a bigger agenda, it’s something that needs to be communicated clearly, and the transfer scheme itself must have a clear legal basis,” Ahmad said. He called on lawmakers to first pass a law on prisoner transfers and for the Prabowo administration to clearly communicate the law’s policies to the countries it was negotiating with. Amnesty International Indonesia executive director Usman Hamid said the negotiations on the prisoner transfer should provide an impetus for Indonesia to reevaluate its stance on capital punishment, rather than simply seek a transactional deal. “It’s time for Indonesia to fall in line with international standards when it comes to [how it treats prisoners], including by abolishing the death penalty, or to at least call a moratorium on it,” Usman said.RACINE, Wis. — Former Wisconsin State Sen. George Petak, known for his pivotal role in securing funding for Miller Park, died peacefully in his sleep early on Christmas Eve, his family announced in a Facebook post. He was 75. Petak made headlines nearly 30 years ago when he changed his vote on Oct. 6, 1995, to approve a bill funding the construction of Miller Park, now known as American Family Field, ensuring the Milwaukee Brewers would remain in Wisconsin. Initially promising to vote against the measure, Petak flipped his vote to a yes, citing the broader benefits for the state. The decision imposed a sales tax on five counties, including his home in Racine County, and ultimately cost him his seat in a recall election nine months later. MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 04: Milwaukee Brewers fans file into Miller Park Before the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Milwaukee Brewers on Opening Day at Miller Park on April 04, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) “I felt that back then it was the right thing to do,” Petak told TMJ4 News in 2018, reflecting on the vote 23 years later. “At the time of the vote in early October, I didn’t anticipate a recall election based on that, although I knew it was a very contentious issue.” Petak represented Wisconsin’s 21st Senate District from 1991 to 1996. His son, Brian Petak, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, thanking the community for their prayers and support and noting a significant milestone in his father’s life. “Today is the 53rd anniversary of Dad surrendering his life to Jesus on Christmas Eve 1971,” Brian wrote. “He went home to be with Him on Christmas Eve 2024. I think God enjoys sweet timing like this, and we all now believe Dad wanted this timing as well.” Gov. Tony Evers also issued a statement honoring Petak’s life and legacy. “Kathy and I join the people of Wisconsin in mourning the loss of Sen. Petak today,” Evers said. “Sen. Petak was a man of faith, courage, and principle. He truly had a servant’s heart, always leading with empathy and integrity to give back and do more for others. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, children, loved ones, and the many lives he touched.” Details about a memorial service have not yet been announced. It’s about time to watch on your time. 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