The Merrimac Ferry across the Wisconsin River is closed until further notice

Yahoo Finance
Higher egg prices may extend far into 2025, and egg producers like Cal-Maine could benefit
Investors see an opportunity for egg producers like Cal-Maine as supply remains pinched.
Associated Press
Iran says Swiss national held on espionage charges kills himself in prison
A Swiss national detained in Iran on espionage charges killed himself Thursday at a prison in rural Semnan province, state media reported. The report by the Iranian judiciary's Mizan news agency did not identify the man, only saying the man had asked his cellmate to bring him food and then killed himself while he was alone. “Efforts to save him were unsuccessful,” Mizan quoted Mohammad Sadegh Akbari, the head of the province's justice department, as saying.
Reuters
US 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate hovers just under 7%
U.S. mortgage rates increased to a fresh six-month high this week, a trend that together with elevated house prices could further squeeze potential buyers from the market. The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed-rate mortgage climbed to 6.93%, the highest level since early July, from 6.91% last week, mortgage finance agency Freddie Mac said on Thursday. Mortgage rates have increased despite the Federal Reserve cutting its policy rate by 100 basis points last year after kicking off its easing cycle in September.
AFP
What do we know about latest Gaza talks?
Mediators Qatar, Egypt and the United States have launched a new push to end the Gaza war and secure the release of dozens of hostages held in the Palestinian territory.- In early January, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli negotiators would continue working to secure the release of 95 hostages still held in Gaza.
Associated Press
Average US long-term mortgage rate inches up to 6.93% this week for fourth straight increase
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate ticked up again this week, remaining at its highest level since July. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate loan rate rose to 6.93% from 6.91% last week, according to mortgage giant Freddie Mac. It has risen for four straight weeks.
Yahoo Finance
Mortgage rates jump again, approaching 7% barrier
Fourth week of higher rates comes after 10-year Treasury yields, which mirror mortgage rates, rose after new economic data released this week pointed to stickier inflation and more job openings.
USA TODAY
Where are mandatory evacuation orders in place for California wildfires? See maps
See maps of where mandatory evacuation orders as well as warnings are in place for wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area.
USA TODAY
Michelle Obama absent from Jimmy Carter funeral
All living members of the proverbial president's club and their spouses attended but Michelle Obama
AFP
Global stock markets mixed tracking US rates outlook
European and Asian stock markets diverged Thursday, investors tracking the outlook for inflation and US interest rates as Donald Trump's second presidency approaches."This move is shadowing a rise in US bond yields... alongside indications of persistent inflation that are prompting investors to review expectations for two (US) rate cuts in the year ahead," said Lindsay James, investment strategist at Quilter Investors.
AFP
Lamborghini sets new sales record amidst hybrid push
Lamborghini set a new sales record in 2024, the Italian sportscar maker said on Thursday, defying the gloom that has hit mass-market car companies.Lamborghini sold 10,687 cars last year, a rise of six percent on 2023, which was itself a record year.
NBC News
Greenlanders are worried to find themselves on Trump’s shopping list
Donald Trump has doubled down on his ambition to buy Greenland using economic or military pressure. Residents of its capital of Nuuk are unhappy about it.
CBS News
Vape in toothpaste and meth in crutches: See TSA's top 10 finds
A growing number of Americans are bringing guns to the airport, but not all of them are creatively hidden.
USA TODAY
You call this a club? Carter was the prickly outsider, now Trump is the disrupter
There were times when Jimmy Carter annoyed his successors in the White House, Democrat and Republican. He never seemed to mind.
Reuters
US Senate panel to hold hearings on Trump energy picks next week
The U.S. Senate energy committee will hold nomination hearings for President-elect Donald Trump's picks for energy roles on Tuesday and Wednesday next week, the panel's chairman said on Thursday. The committee will hold a hearing to consider Doug Burgum, Trump's nominee to be secretary of the interior, on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. (1500 GMT). Burgum was until last month the governor of North Dakota, a big oil-producing state.
CBS News
How to help victims of Southern California wildfires
Nonprofit groups are working to distribute essential supplies to those impacted.
Reuters
France's Sarkozy slams Libyan campaign financing case as 'a conspiracy'
A defiant Nicolas Sarkozy told a Paris court on Thursday that allegations of illegal Libyan financing of his successful 2007 presidential bid were a "conspiracy" and that not a single cent of Libyan cash would ever be found in his campaign. Sarkozy, who was president of France from 2007 to 2012, is accused by prosecutors of having made a pact with Libya's late strongman Muammar Gaddafi to receive millions of euros in clandestine funding. He faces charges including concealing the embezzlement of public funds, illegal campaign financing and criminal conspiracy and risks up to 10 years in jail if found guilty.
Reuters
Brazil's Lula calls Meta fact-checking changes 'extremely serious'
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Thursday that social media company Meta's decision to scrap its fact-checking program in the U.S. was "extremely serious," and that he would discuss the matter in a meeting with government officials. "I think it's extremely serious that people want digital communication to not have the same responsibility as someone who commits a crime in the written press." Meta said on Tuesday it would change its fact-checking program in the U.S., leading Brazilian prosecutors to demand that it clarify whether the changes would also apply to the South American country.
AFP
The US 'Presidents Club' convenes to honor Carter
It is the world's most exclusive society and meetings are limited to infrequent state occasions, but the so-called American Presidents Club was in session Thursday to see off departed comrade Jimmy Carter.Carter, who died on December 29, lay in repose in his home state of Georgia and then at the US Capitol, where the public paid their respects from Tuesday through early Thursday.
AFP
'Venezuela will be free': anti-Maduro protests roil Caracas
Opponents of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro took to the streets Thursday in a last-ditch protest against his swearing-in for a third six-year term as president.Attempts by Trump to force Maduro out during his first term as US president by recognizing a parallel opposition-led government and imposing sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector came to naught however. burs-cb/arb/bgs
AFP
Macron welcomes 'crucial election' of new Lebanon president
French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday welcomed the "crucial election" by Lebanese lawmakers of army chief Joseph Aoun as president after a two-year vacuum at the top, calling his victory an opportunity for reform in the country."Congratulations to President Joseph Aoun on this crucial election," Macron wrote on X. "It paves the way for reform and the restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty and prosperity," he added.

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