WINTER STORM BEGINS BARRAGE IN NORTHEAST A destructive winter storm that has left more than 900,000 customers in the dark barreled into the Northeast on Wednesday, delaying flights and turning the morning rush into the morning slush as communities braced for the worst. Authorities said it could be a week before some communities have electricity again. Winter storm warnings were in effect from Texas to New England on Wednesday. Some parts of Vermont expected 14 inches of snow, and the entire state was under a winter storm warning through early Thursday. Inland areas of Maine expected 2 feet of snow before the storm ends, and snow also fell over New York and Boston, extending commute times. Air travelers hunkered down at airports throughout the region. Philadelphia International reported scattered cancellations and delays Wednesday morning. Airlines canceled more than a dozen flights each out of Columbus and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. SOUTHWEST TRIGGERS FARE SALES Major airlines moved to match a fare sale started by Southwest Airlines. Fares are available as low as $49 one-way for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or $59 one-way for travel Thursdays through Mondays when purchased by Feb. 19, 2009. American Airlines, Continental Airlines, US Airways, JetBlue and Delta Air Lines matched the Southwest prices, officials at those carriers said. United Airlines has its own fare sale that began on January 16, but was still studying Southwest's fare sale, spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said. Airlines often match their rivals' fares rather than risk losing price-sensitive passengers. Last year, airlines raised prices several times and imposed new fees on checked bags to counter rising fuel prices. Although fuel prices have fallen sharply, most of the fees are still in effect. POSSIBLE RAPID RAIL FROM CHARLOTTE TO ATLANTA Transportation officials are considering the development of a rapid passenger rail service that would link Charlotte and Atlanta with a train that would travel at about 100 mph. A federal study released this month found that officials could realistically develop service that travels between 90 and 110 mph without needing major changes to the existing rail corridor. The preliminary study assumed there would be as many as nine stops between Charlotte and Atlanta, serving passengers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Gastonia, Spartanburg, S.C., Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Greenville, S.C., Clemson, S.C., Toccoa, Ga., Gainesville, Ga., and Atlanta. The study also looked at continuing rail service to Macon, Ga. Officials in the three states are now preparing to conduct a more detailed study to assess ridership potential and costs. The railway would not meet the definition of a "high-speed" line, which is generally reserved for those tracks that move faster than 125 mph. But trains traveling at that speed need costly track upgrades. Amtrak service on the route currently has a top speed of 79 mph but still takes more than five hours to make a trip that takes less than four hours in a car. GREENPEACE BUYS HEATHROW LAND Campaigners opposed to a third runway at Heathrow have bought a parcel of the land earmarked for the airport’s expansion and are preparing for a fierce legal battle to defend it. The Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats both oppose the plans, as do dozens of environmental groups. Greenpeace has bought a field the size of a football pitch and plans to invite protesters to dig networks of tunnels across it, similar to those built in the ultimately unsuccessful campaign against the Newbury bypass in 1996. The group also plans to divide the field into thousands of tiny plots, each with a separate owner. BAA, the airport’s owner, would be forced to negotiate with each owner, lengthening the compulsory purchase process. Greenpeace believes that the longer the expansion is delayed, the more likely it is that the project will be cancelled.
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
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Stay magnificently at Chicago’s new urban escape. The Affinia Chicago, located just steps from the famed Magnificent Mile, has recently completed an exciting multimillion-dollar renovation!
Mid-century spirit in a modern light
Built in 1875 to celebrate the West Coast boom, the Palace Hotel is one of San Francisco's most treasured landmarks. The hotel is located just steps away from Union Square, Chinatown, the Financial District and the Moscone Convention Center.
Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Bel-Air, Hollywood. At the luxury Palomar Westwood, guests are only a short drive to these popular destinations, making it a traveler's dream come true. Shoppers will love the short walk to nearby shops, galleries, restaurants and cultural centers of Westwood Village and Brentwood, while sun-worshippers can take an easy trip to experience the famous beach havens like Santa Monica and Venice.
Third Night Complimentary Winter Special through April 1, 2009.