AP National News

Punxsutawney Phil’s town misses Groundhog Day boost

By SHAWN MARSH
Posted:
Updated:

by Rayos Syndication User

Punxsutawney Phil has returned to his burrow one day after he saw his shadow and predicted another six weeks of winter. But residents and merchants in the northwest Pennsylvania town that Phil put on the map are hoping the coronavirus pandemic does not continue to cast its shadow over the next Groundhog Day. This year’s virtual Groundhog Day event left the community without its annual economic boost from visitors. Mayor Richard Alexander says the economic impact “was really bad.” The mayor says the community swells with between 10,000 to 15,000 tourists on Groundhog Day. Katie Laska, who owns Laska’s Pizza, says Groundhog Day typically helps business at a time of year when tourism is usually slow.

The Latest: S Korea curbing travel, gatherings for holiday

By The Associated Press by
Posted:
Updated:

by Rayos Syndication User

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean officials are moving to limit travel and gatherings during next week’s Lunar New Year’s holidays by allowing train operators to sell only window seats and passenger vessels to operate at half capacity. The Health Ministry announced the steps Wednesday while repeating a plea for people to stay home amid a steady rise in coronavirus…