US braces for more freezing cold as winter storm leaves at least 29 dead

(AP) — Many U.S. residents are facing another night of below-freezing temperatures and no electricity after a massive winter storm dumped more snow in Northeast and left parts of the South coated in ice. The colossal storm halted air and road traffic in many areas and sent temperatures plunging. At least 29 deaths were reported in states hit by the winter weather. As the work week began, the heaviest snow fell from New York northward into New England. That’s after heavy ice snapped branches and power lines in the South, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity. Arctic air was spreading in behind the storm and some communities in New York saw record-breaking subzero temperatures.

Investigators of fatal plane crash in Maine should examine its deicing process, expert says

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Officials at Maine’s Bangor International Airport say a flight manifest shows six people were on board a jet that flipped over and burned while taking off in the snow Sunday night, and that none survived the crash. This contradicts a report earlier Monday from the Federal Aviation Administration that said seven people were killed and a crew member survived with serious injuries. The Bombardier Challenger 600 model is prone to problems with ice buildup on the wings. This jet crashed as the nation’s massive winter storm was beginning to blow into Bangor. One flight safety expert tells The Associated Press that investigators should examine how its wings were de-iced before takeoff.

Scientists recover the oldest wooden tools from a site in Greece

NEW YORK (AP) — Scientists say two artifacts found at a lake shore in Greece are the oldest wooden tools uncovered so far. One is a spindly stick possibly used for digging and the other is a handheld chunk that may have been used to shape stone tools. They were found in Greece’s Megalopolis basin and date back 430,000 years. Scientists think early humans wielded tools made from stone, bone and wood. But it’s particularly difficult to find evidence of wooden tools today because wood rots so quickly. Information about the artifacts was published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.

LA homeless services CEO charged with defrauding taxpayers to pay for luxury lifestyle

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The CEO of a Los Angeles homeless services charity faces federal and state fraud charges after prosecutors said he lived a luxury lifestyle that included lavish vacations and designer clothes paid for with $23 million in public money meant to keep people off the streets. The 42-year-old was arrested at his $7 million home that investigators believe he afforded using funds that were supposed to support his nonprofit Abundant Blessings. A lawyer for the defendant didn’t reply Monday to an email seeking comment on the case. The nonprofit was contracted to find shelter and provide meals for homeless residents. Instead, prosecutors say he bought a $125,000 Range Rover and a vacation home in Greece.