The bakery that makes the red velvet cupcake has renamed it National (Security) Velvet.
Grand Canyon cabin undergoes renovation
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) — One of the oldest buildings at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim has been renovated for use as a rental cabin.
The two-bedroom Red Horse Cabin was built in 1890 and moved from a ranch for use as a tourist hotel at the head of the popular Bright Angel Trail. It later served as a post office for Grand Canyon Village but was used as storage for the past 40 years.
Park concessionaire Xanterra Parks and Resorts says the fireplace, stone and brick work largely were kept intact. Crews also upgraded plumbing, light fixtures, windows and heating in the building.
Jon Streit of Xanterra says the historic cabins always are the first requested among guests.
Gila Cliff Dwellings reopen after repair
SILVER CITY, N.M. (AP) — The Gila Cliff Dwellings has reopened to the public.
The park announced Wednesday that it was reopening after workers finished repairs to the West Fork Bridge, which was damaged in a flood. The reopening, which was originally planned for December, was delayed because of inclement weather conditions.
Roof repairs to the Gila Visitor Center, which began in December and will replace several portions of the center’s roof as well as remove asbestos-containing materials in the ceiling texture, will continue.
A temporary visitor center, which is located in front of the permanent center, will remain open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day until repairs are complete.
The Cliff Dwellings will remain open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
China tourist city of Xi’an bans large dogs
BEIJING (AP) — A popular tourist city in northern China says it will ban residents from keeping large dogs such as German shepherds in its downtown core.
The city of Xi’an in Shaanxi province said in a statement posted on its website late Tuesday that the ban will start Feb. 1.
The official Xinhua News Agency said 34 types of dogs would be banned, including violent dogs such as pit bulls.
Xi’an is known for the terra-cotta warriors — thousands of life-sized clay figures that are one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century.
Although the statement did not give a reason for the ban, other cities in China have tightened rules on dog ownership and sizes because of worries about rabies, concerns about health issues and problems with wild dogs.
Woman disputes TSA portrayal of cupcake
PEABODY, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts woman says federal safety officials are mischaracterizing a frosted cupcake in a jar that was confiscated from her at a Las Vegas airport.
The Transportation Security Administration says it considered the icing on the cupcake a gel exceeding the 3-ounce limit.
The TSA says in a blog post the cupcake taken last month had a thick layer of icing inside the jar.
But Peabody resident Rebecca Hains said Wednesday her jar consisted of three layers of cupcake, each topped with a medium layer of icing, not a thick layer.
The bakery that makes the red velvet cupcake has renamed it National (Security) Velvet.