Published January 13, 2011

The view from Michael Ratty's roof, 5 p.m. Wednesday (Michael Ratty via Flickr)

What a beautiful morning in Boston… that is, after you’re done digging out.

A state of emergency remains in effect, as some 6,000 homes and businesses are still without power and more than 250 schools are closed or starting late for the second day. (Channel 5 has the most up-to-date list.)

The Boston parking ban was lifted at 9 a.m. Times vary; check your town’s website.

Gov. Deval Patrick is asking drivers to slow down and be courteous. “Take it easy when you’re out there, and please yield to the clean-up crews,” he said. “I know people will be back out on the roads going to work, i understand that and welcome that. Just keep an eye out for the people working on your behalf.”

Patrick says he does not know yet how much this cleanup will cost — just that it will cost “a lot.”

In other news… Vicki Reggie Kennedy says, for goodness sake, she is not running for her late husband’s Senate seat. The Globe speculates: Who’s next?

The JFK Library opens its archives online today. I’ll be talking more about this on Radio Boston.

Boston University is leading a study of Alzheimer’s and dementia in China as the country starts to tackle the disease.

And we’re expecting a possible announcement of a new president at the University of Massachusetts.