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New report details possible plan to close or consolidate half of Boston public schools

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:31 GMT

The oldest public school district in the country could undergo a radical change in the coming years, according to a new long term plan by the Boston Public Schools. The 80-page report was released on Wednesday and details a possible plan to close or consolidate half the district’s 119 schools, although it does not name specific schools. While the Boston Public Schools would have fewer schools with more students, the plan outlines ideas for better facilities and programs to better help students. “Previous efforts have sometimes fallen short, in part because we have often avoided telling hard truths.” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper and School Committee Chair Jeri Robinson wrote in an opening letter attached to the report. “Together, we aim to reverse that trend.”“Shifting our physical footprint will be uncomfortable and will cause disruption,” officials continued. “Mergers and closures are difficult, and new construction and renovation projects tak...

Bright billboard in Boston’s South End prompts frustration

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:31 GMT

There is growing frustration in Boston’s South End over a bright billboard in the area. The billboard overlooks the Expressway and has recently been the subject of complaints from area residents. Speaking with 7NEWS, some residents shared their thoughts.“We constantly see it and we’re like ‘Is that the sun? What is going on?” said resident Ryan Zoldowski. “We’ve noticed that it’s really, really bright, at times,” Zoldowski continued. Zoldowski said he needed to get blackout curtains in order to sleep at night. Fellow area resident Stephanie Rivera said she has also been disrupted by the light.“It literally goes into my bedroom…” she said. “So, it’s a little bit disturbing trying to sleep.”Zoldowski said billboards have been in place in the past. This one, though, is very different. “It’s not something you want while living in the city of Boston, paying Boston city rent,” Rivera said.As she and others file complaints, Rivera said she is hoping the billboard c...

Oregon police confirm investigation into medication theft amid report hospital patients died

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:31 GMT

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Authorities are investigating the theft of medication prescribed to patients at a southern Oregon hospital, police and state medical officials confirmed Wednesday, following a local news report that two people died and others were sickened after a nurse replaced fentanyl intravenous drips with tap water. Officials at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford reported to police early last month that they believed a former employee had stolen medication, Medford Police Lt. Geoff Kirkpatrick said in a statement.“There was concern that this behavior resulted in adverse patient care, though the extent of the impact on those patients is yet to be determined,” the statement said.In a phone interview, Kirkpatrick declined to confirm whether deaths resulted from the medication theft or tampering, saying, “We’re investigating whether or not that behavior led to adverse patient care, which could be death, could be all sorts of other forms or things. … We don&#...

Willowdale housing project given go-ahead after tribunal dismisses neighbourhood concerns

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:31 GMT

The City of Toronto can now move ahead with building supportive housing in Willowdale after residents who fought against the project were overruled.The narrow swath of green space on Cummer Avenue east of Yonge Street became a flashpoint in the debate over where to build housing for Toronto’s unhoused. Neighbours raised concerns to the Ontario Land Tribunal about City Council’s decision to permit dozens of modular homes next to a public housing facility for seniors. On January 2, the tribunal dismissed the appeal saying the city’s proposal “represents good planning and is in the public interest.”“I think people are very disturbed and very concerned,” said Eric Gillespie, the lawyer who represented the Bayview Cummer Neighbourhood Association, LiVante Holdings (Cummer) Inc., and Voices of Willowdale Inc. which opposed the project, saying the site is not a good fit.“It’s not a case of having any opposition to the people coming, it’s just trying to respect the r...

New Mexico considers setback requirements for oil wells near schools and day care centers

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:31 GMT

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A bill to ban oil and gas production within a mile (1.6 kilometers) of schools and day care centers across New Mexico is among the first published proposals as the state Legislature prepares for a 30-day session that could bring an overhaul to fundamental oil and gas regulations.Regulators in the No. 2 U.S. state for oil production are considering reforms including setback requirements aimed at protecting children from pollution, amid pressure from environmental groups and other advocates to bolster pollution controls and fulfill constitutional obligations to regulate the industry.Published Wednesday, a bill introduced by Democratic state Rep. Debra Sariñana of Albuquerque would halt approval of new drilling permits within a mile of school facilities starting in July of this year. It also would halt most oil and natural gas operations in those zones by 2028.Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham directed the state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Departme...

Montez Sweat, Jaylon Johnson named to Pro Bowl

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:31 GMT

CHICAGO — Two Chicago Bears made the NFC Pro Bowl roster, and their selection should come as no surprise to Chicago Bears fans.Defensive end Montez Sweat and cornerback Jaylon Johnson were both named to the pro bowl, and the Bears commemorated the moment Wednesday with a surprise announcement during game planning at Halas Hall.Sweat has 12.5 sacks (T-10th in the NFL) and 3 forced fumbles on the season heading into week 18. Also notable among his achievements this year, Sweat leads two different teams in sacks on the season (Washington Commanders and Chicago), despite not having played for the Commanders since week 9. Firefighters put out large fire at the home of Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill Johnson has 31 tackles, 10 passes defended and 4 interceptions — including a pick six against the Las Vegas Raiders. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson is also their highest rated defender at the cornerback position this year, both in overall defensive grade and coverage grade too...

Construction underway on new migrant intake center downtown

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:31 GMT

CHICAGO —  The State of Illinois is working on a new migrant intake center downtown amid a surge of asylum seekers.  As caseworkers process new arrivals, utilizing warming buses at the city's bus landing zone, construction has begun on a new heated tent complex at the site, according to officials with the state. The newly configured intake center will include six heated tents and a goal of combining city and state intake operations for a quicker coordination when it comes to newly arrived migrants.Trucks and construction crews were on site Wednesday near S. Des Plaines and Polk, where workers unloaded and prepared to erect the heated tents. SEE ALSO: Several Chicago suburbs discuss ongoing issues associated with migrant arrivalsState officials said the new intake center will connect migrants to essential services and help new arrivals with sponsors or making their way to an alternative final destination. It will open in the next few weeks. “We will continue to ensure that they are m...

'He gave him a nip': Family dog saves teen from Florida house fire

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:31 GMT

SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. (WFLA) - A Florida family's pet saved a teen from a house fire on New Year's Eve while his mother was out of town. Single mom Nicole Evans is thankful her loyal dog, Macho, helped her son escape the fire that destroyed their home in Safety Harbor, located about 20 miles west of Tampa.Evans said she got the call that her house was in flames on Sunday. The dog realized something wasn't right and woke up her teenage son, Griffin, to alert him about the fire."He just kept going at him and then he just gave him a nip, a couple of them, and (woke) him up," Evans said. "It was probably the worst experience of my life to not be with the person you love the most while something's happening to them that you can't do something about." Homeowner says he killed intruder with suspect’s gun in Indianapolis Evans has lived in Safety Harbor for two decades. While she may be starting the new year without a home, it is not without support.“I have neighbors and friends in this com...

Volunteers needed for Warren County ethics board

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:31 GMT

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Warren County Board of Ethics is looking for volunteers. The Warren County Board of Supervisors is looking for people to join the seven-person panel.The group will meet at least twice a year to review complaints that are referred to the board. They will also make recommendations in regard to the Code of Ethics for elected and non-elected officials in the county government. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! It is a volunteer, two-term position. Ethics board members may not be an official, officer or committee person of a political party. Those selected will serve terms in 2024 and 2025.Applications must be submitted by January 15. Those who are interested in serving on the ethics board should email their interest and qualifications to the Warren County Administrator’s Office at [email protected].  

Man arrested, woman found safe in alleged kidnapping in Aurora

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:31 GMT

A 47-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly assaulted a woman and kidnapped her, according to the Aurora Police Department.Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | Police officers are charged with crimes, but are juries convicting? Crime and Public Safety | Multiple overnight shootings ring in Denver metro area’s New Year Crime and Public Safety | 2 pedestrians killed, 3 others injured in 5 Denver metro area crashes this weekend Crime and Public Safety | Woman hit, killed by driver in Aurora Crime and Public Safety | Aurora police searching for driver in fatal Christmas hit-and-run Middell Harper was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and second-degree assault, Aurora police said Wednesday. The woman he allegedly kidnapped was found safe.The Aurora Police Department issued an alert on social media Tuesday about a possible assault and kidnapping that occurred Friday when a witness reported a...