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Broward County School Board votes to dismiss clear backpack policy

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:59 GMT

Clear bags and backpacks were going to be mandatory at all Broward public schools. But now, officials decided to change course. Broward County’s clear backpack initiative will no longer move forward or be enforced in the fall. In a 5-4 vote at Tuesday’s school board meeting, the board voted to stop the rule making process, which was mandatory in order to make the clear backpacks policy. “As someone who has lost someone in a school shooting, I will say, 100%, it wasn’t about clear backpacks, it was about staff following the rules,” Debra A. Hixon said. “We have policies, we have procedures in place, they were not followed that day, and that’s why there are 17 people not walking the Earth today. The clear backpack would not have changed that day for us.” This comes after a contentious townhall that took place Monday night in Plantation. More than 150 parents and students came to the meeting to voice their concerns for the clear backpacks...

In court, Trump faced charges with no cameras present. Outside, he counterprogramed for TV

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:59 GMT

MIAMI (AP) — Former President Donald Trump gave a wave and a signature thumbs up to crowds outside the federal courthouse in downtown Miami after pleading not guilty to criminal charges. He then headed to a local Cuban restaurant where he warmly greeted waiting supporters in a camera-ready scene that resembled a campaign stop.In the largely unseen moments on Tuesday — his attorney entering his plea, Trump sitting grim-faced with arms folded across his chest — the gravity of being the first former president charged with a federal crime was apparent.In the seen moments, broadcast around the world in real-time, there was a long motorcade, flag-waving supporters, and a smaller number of anti-Trump protesters outside the courthouse.Then the former president had a detour in mind, to a popular Cuban restaurant where he was all smiles, greeted by supporters, prayed over by a rabbi, and shadowed by his personal aide, who also has been charged in the case.Trump has long been adroit at creatin...

Judge lets columnist amend defamation claim with over $10 million demand for damages from Trump

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:59 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — A columnist who recently won a $5 million sexual abuse and defamation jury award against Donald Trump can update a similar lawsuit with his more recent public comments in a bid for over $10 million more in damages from the ex-president, a federal judge ruled Tuesday in another legal loss for Trump.The ruling by Judge Lewis A. Kaplan gave new life to a defamation lawsuit by writer E. Jean Carroll that was stalled by appeals after the U.S. Justice Department supported a request by Trump’s attorneys to substitute the United States for him as the defendant on the grounds that he cannot be held personally liable for comments made while carrying out presidential duties.The 2020 defamation lawsuit was originally filed after Carroll wrote in a 2019 book that Trump raped her in a midtown Manhattan Bergdorf Goodman store after he turned a friendly and flirtatious chance encounter between the pair into a violent encounter once behind a closed dressing ...

In court, Trump faced charges with no cameras present. Outside, he counterprogrammed for TV

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:59 GMT

By JOSHUA GOODMAN and SARA BURNETT (Associated Press)MIAMI (AP) — Former President Donald Trump gave a wave and a signature thumbs up to crowds outside the federal courthouse in downtown Miami after pleading not guilty to criminal charges. He then headed to a local Cuban restaurant where he warmly greeted waiting supporters in a camera-ready scene that resembled a campaign stop. In the largely unseen moments on Tuesday — his attorney entering his plea, Trump sitting grim-faced with arms folded across his chest — the gravity of being the first former president charged with a federal crime was apparent.In the seen moments, broadcast around the world in real time, there was a long motorcade, flag-waving supporters and a smaller number of anti-Trump protesters outside the courthouse. Then the former president had a detour in mind, to a popular Cuban restaurant where he was all smiles, greeted by supporters, prayed over by a rabbi and shadowed by his personal aide, who ...

Juneteenth arrives early in Boston: Holiday events kick off Wednesday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:59 GMT

Though Juneteenth is still days away, events celebrating Black freedom kick off Wednesday and last through the next week in and around Boston.Embrace Boston is hosting an inaugural Juneteenth concert that starts at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday on the Boston Common, where the nonprofit oversees its memorial honoring Martin Luther King Jr., and his wife, Coretta Scott King.The 1.5-hour concert features the Embrace Choir and other city groups, setting “the celebratory tone for us as we honor the national holiday and historical importance of Juneteenth.”The federal holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.On Thursday, Embrace Boston is offering panels, keynotes, dancing and music centered around racial equity, healing, wellbeing, and joy at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, with registration beginning at 10 a.m.Embrace Boston’s three-day celebration concludes Friday, culminating in a block party at Roxbury Community College. Grammy-nominated producer Just Blaze...

What to know about Trump’s appearance in federal court in Miami to face felony charges

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:59 GMT

By MEG KINNARD (Associated Press)Donald Trump made a first appearance in federal court in Miami on Tuesday facing 37 counts related to the mishandling and retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.Here’s a look at the charges, the special counsel’s investigation and how Trump’s case differs from those of other politicians known to be in possession of classified documents:WHAT HAPPENED IN COURT?Trump’s lawyer entered a not-guilty plea for him, and the former president was released on his own recognizance without no bail. He will not have to surrender his passport or have his personal travel restricted.He scowled at times during the 50-minute hearing, but was otherwise expressionless. He folded his arms, fiddled with a pen and crossed his fingers back and forth as he listened.Trump leaned over to whisper to his attorneys before the hearing began but did not speak during the proceedings. He remained seated while his lawyer Todd Blanche stood up ...

House passes resolution to overturn new federal gun regulation; Biden vows veto

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:59 GMT

By FARNOUSH AMIRI and LINDSAY WHITEHURST (Associated Press)WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans passed a resolution that would repeal a Biden administration rule tightening federal regulations on stabilizing braces for firearms, an accessory that has been used in several mass shootings in the U.S. over the last decade.The resolution passed 219-210 nearly on party lines and after a contentious floor debate where Republicans accused the administration of “executive overreach” and Democrats condemned a bill they said would “help kill people.” Two Democrats voted in support and two Republicans voted against it. The resolution, which was introduced by Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., will now go to the Senate, which could take up the measure as soon as this week. Should it pass, President Joe Biden has promised a veto. Overriding a presidential veto would require two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate.The new rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fir...

Ray of hope

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:59 GMT

The St. Anthony Shrine Women’s Clinic was a ray of sunshine for the homeless. Women were treated to some pampering thanks to Macy’s.The clinic is a refuge from the streets and an oasis of faith for those struggling. It’s also a place where women have access to a doctor, a nurse practitioner, a registered nurse and a therapist. The women can also come to take a shower, get fresh clothes and snacks and take a nap.And a makeover Tuesday.Angie picks out a pretty pink dress as homeless women get a makeover courtesy of Macy’s at Saint Anthony Shrine downtown. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)

Trump pleads not guilty to federal charges that he illegally kept classified documents

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:59 GMT

By ERIC TUCKER, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON (Associated Press)MIAMI (AP) — Donald Trump became the first former president to face a judge on federal charges as he pleaded not guilty in a Miami courtroom Tuesday to dozens of felony counts accusing him of hoarding classified documents and refusing government demands to give them back.The history-making court date, centered on charges that Trump mishandled government secrets that as commander-in-chief he was entrusted to protect, kickstarts a legal process that could unfold at the height of the 2024 presidential campaign and carry profound consequences not only for his political future but also for his own personal liberty.Trump approached his arraignment with characteristic bravado, posting social media broadsides against the prosecution from inside his motorcade en route to the courthouse and insisting as he has through years of legal woes that he has done nothing wrong and was being persecuted for political pu...

Waukegan mayor invites Chicago Bears to explore move to city: ‘(They) have been an important community partner in Lake County’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:59 GMT

Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor has joined other Chicagoland communities in trying to lure the Chicago Bears to their municipality.Taylor suggested to Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren in a letter written Monday that the Bears build a new stadium on lakefront property in Waukegan, expanding the team’s footprint in Lake County.Taylor said in her letter there are several locations with the necessary land to build a stadium and entertainment area with easy access to Interstate 94, U.S. Route 41 and public transportation. The Bears already train in Lake Forest, making Waukegan an excellent location for a stadium, she wrote.“The City of Waukegan has multiple large parcels including lakefront property which could be developed into both the state of the art stadium and entertainment district the team has publicly expressed in building,” Taylor said in the letter.The Bears acquired the former Arlington International Race for $197 million with plans to build a stadium and larg...