Chargers-Raiders game makes history with NFL’s 1st all-Black officiating crew and 3 women

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:36:37 GMT

Chargers-Raiders game makes history with NFL’s 1st all-Black officiating crew and 3 women LAS VEGAS (AP) — For the first time in NFL history, an all-Black officiating crew was working Thursday night’s game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders — on the field and in the replay booth.Also for the first time, three women were working the game, one on the field and two in the booth. Maia Chaka was the line judge, Artenzia Young-Seigler the replay official and Desiree Abrams the replay assistant.Ronald Torbert, who began as an NFL official in 2010, was the referee.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLSource

$233M Colorado Convention Center expansion open for business

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:36:37 GMT

$233M Colorado Convention Center expansion open for business DENVER (KDVR) -- The Colorado Convention Center underwent a major expansion that is now open for business after a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday with Mayor Mike Johnston, city and county representatives, Visit Denver and community members.The expansion is part of the convention center's roof and includes an 80,000-square-foot "Bluebird Ballroom" with 19 configurations, a 35,000-square-foot wrap-around pre-function concourse space and a 20,000-square-foot outdoor rooftop terrace. Denver contractor indicted on fraud, racketeering, charged in 11 burglary cases “This expansion is a perfect sign that Denver is open for business,” Johnston said in a release. “The Bluebird Ballroom creates a breathtaking space for people to visit our city and gather as a community to laugh, drink, learn and play."The Bluebird Ballroom is now the largest multifunction ballroom in Colorado, with the capability to host over 7,500 attendees for a general session or 4,600 for a catered event.“The expansion ...

Johnston: Homeless hotels a long-term investment for taxpayers

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:36:37 GMT

Johnston: Homeless hotels a long-term investment for taxpayers DENVER (KDVR) — Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is hopeful the city can reach his goal of housing 1,000 people by the end of the year. But he's already looking ahead to 2024, saying the goal will reset once it's hit.Johnston shared his thoughts on this issue on "Colorado Point of View" this week."If we get to 999, it doesn't mean we lose. If we get to 1,001, it doesn't mean we win. There'll still be folks that are homeless after Dec. 31, but what we hope we do is we set a real path for what's possible."A big part of the mayor’s so-called House1000 initiative is transitional housing, like hotels and micro-communities. Johnston said no one has gone back to the streets after entering the transitional housing."We're working to be much faster and more efficient at connecting them to that (permanent) housing," Johnston said.Denver micro-community under construction at 2301 S. Santa Fe Dr. (KDVR)Some are concerned that taxpayers are fronting the bill for the hotels used for transitional housing...

EU leaders fail to agree on a €50 billion aid package for Ukraine and on renegotiation of EU budget

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:36:37 GMT

EU leaders fail to agree on a €50 billion aid package for Ukraine and on renegotiation of EU budget BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders have failed to agree on a €50 billion ($55 billion) aid package for Ukraine and on the renegotiation of the EU budget, EU Council President Charles Michel said Thursday.The financial package could not be endorsed by all 27 leaders, who earlier Thursday agreed to open membership negotiations with Ukraine. The money is aimed at helping the war-torn country weather the Russian invasion.Ukraine is badly counting on the funds to help its damaged economy survive in the coming year.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union decided Thursday to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, a momentous moment and stunning reversal for a country at war that had struggled to find the backing for its membership aspirations and long faced obstinate opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.European Council President Charles Michel, who was chairing a Brussels summit of the EU’s 27 leader...

Santa and the Grinch to deck the halls at Shoma Bazaar’s holiday-themed pop-up in Doral

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:36:37 GMT

Santa and the Grinch to deck the halls at Shoma Bazaar’s holiday-themed pop-up in Doral It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and that’s not just a song. There’s lights and decorations everywhere.It’ll be here before you know it. That’s why one spot in Doral wants to help you get ready to deck the halls.Santa Claus: “Merry Christmas. Ho, ho, ho!”Santa Claus is feeling extra jolly tonight, and it’s not just because Christmas is only 11 days away.He and his pal — OK, maybe more like frenemy — the Grinch are getting ready to deck the halls at Shoma Bazaar’s holiday-themed pop-up this Sunday.Stephanie Shojaee: “We wanted to bring a little bit of the North Pole down to Doral, and we really took the time to pick the best pop-up vendors to be here to help you find gifts. Santa will be here. The kids can meet him, take pictures with him, tell him what they want for Christmas. And as far as the Grinch, you never really know when he’s gonna pop up next to your table.”Gotta be careful with ...

Revere Public Schools warn parents, clean classrooms after bed bug bites found on students at three local schools

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:36:37 GMT

Revere Public Schools warn parents, clean classrooms after bed bug bites found on students at three local schools Revere public school officials recently warned parents and cleaned classrooms after bed bug bites were found on students at three local schools. Revere Public Schools Superintendent Dianne Kelly addressed the situation in a statement Thursday, saying three students were found to have bites that they received at home. “Since the students attend different schools and live in different areas of the city, we felt it wise to warn all parents that we were seeing this issue so they could be cautious themselves,” Kelly said.“Out of an abundance of caution, we deep cleaned the rooms these three kids were in as well as adjacent rooms to ensure bugs were not in the schools,” Kelly continued.Revere schools Assistant Superintendent Richard Gallucci separately discussed the bites in a letter to school staff, parents, guardians and caretakers on Wednesday. Gallucci said the incidents involving bed bugs or bed bug bites happened over the past two weeks. In each case, Gallucci said, s...

Protest calling for ceasefire in Gaza causes major traffic issues in Boston

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:36:37 GMT

Protest calling for ceasefire in Gaza causes major traffic issues in Boston A protest calling for a ceasefire in Gaza caused major traffic issues in downtown Boston Thursday. The protest happened near the intersection of Congress and State Street, with roughly two hundred people gathering late Thursday afternoon.Just over two months into the current war between Israel and Hamas, demonstrators in Boston said state leaders need to step up their efforts to bring a ceasefire.“We have over two million people in Gaza traumatized and it’s reverberating throughout our communities,” said Eli Gerzon of Jewish Voice for Peace Boston. “We need to do everything we can to stop it,” Gerzon continued. “And Senator Warren and Senator Markey have not done everything they can.Organizers of Thursday’s event said they wanted to disrupt what they called “business as usual.” While crowds gathered, Boston police in a post on X near 5:30 p.m. urged drivers in downtown Boston to seek alternate routes. Police said all streets in the downtown area had reopened as o...

Celtics hold composure late to hold off Cavs, sweep two-game series

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:36:37 GMT

Celtics hold composure late to hold off Cavs, sweep two-game series The Celtics hold themselves to a high standard. Jayson Tatum, after Tuesday’s win over the Cavaliers, said they were the best team in the league. Before Thursday’s rematch, Derrick White said it’s important to continue that standard, especially as teams routinely give them their best shot.That’s why, even in mid-December, Joe Mazzulla challenged the Celtics to treat this unique week like a playoff situation. And they knew after beating the Cavs in Game 1, putting them away in a second two nights later would be a great challenge.The Celtics, in their first two-game series of the week, passed the test. It was certainly not their sharpest performance. They controlled the first half, but still left something to be desired. The Cavs, after a hot shooting display, cooled off and were still within striking distance. Another subpar Celtics third quarter let their visitors come back to life.But like they’ve done several times this season, the Celtics held their composure under pressure. Jays...

Alex Verdugo wishes Boston well in farewell post

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:36:37 GMT

Alex Verdugo wishes Boston well in farewell post A week after being traded to the New York Yankees, Alex Verdugo took to Instagram to offer his gratitude to the Red Sox and all of the fans for their support during his time with the team.“As I reflect on the past four years, I want to thank the Red Sox organization for welcoming me and my family with open arms from day one,” Verdugo wrote. “It was an honor to put on that uniform every day and represent such a storied franchise. I’m grateful to all my teammates I got to share the field and clubhouse with, as well as the friendships I’ve developed here.“To the city of Boston and the fans, thank you for your passion, energy and for embracing me on and off the field. Your support meant more than I could ever express. Boston will always have a special place in my heart! I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my journey.”Originally acquired in the Mookie Betts trade, Verdugo’s time in Boston was marked by a series of peaks and valle...

Deadly SR-905 crash near border prompts lane closures

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 10:36:37 GMT

Deadly SR-905 crash near border prompts lane closures SAN DIEGO -- A deadly motorcycle crash Thursday prompted road closures near the U.S.-Mexico border in Otay Mesa, authorities said.The collision occurred at 3:54 p.m. on eastbound State Route 905, located west of Britannia Boulevard, where a motorcyclist died from their injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol log. Amber Alert issued for girl, 13, last seen in Imperial County As of 4:53 p.m., all lanes on eastbound SR-905 in the aforementioned location have been closed due to the crash, Caltrans posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.Traffic is being detoured off at Caliente Ave.Check back for updates on this developing story.