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Jeffco responds to claim 11-year-old assigned trans roommate on school trip

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:14 GMT

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) -- On Monday, Joe and Serena Wailes sent a letter to Jeffco Public Schools demanding action after they say their 11-year-old daughter was assigned a transgender roommate on an overnight school trip."For me, it was really frustrating," Joe Wailes said. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox The trip to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia happened over the summer. Serena Wailes said her daughter was assigned a hotel room with three other girls."Her bedmate informed her that he was a boy who identifies as transgender," Serena recalled.The mother was also on the trip and said her daughter called her from the bathroom."She actually got along really well with the other student, but just felt uncomfortable with the idea of being in bed with a biological boy," she said.After multiple discussions with the chaperone, Serena said the other student was moved to another room with one of the other girls.ADF sends letter on behalf of Jeff...

Cortez says goodbye to fallen police Sgt. Michael Moran

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:14 GMT

CORTEZ, Colo. (KDVR) — Crowds of people gathered for a memorial service at the Cortez Recreation Center to honor fallen Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran.Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran was killed during a traffic stop on Nov. 29, 2023. (Cortez Police Department)Moran was shot and killed during a traffic stop last week."Today, we lie to rest a hero, a great man, a father, a son and a friend to many at the Cortez Police Department," Sgt. Rogelio Maynard said.Speakers said Moran had a calling for service. He served two tours as a Marine in Iraq. Then he joined the Cortez Police Department, where he spent years as a K-9 handler and developed a special relationship with his dog, Otto, who just passed in October."Mike loved Otto, and he wanted to make sure that everyone loved Otto too. So, we are happy to know that they are back together," Maynard said.Chief Vernon Knuckles told the crowd that Moran was quite a leader."Mike is a hero not because of how he left us, but because of how he l...

Colorado State Patrol: 'All Reasons to Drive Sober' illustrated by DUI course

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:14 GMT

GOLDEN, Colo. (KDVR) -- On Wednesday, the Colorado State Patrol set up its driving under the influence pedal cart driving course in Golden.The goal? Showing the dangers of getting behind the wheel intoxicated. Paraglider in critical condition, rescued in Boulder "Our message is simple: plan ahead," said Sgt. Troy Kessler, public information officer with the Colorado State Patrol. CSP troopers said that during December, holiday parties and friend/family gatherings can increase the number of people on the road driving after consuming alcohol. "In December 2022, the Colorado State Patrol investigated 192 crashes, which resulted in 8 fatalities," CSP said in a press release this week. "The Colorado State Patrol also issued 352 citations in December 2022." Troopers, along with reporters, were able to try the DUI goggles of various levels firsthand to navigate a pedal cart through a cone course. "This gives us a safe way to demo the effects of alcohol," Kessler said. To test the D...

Colorado law enforcement agencies on lookout for DUIs this holiday season

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:14 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) -- The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers that no one is above the law this holiday season: not Rudolph, not the Grinch and not even Santa Claus. CDOT reported 48 people were killed on Colorado roads last December, and half of those deaths involved an impaired driver. State Patrol: ‘All Reasons to Drive Sober’ illustrated by DUI course So far this year in Colorado, 208 people have been killed in crashes involving an impaired driver, amounting to about one-third of all traffic deaths in the state, according to CDOT.That's why Colorado State Patrol and 71 local law enforcement agencies are ramping up enforcement for drunken driving and increasing safety patrols across the state for the holiday season.What is a DUI enforcement period?CSP conducts 15 DUI enforcement periods throughout the year, typically coinciding with holidays. Aurora ranks as deadliest DUI city in Colorado so far this year During last year's holiday DUI enforcement period, 47...

Dolphins, Miami Gardens councilman donate new TVs to 6 Miami Gardens schools

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:14 GMT

The season of gift giving is upon us, and several Miami Garden schools received a huge gift from the Miami Dolphins. The Miami Dolphins, in collaboration with City of Miami Gardens Councilman Reggie Leon, donated 300 gently used TVs to six Miami Gardens schools, all in an effort to enrich learning experiences for students. “This shows that we are one,” said Leon. “We are in the same neighborhood and it shows the kids that once you make it, continue to give back”Christina McDermott, a student at Carol City Senior High School, expressed her gratitude about the generous donations.“Greatness recognizes greatness, and it’s a great day when the Chiefs and the Dolphins come together,” she said.The flat-screens were delivered to the sound of music and plenty of Dolphins spirit.“In the season that we’re in right now, the gift-giving season, we are very appreciative, said Kimaury Mcgregor, a student at Carol City Senior High School.One of ...

Police officer, at least three utility workers hurt in crash in Waltham

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:14 GMT

A police officer and at least three utility workers were hurt Wednesday in a crash on Totten Pond Road in Waltham, according to the Massachusetts State Police and National Grid.The crash happened Wednesday afternoon and drew a massive emergency response. Near 6:40 p.m., state police in a post on X confirmed a Waltham police officer was injured. State police said the officer was injured in an initial crash. A suspect then stole a Waltham police cruiser, according to police, fled and crashed. Police said authorities gave chase on foot after the second crash and ultimately took the suspect into custody. State police said an investigation was ongoing as of 6:40 p.m. National Grid in a separate statement said members of one of its crews were hit by a vehicle “driven by a member of the public” while they were working in Waltham. National Grid said the three injured workers were taken to a local hospital, adding that one suffered serious injuries. “Our thoughts are with the ...

Neighbors shocked after Lowell woman identified as victim in shark attack in Bahamas

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:14 GMT

Neighbors expressed shock Wednesday, one day after 44-year-old Lauren Erickson Van Wart was identified as the victim in a deadly shark attack in the Bahamas earlier this week. Authorities said Van Wart was paddleboarding off New Providence Island on Monday when she was attacked. Van Wart’s husband, who was paddleboarding with her, was not hurt. Van Wart, meanwhile, was rescued and given CPR but later died. While an investigation into the incident continued, officials with the Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism on Wednesday said they are offering support to Van Wart’s grieving family. “How can you process something like this?” said Van Wart’s neighbor, Beth Stack-Emerson. “It was a tragedy.” “He was with her,” Stack-Emerson said of Van Wart’s husband. “He watched that happen to her. How do you get over that?” Gavin Naylor, the director of the Florida Program for Shark Research said an autopsy should help officials identify the type of shark involved in this deadly ...

Chicago White Sox confirm meeting between Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and mayor of Nashville, Tenn.

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:14 GMT

As the MLB winter meetings neared a conclusion, a report surfaced of a Tuesday meeting between Chicago White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell.The Sox confirmed that a meeting, first reported by Politico, took place. But they are not disclosing the topics discussed.The future of the Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field has been a subject since an August Crain’s Chicago Business report on the team considering a move from the ballpark when its lease expires after 2029. That report listed a new stadium in the city or suburbs and relocating to Nashville among the possibilities.Nashville has long been mentioned in speculation as a city to consider if MLB decides on expansion.Reinsdorf discussed the Crain’s Chicago Business report during a session with reporters in late August.“Somebody at Crain’s decided he wanted to write that, you’re looking at the Bears (stadium situation), and the White Sox lease has six or seven years left...

Battenfeld: Could outside moderate challenger target Ayanna Pressley in 2024?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:14 GMT

One of the most outspoken Massachusetts members of Congress who has moved to the far left could be targeted next year by a moderate opponent — possibly backed by a powerful pro-Israel group that has pledged to spend millions taking on liberal Democrats.Since unseating former U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano five years ago, congresswoman Ayanna Pressley has not been seriously tested either by Republicans or Democrats.But Pressley’s aggressive criticism of Israel could put her on the hotseat with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.AIPAC, long a power PAC in Washington, is promising to spend $100 million to defeat far left members of Congress like members of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “Squad” who have been opponents of Israel’s military actions in the Mideast.That could include Pressley, the former Boston city councilor who rose to fame by taking on and defeating Capuano, the long-serving Democratic stalwart from Somerville.“We are currently evaluating races concerning Israel ...

Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis expects to return Friday vs. Knicks after missing four games

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:45:14 GMT

Kristaps Porzingis participated in a scrimmage at the end of Wednesday’s practice as he continues to recover from his calf injury and the Celtics center said he believes he’s ready to return for their next game on Friday against the Knicks.Porzingis looked good in the full-court scrimmage – which included teammates like Dalano Banton, Lamar Stevens, Svi Mykhailiuk and Neemias Queta in addition to several Celtics coaches – as he wore a black sleeve on his left leg. The big man has missed four games due to a left calf strain but the expectation is that he’ll be back on Friday when the Celtics return to TD Garden.“I believe so. I believe so,” Porzingis said. “I haven’t talked to the medical staff yet but I think, after what I did today, should be good to go.”Added Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla: “We’ll see how he responds (Thursday) but he’s progressed really well and we expect him to be ready. I don’t want to put words in his mouth, so I don’t know what he said, but he looked good o...