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DeSantis, appointees to Disney World governing board ask that Disney lawsuit be dismissed

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:52:44 GMT

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Attorneys for Gov. Ron DeSantis, a state agency and his appointees to a revamped board that governs Disney World are asking a judge to dismiss a federal lawsuit in which Disney claims its free speech rights were violated by the takeover of its governing district. The lawsuit states this happened in retaliation for Disney’s opposition to the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” legislation championed by the Florida governor.Attorneys for DeSantis, the secretary of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the DeSantis appointees to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District filed motions Monday asking that Disney’s lawsuit in federal court in Tallahassee either be dismissed, put on hold or that they be dropped as defendants.The federal court lacks jurisdiction over the Republican governor and the state agency’s secretary, who are immune to the lawsuit, and the governor and secretary don’t enforce any of the laws at issue so Disney ...

Prigozhin has moved to Belarus, its president says. Russia won’t press charges for mutiny

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:52:44 GMT

Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the private army of prison recruits and other mercenaries who have fought some of the deadliest battles in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, escaped prosecution for his abortive armed rebellion against the Kremlin and is in Belarus, that country’s president said.The exile of the 62-year-old owner of the Wagner Group was part of the deal that ended the short-lived mutiny in Russia. He and some of his troops are welcome to stay “for some time” at their own expense, President Alexander Lukashenko said.The Russian Defense Ministry said preparations are underway for Wagner to hand over its heavy weapons to the Russian military. Prigozhin had said those moves were underway ahead of a July 1 deadline for his troops to sign contracts to serve under the Russian military’s command.Russian authorities also said Tuesday that they have closed a criminal investigation into the uprising and are pressing no charges against Prigozhin or his followers after the negotiated deal...

Crews work on water mane break in Fort Lauderdale

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:52:44 GMT

Crews are working to patch up a pipe problem in Fort Lauderdale due to a water mane break. The incident happened along eastbound Davie Boulevard near Southeast Third Avenue, Tuesday morning. Due to workers digging up asphalt to work on the fix, one lane in each direction have been closed. Drivers should expect delays in the area.

Police release offense incident report detailing Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill’s alleged assault on fishing fleet employee at Haulover Marina

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:52:44 GMT

As an investigation into Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill continues, new details on what took place during his alleged assault at a South Florida marina were released by police. Hill is accused of getting into an argument and slapping a marina worker on June 18 at the Kelley Fishing Fleet, located at 10800 Collins Ave. On Tuesday, Miami-Dade Police released an offense incident report, which stated that witnesses said Hill and his group were fishing from a boat at the marina that did not belong to them and that they did not have permission to be on the boat.According to the report, when they were told to to get off the boat, Hill allegedly said, “I can buy you, and the boat.” An argument then broke out, and a witness told police that Hill hit a marina worker with “an open hand strike.” The report states that after the alleged assault, Hill tried to give the victim $200, but did not take the money. Police reviewed surveillance video at the marina and s...

Victims’ family arrives at courthouse ahead of arraignment for man charged in connection with Newton murders

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:52:44 GMT

The family of three elderly people killed in Newton over the weekend arrived at Newton District Court late Tuesday morning ahead of the expected arraignment for a 41-year-old man facing charges in the case.Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan announced Monday afternoon that police had arrested 41-year-old Christopher Ferguson in connection with the apparently random triple homicide at a home on Broadway Street.Ferguson has been charged with at least one count of murder, among other charges.Gilda D’Amore and her husband Bruno D’Amore had been scheduled to renew their wedding vows on Sunday as part of celebrations for their 50th wedding anniversary. Ryan said a friend then found the D’Amores in their home with Lucia Arpino, Gilda’s mother, after the couple did not arrive at their church as planned. Inside, Ryan said investigators found “obvious signs of struggle” and apparent knife injuries and blunt force trauma injuries on each of the victims. A day a...

Confederate flag seen flying over paving project on Route 2

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:52:44 GMT

The state Department of Transportation responded this week after a Confederate flag was seen flying over a paving project on Route 2 in Fitchburg. The flag was captured on camera in a video shared with 7NEWS. In addition to the flag, the video showed crews working in the area.In a statement, MassDOT said a subcontractor from Bloomfield, Conn. displayed the flag while doing work. “MassDOT prohibits the display of the confederate flag and similar paraphernalia and has informed the contractor that they will not be allowed to perform further work until steps are taken to remove the flag,” MassDOT said.

Gov. Healey visits with leaders in Ireland on LBGTQ rights anniversary

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:52:44 GMT

Gov. Maura Healey continued a week in the international spotlight Tuesday, speaking to the Irish senate in honor of the 30-year anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ireland. Healey is scheduled to remain in Ireland through Friday. Her schedule on Tuesday included several events, including her remarks to the senate.Healey, who is openly gay and a descendant of Irish immigrants, said she was honored to get the invite.In addition to the anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality, the trip also coincides with the 60th anniversary of a state visit to Ireland by President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy’s visit in 1963 is credited with helping usher in an economic and cultural partnership between the U.S. and Ireland.

Supreme Court rejects GOP argument in North Carolina case that could have transformed US elections

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:52:44 GMT

By MARK SHERMAN (Associated Press)WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that state courts can act as a check on their legislatures in redistricting and other issues affecting federal elections, rejecting arguments by North Carolina Republicans that could have transformed contests for Congress and president.The justices by a 6-3 vote upheld a decision by North Carolina’s top court that struck down a congressional districting plan as excessively partisan under state law. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court that “state courts retain the authority to apply state constitutional restraints when legislatures act under the power conferred upon them by the Elections Clause. But federal courts must not abandon their own duty to exercise judicial review.”The high court did, though, suggest there could be limits on state court efforts to police elections for Congress and president.The practical effect of the decision is minimal in that the North Ca...

City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo violated conflict of interest law by representing brother in lawsuit, state finds

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:52:44 GMT

Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo violated the state’s conflict of interest law by continuing to represent his brother in a 2018 civil lawsuit after he was first elected to the city council in 2019, the State Ethics Commission said in a Tuesday statement.Arroyo signed a document admitting to the violation and agreed to pay a $3,000 penalty.The penalty follows a high profile sequence of events in which former U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins was accused of colluding with Arroyo to influence the race for Suffolk County District attorney, of which he was a candidate. Arroyo has denied he did anything wrong.Rollins resigned her office earlier this year following a federal investigation.The State Ethics Commission agreement did not describe the lawsuit in detail, only noting it was filed in Suffolk County Superior Court. A ethics commission spokesperson declined to dive into further detail, saying the commission could not “discuss matters that are outside of the content of the dispositio...

USS Midway Museum makes list of top attractions in US

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:52:44 GMT

SAN DIEGO — The USS Midway Museum is being recognized as one of the best attractions in the United States by Tripadvisor.The downtown San Diego maritime museum was recently ranked as the 10th-best attraction in the U.S. as part of Tripadvisor's 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards.The travel website compiled a list of the most iconic landmarks in the country that had a high volume of positive reviews over a 12-month period. Legoland among best amusement and water parks in world: Tripadvisor You can find the full list of attractions that made the Best of the Best list here.With a 5/5 rating and over 25,000 reviews on Tripadvisor, the USS Midway Museum was the top California attraction on the 2023 list.Located on the USS Midway, America's longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, the museum has over 60 exhibits and activities for the family to enjoy.You can find a full list of things to do at the USS Midway Museum here."Visitors explore a floating city at sea, ...