Colorado backtracks on full-time preschool for 11,000 kids with risk factors

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:26:17 GMT

Colorado backtracks on full-time preschool for 11,000 kids with risk factors Nikki Spasova expected her 4-year-old son to get free full-day classes through the state’s new universal preschool program since he’s still learning English.But just two weeks before Kristian was set to start preschool, Spasova learned that wasn’t the case. Instead, the state program will cover just 15 hours of preschool, the same hours offered to Colorado children who don’t face barriers to success in school.Colorado’s universal preschool plan called for children like Kristian to get up to 30 hours a week at no cost to their families, provided there was enough money. It turns out there isn’t.In the final weeks before school starts, that shortfall triggered a provision in state law that tightened eligibility requirements so that only children who are low-income and have a second risk factor will receive full-day classes.Instead of half of 4-year-olds being offered free full-time preschool, just 13% will.Some of the affected children are learning English, like Kristian. Many more are...

Denver crews sweep homeless encampment for the first time under Mayor Mike Johnston

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:26:17 GMT

Denver crews sweep homeless encampment for the first time under Mayor Mike Johnston City crews Friday morning began the first homeless encampment sweep authorized by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.The dozens of people living in tents and makeshift shelters along the 2200 block of Stout Street are being moved along without being offered housing options beyond the city’s existing homeless shelter system.Johnston, elected in June after campaigning on a promise of ending unsheltered homelessness in his first term in office, has said that his policy toward sweeps — a common action under previous Mayor Michael Hancock — is to avoid them until more stable housing like a hotel room, tiny home or Safe Outdoor Space tent can be secured for all the inhabitants of an encampment.He said he knows sweeps without housing are not a solution to homelessness  “because it means you’re chasing people off one block and then end up on another block.”Unsheltered homelessness rose by 8% in Denver in 2023 over 2022, according to a recently released point-in-t...

Orange County judge arrested after wife found dead in Anaheim Hills home

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:26:17 GMT

Orange County judge arrested after wife found dead in Anaheim Hills home An Orange County Superior Court judge is in custody Friday after his wife was found dead in their Anaheim Hills home, police confirmed.The shooting in the 8500 block of East Canyon Vista Drive was reported shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday.Investigators believe the shooting happened in or around the residence, Anaheim Police Department Sgt. Jon McClintock said. Police investigate a fatal shooting that occurred in Anaheim Hills on Aug. 3, 2023. (KTLA)Property records indicate the home belongs to Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeff Ferguson. Arriving officers located one deceased victim and arrested one suspect, but McClintock did not initially release any details to KTLA about the shooter or victim. “We’re not disclosing any information about the victim or suspect at this point,” McClintock said. Police later released a booking photo confirming Ferguson had been arrested. Video captures terrifying moment driver runs man over in Torrance The Los Angeles Times and Orange County Regis...

Hollywood studios, writers resume talks, but deal remains elusive

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:26:17 GMT

Hollywood studios, writers resume talks, but deal remains elusive Friday could mark the first step toward the end of the ongoing strike by writers and actors unions.The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios, is sitting down with the Writers Guild of America to restart negotiations, according to multiple reports. The writers have been striking since early May, with the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists joining the strike last month. Photos: WGA strikes across Los Angeles  After AMPTP President Carol Lombardini reached out to the WGA, it marks "the first time in three months insiders have felt cautiously optimistic that official talks can resume," Deadline reports. Despite that optimism, the sides remain far apart, Variety reports. "After weeks of tough rhetoric from striking writers, WGA leadership is under pressure to deliver on key priorities outlined on the picket signs that have fanned out across Los Angeles, New York and other entertainment hubs since the scr...

4 shot at city-sponsored anti-gang-violence event in South Los Angeles

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:26:17 GMT

4 shot at city-sponsored anti-gang-violence event in South Los Angeles Four people were shot, including one critically wounded victim, during a city-sponsored event to reduce gang violence Thursday night in the Vermont-Vista neighborhood of South Los Angeles.Officers were monitoring the Summer Night Lights event at the Algin Sutton Recreation Center in the 8800 block of South Hoover Street when shots were fired around 11 p.m., a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson said.Police investigate a shooting in the Vermont Vista neighborhood of South Los Angeles on Aug. 3, 2023. (KTLA)Three victims, described as a woman and two men, suffering from gunshot wounds were quickly located by officers. The female victim, 51, and one male victim, 65, were hospitalized in stable condition. Orange County judge arrested after fatal shooting in Anaheim Hills home A 23-year-old man was hospitalized in critical condition, police confirmed. A fourth victim was later discovered after self-transporting to a local hospital. That victim was also in stable condition, acco...

2 people, turtle, dog, rat rescued from fire in Orange County

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:26:17 GMT

2 people, turtle, dog, rat rescued from fire in Orange County Fire crews responding to a Cypress home helped rescue two people and several pets early Thursday morning. A resident in the 4300 block of Via Largo woke up to a popping sound and her smoke alarm going off shortly before 2:30 a.m., the Orange County Fire Authority posted in a tweet. Firefighters determined the blaze sparked in a workshop in the back of the residence but was rapidly spreading to the two-story home. Orange County judge arrested after fatal shooting in Anaheim Hills home Crews attacked the fire while searching for residents and conducting salvage operations to protect the home's contents from water damage, according to the Fire Authority. Two people have been displaced by the fire but made it out safely with their dog, rat and turtle named Kevin. Kevin apparently needed some help from a firefighter to get off the property in a timely manner.The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental, the Fire Authority stated.

Fatal crash: Mover’s truck driven by East Bay man hit three cars, CHP says

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:26:17 GMT

Fatal crash: Mover’s truck driven by East Bay man hit three cars, CHP says One man was killed when a mover’s truck hit three cars on a Sonoma County highway, the California Highway Patrol said.The crash was reported at 7 p.m. Tuesday on Highway 116 (Stage Gulch Road) about 4 miles east of the Lakeville junction.An eastbound box truck driven by a 39-year-old Crockett man reportedly crossed the double yellow lines on the two-lane highway. It hit three westbound cars, the CHP said: a Lexus driven by a 67-year-old Sebastopol woman, a Chevrolet Camaro driven by a 63-year-old Sebastopol man, and a Jeep SUV driven by a 43-year-old Rio Vista woman.The Camaro’s driver died at the scene. He was identified as Anthony Scott.The three other drivers suffered minor to moderate injuries, the CHP said.The road was closed until about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.The CHP did not release any information about the cause of the crash.Related ArticlesCrashes and Disasters | 2 men killed in fiery plane crash at California Airport Crashes and Disasters | ...

Tony Bennett’s son reveals his father’s last words to him

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:26:17 GMT

Tony Bennett’s son reveals his father’s last words to him By Lisa Respers France | CNNTony Bennett’s wife and son are sharing some of their final memories of him.Danny Bennett and Susan Benedetto spoke with “Today” about the legendary singer, who died recently at the age of 96. Danny Bennett, who is the son of the star and his former wife Patricia Beech, served as his father’s manager and said his dad was a “man of the people.”He also shared a bit about his final moments with the patriarch.“His last words to me (were), ‘Thank you,’” the younger Bennett said. “Can’t say it better than that.”Related ArticlesMusic | Swifties react to Kobe Bryant’s daughter receiving a gift from Taylor Swift during the Eras Tour Music | Leah Remini forced to make amends to Tom Cruise after Katie Holmes wedding: Scientology lawsuit Music | Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater doubled-dated with spouses while cheating, report says Music | Remember Paul Reubens with these 8 great performances Music | ...

A’s swept by Dodgers as bullpen falls apart after rookies’ HRs

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:26:17 GMT

A’s swept by Dodgers as bullpen falls apart after rookies’ HRs By JOE REEDY | AP Sports WriterLOS ANGELES  — Freddie Freeman is dialed in at the right time as the Los Angeles Dodgers picked up a much-needed series sweep.The All-Star first baseman had three hits and continued his torrid pace at the plate Thursday night as the Dodgers beat the Oakland Athletics 8-2.Freeman, second in the majors with a .341 batting average, has gone 32 for 63 (.508) since July 17. He hit two doubles, extending his major league-lead to 40, before leading off the eighth with a solo shot to right field for his 22nd homer of the season.“He has a calmness and peace. He’s playing MVP-caliber baseball,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Whether it is hitting a double the other way vs. a lefty, a home run to the pull side, making a great play defensively. I can’t praise him enough.”Miguel Rojas and Amed Rosario both drove in two runs as the Dodgers completed their first-three game sweep over the Athletics. They have gone 11-2 against the AL West this season.Julio Urías (8-6) bo...

Forward progress stopped on 66-acre fire in South Bay

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:26:17 GMT

Forward progress stopped on 66-acre fire in South Bay (KRON) -- A fire in the South Bay has grown to 66 acres and is threatening multiple structures, Cal Fire said Wednesday. Forward progress on the fire has been stopped and it is 60% contained. The fire is at Clayton Road and Via de la Vista, which is east of San Jose. Fire officials reported the fire on Twitter at 2:56 p.m. Approximately 70 San Jose Fire Department personnel are at the scene and a unified command has been established with Cal Fire, according to SJFD. The fire has been dubbed the "Clayton Fire." Seventy San Jose firefighters are at the scene. This is a developing story. Stick with us for updates.