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More than 1,000 acres of crops destroyed in Massachusetts by storms, floods

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:10 GMT

At least 75 farms were soaked and more than 1,000 acres of crops lost after heavy storms earlier this week in Western Massachusetts, state agriculture officials said Friday morning.Torrential downpours blanketed much of New England, leading to dangerous flooding in Vermont and Western Massachusetts, where farmers reported widespread damage. Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ahsley Randle said it is “absolutely heartbreaking” to see the devastation in Massachusetts.“We have boots on the ground to get an accurate scope of the damage so we can continue working with our local, state, and federal partners in assisting our farmers who continue to face these challenges,” Randle said in a statement. “Despite these recent tragedies, we know our farmers are resilient, and we encourage consumers to continue supporting their local farms that support the communities they serve in so many ways.”State officials were scheduled to visit farms in Deerfield, Florence, Had...

Ross Chastain brings combative racing style to New Hampshire

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:10 GMT

Ross Chastain has alienated one important NASCAR constituency while ingratiating himself to another.That is no small undertaking for a driver who spent five fruitless seasons on the Cup Series Tour hustling to attain respect and attention under the umbrella of Trackhouse Racing.Chastain’s outsized ambitions on the rough and tumble of the Cup Series Tour were realized in 2022 when he emerged as one of the top drivers on the circuit. He started 36 races with two wins, 15 top finishes, 21 in the top 10 and finished second overall in his first playoff appearance.Chastain, 30, was emboldened to up his game this season by racing closer to the edge, a practice that did not go unnoticed by the other drivers in the field.While Chastain’s enemies list on pit road would rival the Nixon White House, his widespread popularity among the hardcore bleacher creatures has cracked the ozone layer. Over 19 races this season, Chastain has cultivated his bad boy image while pulling off, with caveats atta...

Home Showcase: Classic loft vibe in Jamaica Plain

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:10 GMT

How often do you come across true loft living in Boston anymore? If extra-tall ceilings, exposed brick, and wide-open space to do with as you please are your vibe, get yourself to the American Brewery Lofts at 251 Heath Street in Jamaica Plain and feast your eyes on Unit 225.Spanning over 1,300 square feet, the expanded one-bedroom residence embodies the essence of loft living with its expansive floor plan, rich architectural details, and modern upgrades.The 15-foot wood-paneled ceilings soar above you, complemented by exposed brick walls and oversized arched windows that fill the space with natural light. Custom woodwork adds character and functionality throughout. True to its loft layout, you’re free to divvy up the square footage to suit your life. Carve out a nook for a home office, dining area, or the ultimate cat condo setup — the association is pet friendly!A gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a striking stained glass dome floating a...

Revolution backs DeJuan Jones and Brandon Bye in place for D.C. United

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:10 GMT

The New England Revolution will have their back end bookends in place for Saturday night’s clash (7:30) with D.C. United at Gillette Stadium.Left back DeJuan Jones has completed his international duties with the U.S. National Team and is expected to resume his place opposite right back Brandon Bye in the Revolution’s starting XI. Ryan Spaulding adequately replaced Jones in the three games he was away.Jones and Bye have been the most compatible and competitive tandem in MLS since the pandemic shortened 2020 season and their collaborations extend to all three sections of the pitch.In terms of finding the scoresheet in combined goals and assists by defenders, Jones is second in that time frame with 21, while Bye is tied for third with 19. In chances created, Bye is tied for third with 109 and Jones is fifth with 107.On the home end, Bye is fifth among MLS defenders with 274 aerials won. Bye is fourth in duels won with 551, while Jones is eighth with 422.“It was good to see him and talk...

A wave of political turbulence is rolling through Guatemala and other Central American countries

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:10 GMT

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Central America is experiencing a wave of unrest that is remarkable even for a region whose history is riddled with turbulence. The most recent example is political upheaval in Guatemala as the country heads for a runoff presidential election in August. A look at various events roiling Central American countries:GuatemalaGuatemala is locked in the most troubled presidential election in the country’s recent history. The first round of elections in June ended with a surprise twist when little known progressive candidate Bernardo Arévalo of the Seed Movement party pulled ahead as a front-runner.Now headed to an August runoff election with conservative candidate and top vote-getter Sandra Torres, Arévalo has thus far managed to survive judicial attacks and attempts by Guatemala’s political establishment to disqualify his party. It comes after other moves by the country’s government to manage the election, including banning several candidates before the first-round vot...

Ryu close to return with Blue Jays, Romano on the mend

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:10 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays starter Hyun Jin Ryu is back at Rogers Centre.The 36-year-old left-hander was on the field throwing with training staff ahead of the team’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday and is expected to make a rehab start with the Buffalo Bisons tomorrow.Well, well, well….. #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/1lxesidXX6— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) July 14, 2023According to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, Ryu will throw around 65 pitches in the start.Ryu is working his way back from Tommy John Surgery, which he underwent last June. He has made two rehab starts so far, allowing one run over three innings his first time out and throwing four scoreless on Sunday.In his last start with low-A Dunedin, Ryu threw 37 pitches, with his fastball averaging 86.9 m.p.h and topping out at 88.4 m.p.h.The nine-year MLB veteran is in the final season of a four-year, $80 million deal signed leading into the 2020 campaign.Jordan Romano feeling better after leaving All-Star ...

Kentucky’s ban on gender-affirming care takes effect as federal judge lifts injunction

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:10 GMT

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s ban on gender-affirming care for young transgender people was restored Friday when a federal judge lifted an injunction he issued last month that had temporarily blocked the restrictions.The latest ruling by U.S. District Judge David Hale means the Kentucky prohibition takes effect, preventing transgender minors from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapy.Kentucky Republican attorney general, Daniel Cameron, had asked that the injunction be lifted. He applauded the ruling, while transgender rights advocates denounced it.“What the courts are allowing to happen to LGBTQ people right now is an American tragedy, one that will besmirch the legacy of every judge who has opened the door to LGBTQ discrimination,” said Chris Hartman, executive director of the Fairness Campaign, a Kentucky-based LGBTQ+ advocacy group.Hale’s reversal of his own order came nearly a week after the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a similar tempo...

New Mexico’s top election official met with federal prosecutors for 2020 special counsel probe

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:10 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The top state election official in New Mexico has spoken with federal prosecutors as part of the special counsel’s probe into the 2020 election, the official’s spokesman said Friday.The meeting with New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver occurred sometime in the past few months, according to spokesman Alex Curtas, who declined further comment.The Justice Department has spent months examining pressure campaigns by Trump associates aimed at getting battleground states won by Democrat Joe Biden to undo the results of their elections. Special counsel Jack Smith and his team have issued subpoenas to election officials in states that Trump disputed, seeking correspondence from Trump associates and campaign aides, and have also lined up interviews in recent months with state officials.The communications with state officials are one prong of a much bigger probe by Smith and his team into efforts to block the transfer of power from Trump to Biden. It is ...

Woman arrested on drug charges in death of Robert De Niro’s grandson, official says

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:10 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — A 20-year-old woman has been arrested on federal narcotics charges and is accused of selling the drugs that led to the death of actor Robert De Niro’s 19-year-old grandson, a law enforcement official said Friday.The woman, Sofia Haley Marks, appeared in Manhattan federal court on Friday and agreed to remain behind bars until she requests bail at a later date. Prosecutors said they would oppose a request for her release.Marks was arrested Thursday evening on three counts of narcotics distribution stemming from the sale of drugs to Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the law enforcement official said. The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Rodriguez was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on July 2. His mother, Drena De Niro, announced the death on Instagram. Amy Gallicchio, an assistant federal defender who represented Marks on Friday, said Marks planned to hire a lawyer. G...

B.C. cargo flow should be back to normal in days after port strike, says researcher

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:12:10 GMT

VANCOUVER — A logistics researcher said it should take only days for cargo flow to return to pre-strike levels at B.C. ports after a 13-day work stoppage ended with a tentative deal.Simon Fraser University Prof. Peter V. Hall said the strike of 7,400 International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada workers could have happened at a worse time, such as the pre-Christmas import spike or peak grain export season.“I’m sure that there will be someone who will be able to say their specific container of something they needed is delayed several weeks, because that’s inevitable,” Hall said.“But we shouldn’t rely on specific cases. The majority of what needs to move will move very quickly.”The union and the B.C. Maritime Employers Association reached a tentative deal to resume port operations on Thursday. The association said it would last four years.University of British Columbia associate Prof. Werner Antweiler said it may take several weeks for al...