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Boris Johnson vows ‘Newtopia’ for amphibians ruining his swimming pool

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:57 GMT

LONDON — Boris Johnson has gone public on the newt-shaped threat to his swimming pool.The former British prime minister is promising to do “whatever it takes” after the likely presence of the protected creatures at his new home halted plans for a pool.British protection laws force developers to thoroughly check for newts before starting construction. The Telegraph reported this week that the proposed 11 meter-by-4 meter pool at Johnson’s £3.8 million, nine-bedroom house in Oxfordshire has raised the concern of local council officials, who want the ex-Tory leader to carry out a survey.In his first public comments on the saga, contained in his weekly column for the Daily Mail newspaper, Johnson made a series of bold promises to the newts.“If it turns out that our garden is so honoured and so fortunate as to be the home of some newts — great crested, palmate, whatever — I want you to know that I will do whatever it takes to protect them,” he said.“If...

Why London’s mayor just can’t scrap his clean air plan

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:57 GMT

LONDON — Sadiq Khan is under pressure to ditch a controversial plan to clean up London’s air after a bruising by-election for the mayor’s Labour colleagues. But scrapping the plan is no panacea — and critics will have to explain what replaces it.London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) aims to reduce the U.K. capital’s emissions of nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxide (referred to together as NOx) by imposing a charge on polluting vehicles when they enter the zone. It’s set to expand to cover the whole of London from the end of August.Excess NOx emissions are incredibly dangerous for human health. They can cause inflammation of the airways, asthma, reduced lung function, and increase the rate of hospital admissions. In fact, poor air quality is considered by the British government to be “the largest environmental risk to public health in the U.K.” Khan is standing behind the scheme, and on Friday announced extra funding for businesses and individuals who ...

Police investigating shooting in Roxbury

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:57 GMT

An investigation got underway in Roxbury Friday after a shooting in the Codman Park area off Townsend Street. The incident happened late Friday morning, with several shots apparently fired at an apartment complex. One person was shot in the hand, according to Boston police. Glass in the doors of the apartment units at 59 and 61 Codman Park was also shattered. On scene, multiple evidence markers were spotted on the pavement and bullet casings were visible on the ground. Investigators were seen entering both the 59 and 61 Codman Park units, with a larger police presence visible in the area around the apartment complex.Police said the person who was shot took themselves to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No further information was immediately available.This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.

Police release sketch of suspect wanted in attack along Riverwalk in Waltham

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:57 GMT

State police released a sketch on Friday of a suspect wanted in connection with an assault along the Riverwalk in Waltham over the weekend. The incident happened on Sunday night around 8:45 p.m. in the area of Newton and Farwell Streets. Police have since said the suspect in the case is believed to be in his late 20s or 30s, standing about 5-foot, 7-inches tall. Police said the suspect was wearing a baseball cap at the time of the attack. “Today State Police and Waltham Police are releasing a police artist’s sketch of the assailant in the hope that a member of the public may recognize the suspect and contact us,” state police said in a statement. Police said the woman who was attacked in this incident heard footsteps behind her before she was grabbed from behind.The woman, police said, was able to scream and break free. The suspect then fled the scene, according to police. Anyone who recognizes the suspect shown in the new police sketch is asked to call 911 or contact...

Man dies after shooting in New Bedford

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:57 GMT

A man died Thursday night after a shooting in New Bedford, the Bristol County District Attorney’s office said. The DA’s office said New Bedford police first responded to the area of County Street near Winsor Street around 11 p.m. after receiving reports of multiple shots fired. On scene, the DA’s office said emergency crews “found evidence of a shooting” but did not find a victim. The DA’s office said the person who was shot was driven to Saint Luke’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The DA’s office described the investigation into this case as “extremely active” as of Friday morning. No further information was available.

Police investigating death of woman found shot and killed in Danville, NH

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:57 GMT

An investigation continued in Danville, New Hampshire Friday after a woman was found dead in a home Thursday night, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office said. The AG’s office, in a statement, said Danville police first responded to a call to the home on Back Road on Thursday. Once on scene, the AG’s office said officers found the woman dead of an apparent gunshot wound. An autopsy was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Friday and investigators remained on scene as of around 10:30 a.m. No further information was immediately available. This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.

New England Revolution players teach clinic for Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston members

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:57 GMT

More than 60 local Boys & Girls Clubs members hit the field in Chelsea Thursday for a soccer skills clinic taught by New England Revolution players. The event at the Gerald & Darlene Jordan Boys and Girls Club included a hands-on skills clinic and opportunities for autographs, all for children between the ages of six and 12. Spanning two-hours, the clinic aimed to teach attendees “innovative skills and techniques to help them train and play in a fun competitive setting,” as described in an advisory announcing the event. In addition to training and autographs, there was a check presentation for a $100,000 grant contribution to the Gerald and Darlene Jordan Club.Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston hosted the clinic in partnership with Santander Bank as part of efforts to break down physical and socioeconomic barriers to athletics for Boston inner-city youth.

Severe thunderstorms possible in Massachusetts: Hail, lightning, strong winds, torrential rain in forecast

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:57 GMT

Severe thunderstorms are possible across the Bay State on Friday, as National Weather Service forecasters warn of hail, lightning, strong wind gusts and torrential rainfall.A “Severe Thunderstorm Watch” has been issued for much of Massachusetts until 8 p.m. The only parts of the state not in the watch zone were southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands.The forecasters were warning of the chance for ping-pong size hail, frequent lightning strikes, wind gusts up to 65 mph, and heavy rain. With the ground already so saturated from recent rainfall, some localized flooding will be possible.Related ArticlesWeather | Massachusetts weather will be ‘a lot nicer this week,’ with comfortable temps, humidity Weather | Tornado touched down along Easton/Foxboro town line, 105 mph peak winds: National Weather Service Weather | Tornado spotted in New Hampshire; Massachusetts could see severe storms, flash flooding: ‘...

Waltham Riverwalk assault: Massachusetts State Police release sketch of suspect, ask for public’s help

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:57 GMT

Police continue to try to track down the suspect accused of assaulting a woman along the Waltham Riverwalk last weekend, as authorities on Friday released a police artist’s sketch of the assailant.Massachusetts State Police and Waltham Police hope that someone will recognize the suspect and contact investigators.Police believe that the suspect is a Hispanic male, in his late 20s or his 30s, and is about 5 feet, 7 inches tall. He was reportedly wearing a baseball hat at the time of the assault.A woman told police that she was assaulted at around 8:45 p.m. on Sunday in the area of Newton and Farwell Streets.The woman reported that she heard footsteps behind her and was then grabbed from behind by the suspect, who tried to put his hand over her mouth.“The victim was able to scream and struggled to get free,” a State Police spokesperson said in a statement. “The assailant then let go of her and ran off. The woman turned and saw the assailant fleeing.”Units ...

SWAT standoff: Armed man barricades inside vehicle in Carlsbad

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:23:57 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- A SWAT standoff has prompted a Friday morning road closure in Carlsbad, authorities told FOX 5.A man with armed with a hand gun is reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis inside his vehicle on the 2700 block of Loker Avenue West, near Palomar Airport Road, the Carlsbad Police Department said. Tijuana man accused in drug trafficking case extradited to San Diego The situation initially started around 7:15 p.m. Thursday following reports of an individual in distress in an office building parking lot on Loker Avenue West, according to police.Authorities say the man activated the vehicle's emergency communication system -- similar to  OnStar -- Thursday evening."It's been a bit of a challenge, communicating with the third-party (OnStar system) and the man whom does not have a cell phone. There is also a language barrier. He speaks Russian," Carlsbad police told FOX 5.Authorities say there is currently no threat to public, but they are encouraging residents...