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Colorado ranks dead last for housing competitiveness: report

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:06:20 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) -- A report released by the Common Sense Institute claimed that Colorado ranks dead last in terms of housing competitiveness nationwide.The Centennial State ranked at No. 51 on a list that includes all 50 states and Washington, D.C. when it came to housing competitiveness. This ranking includes factors like the housing shortage to population ratio and the number of hours required to pay mortgage and rent.This is not new, according to the report, as Colorado has ranked last in all but one of the last seven years. These new Colorado laws go into effect in 2024 In 2021, Colorado ranked No. 50 and Utah was last.According to the report, it now takes 96 hours of work at the median wage to afford the mortgage of a median-priced home, up from the 44 hours of work it took in 2011.It also takes 86 hours of work to pay the median rent in the state.The report pointed out that fewer condos are being built, especially relative to the number of apartments being built. It said that,...

Colorado town ranked second-most 'Christmassy' nationwide

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:06:20 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) -- Some towns just seem to have an abundance of Christmas spirit, and this Colorado town is no exception.Durango was ranked as America's second-favorite "Christmassy" town in 2023, according to a survey of 3,000 people conducted by photobook brand Mixbook.Durango is no stranger to the Christmastime clout, as it was named a top small town to visit during the holiday season in 2022."What sets Durango apart during the festive season is its blend of natural beauty and historic charm," the entry reads. Coloradans consider it to be cold at this temperature Durango, which is located in the southwestern portion of the state, has several events and activities for people to do during the Christmas season.Mixbook points out the town's proximity to the mountains, providing opportunities for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing, among other outdoor activities."The town's small businesses, from local craft shops to warm cafes, add to the festive spirit, making Durango a special pl...

Monarch High School gets fine, probation for allowing transgender student on girls volleyball team

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:06:20 GMT

Monarch High School in Coconut Creek has been reprimanded by the state of Florida and is facing a $16,500 fine for violating the state’s bylaws by allowing a transgender student-athlete to play on the girl’s volleyball team. The state said the school allowed the student to play over 30 games with the team, despite the state law which bans biological males from participating in any female sports team.A letter received by the county declares that Monarch High School is formally reprimanded and placed on administrative probation for a minimum of one year. The school staff must undergo more training in seminars and compliance workshops. The school had previously been under investigation by the state and its principal and several staff members had been reassigned pending the outcome of this investigation. As a result of the investigation, the school will face censure, it will be on administrative probation for a year, the principal and current athletic director will need to a...

UN General Assembly votes overwhelmingly to demand a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:06:20 GMT

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to demand a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza in a strong demonstration of global support for ending the Israel-Hamas war. The vote also shows the growing isolation of the United States and Israel.The vote in the 193-member world body was 153 in favor, 10 against and 23 abstentions. The support was higher than for an Oct. 27 resolution that called for a “humanitarian truce” leading to a cessation of hostilities, where the vote was 120-14 with 45 abstentions.After the United States vetoed a resolution in the Security Council on Friday demanding a humanitarian cease-fire, Arab and Islamic nations called for an emergency session of the 193-member General Assembly to vote on a resolution making the same demand.Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. But the assembly’s messages “are also very important” and reflect world opinion, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Duja...

Commissioners withdraw Miami Wilds Park project at Zoo Miami

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:06:20 GMT

Miami-Dade Commissioners voted in favor of withdrawing the lease agreement on the controversial water park project on Tuesday after being delayed in September.Now the county said it will move forward with rescinding the developer’s lease, essentially killing the projectConservationists like Ron Magill and others have been opposed to this project for months, even years, as they are worried about the impact of this project on the shrinking Pine Rocklands ecosystem in the area and the endangered species that live there.Prior to this vote, the developers of the project had taken an economic angle to their pitch, saying it would be environmentally friendly and will only be built on the zoo’s existing paved parking lot.However, a judge’s recent ruling on Monday and a letter from the U.S Department of Interior disagreed with the developer. The letter described the land in question as having “high ecological value” and they recommended for it to be used ‘...

MDFR pulls 13-year-old from canal in NW Miami-Dade

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:06:20 GMT

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene where a 13-year-old reportedly jumped into a canal in Northwest Miami-Dade. Authorities arrived at the scene, located in the vicinity of 181 NW 85th Street, around 4 p.m., Tuesday.7Skyforce hovered over the scene, where divers could be seen pulling the teen from the canal.The teen’s condition is unknown at this time. Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.

Police respond to bomb threat at NSU University School in Davie

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:06:20 GMT

Reports of a bomb threat at a South Florida school prompted a swift response by law enforcement. Davie Police arrived at NSU University School, located at 3375 SW 75th Ave, Tuesday afternoon. 7Skyforce hovered over the scene where students and staff were evacuated from the school. Dave Fire Rescue also arrived at the scene. A command post was established by police as they continue to investigate the situation. No injuries were reported. Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.

Local South Florida family mourns loss of mother who died in Tennessee tornadoes

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:06:20 GMT

Chante Adams, the daughter of Donna Allen, a 59-year-old South Florida woman who passed away during the tornadoes that struck Tennessee last weekend, can’t believe her mother’s gone. “Brandon, I’m so hurt…everyone loved her,” said Adams. Allen was visiting her son in Clarksville, Tennessee when a tornado hit their home, leaving the home in splinters and killing Allen.“The whole house is gone. The pictures that he sent from up there, it was nothing. It was like bombs were dropped on the neighborhood,” said Adams. Adams said her brother did all he could to save their mother but the storm was too strong. “He tried all he can to save her but it was just so much going on. He said she was scared. She kept praying to god.”Adams said her mother was looking forward to the holidays as Christmas was her favorite one. She shared that one of her favorite holiday movies was Jack Frost.“Everyone loved her. She was the life of the pa...

NFL legend Warrick Dunn gifts Miami single mother with homeownership dream before the holidays

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:06:20 GMT

Tanya, a single mother and teacher in Miami, experienced a gift like no other as she received the keys to her brand-new home, courtesy of Habitat for Humanity and Warrick Dunn Charities.“This is probably the biggest Christmas gift you can give to anybody,” said Warrick Dunn, NFL legend and founder of Warrick Dunn Charities.Tanya worked tirelessly alongside volunteers to build her home, room by room, through the Habitat for Humanity program. Her dedication caught the attention of Warrick Dunn, who was present to greet her and provide a first look at her new home.“Just life-changing moments. She’s someone who is so thankful and so deserving at the same time,” said Dunn.Warrick Dunn Charities identifies single parents nationwide, helping them achieve the dream of first-time homeownership. Thanks to the foundation, Tanya’s entire home is now furnished, stocked with food, and ready to host guests.“She and her son Michael are so excited to be here for C...

WATCH: No injuries reported after vehicle slams through storefront in Burlington

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:06:20 GMT

Officials say no injuries were reported after a driver plowed through the storefront of an eye care store in Burlington Tuesday morning.Security cameras inside the All Eye Care Doctors shop captured the moments an SUV crashed through the front of the store, sending glass and merchandise across the floor.According to police, the driver was described as having a learner’s permit and was reportedly learning how to navigate when the crash occurred around 10:45 a.m.“It felt like an earthquake – it was actually so loud, the sound,” said Dr. Dzenana Idrizovic, the store’s owner. “[The driver] was trying to, I think, press on the brake, but she kept pressing on the gas.”Customers were inside the store at the time, including clinician Xavier Romero, who described the moment of impact.“It kind of reminded me of watching an action-packed movie where it’s like ‘BOOM’ and then everything goes in slow-motion,” Romero said, te...