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T Checks Its First Item Off FTA’s Long To-Do List

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:57 GMT

One corrective action plan down, 37 to go. MBTA officials announced Thursday that the Federal Transit Administration last week approved the closeout of one of the 38 corrective action plans required to address the widespread problems investigators flagged, marking the first time that has happened since the FTA launched its safety management inspection last year. Federal overseers closed the book on the T’s failure to keep a Green Line “work train” used for power and track maintenance functional now that two such trains are back in action, said MBTA Chief of Quality, Compliance and Oversight Katie Choe. “Maintenance of way uses these trains to efficiently complete track and power repairs on the Green Line, and they have successfully put them back into maintenance service, so we are using these work trains now,” Choe said. Both trains are “at the end of their service life,” Choe said, and will be replaced by new vehicles that have already been...

Judge orders psychological evaluation for Francisco Torres, accused of terrorizing flight to Boston

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:57 GMT

Francisco Torres, the man accused of attempting to open a door on a plane from L.A. 45 minutes before it was scheduled to land in Boston, will undergo a psychological evaluation ahead of any further proceedings against his own wishes.U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Judith Dein ordered the psychological evaluation, and a commitment of a minimum of 30 days in an appropriate psychological facility, over Torres’ objection to any such evaluation. She also “strongly” urged him against his wishes to make a statement at his hearing in federal court in Boston’s Seaport Thursday afternoon.“The God, the Son and the Holy Spirit say that I should,” Torres said from his seat, adding that because such powerful forces wished it, that he must. But, after a quick conference with his attorney, he said that he would leave it up to Dein to make the decision for him to make a statement.“If it’s up to me then I will defer and not have you make a stateme...

Mike Pouncey fulfills dream, retires as a Miami Dolphin

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:57 GMT

Mike Pouncey has retired from the NFL, but the 33-year-old ex-Miami Dolphins center is still living the dream.Pouncey, who has lost 70 pounds in the last year and now weighs 228, signed a one-day contract with the Dolphins on Thursday for the purpose of retiring as a Dolphins player.“It means the world,” said Pouncey, a three-time Pro Bowl selection during his seven seasons (2011-17) with the Dolphins.“I always said I was going to be a Dolphin for life, and I meant that.”Pouncey, the Dolphins’ 2011 first-round pick whose career ended after the 2020 season, wore an aqua Dolphins alumni sports jacket while speaking Thursday. His son, Kayden, and Kayden’s mom, Chrissy, were there along with his twin brother, Maurkice.In the locker room, Pouncey was often smiling, upbeat and in good spirits.He was a go-to guy for the media because of his knowledge, talent, candor and sense of humor.He was a hole-opening beast as a center, leading the way for 1,000-yar...

Jets will release Braxton Berrios, agree to deal for Ravens safety Chuck Clark: source

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:57 GMT

As Aaron Rodgers watch rolls on Thursday, the Jets made a transaction to generate more salary cap space while also acquiring a much-needed veteran safety.The Jets will release wide receiver and returner Braxton Berrios after four seasons.Gang Green also agreed to send a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Ravens for safety Chuck Clark. Both transactions will be processed at the start of the new league year on March 15, according to sources.After having a career year in 2021, last season was anything but for Berrios. He struggled with drops, missed assignments and muffed returns.Berrios caught 18 passes for 145 yards and recorded two rushing touchdowns for the Jets last season. He also averaged 11.4 per punt return and 23.1 per kick return.In 2021, Berrios had a career-high 46 catches for 431 yards and two touchdowns. He also averaged career-highs in punt (13.4) and kick returning (30.4) as he was a first-team All-Pro returner.Cutting Berrios will save the Jets $5 million in salary cap sp...

Bruins notebook: Matt Grzelcyk sees new pairing

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:57 GMT

The Bruins defensive rotation continued to turn on Thursday and the roulette wheel produced a new pairing for the matchup against the Edmonton Oilers.Connor Clifton came out of the lineup and Matt Grzelcyk took his spot on the third pairing with Derek Forbort. The duo had one practice under their belt.“I’ve never played with him, but I know his game, obviously, over the last year and half from watching him,” said Grzelcyk after an optional morning skate on Thursday. “It’s a little bit tougher just seeing the ice on your off side but I’ve had a few games there in the past so I just have to rely on those past experiences. I know he’s an unbelievable defender and he’s really good at closing plays off the rush, so when he’s on his game, I have to be ready to skate over and defend the middle if we’re going to squash and slide. We’ve only had one practice so we’ll see how it works.”Grzelcyk is not completely inexperienced at playing th...

For FSU’s Jared Verse, improvement the catalyst for a return to Seminoles

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:57 GMT

Jared Verse spent last week watching the NFL Scouting Combine, not as a participant but as an observer.It wasn’t exactly the way many assumed the talented Florida State edge rusher would make his presence known. At one point, the 6-foot-4, 253-pound defensive end was projected as a possible first-round selection after a stellar first season in which he led the team in tackles for loss (16.5), sacks (9) and blocked kicks (1).He received an 81.2 grade from Pro Football Focus which is better than most of the edge rushers projected in the first-and-second rounds of the NFL draft outside of Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. (83.6) and USC’s Tuli Tuipulotu (82.1).But despite the lure of the NFL and a multimillion contract, Verse decided to return to the Seminoles in 2023.“I always wanted him to feel like he was doing what was best for himself,” said defensive ends coach John Papuchis. “So when it came time for him to make that decision, I made a conscious eff...

Dolphins Q&A: Which positions should Miami prioritize in free agency? Plus other offseason checklist items

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:57 GMT

Here’s the latest installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, where South Florida Sun Sentinel writers David Furones and Chris Perkins answer questions from readers.Q: What positions do you see Miami targeting in Free agency? LG, RT, LB, CB, RB and TE are the most significant holes on the team. What players could you see them targeting? — Zach on TwitterA: I agree with your list of top positions of need heading into free agency for the Dolphins.My colleague, Chris Perkins, and I were debating this on the latest Dolphins Deep Dive this week. He wants to go with a big-time running back. I said the Dolphins would be best off finding their next anchor of the defense at inside linebacker.Enticing options have become available this free agency cycle between eight-time Pro Bowl, six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner — off his release from the Los Angeles Rams — and Minnesota Vikings’ one-time All-Pro Eric Kendricks.There are also linebackers with local ties ...

Heat’s Bam Adebayo looking to rebound from night of the missing rebounds

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:57 GMT

For all the numbers that doomed the Miami Heat in their costly defeat Wednesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, including their season-high 24 turnovers, there was one number even more stark in the box score.Because there wasn’t any number there, at all.For the first time since his rookie season, when he still was an understudy to Hassan Whiteside in 2019-20, Heat center Bam Adebayo went without a defensive rebound. Adebayo’s lone rebound in the 104-100 loss came with 1:57 to play on the offensive end.For Adebayo, who is averaging 9.5 rebounds this season, including 7.0 on the defensive glass, it was a baffling statistical anomaly.“The rebounding gods weren’t on my side,” he said.But the Cavaliers’ focus was, as coach J.B. Bickerstaff noted afterward regarding his pregame instruction to Cleveland center Jarrett Allen.“It was a message that was sent to Jarrett,” Buckerstaff said ahead of the teams’ rematch Friday night at M...

San Diego firefighters raise money for burn victims in 'Fill the Boot' drive

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:57 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego firefighters are helping to empower burn victims.Firefighters and fire cadets were stationed at intersections across San Diego Thursday morning for the department’s annual 'Fill the Boot' drive. Debate heats up over North County school district’s curriculum Firefighters held their boots rather than wearing them to collect donations for the Burn Institute and some folks were being very generous.“A biker pulled up and we thought he was just going to ask some questions, but opened up his pocket and put in $200,” said Mathew, a San Diego Fire cadet.Burn Institute Executive Director Tessa Haviland explained how this is their largest fundraiser.“All the money that’s raised today, here in San Diego and Imperial Counties, it goes to burn prevention education programs, as well as burn survivor programs,” she said.Firefighter Caleb Firebaugh said he also volunteers for a special summer camp. Wet weather on the way will be put to good use at the San Diego airpor...

Flowers bloom in time for 'Daffodil Days' at Julian Farm and Orchard

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:57 GMT

JULIAN, Calif. -- Melting snow has unveiled carpets of yellow flowers just in time for “Daffodil Days," Julian Farm and Orchards said Thursday.For the second year in a row, San Diegans can head to the mountain town to enjoy the "U-pick" event. Starting Friday, March 10, visitors can pick their own daffodils from the farms sprawling flowers fields. The Flower Fields in Carlsbad set for March reopening According to Julian Farm and Orchards, thousands of people walked the grounds of their 25-acre sustainable farm last year to experience the flourishing daffodils at their peak. The farm anticipates up to 80,000 blooms from March through April -- creating for a large window for visits.Daffodils are blooming at Julian Farm and Orchards. (Photo: Julian Farm and Orchards)There's more than just flowers to enjoy during “Daffodil Days." The farm said family-friendly activities like rock climbing, axe throwing, a petting zoo, hayrides, face painting and more will all be available du...