Northeast
Massachusetts families demand striking teachers return to school in legal motion
Families in Newton, Massachusetts, went to court Monday calling for an end to the ongoing teachers’ strike at their children’s school.
Lital Asher-Dotan, a mother of three, filed an Emergency Motion to Intervene with the Middlesex Superior Court to compel the Newton Teachers Association (NTA) to end its ongoing strike due to “detrimental effects of this strike on [the students’] education, extracurricular activities, and overall well-being.”
“The lack of structured learning and continuity severely hamper their progress, as regular practice is vital for retaining and understanding new concepts,” the motion stated.
It added, “The academic and developmental losses the proposed student intervenors are facing extend far beyond the classroom. Moreover, it is the interruption which is a crucial unrecoverable loss. Merely tacking some school days at the end of the school year does not address that.”
MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION AFTER STUDENT PLAY LIMITS AUDITIONS TO PERSONS OF COLOR
Newton Public Schools has canceled classes for over a week due to the ongoing teachers’ strike. (istock)
About 20 other families submitted letters of support for the motion.
The strike began on Jan. 19, leading Newton Public Schools to cancel classes for the last week. While the NTA met with the Newton School Committee on Sunday to negotiate an end to the strike, the meeting ended with no agreement, continuing the strike to its 11th day.
Schools were closed once again on Monday with no indication as to when they would reopen.
It is illegal for teachers to strike in the state of Massachusetts. The NTA has previously faced court-imposed fines totaling $425,000 along with additional fees of $50,000 per day.
Lital Asher-Dotan filed a motion to demand a judge terminate the strike, citing the harm to the students’ education. (Getty Images)
The motion noted, “(1)defendant Newton teachers Association (NTA) has thus far continued to act in contempt of this Court’s repeated orders to terminate the strike, and (2) defendant NTA President Michael J. Zilles has publicly stated that the NTA has financial backing from other union organizations to resist the fines being imposed by the Court, the Court should impose such sanctions to such degree as to overcome whatever financial resources the NTA is receiving to resist the Orders thus far.”
In a comment to Fox News Digital, an NTA spokesperson responded to the motion saying, “The NTA has spent every moment of this strike trying to reopen schools. But we can no longer accept working conditions that put students at risk or are not meeting their needs. We cannot return to our jobs until a fair contract is settled.”
“Our goal all along is to get students back into the classrooms where learning thrives. Without aides and behavior therapists, many students cannot learn to the fullest. But at current wages offered by Newton, qualified individuals cannot afford to take those jobs. Similarly, without easy access to a social worker, a student’s mental health crisis can escalate. That is unacceptable.”
MASSACHUSETTS TEACHERS UNION HEAD CRITICIZES PUBLIC EDUCATION’S FOCUS ON INCOME, COLLEGE AND CAREER
In a statement to Fox News Digital, the NTA maintained its stance on the strike despite the legal motion. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
“The educators who cannot take the necessary time off to care for themselves struggle to bring their best into the classroom. We share the concern and anger of parents. But that anger needs to be directed toward Mayor Fuller and the School Committee who are not fully funding our schools. The strike will end when we are able to secure a fair contract that allows educators to deliver the education our students need and deserve while also valuing, compensating, and respecting the work of our educators,” the statement concluded.
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Boston, MA
Woman dies after medical episode at Boston nightclub, family says – The Boston Globe
The club, in a statement posted on Instagram on Tuesday, said it was “deeply saddened” by Colon’s death and that employees at the nightclub rushed to her aid.
“Our staff responded immediately and called emergency services while an off-duty EMT rendered first aid,” it said. “We are cooperating fully with all inquiries from law enforcement and city officials who are reviewing this medical episode.”
When police arrived at the Warrenton Street venue, they found a person lying on the dance floor, unresponsive and without a pulse, according to an incident report. They began performing chest compressions with the help of a cashier at the club who said she worked as an EMT.
Police said in the report that the large crowd inside the club did not comply with orders to give space to emergency medical personnel. Eventually, officers ordered the club to shut down and told patrons to leave immediately.
The woman, whose age was not disclosed, was then taken to Tufts Medical Center, police said.
Colon’s sister, Angelica Colon, wrote on social media Sunday that the club failed to immediately call 911 after being told about the medical emergency. She said only a few people at the club showed any “real concern,” while other patrons and staff “acted like nothing was happening.”
“My sister collapsed in the middle of the club,“ she wrote. ”I tried to lift her myself and couldn’t. I was screaming at the top of my lungs and was ignored. The music was only stopped for two minutes, then turned right back on — as if her life didn’t matter.”
Angelica Colon also couldn’t be reached for comment on Tuesday.
Anastaiya Colon, who was at the club to celebrate her sister Angelica’s birthday, had smoked before arriving and had “a few drinks” at the bar, according to the police report. Drug use was not suspected as a factor in the medical episode, according to the report.
Angelica Colon said that, while her sister had a medical condition, “that does not excuse what happened.” She said in the post that she was considering legal action against the club’s owners.
“A business that refuses to act during a medical emergency does not deserve to operate,” she wrote. “If this could happen to my sister, it could happen to anyone.”
“She was the greatest mother to our son and her daughter,” Stackhouse wrote. “Wherever I fell, she compensated and gave me so much more grace than I deserve.”
Icon is operated by Pasha Entertainment, which also runs the nightclubs Venu and Hava, as well as prominent restaurants such as Ghost Light Tavern and Kava Neo-Taverna, according to the company’s website.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the individual’s family and loved ones,” the club wrote.
Last year, the city’ licensing board reviewed a 2023 incident at the club in which a woman was punched and thrown to the ground by another patron. Icon staff did not call police during the altercation, which the club’s director of security admitted was a “lapse in judgment.”
The woman who was punched later sued the club for overserving her attacker; Icon was ordered to pay $30,000 in damages, according to court records.
Camilo Fonseca can be reached at camilo.fonseca@globe.com. Follow him on X @fonseca_esq and on Instagram @camilo_fonseca.reports.
Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh Steelers get injury updates on five players, including ascending pass rusher
The Pittsburgh Steelers got some injury updates on Tuesday courtesy of head coach Mike Tomlin, with the most promising one being that pass rusher Nick Herbig should return this week against the Cleveland Browns.
Herbig suffered a hamstring injury against the Miami Dolphins and practiced late last week but could not make the final push to suit up against the Lions.
Meanwhile, four other players are working through soft tissue injuries as well. Cornerback James Pierre has a calf issue that has kept him out of the last two games, but he went through a workout on Tuesday and that could get him back on the practice field.
Tomlin seemed optimistic that Pierre would return to practice this week. He did not give the same level of optimism to guard Isaac Seumalo, who is still battling through a triceps injury.
Seumalo missed last week after not practicing, and could be out for another game if he can not practice. Spencer Anderson, his backup, will be limited after getting banged-up against the Lions.
Wide receiver Calvin Austin III has a hamstring strain that Tomlin said will leave as questionable this week, and will likely limit him early in the practice week. The same can be said for slot cornerback Brandin Echols, who is battling a groin injury.
Connecticut
Owls, Storytimes, Lights, And Countdown Fun: Here’s What’s Happening Across Connecticut This Weekend
CONNECTICUT — The quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year’s is anything but dull in Connecticut. With schools on break and families looking for ways to get out of the house, towns across the state are rolling out kid-friendly programs, glowing light displays, museum activities, and creative ways to ring in the new year early — or right at midnight. From owls in Mystic to trolley rides in East Windsor and countdown celebrations from Torrington to Hartford, this weekend (Dec. 26–28, with New Year’s Eve events close behind) offers plenty of reasons to bundle up and explore.
In Mystic, nature lovers can spend Friday, Dec. 26, learning about one of the region’s most fascinating nocturnal creatures during Vacation Day: All About Owls at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Designed for kids on school break, the program introduces participants to local owl species through hands-on activities, live animal presentations, and outdoor exploration. It’s a great option for families looking to balance holiday downtime with educational fun.
Over in Greenwich, the Bruce Museum is hosting Once Upon a Museum: Winter Storytime from Friday through Sunday, Dec. 26–28. Held each morning, the program combines seasonal storytelling with museum exploration, offering young children a calm, creative start to the day. Parents can expect winter-themed books, light activities, and a welcoming introduction to museum spaces that keeps little listeners engaged without overwhelming them.
For families seeking something festive after dark, East Windsor is glowing thanks to Winterfest & the Winter Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. Running on select dates including Dec. 26–28, the event features illuminated displays, holiday décor, and nighttime trolley rides through a sparkling tunnel of lights. The experience blends transportation history with holiday spectacle, making it a unique winter outing for all ages.
Meanwhile, Meriden continues its long-running seasonal tradition with the Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park, which remains on display through Jan. 2. The expansive park is transformed by thousands of white lights wrapped around trees, lining walkways, and reflecting off the park’s lake. Visitors can drive through or park and stroll, making it one of the state’s most accessible and popular holiday light displays.
As the weekend gives way to New Year’s Eve, Connecticut towns are preparing celebrations that range from family-friendly to full-scale citywide events. In Hartford, First Night Hartford 2026 takes over downtown on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This alcohol-free celebration features live music, dance, comedy, ice skating, fireworks, and activities spread across multiple indoor and outdoor venues. It’s one of the state’s largest New Year’s Eve events and a longtime tradition for families and night owls alike.
For those with younger children who won’t make it to midnight, Torrington offers KidsPlay Countdown on Dec. 31. Hosted by the KidsPlay Children’s Museum, the event allows kids to celebrate the new year with games, activities, and a countdown timed just for them. It’s festive without being overwhelming and lets families enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve without late-night fatigue.
Another early celebration takes place in East Lyme, where Countdown to Noon gives families a chance to ring in the new year before lunchtime. With music, activities, and a midday countdown, the event is tailored to younger children who want the thrill of a New Year’s celebration without staying up past bedtime.
Altogether, this post-holiday weekend highlights the best of Connecticut’s winter programming: educational nature programs, calm museum mornings, glowing light displays, and creative countdowns that meet families where they are. Whether you’re exploring owls in Mystic, riding a trolley through lights in East Windsor, listening to stories in Greenwich, or planning ahead for a New Year’s countdown in Hartford, Torrington, or East Lyme, there’s no shortage of ways to close out 2025 and step into 2026 with a sense of wonder.
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