Latest news with #Mayer
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Santa Fe teachers need affordable housing, but plans to build it have stalled
Retired Santa Fe art teacher and longtime union leader Grace Mayer has watched for years as her fellow educators get priced out of housing in the city. 'Pretty soon it's just going to be an exclusive community, like Aspen. If the people who make this place work — the nurses, teachers, bus drivers — can't afford to live here, then what's left?' said Mayer, who served for a decade as president of the National Education Association's Santa Fe branch. While some rural school districts in New Mexico are building state-funded housing to help ensure teachers can live in the communities where they work, larger districts like Santa Fe Public Schools face similar challenges but don't have access to funds from New Mexico's Teacher Housing Pilot Program, reserved for more remote locales. Rising rents have been outpacing teacher salary growth in Santa Fe for years, spurring plans for a housing complex on district-owned land. But so far, fundraising efforts have fallen short. The Santa Fe school board declared a 'staffing crisis' in 2021, calling on the Legislature to boost teacher salaries and urging local governments to create affordable housing for educators. In 2023, the board passed a 'housing crisis' resolution, warning housing costs were threatening high-quality learning. Work groups began plans for a 40-unit housing complex on a 7-acre lot between Sweeney Elementary School and Ortiz Middle School on the city's south side, and the district secured $815,000 in state capital outlay in 2023 and $750,000 in 2024 toward the estimated $15 million project. But it wasn't nearly enough to begin construction. 'We kind of stalled because we hadn't received enough money to fully build out the program,' said Josh Granata, general counsel and head of government relations for Santa Fe Public Schools. 'So, we were looking at ways to raise money and just kind of reached a point where we have to kind of switch gears.' Although board resolutions had advocated for collaboration with the city of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County governments, Granata said those talks have gone silent. ' Prior to this, we've worked with the city and the county to try to see if we could collaborate,' he said. 'But we were running into problems because of the definition of affordable housing — and how school employees kind of fall outside of that federal definition in terms of how much money they make.' 4984994_022018SchoolBoard_80_CMYK.jpg (copy) Santa Fe Public Schools interim Superintendent Veronica García Still, interim Superintendent Veronica García said housing remains 'a board priority.' The district plans to revisit the project this summer and determine next steps for funds earmarked for the project. The district, García noted, also has a partnership with Homewise Inc., a nonprofit that offers up to $40,000 in down payment assistance to qualifying educators through an anonymous donor-funded program. Mayer argued such programs, while valuable, favor families with children and don't fully serve the needs of younger professionals — many of whom earn too much to qualify for subsidized housing but not enough to afford Santa Fe's market rates. 'The city sort of doesn't look at middle-income people or professionals,' she said. 'We keep telling them: 'We don't qualify.' ' According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, the median gross rent for a Santa Fe one-bedroom was $945 in 2014. From 2019 to 2023, the agency reported, the number ballooned to $1,380 — the most recent data available. Since then, reports indicate rent has only increased in the city, with an average of $1,799 in April 2025, according to the website RentCafe. At a 2023 school board meeting, Mayer pointed out 60% of the district's staff lived outside Santa Fe. Current residency rates were not available from the district or NEA-Santa Fe. That high commuter rate affects retention, Mayer and the district have noted. Mayer said some educators working in Santa Fe and living elsewhere reluctantly left for jobs in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho to cut down on the daily commute. For those commuters who stick it out — enduring long drives and train rides — there's a limit in their ability to participate in community life and school events like staff meetings, clubs and sports, she said. Now retired, Mayer continues to advocate for housing solutions at the city level — noting her frustration at what she called an 'absurd' belief in 'trickle-down' housing — the idea that building high-end rentals will eventually ease pressure on the market. It's a long-held idea by those in local government she said, and not one that has borne results. 'If you don't fix this,' she recalled telling a city councilor recently, 'and start building things immediately, your city's gonna die … because there are no people to work in these professions.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Red Sox make 5 roster moves: Alex Bregman to IL with ‘significant' quad strain
BOSTON — The Red Sox have placed third baseman Alex Bregman on the 10-day injured list after an MRI revealed a significant right quad strain. Top shortstop prospect Marcelo Mayer — who also has played third base and second base in the minor leagues — has been selected to the 40-man roster and will take Bregman's spot on the 26-man active roster. Mayer will make his major league debut in the second game of Boston's doubleheader Saturday at 6:35 p.m. Advertisement To clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Mayer, Boston placed first baseman Triston Casas on the 60-day IL. Casas ruptured his patellar tendon May 2, then underwent season-ending surgery two days later. Boston also designated left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb for assignment and promoted hard-throwing righty Luis Guerrero from Worcester. Bregman injured his quad running out a single that he hit off the Green Monster on Friday. He underwent an MRI early Saturday. 'Significant injury,' manager Alex Cora said after Boston's 6-5 10-inning walkoff victory in Game 1. 'He's going to be out for a while.' Bregman was in the clubhouse after Game 1. He described it as 'a pretty severe right quad strain.' Advertisement 'It is what it is and now try to take it day by day and crush the rehab,' Bregman said. Both Cora and Bregman said it's similar to the left quad strain the third baseman suffered in 2021. That injury kept him on the IL from June 17-Aug. 25. 'I'm not going to give you a timetable,' Cora said. 'Hopefully, trusting our medical staff, it's sooner rather than later. But he's going to be out for a while.' Bregman was optimistic when he left Fenway Park after Friday's game. But it began hurting when he tried to fall asleep. 'Last night, couldn't really fall asleep,' he said. Bregman was batting .299 with a .385 on-base percentage, .553 slugging percentage, .938 OPS, 11 home runs, 17 doubles, 35 RBIs, 32 runs, 22 walks and 42 strikeouts in 51 games (226 plate appearances). Advertisement He agreed the injury is especially tough after how well he began the 2025 season. 'It's horrible,' he said. He said there's no timetable right now. 'It's just day by day,' he said. 'There's no timetable for it. So just focus on the next step.' More Red Sox coverage Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Boston Red Sox lineup: Marcelo Mayer in cleanup spot, Connor Wong catching
Marcelo Mayer will bat cleanup for the Red Sox on Wednesday just five days into his major league career. Boston (27-30), losers of four straight games, will try to avoid a three-game sweep at Milwaukee. First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. from American Family Field. Advertisement The 22-year-old Mayer, who was promoted Saturday when Boston placed Alex Bregman (significant quad strain) on the 10-day injured list, is 5-for-15 (.333) with a .375 on-base percentage, two doubles, one run, one walk and three strikeouts in four games. The offense has scored just five runs during its four-game losing streak. Nick Sogard will bat fifth behind Mayer. Connor Wong — who is 7-for-48 (.146) with no extra-base hits and no RBIs — is catching and batting eighth. Kristian Campbell has the day off. David Hamilton is at second base. It looks like it will be another tough game to score runs. The Red Sox will face Freddy Peralta, who has a 2.55 ERA in 11 starts for Milwaukee this season. Opponents are batting .201 against him. Advertisement BOSTON RED SOX (27-30) @ MILWAUKEE BREWERS (28-28) · AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD · MILWAUKEE, WI · GAME 58 FIRST PITCH: 1:10 p.m. ET TV CHANNEL: NESN (MLB Network out of market) RADIO: WEEI 93.7 FM PITCHING PROBABLES: RHP Brayan Bello (2-1, 4.08 ERA) vs. RHP Freddy Peralta (5-3, 2.55 ERA) RED SOX LINEUP: Jarren Duran LF Rafael Devers DH Wilyer Abreu RF Marcelo Mayer 3B Nick Sogard 1B Trevor Story SS David Hamilton 2B Connor Wong C Ceddanne Rafaela CF BREWERS LINEUP: Brice Turang 2B Jackson Chourio CF Christian Yelich DH William Contreras C Sal Frelick RF Isaac Collins LF Caleb Durbin 3B Jake Bauers 1B Joey Ortiz SS More Red Sox coverage Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ColoHealth Blood Test Offers a Simpler First Step in Colorectal Cancer Screening--Now Direct-to-Consumer
The lab-drawn screening test from New Day Diagnostics is available without a doctor's order in most states and requires no special prep. KNOXVILLE, Tenn., May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New Day Diagnostics today announced the launch of ColoHealth™, a groundbreaking blood test for colorectal cancer screening is now accessible to adults aged 50+ who are at average risk. This test offers a non-invasive alternative for individuals who are unwilling or unable to undergo traditional screening methods such as colonoscopies or stool-based tests. This physician-mediated test is now available direct-to-consumer in all U.S. states except California and New York. "ColoHealth™ is redefining what's possible in colorectal cancer screening by combining clinical rigor with real-world usability. With a sensitivity of 73.3%, specificity of 81.5%, and a negative predictive value of 99.8%, it provides both accuracy and reassurance," noted Eric Mayer, CEO of New Day Diagnostics. "ColoHealth™ detect nearly twice as many pre-cancers as other colorectal screening blood tests." "What truly sets it apart is its ability to drive action—over 99% of individuals who previously refused other screenings completed the ColoHealth™ blood test. That kind of adherence is rare, and it translates to lives saved through earlier detection and intervention," said Mayer. ColoHealth™ eliminates many of the common barriers that prevent people from getting screened—there's no bowel prep, no anesthesia, and no need to take a day off work. It's a simple blood test that puts patients in control of their health. A Streamlined, Three-Step Process Answer Health Questions: Consumers complete a brief medical questionnaire online to confirm eligibility. Order Online: Once approved, the test can be purchased securely at ColoHealth is currently available on a self-pay basis only. Schedule a Blood Draw: Patients select a local lab within New Day's phlebotomy network and schedule a blood draw at their convenience through an online portal. If markers for colorectal cancer are detected, a follow-up colonoscopy will be required for diagnostic confirmation. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, screening rates remain low, often due to the invasive nature or inconvenience of traditional procedures. ColoHealth™ aims to increase participation in routine screening by offering a simpler, more accessible option. To learn more or order the test, visit About New Day DiagnosticsNew Day Diagnostics is a health innovation company based in Knoxville, Tennessee, committed to making diagnostic testing more accessible, efficient and patient-friendly. Their mission is to make health information more accessible, accelerating the path from discovery to diagnosis when it is most critical to improving patient care and outcomes. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE New Day Diagnostics Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Governor Morrisey announces reforms to improve the child welfare system
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — Governor Patrick Morrisey announced reforms aimed to improve the welfare system in West Virginia. According to a press release, the changes follow listening sessions held throughout the state with stakeholders and a review of child deaths and near deaths within the system. In previous years, the state stonewalled about the status of children in its care–and that changes now. We are rolling up our sleeves and getting to work. West Virginians deserve a child welfare system that is transparent, accountable, and always puts the safety of children first. Governor Patrick Morrisey For far too long, we've asked families and frontline professionals to navigate a system that has not kept pace with the complexities our families and children face today. That must change. We are listening–intentionally–and using that feedback to shape a more responsive, accountable, and transparent system built on trust. Secretary Mayer Carnegie Hall announces Ivy Terrace Outdoor Concert Series lineup The reforms, as stated within the release, include: Complete compliance with the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) and federal guidelines requiring public disclosure of key information in child abuse or neglect cases resulting in deaths or near deaths. Overhauling the Child Welfare Dashboard to make it easier to use and interpret data. Requiring supervisors to hold monthly reviews regarding child welfare cases and work with state teams to find chances for improvement and initiating a department-wide 'Leadership Education and Development' (LEAD) program to better train supervisors. Crafting a Critical Incident Review Team to hold a deeper dive into every critical incident. Implementing a Comprehensive Practice Model to give a foundational framework that can be implemented throughout West Virginia. Affording caseworkers the chance to gather more information on cases rather than only relying on the referral. For more information regarding the welfare initiatives and Governor Morrisey, visit their website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
