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Irish Independent
36 minutes ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘A chance to be happy' – Meath mother gets keys to new home after eight years on housing list
April Martin, a 35-year-old new mother, had spent almost a decade on the social housing waiting list before receiving the keys to her new home in Farganstown three weeks ago. Cradling her four-month-old son, Rico, she described the moment as a 'chance to be happy' 'It's amazing having a place to call home; you're not worried about a landlord saying you need to move out,' she said. Before getting her permanent home, Ms Martin was living in a rented accommodation. She said: 'The place we were living before was really bad. My baby was at the hospital three times in two weeks for Bronchiolitis. The first night we moved in here, it all stopped. His health has improved a 100pc.' Ms Martin added: 'He's only four months old so it was heartbreaking seeing him not being able to breathe.' In Meath, 1260 Inspections were carried out on rented properties for Q1 2025. Of this figure, 401 were first inspections, only 14 properties passed after their first inspection. The new mother who is originally from Dublin and has been living in Meath since she was on the waiting list said Farganstown is a 'beautiful place to live'. 'The neighbours are really nice and helpful, there is already a sense of community.' Ms Martin's new residence is one of 231 new homes across three developments in Navan (Farganstown), Clonee (Aylesbury), and Ashbourne (Millrace). The projects were formally opened by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, during events on Friday last. 'Beyond the numbers and delivery figures, it's crucial to remember the real impact: a family or individual whose life will be greatly enhanced by having a long-term, secure, and affordable home in a thriving community,' Minister Browne said. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'These 231 new homes aren't just roofs over heads; they offer peace of mind and long-term security.' The Farganstown site in Navan, where Ms Martin and Rico now live, features 84 new homes and cost over €25.8 million. The development includes a mix of one- to four-bedroom units and was completed in February 2025. It includes landscaped open space, car and bicycle parking, and communal facilities. Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sharon Tolan, welcomed the new developments and said: 'Late last year, when we launched Meath County Council's Corporate Plan, I emphasised the Council's unwavering commitment to excellence in every priority, strategy and vision we set out. Providing high-quality homes to people was a key priority in that plan. 'I am thrilled to welcome the completion of 231 beautiful new homes in three rapidly growing areas within our county, especially considering the current national housing challenges.' Meanwhile Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe praised the council's achievement in exceeding national social housing targets, despite ongoing pressures. 'These developments are yet another example of Meath County Council and our partners in the Department of Housing recognising our communities' diverse needs and delivering high-quality housing solutions to meet them.' Ms Martin hopes her story will inspire other families still waiting. 'I hope other families get what we got - a chance for the kids and themselves to be happy and healthy.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘A chance to be happy': Meath mother finds relief in €81m housing scheme officially opened by council'
April Martin, a 35-year-old new mother, had spent almost a decade on the social housing waiting list before receiving the keys to her new home in Farganstown three weeks ago. Cradling her four-month-old son, Rico, she described the moment as a 'chance to be happy' 'It's amazing having a place to call home; you're not worried about a landlord saying you need to move out,' she said. Before getting her permanent home, Ms Martin was living in a rented accommodation. She said: 'The place we were living before was really bad. My baby was at the hospital three times in two weeks for Bronchiolitis. The first night we moved in here, it all stopped. His health has improved a 100pc.' Ms Martin added: 'He's only four months old so it was heartbreaking seeing him not being able to breathe.' In Meath, 1260 Inspections were carried out on rented properties for Q1 2025. Of this figure, 401 were first inspections, only 14 properties passed after their first inspection. The new mother who is originally from Dublin and has been living in Meath since she was on the waiting list said Farganstown is a 'beautiful place to live'. 'The neighbours are really nice and helpful, there is already a sense of community.' Ms Martin's new residence is one of 231 new homes across three developments in Navan (Farganstown), Clonee (Aylesbury), and Ashbourne (Millrace). The projects were formally opened by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, during events on Friday last. 'Beyond the numbers and delivery figures, it's crucial to remember the real impact: a family or individual whose life will be greatly enhanced by having a long-term, secure, and affordable home in a thriving community,' Minister Browne said. ADVERTISEMENT 'These 231 new homes aren't just roofs over heads; they offer peace of mind and long-term security.' The Farganstown site in Navan, where Ms Martin and Rico now live, features 84 new homes and cost over €25.8 million. The development includes a mix of one- to four-bedroom units and was completed in February 2025. It includes landscaped open space, car and bicycle parking, and communal facilities. Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sharon Tolan, welcomed the new developments and said: 'Late last year, when we launched Meath County Council's Corporate Plan, I emphasised the Council's unwavering commitment to excellence in every priority, strategy and vision we set out. Providing high-quality homes to people was a key priority in that plan. 'I am thrilled to welcome the completion of 231 beautiful new homes in three rapidly growing areas within our county, especially considering the current national housing challenges.' Meanwhile Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe praised the council's achievement in exceeding national social housing targets, despite ongoing pressures. 'These developments are yet another example of Meath County Council and our partners in the Department of Housing recognising our communities' diverse needs and delivering high-quality housing solutions to meet them.' Ms Martin hopes her story will inspire other families still waiting. 'I hope other families get what we got - a chance for the kids and themselves to be happy and healthy.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh suspect 'jumps fence' after 'stealing e-bike' as police dog called in
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Edinburgh Live breaking news on WhatsApp An Edinburgh police dog tracked down suspects after a motorbike was stolen. The incident, which happened on Friday night, saw two individuals steal a Surron in Drylaw. Police dog Rico was called in to trace them, before recovering the bike. The cunning canine has been praised by locals for his actions. Police Scotland Edinburgh said: "Police dog Rico was busy last night in Drylaw. "He tracked two suspects after they stole a Surron. On seeing Rico, one jumped a fence in to the arms of waiting officers and the second thought running was over rated after Rico had a "chat" with him! "Rico then tracked and recovered the bike." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox One local resident responded: "Well done Rico, bet he's a dab paw at his touch screen report writing too." A second added: "He gave them paws for thought!" A third said: "Well done PD Rico (and handler of course)." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Another commented: "Good auld Rico doing us proud." Rico recently leaped into action on May 17, tracking down three robbers and two thieves. PD Rico and his handler were called in to sniff out three suspects who were trying to play "hide and seek" with officers at a housebreaking. PD Rico's keen sense of smell led him to two of the culprits hiding in the bushes at a nearby golf course.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Specialized Education Services, Inc. Announces 2025 Teacher and Staff of the Year Winners
Fourth annual awards program celebrates team members' dedication to students in special and alternative education settings PHILADELPHIA, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and positive behavioral supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting, today announced the selection of Mary Rico as its 2025 Teacher of the Year and Edris Morse as its 2025 Staff of the Year. Rico is an elementary school special education teacher at Sierra School of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, California. Morse is a team leader at High Road School of Santa Rosa in Pace, Florida. Now in its fourth year, the awards program honors full-time SESI team members, including teachers, social workers, behavior specialists, and clinical and paraprofessional staff, who exemplify high-quality, evidence-based instruction and the importance of equitable education for all SESI students. 'It is with great pride that we recognize Mary and Edris, along with our divisional, regional and campus level winners, for their unmatched dedication to supporting our students,' said Dawn Thomas, president of SESI. 'Each year, we have the privilege of recognizing our most outstanding and innovative educators, who deliver high-quality, evidence-based instruction and shine a bright light on the possibility and untapped potential of every SESI student.' With close to 100 private day schools and over 140 in-district classrooms serving nearly 13,000 students with diverse academic, behavioral, and emotional needs, SESI employs more than 3,500 educators and staff members across the country. Rico and Morse were selected – along with campus, regional, and divisional winners – by a SESI leadership committee. Rico has worked at Sierra School of Sonoma County for almost three years. Throughout her teaching career, she has prioritized differentiated instruction, behavioral support, and culturally responsive, evidence-based teaching practices to meet the diverse needs of her students. 'For me, teaching is not just a profession; it is a responsibility,' said Rico. 'Every child deserves an educator who is fully invested in their growth. Just as I push through personal difficulties to show up for my students, I teach them to push through their own obstacles – whether they are academic struggles, personal hardships, or moments of self-doubt.' Rico's dedication as an educator has helped many of her students make meaningful progress – so much so that several have been able to transition back to a public school setting. These transitions reflect her commitment to individualized instruction, behavioral support, and creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued, heard, and empowered to succeed. Morse supervises program staff at High Road School of Santa Rosa, including special education teachers, social workers, and climate managers. Having begun his career at the school five years ago as a behavioral specialist, he ensures that learning extends beyond the classroom, prioritizing family engagement through weekly communication and monthly community activities. 'I believe education should celebrate diversity and foster confidence, and I also value creative expression in education,' said Morse. 'My educational philosophy emphasizes support, creativity, and inclusivity, aiming to empower students to become successful both academically and socially.' The goals of SESI's Teacher and Staff of the Year program include enhancing the visibility and importance of supporting educators, promoting the value of quality education and learning for the future, recognizing and honoring educators and staff who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence, and building an effective professional learning community. Teachers and staff had to meet minimum criteria to be eligible, including having been employed by SESI as of Sept. 1, 2024; teaching a minimum of 75% of the school day; and earning an advanced level rating on the last observation. Bonus points were given for community service activities, school community activity (led special projects, etc.), and mentoring of other staff members. To see the full list of divisional, regional and campus winners, visit: About Specialized Education Services, Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, is a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and behavioral supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting. SESI partners with school districts to run in-district classrooms and private day schools that meet the academic, behavioral, and emotional needs of special and alternative education students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and other challenges. Partnering with over 800 school districts nationwide, SESI serves nearly 13,000 students in private day schools and in-district classrooms. SESI is accredited by Cognia. CONTACT: Press Contact Jennifer Leckstrom RoseComm for SESI (215) 681-0770 jleckstrom@
AsiaOne
5 days ago
- AsiaOne
Ecstasy and bribery accusations in Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial bolster racketeering charge, Entertainment News
Two weeks into the sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, witnesses have accused the hip-hop mogul of everything from breaking into a rival's home to taking ecstasy and attempting to intimidate or pay off witnesses in the case. Combs is not charged with any of these alleged crimes, but legal experts say these allegations could provide powerful fodder for the prosecution's use of a sweeping mafia-busting law that has widened the scope of the case against Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records who helped turn hip-hop mainstream. Known as the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act, "Rico" allows prosecutors to introduce evidence of crimes that are not charged in the indictment or even tied directly to the defendant, known as predicates or "bad acts." That has allowed the prosecutors in Combs' case to show jurors evidence they would not have seen if he was charged only with sex trafficking, helping prosecutors paint a more compelling picture of his alleged criminal activity, said Bobby Taghavi, a defence lawyer and former prosecutor. "Rico allows you to bring in the bigger picture," Taghavi said. "His lifestyle, his power, his anger issues the way people had to obey him — the 360-degree view of his conduct." Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court to one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The trial, which could last two months and will enter its third week of testimony on Tuesday, has drawn intense media attention. The jury of 12 must vote unanimously to convict on any of the charges. If convicted, Combs faces 15 years to life in prison. Manhattan federal prosecutors allege Combs violently coerced and blackmailed women and paid for male escorts to participate in drug-fuelled sex parties he called "Freak Offs." An indictment against Combs last September alleges he did this through the "Combs Enterprise," a group of businesses and employees engaged in a pattern of prostitution, forced labour and a half-dozen other crimes dating to 2008. Combs' lawyers have conceded the rapper abused his ex-girlfriend but have argued prosecutors are trying to criminalise consensual sex and his "swingers' lifestyle." Combs will be able to call his own witnesses after the prosecution rests. 'A bad act free-for-all' Rico became law in 1970 and was aimed at taking down organised crime bosses by tying them to crimes committed by their underlings. To prove Rico charges, prosecutors must show that members of a so-called enterprise, or group of people engaged in a common purpose, committed or planned to commit two other crimes in connection with the enterprise within a ten-year period. [[nid:718007]] The Combs case is an unusual application of Rico, according to legal experts, who say the law is not typically used in cases that primarily concern things like sex trafficking and prostitution. During four days of testimony, the prosecution's star witness, Combs' ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura testified that Combs was a domineering serial abuser prone to fits of jealous rage. "I'd expect the defence will ask the jurors at closing, "Did you see a criminal organisation? A racketeering enterprise? Or is this really a domestic violence case dressed up to look like an organised crime case?" said Mark Chutkow, a defence lawyer and former prosecutor with experience trying Rico cases. But prosecutors have called several witnesses to try to back their theory that crime was central to Combs' empire. The rapper known as Kid Cudi told the jury Combs broke into his home and likely had a role in the torching of his car. An ex-employee said Combs regularly took opiates and ecstasy. And a hotel security guard recalled Combs offered him a stack of cash to buy his silence after he saw Combs beat Ventura. Combs' lawyers have argued that evidence of this kind is irrelevant. Prosecutors have countered that it is admissible because it is related to the so-called means and methods of the Combs Enterprise. For example, defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo objected to Combs' former personal chef testifying about a time Combs allegedly assaulted her. "I think we're just getting very far afield, and I think this is becoming sort of a bad act free-for-all," Agnifilo told US District Judge Arun Subramanian outside the presence of the jury on May 19. Subramanian said he would allow the testimony. There is legal precedent for applying Rico in sexual abuse cases from the case of rhythm and blues singer R. Kelly, who argued in an unsuccessful appeal of his 2021 conviction that allegations of assault were unrelated to racketeering. And evidence in the Combs' case suggests that his business empire was riddled by illegal acts, according to Michelle Simpson Tuegel, an attorney following the case. "That could show he was not just an abusive person and a bad guy but the leader of a criminal enterprise carrying out commercial sex using weapons and blackmail," Simpson Tuegel said. [[nid:718069]]
