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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department's operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Before Biden's commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. Story continues below video “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Berman said Trump's statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump's rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl's mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden's decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. _______ Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.What it feels like to be jobless after graduating from a top MBA college

Let your little ones glide with the best kids’ ski bootsBernadette Mcintyre named lieutenant governor of Saskatchewan

Share Tweet Share Share Email Innovation and opportunity abound, and discerning investors constantly look for projects that redefine the boundaries of finance and technology. From the pioneering dominance of Bitcoin to the trailblazing initiatives of Ethereum, Cardano, and Solana, each coin on this list exemplifies unique attributes that demand attention. However, standing tall amidst these giants is Qubetics ($TICS), an emerging platform revolutionising the investment landscape with its groundbreaking approach to tokenisation. This blend of tradition and innovation creates a compelling narrative for anyone eager to explore the top cryptos to join now. As you explore these options further, you’ll discover that Qubetics is the true game-changer among cryptocurrencies that continue to shape the future of decentralised finance. 1. Qubetics: Unlocking Investment Potential in the Digital Age Qubetics’ tokenised assets marketplace harnesses the transformative power of blockchain to reshape investment opportunities. Through tokenisation, physical and digital assets are converted into tradable digital tokens, fractionalising ownership and making high-value assets accessible to everyone. Whether it’s real estate, commodities, equities, or intellectual property, Qubetics caters to diverse investment preferences and risk profiles. The platform facilitates a seamless secondary market by addressing challenges like limited liquidity and lack of transparency, empowering investors to buy, sell, and manage their holdings efficiently. Currently, Qubetics is in its electrifying Presale Phase 14. Each week brings a 10% price hike, culminating in a staggering 20% rise in the final stage. The momentum is undeniable with $TICS tokens priced at $0.037 and over $7.7M already raised from 11,700+ holders. Over 374M tokens have been sold, with a post-presale target of $0.25 per token. Early investors stand to benefit from a potential ROI of 563.81%, making this phase an unmissable opportunity. With every phase, the excitement grows, and so does the potential to capitalise on one of the top cryptos to join now . 2. Bitcoin: The Gold Standard of Cryptocurrencies Bitcoin remains the bedrock of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. As the first and most recognised digital currency, its decentralised nature and limited supply make it an attractive store of value. Often referred to as “digital gold,” Bitcoin has weathered the storms of volatility to emerge as a resilient asset. Its established network and growing institutional adoption ensure its place on this list. Bitcoin remains an essential asset for any crypto portfolio, proving why it continues to top the ranks of top cryptos now. 3. Ethereum: Powering Decentralised Applications Ethereum has redefined what blockchain can achieve with its smart contract functionality. As the backbone of decentralised finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), Ethereum’s network supports countless innovative projects. With its energy-efficient proof-of-stake model, the recent upgrade to Ethereum 2.0 enhances scalability and security. Its dynamic ecosystem and endless utility solidify Ethereum’s position as a must-have in the crypto space. It’s no wonder Ethereum is one of the top cryptos now. 4. Cardano: Sustainability Meets Innovation Cardano prides itself on being a research-driven blockchain platform emphasising scalability and sustainability. Known for its rigorous peer-reviewed protocols, it offers a secure and eco-friendly alternative to traditional blockchains. With ongoing developments in decentralised apps and smart contracts, Cardano continues to draw developers and investors’ attention. Its commitment to innovation ensures its place on this list of top cryptos now. 5. Solana: High-Speed Blockchain Revolution Solana has set itself apart with lightning-fast transaction speeds and low fees. This high-performance blockchain is ideal for DeFi applications and NFT projects, positioning itself as a major competitor. Its unique proof-of-history mechanism enables unparalleled scalability, making it a go-to network for developers seeking efficiency. Solana’s ability to meet the demands of modern applications secures its inclusion among the top cryptos now. 6. Polkadot: Bridging Blockchain Ecosystems Polkadot’s mission to enable interoperability between different blockchains has revolutionised how networks interact. By connecting diverse blockchains into one cohesive ecosystem it facilitates seamless data and asset transfers. Polkadot’s relay chain structure and parachain capabilities have made it a critical infrastructure for future blockchain development. Its innovative design ensures its relevance as one of the top cryptos now. 7. Litecoin: The Silver to Bitcoin’s Gold Often referred to as Bitcoin’s lighter sibling, Litecoin offers faster transaction times and lower fees. Its simplicity and efficiency make it a popular choice for peer-to-peer transactions. With a strong community backing and continued relevance in the payments space, Litecoin remains a key player in the crypto world. It has earned its spot on this list of top cryptos now. 8. Toncoin: The Blockchain for Secure Messaging Toncoin powers the Telegram Open Network (TON), combining blockchain technology with the convenience of messaging platforms. With features like ultra-fast transactions and decentralised storage, Toncoin is designed for seamless integration with social applications. Its focus on user-friendly technology explains why it stands out as one of the top cryptos now. 9. Tron: Redefining Digital Content Sharing Tron is at the forefront of decentralised entertainment and content-sharing platforms. By eliminating intermediaries, it allows creators to connect directly with their audience. Its robust network and partnerships with major brands ensure Tron’s relevance in the digital economy. This unique value proposition solidifies Tron’s inclusion among the top cryptos now. 10. Celestia: Modular Blockchain Architecture Celestia’s modular design provides unprecedented scalability and flexibility. By separating consensus and data layers, it ensures greater efficiency and customisation for developers. This innovation has garnered attention for its potential to transform blockchain infrastructure. Celestia’s pioneering approach makes it a noteworthy addition to this list of top cryptos now. Conclusion: The Future of Crypto Investments Based on the latest research, top cryptos to join now are Qubetics, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, Polkadot, Litecoin, Toncoin, Tron, and Celestia. However, Qubetics stands apart with its groundbreaking tokenisation marketplace and lucrative presale opportunity. With its innovative approach and the chance for significant ROI, Qubetics ($TICS) presents an unmatched investment potential in today’s crypto market. For those eager to make the most of their investments, there has never been a better time to explore Qubetics and the top cryptos to join now. Don’t miss out on the next big opportunity—secure your place in the future of finance today! For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics Related Items: Blockchain , Qubetic Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Best Crypto to Buy in 2025: Qubetics, Solana, Cardano, Litecoin & Hedera to Explode Huge Gains! BTFD Coin’s Discount Offer And The Top 5 Picks for The Best Cryptos to Join for Short Term Gains Top Cryptocurrencies to Watch in 2024 | Top 3 Potential Breakout Stars CommentsYour child’s ski boots can impact their overall skiing experience and may even undermine their love for the sport if they find the boots awkward fitting and uncomfortable. In addition to comfort, the ability to retain warmth and be breathable are important qualities your kid’s ski boot should have. If your child is ready to hit the slopes and you’re looking for the ideal pair of boots, ensure you choose one that provides comfort and inspires confidence, such as our top pick, Fischer Junior/Kids RC4 60 Thermoshape Alpine On/Off-Piste Ski Boots . There are several types of ski boots for kids, such as rear-entry and front-entry designs as well as performance and adjustable boot options. Rear-entry boots allow your child to slip in their feet from the back, while front entry includes a tongue that opens forward and allows the child to slide in their foot from the top. Another type is performance boots, which are made for older kids who want a better performance from their footwear. The adjustable ski boot is another option, and it is a great choice for kids who grow out of their footwear quickly. It’s easy to think your child’s boots are too small because they feel stiff and tight, but some boots are designed to be stiff. To avoid making a mistake with the sizing, take your child with you to the ski shop to get them sized. You can speak to a ski technician to learn more about the fit process. Let your child try on the boot with the liner while wearing socks. If the liner is tight, then the boots may be too small. If your child is just starting with skiing and is only confident skiing on green runs, they are considered a beginner. Their category is intermediate if they can ski confidently on the blue square terrains. However, they are advanced if they can ski anything on the mountain. Kids’ ski boots usually come with ratings depending on their experience level. The boots with a lower flex rating are designed for beginners and are comfortable to wear but deliver less on performance. Those with a higher rating are usually less comfortable but provide better performance. Some children may end up abandoning skiing because they’d rather be doing something else other than constantly taking their boots on and off. Front-entry and rear-entry ski boots are easy to wear, so choose either of these options for a fussy child. Your child’s boots should grip the floor properly to minimize their chance of falling when skiing. This feature is known as slip resistance and is often determined by the type of material used to fabricate the outsole of the boots. Generally, slip-resistant soles are textured and made of rubber. Waterproof ski boots are made of nonporous materials and can keep your child’s feet dry even when submerged in water. There are water-resistant boots designed to repel water, but these won’t prevent your child’s feet from getting wet in heavy rain or snow. Most kids’ ski boots cost $25-$40. Some expensive options are made with high-quality waterproof material, costing up to $60. A. Ski boots have a different sizing for shoes, called Mondo sizing, which measures the inside of the foot. To get the right size for your child, use a tape measure to measure the length of their feet, then check the size chart to get the correct size. A. If your child is just starting with skiing, choose a pair of boots that can easily flex, like front-entry ski boots. Fischer Junior/Kids RC4 60 Thermoshape Alpine On/Off-Piste Ski Boots What you need to know: These ski boots are an excellent choice for beginner skiers thanks to their soft flex design and thermoformable technology. What you’ll love: These Soma-Tec boots are designed to enable maximum control and prevent the ankle and knee joints from twisting when skiing. They also include a micro-adjustable buckle system for quick and easy adjustment. They feature a thermoformable boot liner designed to give an adapted fit. What you should consider: Some users mentioned that the sizing isn’t accurate. Salomon T3 RT Ski Boots What you need to know: These ski boots come in three unique colors and are suitable for both boys and girls. What you’ll love: These boots are made with polyurethane, which gives them unique durability. They are also easy to put on or off and include micro-adjustments in the buckle to ensure a custom fit. What you should consider: They might run small for children with big feet. Rossignol Comp J4 Ski Boots Kid’s What you need to know: These ski boots are designed with comfort in mind thanks to their comfort liners and unique diagonal buckles. What you’ll love: They include liners that are made with soft materials and designed to give optimal comfort and all-day cushioning. They also feature diagonal buckles that offer a more natural foot wrapping and excellent heel support. What you should consider: The buckles are made of thin metal wire, which might not be very durable. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Middle East latest: Israeli strikes in Gaza kill more than 50 people, including kidsBroncos hope to continue playoff push when they meet the banged-up Raiders

WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request. The airline said in an email that the problem was caused by trouble with vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the system known as FOS. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Some components of FOS have gone down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Out of the 3,901 domestic and international American Airlines flights scheduled for Tuesday, 19 were canceled. Cirium noted that the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 36% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 3,712 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed Tuesday, with 55 flights canceled. It did not show any flights from American Airlines. Cirium said Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms developed in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. Any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. Finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so the airline had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The groundings happened as millions of travelers were expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. "Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation's highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023. U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences. Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches. Bags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following: If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property." In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500. For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Different air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated. Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation. Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class. The DOT offers a helpful delay and cancellations dashboard designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances." The Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following: The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra. If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf. Passengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you. For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat. Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer. According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours. Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!The Baltimore City school system is taking steps to avoid losing federal funding due to unmet requirements under the state’s Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education reform plan. The Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) voted Thursday to officially warn the Baltimore City and Montgomery County school systems that they have that would warrant the board’s approval to release fiscal years 2025 and 2026 Blueprint funds. “I’m here today to express directly to the members of the AIB that the delay is not the result of inattention, lack of commitment or urgency, or a failure to understand the timeline on our part,” Sandi Jacobs, Blueprint Implementation Coordinator for Baltimore City Schools said at the AIB meeting. Jacobs knew the system still had one of the implementation plan — the career ladder, which is designed to boost skills, leadership and compensation, that required negotiation with the Baltimore teachers union. The Baltimore Teachers Union and the school system had reached a stalemate ahead of a state deadline, and formal impasse papers were filed after several rounds of negotiations over specifics in the teacher career ladder. The city’s school system initiated discussion of a new career ladder framework with its bargaining unit in July of 2023. The schools negotiated for many months and reached an impasse in June 2024. Impasse procedures were then initiated at that point, and after additional months of mediation, city schools reached a tentative agreement with the Baltimore Teachers Union earlier this month. “We purposely began these discussions a full year before the new career ladder was scheduled to go into effect and due for submission to the AIB because we understood the complexity and importance of the task,” Jacobs said. Baltimore City schools had existing career pathways in place that would be sunset as it transitioned to the new Blueprint career ladder. “We’ve been committed to applying the lessons learned from these previous pathways, while also making sure we meet all the Blueprint requirements and serve the best interest of our educators and our students,” Jacob said at the meeting. “We’re pleased to now have a tentative agreement for a new career ladder, which will provide a comprehensive career advancement system for educators that fosters continuous professional growth, recognizes and rewards exemplary teaching practices, provides opportunities for leadership and specialized roles and allows exceptional educators to stay in the classroom — ultimately enhancing the quality of education and student outcomes in City Schools.” City schools will submit the plan to the Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board as soon as possible after ratification by the bargaining unit and approval by the Baltimore City Board of school Commissioners, which is scheduled for Dec. 10. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future was passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2021 to boost public education. The Blueprint increases state funding for education over the next 10 years, with the goal of accelerating student performance, and helping children, who have been historically underserved by the education system. “We are pleased to now have a tentative agreement for a new career ladder, which will provide a comprehensive career advancement system for educators that fosters continuous professional growth, recognizes and rewards exemplary teaching practices, provides opportunities for leadership and specialized roles, and allows exceptional educators to stay in the classroom, ultimately enhancing the quality of education and student outcomes in City Schools,” a Baltimore City Schools spokesperson said. Isiah “Ike” Leggett, Chair of the Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board, said schools have been challenged adjusting to the criteria because it’s such a massive program with large areas to cover. As a result, the group has built in additional time and safeguards to help with the process. The board has also hired additional personnel to work with the schools to meet the requirements of the program. “This is a massive change in how we approach public education in the state of Maryland,” Leggett told The Baltimore Sun on Friday. “That was to be anticipated in my opinion. It’s a challenge but it’s not insurmountable.”NASA Accelerates Space Exploration, Earth Science for All in 2024