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Miami-Dade college student and father climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:47:05 GMT

Summer is a time for kids to rest and relax, but for one Miami-Dade college student, it’s a time to fulfill a longtime dream of high adventure. Karen Hensel has her story in tonight’s 7 Spotlight.Hiking the tallest mountain in Africa isn’t for the faint of heart.Jessica Raffo: “I think, I always crave adventure.”And adventure is just what 18-year-old Jessica Raffo got.For years, she dreamed of hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Last month, her dad, Jaime Raffo, helped make that dream come true.Jessica Raffo: “One day he called me when he was at work, and he was like, ‘I got the tickets,’ and I called all my friends, and I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, like, this is real.'”They bought new hiking boots and cold weather gear, and off they went.Jaime Raffo: “I was very excited, more so to be able to do it with my daughter.”With the help of guides, their group began at the base of the mountain where the temperature is war...

FBI searches for masked bandit who robbed bank in Southwest Miami-Dade

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:47:05 GMT

Federal authorities are searching for a bank bandit who, they said, robbed a bank in Southwest Miami-Dade.According to the FBI, the incident occurred at the Chase branch near Southwest 20th Street and Red Road, Thursday.The masked man was captured on camera as he walked into the bank, demanded money and left with an undisclosed sum of cash.Officials urge anyone with information about the subject’s whereabouts is to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or go to fbi.gov/tips.

Traffic crash with injuries blocks northbound lanes of Palmetto Expressway in West Miami-Dade

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:47:05 GMT

Emergency responders from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded to a traffic crash with injuries on the northbound lanes of the Palmetto Expressway/SR 826 at SW 8th Street in west Miami-Dade shortly after 4:45 pm today.According to MDFR, personnel remain at the scene, but as of now, no transports have been reported. Meanwhile, the FHP website indicates that all northbound lanes are currently blocked due to the crash.The collision has caused disruptions and congestion along this major expressway. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and exercise caution when traveling in the area.Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.

77 high school students gifted $100 for shopping spree at Aventura Mall as they prepare for college

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:47:05 GMT

Dozens of South Florida students are learning how to dress for success as they prepare to head to college.Seventy-seven high school students each got a $100 shopping spree at the Aventura Mall on Friday to find clothing that will help them look the part when they go in for their next college visit or do interviews.“Maybe I’ll switch it up for some pants, I don’t know,” said a student. The shopping spree is all part of Achieve Miami’s mission to empower young people and help them reach their goals.During this event, called Best Look Forward, professional stylists helped students from Title I schools across Miami-Dade County pick outfits“Always dress to impress. Always, always,” said a student. “It is so important because the moment you step in, and they look at you like, ‘OK, wow, look how she’s dressing, she cares about this, you know, she’s making the time and effort to change, to do her makeup, to do her clothes.'&#...

Police searching for ‘armed and dangerous’ suspect in North End shooting

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:47:05 GMT

A Boston man is wanted after a shooting in the North End and is considered armed and dangerous, police announced Friday.Police said suspect Patrick Mendoza, 54, is wanted in connection to a shooting outside Modern Pastry Wednesday night.Mendoza is described as a white male, 5’11”, 160 pounds, with black hair.New video obtained by 7NEWS allegedly shows Mendoza on a bicycle shooting at another man outside Modern Pastry on Hanover Street around 11 p.m. Wednesday.The business, police said, was closed at the time and no one was hurt. 7NEWS obtained the video of the shooting and details from a police report, which explains the suspect and the victim have a years-long feud. Police said there have been no arrests.In the video, a bicyclist shoots at the victim in the street, who hides behind a car. After an exchange, the victim runs away, and the shooter then pedals away. The victim was not injured, but the bullet shattered Modern Pastry’s window.Local business owner Adriana DeStefano o...

Truck stolen in Dorchester with child inside

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:47:05 GMT

A truck was stolen with a child inside Friday afternoon in Dorchester, officials said, and the child was reunited with their mother after being dropped off a block away from the theft. The black truck was stolen around 3 p.m. at the intersection of Geneva Avenue and Westville Street, but police said the vehicle was found unoccupied after the theft at Columbia Road and Washington Street.Officials are now searching for the person who stole the vehicle.This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.

After Double-A promotion, top Orioles prospect Jackson Holliday ‘wouldn’t put it past myself’ to end year in major leagues

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:47:05 GMT

Jackson Holliday has put a lot of miles on his truck. He just moved into his third apartment of the year. He believes it’s possible to increase both counts before his first full professional season is over.Fresh off a call-up to Double-A Bowie that marked his second promotion of 2023, the Orioles’ top prospect thinks he might not be done yet.“I came into spring training [with] this as my goal for the end of the year and reached it,” Holliday said. “So now, there’s new goals.”Asked whether reaching the majors at 19 years old is an achievable one, Holliday didn’t shy from the possibility.“That would be quite something,” he said Friday before his debut at Prince George’s Stadium. “But I wouldn’t put it past myself at this point, so who knows?”In the past 15 years, only four teenage position players — Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Jurickson Profar and Juan Soto — have recorded plate appearances i...

More than 1,000 acres of crops destroyed in Massachusetts by storms, floods

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:47:05 GMT

At least 75 farms were soaked and more than 1,000 acres of crops lost after heavy storms earlier this week in Western Massachusetts, state agriculture officials said Friday morning.Torrential downpours blanketed much of New England, leading to dangerous flooding in Vermont and Western Massachusetts, where farmers reported widespread damage. Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ahsley Randle said it is “absolutely heartbreaking” to see the devastation in Massachusetts.“We have boots on the ground to get an accurate scope of the damage so we can continue working with our local, state, and federal partners in assisting our farmers who continue to face these challenges,” Randle said in a statement. “Despite these recent tragedies, we know our farmers are resilient, and we encourage consumers to continue supporting their local farms that support the communities they serve in so many ways.”State officials were scheduled to visit farms in Deerfield, Florence, Had...

Ross Chastain brings combative racing style to New Hampshire

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:47:05 GMT

Ross Chastain has alienated one important NASCAR constituency while ingratiating himself to another.That is no small undertaking for a driver who spent five fruitless seasons on the Cup Series Tour hustling to attain respect and attention under the umbrella of Trackhouse Racing.Chastain’s outsized ambitions on the rough and tumble of the Cup Series Tour were realized in 2022 when he emerged as one of the top drivers on the circuit. He started 36 races with two wins, 15 top finishes, 21 in the top 10 and finished second overall in his first playoff appearance.Chastain, 30, was emboldened to up his game this season by racing closer to the edge, a practice that did not go unnoticed by the other drivers in the field.While Chastain’s enemies list on pit road would rival the Nixon White House, his widespread popularity among the hardcore bleacher creatures has cracked the ozone layer. Over 19 races this season, Chastain has cultivated his bad boy image while pulling off, with caveats atta...

Home Showcase: Classic loft vibe in Jamaica Plain

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:47:05 GMT

How often do you come across true loft living in Boston anymore? If extra-tall ceilings, exposed brick, and wide-open space to do with as you please are your vibe, get yourself to the American Brewery Lofts at 251 Heath Street in Jamaica Plain and feast your eyes on Unit 225.Spanning over 1,300 square feet, the expanded one-bedroom residence embodies the essence of loft living with its expansive floor plan, rich architectural details, and modern upgrades.The 15-foot wood-paneled ceilings soar above you, complemented by exposed brick walls and oversized arched windows that fill the space with natural light. Custom woodwork adds character and functionality throughout. True to its loft layout, you’re free to divvy up the square footage to suit your life. Carve out a nook for a home office, dining area, or the ultimate cat condo setup — the association is pet friendly!A gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a striking stained glass dome floating a...