MCC’s College for Kids programs LOWELL — Middlesex Community College’s “College for Kids,” summer programs for ages 8-17, start on Monday, July 8. The programs provide opportunities for young students to explore careers and learn new skills. “Whether they are looking to dive deeper into one of their hobbies or explore something new, there is a lot for kids to choose from in this summer’s College for Kids line-up,” Dean of Workforce Development Audrey Nahabedian said. “Engaged in exciting and hands-on activities, kids can enjoy their summer while also maintaining a sense of normalcy and routine ..read more

By TARA COPP (Associated Press) WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukraine has sidelined U.S.-provided Abrams M1A1 battle tanks for now in its fight against Russia, in part because Russian drone warfare has made it too difficult for them to operate without detection or coming under attack, two U.S. military officials told The Associated Press. The U.S. agreed to send 31 Abrams to Ukraine in January 2023 after an aggressive monthslong campaign by Kyiv arguing that the tanks, which cost about $10 million apiece, were vital to its ability to breach Russian lines. But the battlefield has changed substantially sinc ..read more

By The Associated Press Hamas has said for more than 15 years that it could accept a two-state compromise with Israel — at least, a temporary one. But Hamas has also refused to say that it would recognize Israel or renounce its armed fight against it. For Israel and many others, especially in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that spurred the latest war in Gaza, that’s proof that Hamas is still irrevocably bent on destroying Israel. The United States and European countries have joined Israel in shunning the group they have labeled a terrorist organization. For some observers, Hamas has signaled ..read more

By KIMBERLEE KRUESI (Associated Press) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s GOP-controlled Statehouse on Thursday gave their final approval to legislation criminalizing adults who help minors receive gender-affirming care without parental consent, clearing the way for the first-in-the-nation proposal to be sent to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature. The bill mirrors almost the same language from a so-called “anti-abortion trafficking” proposal Tennessee Republican lawmakers approved just a day prior. In that version, supporters are hoping to stop adults from helping young people obtain abor ..read more

By KATE BRUMBACK (Associated Press) ATLANTA (AP) — As Donald Trump seeks a return to the White House, criminal charges are piling up for the people who tried to help him stay there in 2020 by promoting false theories of voter fraud. At least five states won in 2020 by President Joe Biden have investigated efforts to install slates of electors who would cast Electoral College votes for Trump despite his loss. Those slates were to be used by Trump allies in the House and Senate to justify delaying or blocking the certification of the election during the joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021 ..read more

CHELMSFORD — Gov. Maura Healey made an appearance at the Triton Anchor facility in Chelmsford Thursday afternoon to highlight local businesses exploring green energy and to tout the Mass Leads Act, which she filed last month. The $3.5 billion omnibus economic development bill, if passed by the state Legislature, would reauthorize the Life Science Initiative for 10 years, and would invest $1 billion in climate-related technologies over the next decade in an effort to keep the state competitive in the clean energy sector. “One thing we really tried to lean on as an administration is climate, and ..read more

Jon Bon Jovi acknowledges that the new documentary “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story” is “a little overwhelming, emotional.” It’s also a proverbial warts-and-all presentation of his life, as well as the 40-plus-year career of the band that bears his name. But Bon Jovi wouldn’t have it any other way. “All I’ve ever wanted to sell was the truth,” the 62-year-old New Jersey rock icon explains via Zoom. “If you’re not gonna show it warts and all, don’t bother. This wasn’t a VH1 ‘Behind the Music.’ I wasn’t interested in a puff piece.” “Thank You, Goodnight” — premiering Friday, April 26 on ..read more

“Challengers,” a sexy tennis love triangle from acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino and budding superstar Zendaya, has generated enough buzz and rave reviews that it may reach No. 1 in the rankings.  But even if the story, directing and acting are all aces, to achieve greatness the movie still needs to provide genuine excitement and realistic drama on the court. To provide an air of credibility, the film hired former pro and veteran analyst Brad Gilbert to consult on the film and to train Zendaya for three months; Guadagnino says she got so good he barely had to use her tennis stunt double ..read more

CHELMSFORD — The Crescendos are getting ready to take Manhattan. Following a first-place finish at the International Championship of High School A Cappella Northeast Semifinals in March, Chelmsford High School’s all-treble voiced group has advanced to the final round of the competition, which will be held at The Town Hall in New York City on April 26. “This is the first time The Crescendos are advancing to the ICHSA finals,” said senior Cailin “Kiki” Deutschmann, co-president of the group. “It’s been a really amazing journey since September. … This whole entire process has been so fulfilling ..read more

Betty Hallock | (TNS) Los Angeles Times LOS ANGELES — Call them the vegetable whisperers. Sarah Hymanson and Sara Kramer are the two produce-obsessed chefs behind Kismet restaurant in Los Feliz, the growing chainlet of Kismet Rotisserie takeout shops (there are three across L.A. now, where the tahini roasted cauliflower is as popular as the chicken) and a new vegetable-forward cookbook to be released at the end of this month. How is it that Hymanson and Kramer can create seemingly simple dishes of mostly vegetables (and a little meat too) in smart, surprising ways with ..read more