Greetings Columbus:
We’re following up this morning on a string of tragic news.
One is a fatal accident last night near Clifty Creek Elementary School. Click here for the story.
Another is the story about the deaths of Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson and Jeffrey Monroe of Avon. They were killed when a suspected drunken driver struck them outside their car on Interstate 70. We’ve just learned that the suspect had been deported twice, according to the Indiana State Police. Story here.
And then there’s the story of Savanna G. Jessie, a first-grade student at Columbus Signature Academy — Lincoln Elementary School, who died last week. A cause of death has not been determined. The 7-year-old had tested positive for influenza B and strep throat and had scarlet fever at the time of her death. Click here.
BCSC Superintendent Jim Roberts released a statement Friday afternoon acknowledging with great sadness the death of the first-grader and addressing families’ concerns about the flu. Here is the statement —
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The Associated Press is reporting that the government’s report out Friday showed the flu season continued to intensify last week. One of every 14 visits to doctors and clinics were for fever, cough and other symptoms of the flu. That’s the highest level since the swine flu pandemic in 2009.
Here’s what else you need to know —
New Albany stops East, but take a look at phenom Romeo Langford.
“Romeo is going to probably be one of the greatest players to ever play in the state of Indiana and he didn’t disappoint today,” East coach Brent Chitty said. “He hit a lot of shots, tough shots … We kept him away from the basket, and he still hit shots.” Video and story here.
Cummins powers ahead on electrification efforts.
The Columbus-based global diesel engine and power systems maker has finalized the acquisition of Johnson Matthey’s UK-based automotive battery systems business. Story here.
DACA rally in Columbus.
Nearly 175 people gathered downtown on Sunday. Reporter Brian Blair writes: Linda Ventura, a junior psychology major and winner of three scholarships helping her attend IUPUC, tearfully acknowledged that she is “absolutely terrified” of being sent out of the United States when the only substantial life she has known has been in Columbus since she came here at age 7 from Mexico with her mother. Story and photos here.
Super Bowl aftermath.
Big game? Really good.
Halftime? Not so good. U.S. Bank needs a better sound system. Yes, pay homage to Prince but ditch the stadium-size image of him. Just sing his songs. Where was NSYNC or Chris Stapleton or Jay-Z? Love me some Justin Timberlake, but it just did not work.
Commericals? Ditto — not so good. Best of the night was Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr.’s recreation of “Dirty Dancing.” It’ll make you smile, and here it is —
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