He sparked massive search after calling 911 about child kidnapping. It was fake, police say.

A witness’ report of a teenage girl being abducted by two men prompted a massive law enforcement response. There was just one problem: The story was fake, Hollywood police said Wednesday. Wilker Joseph’s report to 911 about an abduction on Feb. 12 “strained and spent valuable resources investigating this false claim,” a police report said. Agencies that joined the search or helped investigate the case included the FBI, U.S. Marshals, school resource officers, school board... Read More

‘Jeopardy!’ host Alex Trebek reveals stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis

Alex Trebek made a heartbreaking announcement Wednesday when the longtime “Jeopardy!” host announced that he has been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. “I have some news to share with all of you and it’s in keeping with my longtime policy of being open and transparent with our Jeopardy! fan base,” Trebek, 78, said in a video message recorded on the iconic set. “I also wanted to prevent you from reading or hearing some overblown or inaccurate reports regarding my health.... Read More

Hollywood cut pension benefits in 2011. Eight years later, they’re being restored.

Slashed pay and extreme pension cuts caused a rift between Hollywood and its police and firefighters that has lasted almost a decade. Hollywood took steps to end the feud with the city’s firefighters on Wednesday, a month after mending fences with police. A plan that would restore pension benefits at an estimated cost of $2.6 million a year won unanimous commission approval. A final vote will take place on March 20. “Long overdue,” Commissioner Peter Hernandez said before Wednesday’s... Read More

Medical marijuana smoking ban close to being repealed in Florida

TALLAHASSEE — With plenty of breathing room before a March 15 deadline set by Gov. Ron DeSantis, House and Senate leaders are close to doing away with a state ban on smoking medical marijuana. State Sen. Jeff Brandes and state Rep. Ray Rodrigues confirmed Wednesday they’ve reached an accord on a proposal that would allow patients to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for smoking every 35 days, ban smoking of medical marijuana in public places and allow terminally ill children to... Read More