TALLAHASSEE — A Senate committee Monday narrowly approved a bill that would create a new path for parents who don’t want their schoolchildren vaccinated, with the proposal’s sponsor saying parents should be in the “driver’s seat” — but opponents warning of public-health consequences. The bill (SB 1756), sponsored by Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, includes creating an exemption to vaccination requirements for parents who say the shots conflict with their “conscience.”... Read More
Officer fatally shoots an aggressive raccoon on a New York boardwalk
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York police officer who fatally shot a raccoon that aggressively charged toward people has been placed on modified duty while the matter is reviewed. The shooting occurred around 7:45 a.m. Thursday in Rockaway Beach, shortly after someone called 911 to report a vicious animal, a police department spokesperson said in an emailed statement Monday. Officers were trying to usher the racoon from a boardwalk to a safe location when the animal suddenly charged. An officer... Read More
Reeves and Ronningdal Named Players of the Week
Story Links ORLANDO, Fla. – The Sunshine State Conference announced its weekly award winners for the week of January 19-25, and two Sharks were highlighted. Ross Reeves and Emilia Ronningdal were named Men’s Basketball Player of the Week and Women’s Swimmer of the Week, respectively. Hailing from Orem, Utah, Reeves powered the Sharks to a 2-0 week with key conference wins over Saint Leo University and No. 4 Palm Beach Atlantic University. On the road against... Read More
Fort Lauderdale boxing coach found dead in canal two days after disappearance
The co-owner and coach at a boxing gym in Fort Lauderdale was found dead Sunday after his car was lifted from a section of the Cypress Creek Canal, a few blocks away from where he was last seen two days earlier. Jonathan Scibica, 35, of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, left the Cheers Restaurant & Bar in the 900 block of East Cypress Creek Road in his grey 2024 Honda Ridgeline about 4 a.m. Friday. The Broward Sheriff’s Office issued a missing person alert on Saturday evening. Scibica was a... Read More
Paralyzing winter storms put a big chill on US economy, but how much?
By SETH BORENSTEIN, Associated Press HOUSTON (AP) — The deadly and widespread winter storm paralyzing much of the American East with ice, snow and cold is also taking a multi-billion dollar bite out of the U.S. economy, experts figure. But how much? Economists and meteorologists are trying to get a handle on the disruption costs of winter weather disasters, which aren’t as easy to calculate as buildings destroyed by hurricanes, floods and fires. “Events like this storm highlight just... Read More
DeSantis blames Minnesota officials for immigration turmoil there
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday he knows who’s responsible for the turmoil surrounding President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota, which has resulted in the fatal shootings of two American citizens by federal agents. DeSantis pointed a finger of responsibility at Gov. Tim Walz, of Minnesota, and Mayor Jacob Frey, of Minneapolis, for what is happening there. He faulted them for fomenting opposition to federal immigration enforcement efforts there, and contrasted... Read More
Jewish voices rise up with concern following ICE killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis
After Alex Pretti was shot and killed on Jan. 24 by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jewish voices were among the many that quickly rose up in condemnation. The voices have included both progressive Jewish groups that regularly inveigh against right-wing policies and, increasingly, mainstream groups that say they represent American Jews from across the political spectrum. The American Jewish Committee, for example, issued an extensive statement... Read More
Cold whiplash: Temps to plunge by 40 degrees overnight Monday
Strong winds will usher in a blast of cold air over South Florida starting Monday night, ending unusually warm weather. The National Weather Service said temperatures would drop by 30 to 40 degrees between Monday afternoon to daybreak on Tuesday. The region should remain chilly through the end of the workweek, forecasters said, if not through the weekend. Will Redman, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said the air, originating in Canada, will arrive Monday night. “We’ll get some... Read More
Redesigned Huizenga Park reopens in downtown Fort Lauderdale | PHOTOS
The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority celebrated the grand reopening of Huizenga Park following a total redesign of the 3.6-acre riverfront space. Sunday’s festivities included a community yoga session on the new lawn and the Sunny Side Up Market featuring local vendors. The photo gallery captures the updated park features, including expanded green spaces and public art installations at the corner of Las Olas Boulevard and Andrews Avenue. ... Read More
Private jet with 8 aboard crashes on takeoff in Maine, FAA says
BANGOR, Maine (AP) — A private aircraft carrying eight people crashed on takeoff Sunday night at Maine’s Bangor International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed around 7:45 p.m., and there was no immediate word on the conditions of those aboard. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. The crash occurred as New England and much of the country grappled with a massive winter storm. Bangor had undergone... Read More