Florida Files Lawsuit Against FEMA Worker
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida is taking legal action against a FEMA worker accused of ignoring hurricane victims who displayed signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump. Attorney General Ashley Moody says a lawsuit has been filed against former FEMA supervisor Marn'i Washington and the agency's current administrator, Deanne Criswell. Moody says she is going to find out how far the political discrimination reaches and to make sure all Americans who fall victim to storms are served. A complaint claims at least 20 homes in Lake Placid were skipped due to Washington's guidance after the area was hit by Helene and Milton.
Coastal Flood Advisory Issued In Brevard County
(Melbourne, FL)-- Flooding could be a problem on the coast today. The National Weather Service has a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for Brevard and Volusia counties until 10:00 p.m. Saturday. Minor coastal flooding is expected, especially in low-lying lots, parks and roadways near the shoreline. The NWS warns there could be isolated road closures, too.
Volusia County Residents Frustrated With Flooding
(DeLand, FL) -- Some Volusia County residents may explore their legal options to get their flooding concerns addressed. Those who live along Miller Lake outside Orange City are frustrated that the water is rising, and no one seems to be doing anything. Catherine Levinson thinks several homes could be threatened if the lake rises just another couple feet. A neighbor says everyone is absolutely fed up. Levinson and others have suggested the county pump excess water from the lake into a vacant lot, but officials said 'no.' Levinson tells Fox 35 no one wants to go to court, but local authorities aren't functioning together as a unit, and she and her neighbors may have to force them to.
'Romance Scammer' Arrested In Manatee County
(Bradenton, FL)-- A man described as a 'romance scammer' is facing charges in Manatee County. Bradenton Police announced yesterday Minnesota's Benjamin Yakah was arrested after an investigation by the Elder Fraud Unit. The 26-year-old allegedly stole over 100-thousand dollars from a Bradenton widower in an internet romance scam. Police say the 77-year-old man met a woman named Julia on Facebook last year, and over the course of eight months, he sent her money. When the victim's family found out, they contacted police who found out Julia was really Yakah. Investigators say Yakah has victims in other states. He's charged with grand theft and is awaiting extradition to Manatee County.
Bear Costume Used In Car Insurance Fraud Scheme
(Los Angeles, CA)-- Four people are under arrest in the Los Angeles area for attempted insurance fraud by saying a bear damaged their cars, when it was instead a person in a bear costume. The suspects said in January that a bear got into their 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost and damaged the interior, giving video of the incident as well. The Department of Insurance reviewed the footage, saying they knew right away it was actually a human being. Upon investigating, the department found that two other claims had been filed to different insurance companies with the same location and date. A search warrant was executed, where officials found the bear costume in a suspect's home. Claims were paid out totaling over 140-thousand dollars.
AK Student Wins First National Civics Bee
(Anchorage, AK)-- An Alaska middle schooler is the winner of the first-ever National Civics Bee. Alaska's News Source reports 14-year-old Romig Middle School eighth grader Emily Brubaker won the inaugural trophy during the contest in Washington, D.C. over the weekend. She also took home a prize of 100-thousand dollars.
Today in History
1969, the first Wendy's Hamburger restaurant opened in Columbus, Ohio.
1937, air conditioning was used in the U.S. House and Senate chambers for the first time.
1926, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) debuted with a network of 24 st