Appeals Court Hears Arguments Over Transgender Treatment Restrictions
(Tallahassee, FL) -- A legal battle over treatment restrictions for Floridians experiencing gender dysphoria is months away from a potential resolution. A federal appeals court heard arguments in the battle of a state law that prohibits minors from receiving puberty blockers or hormone therapy, while placing limitations for similar medications for adults. The three-judge panel took up an appeal of a ruling last year that called the legislation unconstitutional discriminatory toward transgender residents. A stay was issued against the decision in August, allowing the restrictions to remain in place while legal proceedings continued.
Brightline Received Federal Funding To Expand Ridership
(Miami, FL) -- Brightline is getting federal help to expand its South Florida ridership. A nearly 34-million-dollar grant from the Federal Railroad Administration will allow the high-speed passenger transit system to extend its train coach cars from five to seven. The expansion will benefit travel demand between Miami and West Palm Beach. The money will fund the project over the next two years.
Dogfighting Suspect Arrested In Broward County
(Fort Lauderdale, FL)-- A Broward County man is accused of running a dog fighting operation. Deerfield Beach's Alex Eugene Benefield was arrested Tuesday after an FBI raid at his home on Southwest 10th Terrace. Agents say they found over 30 dogs on the property. He allegedly trained dogs for fighting. According to the FBI, a source told investigators Benefield has been in dog fighting for over a decade, and he's one of the top trainers in South Florida. Another suspect was arrested in Pompano Beach. Both were in court yesterday and were placed on house arrest. Local 10 News reports they're due back in court next month.
Former Hamas Hostage Discusses Ceasefire Deal
(Cooper City, FL)-- A woman held hostage by Hamas is skeptical they'll keep their word. Judith Raanan [[rah-NAHN]] was in Cooper City yesterday to discuss the ordeal she and her daughter suffered in Hamas custody. They were kidnapped in October 2023 while in Israel and freed less than two weeks later. Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire yesterday. The deal calls for Hamas to release more hostages, but Raanan tells NBC 6 she'll believe it when she sees it.
Experts Come Up With New Way To Define Obesity
(Washington, DC)-- Experts are coming up with a new way to define obesity. The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission wrote in a new paper that body mass index, or BMI, isn't the most accurate way to measure health at an individual level. Instead, the commission suggests to approach obesity similar to chronic illnesses. The group focused instead on adiposity, the amount of fat stored in the body, and how it impacts organs and tissue. The CDC says about 40-percent of American adults were considered obese between 2021 and 2023.
Today in History
1991, Operation Desert Storm began when United States and allied military forces launched air raids on Iraq. The attack was an effort to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.
1987, The Beastie Boys were censored during their appearance on "American Bandstand." It marked the first time an act had been censored on the show.
1973, "Bonanza" aired for the final time on NBC. The popular western drama had been on the air for more than 13 years.