Suspect In Assassination Attempt Can Represent Himself
(Palm Beach Co., FL) -- The man who's accused of trying to assassinate President Trump can represent himself after all. A Florida judge today ruled that Ryan Routh can defend himself even though he was advised not to. Routh said he thought the public defenders were afraid of him and wouldn't be able to back him up. The man is accused of staking out Trump with a rifle on the President's golf course in September 2024. He pleaded not guilty to attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, and other charges.
UWF Fills New Executive Position
(Pensacola, FL)-- The University of West Florida's new president is already making changes. Interim President Manny DIaz, Jr. wanted to create a new position called Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff. Yesterday, the UWF Board of Trustees filled the position. Members approved hiring Dr. Clifford Humphrey. He'll get a base salary of 180-thousand dollars. Humphrey worked for Diaz before when Diaz was commissioner of the Florida Department of Education. The hire was not without controversy, though. According to WEAR News, one trustee asked why the board was hiring a permanent chief of staff for an interim president.
Witness Helps Catch Teen Purse Snatcher
(Tampa, FL) -- A witness is credited with helping deputies arrest a thief in Hillsborough County. Nineteen-year-old Daniel Chocooj-Paau was arrested yesterday. The sheriff's office says he robbed a woman on Wednesday while she was with her child at a restaurant in Dover on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Deputies say he was wearing a mask and took the woman's wallet. A witness chased after him and recovered the woman's wallet, but the teen got away. Yesterday, though, investigators say a witness recognized Daniel and called the sheriff's office, and he was taken into custody. He's facing robbery and drug charges.
Boca Raton Mayor Defends Ads In NYC
(Boca Raton, FL)-- Boca Raton's mayor is defending his efforts to try to lure New Yorkers. The city is spending 70-thousand dollars on a Times Square billboard to attract businesses that may be looking to move. The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports Boca residents have complained. Some are worried New Yorkers that move here may bring their liberal politics with them.
Trump Wants Gruters To Head RNC
(Washington, DC)-- If President Trump gets his way, a Florida lawmaker will lead the Republican National Committee. Trump announced yesterday he's endorsing Sarasota State Senator Joe Gruters as the next RNC chairman. Trump made the endorsement after reports came out yesterday that Michael Whatley will step down to run for senate in North Carolina. Gruters tells the Miami Herald that Trump is the greatest president in our history, and he looks forward to advancing Trump's agenda as the next chair of the RNC.
Astronomer People Officer Resigns After Viral Kiss Cam
(New York, NY)-- The woman seen cuddling with her company's CEO in a viral kiss cam moment at a Coldplay concert has resigned. Kristin Cabot stepped down from her job as chief people officer at Astronomer, a data management startup. The man she was with, CEO Andy Byron, resigned days ago. Both are married to other people. The company is now led by interim CEO Pete DeJoy while a new leader is found.
Florida Man Arrested While Dressed As Chuck E. Cheese
(Tallahassee, FL)-- Pictures and video of Chuck E. Cheese being arrested in Florida are going viral on social media. Pictures show the pizza chain mascot in handcuffs while being led out by police as children in the background look on. Police are then seen in a video removing the head of the mascot outfit as the man stands next to a police car. Tallahassee police said the man inside the costume was arrested on a number of felonies including credit card theft and fraud. He's been released on bond.
Today in History
1946, Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin performed together for the first time. Over the next ten years, the duo made 17 films together.