Case Closed Against Student Arrested For Pledge Flap
(Lakeland, FL) -- The case against a Polk County student who refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance is closed, but his mom says the fight isn't over. A lawyer for eleven-year-old Jabari Talbot announced yesterday that the county's teen court informed him last week Talbot will not face criminal charges. The boy was arrested last month after he allegedly threatened a teacher at Lawton Chiles Middle School who questioned why he didn't stand for the Pledge. Talbot's mom says although the case has been dismissed, the fight against racial injustice will continue in a complaint filed with the federal government.
Stand Your Ground Hearing Scheduled For Deadly Shooting
(Viera, FL) -- A Brevard County deputy charged in a deadly shooting will use the Stand Your Ground defense. A judge recently scheduled a hearing for tomorrow for Yousef Hafza to argue why he was justified in the deadly shooting over two years ago. Hafza was off-duty when he shot and killed Palm Bay 25-year-old Clarence Howard during an apparent road-rage incident on the St. Johns Heritage Parkway. The 34-year-old Hafza is charged with second-degree murder and could get life in prison.
Pentagon Releases Tenants Bill Of Rights
(Tampa, FL) -- The Pentagon is taking what one local woman calls a step in the right direction. Defense officials yesterday released a Tenants Bill of Rights in response to housing problems at bases around the country, including MacDill Air Force Base. The new measure puts housing disputes in the hands of a third-party arbiter and allows residents to have their homes inspected before moving in. MacDill resident Amie Norquist tells the Tampa Bay Times while that's a good start, she'd like to see families be allowed to review a home's entire work history before moving in.
Florida Congressmen Introduce Daylight Savings Bill
(Washington, DC) -- Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, along with Representative Vern Buchanan, are introducing a federal Sunshine Protection Act in Washington. The bill would implement Daylight Savings Time year-round nationwide. A similar statewide measure passed the Florida legislature last year and was signed by then-Governor Scott, but it can't be implemented without federal approval. Rubio says the bill would be a boon to the state's tourism industry.
Florida Lawmakers Say They've Reached A Deal On Medical Marijuana
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida lawmakers say they're close to repealing the state's medical marijuana ban. State officials say the Senate and House have reached an agreement on a bill that would allow patients to smoke two-point-five ounces of marijuana every 35 days. It would also allow terminally ill children to smoke marijuana for treatment if they've been approved by two pediatricians. Republican Senator Jeff Brandes, one of the architects of the bill, said it could be up for a vote as early as today.
Uber Reveals Odd Lost And Found Items
(San Francisco, CA) -- Uber users are leaving some odd things behind in their rides. The ride-hailing company revealed its annual Lost and Found Index this week. A list of the 50 most unique lost items includes a baby Chihuahua, a full set of 18-karat gold teeth, a Babe Ruth signed baseball, a mannequin and deer antlers. Riders also lefts a number of food items behind. Uber says the most commonly forgotten items are phones, cameras, wallets and keys.
NASA Announces First All-Female Spacewalk Takes Place This Month
(Houston, TX) -- The first all-female spacewalk is scheduled to take place this month. NASA announced that on March 29th two women astronauts and two female ground flight directors will make history. Astronauts Anne McClain and Christina Koch will leave the International Space Station for a scheduled seven hours-long operation that typically includes making repairs and upgrades. They'll be assisted by Mary Lawrence and Kristen Facciol at NASA's Mission Control in Houston. The specifics of what they'll be doing on March 29th has not been announced. March is Women's History Month.
TODAY IN HISTORY;
2016, quarterback Peyton Manning announced his retirement from the NFL after 18 years in the league. The NFL's all-time passing leader and five-time Most Valuable Player made his announcement a month after helping the Broncos win Super Bowl 50 over the Carolina Panthers.
1987, Mike Tyson beat James "Bonecrusher" Smith to claim the World Boxing Council heavyweight title. By doing so, he became the youngest ever heavyweight champion.
1985, the song, "We Are The World," was played on the radio for the first time. It was the product of a collaboration of 45 of the top stars in pop music.
1965, state troopers broke up a march by civil rights demonstrators in Selma, Alabama. Because of the casualties resulting from the clash, the event became known as "Bloody Sunday."
1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a patent for the telephone.