Gillum's Ethics Hearing Begins Today
(Tallahassee, FL) -- The state's ethics commission might have trouble making a case against Andrew Gillum. The former Tallahassee mayor's ethics hearing is set to begin today, but some key witnesses might not testify. A judge said yesterday he can't force Gillum's brother to testify and Gillum's lawyer tells the Tallahassee Democrat Marcus Gillum is home in Chicago. Former friend and lobbyist Adam Corey and an undercover FBI agent are also potential witnesses, but there's no confirmation they will testify, either.
Police-Involved Shooting In Daytona Beach
(Daytona Beach, FL) -- A man is hurt after a police-involved shooting in Volusia County. Daytona Beach police shot an armed man inside a Walgreens yesterday on South Ridgewood Avenue. When police asked suspect Louis Curler to show his hands, they say he ran toward employees inside the store and was shot in the back. He was taken to the hospital, but there's no word on his condition. Officers say the suspect had been firing a rifle inside the pharmacy and demanding drugs and money before police arrived.
Inmate Mistakenly Released
(Brevard County, FL) -- An inmate mistakenly freed by a Brevard County judge is back in custody. Twenty-nine-year-old Cedrick Gant turned himself over to U.S. Marshals in Orlando yesterday afternoon. Gant is sentenced to 23 years in federal prison for an armed carjacking. He was released from custody after a hearing for an unrelated crime. An investigation is being done to figure out how the error happened.
Judge Seals Kraft Video In Florida Prostitution Case
(West Palm Beach, FL) -- A Florida judge is temporarily sealing the videos that allegedly show New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft receiving sexual services at a massage parlor. Ruling yesterday a Palm Beach County judge said the videotape be withheld from media outlets to ensure Kraft's "right to a fair trial" on charges of soliciting prostitution. The decision means the videos won't be released at least until a jury is sworn in for a trial, the case is resolved by a plea deal, or if charges are dropped.
Port Richey Vacancy Remains Unfilled
(Port Richey, FL) -- It doesn't look like Port Richey is any closer to filling a vacant city council seat. The city council met yesterday and for the third time failed to appoint a successor to fill former Mayor Dale Massad's council seat. The seat became vacant when Massad resigned two months ago after his arrest on charges that include attempted murder.
Senate Passes Teacher Gun Bill
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida is a step closer to permitting armed teachers in classrooms. The state Senate yesterday passed a bill to allow trained teachers to voluntarily carry guns on school campuses, but it still needs to pass the House. The measure expands a school Guardian Program created after last year's Parkland school massacre. Ocala Republican Senator Dennis Baxley says having someone who can respond right away to a threat could be crucial, but Orlando Democrat Victor Torres says teachers are best equipped to teach.
Outstanding Warrant For Florida Viral Easter Bunny
(South Brunswick, NJ) -- There's an outstanding warrant in New Jersey for the Easter Bunny, who went viral for breaking up a fight in Orlando, Florida. Cops in South Brunswick say Antoine McDonald has been involved in a dozen or so incidents, including allegedly burglarizing a car in September 2018. They also say he's been arrested for a harassment case. Last Sunday, bystanders videotaped McDonald in the bunny suit intervening in a fight between a man and woman by punching the man.
Senate Votes To End Hair Discrimination
(Sacramento, CA) -- The California Senate is voting to end hair discrimination in the workplace and schools across the state. Introduced by Senator Holly Mitchell, the bill aims to "Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair" and is nicknamed the CROWN Act. It clarifies that traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and hairstyle, be protected from discrimination in the workplace and in K-12 public and charter schools. The measure unanimously passed in the Senate.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
2008, actor Wesley Snipes was sentenced to three years in a federal prison for tax evasion charges. The actor was given the maximum sentence by a federal judge in Florida.
2003, in an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer, country music trio the Dixie Chicks said they were living in fear after group member Natalie Maines set off a firestorm of controversy by telling a London concert audience she was ashamed that President Bush was from the group's home state of Texas.