Judge Rejects Request To Throw Out Case Against Salman (Orlando, FL) -- A judge yesterday denied a request from Salman's lawyers that he either declare a mistrial or throw out the charges. Salman's lawyers made the request after prosecutors revealed this weekend that Salman's father-in-law was an FBI informant for more than a decade. Salman is accused of helping husband Omar Mateen plan the Pulse nightclub shooting two years ago, and her lawyers say the disclosure about Mateen's father should have been made much earlier.
HOW WOULD THAT BE A REASON TO DISMISS THE CASE AGAINST HER?
Poles In Sand Mark End Of Beach Driving (Daytona Beach, FL) -- The end of a tradition at Daytona Beach is leaving some residents outraged. About a dozen wooden poles were driven into the sand yesterday behind the Hard Rock Hotel as part of a deal with Volusia County to end driving on the beach in that area. A group called Sons of the Beach is against the removal of beach driving, and they're prepared to sue the county. One member tells the "Daytona Beach News Journal" the county is taking away what has been the people's beach for over 100 years.
Wasserman Schultz Wants Background Checks For Ammo Buyers (Washington, DC) -- Debbie Wasserman Schultz has a controversial idea to reduce gun violence. The Weston congresswoman yesterday announced a proposal to require background checks on anyone who buys ammunition. At a news conference at the Pembroke Pines Police Department, Wasserman Schultz said that without bullets, a gun is just a hunk of useless metal. California has a similar law going into effect next year and it is facing a legal challenge by the NRA.
Governor Signs Nursing Home Law (Tallahassee, FL) -- A Florida nursing home law is now in effect. Governor Scott signed Senate Bill 7028 and House Bill 7099 today, which requires every nursing home and assisted living facility in the state to have emergency generators to keep residents safe in case power goes out. The law was drafted after Hurricane Irma hit in September, and several people died in a Hollywood nursing home when a power failure caused the air-conditioning system to go down.
Brevard County Votes To Waive Fees For Solar Panel Installation (Titusville, FL) -- Homeowners in Brevard County have a new way to save some money. The county commission recently voted to waive permit fees for one year for those who want to install solar panels on their homes. Those who take advantage of the offer are expected to save an average of 175-dollars a year. Commissioners also voted to establish a program called PACE that lets homeowners get special financing for certain energy efficient improvements.
Boy Suffers Medical Emergency On Cruise Ship (Key West, FL) -- The Coast Guard is credited with helping a boy who got sick on a cruise ship. An emergency call from a satellite phone was made from the ship to a Coast Guard station yesterday when a three-year-old started showing intestinal problems. The Coast Guard arrived at the Norwegian Dawn 200 miles offshore and took the boy and his mother. The "Miami Herald" reports the two are now at a Key West hospital, where the boy is in stable condition.
Apple Proposing New Emojis For Disabled (Cupertino, CA) -- Apple is proposing a new group of emojis to represent people with disabilities. In the tech company's submission to the body that controls emojis, Apple says the new emojis would help fill a gap and provide a more inclusive experience. Among the new possible emojis are ones with hearing aids, using sign language, wheelchairs and canes. The four major categories suggested are emojis for the blind, deaf, physical problems and "hidden" disabilities. The proposed icons were developed through working with major advocacy groups for the disabled.
HAVE THEY THOUGHT THIS ONE ALL THE WAY THROUGH? HOW LONG BEFORE YOU ARE INSENSITIVE FOR USING ONE AS YOU COMMENT TO A NON-DISABLED PERSON? I CAN SEE THE DARK GLASSES AND CANES BEING USED TO COMMUNICATE WITH UMPIRES, FOR EXAMPLE. YEAH, THERE IS NO DOWN SIDE TO THIS ONE!
TODAY IN HISTORY:
2006, at his trial in Alexandria, Virginia, September 11th conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui testified that he was to fly a fifth airplane into the White House on a suicide mission September 11th, 2001. Moussaoui also admitted he knew that two other aircraft were due to fly into the World Trade Center.
1994, Magic Johnson returned to the Los Angeles Lakers as head coach and led them to a victory over Milwaukee. Johnson coached the Lakers for the last 16 games of the 1993-94 season.
1989, "Sports Illustrated" exposed Pete Rose's gambling activities. The eventual investigation led to Rose's banishment from baseball.
1917, the Seattle Metropolitans became the first United States hockey team to win the Stanley Cup.