Prosecutor Announces Bail Reform (Orlando, FL) -- A state prosecutor is trying to end what she calls the poverty penalty. Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala announced yesterday bail will no longer be required for those charged with minor crimes.
Those crimes include some driving offenses, possessing small amounts of drugs, panhandling and loitering. She says requiring bail punishes those who don't have the means to pay, and economic bias has no place in our justice system.
Two More Cities Join Lawsuit Over State's Gun Laws (Weston, FL) -- Orlando and Tallahassee are joining in an effort to change the state's gun laws. The cities this week and eight others, including Maitland and Gainesville, joined a lawsuit over a state law that limits local government's power to pass its own gun laws.
There are now 20 cities that are part of the suit that started with the city of Weston in Broward County. Two other separate lawsuits are also challenging the state law.
Teacher Disciplined For Drowning Raccoons In Class (Ocala, FL) -- A teacher is being punished for drowning two raccoons in front of students in Marion County. Forest High School's Dewie Brewton was placed on paid leave this week as the district, the FWC and the state health department investigates the claim.
Students say the raccoons had killed some chickens raised on school property. The district told Channel 9 yesterday it's appalled by Brewton's actions, and the superintendent wants him fired.
Suspect Caught After Pants Fall Down (Daytona Beach, FL) -- A Daytona Beach-area man is in jail after a high-speed chase. But it wasn't until 24-year-old Tobias Smith crashed his car and jumped out to run away that he was finally taken into custody.
While running, officers say Smith's pants fell down to his ankles, which made him trip and fall. He was then easily arrested and is facing several charges.
Entenmann's Holds Donut Lover Contest (Fort Worth, TX) -- Entenmann's is giving five-thousand dollars to whoever loves donuts the most. The pastry company is holding a nationwide contest to find their new chief donut officer.
Contestants have to say what they love about the donuts and share their ideas for product innovation. Whoever wins the honorary title of chief donut officer will also get five-thousand dollars and a year's supply of Entenmann's donuts.
Man Kidnaps Boss For Child Support Money (Hackensack, NJ) -- A bizarre case is being investigated in New Jersey, where a Bergen County man is accused of kidnapping his boss in order to get child support money. Luis Vasconez allegedly pulled a knife on his employer late last week and then forced him to a bank so he could get cash for a child support payment.
Officers say Vasconez told the man he was short on money and needed more. Once in the bank, the victim told a teller and Vasconez was arrested shortly after police were called. Vasconez worked at a limo company, was recently hired and was still being trained for the job.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
2004, the state of Massachusetts became the first state in the country to issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples.
1996, President Clinton signed Megan's Law into effect. The law requires neighborhood notification when a convicted sex offender moves into the area.
1987, 37 U.S. sailors were killed when an Iraqi warplane attacked the U.S. Navy frigate Stark.
1954, the United States Supreme Court issued its ruling in the Brown versus the Board of Education of Topeka case. The high court declared that "racially separated educational facilities are inherently unequal."
1792, the New York Stock Exchange was formed.