Orange County Teachers Declare Impasse Over Reopening Plan
(Orlando, FL) -- Plans to reopen classrooms in Orange County appear to have hit a snag. The teachers union said yesterday they have reached an impasse in talks with the school district. The district hopes to reopen classrooms in two weeks, but the union says the two sides are hundreds of miles apart. The union says the current plan by the district threatens the health and lives of over 14-thousand educators, students, their families and the community at large.
HillsCo Schools To Begin Online Only
(Tampa, FL) -- Classrooms in Hillsborough County won't be opening as originally planned. Two weeks after deciding to allow students to return to classrooms this month, the school board yesterday voted to start the school year online-only for the first four weeks. Students won't be able to return to the classroom until at least September 21st. Classes are set to resume August 24th.
Runcie Discusses Schools Reopening With Congress
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- Broward's schools leader is dealing with what he calls a painful decision. Superintendent Robert Runcie addressed Congress yesterday to discuss reopening schools. Runcie says it was enormously disappointing to announce the school year will start online-only, but it was necessary because it's not safe to open classrooms. He says if there's just one coronavirus case in a school, it would create a climate of fear that will make it difficult to learn.
Suspect Jumps To Death After Attempted Traffic Stop
(Tampa, FL) -- A man is dead after jumping off a bridge to avoid police in Tampa. FHP says a car was going 120 miles an hour yesterday before crashing on the Howard Frankland Bridge. At that point, troopers say the driver and passenger jumped off the bridge into Tampa Bay, and the passenger died while the driver suffered serious injuries. FHP says drugs and cash were found in the car.
Broward Business Owner Arrested Over Mask Violation
(Plantation, FL) -- A Broward County business owner is paying the price for his stand against a mask law. Plantation Police yesterday arrested Michael Carnevale for not enforcing the county's mask ordinance at his gym. Because this is the 31-year-old's second offense the gym will be closed for 96 hours. Customers tell 7News the government is going too far, and it seems like Carnevale is being harassed.
DeSantis Announces Task Force To Reopen Nursing Homes
(Tallahassee, FL) -- An effort is underway to safely reopen nursing homes. Governor Ron DeSantis announced yesterday he's forming a task force to look at how long-term care facilities can welcome visitors again. Visits have been banned since March, and DeSantis says that has taken an emotional toll on families. He says the task force will look for ways to protect the vulnerable but allow for much-needed human connection.
Hasbro Removes 'Trolls' Doll After Complaint
(Pawtucket, RI) -- Hasbro is removing a doll after receiving complaints about it grooming children for sexual abuse. An online petition takes issue with the DreamWorks "Trolls World Tour Giggle and Sing" doll because a button to activate sounds is placed between its legs. Hasbro announced it was pulling the toy from store shelves on Wednesday. A spokesperson says the company recognizes the design may be perceived as inappropriate.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
2015, the Colorado theater shooter James Holmes was sentenced to life without parole.
2007, San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds broke the record long held by baseball great Hank Aaron by hitting his 756th home run.
2004, Greg Maddux became the 22nd pitcher in big league history to reach 300 wins.
1882, the famous feud between the Hatfields of West Virginia and the McCoys of Kentucky broke out.
1789, Congress established the U.S. War Department.
1782, during the Revolutionary War, United States General George Washington created the Order of the Purple Heart.