NASA To Launch Artemis One On Saturday
(Cape Canaveral, FL)-- Artemis One has a new launch date. NASA announced yesterday the mission will blast off Saturday afternoon from Kennedy Space Center. The two-hour launch window will open at 2:17. Artemis One was supposed to blast off Monday morning, but it was scrubbed due to engine trouble.
State Sues FDA Over Prescription Drug Importation
(Tallahassee, FL)-- Florida is suing the federal government to get its plan to import prescription drugs from Canada out of the starting blocks. That's what lawyers for the state wrote in a lawsuit filed Monday against the Food and Drug Administration. Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration claims the FDA hasn't responded to the state's Freedom of Information Act request that was submitted last month. The AHCA wants access to records the FDA has on the drug importation plans of Florida and five other states. Three years ago, state lawmakers passed a plan to import prescription drugs from Canada in limited circumstances, but the FDA needs to approve the plan, and it has not done so.
Miami Commissioner Officially Surrenders To Police
(Miami, FL) -- A Miami-Dade County official is facing corruption charges after turning himself to authorities yesterday. Longtime elected Commissioner Joe Martinez is accused of accepting money from someone in exchange to create legislation that would help their business. Investigators say the allegations date back roughly six years. Martinez claims he's innocent of any wrongdoing and says the charges are politically motivated.
DeSantis Says Hernandez-Mats Helped Protect Accused Sex Offender
(Fort Pierce, FL)-- The governor is accusing Charlie Crist's running mate of putting union politics ahead of student safety. Governor Ron DeSantis was in Fort Pierce yesterday where he criticized the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, Karla Hernandez-Mats. DeSantis says as the president of the United Teachers of Dade, she shielded Brownsville Middle School teacher Wendell Nibbs. The phys ed teacher pled guilty two years ago after being accused of sexual misconduct over half-a-dozen times over 12 years. DeSantis says that should disqualify Hernandez-Mats from any political office. The Crist campaign says it's a lie, and Hernandez-Mats is a former special needs teacher who has devoted her life to serving the people of her community.
Arrest Made In Orlando Fire
(Orlando, FL)-- A man is accused of setting an Orlando business on fire. Police yesterday arrested Alfred Kirkland for arson. The 58-year-old allegedly set fire three months ago to Goff's Drive-In ice cream shop in Parramore on South Orange Blossom Trail. No one was hurt. Police say blood found at the scene led them to Kirkland. There's no word on a motive.
Three Charged For Vandalizing Putnam County School
(Palatka, FL)-- Three teenagers are accused of vandalizing a school in Putnam County. The sheriff's office says the 14-year-olds caused about 100-thousand dollars worth of damage Sunday at Jenkins Middle School in Palatka. The suspects are facing charges that include first-degree felony burglary. More charges are possible, though.
Alligator Wrangled Outside Elementary School
(Bartow, FL) -- An alligator is no longer terrorizing a Polk County elementary school. The district says the school's principal showed up to campus earlier today to find a nearly eight-foot gator handing out near her parking spot. Police were met with applause after wrangling the animal in under a minute. The district joked on social media saying if any alligators are trying to enroll in a school, Spessard Holland Elementary is the obvious choice.
Oakland Start-Up Receives Funding For Robot That Applies False Eyelashes
(Oakland, CA)-- An Oakland start-up is developing robots that can apply false eyelashes. Luum, which operates under the official name Wink Robotics, just received a round of funding from several groups including Ulta Beauty. The robots are purported to be able to apply permanent lash extensions quickly and safely.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1990, Ken Griffey and Ken Griffey Junior became the first father and son to play together on the same team -- the Seattle Mariners. Both father and son singled in the first inning.
1895, the first professional football game was played in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The quarterback on the winning team was paid ten dollars.
1888, the body of "Jack the Ripper's" first victim was discovered in London. The serial killer would go on to strike five more times over the next three years.
1887, inventor Thomas Edison received a patent for the kinetographic camera. The device produced moving pictures.