DeSantis Joins Governors Call To End COVID Declaration
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Governor Ron DeSantis is calling on President Joe Biden to end a COVID-19 emergency declaration. DeSantis and two dozen other governors sent a letter to the White House asking officials to end the public health emergency in April.The order was initially implemented two years ago and has led to a surge of millions of additional Medicaid enrollments. The group of governors say it is negatively affecting them since the program takes a big portion of funding from the state budgets. As of right now, the emergency is extended until at least mid-January.
Southwest Cancels Another 100 Flights Out Of Orlando International
(Orlando, FL) -- Delays and cancellations continue hamper flights from Orlando International Airport. Southwest Airlines canceled about 50-percent of its flights in and out Orlando yesterday and about 43-percent of today’s flights. The company's CEO apologized to customers Tuesday saying they are doing everything they can to return to normal operations. The airline blames network issues and bad winter storms across the nation for its setbacks over recent days. The U.S. Department of Transportation says it will hold Southwest accountable and will work to prevent this from happening in the future.
18-Year-Old Charged In Connection To Road Rage Shooting
(Palm Bay, FL) --An 18-year-old is facing charges in connection to a road rage shooting in Brevard County. Deputies say Gabriel Boisvert is accused of giving a teen passenger his gun to shoot at a car on I-95 Tuesday. A couple saw the suspects speeding through traffic before a bullet went through their rental car window. The suspect's car was eventually stopped in Palm Bay. The 18-year-old is expected in court for his first appearance in late January.
Controversial Drag Show Performed In Orlando
(Orlando, FL) --An Orlando lawmaker believes critics of a controversial drag show are misguided. That's what District Four City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said last night about a show at The Plaza Live called A Drag Queen Christmas. A state spokesperson said Tuesday the show was under investigation for allegedly allowing underage children into a performance in Fort Lauderdale on Monday. The state Department of Business and Professional Regulation warned The Plaza Live that hosting the show could put its license in jeopardy. Sheehan attended, and she says drag queens and transgender people should be understood instead of attacked. The show drew protesters who say the show should be only for those 18 and older.
USF Economist Discusses Impact Of State's Population Growth
(Tampa, FL) --Florida's population growth may not be welcome news to all. Federal data released last week shows Florida was the fastest-growing state in the country between July 2021 and July 2022. The state's population increased by almost two percent. A spokesman for the governor praised the report, but USF economist Michael Snipes sees a downside. He says if we don't have enough workers to meet the growth, that'll put pressure on the labor market and cause prices to rise at a really high rate. Snipes also tells the Tampa Bay Times developers and wealthy retirees are benefiting, but higher housing prices hurt the common man and working-class people.
Disney Parks Issues Courtesy Warning In Response To Recent Number Of Fights
(Anaheim, CA) --Violence in "The Happiest Place On Earth" has Disney Parks officials issuing a "courtesy" warning to guests. This comes as the number of fights has increased. Disney Parks has also seen an increase in brawls, guests mistreating cast members and even arrests since reopening after the pandemic. Now, Southern California's Disney Theme Parks are following suit with Florida which posted an advisory in mid-December in response to recent guest behavior. Disneyland now has a new "courtesy section" on their website.
New App Simulates Asteroid Strikes
(Undated) -- You don't want to close your eyes, because then you wouldn't be able to use a new app that shows what would happen if an asteroid hit your hometown. The new web app Asteroid Launcher lets users see what would happen from a massive space rock striking anywhere on the planet. Users can pick the size, composition and impact speed to see just how much devastation would be wrought.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1972, the last weekly issue of "Life" magazine hit newsstands.
1851, the first Young Men's Christian Association, or Y.M.C.A., was organized in Boston.
1845, Texas became the 28th state of the Union.