Trump Speaks At Mar-a-Lago
(West Palm Beach, FL)-- Donald Trump believes the charges against him are an insult to our country. That's what the former president said yesterday in Palm Beach County. He was addressing supporters at Mar-a-Lago after he was indicted in New York on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Trump pleaded not guilty, and he says the only crime he committed is to fearlessly defend our nation from those who seek to destroy it. Trump is due back in New York for a court appearance in December.
Sen. Book Responds To Arrest
(Tallahassee, FL)-- A South Florida lawmaker has no regrets following her arrest. Plantation Democratic State Senator Lauren Book was arrested Monday in Tallahassee while protesting a six-week abortion ban bill. She was charged with misdemeanor trespassing. Book tells NBC 6 sometimes you have to stand up to do the right thing.
Policy Banning Chinese Drones In Florida To Take Effect Tomorrow
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Police departments in Florida are spending millions of dollars to make sure they are in compliance with a new policy that takes effect tomorrow. The DeSantis administration is banning government agencies from using aerial drones by China-based manufacturers. The Tampa Bay Times reports that officials have purchased about two-hundred-millions of DJI equipment over the years. However, under the new requirements, departments can only use drones that are purchased from an approved list, which officials say tend to be more expensive. At least two bills have been filed to give law enforcement more time to transition into the new rule, but neither have received their first hearing in the state legislature.
New Voting Bill Introduced In Tallahassee
(Tallahassee, FL) --A Pasco County lawmaker is helping push a bill to change the state's election laws. Zephyrhills Republican State Senator Danny Burgess is on the Ethics and Elections committee that passed SPB 7050 yesterday. The bill makes some first-time voters ineligible to vote by mail if they don't have a Social Security number or a state-issued driver's license or ID. It also proposes steeper fines for voter registration groups that don't submit their forms on time. The groups would also be required to give everyone they sign up a receipt, and the signatures would have to be submitted four days sooner. Burgess tells the Tampa Bay Times Florida is the gold standard for elections, but there's still room for improvement.
Brevard School Board Names Semifinalists For Superintendent
(Titusville, FL) --Brevard County is closer to getting a new schools leader. The school board yesterday named eleven semifinalists for the superintendent's position. Over 30 people applied for the job. The finalists will be selected at a meeting in two weeks. Meanwhile, the board voted to appoint assistant superintendent Sue Hann as acting superintendent.
Kidnap Attempt Reported On Sarasota Beach
(Sarasota, FL) --A search is underway to find a man who tried to kidnap a woman on a popular beach. Sarasota Police say a woman walking on Lido Beach Sunday night was attacked. The 51-year-old says a man came from behind and put a towel over her head, but she was able to fight back and escape with just minor injuries. The man is described as six-feet tall and athletic with tight, curly hair and an accent. Police tell ABC Action News they have gotten several leads and tips, but no arrest has been made. They'll increase patrols, and they ask the public to remain vigilant.
Walmart To Layoff Hundreds Of Florida Workers
(Miami, FL) -- Walmart is laying off hundreds of Floridians. A filing with the U.S. Department of Labor reports that the retail giant is expected to cut more than four-hundred warehouse jobs in the state, along with hundreds of more nationwide. It was first reported last month that the company would reduce evening and weekend shifts. At this point, it's unclear if there are more layoffs on the horizon. Walmart told investors to expect slower sales and profits in its most recent earnings report.
Former Jail Guards Sentenced For Strange Discipline
(Oklahoma City, OK) -- A pair of former Oklahoma jail guards, who forced inmates to listen to "Baby Shark" as punishment, have been put on probation. The judge also ordered them to pay a 200-dollar fine. Gregory Butler Junior and Christian Miles both pled guilty to a misdemeanor cruelty charge. An investigation found they forced inmates to stand for long periods of time and played children's music loudly on a loop. One victim said he had to listen to "Baby Shark" for two hours straight.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1987, the Fox Broadcasting Company began airing programs. The first two shows created for the new network were "Married...With Children" and "The Tracey Ullman Show."
1951, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were sentenced to death following their conviction on charges of conspiring to commit espionage for the Soviet Union.
1923, Firestone Tire and Rubber Company began production of balloon tires.