Gillum Found Not Guilty Of Lying To FBI
(Tallahassee, FL) -- The verdict is in for the public corruption trial of former Democratic candidate for governor Andrew Gillum. Following days of deliberations, a federal jury found the former Tallahassee mayor not guilty of lying to FBI agents and more than a dozen other fraud charges. Jurors couldn't agree on the allegations of his longtime advisor Sharon Lettman-Hicks, ultimately ending in a deadlock. The government was accusing Gillum and Hicks of illegally directing political contributions to their personal accounts during his 2018 race for governor.
Bill Banning Transgender Treatments For Minors Heads To Governor
(Tallahassee, FL) -- A bill designed to ban certain treatments for transgender youth in Florida is heading to the governor's desk. The measure passed the state Senate and House after both chambers worked out differences in earlier versions of the legislation. It would ban doctors from giving patients, under the age of 18, puberty blockers, hormone therapy or performing surgical procedures. Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the bill into law. When he does, the policy will take effect immediately.
Lawmakers Vote To Invalidate Disney Deals With Reedy Creek Improvement District
(Tallahassee, FL)-- State lawmakers are moving to strike down Disney's deals with its former oversight board. The state senate yesterday passed the Land Use and Development Regulations bill. SB 1604 would allow Disney's new oversight board to void Disney's contracts with its old oversight board. Before the Reedy Creek Improvement District was dissolved this year, Disney and the board signed deals meant to block the new oversight board from having much power over future projects. The governor's signature is the next step for the bill.
Volusia County Reverses Course On Library Book Review
(DeLand, FL)-- Public libraries in Volusia County won't have to undergo a review of their books after all. The county council voted unanimously this week to reverse an earlier vote to review the books in the library's system. Councilman Don Dempsey and others voted last month to review the books that, they said, may be pushing an agenda on children. On Tuesday, though, he said he wanted to alleviate fear that the county may get a reputation for banning books. Dempsey also noted that in the last couple years, only two books were removed after a complaint by parents.
Church In Troy Under Fire For Raffling Off AR-15
(Troy, NY) -- A church in Troy, New York is coming under fire for raffling off an AR-15 style weapon. Grace Baptist Church says it has done it before at its annual revival meeting, noting someone can choose between a flamethrower or an AR-15 rifle. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was asked about it at an unrelated news conference, saying the military style weapon should be banned and should not be available to civilians. She adds as a person of faith, it's disturbing to her that a church would be giving away weapons of war.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1999, the Swiss-British team of Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones set an official record by becoming the first team to circle the Earth non-stop in a hot-air balloon. The international aeronautics body FAI said the duo neither refueled or stopped during their journey, adding that Jones and Piccard had traveled farther, faster, and longer by balloon than anyone.
1987, the Iran-Contra hearings began.
1961, astronaut Alan B. Shepard became America's first space traveler as he made a 15-minute suborbital flight aboard the Freedom Seven capsule.