DeSantis Signs Bills Against Human Trafficking
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- The state of Florida is fighting back against human trafficking. Governor Ron DeSantis was in Broward County and signed three bills into law. The measures would allow survivors to pursue civil suits against their traffickers and adult entertainment businesses that exploit victims. Under the legislation, police, as well as kids, will take part in education programs and the University of South Florida will create an anonymous database to track trends in human trafficking. The laws will formally take effect in July.
Man Shot In Brevard County
(Melbourne, FL)-- A man is injured after a shooting in Melbourne Sunday. Police say a man was shot in the leg and suffered minor injuries. Three children, ages two, three and four, were in the home on Crown Boulevard, but were not hurt. Officers arrested 28-year-old D'Nard Caldwell. He's charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and child neglect.
Disney Wants CFTOD Lawsuit Tossed
(Orlando, FL)-- Disney is arguing that a lawsuit its facing should be tossed. The company asked a judge in Orange County to dismiss the suit filed by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The board that oversees Disney filed the suit after learning that Disney signed development contracts with its former oversight board, the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Disney says a state law passed after the lawsuit was filed invalidates the lawsuit. Disney also says its federal lawsuit filed against the state pre-dates the CFTOD lawsuit, and the federal suit should take priority. In that federal suit, Disney claims Florida is violating the First Amendment as well as Disney's contract and property rights.
Melbourne Listed As One Of Best Places To Live
(Melbourne, FL)-- Melbourne is getting high marks as a place to live. US News and World Report released its annual list of the best places in the country to live yesterday. Melbourne was the top city in Central Florida at 15th. The magazine says the Space Coast is committed to blending the arts, science and economic development into its energetic community.Daytona Beach ranks 49th, Orlando is 52nd, Ocala, 67th and Lakeland, 105th. The top city on the list is Green Bay, Wisconsin, followed by Huntsville, Alabama.
Teacher Suspended After Student Wears KKK Costume To School
(Pulaski Co., KY)-- A middle school teacher in Kentucky is suspended after a student wore a Klu Klux Klan costume for an assignment. The student wore the costume to a school in Somerset, southwest of Louisville, which officials say was for an assignment about historical figures.The student's teacher allegedly gave them permission to dress up at the KKK's first grand wizard, Nathan Beford Forrest.
Taco Bell Wants To Cancel "Taco Tuesday" Trademark
(Irvine, CA)-- Taco Bell wants to cancel the trademark "Taco Tuesday." The trademark has been owned by rival Taco John's for 34 years. Taco Bell argues the phrase should be freely available to all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos. The fast food chain added nobody should have exclusive rights in a common phrase.Taco Bell filed a petition with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and it can take up to two years before a decision is made. Taco John's has 40 days to respond and if the two sides can't reach an agreement, a trial would come into play.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1996, President Clinton signed Megan's Law into effect. The law requires neighborhood notification when a convicted sex offender moves into the area.
1954, the United States Supreme Court issued its ruling in the Brown versus the Board of Education of Topeka case. The high court declared that "racially separated educational facilities are inherently unequal."
1792, the New York Stock Exchange was formed.