Florida Redistricting Plan To Go Before Federal Court
(Tallahassee, FL) -- A hearing over Florida's congressional redistricting plan is underway in federal court. A three-judge panel in Tallahassee began listening to arguments by voting-rights groups earlier today. The organizations, like the NAACP, claim that the map approved by the Legislature last year is racially discriminatory and unconstitutional. The map separated North Florida's District Five, which a Leon County judge recently ruled diminished the ability of Black voters to select a representative of their choice. The state argues that the plan was drawn based on political boundaries and geography. The trial is expected to last through at least this week.
Central Florida Could Be Impacted By Federal Government Shutdown
(Orlando, FL) --Central Florida won't be able to avoid the impact of a federal government shutdown. Florida Tech Associate Professor Don Platt estimates up to 17-thousand Kennedy Space Center employees could be furloughed if there's a shutdown.Also, those flying through Orlando International Airport could experience delays. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Professor Mike McCormick says the transition to satellite-based radar would stop. UCF Associate Professor Aubrey Jewett says training for new TSA employees would also stop. He tells WESH 2 News he doesn't advocate canceling your travel plans, but keep it in the back of your mind that delays are possible.
Tampa Man Arrested After Roadside Stabbing
(St. Petersburg, FL) -- A Tampa man is facing charges after a stabbing on the Howard Frankland Bridge.Patrick Scruggs was arrested yesterday after allegedly stabbing the driver that hit his car. FHP says a 35-year-old man was found slumped over the wheel of his car while stopped in the travel lane when a couple stopped to help.After the 35-year-old woke up, he drove into the couple's car, backed up and while trying to drive off, hit another car driven by Scruggs. Troopers say the 38-year-old Scruggs got out of his car, broke the 35-year-old's window and stabbed him. A St. Petersburg Police officer was driving by, saw what was happening and stopped.Scruggs was arrested for aggravated battery, aggravated assault and armed burglary. The stabbing victim was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, but he's expected to survive.
Postal Workers On Edge After Recent Robberies
(Tampa, FL) --Postal workers in Hillsborough County are facing an unprecedented level of violence. Four mail carriers have been robbed at gunpoint in the last five weeks.Brian Obst is president of a union that represents letter carriers in Hillsborough County. He said recently he has never seen anything like this in his 25 years in the postal service. Two men have been arrested for one of the alleged incidents. Obst tells Fox 13 News these are scary, traumatic situations and a grave concern.
FAU Faculty And Donors Want Interim President Promoted
(Boca Raton, FL) --Some faculty members at Florida Atlantic University want an end to the search for a new president. Yesterday, Faculty Senate President Kim Dunn proposed naming COO and interim president Stacy Volnick as the new president.FAU's board of trustees has been looking for a new president for eight months. Dunn says negative press associated with the prolonged search is detrimental to the school. The Palm Beach Post reports no action was taken on Dunn's proposal, but the board's chair says it would be reasonable to explore.
Florida Woman Accused Of Frozen Chicken Attack
(St. Petersburg, FL) -- A Florida woman is being accused of attacking her daughter with a frozen chicken.Court records in St. Petersburg say the incident happened early Monday at the residence of 30-year-old Mary Marquardt.Her daughter told police that Marquardt threw a frozen chicken at her and struck her in the right leg. The affidavit does not say what triggered the alleged attack. Marquardt is facing a domestic battery charge and has been ordered to have no contact with her daughter.
Wild Street Negotiation In South Florida
(Miramar, FL) --Miami police arrested a man after more than two hours of negotiations while he danced and did yoga poses atop a fire rescue truck in the middle of traffic. City of Miramar cops responded to initial reports of the man dancing in a busy intersection in Southern Broward County. When they showed up, he jumped on top of the ambulance. He will likely face a mental evaluation.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1964, the Warren Commission issued their report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The report concluded Lee Harvey Oswald had acted alone in the November 1963 assassination.
1954, "The Tonight Show" debuted on NBC.The show was hosted by comedian Steve Allen.