Bill Banning Social Media For Kids To Pass Another Hurdle
(Tallassee, FL) -- Florida lawmakers are expected to fast track a bill that would ban children from using social media. A state House committee is expected to vote on the measure sometime today, potentially sending it to the full floor.The proposal would prevent kids from making social media accounts until they are 16 years old. It would also delete existing profiles that fall under the restricted age groups. The legislation passed its first hurdle earlier this week. It could take effect as soon as this summer.
No Charges Filed Against Alleged Child Abuser
(Orlando, FL) --A man accused of whipping children in Orange County won't face charges. Ninth District State Attorney Andrew Bain announced yesterday charges won't be filed in an alleged child abuse case at Alpha Learning Academy in Orlando. Several parents in November accused the senior leader at Saint Mark AME Church of lashing 16 students with a leather belt. Bain says the State cannot prove there was an intent to inflict physical injury or bodily harm to the children, and it's not reasonable to expect three lashes over clothing would cause an injury. At least one parent isn't happy. She tells WESH 2 News her son has special needs and was already going through trauma after losing his dad in 2022. Meanwhile, the school says the senior leader is on voluntary sabbatical as it determines the next steps regarding his tenure.
New Details Released In 1986 South Florida Murder
(Miramar, FL) -- Police believe they are one step closer to solving the murder of a South Florida firefighter more than 37 years ago. The Miramar Police Department gave an update on Billy Halpern's case yesterday saying his killing has been tied to others throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties in the 1980s. Over the last 16 months, investigators have been able to test dozens of pieces of evidence and interview people who did not previously come forward out of fear. Authorities believe Halpern may have heard something he wasn't supposed to before he was killed. Detective Danny Smith says they have 99-percent of the puzzle complete, but are asking for the community's help to finish the rest.
Deadly Road Rage Incident In HillsCo
(Tampa, FL) --A man is dead after an apparent road rage incident in Hillsborough County. The sheriff's office announced yesterday that a man was shot to death Tuesday in Riverview at Rose Lane and Baytree Drive. He was identified as 34-year-old Bryan Proenza. Twenty-year-old Jorge Ramirez is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, but more charges could be filed. Deputies have not released any details on what led to the shooting, but Sheriff Chad Chronister calls it senseless. He also asks any witnesses to come forward.
Charter School Teacher Arrested For Sexting Student
(Cutler Bay, FL) --A charter school teacher in Miami-Dade County is facing charges. Miami-Dade Police arrested Alberto Hernandez on Tuesday for electronic transmission of material harmful to minors. The 37-year-old teaches at Mater Bay Academy in Cutler Bay. He allegedly used WhatsApp to send a photo of his genitals to a 17-year-old male student. Police say the student told school officials, and they contacted law enforcement. The school tells NBC 6 Hernandez has been fired. Police ask any other victims to come forward.
SpaceX Delays Crewed Launch Until At Least Tomorrow
(Cape Canaveral, FL) -- SpaceX is pushing back a historic mission along Florida's Space Coast by at least a day. The company was supposed to send four astronauts to the International Space Station yesterday evening. The Ax-3 mission has been pushed back to 4:49 p.m. this afternoon from the Kennedy Space Center. A successful launch would mark the first time an all-European crew traveled to the ISS. The astronauts represent Spain, Italy, Sweden and Turkey. If everything goes as planned, they will dock onto the station over the weekend.
U.S.-Bound Flight Turns Around After Man Allegedly Bites Flight Attendant
(Tokyo) -- An American man is accused of biting a flight attendant during a U.S.-bound flight from Tokyo. The All Nippon Airways flight to Seattle was forced to turn around and return to Tokyo early Wednesday morning. Crew members restrained the 55-year-old after he allegedly attacked the female flight attendant about an hour into the flight. He was detained by police once the flight landed back in Tokyo.Local Japanese media said the man told investigators he had taken a sleeping pill and didn't recall the incident.
Apps For AI Generated Girlfriends Are Increasing
(New York, NY) --It has been a week since the opening of OpenAI's GPT store and already users are breaking the rules and creating, "companions." A search for "girlfriend" on the new GPT store will populate the site's results bar with at least eight "girlfriend" AI chatbots. The company bans apps dedicated to fostering romantic companionship. In the US, seven of the 30 AI chatbot apps downloaded last year from the Apple or Google store were related to AI friends, girlfriends, or companions, according to data.ai. The proliferation of these apps comes as the US faces an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, with the Surgeon General calling for the need to strengthen social connections, and AI chatbots could be part of the solution.
Today in History
1990, Washington, DC Mayor Marion Barry was arrested for smoking crack cocaine.
1957, the first, nonstop, around-the-world jet flight ended in Riverside, California.