Biden Administration Wants Florida Gun Lawsuit Dismissed
(Tallahassee, FL) -- The U.S. Department of Justice is asking a judge to throw out a Florida lawsuit aimed at a new federal gun regulation.A motion filed in Hillsborough County federal court earlier this week argues that the state doesn't have legal standing to challenge the rule that will require more background checks on buyers.The case against the regulation was filed by Attorney General Ashley Moody last May, who claims the FDLE will have to handle a surge of background check requests. Meanwhile, the Justice Department says the FBI could step in to help the state. A hearing on the issue has not been scheduled.
Florida Hospitals Impacted By OneBlood Ransomware Incident
(Orlando, FL) -- A cyberattack targeting a Central Florida-based blood center is impacting hospitals in the southeastern United States. OneBlood says a ransomware incident is affecting its software system that allows it to ship supplies to medical centers in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Blood centers nationwide have started sending donations to the nonprofit. To help further manage the situation, the organization is asking the more than 250 hospitals it services to activate their critical blood shortage protocols until further notice.
Murderer Gets Conviction Tossed
(Miami, FL) --A convicted murderer given a life sentence will instead become a free man. A judge in Miami-Dade County yesterday tossed Taji Pearson's first-degree murder conviction for the death of a teenage girl over a decade ago in Liberty City. Pearson was serving four life sentences for his role in the shooting that killed 15-year-old Sabrina O'Neil in 2010. The judge, though, ruled the state suppressed evidence that could have led jurors to question the credibility of a witness against Pearson. The judge also reduced Pearson's charge to second-degree murder and lowered his sentence to 15 years. The 39-year-old will be out of prison next year after serving less than 13 years. O'Neil's mother doesn't want Pearson released, though. Even though he didn't pull the trigger, she tells the Miami Herald if it wasn't for his actions, her daughter would still be here.
Jags, University Of Florida Agree On Four-Year Partnership
(Jacksonville, FL) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars are joining forces with the Florida Gators. The NFL franchise and the University of Florida have agreed to a four-year marketing partnership. The agreement will include UF and UF Health brands being displayed at Jags games while they play in the River City and England. The new effort is not tied to a decision of where the Jaguars will play during the 2027 season while their stadium is under renovation. However, Jaguars President Mark Lamping has said the options are down to either Orlando or Gainesville.
779 Plus Illegal Cannabis Shops Shut In NYC
(New York, NY) -- Authorities in New York City continue to shut down scores of illegal recreational marijuana shops. Since Operation Padlock began in early May, a multi-agency task force closed 779 illegal shops and seized roughly 41 million dollars of illegal products. Many illegal shops sprouted up following the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state, but recently state officials enacted new enforcement powers to get them closed. Mayor Eric Adams says they have sold dangerous unregulated marijuana products to children and have been places for criminal behavior.
21-Year-Old Harvard Drop Out Creates AI "Friend"
(San Francisco, CA) -- A 21-year-old Harvard dropout is unveiling an AI-powered constant companion. According to Avi Schiffmann, "Friend" is a wearable pendant that combats loneliness by engaging in conversations and essentially keeping the user company. Pre-orders for the 99-dollar wearable are being taken now, and delivery is expected in January.
Today in History
2017, the crypto-currency Bitcoin Cash was created. Bitcoin Cash increased the size of blocks, allowing more transactions to be processed and improving scalability.
2012, Chick-fil-A broke its one-day sales record as thousands flocked to the fast-food restaurant on what was dubbed Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day. The idea for the day came from former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee in response to criticism of company president Dan Cathy's publicly stated stance on traditional marriage.
1941, "Parade" magazine did a three-page feature on the United States Army's newest gadget, the Jeep.
1936, the Summer Olympic games opened in Berlin. Adolf Hitler presided over the opening ceremony.