Ono Nomination For UF President Rejected By Florida Board Of Governors
(Tallahassee, FL) -- The sole finalist to be the next president of the University of Florida system is being rejected by the state's Board of Governors. The board voted 10-6 against Dr. Santa Ono's confirmation yesterday after he was unanimously approved by the system's Board of Trustees last week. Ono faced criticism from conservatives including Florida Senator Rick Scott for his previous statements on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion along with his handling of on-campus protests against the violence in Gaza while serving as president of the University of Michigan. This is the first time the Florida Board of Governors has denied a university board's leadership selection.
Walt Disney Laying Off Hundreds
(Orlando, FL) --The Walt Disney Company is laying off several hundred employees across the globe. The layoffs will affect several divisions, including television, film marketing, and corporate financial operations. They're part of Disney's plan to run more efficiently while maintaining creativity and innovation. Despite the job cuts, the company reported strong profits and revenue in the second quarter. The theme parks' division will not be affected by the job cuts.
Orange County Officials Push to Revisit Controversial ICE Agreement
(Orlando, FL) -- Some Orange County commissioners are calling to revisit the county's agreement with ICE, which removes detained migrants from public jail records and blocks family contact. Critics say the policy leaves families in the dark, with no way to locate or communicate with loved ones in custody. Commissioner Kelly Semrad, who voted against the agreement, urged the board to reopen the debate. The agreement, passed in March, aligns local law enforcement with federal immigration enforcement under threat of state penalties. Mayor Jerry Demings has not yet set a date to revisit the issue.
Future of Fort Myers Beach Elementary Still Undecided
(Fort Myers Beach, FL) -- Lee County School Board members remain divided on whether to rebuild or close Fort Myers Beach Elementary, which has just 50 students and has faced repeated hurricane damage. At a public meeting, supporters stressed the school's community value, while others raised concerns about long-term costs. Options include a rebuild or hybrid model combining education and community services. No final decision has been made.
Stanley Cup Final Begins Tonight
(Edmonton, AB) -- The wait for the Stanley Cup Final is over. The puck drops tonight for Game One of the rematch between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers are looking for the same outcome as last year: a series win and another championship. Game One is set for eight in Edmonton.
Scientists Link Kissing To Spreading Depression
(Undated) --Iranian scientists think kissing could spread depression and anxiety. The researchers looked at hundreds of newlywed couples. They found that when one spouse had trouble sleeping and poor mental health, the other partner suffered similar symptoms six months later. They think bacteria transmitted by the depressed partner could be to blame. The findings were published in the journal Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine.
Today in History
1990, Doctor Jack Kevorkian helped an Oregon woman commit suicide, starting the debate over a patient's right to die.
1937, one of the first grocery store shopping carts was introduced. Sylvan Goldman, the owner of the Piggly Wiggly supermarket chain in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is credited with its invention.
1919, Congress passed the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted women the right to vote when ratified in August of 1920.