New Florida Laws Crack Down On Street Takeovers
(Tallahassee, FL) --The state of Florida is getting ready to increase penalties for some crimes later this summer. Governor Ron DeSantis said late last night that he signed more than a dozen bills into law. Starting in July, one of the measures will enhance fines and create potential jail time for offenders who are involved in illegal street takeovers. Another piece of legislation will improve school safety by setting new door-security requirements. DeSantis was in Port Canaveral yesterday, where he signed a bill that will create several sales tax holidays meant to bring more than one-billion dollars in tax relief for residents this year.
Former Teacher Arrested For Inappropriate Conduct With Student
(Tampa, FL) --A former Hillsborough County teacher is facing charges for what the sheriff calls despicable actions against a student. Sheriff Chad Chronister announced yesterday that Jonathan Sheppard was arrested Monday for inappropriate conduct against a student. The former Henderson Hammock Charter School teacher allegedly touched a student inappropriately and sent inappropriate text messages this school year. The 38-year-old Sheppard was suspended by the school last month, and he was fired about a week later. Chronister also announced the arrest of the district's security officer who worked at the school. Theresa Cruz is accused of interfering with the school's initial investigation by sharing details of it with Sheppard.
Boeing Starliner Launch Set For May
(Cape Canaveral, FL) -- Work will begin today to get a mission to the International Space Station back on track. United Launch Alliance announced yesterday it'll roll its Atlas V rocket with Boeing Starliner spacecraft off the launch pad. The launch planned for Monday night was scrubbed due to a problem with an oxygen pressure relief valve. The rocket and spacecraft will be taken to the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station where the valve will be replaced. ULA also announced the launch will take place no earlier than next Friday, the 17th. The two astronauts that'll board the spacecraft to the ISS will remain in quarantine until the launch.
Time Capsule Found In Fort Lauderdale City Hall
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- A time capsule is giving Fort Lauderdale residents a glimpse into the past. The time capsule was found yesterday during the ceremonial demolition of the old City Hall. It was placed in the building's foundation in 1968. It contained a copy of the Fort Lauderdale News, mini US, state and city flags, a city map and tourism brochure. The demolition is expected to take 15 to 18 weeks.Mayor Dean Trantalis says the building has served Fort Lauderdale well, but the city's evolution needs to compel us to embrace change, a testament to our resilience.
Orangutan In Indonesia Seen Treating Wound With Medicinal Plant
(Indonesia) -- An orangutan in Indonesia has been spotted by scientists treating his own wound. The ape, named Rakus, had been bitten by another male and had an open lesion on his face. Researchers saw him approach a plant called Akar Kuning, known to locals as a pain reliever. They saw him pull off a leaf, chew it, spit it into his hand and rub it over the gash over several days. One observer told the science journal Nature that this is the first study that demonstrates an animal using a plant to heal himself. Rakus was good as new eight days later.
Today in History
1984, the Soviet government announced it would boycott the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Soviet officials said they feared for the safety of their athletes in what they said was a "hostile" and "anti-Communist" environment.
1978, David Berkowitz pled guilty to the murder charges against him in the New York City "Son of Sam" killings.
1886, Dr. John S. Pemberton created the formula for Coca-Cola while working on a new medicine for headaches and hangovers. It came about when a drugstore clerk mistakenly mixed it with carbonated water instead of straight water.