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Jury rules manufacturer should pay $310 million to family of teen who fell to his death from Orlando FreeFall
Read full article: Jury rules manufacturer should pay $310 million to family of teen who fell to his death from Orlando FreeFallOn Thursday, an Orange County jury ruled the family of Tyre Sampson will be given $310 million, $155 million each to the father and mother, according to our sister station WKMG in Orlando.
From Bach to Beyonce, why a church orchestra aims to lift up young musicians of color
Read full article: From Bach to Beyonce, why a church orchestra aims to lift up young musicians of colorThe Black pastor of a multiethnic congregation in Anaheim, California, has started a string orchestra for young musicians of color.
Florida bail bondsman arrested, accused of offering female inmates bond in exchange for sex
Read full article: Florida bail bondsman arrested, accused of offering female inmates bond in exchange for sexA Florida bail bondsman has been charged with human trafficking and racketeering after allegedly offering female inmates bond in exchange for sex.
Voters to decide whether to allow noncitizens to vote in California city's elections
Read full article: Voters to decide whether to allow noncitizens to vote in California city's electionsVoters in a Southern California city are going to decide this November whether residents who aren't U.S. citizens can vote in local elections.
Clay County opens early voting locations, joining dozens of counties across Florida
Read full article: Clay County opens early voting locations, joining dozens of counties across FloridaClay County voters will have the chance to begin casting their ballots early in-person starting Tuesday, as the county opens its early voting sites, joining dozens across the state, including Duval and St. Johns counties.
US House control teeters on the unlikely battleground of heavily Democratic California
Read full article: US House control teeters on the unlikely battleground of heavily Democratic CaliforniaCalifornia's reputation as a politically liberal state is being tested in a string of U.S. House districts that are expected to play into control of the chamber.
Orange County judge can stand trial for murder in wife's shooting death, judge says
Read full article: Orange County judge can stand trial for murder in wife's shooting death, judge saysA judge has ruled there is sufficient evidence for a Southern California judge to stand trial on a murder charge in the shooting death of his wife.
St. Johns County 1 step closer to becoming new home of Florida’s Black History Museum
Read full article: St. Johns County 1 step closer to becoming new home of Florida’s Black History MuseumThe Florida Museum of Black History Task Force recommended St. Augustine to be the new home of Florida’s Black History Museum after hours of discussion on Tuesday.
St. Johns County chosen as recommended location for Florida’s Black History Museum
Read full article: St. Johns County chosen as recommended location for Florida’s Black History MuseumA state task force in charge of selecting where Florida’s Black History Museum will be located voted Tuesday to move forward with St. Johns County as the recommended location.
St. Johns County named finalist for first Florida Museum of Black History
Read full article: St. Johns County named finalist for first Florida Museum of Black HistorySt. Johns County was selected as one of the four finalists to be the home of the first Florida Museum of Black History, according to a release.
‘49 angels deserve a permanent memorial:’ City of Orlando to buy Pulse Nightclub property
Read full article: ‘49 angels deserve a permanent memorial:’ City of Orlando to buy Pulse Nightclub propertyThe Pulse Nightclub property, the site of one of the country’s worst mass shootings, will be sold to the city of Orlando, News 6 has confirmed.
Full video: Bodycam shows Mario Fernandez’s arrest for accusations of orchestrating Jared Bridegan’s murder
Read full article: Full video: Bodycam shows Mario Fernandez’s arrest for accusations of orchestrating Jared Bridegan’s murderDuring the video, Mario Fernandez can be seen sitting handcuffed in the back of a pickup truck, talking with investigators. He was then placed into the back of a patrol car.
California judge who's charged with murder texted court staff that he shot his wife, prosecutors say
Read full article: California judge who's charged with murder texted court staff that he shot his wife, prosecutors sayProsecutors say a Southern California judge accused of killing his wife had texted his court clerk and bailiff afterward to say he had shot her.
Video: Florida 16-year-old pulled over for going 132 mph on I-4, deputy says
Read full article: Video: Florida 16-year-old pulled over for going 132 mph on I-4, deputy saysThe Orange County Sheriff’s Office is reminding Floridians about the dangers of the road after clocking a 16-year-old driving 132 mph along the Interstate 4 Express lanes.
JFRD has new protocols after electric car fires present new dangers
Read full article: JFRD has new protocols after electric car fires present new dangersNew protocols are in place for Jacksonville firefighters facing another challenge on the roads and in homes. Electric car fires are presenting new dangers for first responders
New York City sues 30 counties over 'xenophobic' orders banning migrant relocations
Read full article: New York City sues 30 counties over 'xenophobic' orders banning migrant relocationsNew York City has filed suit against dozens of counties over their refusal to take in new migrants, the latest escalation in an ongoing battle between the city and local leaders across the state.
DeSantis takes aim at prosecutor after TV crew attack
Read full article: DeSantis takes aim at prosecutor after TV crew attackFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office has asked for records from a state attorney regarding a suspect in the fatal shootings last week of a TV reporter, a 9-year-old girl and a woman.
Suspect in Florida TV crew attack faces more murder charges
Read full article: Suspect in Florida TV crew attack faces more murder chargesA 19-year-old Florida man is now facing three first-degree-murder charges related to a shooting that killed a television news reporter, a 9-year-old girl and a 38-year-old woman.
Man accused in Central Florida shootings pleads not guilty to woman’s murder
Read full article: Man accused in Central Florida shootings pleads not guilty to woman’s murderThe man accused of shooting five people, killing three Wednesday in the Pine Hills area of Orange County, has pleaded not guilty in the killing of a 38-year-old woman, according to a report from WKMG Click Orlando.
‘A gut punch’: Father of TV reporter killed in Virginia reacts to Orlando shooting spree
Read full article: ‘A gut punch’: Father of TV reporter killed in Virginia reacts to Orlando shooting spreeAs the country mourns the deaths of three people killed in a shooting spree near Orlando, including a TV news reporter, the father of another reporter killed on the job years back calls the violence “a gut punch.”
‘Talented, electric’ 24-year-old journalist ‘had a future,’ media colleagues say after deadly attack that also killed 9-year-old
Read full article: ‘Talented, electric’ 24-year-old journalist ‘had a future,’ media colleagues say after deadly attack that also killed 9-year-oldJournalist Dylan Lyons was one of five people shot Wednesday in the attack that also killed a 9-year-old girl and left her mother and a photojournalist critically injured.
9-year-old girl, TV reporter fatally shot in Central Florida neighborhood, sheriff says
Read full article: 9-year-old girl, TV reporter fatally shot in Central Florida neighborhood, sheriff saysThree people are dead after shootings Wednesday, including a 9-year-old girl, and a television journalist who was in a Central Florida neighborhood reporting on a homicide that had occurred earlier in the day, according to Orange County Sheriff John Mina.
How women are changing the face of law enforcement
Read full article: How women are changing the face of law enforcementU.S. Census numbers show women make up 51% of the country’s population, but they make up only 12-14% of law enforcement, according to the latest data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics.
72-year-old janitor with diabetes trapped in inmate holding cell at Florida courthouse for nearly 3 days
Read full article: 72-year-old janitor with diabetes trapped in inmate holding cell at Florida courthouse for nearly 3 daysA janitor in Orange County was rescued from an inmate holding cell at the Orange County Courthouse after she was accidentally trapped within for nearly three days, according to the sheriff’s office, News4JAX sister station WKMG-TV ClickOrlando reports.
62 people rescued after The Wheel at ICON Park loses power; video shows sparks coming from ride
Read full article: 62 people rescued after The Wheel at ICON Park loses power; video shows sparks coming from rideThe Wheel at ICON Park lost power on Saturday evening, and the Orange County Fire Rescue on the scene working to rescue riders from the attraction.
Florida pet store must pay for sick, dying puppies, attorney general says
Read full article: Florida pet store must pay for sick, dying puppies, attorney general saysAn Orange County pet store has been ordered to pay $85,000 to consumers after the Florida attorney general’s office said customers were deceived and sold sick or dying puppies, News4JAX sister station WKMG-TV News 6 reports.
I-TEAM digs into past of convicted rapist who was released from prison early, arrested again
Read full article: I-TEAM digs into past of convicted rapist who was released from prison early, arrested againA man convicted of raping and stabbing a woman in Duval County more than three decades ago is now accused of sexual assault, again.
‘Brutal rapist’ tied to Duval County case captured in Orange County after woman found mutilated, deputies say
Read full article: ‘Brutal rapist’ tied to Duval County case captured in Orange County after woman found mutilated, deputies sayA registered sexual predator considered a “brutal rapist” after a woman was found mutilated has been arrested, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
1 dead, 2 missing amid heavy rain in California
Read full article: 1 dead, 2 missing amid heavy rain in CaliforniaOne person died and two others were missing in a raging stream channel as a powerful storm pounded California with rain and snow on Tuesday, raising fears of flash flooding and concerns that the weather could keep people from Election Day voting.
Ruptured oil pipeline off California approved for repairs
Read full article: Ruptured oil pipeline off California approved for repairsA federal agency has given a Texas oil company approval to repair a pipeline that ruptured a year ago and spilled tens of thousands of gallons of crude off the Southern California coast.
Landlords try to stop rent control initiative in Florida
Read full article: Landlords try to stop rent control initiative in FloridaBallots haven’t even been printed yet, but already a group of landlords, apartment managers and real estate agents in Florida are trying to stop voters from deciding on a measure that would implement rent control for a year in the theme park hub that has been one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S. The Florida Apartment Association and the Florida Association of Realtors last week sued Orange County, Florida in an attempt to halt a ballot initiative aimed at limiting how much...
Polio fears rise in New York amid possible community spread
Read full article: Polio fears rise in New York amid possible community spreadNew York state health officials have issued a more urgent call for unvaccinated children and adults to get inoculated against polio, citing new evidence of possible “community spread” of the virus.
Teen who fatally fell from Orlando drop tower nearly 100 pounds over limit: autopsy report
Read full article: Teen who fatally fell from Orlando drop tower nearly 100 pounds over limit: autopsy reportA 14-year-old boy who fell to his death from an Orlando thrill ride in March was nearly 100 pounds over the weight limit of the attraction, according to an autopsy report released by the Orlando medical examiner’s office Monday.
The father of a man killed in an Orange Park shooting says he does not believe this is a case of self-defense
Read full article: The father of a man killed in an Orange Park shooting says he does not believe this is a case of self-defenseThe father of a man shot and killed at a gas station on Saturday, tells News4JAX, his son has never been in trouble.
Theme parks planning affordable housing in Orlando area
Read full article: Theme parks planning affordable housing in Orlando areaTwo Florida theme parks have announced plans to build affordable housing in the Orlando area, where it has become increasingly difficult for lower wage workers to find places to live.
Attorneys for family of teen who died in fall visit site of Orlando thrill ride
Read full article: Attorneys for family of teen who died in fall visit site of Orlando thrill rideAttorneys representing the family of a 14-year-old boy who fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall attraction visited the ride Tuesday morning.
Teen who died after fall from drop tower exceeded weight limit for ride, report says
Read full article: Teen who died after fall from drop tower exceeded weight limit for ride, report saysState investigators released nearly 200 pages of records Monday evening, detailing exactly how attendants were supposed to operate Orlando FreeFall.
‘Didn’t you check it?’: Workers heard on viral video discussing teen’s fatal fall in Orlando
Read full article: ‘Didn’t you check it?’: Workers heard on viral video discussing teen’s fatal fall in OrlandoWorkers at ICON Park can be heard in a viral video discussing safety measures after a teen fell to his death late Thursday from an Orlando thrill ride.
14-year-old boy who died after falling from Orlando thrill ride identified by Orange County sheriff
Read full article: 14-year-old boy who died after falling from Orlando thrill ride identified by Orange County sheriffA 14-year-old boy died late Thursday in a fall from a thrill ride in the Orlando tourist district, deputies said.
Pipe organ made famous on 'Hour of Power' program returns
Read full article: Pipe organ made famous on 'Hour of Power' program returnsIn its heyday the Hazel Wright pipe organ was heard by millions worldwide through the “Hour of Power” Christian TV program, broadcast from Southern California's iconic Crystal Cathedral.
‘Nazi’ protests held over the weekend condemned in Florida
Read full article: ‘Nazi’ protests held over the weekend condemned in FloridaMore than a dozen self-proclaimed Nazis yelled antisemitic slogans outside a Florida shopping plaza and waved a swastika flag from a highway overpass over the weekend.
Florida chief fired for not forcing firefighter vaccinations
Read full article: Florida chief fired for not forcing firefighter vaccinationsA Florida battalion chief has been fired for refusing to discipline workers who hadn’t gotten a COVID-19 vaccine in violation of a requirement for county employees.
‘Bring her home:’ Family of missing 19-year-old last seen in Orlando pleads for help
Read full article: ‘Bring her home:’ Family of missing 19-year-old last seen in Orlando pleads for helpOrange County deputies are asking for help finding a missing 19-year-old woman who was last seen Friday evening, WKMG reported.
FDA experts among group opposing US booster shot plan
Read full article: FDA experts among group opposing US booster shot planAn international group of scientists is arguing the average person doesn't need a COVID-19 booster yet — an opinion that highlights the intense scientific divide over the question.
Florida mayors defy DeSantis with mask, vaccine mandates
Read full article: Florida mayors defy DeSantis with mask, vaccine mandatesAs coronavirus cases continue to soar, two Florida mayors are announcing mask and vaccine mandates and defying the governor who is firmly opposed to any pandemic restrictions.
Sheriff’s corporal retires amid investigation of racist post
Read full article: Sheriff’s corporal retires amid investigation of racist postA supervisor in the Orange County Sheriff’s Office retired amid an internal investigation into a Facebook post that shared a video from a page that supports white supremacist beliefs.
Gunman in Southern California mass shooting knew his victims
Read full article: Gunman in Southern California mass shooting knew his victimsThe gunman who killed four people and critically wounded a fifth at a Southern California office building knew all the victims personally or through business dealings.
The Latest: Sinovac: CoronaVac vaccine effective in children
Read full article: The Latest: Sinovac: CoronaVac vaccine effective in children(AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)BEIJING — Sinovac said on Monday that its COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac is safe and effective in children ages 3-17. State-owned Sinopharm, who has two COVID-19 vaccines, is also investigating the effectiveness of its vaccines in children. The House vote came just before the state health department reported that more than 1 million COVID-19 vaccine shots have been administered within the state. State officials say about 2.9 million vaccine doses have been given to about 1.1 million people so far in Arizona. ___LISBON, Portugal — Portugal resumed administering AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, a week after temporarily halting its use.
Man gets three years for lying about hurricane damage
Read full article: Man gets three years for lying about hurricane damageORLANDO, Fla. – A Florida man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for lying about damage caused by Hurricane Irma. Steven Rembert, 49, of Orange County, was sentenced Monday in Orlando federal court, according to court records. He pleaded guilty in December to disaster assistance fraud. In September 2017, Rembert falsified records concerning his primary residence when submitting an application for assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to an indictment. Hurricane Irma struck Florida in September 2017, causing about $50 billion in damage throughout the state.
Roberto Clemente: More than Latin America’s baseball star
Read full article: Roberto Clemente: More than Latin America’s baseball starRoberto Clemente was the first Latino to be inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. The legacy of Roberto Clemente is still treasured today, proven nearly 50 years after his death. In fact, the Orange County School Board unanimously voted to rename the facility Roberto Clemente Middle on Sept. 21, coincidentally during Hispanic Heritage Month. Becoming baseball’s most prominent Afro-LatinoRoberto Clemente started his Major League Baseball career with the Pittsburg Pirates. The son of a sugarcane worker, Clemente began his professional baseball career just after finishing high school.
Women dressed as elderly caught trying to get COVID-19 shot
Read full article: Women dressed as elderly caught trying to get COVID-19 shotORLANDO, Fla. – Two women who dressed up to make themselves appear as older adults to get coronavirus vaccinations were turned away and issued trespass warnings in Orlando, officials said. Dr. Raul Pino, state health officer in Orange County — where Orlando is located — said the women disguised themselves on Wednesday with bonnets, gloves and glasses. It appeared that the women had gotten the first shot, but it was unclear where. The women were 35 and 45 years old, officials said in a news release. Pino said the Health Department’s investigation will try to determine where they were vaccinated earlier and how they managed to get an appointment.
California seizes control over struggling vaccine delivery
Read full article: California seizes control over struggling vaccine deliveryCalifornia is revamping its vaccine delivery system to give the state more control over who gets the shots following intense criticism of a slow and scattered rollout by counties. Counties, which have been leading the vaccine effort along with hospital and health care systems, were cautious about what to expect and said they need more information. At the same time, confused residents are clamoring for more information and frustrated by eligibility rules that vary by county and by hospital system. She also asked what paperwork essential workers would need to present to get a vaccine from the state. Allowing the state to seek an equitable distribution of the vaccine will allow counties to focus on getting as many people inoculated as possible.
The Latest: China says COVID-19 hospitalizations above 1,000
Read full article: The Latest: China says COVID-19 hospitalizations above 1,000(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)BEIJING — China says it is now treating more than 1,000 people for COVID-19 as numbers of cases continue to surge in the country’s north. ___AUSTIN, Texas — Texas has distributed more than 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. State health officials say Texas had more than 14,000 COVID-19 patients in hospitals and its death toll has passed 30,000. ___COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina will now allow medical students, retired nurses and other qualified professionals to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. ___MADRID — Spain reported 35,878 confirmed coronavirus cases and 201 new deaths from the coronavirus.
NTSB says vehicle battery fires pose risks to 1st responders
Read full article: NTSB says vehicle battery fires pose risks to 1st respondersU.S. safety investigators say electric vehicle fires pose risks to first responders, and manufacturers have inadequate guidelines to keep them safe. (Orange County Sheriffs Department/National Transportation Safety Board via AP)DETROIT – Electric vehicle fires pose safety risks to first responders and guidelines from manufacturers about how to deal with them have been inadequate, according to U.S. investigators. There are also gaps in industry safety standards and research on high-voltage lithium-ion battery fires, especially in high-speed, severe crashes, the National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday. And it's asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to include the availability of an emergency response guide when it calculates five-star vehicle safety scores. The NTSB started investigating battery fires after crashes and fires in Lake Forest and Mountain View, California, and in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in 2017 and 2018.
California expands eligibility for coronavirus vaccine
Read full article: California expands eligibility for coronavirus vaccineBut the decision perplexed some county officials who say they don’t even have enough doses right now to vaccinate those who were already eligible. California has received more than 2.4 million vaccine doses as of Monday, but only a third of them have been used. This is about life and death,” Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez said. So can you send us 4 million doses?”About 375 miles (600 kilometers) to the north, Santa Clara County officials made their pitch to Gov. Santa Clara County wants at least 85% of its eligible residents vaccinated by Aug. 1.
The Latest: Japan's daily virus cases rise above 3,000
Read full article: The Latest: Japan's daily virus cases rise above 3,000(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)TOKYO — Japan’s daily coronavirus cases have exceeded 3,000 for the first time while the government delays stricter measures for fear of hurting the economy ahead of the holiday season. ___SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The U.S. has reached a record 3,309 daily coronavirus deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. ___PHOENIX — Arizona reported 8,076 confirmed coronavirus cases, one of the state’s largest daily total. Italy has registered 1.8 million confirmed cases and more than 63,000 confirmed deaths, sixth highest in the world. He says the latest outbreak at Orange County jails had 74 confirmed cases, 75 tests pending and more inmates waiting to be tested.
A new face to the GOP: Diverse candidates win in California
Read full article: A new face to the GOP: Diverse candidates win in California(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)LOS ANGELES – It had been over two decades since a Republican captured a Democratic-held congressional district in California. The stunning victories have California GOP leaders talking about a comeback after years of teetering on the brink of irrelevance in the heavily Democratic state. Still, California Republicans all too familiar with Election Day misery now see a template to make further inroads. Young Kim defeated Democratic Rep. Gil Cisneros in a rematch in the Democratic-leaning 39th District, anchored in Orange County. In Orange County “voters saw a different face to the Republican Party in Steel and Kim,” she said.
Wind fans wildfire in California canyons, residents flee
Read full article: Wind fans wildfire in California canyons, residents fleeThe fire grew to more than 11 square miles (29 square kilometers) and blanketed a wide area with smoke and ash. Scientists have said climate change has made California much drier, meaning trees and other plants are more flammable. A few miles to the north, a blaze near Corona Municipal Airport shut down State Route 71 and had residents getting ready to flee. More than 6,500 square miles (16,835 square kilometers) have been scorched, a total larger than the combined area of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Virtually all of Northern California is in severe or extreme drought while nearly all of Southern California is abnormally dry or worse.
Christmas, Florida: More than a distinctive postmark for your holiday cards and letters
Read full article: Christmas, Florida: More than a distinctive postmark for your holiday cards and lettersEven though the city’s name brings images of a jolly fellow in red, elves, reindeer and ho, ho, hos, the city’s most notable mascot is Swampy, the world’s largest gator. Swampy is the world’s largest alligator-shaped building measures just over 200 feet can be seen and photographed at Jungle Adventures Nature Animal Park. There’s Fort Christmas Historical Park, a recreation of the Second Seminole War’s Fort Christmas. Head to the Fort Christmas Folk School -- a nonprofit school dedicated to teaching folk arts. Budget around two and a half hours for travel and a couple of hours to enjoy your day in Christmas.
Disney World increasing theme park capacity to 35%
Read full article: Disney World increasing theme park capacity to 35%ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Disney CEO Bob Chapek told investors they are seeing high demand and strong attendance at the parks in Orlando, as first reported by ClickOrlando. Chapek said they are now allowing the parks to have up to 35 percent of total capacity each day, which is up from 25 percent. Additionally, Thursday was the release of Disney’s fourth quarter and full fiscal year earnings. Disney’s quarter four revenues were over 14.7 billion, that’s down 23 percent from last year. The report shows Disney’s fiscal year revenue was 65.3 billion, down about 6 percent from last year.
COVID-19 hospitalizations top 2,900 in Florida
Read full article: COVID-19 hospitalizations top 2,900 in FloridaTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The number of people hospitalized with “primary” diagnoses of COVID-19 has substantially increased during the past two weeks, topping 2,900 on Monday, according to numbers posted on the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration website. The total of 2,902 hospitalizations late Monday afternoon was up from 2,777 on Sunday. It also was up from 2,474 a week earlier and 2,252 two weeks earlier, numbers compiled daily by The News Service of Florida show. The increase in hospitalizations has come as the state has seen thousands of new COVID-19 cases each day. Miami-Dade County had the most people hospitalized late Monday afternoon at 402.
California braces for more fire danger from winds
Read full article: California braces for more fire danger from windsIn Northern California, the easing of winds allowed Pacific Gas & Electric to begin restoring power after the largest of five safety shutoffs this year. Nearly two dozen wildfires were reported in Northern California Sunday night and Monday but all were rapidly contained without serious damage. However, once the winds ease, the weather should remain calm through the weekend, Quinlan said. Scientists have said climate change has made California much drier, meaning trees and other plants are more flammable. Associated Press writer Amy Taxin in Orange County, California, contributed to this report.
Utility says its equipment may have sparked California blaze
Read full article: Utility says its equipment may have sparked California blazeIn a report to the state Public Utilities Commission, Southern California Edison said it was investigating whether its electrical equipment caused the blaze. However, the utility had reduced that to under 16,500 as winds eased temporarily Monday night. Fire officials said PG&E transmission lines sparked that fire, which destroyed hundreds of homes and caused nearly 100,000 people to flee. While the biggest fires in California have been fully or significantly contained, more than 5,000 firefighters remain committed to 20 blazes, state fire officials said. Associated Press writer Amy Taxin in Orange County, California contributed to this report.
Florida official: No birthday parties to keep virus away
Read full article: Florida official: No birthday parties to keep virus awayDr. Raul Pino, health officer for Florida Department of Health in Orange County, said half of the 30 attendees at a recent Sweet 16 party in the Orlando area came down with the virus. Last month, an Orange County high school closed for two weeks after students who had attended a birthday party tested positive for the virus. In recent days, the county's positivity rate has crossed into the 6% range after being in the 5% range. Maintaining the positivity rate around 5% makes it possible to contact trace and isolate people, keeping the virus under control, Pino said. Florida reported 3,689 new coronavirus cases on Friday, raising the statewide total since March to 771,780 cases.
California orders GOP to remove unofficial ballot boxes
Read full article: California orders GOP to remove unofficial ballot boxes(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)LOS ANGELES – California's chief elections official on Monday ordered Republicans to remove unofficial ballot drop boxes from churches, gun shops and other locations and Attorney General Xavier Becerra warned those behind the “vote tampering" could face prosecution. Republicans have set up their drop boxes at churches, gas stations and gun shops in at least three California counties. He said these unofficial drop boxes lack those protections, making them vulnerable to tampering. Officials in Ventura County also said Monday that they had received reports of groups promoting unofficial ballot drop boxes. ___Taxin reported from Orange County, California.
Drubbed in 2018, California GOP looks to regain House seats
Read full article: Drubbed in 2018, California GOP looks to regain House seatsAnd GOP candidates need to win back suburbanites who recoiled from the Trump agenda in 2018 and helped return the House to Democratic control. But Issa’s once strongly Republican district became increasingly friendly for Democrats and he nearly lost his seat in 2016 before deciding not to run in 2018. Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda captured the district in an upset of longtime Rep. Dana Rohrabacher in 2018, as suburban voters nationally rejected the Trump label. First-term Democratic Rep. Gil Cisneros is looking to hold off Young Kim, the Republican he narrowly defeated two years ago to snatch the seat long held by Republican Rep. Ed Royce. Kim, a former legislator who was born in South Korea and grew up in Guam, has depicted the congressman as subservient to House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
11-year-old Florida girl subject of Amber Alert found safe
Read full article: 11-year-old Florida girl subject of Amber Alert found safeORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – About three hours after Florida authorities issued an Amber Alert for an 11-year-old from Apopka on Saturday night, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement canceled the alert. No details of how and where the girl was located, but the FDLE tweeted just before 11 p.m.: “The child was found safe. Thank you for sharing!”