Arrests Made At USF Protests
(Tampa, FL) --Ten people may face charges after protesting at the University of South Florida. USF Police announced arrests were made yesterday after pro-Palestine protesters refused to disperse despite warnings. Police estimate there may have been up to 100 people protesting, including non-students. While police say it was peaceful at first, eventually protesters started expressing their intent to use items they brought with them as weapons and to resist staff members and law enforcement officers. Tear gas was used by police to break up what they called an unlawful assembly. After about 45 minutes, the area was clear of protesters. USF Police say the university has been clear that violence, threats, harassment and disruptions will not be tolerated.
Judge Dismiss Lawsuit Over NAS Pensacola Terror Attack
(Pensacola, FL) -- A federal lawsuit tied to the deadly terror attack at NAS Pensacola more than five years ago is over. Judge Casey Rodger recently dismissed the case that was trying to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for the incident in December of 2019. The suit was filed on behalf of the three Navy servicemen who were killed when a Royal Saudi Air Force officer opened fire on base. Four other victims were seriously hurt. Authorities say the shooter was part of a training program and had allegedly been in contact with Al-Qaeda on the night of the attack. The group who filed the lawsuit is planning to file an appeal.
Six-Week Abortion Ban To Take Effect In Florida Tomorrow
(Tallahassee, FL) -- A six-week abortion ban goes into effect in Florida today. The law was initially delayed from going into place while a challenge played out against another law that prohibited women from undergoing the procedure after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The state Supreme Court upheld the measure earlier this month. Under the new legislation, women will need to make two in-person visits with an abortion provider 24 hours apart before they are allowed to follow through with the rest of the process. There are some exemptions to the rules, including if a woman's life is in danger. Healthcare professionals who go against the law could face criminal penalties.
Investigation Looks At Red Light Camera Data
(Orlando, FL) --A new report questions if red light cameras are making Central Florida safer. WESH 2 Investigates looked at crash data at intersections with red light cameras in Orlando and Orange County. The report released yesterday shows crashes at intersections with red light cameras were up 12 percent last year. In Orange County, they were up even more at fifteen percent. Deadly crashes and crashes resulting in injuries are down, though. Ray Rodriguez is operations manager for Orlando's red light camera program. He tells WESH the fact that fatalities and total physical injuries are down is a big deal.
SCOTUS Keeps Porn Law In Place
(Austin, TX) -- A Texas law designed to prevent kids from accessing pornography will remain in place. Several adult entertainment websites sued, saying the age-verification legislation was unconstitutional. The U-S Supreme Court, today, denied the effort to block Texas's law while the legal action plays out. In a statement, the Texas Attorney General cheered the move, calling the content "harmful." Several of the most popular adult websites have begun to block all users from Texas rather than verify their ages.
Man Injured, Arrested After Kicking Bison
(West Yellowstone, MT) -- A 40-year-old Idaho man is recovering from injuries and facing multiple charges after allegedly kicking a bison at Yellowstone National Park. Charges against Clarence Yoder include approaching and disturbing wildlife, as well as disorderly conduct and an alcohol-related charge.
Today in History
2011, President Barack Obama announced the death of elusive terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden from the East Room of the White House. Known to be the mastermind of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, Bin Laden was killed in a mission carried out by Navy SEALs.
1941, General Mills introduced Cheerios cereal.
1939, "Batman" made his debut as a comic strip hero by D.C. Comics.
1931, the Empire State Building was dedicated.