Local:
Cold Front Approaching Southwest Florida
The weather in southwest Florida started to cool down this week. As we approach colder months, temperatures have been reaching a peak of only 77 and are predicted to wind up averaging 87 degrees. Most of the time, the weather spans around 77 degrees in mid-December so we are starting to see colder weather earlier this year, according to NBC2.
Rabbi From Naples Bands Together to Help Israel Soldiers and Families During Conflict
A southwest Florida rabbi is planning to take a trip to Israel to bring aid to families and soldiers suffering in the Israel conflicts. “It actually started just under a week ago. We all said, ‘We’ve got to do something.’ We were doing stuff in the community,” he said. “People were rallying, we were praying and studying, and people were doing good deeds — and then we said, ‘It’s time to show up to Israel.’ And we are showing up.” said Rabbi Yitzchok Minkowicz to NBC2. They plan to bring supplies for soldiers and visit hospitals to bring hope to those struggling.
Everblades Season Starts, New Roster and A Chance For a Three-Peat
Over four months ago the Everblades celebrated their victory in the fourth game of the 2023 ECHL finals. Now they are back and ready to push for their goal of another championship. “It’s an exciting time of year,” said Head Coach Brad Ralph to NBC2. “It’s a relatively new group together. Everyone’s working extremely hard.” This year’s roster includes nine returning players as well as 14 newcomers. The season is predicted to have a learning curve with all new players on the team. Some of the Everblades iconic players such as Ben Masella, Blake Winiecki and John McCarron are all no longer on this season’s roster.
State:
Georgia Deputy Kills Wrongfully Accused Black Man Who Spent 16 Years in Prison
A Georgia man who spent 16 years in a prison in Florida after a wrongful conviction was shot during a Georgia traffic stop. According to AP News, Leonard Allen Cure, 53, was killed Monday and has been represented in his exoneration case by the Innocence Project of Florida. “I can only imagine what it’s like to know your son is innocent and watch him be sentenced to life in prison, to be exonerated and … then be told that once he’s been freed, he’s been shot dead,” said Seth Miller, executive director of the project. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations is investigating the shootings and the officers involved.
Ex-Florida GOP Lawmaker Who Sponsored “Don’t Say Gay” Sentenced to Jail
Thursday, a federal judge sentenced Florida state legislator Joe Harding to jail. According to Politico, he pleaded guilty to one account of wire fraud, laundering and false statements in an attempt to gain $150,000 in Covid-19 relief. “The theft of any amount of taxpayer funds is inexcusable,” said Jason Coody, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Florida, in a statement. “However, the defendant’s deceptive acts of diverting emergency financial assistance from small businesses during the pandemic is simply beyond the pale.” A Republican from Belleview, Ryan Chamberlin, will replace Harding after winning a special election held in May.
Florida Man Murders Wife When She Won’t Appear On Home Renovation Show
Wednesday night, a Florida man was found guilty after beating and killing his wife in his home in Orlando. Five years after the incident, David Tronnes has been sentenced and the family has denied the death penalty. The intent for murder started after the couple was planning to renovate their home while facing financial issues. According to News Channel 8, the victim, Shanti Cooper-Tronnes, was excited to go on the show but was having conflicts with her husband when he wouldn’t put her name on the deed. “She didn’t die peacefully,” Shanti’s son, Jackson Cooper, said. “She did not deserve anything that happened to her that night.”
National:
Jordan Promises to Stay in Speaker Race As Things Heat Up
Jim Jones is planning to remain in the race despite pressure from the GOP conference to drop out. According to Jones, the House is supposed to have its next vote for speaker Friday at 10 p.m.. Jordan has spoken with several who are opposing his bid and their mindset has not changed. According to CNN, Jones said, “We had a good discussion” as he left the meeting but wouldn’t answer any other questions about the fate of his candidacy or if there would be another floor vote Thursday evening.
Pfizer Doubles the Price of Paxlovid as U.S. Exits Pandemic Phase
Life-saving COVID-19 medicine, Paxlovid, has more than doubled in price after the U.S. slowly leaves the pandemic era. Originally $530 per course, the medicine has now summed up to $1,390 for a five-day course. According to CNN, people with Medicare or Medicaid or who are uninsured will be able to get Paxlovid for free until 2024 via a patient assistance program, the United States Department of Health and Human Services said last week. The transition has shifted as the vaccine was given out to people for free rather than now shifting into a marketplace as the U.S. enters the post-pandemic phase.
Journalists in Gaza Attempting to Get Struggling Stories of Survival Out
Journalists in Gaza are struggling to get their stories to the public while surviving the harsh conditions in Israel. Entrance has been restricted to outside journalists into Gaza since Oct. 7 due to the Hamas attacks. According to AP, “The sole entry point for journalists, Israel’s Erez crossing, was attacked in the rampage and remains closed.” After Israel ordered Palestinians to evacuate, journalists had to abandon bureaus in Gaza City and head south. The Associated Press, the BBC, Reuters, Agence France-Presse and Al-Jazeera have all been able to maintain being a source of news for those wondering what is happening within the conflicts.
Auto Strike Starting To Leave A Toll On Businesses
Businesses are starting to feel the effects after the ongoing battle with the auto strike progresses. According to Reuters, “The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike has entered its 36th day and the total economic cost pegged at more than $7 billion. Companies are counting the cost of lost revenue amid an uncertain economy and persistent inflation.” Many businesses are starting to worry about how they will make ends meet with the relationship they need with these auto businesses. “The damage from the strikes will last long after UAW members return to work,” University of Michigan professor Erik Gordon said.
