WEATHER ALERT
Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk charged with orchestrating 2022 Los Angeles killing
Read full article: Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk charged with orchestrating 2022 Los Angeles killingGrammy Award-winning rapper Lil Durk has been arrested in Florida on federal charges that he paid for the attempted 2022 revenge killing of rapper Quando Rondo at a Los Angeles gas station.
Russian and Ukrainian business dealings with Cypriot banks dwindled due to sanctions, banks say
Read full article: Russian and Ukrainian business dealings with Cypriot banks dwindled due to sanctions, banks sayCyprus' banks say their exposure to risky Russian and Ukrainian businesses shrunk by more than 13,000 clients and 35,000 accounts, amounting to $2.17 billion, in the year after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of its neighbor as they adhered to sanctions that the U.N., the European Union, the U.S. and Britain have imposed on Russia.
A city proud of its role in facing down hatred confronts a new wave of violence
Read full article: A city proud of its role in facing down hatred confronts a new wave of violenceThere was a time when the city of Birmingham, Alabama, earned the nickname “Bombingham,” renowned for senseless violence and its strength in confronting the racial hatred that fueled it.
NYC schools boss to step down later this year after federal agents seized his devices
Read full article: NYC schools boss to step down later this year after federal agents seized his devicesThe head of New York City’s public schools system says he will step down at the end of the calendar year, becoming the latest high-ranking departure from Mayor Eric Adams’ administration amid an escalating federal inquiry.
Man dies after shootout with officers in Melbourne, police say
Read full article: Man dies after shootout with officers in Melbourne, police sayA man was killed after he was shot “multiple times” when he fired at law enforcement officers at a Melbourne apartment complex, according to the police department.
Throwback: Anthony Simmons’ advice on establishing your own Caribbean cashflow
Read full article: Throwback: Anthony Simmons’ advice on establishing your own Caribbean cashflowCorie Murray takes us back to his interview with Anthony Simmons, president and CEO of Nemiro International Corporation and two other Caribbean-based companies.
Florida man accused in fatal triple shooting after trying to date his own daughter
Read full article: Florida man accused in fatal triple shooting after trying to date his own daughterInvestigators said they discovered that he had written a letter to his daughter, insisting that “she enter into a relationship with him and not date anyone else.”
Chase Bank tells retired postal worker ‘We are unable to help you’
Read full article: Chase Bank tells retired postal worker ‘We are unable to help you’Chase Bank officials contacted retired Indiana postal worker Robert Wolfe Thursday afternoon to tell him they would be unable to retrieve his funds lost in a text message scheme.
Expert says Trump could have defended Capitol on Jan. 6 as disqualification case enters new phase
Read full article: Expert says Trump could have defended Capitol on Jan. 6 as disqualification case enters new phaseA professor who is an expert in national security has testified that then-President Donald Trump could have mobilized the National Guard and federal law enforcement to protect the U.S. Capitol once violence broke out on Jan 6, 2021.
A look inside Donald Trump's deposition: Defiance, deflection and the 'hottest brand in the world'
Read full article: A look inside Donald Trump's deposition: Defiance, deflection and the 'hottest brand in the world'In newly public testimony, Donald Trump boasts about building a multibillion-dollar brand and saving “millions of lives” as president.
What to stream this weekend: 'And Just Like That,' Kelly Clarkson, 'Perfect Find' and Final Fantasy
Read full article: What to stream this weekend: 'And Just Like That,' Kelly Clarkson, 'Perfect Find' and Final FantasyThis week’s new entertainment releases include albums from Kelly Clarkson and Portugal.
Black Baltimoreans fight to save homes from redevelopment
Read full article: Black Baltimoreans fight to save homes from redevelopmentResidents of a historically Black neighborhood in west Baltimore filed a complaint this week asking federal officials to investigate whether the city's redevelopment policies are violating fair housing laws by disproportionately displacing Black and low-income residents to make way for so-called urban renewal projects.
‘Thank God she’s still here:’ Father of 3-year-old shot in Orange County speaks out
Read full article: ‘Thank God she’s still here:’ Father of 3-year-old shot in Orange County speaks outA 3-year-old girl is recovering after she was shot while sitting in her car seat in Orange County earlier this week.
Orange County schools reinstates mask mandate for adults as schools prepare to reopen
Read full article: Orange County schools reinstates mask mandate for adults as schools prepare to reopenWith schools starting up again and an omicron wave of COVID-19 growing, districts are urging students, parents and staff to be prepared.
Orange County approves firefighter’s cancer death benefit under SB 426
Read full article: Orange County approves firefighter’s cancer death benefit under SB 426Orange County administrators voted to pay a full $75,000 cancer death benefit to the widow of veteran firefighter Eric Siena Tuesday, a decision Public Safety Director Danny Banks said reflects the administration’s support of the county’s first responders.
Back in Business: WrestleMania ready to rumble with fans
Read full article: Back in Business: WrestleMania ready to rumble with fansWWE is set to welcome back fans for the first time in more than a year when 25,000 spectators are expected on both Saturday and Sunday nights for WrestleMania at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Asian shares mixed after Wall St. fall, mixed market signs
Read full article: Asian shares mixed after Wall St. fall, mixed market signsPeople walk past a bank's electronic board showing the Hong Kong share index in Hong Kong Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Asian shares were mixed in listless trading Tuesday after U.S. stocks finished mostly lower as cause for optimism, such as the Suez Canal reopening, mixed with caution about the vaccine rollout. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)BEIJING – Asian shares were mixed in listless trading Tuesday after U.S. stocks finished mostly lower as cause for optimism, such as the Suez Canal reopening, mixed with caution about the vaccine rollout. The Russell 2000 index of smaller company stocks fell more than the broader market, shedding 62.80 points, or 2.8%, to 2,158.68. Weighing on stocks at the same time, though, are worries about a coming rise in inflation and possibly too-ebullient prices across the market.
Stocks climb, erasing weekly losses for the S&P 500 index
Read full article: Stocks climb, erasing weekly losses for the S&P 500 indexStocks rose in afternoon trading on Wall Street Friday with technology companies and banks leading the way higher. (Nicole Pereira/New York Stock Exchange via AP)BANGKOK – Stocks rose on Wall Street Friday, erasing the market’s losses from earlier in the week and avoiding a second straight weekly drop for the S&P 500. Most stocks across Wall Street were rising, but losses for some tech heavyweights helped pull the Nasdaq composite down by 0.1%. Higher yields can make investors less willing to pay high prices for stocks, with companies seen as the most expensive taking the most pain. The higher yields helped lift stocks of banks, in part because higher interest rates allow them to make bigger profits from making loans.
Demand increases at Orange County Convention Center as vaccine eligibility age drops to 40
Read full article: Demand increases at Orange County Convention Center as vaccine eligibility age drops to 40Anyone 40 or older can get vaccinated at Orange County Convention Center on Monday, mayor saysORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – As the state continues to work its way through vaccinating seniors, Orange County opened coronavirus vaccine eligibility to 40 and up on Monday. Some are finding the eligibility expansion to be a challenge as out-of-county residents book appointments at the Orange County Convention Center, potentially leaving local residents empty-handed. “Unfortunately we are restricted, we can’t exclude another county’s residents from coming here as much as we would like to,” Banks said. Time slots quickly filled up within 13 minutes on the first morning of the new age group, according to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. AdThe expansion has presented ethical questions for officials about whether it’s fair for out-of-county residents to get vaccinated ahead of Orange County residents.
Wall Street closes higher after Fed says will keep rates low
Read full article: Wall Street closes higher after Fed says will keep rates lowShares are opening mostly lower on Wall Street, Wednesday, March 17, 2021, as investors cautiously await the U.S. central banks latest assessment on the economy. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)TOKYO – Stocks closed higher Wednesday, reversing an early slide after the Federal Reserve reassured Wall Street that it expects to keep its key interest rate near zero through 2023. Wall Street has been anxious about the potential for higher inflation to drive up bond yields further and has been looking for signs that the central bank shares its concerns. After Powell spoke stocks gradually pivoted higher and bond yields fell. AdAt least some Fed officials appear to be closer to tightening up the central bank’s ultra-low-rate policies.
Asian stocks follow Wall Street higher after Fed pledge
Read full article: Asian stocks follow Wall Street higher after Fed pledgeMajor indexes are off to a mixed start on Wall Street as gains for banks and industrial companies are offset by losses in Big Tech stocks like Apple and Amazon. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)BANGKOK – Asian stock markets followed Wall Street higher Thursday after the Federal Reserve chairman said the U.S. central bank is in no hurry to withdraw support for the economy. Overnight, Wall Street hit a new high after chairman Jerome Powell said the Fed sees no sign inflation might rise out of control. Global stock prices have soared over the past six months on hopes for a coronavirus vaccine and central bank promises of abundant credit to support struggling economies. The central bank earlier indicated it would let the economy “run hot” to make sure a recovery is well-established following the deepest slump since the 1930s.
4 things to know about FEMA’s mass vaccination site coming to Orlando
Read full article: 4 things to know about FEMA’s mass vaccination site coming to OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. – One of the nation’s first federally-run mass vaccination sites is set to open in Central Florida. Ron DeSantis announced FEMA vaccine sites will open up in Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa and Orlando at Valencia College - West Campus off Kirkman Road. Instead, he said the FEMA site will operate as a walk-up site. Currently, to register for a vaccine in Orange County, residents must register through the contracted vendor by the county CDR Health. “This is FEMA running the show and I am optimistic the portal will open and allow people to register this week.”
Virus-muffled Mardi Gras hits New Orleans' party-loving soul
Read full article: Virus-muffled Mardi Gras hits New Orleans' party-loving soulPeople walk past parts of Mardi Gras floats past and present, at Mardi Gras World, where Kern Studios creates and stores some of their floats, in New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. New Orleans' annual pre-Lenten Mardi Gras celebration is muted this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Mardi Gras joy is muted this year in New Orleans as authorities seek to stifle the coronavirus's spread. Mardi Gras joy is muted this year in New Orleans as authorities seek to stifle the coronavirus's spread. None of it is worth putting people's lives in danger.”AdNew Orleans' Mardi Gras has had hard times before.
S&P 500 closes wobbly week at new record high
Read full article: S&P 500 closes wobbly week at new record highThe S&P 500 rose 0.5% after spending most of the day wavering between small gains and losses. The S&P 500 rose 18.45 points to 3,934.83, while the Dow gained 27.70 points, or 0.1% to 31,458.40. Despite a week of mostly minor gains and losses for the broader market, the S&P 500 notched its second straight weekly gain. Roughly 75% of companies in the S&P 500 have released results, showing overall growth of 2.8%, according to FactSet. Genetic analytics company Illumina jumped 11.9% for the biggest gains in the S&P 500 following its encouraging earnings report.
Barnett Park coronavirus testing site to remain open until Feb. 28
Read full article: Barnett Park coronavirus testing site to remain open until Feb. 28ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – One of Orange County’s busiest coronavirus testing sites will continue to operate at least until the end of February, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said Monday. The future of the coronavirus testing site at Barnett Park was uncertain because county leaders had said there were no additional coronavirus relief funds to keep the site going beyond Jan. 30. [TRENDING: Florida debuts new vaccine hotline | Merritt Island-bound plane found in ocean | Titusville man accused of killing mother]“We are pleased to announce the Barnett Park testing site will remain open until the end of February,” Demings said. The site is operated by Orange County Health Services and provides testing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. [WATCH: Barnett Park offers rapid coronavirus testing in Orange County]“We are still seeing thousands and thousands of people a day that want to come and get tested,” said Banks.
Orange County faces funding issue as it looks to keep Barnett Park testing site open
Read full article: Orange County faces funding issue as it looks to keep Barnett Park testing site openORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The future of coronavirus testing site at Barnett Park is uncertain. Orange County currently has funding to keep the testing operation up and running through Jan. 30. “The county currently has no additional funding sources.”Banks added that the county plans to make an announcement on continuing testing at Barnett Park within the next week. It is unclear how much of that money was received by Orange County. The Barnett Park testing site offers drive-thru testing seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Alabama's Jones, Smith, Harris lead 6 Tide AP All-Americans
Read full article: Alabama's Jones, Smith, Harris lead 6 Tide AP All-AmericansLawrence, the likely first pick in the next NFL draft, made AP All-America for the first time in his career. ___The 2020 AP All-America team:FIRST TEAMOffenseQuarterback — Mac Jones, junior, Alabama. Running backs — Najee Harris, senior, Alabama; Breece Hall, sophomore, Iowa State. Guards — Ben Cleveland, senior, Georgia; Tommy Kraemer, senior, Notre Dame. Safeties — Kyle Hamilton, sophomore, Notre Dame; Tykee Smith, sophomore, West Virginia.
Orange County could use your help administering COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: Orange County could use your help administering COVID-19 vaccineLocally, officials in Orange County say, if allowed, they’re willing and able to help speed up the vaccinations of those residents. “What I can tell you is that Orange County is ready. And we have expressed our desire.”Pino said he expects the vaccine to arrive in Orange County between Dec. 14 and Dec. 20. If you have the ability and the time, we may need your help to quickly vaccinate all our county,” Pino said. We anticipate perhaps only into the 10s of 1,000s, maybe low 10s of 1000s to really come to Orange County on that first wave,” Banks said.
‘We need those funds:’ Orange County COVID-19 testing site could run out of funding
Read full article: ‘We need those funds:’ Orange County COVID-19 testing site could run out of fundingORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Money to pay for COVID-19 testing at Orange County’s Barnett Park is running out and county leaders are hoping help from the federal government will allow them to keep offering this free service. Orange County Public Safety Director Danny Banks said the demand is so high the county started offering free rapid tests seven days a week last month. Banks said right now they have enough federal CARES Act funds to support the free testing site through December 30. We need those funds,” Banks said. “To really emphasize to them the value of those funds to local communities and our hope that we can get a resurgence of those funds to Orange County,” Banks said.
How Orange County is preparing for COVID-19 vaccine distribution
Read full article: How Orange County is preparing for COVID-19 vaccine distributionORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – With talks of a COVID-19 vaccine being available as soon as by the end of this year, leaders in Orange County are making plans and arrangements for how the shots will be administered when the time comes. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said Thursday that the county purchased a refrigerator, freezer and ultra-cold freezer for $67,000 that will be used to store 150,000 doses of the vaccines until they’re ready to be used. The Florida Department of Health has already released a draft plan of distribution that outlines a three-phased approach that would prioritize certain groups before most healthy and non-at-risk residents get the vaccine in the third and final phase. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has a page on its website dedicated to answering questions about how the vaccine will be distributed. Talks of the vaccine came Thursday as Orange County surpassed two grim milestones: 50,000 COVID-19 cases and 600 deaths.
Rapid COVID-19 testing begins at Barnett Park in Orange County
Read full article: Rapid COVID-19 testing begins at Barnett Park in Orange CountyORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County residents lined up early Monday morning outside Barnett Park for the first day of rapid testing. The county-run testing site is now offering the tests on weekdays with results ready in less than 30 minutes. Public Safety Director of Orange County Danny Banks explained the county made the move because the rapid tests are in high demand. [TRENDING: Eta drenches Florida | 2 killed in Orange County crash | Biden names COVID-19 task force]“We see that’s what our community wanted, they want access to this rapid testing, we also have the nasal PCR testing continuing here at this site,” Banks said. Rapid testing is available at Barnett Park at 4801 W. Colonial Drive Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.For more details visit ocfl.net/Testing.
Free rapid COVID-19 tests to be offered at Barnett Park through the end of the year
Read full article: Free rapid COVID-19 tests to be offered at Barnett Park through the end of the yearORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health reported 6,257 new cases on Thursday, bringing the state’s overall total to 827,380 cases since March. Orange County Public Safety Director Danny Banks planned ahead in case that rise continues in Central Florida. The announcement comes just two weeks after the state-run testing site at the Orange County Convention Center began offering rapid tests. Beginning today @FLSERT #COVID19 Test Site @OCCCFree Rapid (antigen) test to anyone ages 5+, results in minutes via phone/text/email. “That told us something about the demand in the community.”It appears both sites obtained their rapid tests from the state, which just received more than 6.4 million rapid tests from the federal government in the past month.
Fields, No. 5 Ohio St run away from Huskers in opener, 52-17
Read full article: Fields, No. 5 Ohio St run away from Huskers in opener, 52-175 Ohio State shook off the rust in the first half and then buried Nebraska the rest of the way. Then came Fields' nifty touchdown run and a 55-yard scoop and score by Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks, and Ohio State had it under control. “That's one heck of a run right there," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. It is believed to be the smallest crowd to watch an Ohio State game since sometime before 1910. Ohio State: Faces No.
Asian shares rise after Wall Street gains on solid earnings
Read full article: Asian shares rise after Wall Street gains on solid earningsAsian shares mostly rose Wednesday, cheered by the gains on Wall Street as investors welcomed a batch of solid earnings reports from U.S. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)TOKYO – Asian shares mostly rose Wednesday, cheered by the gains on Wall Street as investors welcomed a batch of solid earnings reports from U.S. companies. Asian shares have tracked the moves on Wall Street lately, as much of the region's export-dependent economies depend on robust trade, slammed by the coronavirus pandemic. Technology, communication and financial stocks powered most of the gains on Wall Street. Insurer the Travelers Cos. gained 5.6% after its latest earnings topped Wall Street's estimates, thanks partly to lower-than-expected losses on claims.
Falcons won't have star WR Julio Jones for Bears game
Read full article: Falcons won't have star WR Julio Jones for Bears gameThe winless Atlanta Falcons will be playing without star wide receiver Julio Jones for Sunday’s game with the unbeaten Chicago Bears. ___CHICAGO AT ATLANTABears: CB Duke Shelley, OG Arlington Hambright, NT Daniel McCullers, WR RIley Ridley, OLB Trevis GipsonFalcons: WR Julio Jones, CB A.J. Eagles: WR Jalen Reagor, LG Isaac Seumalo, WR Alshon Jeffery, RB Jason Huntley, QB Nate Sudfeld, S Rudy Ford, G Jamon Brown, DE Casey Toohill. Browns: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CB Greedy Williams, LB Jacob Phillips, Olivier Vernon, Evan Brown and WR Rashard Higgins. Brown, CB Chris Jackson OLB Derick Roberson, C Aaron Brewer, TE Geoff Swaim, DT Matt DickersonVikings: WR Tajaé Sharpe, WR K.J.
Barrymore sets high standard in her models as talk show host
Read full article: Barrymore sets high standard in her models as talk show hostNEW YORK – Drew Barrymore is setting a high standard for herself as she joins the world of daytime talk show hosts on Monday. “We’re all human beings on this planet going through our lives and our journeys and there’s a way to connect through that,” Barrymore said. I’ve never lived in that space.”“The Drew Barrymore Show,” retrofitted for the coronavirus era, is being distributed by CBS Television. Bill Carroll, a veteran television consultant and expert in the syndication market, said he’s impressed that Barrymore is shooting high. Yes, some may regard Barrymore as slightly loopy and hippie-dippie (“we’re all human beings on this planet”), but it’s more endearing than annoying.
A Long-Overdue 'Tip of the Cap' to baseball's Black pioneers
Read full article: A Long-Overdue 'Tip of the Cap' to baseball's Black pioneersNot long after, with many of its best players gradually following Robinsons path, the Negro Leagues ceased operations. President Clinton said he chose a Chicago Cubs cap in honor of Ernie Banks, the late Hall of Famer who got his start in the Negro Leagues. Long before that, the Negro Leagues made baseball better and America better.The celebration was moved online after a major league-wide tribute to baseballs Black pioneers scheduled for June 27 was shelved along with the games because of the coronavirus pandemic. So then I thought, How about a virtual tip of the cap?''' I always felt if there was going to be conversations about race in sports, the Negro Leagues should be at the center, because thats the story: They triumphed over adversity.
Retailers look to boost sales, German car sales weak
Read full article: Retailers look to boost sales, German car sales weakThe company had reopened 367 stores as of May 30, with approximately 30 additional stores reopening the week of May 31. Total comparable store sales declined 27.6%, but online sales soared nearly 300%. Kirkland's currently has 357 of its 404 stores open to customers. One bright spot was online sales, which rose 32.3% in the quarter. In the last month of the quarter, online sales jumped 97%.
Orange County extends free PPE supplies for small businesses this week
Read full article: Orange County extends free PPE supplies for small businesses this weekTo keep citizens and businesses safe, Orange County is continuing to offer free personal protective equipment to small businesses and residents this week. RELATED: Orange County expanding its free PPE supplies for small businesses into next week | Orange County COVID-19 testing sites to offer free PPE“We’re making those masks and hand sanitizers available as aggressively as we can,” Banks said. Banks said more than 11,000 small businesses came out last week to get the free PPE. Orange County officials provided News 6 maps that show businesses all over the county took advantage of the opportunity to pick up free PPE. Banks said starting this weekend, Orange County Fire Rescue is also handing out free PPE to residents during their calls for service.
Here’s how Orange County small businesses can get free masks, hand sanitizer
Read full article: Here’s how Orange County small businesses can get free masks, hand sanitizerORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County is preparing to hand out one million masks and 200,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to small businesses in an effort to help them reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. Orange County's Director of Public Safety Danny Banks said small businesses were hit the hardest during the state shut down. Banks said they're giving those supplies to small business owners in Orange County for free. In order for small businesses to qualify, they must register by completing an Interest Form at www.ocfl.net/PPE to get a pick-up appointment. Banks said this is a good start and the county plans to continue helping small businesses.
Urgent question from small businesses: When will aid arrive?
Read full article: Urgent question from small businesses: When will aid arrive?That's the urgent question for small business owners who have been devastated by the coronavirus outbreak. “Relief can’t come soon enough — we’re a cash business with small margins," says Rammel, who is looking to Small Business Administration loans. The rescue package signed into law Friday provides for Small Business Administration loans to companies as well as to sole proprietors and freelancers. And the Federal Reserve plans to set up a program to lend directly to small business owners. On its face, the rescue aid appears to address some of the most vital needs of small businesses, notably their ability to maintain or hire back furloughed workers eventually.