Fort Myers artist to transform 9/11 concrete blocks into art

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Huge blocks of concrete that surrounded the original World Trade Center will soon be transformed into forever art. The blocks of concrete may look ordinary, but local artist Sandra Priest will use them to create a story commemorating the September 11 terrorist attacks. After 9/11, the pieces were part of a concrete slurry wall […]

Police: Suspect dead after report of gunshots at TN theater

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A suspect is dead after officers responded to reports of shots fired at a movie theater southeast of Nashville, Tennessee, police said Wednesday. The suspect, who was not identified, was armed with a gun and a hatchet at the Carmike Hickory 8 theater in Antioch, said Don Aaron, a spokesman for […]

Son saves mother from Fort Myers house fire

Several people were inside the house on Lura Avenue when it caught fire around 10:30 Wednesday morning. Two people were sent to the hospital. The homeowner, Patricia Standberry, says an AC unit in the carport started smoking and caught fire. Standberry says her son woke her up while she was sleeping, warning her of the flames. ” If it […]

Will your boss match Netflix’s yearlong paid leave?

Netflix stirred envy in sleep-deprived parents nationwide by saying it will give its employees up to a year of paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child. But outside of hypercompetitive Silicon Valley, don’t hold your breath for your boss to match it. However, more companies are thinking about offering at least some […]

Mazda recalls 206,000 SUVs to fix front suspension

DETROIT (AP) – Mazda is recalling its biggest SUV to fix suspension parts that can rust and come loose, causing a loss of steering control. The recall covers 206,000 CX-9 SUVs from the 2007 through 2014 model years, mainly in the U.S. and Canada. The company said in documents posted Wednesday by U.S. safety regulators […]

Body found at Naples water park

NAPLES, Fla.- The body of an elderly man was found at the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon on Livingston Road Tuesday afternoon. The man is estimated to be about 80-year-old, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office said. Investigators do not believe his death is suspicious.

No. 2 Senate Republican proposing gun background check bill

WASHINGTON (AP) – Backed by the National Rifle Association, the Senate’s No. 2 Republican leader introduced legislation Wednesday that would reward states for sending more information about residents with serious mental problems to the federal background check system for firearms purchasers. The bill by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, would also bolster programs for treating mentally […]

Deputy accused of driving across state to meet juvenile male

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (AP) – A Tampa Bay area deputy has been fired after authorities say he traveled to South Florida to meet a teenage boy. Matthew Aaron Bondi was formally charged in federal court Wednesday with luring or enticing a minor into sexual activity. The 22-year-old was arrested Tuesday evening after Davie police […]

Officials rescue 367 migrants off Libya; 25 bodies found

ROME (AP) – A fishing boat crowded with migrants overturned Wednesday in the Mediterranean off Libya as rescuers approached, and the Italian coast guard and Irish navy said at least 367 people were saved, although 25 bodies also were found in the latest human smuggling tragedy. Coast guard Cmdr. Filippo Marini said the rescue operation, […]

Arrest in case of slain Mexican journalist, 4 women

MEXICO CITY (AP) – Mexico City’s prosecutor says one person has been detained in the case of a photojournalist found slain along with 4 women. Rodolfo Rios Garza says the person was identified by a fingerprint found in the apartment and that it registered to someone with a criminal record. Photojournalist Ruben Espinosa was found […]