Thousands of federal drug inmates set for early release

WASHINGTON (AP) – Thousands of federal inmates serving sentences for drug crimes are set for early release next month under a cost-cutting measure intended to reduce the nation’s prison population. The more than 5,500 inmates set to go free in November are among the first of what could eventually be tens of thousands eligible for […]

Ronald McDonald House of SWFL to receive makeover

FORT MYERS, Fla.- The bare walls at the Ronald McDonald House of Southwest Florida will soon get a brand new look as local designers donate their time and talent to the charity. On Tuesday, 20 designers roamed the halls of the “home away from home” for kids receiving treatment at the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. “Thrilled, […]

New aviation school flying into Punta Gorda

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.- A new aviation school will soon arrive in Charlotte County. Tuesday, Western Michigan University (WMU) unanimously voted to expand academics to Southwest Florida. “Not only are they planning on an aeronautical program, but also going to do an arts program,” said James Herston, Punta Gorda Airport Authority commissioner. WMU’s expansion to Southwest Florida has been […]

Search for answers begins in sinking of US cargo ship

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) – On board the 790-foot El Faro when it set out on its doomed voyage into the path of Hurricane Joaquin were five Polish workers whose job was to prepare the engine room for a retrofitting. Could that work have caused the loss of power that led to the U.S. container ship’s […]

Dr. Greg Adkins new Lee County Schools Superintendent

FORT MYERS, Fla.- The Lee County School Board has offered a three year contract to Dr. Greg Adkins. The board voted unanimously on the $185,000 contract that includes $725 per month of travel expenses and a 30 day notice of termination. Adkins was sworn in as acting superintendent in September after former Superintendent Nancy Graham resigned following two […]

Wildlife officers set trap after bear kills dog, attacks man

ORANGE CITY, Fla. (AP) – Wildlife officials are trying to trap a bear that attacked a man and killed his dog. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Greg Workman says Alan Bryant let his Yorkshire Terrier into the backyard of his home in Orange City on Monday night. When he heard the dog yelping, […]

Senate moves ahead on defense bill facing veto threat

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate moved forward Tuesday on a sweeping, $612 billion defense policy bill despite a presidential veto threat stemming from larger budget disputes that have hamstrung Washington. The vote was 73-26, 13 votes more than necessary to break any filibuster. The Senate is expected to pass the measure Wednesday and send it […]

Top general in Afghanistan recommends keeping more US troops

WASHINGTON (AP) – The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan recommended on Tuesday that President Barack Obama revise his plan and keep more than 1,000 U.S. troops in the country beyond 2016, just days after a deadly U.S. airstrike “mistakenly” hit a hospital during fierce fighting in the north. Gen. John F. Campbell told Congress that […]

Experian data breach affects T-Mobile customers, applicants

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- The personal information of T-Mobile customers and applicants may have been affected in a recent breach of an Experian server, said Attorney General Pam Bondi. T-Mobile used Experian to run credit checks on applicants. Credit applications from Sept. 1, 2013 – Sept. 16, 2015, approximately 15 million records, were affected. About 1.2 million of customers in Florida were […]

Police lights crime

Officer accused of rape found not guilty

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) – A South Florida police officer accused of raping a woman while he was on duty has been acquitted. A Palm Beach County jury found 36-year-old Stephen Maiorino not guilty Tuesday of armed sexual battery, armed kidnapping and unlawful compensation or reward for official behavior. If convicted, he had faced […]