Rubio: Radical jihadists using refugee crisis as cover

LACONIA, N.H. (AP) – Sen. Marco Rubio said Monday that radical jihadists are using the Syrian refugee crisis as cover to send terrorists to the West and that it’s impossible for the United States to vet some migrants from the region. “They are trying to exploit the refugee crisis out in the Middle East to […]

Punta Gorda PD searching for Busey Bank robber

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.- Punta Gorda police are investigating a bank robbery at the Busey Bank located on the 2800 block of Tamiami Trail. Shortly after 1 p.m. on Monday, a man entered the bank implying he had a weapon, and demanding money. The suspect is described as wearing a white hoodie marked with the words “North Ft. Myers,” […]

World leaders gather to try to save Earth from overheating

LE BOURGET, France (AP) – With dramatic vows to save future generations from an overheated planet, the largest gathering ever of world leaders began two weeks of talks Monday aimed at producing the most far-reaching pact yet to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and avert environmental havoc. “We should ask what will we say to our grandchildren […]

Bono, Clooney, Kardashian part of all-star campaign for AIDS

NEW YORK (AP) – Would you like to spend quality time with George Clooney as he showers you with compliments? How about walk a red carpet with Meryl Streep or visit the set of “Game of Thrones”? They are all possible: Bono is a launching an all-star campaign featuring “once-in-a-lifetime experiences” that can be won […]

Coast Guard suspends search for missing boater, FWC continues

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.- The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a missing 48-year-old boater from Englewood. Authorities began searching for Jeffery Reinhardt on Friday, after his son reported he had not arrived home on time following a fishing trip. Reinhardt was believed to be aboard his 25-foot boat. The boat was found by crews Saturday […]

Suspect arrested in connection with university online threat

CHICAGO (AP) — A suspect was arrested Monday in connection with an online threat of gun violence at the University of Chicago that prompted the school to cancel all classes and activities. Joseph Fitzpatrick, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago, confirmed the arrest but offered no details, saying only that charges are […]

Trial delayed for mom of missing Florida boy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) – A judge has delayed the trial of the mother of a missing Florida toddler until early next year. The Florida Times Union (http://bit.ly/1lUwuLl ) reports Circuit Judge Mark Borello on Monday moved the trial date for Lonna Lauramore Barton from Dec. 7 to Jan. 11. Her boyfriend, William Ruben Ebron Jr., […]

Hospital’s research and education building moving forward

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) – All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine is moving forward with plans to construct a research and education building in St. Petersburg. Jonathan Ellen, the hospital’s CEO, tells the Tampa Bay Times (http://bit.ly/21omevb) the new building will cost an estimated $85 million and will house a 250-seat auditorium as well as […]

North Florida rural counties struggle with Internet service

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) – Several rural counties in north Florida are struggling with high-speed Internet service after an agency created in 2009 has become unreliable, and some customers have moved on to other sources for Internet service, local officials said. According to The Gainesville Sun (http://bit.ly/1QPwqsX), the North Florida Broadband Authority was formed by the […]

Man dies in central Florida house fire; 2 children escape

BUNNELL, Fla. (AP) – Authorities say a central Florida man died in a house fire, but his two children were able to get outside and run for help. The fire happened Saturday night in Bunnell. Flagler County Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Troiano told the Daytona Beach News-Journal (http://bit.ly/1lUCjs5 ) says the children told a neighbor the […]