Lawmakers seek compensation for deceased FSU player’s family

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Two Florida legislators and a group of NFL players say this is the year the Legislature should finally compensate the family of Florida State University freshman football player Devaughn Darling, who died after overexertion during a workout in 2001. Darling’s identical twin brother Devard Darling, who also played at FSU and […]

State legislators sponsor bill to address murky gulf waters

SANIBEL, Fla. – A Florida senator and two House members sponsored a bill to improve water flow out of Lake Okeechobee Tuesday. The issue has arisen with the reintroduction of murky fresh water flowing into the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee after record rains in January. The Army Corps of Engineers has released the lake […]

2-year-old Brittany dog from Port Charlotte to compete at Westminster show

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla.- A 2-year-old Brittany breed dog from Port Charlotte is heading to the Big Apple to compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Brianna likes playing fetch and eating treats, but this month she won’t have much time for fun and games as she prepares for the biggest dog show in the world. “In two weeks we’re […]

Man arrested in SWFL for planning to commit sex act with underage girl

FORT MYERS, Fla.- A Tampa-area man who traveled into Lee County to have sex with an underage girl has been arrested, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said on Tuesday. Larry Urwiler, 67, of Dunedin, Florida is charged with travelling to solicit a parent to commit sex acts with a child and lewd behavior. On January 21, authorities began an undercover […]

Zika virus overshadows buildup to Rio de Janeiro Olympics

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – The Zika virus is overshadowing the final preparations for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, even eclipsing concerns over deep budget cuts and severe water pollution. Hundreds of reporters packed Olympic headquarters on Tuesday to hear about ticket sales, venue construction and a reminder that Friday marks six months until the […]

Spain’s Socialist leader tapped to try to form government

MADRID (AP) – Spain’s king on Tuesday tapped Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez to try to form a government following an inconclusive December election in which the country’s conservative Popular Party came in first but failed in more than a month of efforts to drum up enough support for a coalition or a minority government. King […]

Smokers in Italy hit with new fines to protect the young

ROME (AP) – Smokers in Italy are now facing fines of up to 500 euros ($600) if they light up in a car with a child or pregnant woman – or if they toss a cigarette butt on the street – after new health and environmental laws went into effect Tuesday. The smoking prohibitions extend […]

Syria allows aid into rebel-held area as peace talks stall

GENEVA (AP) – The Syrian government allowed aid into a rebel-held area near Damascus on Tuesday in what appeared to be a goodwill gesture after U.N.-mediated indirect peace talks got off to a rocky start in Geneva. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent delivered 14 trucks of aid provided by the International Committee of the Red […]