Obama bans solitary confinement for juveniles in fed prisons

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama said Monday he will ban the use of solitary confinement for juvenile and low-level offenders in federal prisons, citing the potential for “devastating, lasting psychological consequences” from the use of the isolation as punishment. “It has been linked to depression, alienation, withdrawal, a reduced ability to interact with others […]

CCSO: Woman’s body identified, death is suspicious

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.- The body of a woman found in a wooded area over the weekend near Narango Drive has been identified as 33-year-old Eleanor Josephine Jones, Charlotte County deputies said. A teenager fishing at a pond near the south Punta Gorda neighborhood, off Tuckers Grade, found the body on Saturday. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office confirms Jones’ death is considered […]

8 plead guilty in major synthetic drug ring in Miami

MIAMI (AP) – Eight people have pleaded guilty in a major synthetic drug ring in Miami. The Miami Herald reports (http://hrld.us/1OLMskT) 37-year-old Jorge Ramon Hernandez and seven others pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to traffic drugs. Authorities say Hernandez, who spearheaded the ring, faces up to 15 years behind bars for importing the party drug […]

Ex-officer admits to taking bribes in illegal towing scheme

MIAMI (AP) – A former Miami-Dade County police officer has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in an illegal towing scheme. News outlets report Yuri Millan admitted he took kickbacks from tow-truck operators Oriel Ugardes and Jose Guim in exchange for information on stranded motorists. The three were charged in November. Millan was convicted Friday of […]

Get moving? Florida schools may be required to have recess

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida schools could be required to let children out each day for recess under a bill now moving in the Legislature. A House panel on Tuesday voted unanimously for a bill that would require elementary schools to set aside 20 minutes each day for “free play recess.” Schools could not withhold […]

At least 44 people die as result of snowstorm that hit East

At least 44 people have died as a result of the mammoth snowstorm that pounded the Eastern U.S. The deaths occurred in car accidents, from carbon monoxide poisoning and from heart attacks while shoveling snow: WASHINGTON, D.C. – 1 -An 82-year-old man went into cardiac arrest while shoveling snow in front of his home. ___ […]

Coast Guard hearing set for El Faro sinking

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- The U.S. Coast Guard will conduct a Marine Board of Investigation hearing into the sinking of the El Faro cargo ship. The hearing, beginning Feb. 16 and expected to last until Feb. 26, will focus on the events leading to the disappearance of the 790-foot freighter off the coast of the Bahamas during […]

Pet Pals: Sparky

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Meet Sparky!  He’s a 5-year-old Chihuahua mix looking for a furever home. Sparky is a very sweet and relaxed pup and gets along well with other animals. If you’d like to adopt Sparky,  call the Gulf Coast Humane Society at 239-332-0364.

Your Health Now: Team approach to care

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Normally when we think of recovery for an illness or injury we think of long, expensive hospital stays. But, there’s another more convenient option out there and it’s just as effective. TJ Pennsy, executive director of Lee Memorial Health System’s home health services, has more.