Rams face huge tasks before reaping big rewards from LA move

LOS ANGELES (AP) – When the Rams take the field for their regular season opener in September, they will end the NFL’s 21-year journey back to a sprawling, vibrant city that loves both a spectacle and a winner. September is a long way away, though. The Rams have an incredible amount of work to do […]

Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch full participant in practice

RENTON, Wash. (AP) – Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, but coach Pete Carroll cautioned that was no indication whether he would play in the NFC divisional playoff game at Carolina on Sunday. Carroll said during his news conference that Lynch would be evaluated daily going forward […]

Australia resists US pressure to boost efforts against IS

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) – Australia says it is among 40 countries urged by the United States to increase their military contribution in Iraq and Syria following the Paris attacks in November. But Australia has told the U.S. that its commitment would remain largely unchanged. The news comes on Thursday as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull prepares […]

Ariel photo of Florida Everglades National Park via WINK News

Florida Senate passes water protection bill; moves to House

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – The Florida Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a massive bill intended to protect and restore Florida’s springs, waterways and groundwater, despite objections from environmentalists who say the bill was weakened by the influence of industry and agriculture interests. Backers of the measure (SB 552) defeated on voice votes several floor amendments […]

Ruling puts fate of Florida death row inmates in question

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) – Convicted killer Michael Lambrix is scheduled to be executed Feb. 11, one of 390 Florida death row inmates whose fate is now in question after the U.S. Supreme Court threw out the state’s method of imposing death sentences. Attorney William Hennis said Wednesday he will seek a new sentencing hearing for […]

Florida Attorney General blasts GOP bill on Medicaid

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi took a rare stance Wednesday: she personally criticized a Republican-backed measure because she said it would derail an ongoing lawsuit alleging Medicaid fraud. Bondi, who usually remains out of many legislative battles, testified before a House panel that a bill sponsored by a Panama City Republican […]

What does $1.5 billion buy?

NAPLES, Fla.- The Powerball jackpot now sits at $1.5 billion as people across Southwest Florida continue lining up to buy tickets. At one point, the lottery was selling more than 25,000 tickets per minute. So, what could you buy with all that money? “Toy wise, I would probably buy a yacht,” said Collier County homeowner Barry Karson. “But, I won’t […]

Cape Coral man locates lost, now damaged boat

CAPE CORAL, Fla. – A boat owner was reunited with his boat Wednesday after losing it in the recent tornado. Ralph Neama said the tornado destroyed parts of his house. Glass windows were shattered, his lanai was destroyed and tiles were ripped from his roof. But he did not expect to walk outside and discover […]

Direct flights from Marco Island to Key West available soon

MARCO ISLAND, Fla.- The Marco Island Executive Airport will have direct flights heading to Key West beginning on Feb. 15, airport officials announced on Wednesday. The flights, starting at $89 one-way, will take off on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays. The flights, offered by Raven Air Island Hoppers, are planned to depart from Marco Island at 9 a.m. […]