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Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has blamed the United States for the recent surge in cartel violence in Sinaloa, which has resulted in at least 30 deaths over the past week. The violence is attributed to a power struggle between two factions of the Sinaloa cartel, exacerbated by the recent capture of a key cartel leader.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reported that major tech companies are collecting and selling consumer data without providing adequate privacy protections, particularly affecting children and teens. This report stems from an earlier FTC order requiring nine companies to disclose their data practices, revealing widespread data sharing and insufficient data deletion practices.
A proposed policy change from Florida's Board of Governors aims to enhance oversight of presidential searches at the state's public universities. Supporters argue that the change will provide necessary structure amid new confidentiality laws, enabling the Board to select additional members for search committees.
Construction on the new Howard Frankland Bridge is progressing well, with the project expected to be completed soon. This new span of Interstate 275 will connect Tampa and St. Petersburg, and it is set to be the largest bridge in Florida by square footage, enhancing traffic flow in the region.
The Florida Commission on Ethics has dismissed a complaint against St. Petersburg City Council chairperson Deborah Figgs-Sanders, stating it lacked legal sufficiency. This decision highlights the ongoing scrutiny of political figures and their connections to donors, especially in local governance. The dismissal reflects a significant development in local political dynamics.
A Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputy, Darrell Brown, was tragically killed in a crash on U.S. 301 in Thonotosassa. The incident occurred when Deputy Brown's pickup crossed the center line and collided with a southbound flatbed semitrailer. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A potential tropical system is being monitored as it may enter the Gulf of Mexico, raising concerns for Tampa Bay residents. Experts note that record-warm ocean temperatures are present, but it remains too early to predict the system's trajectory. Residents are advised to stay informed as forecasts develop.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has committed to providing relief for condominium owners facing financial difficulties due to new building safety regulations set to take effect on January 1. During a recent roundtable meeting in Pinellas Park, he assured that legislative action would be taken within the next three and a half months to address the challenges faced by condo associations.
A Texas woman, Jennifer Heath Box, is suing a Florida deputy and the county after being wrongfully arrested due to mistaken identity when she returned from a cruise in December 2022. The arrest stemmed from a warrant meant for another woman with a similar name, leading to her feelings of confusion and frustration. The lawsuit argues that law enforcement should have recognized the error before detaining her.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that the Senate will intervene to prevent a government shutdown after the House of Representatives rejected House Speaker Mike Johnson's funding plan. Schumer's statement follows significant opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans, highlighting the urgency as Congress has less than two weeks to resolve the issue.