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Iranian hackers attempted to engage President Joe Biden's campaign with information stolen from Donald Trump's campaign, according to the FBI. The unsolicited emails were sent to individuals associated with Biden's campaign but went largely unacknowledged, showcasing ongoing foreign interference in the 2024 election.
The House of Representatives rejected Speaker Mike Johnson's government funding plan, which included measures to curb noncitizen voting, just days before a potential government shutdown. The vote saw bipartisan opposition, complicating the path forward as the new fiscal year approaches on October 1.
A man named Charles Williams IV has been arrested and faces felony charges after a street racing incident in St. Petersburg, Florida, that resulted in the death of an innocent driver. The police are also searching for a second driver involved in the race. This tragic event highlights ongoing issues with street racing and public safety in the area.
A Plant City teen was safely located after being lured from her home by 38-year-old Edward Rodriguez, who met her through social media. Law enforcement arrested Rodriguez in Broward County, charging him with lewd and lascivious molestation and interference with child custody.
The Florida Strawberry Festival has announced its theme for the 2025 event, titled "The Stage is Set." This year’s festival promises to honor its rich traditions while introducing new entertainment features, including a new soundstage to host top artists.
Lakeland city officials are considering the installation of additional red-light cameras due to increasing traffic and a rise in violations. Currently, there are 19 red-light cameras in operation, with recent data indicating a significant number of violations at intersections. Police officials believe that these cameras could enhance safety and reduce accidents.
Sarasota is set to unveil plans for a new Performing Arts Center to replace the aging Van Wezel, which has been the city's cultural hub since 1970. A $36.9 million contract with a prestigious architecture firm aims to create a space that can accommodate the growing number of performances and audience members. Public input is being sought on the early conceptual designs.
The U.N. General Assembly is set to vote on a Palestinian resolution demanding Israel to end its occupation of Gaza and the West Bank within a year. Israel's ambassador has urged member nations to reject the resolution, labeling it as an attempt to undermine the nation, while the Palestinian ambassador emphasizes the need for peace and freedom for Palestinians.
Suzy Lopez and Andrew Warren engaged in a heated exchange of criticisms regarding crime and juvenile justice during a forum hosted by the Brandon Chamber. The debate highlighted their differing leadership styles and priorities as they vie for the position of Hillsborough state attorney.
Florida lawmakers are responding to parents' complaints about delays in reimbursements for the state's school voucher system, implementing new rules and regulations. Despite these changes, many parents report ongoing issues with receiving timely payments for authorized expenses. Advocacy for improvements is expected to continue into 2025.