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HURRICANE BERYL Slams Texas Coast with Deadly Force
— Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, early Monday morning. The storm brought a dangerous surge and strong winds as it moved over land around 4 a.m. CST, according to the National Weather Service.
Beryl had strengthened back into a hurricane late Sunday, impacting southern Texas with rain and intensifying winds. Residents braced for the storm that had already caused destruction in Mexico and the Caribbean.
The National Hurricane Center issued an advisory at 3 a.m. CST warning of imminent landfall within two hours. This powerful storm has prompted significant concern and preparations along the Texas coast.
FLORIDA HUMAN Trafficking Bust Shocks State: Over 50 Innocents Freed in Heroic Raid
— Federal agents in Florida carried out “Operation Free?&?Safe” early this morning, breaking up a large human trafficking ring. More than 50 victims — including children — were rescued, and police arrested 12 suspects. The bust came after six months of undercover work that uncovered forced labor and prostitution across several counties.
Police searched homes throughout Miami, finding illegal drugs, guns, and piles of cash linked to the trafficking ring. Investigators say the “Miami Kings” gang ran the operation with help from crime groups in Central America.
U.S. Attorney Lisa Carter said this shows law enforcement’s strong commitment to stopping these evil networks and protecting vulnerable people. Children saved from the ring are now getting medical help as police continue their investigation.
Community leaders praised officers for their work, calling it a big win against human trafficking in Florida. Police expect more arrests as they hunt for other members tied to the gang.;
FLORIDA SHOOTING Horror, Trump Strike Fallout, and UK Gender Shock Rock Politics
— A deadly shooting at Florida State University left two people dead and several hurt. The shooter used his stepmother’s deputy weapon. He did not know the victims. Video shows students running for cover and hiding in fear. The attack has sparked new arguments over campus safety and gun laws as police investigate. A radical activist linked to Cori Bush is now speaking for the suspect.
Fresh details have come out about a Trump-era U.S. airstrike in Yemen that killed over 70 people targeting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels near a key oil port. This bold move showed President Trump’s hard line against Iran’s allies, standing apart from President Biden’s softer approach on Iran issues. Some experts warn this could lead to fuel shortages for millions living under Houthi rule as debate grows over America’s part in the Middle East.
Senator Marco Rubio says the U.S. may walk away from Ukraine-Russia peace talks if there is no progress soon. He slammed both sides for wasting time with endless meetings that go nowhere, saying results are what matter most right now before leaving for France to talk more about European security.
The UK Supreme Court ruled that being a woman means biological sex at birth — not gender identity — when it comes to legal rights and spaces like bathrooms or shelters just for women.
CHINESE MIGRANTS Surge: Florida’s Wealthy Enclave Under Pressure
— A wave of Chinese migrants arriving by boat in South Florida is sparking a human smuggling investigation. Coral Gables, known for its wealthy neighborhoods and Mediterranean Revival architecture, is seeing this unusual influx. The rise in migrant interceptions highlights a broader trend across Florida since 2020.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows a big jump in Chinese nationals entering the state, from 406 in 2020 to 723 by 2024 — a shocking 78% increase. This trend raises concerns about China’s growing influence near affluent American areas like Coral Gables’ Gables Estates, the priciest housing market nationwide according to Zillow.
Eric Brown, a retired Green Beret and CEO of Imperio Consulting, notes that Coral Gables’ closeness to international waterways makes it an appealing entry point for migrants. “Coral Gables is right next to international waters,” Brown explained, stressing its strategic location just 90 miles from Cuba’s coastline. This geographical edge may be aiding the recent rise in migrant arrivals from China.
SpaceX STARSHIP Explosion ROCKS Florida Skies, Sparks Air Traffic Chaos
— SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft exploded midflight, shaking up Florida air traffic. The blast happened during its eighth test flight as the rocket attempted a tricky booster catch maneuver. Residents watched in shock as a fireball lit up the Caribbean sky when the spacecraft broke apart.
British Columbia plans to end the PST exemption on used electric vehicles starting May 1. This decision has sparked criticism amid rising electric vehicle sales in the province. Critics argue this move could deter consumers from buying eco-friendly vehicles.
A Vancouver forum on organized retail theft drew hundreds of attendees, highlighting growing worries about retail crime and violence. Participants discussed strategies to combat these increasing threats effectively and emphasized community efforts to boost safety and security in local businesses.
SPACEX STARSHIP Explosion Shocks Florida Residents
— SpaceX’s STARSHIP spacecraft exploded midflight during its eighth test over the Caribbean. Despite a successful rocket booster catch, the craft burst into a fireball. Eyewitnesses in Marathon, Florida, caught the dramatic event on video as it flew eastward.
The explosion disrupted air traffic in the region and raised safety concerns about SpaceX’s activities. Residents felt shockwaves from the blast and shared videos online, boosting public interest. This incident highlights potential risks tied to ambitious space projects.
SpaceX’s testing program now faces scrutiny as it works to refine technologies for future Mars missions. The explosion could impact regulatory assessments and future tests significantly. As SpaceX pushes boundaries, ensuring safety is crucial for both space travel and civilian air traffic.
HURRICANE MILTON’S Fury: Florida’s Heroic Rescue Efforts and Destruction
— More than 3 million Floridians are without power as Hurricane MILTON wreaks havoc across the state. The storm hit near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane, leaving four dead in St. Lucie County due to tornadoes. Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that over 48 people have been rescued so far, with more than 125 active rescue missions underway in 26 counties.
Milton has now moved off Florida’s east coast, downgraded to a Category 1 storm, but not before causing significant damage through destructive winds and flooding. The worst-hit areas include Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. “The storm was significant,” DeSantis stated, emphasizing the widespread impact but noting it was not the worst-case scenario.
Tampa Bay faced severe weather conditions with up to 18 inches of rainfall reported in some areas and a construction crane collapsing into an office building housing the Tampa Bay Times headquarters. The roof of Tropicana Field was also damaged by strong winds. Sarasota County experienced a substantial storm surge between eight and ten feet high.
Water levels are expected to rise along northeast and west-central Florida rivers over the next day or so, potentially reaching flood stages according to forecasts. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton’s impact on infrastructure and communities, rescue efforts continue
HURRICANE MILTON’S Fury: Florida’s Heroic Rescue Efforts and Destruction
— More than 3 million Floridians are without power as Hurricane MILTON wreaks havoc across the state. The storm hit near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane, leaving four dead in St. Lucie County due to tornadoes. Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that over 48 people have been rescued so far, with more than 125 active rescue missions underway in 26 counties.
Milton has now moved off Florida’s east coast, downgraded to a Category 1 storm, but not before causing significant damage through destructive winds and flooding. The worst-hit areas include Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. “The storm was significant,” DeSantis stated, emphasizing the widespread impact but noting it was not the worst-case scenario.
Tampa Bay faced severe weather conditions with up to 18 inches of rainfall reported in some areas and a construction crane collapsing into an office building housing the Tampa Bay Times headquarters. The roof of Tropicana Field was also damaged by strong winds. Sarasota County experienced a substantial storm surge between eight and ten feet high.
Water levels are expected to rise along northeast and west-central Florida rivers over the next day or so, potentially reaching flood stages according to forecasts. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton’s impact on infrastructure and communities, rescue efforts continue
HURRICANE MILTON’S Fury: Tampa Bay Braces for Historic Impact
— Hurricane Milton, though slightly weakened, still poses a major threat to the Tampa Bay area. With winds reaching 145 mph, it could deliver a once-in-a-century direct hit. The storm’s approach has prompted hurricane warnings along Florida’s west and east coasts.
The storm is expected to make landfall Wednesday night in the densely populated Tampa Bay region, home to over 3.3 million residents. Local authorities have ordered evacuations for vulnerable areas and mobile homes by Tuesday night. Governor Ron DeSantis reassured residents about fuel availability and advised them to evacuate only tens of miles if needed.
Despite warnings, some residents like Martin Oakes from Apollo Beach plan to stay put and face the storm head-on. “We got shutters up; the house is all ready,” Oakes said while waiting for gas in Riverview. This sentiment reflects a common resolve among locals preparing for Milton’s impact.
HURRICANE MILTON’S Fury: Tampa Bay Braces for Historic Impact
— Hurricane Milton, though slightly weakened, still poses a major threat to the Tampa Bay area. With winds reaching 145 mph, it could deliver a once-in-a-century direct hit. The storm’s approach has prompted hurricane warnings along Florida’s west and east coasts.
The storm is expected to make landfall Wednesday night in the densely populated Tampa Bay region, home to over 3.3 million residents. Local authorities have ordered evacuations for vulnerable areas and mobile homes by Tuesday night. Governor Ron DeSantis reassured residents about fuel availability and advised them to evacuate only tens of miles if needed.
Despite warnings, some residents like Martin Oakes from Apollo Beach plan to stay put and face the storm head-on. “We got shutters up; the house is all ready,” Oakes said while waiting for gas in Riverview. This sentiment reflects a common resolve among locals preparing for Milton’s impact.
TOP FEDERAL Prosecutor Caught In Shocking Drunken HIT-And-RUN
— A top federal narcotics prosecutor, Joseph Ruddy, violated ethics rules during a hit-and-run investigation last year. Ruddy, visibly intoxicated, handed his business card to Florida police officers after crashing into another vehicle and fleeing the scene. The Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General confirmed he misused his position as an assistant U.S. attorney in Tampa.
Body-camera footage from the Fourth of July incident shows Ruddy struggling to stand and slurring his words while leaning on his pickup truck for balance. Despite his condition, he presented his Justice Department credentials to officers from two jurisdictions investigating the crash. A Tampa police officer warned him that the footage would not look good when reviewed later.
The Justice Department’s report found that Ruddy engaged in conduct prejudicial to the government by driving drunk and leaving the scene of an accident. The case has been referred to the Professional Misconduct Review Unit for further action.
Although removed from several cases following inquiries about his status, Ruddy remains an assistant U.S. attorney as of Wednesday. Neither he nor his attorney has responded to requests for comment on this matter.
HURRICANE BERYL Slams Texas Coast with Deadly Force
— Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, early Monday morning. The storm brought a dangerous surge and strong winds as it moved over land around 4 a.m. CST, according to the National Weather Service.
Beryl had strengthened back into a hurricane late Sunday, impacting southern Texas with rain and intensifying winds. Residents braced for the storm that had already caused destruction in Mexico and the Caribbean.
The National Hurricane Center issued an advisory at 3 a.m. CST warning of imminent landfall within two hours. This powerful storm has prompted significant concern and preparations along the Texas coast.
BIDEN’S SACRILEGIOUS Act at Florida Rally Sparks Outrage
— Bishop Thomas Paprocki criticized President Joe Biden for making the sign of the cross at a Florida abortion rally, calling it “sacrilegious” and a mockery of Catholic faith. This incident occurred as Biden stood beside Nikki Fried, who was criticizing Florida’s six-week abortion limit.
The sign of the cross is deeply revered in Catholicism as it symbolizes respect for Christ’s death and belief in the Holy Trinity. Bishop Paprocki argued that by using this gesture during an abortion rights speech, Biden blatantly contradicted these sacred beliefs.
On a diocesan podcast, Bishop Paprocki further highlighted that Biden’s public support for abortion directly opposes the Fifth Commandment, which forbids murder. His remarks have ignited widespread debate and backlash across various online platforms.
The bishop’s condemnation points to a broader conflict between political actions and religious convictions, stirring intense discussion among both supporters and critics of President Biden’s stance on abortion rights.
FLORIDA DEPUTY’S Controversial Shooting Caught On Camera
— A Florida sheriff has released body camera footage of a deputy shooting Roger Fortson, a Black man, who opened his apartment door with a handgun pointed downward. The incident has ignited debate, with Fortson’s family labeling the act “unjustifiable.” Sheriff Eric Aden shared the video to dispute allegations of misconduct.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump contended that the deputy had failed to properly announce himself and had approached the wrong apartment. Contrarily, Sheriff Aden asserted that the footage clearly depicted the deputy loudly announcing his presence before Fortson opened the door.
The video records a tense scenario outside a Fort Walton Beach apartment where, after knocking and identifying himself, the deputy shot at Fortson holding his gun aimed at the ground. Commands for Fortson to drop his weapon persisted even after he indicated it was set aside.
This incident has amplified discussions concerning police protocols and racial dynamics in law enforcement interactions. The sheriff’s release of this footage aims to enhance transparency amid increasing public scrutiny of police conduct.
FLORIDA BRAVERY: Good Samaritans Spring Into Action, Halt Alleged Publix Robbery
— In an exemplary display of quick thinking and courage, several good Samaritans in Riverview, Florida managed to put a stop to an alleged robbery on Monday. The incident unfolded in the parking lot of a local Publix store where a 65-year-old woman was reportedly targeted by 42-year-old Robert Moore.
Moore is accused of knocking the woman down and seizing her car keys. However, three observant bystanders didn’t hesitate to intervene. They rushed to assist the woman after witnessing Moore’s violent behavior.
While one Samaritan promptly called 911, the other two held Moore at bay until law enforcement arrived. As per Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reports, Moore now faces charges including robbery by sudden snatching and battery against a victim over 65 years old.
FLORIDA BRAVERY: Good Samaritans Thwart Alleged Robbery, Protect Elderly Victim
— In a commendable act of courage, several quick-thinking good Samaritans in Riverview, Florida stepped up to prevent a suspected robbery on Monday. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as 42-year-old Robert Moore who allegedly attacked a senior woman in a Publix parking lot and took her car keys.
Three vigilant witnesses saw Moore knock the 65-year-old woman down and immediately sprang into action. One dialed 911 while the other two held Moore until law enforcement arrived.
Moore now faces charges of robbery by sudden snatching, battery of an elderly victim over 65 years old, and battery. This incident shines light on everyday heroism displayed by ordinary citizens stepping up to protect their community when it counts most.
FLORIDA BRAVERY: Good Samaritans Spring Into Action, Halt Alleged Publix Robbery
— In an exemplary display of quick thinking and courage, several good Samaritans in Riverview, Florida managed to put a stop to an alleged robbery on Monday. The incident unfolded in the parking lot of a local Publix store where a 65-year-old woman was reportedly targeted by 42-year-old Robert Moore.
Moore is accused of knocking the woman down and seizing her car keys. However, three observant bystanders didn’t hesitate to intervene. They rushed to assist the woman after witnessing Moore’s violent behavior.
While one Samaritan promptly called 911, the other two held Moore at bay until law enforcement arrived. As per Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reports, Moore now faces charges including robbery by sudden snatching and battery against a victim over 65 years old.
TRUMP BACKLASH: Former Arkansas Governor Booed at Florida Freedom Summit Over Anti-Trump Remarks
— Asa Hutchinson, the former governor of Arkansas, was met with a chorus of boos during his speech at the Florida Freedom Summit. This strong reaction from the crowd was triggered when Hutchinson hinted that Donald Trump could potentially face a felony conviction by a jury next year.
Having served as both a federal prosecutor and representative, Hutchinson is currently not making any waves in the Republican primary race with his polling numbers flatlining at zero percent. His remarks sparked widespread disapproval among the more than 3,000 attendees present at the event.
Despite facing an unfavorable response from his audience, Hutchinson didn’t back down. He maintained that Trump’s potential legal troubles could sway independent voters’ view of the party and influence down-ticket races for Congress and Senate.
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