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Mike Johnson is the latest GOP nominee for House speaker as Republicans move to yet another vote

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:48 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans chose Rep. Mike Johnson as their latest nominee for House speaker desperate to unite their fractious majority and end the chaos, just hours after an earlier pick abruptly withdrew in the face of opposition from Donald Trump.Johnson of Louisiana, a lower-ranked member of the House GOP leadership team, becomes the fourth Republican nominee in what has become an almost absurd cycle of political infighting since Kevin McCarthy’s ouster as GOP factions jockey for power.When the House convenes at noon Wednesday ahead of a floor vote, Johnson, who won the majority behind closed doors, will need almost all Republicans in the public roll call to win the gavel.“Mike! Mike! Mike!” lawmakers chanted at a press conference late Tuesday night, surrounding Johnson and posing for selfies in a show of support.Three weeks on, the Republicans have been frittering away their majority status — a maddening embarrassment to some, democracy in action to others, but not at...

Moped driver left injured after hit-and-run in Tampa speaks out

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:48 GMT

A man is on the road to recovery after becoming the victim of hit and run horror. He said he’s lucky to be alive after being dragged for hundreds of feet and was then left for dead.Jonny Fitzcharles didn’t need to see the video to know how close he was to losing his life earlier this month.“It’s been a weird week of saying the word lucky, like that is not a word I expected to say, but I really am, all things considered,” Fitzcharles said.Somehow, 12 days later, he’s able to sit and talk about the hit-and run crash that nearly killed him.“When it happened, it was so fast. I don’t remember being under the car,” he said.Fitzcharles had only owned his moped for less than a month and was riding it near an intersection in Tampa.“I remember she was just locked straight on and she just kept going,” he said.When the driver blew through a stop sign, she slammed into him, practically running him over. The driver was seen getting...

Video shows man leaping into EPCOT waters at Disney World

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:48 GMT

ORLANDO, Fla. (WSVN) — Video footage emerged from Walt Disney World after a guest took a leap into the waters at EPCOT on Monday. Reports suggest that the individual agreed to jump for a hefty $6,000 bet, despite repeated warnings of potential expulsion from the park. “You’re gonna get kicked out of Disney, mister!” one person is heard on cellphone video. After he pulled himself out of the water, the jumper reunited with friends, only to be confronted by the park’s security. According to Walt Disney World’s website, engaging in any “unsafe act” is prohibited at the parks. “We reserve the right to prohibit the use or storage of any other item not listed above that we determine may be harmful or disruptive, in our sole and absolute discretion,” stated Disney’s park rules website.It is unclear if the man is going to be prohibited from entering the theme park again.

South Florida philanthropists honored by Community Foundation of Broward

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:48 GMT

South Florida’s automotive industry celebrated the philanthropic efforts of two distinguished figures as the Community Foundation of Broward honored Rita Case, President, and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, and Colin Brown, JM Family Enterprises Board Chair.Plaques were unveiled in a ceremony at the Community Foundation of Broward, recognizing their dedicated charitable endeavors. Rita Case established the Rita & Rick Case Family Fund to support initiatives benefiting children and families in need, while Colin Brown created the Colin W. Brown Charitable Fund to support educational efforts.Speaking at the ceremony, Rita Case emphasized the growth and community spirit of Broward County. “The growth in Broward County is exponential as we see it every single day,” said Case. “People want to be here n Broward County. They’re coming from all over. We as a community foundation — we as a community that can philanthropically support that need to pro...

Arrest made after crucifix vandalized at Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:48 GMT

Boston police say a suspect is in custody after an exterior crucifix was vandalized at the historic Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston overnight.The arms of Jesus on the crucifix were broken and left dangling and video posted online shows someone swinging back and forth from the crucifix, trying to pull it down.A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Boston said, “Unfortunately, the Cathedral experienced vandalism at the exterior crucifix … It’s now in the capable hands of the BPD. The Archdiocese will work with the Cathedral to assess the damage.”Following an investigation Wednesday morning, the Boston Police Department said an individual had been taken into custody in connection with the case. Details on what charges they might be facing have not yet been released.The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is the largest Catholic church in New England.This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

Report of gunfire ends with arrest after Marshfield man allegedly shot rounds that struck homes while intoxicated

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:48 GMT

Police in Marshfield say a resident was taken into custody after a report of shots being fired led to officers finding evidence of property damage and intoxication.The Marshfield Police Department said David Planchard, 66, was arrested after officers responded to the area of Foster Avenue on Monday night.Officers arrived at his home after a caller living nearby described hearing gunshots and seeing “flashing lights” at Planchard’s Foster Avenue address.“They also stated they saw ‘an older gentlemen pacing back and forth on the porch’ of 4 Foster Ave. at the time,” the police department stated in a news release.According to police, officers arrived and came into contact with Planchard, who allowed them into his home. While at the address, Marshfield PD said another caller reported hearing gunshots that evening.Inside the home, police allegedly detected “a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the defendant” as Planchard...

The Nashville police chief’s son, who was wanted in the shooting of 2 officers, was found dead after a car chase, officials say

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:48 GMT

(CNN) — The Nashville police chief’s son, who was wanted in the shooting of two officers, was found dead Tuesday night after leading police on a car chase, authorities said.John Drake Jr., 38, was being sought on two counts of attempted first-degree murder after a shooting that injured the police officers during a struggle Saturday night in La Vergne, a suburb of Nashville.Drake Jr. resurfaced Tuesday, when he stole a car from a couple at gunpoint after they wouldn’t give him a ride, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department spokesperson Don Aaron said.When officers spotted him in the stolen car, Drake Jr. led them on a pursuit, Aaron said. The car crashed and Drake Jr. got out and fled into a shed behind a home near downtown Nashville, Aaron added.“While the officers were surrounding the residence to contain the shed, a gunshot was heard and it appears that he has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Aaron said.The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will investigate D...

Bill Belichick divulges Patriots’ future plans for Malik Cunningham

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:48 GMT

FOXBORO — The Patriots took a risk Tuesday by waiving rookie quarterback/wide receiver Malik Cunningham. And head coach Bill Belichick was willing to show his hand Wednesday.Belichick said that the Patriots will want to add Cunningham back to their practice squad if he clears waivers Wednesday. Belichick said waiving Cunningham on Tuesday was what was “best for the team.”Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | How Patriots could fill open spot on 53-man roster created by Malik Cunningham cut New England Patriots | Patriots and Revs join to help kids kick cancer New England Patriots | Patriots release backup QB, DL Trey Flowers on Tuesday New England Patriots | Will Patriots stick with Mike Onwenu at right tackle? New England Patriots | Patriots coaches confirm injured All-Pro out for the season It’s not unreasonable to believe Cunningham could clear waivers. He was waived in late A...

How Patriots could fill open spot on 53-man roster created by Malik Cunningham cut

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:48 GMT

FOXBORO — The Patriots have been forced to make some difficult roster decisions in recent weeks with players ready to return off of reserve lists.The Patriots have activated wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, offensive lineman Riley Reiff, safety Cody Davis and cornerback Jack Jones off of PUP and injured reserve lists since Week 5. They’ve also had to navigate difficult injury situations at wide receiver and on the offensive and defensive line.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Bill Belichick divulges Patriots’ future plans for Malik Cunningham New England Patriots | Patriots and Revs join to help kids kick cancer New England Patriots | Patriots release backup QB, DL Trey Flowers on Tuesday New England Patriots | Will Patriots stick with Mike Onwenu at right tackle? New England Patriots | Patriots coaches confirm injured All-Pro out for the season Their latest move was to waive quarterback/wide re...

Woman married into notorious Boston crime family identified as Davie cold case victim

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:57:48 GMT

Maehgan Smith has always known something happened to her mother. It was the only explanation for why Smith had grown up without her, why she had not been seen or heard from since she left Massachusetts in 1983 and did not return.That’s what Smith’s relatives always told her: Her mother would have come back to her if she could have. The belief was only recently confirmed without a doubt.Smith’s mother, Lori Jane Kearsey, of Gloucester, Mass., was married to a member of a notorious Boston crime family. She was murdered in February 1984, her body found in a Davie canal.Questions still surround why and how Kearsey ended up in Florida and under what circumstances. A killer has not been arrested.Kearsey was an unidentified “Jane Doe” for nearly 40 years. Davie Police identified her in early 2023, giving way to the start of their investigation and search for the person responsible.Maehgan Smith listens during a news conference on Tuesday at the Davie police de...