Teen Pleads Guilty to ‘Stupid Joke’: Trinity Catholic High School Bomb Threat

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Subscribe to The Point, and get the latest news delivered to your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. Here are some of the top stories making headlines today:

WUFT News reports that the Alachua County school district has removed another LGBTQ book from its libraries, despite concerns about the validity of the complaint. The woman who challenged the book’s presence in the library is being questioned about her legal residency in the county.

Fresh Take Florida covers the lawsuit filed by a pro-Palestinian student group at the University of Florida against Governor DeSantis. The group argues that the administration’s order to shut them down is illegal.

According to WUFT News, a new road safety report reveals a decrease in pedestrian fatalities due to the use of speed detection systems. Altumint, a public safety technology company, completed the report six months after House Bill 657 was passed, which allows for the use of speed detection systems in school zones.

WCJB reports that Mayor Harvey Ward of Gainesville plans to write a letter to President Biden in support of a ceasefire. This decision comes after numerous emails and public comments from residents advocating for a humanitarian ceasefire and the humane treatment of Palestinians.

The Ocala Gazette covers the case of a 14-year-old boy who pleaded guilty to a bomb threat made against Trinity Catholic High School. The boy referred to his actions as “a stupid joke” and has been charged with felony conspiracy.

Mainstreet Daily News reports on the GRU Authority’s plans for future meetings. Although no votes were taken during the workshop, board members discussed important topics such as the integrated resource plan, general services contribution, and the need for independent legal counsel for Gainesville Regional Utilities.

WUFT News highlights the efforts of Alachua County residents who came together to “Strike Out Hunger.” Residents from various counties gathered at The Oaks Mall to receive two bags of food items, including grapes, beans, nuts, and other staples, to help them through the holiday season.

The Alligator features Downward Goat, a Florida-based organization that offers goat and animal-assisted yoga sessions. The organization also supports veterans, law enforcement, caregivers, and first responders.

According to the Associated Press, the Supreme Court has denied Florida’s request to enforce its new law targeting drag shows during the appeal process. The law’s constitutionality was challenged by Hamburger Mary’s restaurant in Orlando.

News Service of Florida reports on a recently released report detailing the dire conditions in Florida’s prison system. The report, developed by consulting firm KPMG, highlights issues such as leaking roofs, corroded doors, broken windows, and crumbling stucco.

WMFE-Orlando highlights a campaign aimed at registering one million Black Floridians to vote in the 2024 election. The Power of the Ballot Campaign, led by civil rights groups and local leaders, aims to increase Black voter turnout.

Health officials are urging vaccination as cases of flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) rise, according to WUSF-Tampa. While it is common for respiratory illnesses to increase during the winter months, officials emphasize the importance of vaccination, especially during holiday gatherings.

PolitiFact fact-checks President Joe Biden’s statement on U.S. disaster costs. The cumulative cost of disasters in 2022 amounted to $178.8 billion, ranking as the third-highest annual amount since the statistic was first recorded.

Lawmakers in Florida have filed proposals that would allow Medicaid beneficiaries with serious mental illnesses to avoid step therapy when receiving medications, reports News Service of Florida. Step therapy requires patients to try less expensive medications before accessing more costly options.

WMFE-Orlando reports that environmental advocates behind a “right to clean water” referendum in Titusville have won a court battle. A judge ruled in favor of the advocates, directing the city to certify the charter amendment.

A 14-year-old teenager is facing gun charges as part of an investigation into a shooting in Ybor City, according to WUSF-Tampa. The teenager was seen displaying a firearm by two police officers before leaving the scene.

In political news, President Biden has signed a temporary spending bill, averting a government shutdown, reports Politics. The bill will fund the government through February.

Politics also covers an ethics report that found Florida Governor Ron DeSantis used campaign funds for personal expenses, including purchases on OnlyFans, Botox, and Sephora.

In national news, a suspect has been arrested in connection with the death of a Jewish protester in Southern California, according to the Associated Press.

Climate news reveals that gardeners are not surprised by the USDA’s update to the key map, which indicates changes in growing zones. The update reflects the impact of climate change on plant hardiness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that progress is being made in the fight against tuberculosis, as efforts are being made to “write the final chapter” in the disease’s story.

In the literary world, some authors are suing OpenAI, a language model provider, over concerns about copyright infringement and plagiarism.

The world’s oldest bond, which is approaching its 400th birthday, continues to pay interest using different words and sentences, according to World news.

These are just a few of the top stories making headlines today. Subscribe to The Point for more news delivered straight to your inbox..