News from the South - Florida News Feed
‘Out of balance:’ Seminole County sheriff asks for $16M more as county mulls tax hikes
SUMMARY: Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma is requesting a $16 million budget increase to address recruiting and retention challenges amid competitive local job markets. Deputies earn the county’s lowest starting salaries, lagging behind neighboring cities and counties offering sizable signing bonuses, such as Pinellas County’s $70,000 bonus. The sheriff’s proposed $196.6 million budget is a 9% rise, driven mainly by personnel costs, making it the first time the request exceeds property tax revenue growth. Lemma emphasized the risks of inadequate funding, including losing experienced staff and declining morale. Commissioners acknowledge budget difficulties amid broader countywide tax considerations. Lemma plans cost-saving measures and ongoing budget negotiations.
The post ‘Out of balance:’ Seminole County sheriff asks for $16M more as county mulls tax hikes appeared first on www.clickorlando.com
News from the South - Florida News Feed
Israel faces growing global condemnation over military expansion in Gaza
SUMMARY: International condemnation mounted over Israel’s military takeover of Gaza City amid 22 months of conflict. Health officials reported 11 Palestinians shot while seeking aid and 11 more adults dying from malnutrition within 24 hours. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met Qatar’s prime minister to discuss a ceasefire proposal involving hostage release and Israeli withdrawal. Hostage families pressured Israel, fearing for 50 hostages’ lives. Nine countries strongly opposed Israel’s operation, citing humanitarian risks and international law violations. Aid drops continued but were criticized as insufficient and hazardous. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 114 adult malnutrition deaths since June, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis.
The post Israel faces growing global condemnation over military expansion in Gaza appeared first on www.clickorlando.com
News from the South - Florida News Feed
South Korea’s military says North Korea is removing speakers from their tense border
SUMMARY: South Korea’s military reported North Korea is removing loudspeakers from the inter-Korean border, days after South Korea dismantled its own propaganda speakers to ease tensions. North Korea had blasted irritating sounds in response to South Korea’s broadcasts, which included propaganda and K-pop songs targeting Pyongyang. South Korea’s new liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, halted these broadcasts as a gesture toward peace. Despite some outreach, North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong rejected Seoul’s overtures, criticizing their alliance with the U.S. Tensions could rise again with upcoming South Korea-U.S. military drills starting August 18, which North Korea views as a provocation.
The post South Korea’s military says North Korea is removing speakers from their tense border appeared first on www.news4jax.com
News from the South - Florida News Feed
Trump executive order gives politicians control over all federal grants, alarming researchers
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump signed an executive order granting political appointees oversight of federal agency grants, including those from FEMA, NSF, and NIH. The order mandates appointing officials to review funding opportunities to ensure alignment with agency priorities and allows termination of grants anytime, even mid-period. Agencies must implement new protocols before announcing new funding opportunities. The administration claims the move strengthens oversight and streamlines grantmaking. Scientists and medical groups warn it politicizes grant decisions, delaying research advances and damaging U.S. scientific leadership. Thousands of grants, including those on public health and social topics, have been cut. Legal challenges are expected.
The post Trump executive order gives politicians control over all federal grants, alarming researchers appeared first on www.clickorlando.com
-
Mississippi Today5 days ago
After 30 years in prison, Mississippi woman dies from cancer she says was preventable
-
News from the South - Georgia News Feed6 days ago
Woman charged after boy in state’s custody dies in hot car
-
News from the South - North Carolina News Feed3 days ago
Two people unaccounted for in Spring Lake after flash flooding
-
News from the South - Florida News Feed5 days ago
Warning for social media shoppers after $22K RV scam
-
News from the South - Texas News Feed7 days ago
Texas VFW holds memorial service for WWII pilot from Georgetown
-
News from the South - Texas News Feed5 days ago
Texas redistricting: What to know about Dems’ quorum break
-
News from the South - Georgia News Feed5 days ago
Georgia lawmakers to return this winter to Capitol chambers refreshed with 19th Century details
-
News from the South - Alabama News Feed7 days ago
Flood Watch for Alabama: Storms linger overnight, with cooler weather in the forecast