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Judge blocks Florida legislation restricting voter eligibility, deems it unconstitutional

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:26:32 GMT

Tallahassee, Fla. (WSVN) – A United States District Judge declared unconstitutional the Florida legislation supported by Governor Ron DeSantis that aimed to impose restrictions on voter eligibility. The law, which sought to prohibit individuals convicted of certain felonies and non-citizens – including those who have permanent legal residency in the US – to collect or handle voter registration applications, was blocked by Judge Mark E. Walker on the grounds that it violated the Constitution.Third-party organizations could have face fines of up to $50,000 for each ineligible person involved in collecting the applications.The ruling comes as a significant blow to the supporters of the legislation who argued that the measures were necessary to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. Critics, however, argued that the law would disproportionately impact minority communities and potentially disenfranchise eligible voters.

President Biden, Republican politicians celebrate Independence Day with patriotic events

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:26:32 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WSVN) — As the United States marked its 247th Independence Day on Tuesday, President Joe Biden and Republican politicians seized the occasion to celebrate the nation’s freedom and share their visions of independence. From fireworks illuminating the night sky to heartfelt speeches, politicians across party lines honored the significance of the day.During his speech inthe nation’s capital, President Biden emphasized the crucial role played by the military in protecting America’s position as a global powerhouse. He delivered his address at a White House barbecue attended by military personnel.“You are the sinew, the backbone, the reality of why we’re who we are,” said President Biden.Meanwhile, Republican presidential challenger and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took part in a parade in New Hampshire, using the opportunity to emphasize the responsibility of each generation to uphold freedom. “Each generation has got to step u...

Taylor Swift fan disguised herself as ‘Anti-Hero’ video ghost after calling in sick to work to line up to buy concert merchandise

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:26:32 GMT

(CNN) — Taylor Swift’s fans, known as Swifties, have proven that they’ll do whatever it takes to get to an Eras Tour concert, even if it means playing hooky from work.One Swiftie in Cincinnati did just that, telling WKRC on Thursday that she called in sick from work to get in line early for merchandise ahead of a show on Saturday – and she dressed in a full on disguise in an attempt to conceal her identity.Seemingly inspired by Swift’s “Anti-Hero” music video, the Swiftie’s disguise mirrors the costumes worn by the ghosts who appear throughout the music video.Footage of the segment circulating on social media shows the Swiftie hilariously wearing a blanket over her head with a pair of sunglasses on top of it for the entirety of an on-camera interview with WKRC Local 12’s correspondent Annie Brown.“There are two Swifties here, who shall remain anonymous, who called in sick to work,” Brown said, explaining they traveled to Cincinnati from Louisville days early to wait in line overnigh...

Germany faces €31 billion budget cut, triggering coalition infighting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:26:32 GMT

BERLIN — The fat years are over.After a decade of spending increases, the German government on Wednesday adopted plans to cut its budget for next year by €30.6 billion, affecting areas from health to childcare and public transport — sparking fierce political battles within the governing coalition and across the political divide.Ballooning public debt from the coronavirus pandemic and the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s war in Ukraine meant that drastic cuts were now unavoidable, Finance Minister Christian Lindner said. He insisted the country would return to stricter fiscal policies that respect the country’s constitutionally enshrined debt brake that limits spending.“We are only at the beginning of the fiscal turnaround,” Lindner said. “We need to free the state from debt without burdening people and businesses with more taxes.”Declining tax income and data last month showing that Germany has fallen into recession have further reduced Lindner...

One person killed, two others injured after overnight shooting in Brockton

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:26:32 GMT

Authorities say one person was killed and at least two others were injured after an overnight shooting in Brockton.The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office said a male victim died of his injuries after a shooting in the area of 46 Tremont Street Wednesday morning.Authorities first received reports of the shooting around 1:45 a.m., which the DA’s office said also left two female victims in need of medical treatment.All three were taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where the male victim was pronounced dead.The DA’s office noted that preliminary evidence found the shooting did “not appear to be a random act of violence,” and that state and local police are continuing to investigate.This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

9 people, including 2 kids, are shot and wounded in the nation’s capital as violence mars July 4

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:26:32 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nine people outside enjoying the Independence Day festivities in the nation’s capital were shot and wounded early Wednesday, police said, as a spate of violence marred the holiday. Officers responding around 1 a.m. to the mass shooting in a neighborhood about a 20-minute drive east of the White House found a 9-year-old and a 17-year-old among the victims, Metropolitan Police Department Assistant Chief Leslie Parsons said. The victims, who were not publicly identified, were hospitalized with injuries that weren’t considered life-threatening, police said.The gunshots were fired from a dark SUV seen driving through the Deanwood neighborhood, Parsons said, calling the shooting targeted. It was unclear if there was more than one shooter in the vehicle, and no arrests had been made, said police, who appealed to the public for information to help in their investigation.The Washington shooting was the latest in a string of mass shootings over a violent Ju...

‘Roofgate’ adds another layer of intrigue to Chicago Cubs’ rivalry with Milwaukee Brewers. Here’s what the rules — and David Ross — say.

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:26:32 GMT

The retractable roof at American Family Field was closed during play late in the Chicago Cubs’ 7-6, 11-inning win over the Milwaukee Brewers.The process takes several minutes and usually is only done when it’s about to rain.That wasn’t the case Tuesday, and the closing of the roof was among the many annoyances Cubs manager David Ross addressed during a heated postgame session outside the clubhouse.During a prolonged and profanity-laden rant about the umpiring, Ross said: “I know it’s not an easy job, but a lot of the pitches they called today weren’t even close. They’re closing the roof to get rid of the shadows late. There was a lot of b——- around today that was really frustrating.”Asked if the Brewers were allowed to close the roof during play, Ross barked: “I f—— thought it was horses—. I don’t know.”It’s likely Ross did know a little about the rules, which was why he was so upse...

Healey to remain in Rhode Island until Saturday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:26:32 GMT

Gov. Maura Healey is expected back in Massachusetts this weekend after spending about two weeks either in Ireland on official business or in Rhode Island on a personal trip, her office said Wednesday morning.Secretary of State William Galvin has served as acting governor since Saturday. Healey, fresh off a six-day trade mission to Ireland, decamped that day to Rhode Island and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll left to attend to a family matter in Virginia.Healey’s trip to the Ocean State initially had no announced return date. Driscoll returns to Massachusetts on Wednesday morning as previously announced, the governor’s office said.“Lieutenant Governor Driscoll returns to Massachusetts this morning and will be Acting Governor through Saturday, when Governor Healey will return from Rhode Island,” the governor’s office said Wednesday morning.Healey left Sunday, June 25 for a trade mission to Ireland that ran until Friday, June 30. Shortly before noon on Saturday, Jul...

Boston’s Sumner Tunnel begins two-month shut down: Here’s what you need to know

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:26:32 GMT

The Sumner Tunnel will be closed every day for the next two months starting Wednesday, and public officials are again urgently warning travelers to “ditch the drive” for the period.“This is by far the most impactful project that we have undertaken at some time, and the impacts will be evident and immediate around the project area,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver at a press conference in advance of the closure. “Drivers coming into the region should expect to experience severe congestion, especially around the connecting roadways to the Summer Tunnel.”The tunnel, one of four routes into the city, is now closed 24/7 from midnight last night to midnight on August 31. The closure will allow crews to complete vital maintenance on the nearly 90 year old tunnel.Related ArticlesLocal News | Carr: The Sumner Tunnel’s closed, where’s Gov. Healey? Local News | Editorial: Closing Sumner Tunnel in tourist &a...

4th of July shooting in East County leaves 1 dead; suspect at large

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:26:32 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- A man was shot to death in Spring Valley Tuesday night and a suspect is still on the loose, authorities said.According to the San Diego Sheriff's Department, a call came in around 10 p.m. reporting shots fired on the 2700 block of Central Avenue. Woman found dead in SUV near San Ysidro mall Upon arrival, SDSO says one man was found in the street with a gunshot wound. The individual, who's identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities confirmed to FOX 5.SDSO says a suspect remains at large. There is no description available at this time.A homicide investigation is currently underway. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at (619) 235-8477.There are no reports of traffic delays in the area.This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.