Florida State

<div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4ESrbV_0ZBxxFNi00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4ESrbV_0ZBxxFNi00" width="640" height="480" > Florida's governor says the Sunshine State is "fighting back" against the "unlawful" year-long shutdown of the cruise industry. Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday announced that Florida has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), demanding that U.S. cruise ships be "reopened immediately." <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> "This is not reasonable. This is not rational," DeSantis said during a news conference at the Port of Miami. "We don't believe the federal government has the right to mothball a major industry for over a year based on very little evidence and very little data." WATCH NEWS CONFERENCE: <iframe height="314" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftampabaynews%2Fvideos%2F504419660558537%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560" width="560"></iframe> The CDC first issued its no-sail order at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020 following coronavirus outbreaks on several ships. Notably, the Diamond Princess cruise ship saw an outbreak of nearly 700 infections of crew and passengers in early 2020, leading to seven deaths. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> The order, which has been extended until Nov. 1, prevents cruise ships from allowing passengers to embark and disembark from all U.S. ports. "Cruise ship operators shall not commence or continue operations...except as approved by USCG, in consultation with HHS/CDC personnel, until further notice," the order says. Read the no-sail order below: <iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" height="600" id="doc_59598" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/500433763/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-BZe0Ge9j7FyWZVd3zt8a" title="CDC Conditional Sail Order" width="100%"></iframe><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> Despite the order, a number of cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have announced they plan to resume sailing from international ports like The Bahamas and Bermuda. All passengers 18 and older must be vaccinated before boarding. "People are still gonna go on cruises. You know what they're gonna do? Instead of flying to Miami, spending money to stay in our hotels, spending money to eat in our restaurants before they get on the ship, they're gonna fly to the Bahamas, and they're gonna get on the ship from the Bahamas, and they're gonna spend the money in the Bahamas," DeSantis said. The governor added that the no-sail order is costing Florida ports millions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs, saying Miami-Dade County — a city where tourism is a industry — has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> "We're not gonna sit back while an administrative agency decides to shut down an entire industry," said Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. "60% of the nation's cruises come out of Florida." With all Floridians 18 and older now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, widespread vaccine availability, and increased coronavirus testing, state officials said there's no reason the lockdown should continue. "We are losing tax revenue. People's lives are on the line. They are desperate to return to work," Moody said. Earlier this month, the <a class="Link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/instructions-local-agreements.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> CDC released updated guidelines for the cruise industry, </a> recommending "that all eligible port personnel and travelers (passengers and crew) get a COVID-19 vaccine when one is available to them." The governor said cruise ship passengers should not be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination, also known as a "vaccine passport," a <a class="Link" href="https://www.wptv.com/coronavirus/gov-ron-desantis-issues-executive-order-prohibiting-vaccine-passports-in-florida" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> practice that was banned in Florida earlier this month </a> . <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> "It's not necessary. It causes a huge amount of problems," DeSantis said. "It's not something that I want to restrict people based on whether they've gotten the vaccine." The CDC began taking steps to restart the cruise industry back in October when it issued a "conditional sailing order" that sets guidelines for how cruise lines test and screen crew members for COVID-19. <a class="Link" href="https://www.wptv.com/news/state/florida-governor-searches-for-way-forward-for-crippled-cruise-industry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Speaking in Port Canaveral last month, </a> DeSantis urged the federal government and CDC to lift the no-sail order by June to get the Sunshine State's "crippled" cruise ship industry back on track. "They have not taken sufficient action," DeSantis said on Thursday. "So we believe it is time for us to vindicate the state's rights." Just hours before the governor's major announcement, Norwegian Cruise Line appealed to passengers on Twitter, urging them to "Let your voice be heard &amp; ask our elected representatives to allow cruising to resume in the United States." <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Let’s get cruising! Let your voice be heard &amp; ask our elected representatives to allow cruising to resume in the United States by texting the number below or by visiting our portal at 👉 <a href="https://t.co/pxbO2tYMFl" rel="nofollow"> https://t.co/pxbO2tYMFl </a><a href="https://t.co/in9knvw11y" rel="nofollow"> pic.twitter.com/in9knvw11y </a> — Cruise Norwegian (@CruiseNorwegian) <a href="https://twitter.com/CruiseNorwegian/status/1380143434455977990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow"> April 8, 2021 </a></blockquote> The CDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier this week, CDC spokeswoman Jade Fulce hinted at a soft reopening of the U.S. cruise industry over the summer, saying in a written statement: <blockquote>"CDC is committed to working with the cruise industry and seaport partners to resume cruising following the phased approach outlined in the conditional sailing order. This goal aligns with the desire to resume passenger operations in the United States expressed by many major cruise ship operators and travelers; hopefully, by mid-summer with restricted revenue sailings." </blockquote> This story was originally published by Matt Papaycik on <a class="Link" href="https://www.wptv.com/news/state/florida-suing-federal-government-cdc-over-unlawful-cruise-industry-shutdown-officials-say?aaaa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> WPTV </a> in Palm Beach. </div>

Columbus, OH

Lancaster County, PA

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NewsByJoshua

Fans of Frisco's Chicken were left reeling as the beloved Peruvian-style eatery announced the closure of all its locations in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The chain, known for its delicious food and strong community values, posted a heartfelt note on its doors, informing customers of the devastating news.

Favorite Chicken Chain Suddenly Closes All Stores, Heartfelt Message Found on Doors

New York City, NY

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Cheryl E Preston

Yesterday was the third time this year that an ad stating Chelsea Clinton lives in a beautiful Virginia home popped up on my laptop. My computer did not warn me this was a dangerous site, so this time, I clicked on the link.

Chelsea Clinton is rumored to be living in Virginia but probably still in NYC

Rite Aid is making headlines again, but unfortunately, not for the best reasons. The essential pharmacy chain is closing a staggering 400 stores, a major uptick from the 143 closures initially planned when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last October.

A large retail chain is shutting down hundreds stores after going through Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Denver, CO

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David Heitz

In addition to collecting more than 8,000 used needles in the past year from Denver drug users, the Harm Reduction Action Center passed out 10,000 meth pipes and “snort kits,” according to a newsletter sent to its supporters Thursday. They also connected about 1,700 people to medical, mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Denver group hands out 10K meth pipes, ‘snort kits,’ connects 1,700 to treatment annually

Yazoo County, MS

Mississippi News Group

YAZOO COUNTY, Miss. (WLBT) - A shocking incident has led to the arrest of two individuals on charges of statutory rape, as reported by the Yazoo County Sheriff's Department. According to Sheriff Jeremy McCoy, the incident unfolded following a call received by Yazoo County deputies on July 5 at approximately 6:20 a.m. The call indicated that a 13-year-old girl was in a vehicle with a 20-year-old man. Deputies promptly responded to the scene and encountered both individuals along with the girl's parents.

Former Deputy of Yazoo County Charged with Rape of a 13-year-old

Chicago, IL

Foodie in Chicago

Shortly before 3 AM, people in the Chicago area may have felt their houses shake as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred about 60 miles west of the city. (CHICAGO) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.4-magnitude earthquake around Somonauk, IL. Somonauk is in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties, 64 miles west of Chicago.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville Today

A former Jacksonville police officer pleaded guilty Tuesday to enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Josue Garriga III, 34, faces a mandatory penalty of 10 years to life in federal prison and must register as a sex offender. A sentencing date has not been set.

Former cop pleads guilty to enticing 17-year-old girl

Savannah, GA

Daily Coffee Press

Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include felony charges for illegal firearms possession and drug distribution, while additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges.

Federal Charges in Southern GA: Indictments and Sentences for Firearms and Drug Offenses

Virginia State

Ronkonkoma, NY

The New York Post reveals that two men who died in a plane crash at MacArthur Airport were from Virginia. The men had been visiting friends in Long Island and were returning home when the tragedy occurred.

Life partners from Virginia have been identified as the victims of a New York plane crash

Massachusetts State

Dianna Carney

Chloe, a 9 to 10-week-old puppy, is the last of her litter and is eagerly looking for a forever home. Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a dedicated foster-based rescue in Massachusetts, recently shared Chloe's story and her endearing qualities.

Meet Chloe: The 10-Week-Old Puppy Who Is The Last Of Her Litter Looking For Love

Wyoming State

WyoFile

The Wyoming Democratic Party is calling on U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman to apologize for calling Vice President Kamala Harris a diversity, equity and inclusion hire. “It took only three days for Harriet Hageman to disgrace herself on national television by launching a reprehensible and racist attack on Vice President Kamala Harris,” the WDP wrote in a statement .

Wyoming Dems demand Hageman apologize for calling Harris a ‘DEI hire’

South Carolina State

Explore Beaufort SC

The mantis shrimp is one tough customer. Beautiful and deadly are two words you don’t typically use to describe shrimp, but the mantis shrimp is definitely in a class of its own; earning a reputation as the ‘savage boxer of the sea’ and one of the most fearsome creatures in the ocean. And, they're right at home here in South Carolina.

Savage Boxer of the Sea: The Deadly Beauty of Mantis Shrimp

A man peacefully sitting with his son in his car in their church parking lot was assaulted by a Denver police officer in June 2019 and will receive a $75,000 settlement. The payoff appears on the Denver City Council agenda for Monday. The item is on the consent calendar. Items on the consent calendar are considered routine and generally pass in a block vote without discussion.

Man hit in face by Denver police officer to receive $75,000 settlement

Kentucky State

Northern Kentucky Tribune

Kentucky’s Community Actions Partnerships have announced the starts date for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy, aimed at helping Kentucky households offset summer cooling costs.

LIHEAP Summer Subsidy program to help with summer cooling costs to begin enrollment July 16

Hammy and Cheyanne, two miniature poodles, are in search of their forever home. Weighing 6.3lb and 6.4lb respectively, these sweet pups are a bonded pair with a sad past. Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a foster-based rescue in Massachusetts, shares their story, explaining that "Hammy & Cheyanne are cruelty case pups that are a bonded pair. They're from a rural area in Texas. These are a pair of sweet little pups that are in need of a fresh start together!"

Meet The Sweet Little Dogs Who Are Looking For Love

Missouri State

Fulton, MO

CJ Coombs

Updated on July 17, 2024, concerning two of the missing children listed below. Bringing them home: for 40 years, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has been helping to locate missing children.

Seven teenagers have been missing in Missouri since June 2024

New Jersey State

Burlington County, NJ

Morristown Minute

Officials Celebrate Success and Expansion of Meal Initiatives for Children. Morristown, NJ — State and local officials, including New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn, gathered July 18, 2024, at Pemberton Early Childhood Learning Center in Burlington County to spotlight the achievements of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the innovative Summer EBT initiative, which provides substantial support to low-income families during the summer months.

NJ's $120 Summer EBT Feeds Child Nutrition

California State

The HD Post

CALIFORNIA – Plaintiffs, in a case against Wells Fargo alleging that the bank knowingly took part in a marketing scam, asked the court, July 8, not to grant a motion for summary judgment.

Class action lawsuit says Wells Fargo customers lost over $160 Million

A dangerous drug that is being mixed into fentanyl is causing those who inject it to develop a rash of sores that resembles a case of flesh-eating bacteria. People experiencing homelessness around Denver can sometimes be seen with these bloody, weeping wounds. I recently mentioned this phenomenon to a fentanyl user who told me about the xylazine connection.

Denver homeless people suffer sores as xylazine enters fentanyl supply

Newark, NJ

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County man has been charged with numerous offenses related to narcotics distribution and firearms trafficking. Kyrell Domnie, 39, of Irvington, known by the alias "Fly Ky," was charged by complaint and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court on July 17, 2024. He remains detained following the hearing.

Convicted Felon Faces Multiple Narcotics and Firearms Charges

ABC Action News WFTS

Florida's governor says the Sunshine State is \"fighting back\" against the \"unlawful\" year-long shutdown of the cruise industry.

Florida suing over cruise industry shutdown

NewsBreak

Florida's governor says the Sunshine State is "fighting back" against the "unlawful" year-long shutdown of the cruise industry.

Florida suing over cruise industry shutdown

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