Temple Terrace, FL

102.5 The Bone

Discount retailer Big Lots had said it would close 35 stores this year, but that number is much higher according to documents the company filed with the government. Big Lots told the Securities and Exchange Commission it may close up to 315 stores, but it hasn’t settled on the final count.

Big Lots to close as many as 315 locations, not 35

Tampa, FL

Riverview, FL

USA TODAY

Kim Chambliss and Val Delacruz had just returned home from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with $3,300 in winnings when they were ambushed.

A Florida couple won $3,300 at the casino. Two men then followed them home and shot them.

Maine State

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Sagadahoc County, ME

Lewiston, ME

The Maine Monitor

Editor’s note: This story contains references to suicide. When a bill to strengthen Maine’s yellow flag law went into effect earlier this month, Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry said he felt a sense of relief.

Law enforcement officers can now get a warrant to take someone into protective custody

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The Lens

This year’s area of low oxygen in the Gulf of Mexico is larger than average, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on Thursday. The “dead zone” is approximately 6,705 square miles , as measured last week. Within NOAA’s 38 years of measuring the dead zone, this year’s assessment marks the 12th-largest area of low to no oxygen, which can kill fish and marine life.

Gulf ‘dead zone’ larger than average, larger than expected for 2024, scientists announce

Georgia State

Winder, GA

Daily Coffee Press

A 50-year-old former jailer has been charged by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) with cruelty to inmates and violation of oath of office. On Sunday, July 21, the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI to investigate an incident involving one of their jailers, Lolita Lightner of Winder, Georgia.

Former Jailer at Georgia County Jail Arrested

Florida State

Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville Today

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said he will consider more DUI patrols if voters legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida. Voters will consider Amendment 3 in November. It would allow adults 21 or older to possess, purchase or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical purposes.

More DUI patrols possible if marijuana issue passes

Salem, OH

Northern Kentucky Tribune

Every day, 8-year-old Emma sits in a small garden outside her grandmother’s home in Salem, Ohio, writing letters to her mom and sometimes singing songs her mother used to sing to her.

Thousands of parents die of overdoses; advocates say their kids need more help

According to officials with the Southern District of Georgia, two recently unsealed federal indictments have charged 23 defendants in a series of broad conspiracies involving the use of drones to smuggle methamphetamine, marijuana, and cell phones into state prisons in Georgia.

23 Defendants Charged in Federal Indictments for Drone-Smuggling Drug Operation in Georgia

Aurora, CO

David Heitz

What exactly happened at a large gathering of migrants in Aurora last Sunday depends on who you talk to. And a showdown is imminent between City Council member Danielle Jurinsky and the Aurora Police Department, according to Jurinsky.

Migrant mayhem in Aurora? Showdown imminent between PD, council member Jurinsky

Texas State

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Missouri State

CJ Coombs

When I learned the brown tarantula is also native to Missouri, I gasped, and when I say I'm not too fond of spiders of any genus is an understatement. It's psychological. They have too many legs.

It's mating season for the Texas brown tarantula also known as the Missouri tarantula

Floyd County, GA

According to officials with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), three former officers from the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), one GDC investigator, and a former Floyd County deputy have been charged for the aggravated assault of an inmate at the Floyd County Jail.

Five Former Georgia Law Enforcement Officers Charged With Aggravated Assault Against Inmate

Latin Times

Former Florida Democratic Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, set to challenge Senator Rick Scott for his seat in the upcoming elections, claimed that new polling numbers showing him with a net unfavorable rating illustrate her clear chances of beating. She was making reference to a survey by USA Today/Suffolk University/WSVN, which showed...

Democrat challenging Trump ally Rick Scott claims high disapproval numbers show she can unseat him

Massachusetts State

Dianna Carney

Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a foster-based rescue in Massachusetts, has recently introduced a tiny 8lb dog named Bingo who is looking for her forever home. Bingo is a 3-year-old Shih Tzu mix with an adorable appearance and a sweet disposition. However, she needs a patient and understanding owner who recognizes that "dogs are not toys, and not all dogs love to be picked up right away," explains Sandy Paws Rescue Inc. This little lady requires some decompression time upon arriving at her new home to settle in comfortably.

Meet The Sweet Little Lady Looking For Love

New Jersey State

Jersey City, NJ

Morristown Minute

MORRISTOWN, NJ - Two members of a Jersey City gang associated with the Marion Gardens Housing Complex were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in multiple shootings and other gang-related crimes, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Gang Members Sentenced: 31 Years for Violent Crimes

Dunedin, FL

A proposal by Florida governor Ron DeSantis’ Department of Environmental Protection to partially develop nine state parks has run into emphatic opposition from environmentalists, the public and state lawmakers. Honeymoon Island State Park is on Pinellas County’s gulf coast, near Dunedin. The barrier island consists of approximately 20 acres...

Outrage grows over proposed state park development

Colorado State

Colorado mountain lions and bobcats, which November voters will have the opportunity to save from trophy hunters, are sparing the ecosystem devastation from chronic wasting disease.

Why Colorado bobcats, mountain lions need protection

Wyoming State

WyoFile

Wyoming’s U.S. Sen. John Barrasso and Rep. Harriet Hageman handily staved off Republican challengers in Tuesday’s primary election. The Associated Press called the race at 8 p.m.

Barrasso, Hageman handily defeat Republican challengers

Buffalo, WY

The House Draw Fire burning in northern Wyoming grew to more than 163,000 acres on Thursday — nearly the combined size of Denver and Salt Lake City — threatening structures, prompting evacuation orders and forcing the closure of Interstate 90.

Wildfire burns 163,000 acres in northern Wyoming, forcing evacuations and I-90 closure

Don Hall is an avid snowmobiler, but instead of heading for the hills each winter in search of deep powder, he takes an older snowmachine to lower elevations nearer the snow line. There’s a reason the Riverton resident prefers the lower zones despite the rocks, fences and sage most riders avoid: That’s where the coyotes are.

Wyoming allows snowmobilers to run down wildlife. Despite global outrage, it may stay legal.

A bill quietly introduced this spring in the Colorado legislature to decriminalize the possession of drug paraphernalia obtained by harm reductionists has become law. As low-key as the legislation was introduced, the bill was signed into law without fanfare June 6. It garnered little to no media attention.

Colorado legalizes needles, pipes for meth and crack if obtained by harm reduction group

Thonotosassa, FL

NewsBreak

Abel won’t run for council reelection, two hope to replace her

TEMPLE TERRACE — Meredith Abel, who had announced on Facebook in April that she’d filed for reelection to City Council, has had a change of heart....

Abel won’t run for council reelection, two hope to replace her

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