Suspect in Shooting in Custody, 1 Dead, 5 Injured
Following his shooting rampage, in Downtown Orlando earlier today, Jason Rodriguez, 40, is now in police custody. The shooting left one person dead and 5 others have been injured. Rodriguez was caught at the Hollow Brook Apartments earlier this afternoon at his mother’s apartment complex. Police saw Rodriguez through the window of his mother’s house and police say he surrendered.
Hell Breaks Out Above Orlando
A shooter opened fire downtown Orlando shooting at least 8 people at the Gateway Center at 1000 Legion Place around 11:30 am, today. The Gateway Center is an office building and it is on lock down. Police went floor by floor helping people get out safely from the building. The shooter is still at large.
Unemployed Floridians Get Lifeline, Benefits Extended
The House voted yesterday, 403 to 12, to extend unemployment benefits and expand a popular tax credit for home buyers. The bill now goes to President Obama, which he plans to sign today. The bill will extend benefits for 14 more week for those whose federal aid is run out or will by the end of 2009. In Florida and other states where the unemployment is at 8.5 percent or more, benefits will be extended up to 20 weeks.
National Unemployment Hits Double Digits, 10.2%
Today it was announced that the national jobless rate in the US rose to 10.2 percent in October. Chair of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors Christina Romer said that this rise took place notwithstanding the increase in output in the quarter ending September 2009. “Having the unemployment rate reach double-digits is a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done before American families see the job gains and reduced unemployment that they need and deserve”, said Romer.
US Hotel Industry Declines
The U.S. hotel industry posted declines in all three key performance measurements during the week of 25-31 October 2009, according to data from Smith Travel Research, Inc. In year-over-year measurements, the industry’s occupancy fell 7.2 percent to end the week at 51.8 percent. Average daily rate dropped 7.2 percent to finish the week at US$98.99. Revenue per available room for the week decreased 13.8 percent to finish at US$51.28.
VP Joe Biden on Massacre at Fort Hood
Vice President Joe Biden issued the following statement on the horrific shooting at Fort Hood earlier today which left 12 dead and 31 wounded. “Jill and I join the President and Michelle in expressing our sympathies to the families of the brave soldiers who fell today. We are all praying for those who were wounded and hoping for their full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the entire Fort Hood community as they deal with this senseless tragedy.”
Horror at Fort Hood, 12 Dead, 31 injured
A U.S. soldier opened fire Thursday at Fort Hood, Texas, killing at least 11 people and wounding 31 others, military officials said. The gunman was shot to death, and two other soldiers were in custody.
Gov. Crist Plugs Small Business
Governor Charlie Crist today convened a Small Business Summit in Tallahassee with more than 20 small business owners from across the state. The Summit is aimed at establishing ideas that can foster and promote free competitive enterprise for Florida’s small business owners.
Hungry Man Shoplifts at Gas Station
A man who was obviously hungry, walked into a gas Station on 2655 S. Kirkman Road yesterday just before 5.45 pm, and stole a number of food items. Based on interviews, according to Orlando Police Department detectives, a Black or Hispanic male, wearing sunglasses and a bandana walked into the Hess Gas Station and left with 1 can of Vienna sausage, 2 cans of sardines and 1 can spaghettios, without paying for the items.
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