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  • Tropical Storm Imelda continues moving away from US coast; Florida could see some impacts

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    Tropical Storm Imelda continues to move away from the U.S coast on Monday — but the region will still see some impacts from the storm. At 8 a.m. Monday, Imelda was moving north at 8 mph. A faster motion to the east-northeastward moving away from the southeastern U.S. is expected by the middle part of this week. On the forecast track, the center of the system is expected to move across the central and northwestern Bahamas Sunday night and then turn east-northeastward, moving away from the southeastern U.S. by the middle part of this week. Maximum sustained winds: 145 mphMinimum central pressure: 993 mb Watches/warnings A tropical storm warning is in effect for portions of the Northwestern Bahamas, including Eleuthera, the Abacos, Grand Bahama Island and the surrounding keys. Possible impactsWIND Tropical storm conditions in portions of the northwestern Bahamas should continue through today. RAINFALL: Tropical Storm Imelda is expected to produce additional rainfall of 2 to 4 inches across eastern Cuba and 4 to 8 inches across the northwest Bahamas through Tuesday. This rainfall will likely produce flash and urban flooding. Mudslides are also possible in areas of higher terrain across eastern Cuba.Storm total rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches with local maxima of 4 inches are expected through Tuesday across northeast Florida, coastal South Carolina, and coastal sections of southeast North Carolina. This rainfall could result in isolated flash and urban flooding.As Imelda passes near Bermuda, 2 to 4 inches of rainfall is expected from Wednesday into Thursday.STORM SURGEA storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 1to 3 feet above ground level along the immediate coast in areas of onshore winds in the northwestern Bahamas. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large waves. Minor coastal flooding is possible in areas of onshore winds over the Southeastern U.S. coastline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the surge occurs over the next several high tide cycles: Volusia/Brevard County Line, Florida to the South Santee River, South Carolina…1 to 2 ft SURF Swells generated by Tropical Storm Imelda and Hurricane Humberto are affecting the Bahamas and will spread to much of the east coast of the U.S. early this week. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Hurricane season 2025The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.>> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival GuideThe First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.>> 2025 hurricane season | WESH long-range forecast

    Tropical Storm Imelda continues to move away from the U.S coast on Monday — but the region will still see some impacts from the storm.

    At 8 a.m. Monday, Imelda was moving north at 8 mph.

    A faster motion to the east-northeastward moving away from the southeastern U.S. is expected by the middle part of this week.

    On the forecast track, the center of the system is expected to move across the central and northwestern Bahamas Sunday night and then turn east-northeastward, moving away from the southeastern U.S. by the middle part of this week.

    • Maximum sustained winds: 145 mph
    • Minimum central pressure: 993 mb

    This content is imported from Twitter.
    You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    Watches/warnings

    A tropical storm warning is in effect for portions of the Northwestern Bahamas, including Eleuthera, the Abacos, Grand Bahama Island and the surrounding keys.

    Possible impacts

    WIND

    Tropical storm conditions in portions of the northwestern Bahamas should continue through today.

    RAINFALL:

    Tropical Storm Imelda is expected to produce additional rainfall of 2 to 4 inches across eastern Cuba and 4 to 8 inches across the northwest Bahamas through Tuesday.

    This rainfall will likely produce flash and urban flooding. Mudslides are also possible in areas of higher terrain across eastern Cuba.

    Storm total rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches with local maxima of 4 inches are expected through Tuesday across northeast Florida, coastal South Carolina, and coastal sections of southeast North Carolina.

    This rainfall could result in isolated flash and urban flooding.

    As Imelda passes near Bermuda, 2 to 4 inches of rainfall is expected from Wednesday into Thursday.

    STORM SURGE

    A storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 1to 3 feet above ground level along the immediate coast in areas of onshore winds in the northwestern Bahamas. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large waves.

    Minor coastal flooding is possible in areas of onshore winds over the Southeastern U.S. coastline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the surge occurs over the next several high tide cycles: Volusia/Brevard County Line, Florida to the South Santee River, South Carolina…1 to 2 ft

    SURF

    Swells generated by Tropical Storm Imelda and Hurricane Humberto are affecting the Bahamas and will spread to much of the east coast of the U.S. early this week. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

    Hurricane season 2025

    The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.

    >> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival Guide

    The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.

    >> 2025 hurricane season | WESH long-range forecast

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  • Friday Night Hits: Week 6 Scoreboard and Recaps

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    HE’S NOT BAD, EVEN THOUGH HE IS NEW TO MELBOURNE HIGH SCHOOL. WE GO. THE DOGS WERE OUT TONIGHT TAKING ON THE OSCEOLA COWBOYS WITH THE BULLDOGS. FIRST QUARTER HANDOFF TO CAMERON JOHNSON. TOUGH 19 YARD GAIN. BUT THE DRIVE WOULD END IN A PUNT. SECOND QUARTER OSCEOLA ALREADY UP BY SIX ELIJAH JENKINS WE SAY THAT NAME A LOT ON THIS SHOW. HE CUTS UPFIELD FOR 22 YARDS AND A FRESH SET OF DOWNS THAT SETS UP THE PLAY ACTION. AMARI RUTLAND 15 YARD STRIKE TO JEFFERY. NOBODY CATCHES HIM. OSCEOLA SCORES FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THE HALF 31 YARD TD TOSS. BULLDOGS DO MAKE IT A GAME, BUT THEY CAN’T CATCH THOSE COWBOYS FROM KISSIMMEE. OSCEOLA WINS IT ON THE ROAD. 1810. THE FINAL SCORE OUT TO COLLEGE PARK. WE WILL GO SENIOR NIGHT AT EDGEWATER. EAGLES HAVE FLOWN THROUGH THE SEASON SO FAR FIVE ZERO COMING INTO TONIGHT. TAKING ON LYMAN WAS A ROUGH GO FOR THE GREYHOUNDS. OPENING PLAY OF THE GAME CARTER EMANUEL. THE QUICK SCREEN TO MALIK JOHNSON. HE WILL BREAK THROUGH THE TACKLE AND NO ONE WAS STOPPING HIM. IT WAS JUST THAT KIND OF NIGHT FOR EDGEWATER. STILL IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THEY’RE UP 14. NOTHING NOW. CARTER EMANUEL IS OUT. REMI JARMAN IS IN AT QUARTERBACK. GETS IT TO DAMIEN MOORE. FIRST QUARTER SECOND TOUCHDOWN OF THE NIGHT. THIS IS THE FIRST QUARTER. STILL EAGLES HAD THE RUNNING CLOCK BY HALF. EDGEWATER. THEY WIN BY A LOT 84 TO 6 IS THE FINAL. THAT’S SO MANY POINTS. ALL RIGHT. ONE OF THE BREAKOUT TEAMS SO FAR THIS SEASON LAKE BRANTLEY. THEY MAKE THE SHORT TREK TO SANFORD TONIGHT. LAKE BRANTLEY HADN’T LOST SO FAR THIS SEASON. HAD MORE WINS ALREADY THIS YEAR THAN THEY DID ALL OF LAST SEASON. A LOT OF SUCCESS FOR THE PATRIOTS SO FAR, BUT TAKING ON A SEMINOLE TEAM THAT HAS ALSO BEEN VERY GOOD IN THE PAST AND TRYING TO GET BACK ON TRACK THIS SEASON. LET’S HEAD UP TO SANFORD. AS THE PATRIOTS TRY TO INVADE THE SEMINOLE TERRITORY, LAKE BRANTLEY WOULD STRIKE FIRST IN THIS ONE. JACKSON STECKER WILL ROLL OUT AND FIND DEVIN WASHINGTON FOR THE SCORE 28 YARD STRIKE SEVEN. NOTHING. LAKE BRANTLEY IN FRONT LOOKED LIKE THE PATRIOTS WOULD DO WHAT THEY’VE DONE ALL SEASON LONG. SEMINOLE ON THE MOVE. HOW ABOUT JALEN CHAPLIN? HE’S GOING TO FUMBLE THE FOOTBALL PICK IT UP THEN RACE 22 YARDS DOWN TO THE TEN YARD LINE. THEY’D SWITCH ENDS WHEN THE QUARTER ENDS. FOUR PLAYS LATER IT WILL BE CHAPLIN IN FOR THE SCORE. HOW ABOUT SEMINOLE? THEY STORMED BACK FOR A BIG WIN 4321. THE FINAL SCORE. ALL RIGHT. LAKE MARY HOSTING HAGGERTY TONIGHT. RAMS LED BY TEN AT THE HALF. THIRD QUARTER IS WHERE WE WILL START NOAH GRUBBS OVER TO BARRETT SCHULTZ FIVE YARD TOUCHDOWN TOSS. EXTENDS THE LAKE MARY LEAD. BUT HOW ABOUT SOME DEFENSE ON OUR SHOW. CHANDLER CONDUIT AND LAVON CRUMPLER THEY MEET AT THE QUARTERBACK. THAT’S A BIG TIME SACK. LATE IN THE THIRD. MORE FROM THE OSHO GRUBBS TO SHEA FAISON 4117. AT THAT POINT, NOAH HAD SIX TOUCHDOWN PASSES TONIGHT. HOW ABOUT THAT LAKE MARY HAMMERING HAGGERTY, 5517. THE FINAL SCORE. APOPKA OVIEDO TRYING TO GET SOME MOMENTUM BACK ON THEIR SIDE AFTER AN UP AND DOWN START TO THE SEASON. THIS IS A GOOD WAY TO DO IT. BROCK JOYCE UP THE GUT SIX NOTHING. LIONS WITH THE LEAD STILL IN THE FIRST. DESHAWN FABRES COMES IN MOTION FOR THE TOSS. GETS TO THE OUTSIDE AND TO THE ENDZONE. HE GOES 14. NOTHING. OVIEDO STILL OUT IN FRONT. LYONS FAR FROM DONE. HOW ABOUT ANOTHER TOUCHDOWN ON THE GROUND. KAMARI SOLOMON WILL SPRINT ALONG THE SIDELINE AND OOH 64 NOTHING OVIEDO ROLLS PAST THE STING GAME. WE’RE GOING TO STAY IN APOPKA TONIGHT. THE BLUE DARTERS HAVE HAD A TOUGH SEASON SO FAR. IT GOT TOUGHER HOSTING WEST ORANGE. JADEN HAMMOND SPRINTING UP THE SIDELINE FOR SIX. VALHALLA AS THEY SAY. TOUCHDOWN MADE IT 30. NOTHING. WEST ORANGE TO THE THIRD QUARTER. AMMONS HAD HIMSELF A NIGHT TONIGHT RUNS INTO A WALL OF BLUE DARTERS RIGHT HERE BUT BREAKS RIGHT THROUGH IT 75 YARDS TO THE HOUSE. WEST ORANGE ROLLING. AND THEY WERE STILL NOT DONE. LATE THIRD QUARTER. THIS TIME IT WILL BE ANDREW CHUNG DEEP OVER THE MIDDLE TO DAREN GLOVER. THIS WILL BE A HOUSE CALL WEST ORANGE OVER APOPKA. ANOTHER SHUTOUT TONIGHT 51 NOTHING ROUGH NIGHT IN WEST ORANGE COUNTY TO THE AIR. OLYMPIA MAKING THE SHORT TRIP DOWN TO DOCTOR PHILLIPS. SECOND QUARTER ONE POINT GAME WHEN ZION MATTHEWS WILL TAKE THE HANDOFF. WEAVE THROUGH THE DEFENSE AND GET IN FOR SIX. TIME TO CELEBRATE. PANTHERS IN THE LEAD. MORE DP, MORE WILLIAMS. HE’LL TAKE ANOTHER HANDOFF AND DO THE SAME THING RIGHT UP THE GUT. IN FOR THE SCORE. DOCTOR PHILLIPS WINS WITH EASE, 42 SIX OVER THEIR NEARBY RIVALS. THAT’S A FINAL DOWNTOWN JONES HOSTING AN AUBURNDALE SQUAD THAT HAD WON FOUR STRAIGHT. BUT HOW’S THIS FOR AN ARRIVAL AS CHOPPER TWO ARRIVES? IT’S A JONES TOUCHDOWN PASS, EXTENDING AN ALREADY LARGE LEAD THERE. WE GOT IT. AUBURNDALE DOES MANAGE A FIELD GOAL, BUT THAT WILL BE IT. JONES PICKS UP ANOTHER WIN 37 THREE IS THE FINAL SCORE. ALL RIGHT. SOME SCORES FROM AROUND CENTRAL FLORIDA. HOW ABOUT TAVARES TAKING ON EUSTIS TONIGHT BY 59 POINTS. TOHO TOPS HARMONY 28 TO 16. MORE SCORES COMING YOUR WAY FROM TONIGHT. UNIVERSITY UP OVER FLAGLER. PALM COAST 2113 AND E

    Week 6 of Central Florida high school football is in the books. Scores across Central FloridaFriday Night Hits Week 6: Game of the Week DeLand at Spruce Creek (postponed)Friday Night Hits Week 6: You Pick 2 Game Eau Gallie 27, Titusville 14Davenport 41, Lake Minneola 6 Tavares 65, Eustis 6 West Orange 51, Apopka 0 Mount Dora Christian 48, The Master’s Academy 0 Tohopekaliga 28, Harmony 16Dr. Phillips 42, Olympia 6 Lake Mary 55, Hagerty 17 Ocoee 42, West Port 0 Winter Park 63, Freedom 8 Oviedo 64, Wekiva 0 East Ridge 84, Celebration 7 Colonial 35, Cypress Creek 15 Osceola 18, Melbourne 10 Winter Springs 20, Horizon 14 Gateway 20, Liberty Kissimmee 0Edgewater 84, Lyman 6Bishop Moore 29, Tampa Catholic 20 Jones 37, Auburndale 3 Windermere 36, Lake Buena Vista 0 Central Florida Christian Academy 46, Windermere Prep 21South lake 30, Forest Ocala 25

    Week 6 of Central Florida high school football is in the books.

    Scores across Central Florida

    Friday Night Hits Week 6: Game of the Week

    DeLand at Spruce Creek (postponed)

    Friday Night Hits Week 6: You Pick 2 Game

    Eau Gallie 27, Titusville 14

    Davenport 41, Lake Minneola 6

    Tavares 65, Eustis 6

    West Orange 51, Apopka 0

    Mount Dora Christian 48, The Master’s Academy 0

    Tohopekaliga 28, Harmony 16

    Dr. Phillips 42, Olympia 6

    Lake Mary 55, Hagerty 17

    Ocoee 42, West Port 0

    Winter Park 63, Freedom 8

    Oviedo 64, Wekiva 0

    East Ridge 84, Celebration 7

    Colonial 35, Cypress Creek 15

    Osceola 18, Melbourne 10

    Winter Springs 20, Horizon 14

    Gateway 20, Liberty Kissimmee 0

    Edgewater 84, Lyman 6

    Bishop Moore 29, Tampa Catholic 20

    Jones 37, Auburndale 3

    Windermere 36, Lake Buena Vista 0

    Central Florida Christian Academy 46, Windermere Prep 21

    South lake 30, Forest Ocala 25

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  • U.S. attorney said she was fired after telling Border Patrol to follow a court order

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    The acting U.S. attorney in Sacramento has said she was fired after telling the Border Patrol chief in charge of immigration raids in California that his agents were not allowed to arrest people without probable cause in the Central Valley.

    Michele Beckwith, a career prosecutor who was made the acting U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of California earlier this year, told the New York Times that she was let go after she warned Gregory Bovino, chief of the Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector, that a court injunction blocked him from carrying out indiscriminate immigration raids in Sacramento.

    Beckwith did not respond to a request for comment from the L.A. Times, but told the New York Times that “we have to stand up and insist the laws be followed.”

    The U.S. attorney’s office in Sacramento declined to comment. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment Friday evening.

    Bovino presided over a series of raids in Los Angeles starting in June in which agents spent weeks pursuing Latino-looking workers outside of Home Depots, car washes, bus stops and other areas. The agents often wore masks and used unmarked vehicles.

    But such indiscriminate tactics were not allowed in California’s Eastern District after the American Civil Liberties Union and United Farm Workers filed suit against the Border Patrol earlier in the year and won an injunction.

    The suit followed a January operation in Kern County called “Operation Return to Sender,” in which agents swarmed a Home Depot and Latino market, among other areas frequented by laborers. In April, a federal district court judge ruled that the Border Patrol likely violated the Constitution’s protections against unreasonable search and seizure.

    As Beckwith described it to New York Times reporters, she received a phone call from Bovino on July 14 in which he said he was bringing agents to Sacramento.

    She said she told him that the injunction filed after the Kern County raid meant he could not stop people indiscriminately in the Eastern District. The next day, she wrote him an email in which, as quoted in the New York Times, she stressed the need for “compliance with court orders and the Constitution.”

    Shortly thereafter her work cell phone and her work computer stopped working. A bit before 5 p.m. she received an email informing her that her employment was being terminated effective immediately.

    It was the end of a 15-year career in in the Department of Justice in which she had served as the office’s Criminal Division Chief and First Assistant and prosecuted members of the Aryan Brotherhood, suspected terrorists, and fentanyl traffickers.

    Two days later on July 17, Bovino and his agents moved into Sacramento, conducting a raid at a Home Depot south of downtown.

    In an interview with Fox News that day, Bovino said the raids were targeted and based on intelligence. “Everything we do is targeted,” he said. “We did have prior intelligence that there were targets that we were interested in and around that Home Depot, as well as other targeted enforcement packages in and around the Sacramento area.”

    He also said that his operations would not slow down. “There is no sanctuary anywhere,” he said. “We’re here to stay. We’re not going anywhere. We’re going to affect this mission and secure the homeland.”

    Beckwith is one of a number of top prosecutors who have quit or been fired as the Trump administration pushes the Department of Justice to aggressively carry out his policies, including investigating people who have been the president’s political targets.

    In March, a federal prosecutor in Los Angeles was fired after lawyers for a fast-food executive he was prosecuting pushed officials in Washington to drop all charges against him, according to multiple sources.

    In July, Maurene Comey, a federal prosecutor in Manhattan and the daughter of former FBI director James Comey, was fired by the Trump administration, according to the New York Times.

    And just last week, a U. S. attorney in Virginia was pushed out after he had determined there was insufficient evidence to prosecute James B. Comey. A new prosecutor this week won a grand jury indictment against Comey on one count of making a false statement and one count of obstruction of a congressional proceeding.

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    Jessica Garrison

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  • Feds indict three women for alleged ‘doxing’ of ICE agent in Los Angeles

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    Three women opposed to President Trump’s intense immigration raids in Los Angeles were indicted Friday on charges of illegally “doxing” a U.S. Customs and Immigration agent, authorities said.

    Ashleigh Brown, Cynthia Raygoza and Sandra Carmona Samane face charges of disclosing the personal information of a federal agent and conspiracy, according to an indictment unsealed late Friday.

    Brown, who is from Colorado and goes by the nickname “AK,” has been described as one of the founders of “ice_out_ofla” an Instagram page with more than 28,000 followers that plays a role in organizing demonstrations against immigration enforcement, according to the social media page and an email reviewed by The Times.

    According to the indictment, the three women followed an ICE agent from the federal building on 300 North Los Angeles Street in downtown L.A. to the agent’s residence in Baldwin Park.

    They live-streamed the entire event, according to the indictment. Once they arrived at the agent’s home, prosecutors allege the women got out and shouted “la migra lives here,” and “ICE lives on your street and you should know,” according to the indictment.

    “Our brave federal agents put their lives on the line every day to keep our nation safe,” Acting U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli said in a statement. “The conduct of these defendants are deeply offensive to law enforcement officers and their families. If you threaten, dox, or harm in any manner one of our agents or employees, you will face prosecution and prison time.”

    An attorney for Samane, 25, of Los Angeles, said she intends to plead not guilty at an arraignment next month and declined further comment.

    The Federal Public Defender’s Office, which is representing Brown, 38, of Aurora, Colo., did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Court records did not list an attorney for Raygoza, 37, of Riverside.

    Footage published to the ice_out_ofla Instagram page seemed to capture Brown’s arrest earlier this week. The video shows a man in green fatigues and body armor saying he has a warrant for her arrest, while reaching through what appears to be the shattered driver’s side window of her car. Brown asks what the warrant is for while the man can be seen holding a collapsible baton. Then the video cuts out.

    Posts on the Instagram page describe Brown as a “political prisoner.”

    A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles did not immediately respond to questions about whether the women specifically shouted out the agent’s address online or what the defendants specifically did to “incite the commission of a crime of violence against a federal agent,” as the indictment alleges.

    Federal law enforcement leaders have repeatedly expressed concern about the “doxing” of agents with ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol as residents of Los Angeles, Chicago and other cities continue to protest the Trump administration’s sprawling deportation efforts.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem threatened to prosecute people for publishing agents’ personal information last month in response to fliers in Portland that called for people to collect intel on ICE.

    But the indictment returned Friday appeared to be the first prosecution related to such tactics.

    Critics of the Trump administration’s operations have expressed outrage over ICE and CBP agents wearing masks and refusing to identify themselves in public while hunting undocumented immigrants throughout Southern California.

    Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that forbids federal law enforcement from wearing masks while operating in California. The supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution dictates that federal law takes precedence over state law, leading some legal experts to question whether state officials can actually enforce the legislation.

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    James Queally

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  • LIVE: Trump and Starmer sign tech deal before holding private talks on tariffs and war

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    President Donald Trump on Thursday signed what he called a historic agreement on science and technology with Britain as United Kingdom officials who have gone all out to impress him with royal pageantry during his state visit now try to deliver key trade and business deals that can further their country’s interests.Watch a livestream of a press conference between Trump and Starmer in the video player above.Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a roundtable with business leaders as they signed the deal. They also had private meetings where the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and tariff rates the U.S. may set on steel imported from Britain were expected to be discussed. A joint news conference was coming up.At the signing ceremony for an agreement meant to promote tech investment in both nations, Starmer referred to the American president as “my friend, our friend” and spoke of “leaders who respect each other and leaders who genuinely like each other.” The event took place at Chequers, a 16th-century manor house northwest of London that serves as a rural retreat for British leaders.The British charm offensive continued after King Charles III and Queen Camilla had feted Trump and first lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle, on Wednesday. The royals used the first of the Trump’s two-day state visit to offer all the pomp the monarchy can muster: gold-trimmed carriages, scarlet-clad soldiers, artillery salutes, a glittering banquet in a grand ceremonial hall and the biggest military honor guard ever assembled for such a state visit.Trump has seemed grateful for all the attention — so much so that he has largely stuck to script and offered little of his typical off-the-cuff criticism of hosts.Still, he had his moments. Trump joked with his treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, and commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, as he signed the tech deal, “Should I sign this Howard? Scott? If the deal’s no good I’m blaming you.”After bidding goodbye to the king and queen at Windsor — Trump called the monarch “a great gentleman, and a great king” — the Trumps flew by helicopter some 20 miles (32 kilometers) to Chequers. The Republican president was welcomed by ceremonial honor guard complete with bagpipers — a nod to Trump’s Scottish heritage — and shown items from the archive of wartime leader Winston Churchill, who coined the term “special relationship” for the bond between the allies.It’s a point that Trump’s British hosts have stressed, almost 250 years after that relationship endured a rocky start in 1776.Trump told business leaders at a reception at Chequers that the two countries shared an “unbreakable bond.” Starmer said that relationship “is the very foundation of our security, our freedom and our prosperity.”Trans-Atlantic tech partnershipTo coincide with the visit, Britain said U.S. companies had pledged 150 billion pounds ($204 billion) in investment in the U.K, including 90 billion pounds ($122 billion) from investment firm Blackstone in the next decade. Investment will also flow the other way, including almost $30 billion by pharmaceutical firm GSK in the U.S.At the reception, attended by tech bosses including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and U.S. officials such as Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Starmer said it was “the biggest investment package of its kind in British history by a country mile.”U.K. officials say the deal will bring thousands of jobs and billions in investment in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and nuclear energy. It includes a U.K. arm of Stargate, a Trump-backed AI infrastructure project led by OpenAI, and a host of AI data centers around the U.K. American companies are announcing 31 billion pounds ($42 billion) in investment in the U.K.’s AI sector, including $30 billion from Microsoft for protects including Britain’s largest supercomputer.British officials say they have not agreed to scrap a digital services tax or water down internet regulation to get the deal, some details of which have yet to be announced.The British government is learning that when it comes to deals with Trump’s team, the devil is in the details. In May, Starmer and Trump struck a trade agreement that reduced U.S. tariffs on Britain’s key auto and aerospace industries.But talks on slashing duties on steel and aluminum to zero from their current level of 25% have stalled, despite a promise in May that the issue would be settled within weeks.The British Chambers of Commerce said failure to cut the tariffs would be “greeted with dismay” by the British steel industry.Difficult discussions on Ukraine, Middle EastIn the private talks, difficult conversations were expected about Ukraine and the Middle East.The British government has grown increasingly critical of Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza and the suffering of Palestinian civilians, calling Israel’s latest Gaza City offensive “utterly reckless and appalling.” Starmer has said the U.K. will formally recognize a Palestinian state this month, potentially within days. Trump has threatened to penalize Canada during trade negotiations for making a similar move.Starmer also has played a major part in European efforts to shore up U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin but has not made good on threats to impose new sanctions on Russia for shunning peace negotiations. On Tuesday, Trump appeared to put the onus on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying, “He’s going to have to make a deal.”The king gave Trump a gentle nudge in his state banquet speech on the strength of the trans-Atlantic relationship. Charles noted that “as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace.”Potentially awkward Epstein questionsStarmer will be bracing for awkward questions from the media about Jeffrey Epstein. Days before the state visit, Starmer fired Britain’s ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson, over the envoy’s past friendship with the convicted sex offender, who authorities say killed himself in 2019.Fourteen months after winning a landslide election victory, Starmer’s government is struggling to kickstart Britain’s sluggish economy and his Labour Party is lagging in the polls. Starmer wants a successful state visit to balance weeks of bad news.Leslie Vinjamuri, president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, said Trump’s trip was likely to be “a difficult visit for the prime minister, much more so than for the U.S. president.”For Trump, “this plays well at home, it plays well abroad. It’s almost entirely to President Trump’s advantage to turn up to Britain and be celebrated by the British establishment,” she said.

    AYLESBURY, England —

    President Donald Trump on Thursday signed what he called a historic agreement on science and technology with Britain as United Kingdom officials who have gone all out to impress him with royal pageantry during his state visit now try to deliver key trade and business deals that can further their country’s interests.

    Watch a livestream of a press conference between Trump and Starmer in the video player above.

    Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a roundtable with business leaders as they signed the deal. They also had private meetings where the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and tariff rates the U.S. may set on steel imported from Britain were expected to be discussed. A joint news conference was coming up.

    At the signing ceremony for an agreement meant to promote tech investment in both nations, Starmer referred to the American president as “my friend, our friend” and spoke of “leaders who respect each other and leaders who genuinely like each other.” The event took place at Chequers, a 16th-century manor house northwest of London that serves as a rural retreat for British leaders.

    The British charm offensive continued after King Charles III and Queen Camilla had feted Trump and first lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle, on Wednesday. The royals used the first of the Trump’s two-day state visit to offer all the pomp the monarchy can muster: gold-trimmed carriages, scarlet-clad soldiers, artillery salutes, a glittering banquet in a grand ceremonial hall and the biggest military honor guard ever assembled for such a state visit.

    Trump has seemed grateful for all the attention — so much so that he has largely stuck to script and offered little of his typical off-the-cuff criticism of hosts.

    Still, he had his moments. Trump joked with his treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, and commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, as he signed the tech deal, “Should I sign this Howard? Scott? If the deal’s no good I’m blaming you.”

    After bidding goodbye to the king and queen at Windsor — Trump called the monarch “a great gentleman, and a great king” — the Trumps flew by helicopter some 20 miles (32 kilometers) to Chequers. The Republican president was welcomed by ceremonial honor guard complete with bagpipers — a nod to Trump’s Scottish heritage — and shown items from the archive of wartime leader Winston Churchill, who coined the term “special relationship” for the bond between the allies.

    It’s a point that Trump’s British hosts have stressed, almost 250 years after that relationship endured a rocky start in 1776.

    Trump told business leaders at a reception at Chequers that the two countries shared an “unbreakable bond.” Starmer said that relationship “is the very foundation of our security, our freedom and our prosperity.”

    Trans-Atlantic tech partnership

    To coincide with the visit, Britain said U.S. companies had pledged 150 billion pounds ($204 billion) in investment in the U.K, including 90 billion pounds ($122 billion) from investment firm Blackstone in the next decade. Investment will also flow the other way, including almost $30 billion by pharmaceutical firm GSK in the U.S.

    At the reception, attended by tech bosses including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and U.S. officials such as Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Starmer said it was “the biggest investment package of its kind in British history by a country mile.”

    U.K. officials say the deal will bring thousands of jobs and billions in investment in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and nuclear energy. It includes a U.K. arm of Stargate, a Trump-backed AI infrastructure project led by OpenAI, and a host of AI data centers around the U.K. American companies are announcing 31 billion pounds ($42 billion) in investment in the U.K.’s AI sector, including $30 billion from Microsoft for protects including Britain’s largest supercomputer.

    British officials say they have not agreed to scrap a digital services tax or water down internet regulation to get the deal, some details of which have yet to be announced.

    The British government is learning that when it comes to deals with Trump’s team, the devil is in the details. In May, Starmer and Trump struck a trade agreement that reduced U.S. tariffs on Britain’s key auto and aerospace industries.

    But talks on slashing duties on steel and aluminum to zero from their current level of 25% have stalled, despite a promise in May that the issue would be settled within weeks.

    The British Chambers of Commerce said failure to cut the tariffs would be “greeted with dismay” by the British steel industry.

    Difficult discussions on Ukraine, Middle East

    In the private talks, difficult conversations were expected about Ukraine and the Middle East.

    The British government has grown increasingly critical of Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza and the suffering of Palestinian civilians, calling Israel’s latest Gaza City offensive “utterly reckless and appalling.” Starmer has said the U.K. will formally recognize a Palestinian state this month, potentially within days. Trump has threatened to penalize Canada during trade negotiations for making a similar move.

    Starmer also has played a major part in European efforts to shore up U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin but has not made good on threats to impose new sanctions on Russia for shunning peace negotiations. On Tuesday, Trump appeared to put the onus on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying, “He’s going to have to make a deal.”

    The king gave Trump a gentle nudge in his state banquet speech on the strength of the trans-Atlantic relationship. Charles noted that “as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace.”

    Potentially awkward Epstein questions

    Starmer will be bracing for awkward questions from the media about Jeffrey Epstein. Days before the state visit, Starmer fired Britain’s ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson, over the envoy’s past friendship with the convicted sex offender, who authorities say killed himself in 2019.

    Fourteen months after winning a landslide election victory, Starmer’s government is struggling to kickstart Britain’s sluggish economy and his Labour Party is lagging in the polls. Starmer wants a successful state visit to balance weeks of bad news.

    Leslie Vinjamuri, president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, said Trump’s trip was likely to be “a difficult visit for the prime minister, much more so than for the U.S. president.”

    For Trump, “this plays well at home, it plays well abroad. It’s almost entirely to President Trump’s advantage to turn up to Britain and be celebrated by the British establishment,” she said.

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  • Invest 92-L could become next tropical storm; NHC monitoring new area of interest

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    The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two areas in the Atlantic. Tropical wave Invest 92-LThe tropical wave, designated as Invest 92-L, is located between the Windward Islands and the coast of West Africa and is producing showers and thunderstorms.Dry and stable air could likely limit this system’s development over the next few days, but a tropical depression or named storm could form by the middle to latter part of this week.The system is expected to move west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph over the central tropical Atlantic, the NHC said.Related: Tracking Invest 92-L: Maps, path, spaghetti models Formation chance through the next 48 hours: 90%Formation chance through the next 7 days: 90%At this time, the development is not expected to affect the U.S.Eastern tropical wave The NHC tagged a new area to monitor off the west coast of Africa. The tropical wave is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Slow development of the system is possible as it moves from the eastern to the central portion of the Atlantic. Formation chance through the next 48 hours: 10%Formation chance through the next 7 days: 20%Hurricane season 2025The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.>> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival GuideThe First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.>> 2025 hurricane season | WESH long-range forecast>> Download Very Local | Stream Central Florida news and weather from WESH 2

    The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two areas in the Atlantic.

    Tropical wave Invest 92-L

    The tropical wave, designated as Invest 92-L, is located between the Windward Islands and the coast of West Africa and is producing showers and thunderstorms.

    Dry and stable air could likely limit this system’s development over the next few days, but a tropical depression or named storm could form by the middle to latter part of this week.

    The system is expected to move west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph over the central tropical Atlantic, the NHC said.

    Related: Tracking Invest 92-L: Maps, path, spaghetti models

    Formation chance through the next 48 hours: 90%

    Formation chance through the next 7 days: 90%

    At this time, the development is not expected to affect the U.S.

    Eastern tropical wave

    The NHC tagged a new area to monitor off the west coast of Africa. The tropical wave is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms.

    Slow development of the system is possible as it moves from the eastern to the central portion of the Atlantic.

    Formation chance through the next 48 hours: 10%

    Formation chance through the next 7 days: 20%

    Hurricane season 2025

    The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.

    >> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival Guide

    The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.

    >> 2025 hurricane season | WESH long-range forecast

    >> Download Very Local | Stream Central Florida news and weather from WESH 2

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  • California’s summer COVID wave shows signs of waning. What are the numbers in your community?

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    There are some encouraging signs that California’s summer COVID wave might be leveling off.

    That’s not to say the seasonal spike is in the rearview mirror just yet, however. Coronavirus levels in California’s wastewater remain “very high,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as they are in much of the country.

    But while some COVID indicators are rising in the Golden State, others are starting to fall — a hint that the summer wave may soon start to decline.

    Statewide, the rate at which coronavirus lab tests are coming back positive was 11.72% for the week that ended Sept. 6, the highest so far this season, and up from 10.8% the prior week. Still, viral levels in wastewater are significantly lower than during last summer’s peak.

    The latest COVID hospital admission rate was 3.9 hospitalizations for every 100,000 residents. That’s a slight decline from 4.14 the prior week. Overall, COVID hospitalizations remain low statewide, particularly compared with earlier surges.

    The number of newly admitted COVID hospital patients has declined slightly in Los Angeles County and Santa Clara County, but ticked up slightly up in Orange County. In San Francisco, some doctors believe the summer COVID wave is cresting.

    “There are a few more people in the hospitals, but I think it’s less than last summer,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious diseases expert. “I feel like we are at a plateau.”

    Those who are being hospitalized tend to be older people who didn’t get immunized against COVID within the last year, Chin-Hong said, and some have a secondary infection known as superimposed bacterial pneumonia.

    Los Angeles County

    In L.A. County, there are hints that COVID activity is either peaking or starting to decline. Viral levels in local wastewater are still rising, but the test positivity rate is declining.

    For the week that ended Sept. 6, 12.2% of wastewater samples tested for COVID in the county were positive, down from 15.9% the prior week.

    “Many indicators of COVID-19 activity in L.A. County declined in this week’s data,” the L.A. County Department of Public Health told The Times on Friday. “While it’s too early to know if we have passed the summer peak of COVID-19 activity this season, this suggests community transmission is slowing.”

    Orange County

    In Orange County, “we appear to be in the middle of a wave right now,” said Dr. Christopher Zimmerman, deputy medical director of the county’s Communicable Disease Control Division.

    The test positivity rate has plateaued in recent weeks — it was 15.3% for the week that ended Sept. 6, up from 12.9% the prior week, but down from 17.9% the week before that.

    COVID is still prompting people to seek urgent medical care, however. Countywide, 2.9% of emergency room visits were for COVID-like illness for the week that ended Sept. 6, the highest level this year, and up from 2.6% for the week that ended Aug. 30.

    San Diego County

    For the week that ended Sept. 6, 14.1% of coronavirus lab tests in San Diego County were positive for infection. That’s down from 15.5% the prior week, and 16.1% for the week that ended Aug. 23.

    Ventura County

    COVID is also still sending people to the emergency room in Ventura County. Countywide, 1.73% of ER patients for the week that ended Sept. 12 were there to seek treatment for COVID, up from 1.46% the prior week.

    San Francisco

    In San Francisco, the test positivity rate was 7.5% for the week that ended Sept. 7, down from 8.4% for the week that ended Aug. 31.

    “COVID-19 activity in San Francisco remains elevated, but not as high as the previous summer’s peaks,” the local Department of Public Health said.

    Silicon Valley

    In Santa Clara County, the coronavirus remains at a “high” level in the sewershed of San José and Palo Alto.

    Roughly 1.3% of ER visits for the week that ended Sunday were attributed to COVID in Santa Clara County, down from the prior week’s figure of 2%.

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    Rong-Gong Lin II

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  • ‘It’s too close for comfort’: Texts show Marcos Lopez’s alleged role in gambling operation

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    Arrest documents for former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez were released Friday and detail his alleged role in a gambling operation.Lopez was arrested on June 5 and faces charges of one count of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering. The affidavit includes a screen grab of a text message Lopez sent to co-defendant Ying “Kate” Zhang in September 2019. Investigators describe Zhang, a Chinese-born realtor, as “an investor and co-business owner” in the illegal enterprise.Lopez wrote in a text message, “Kate, nothing to worry. No matter what the outcome is, when I win, we start the first internet amusement cafe in Osceola County. You will be safe and not have to worry about anything because I will be your sheriff.”According to the affidavit, Lopez introduced Zhang to Krishna Deokaran in August 2019 at the Player’s Club in Leesburg. Investigators describe Deokaran as being at the helm of the operation, owning casinos in Lake County and the Eclipse Social Club. Zhang has not been arrested, and a source told WESH 2 Investigates she is believed to have fled the country.When Deokaran suggested opening a gambling business near the Osceola Sheriff’s Office on State Road 192, investigators say Lopez replied, “No, that can’t work because it’s too close for comfort.” Eventually, investigators say Lopez connected Deokaran with what would become the Eclipse site, later texting, “We did a raid. I shut the place down. It’s ours.”After the casino opened at this location in Kissimmee, an anonymous tip led investigators to discover the TikTok page openly advertising slot machines and fish tables.In proffer interviews with investigators, Deokaran admitted paying Lopez cash each time they met — anywhere from $10,000 to $35,000 — totaling between $600,000 and $700,000. The payments, prosecutors allege, were for securing the site, alerting the operation of possible task force investigations and keeping deputies away.Deokaran has forfeited nearly $1 million in Osceola and Orange counties after raids shut down his illegal casinos, but he has not been arrested.Court records show Deokaran’s admissions came as part of a proffer agreement, in which defendants may receive reduced charges or a plea deal in exchange for cooperation. Jose Rivas, a defense attorney not representing anyone in this case, said, “Well, it’s the big fish when it comes because he’s running the organization. But at the same time, what the government is really after is the public official which is Marcos Lopez.”The affidavit reveals Deokaran cooperated with investigators during proffer interviews. Rivas explained, “A proffer is what we call a snitch session. You know, pretty much in more formal terms. It’s when someone provides what we call substantial assistance.”The affidavit calls the former sheriff a “protector and beneficiary of the illicit operation,” and says he: played a multifaceted role in the expansion and protection of the enterprisejoined for political campaign contributions and personal payment pledged to use his anticipated elected sheriff’s title to shield the enterprise from law enforcement scrutiny recruited new members, secured leases for new locationsOfficials were tipped off in September of 2022 that the Eclipse Social Club in Kissimmee was operating as a casino with Las Vegas-style machines, the affidavit says. In July 2023, an agent went undercover into the establishment where people had to ring a bell and get through security and a locked door to enter. Lopez’s defense team of attorneys, Mary Ibrahim and Migdalia Perez, sent WESH 2 Investigates the following statement:”In light of the release of the Arrest Affidavit, the Lopez Defense team wishes to remind the public and press the importance of the legal principle of the presumption of innocence.It is the cornerstone of our justice system. These are unchallenged accusations, not a conviction. We urge the public and the press to respect the legal process and allow it to proceed without prejudice. It is vital that we uphold the rights of all involved and refrain from speculation that could jeopardize a fair outcome. We ask for patience while the legal process runs its course.”See the full documents below. Background Lopez was accused of engaging in the gambling operation for campaign contributions and personal payments. In total, investigators said the organization generated over $21.6 million in illicit proceeds.Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Lopez from his position as sheriff and appointed an interim sheriff, Christopher Blackmon.His bond was set at $1 million, and he pleaded not guilty to the charges.One week after Lopez was booked into the Lake County Jail, WESH 2 Investigates learned a multi-agency raid in 2024 shut down the casino at the center of the state’s racketeering case.On June 23, Robin Severance Lopez, the suspended sheriff’s estranged wife, was arrested. She is charged with conspiracy to use investment proceeds from racketeering. Marcos Lopez bonded out of jail on June 26. He has pleaded not guilty.Lopez’s defense team of attorneys Mary Ibrahim and Migdalia Perez sent WESH 2 Investigates the following statement:”In light of the release of the Arrest Affidavit, the Lopez Defense team wishes to remind the public and press the importance of the legal principle of the presumption of innocence.It is the cornerstone of our justice system. These are unchallenged accusations, not a conviction. We urge the public and the press to respect the legal process and allow it to proceed without prejudice. It is vital that we uphold the rights of all involved and refrain from speculation that could jeopardize a fair outcome. We ask for patience while the legal process runs its course.”Arrest docsTimeline

    Arrest documents for former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez were released Friday and detail his alleged role in a gambling operation.

    Lopez was arrested on June 5 and faces charges of one count of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering.

    The affidavit includes a screen grab of a text message Lopez sent to co-defendant Ying “Kate” Zhang in September 2019. Investigators describe Zhang, a Chinese-born realtor, as “an investor and co-business owner” in the illegal enterprise.

    Lopez wrote in a text message, “Kate, nothing to worry. No matter what the outcome is, when I win, we start the first internet amusement cafe in Osceola County. You will be safe and not have to worry about anything because I will be your sheriff.”

    According to the affidavit, Lopez introduced Zhang to Krishna Deokaran in August 2019 at the Player’s Club in Leesburg. Investigators describe Deokaran as being at the helm of the operation, owning casinos in Lake County and the Eclipse Social Club. Zhang has not been arrested, and a source told WESH 2 Investigates she is believed to have fled the country.

    When Deokaran suggested opening a gambling business near the Osceola Sheriff’s Office on State Road 192, investigators say Lopez replied, “No, that can’t work because it’s too close for comfort.”

    Eventually, investigators say Lopez connected Deokaran with what would become the Eclipse site, later texting, “We did a raid. I shut the place down. It’s ours.”

    After the casino opened at this location in Kissimmee, an anonymous tip led investigators to discover the TikTok page openly advertising slot machines and fish tables.

    In proffer interviews with investigators, Deokaran admitted paying Lopez cash each time they met — anywhere from $10,000 to $35,000 — totaling between $600,000 and $700,000.

    The payments, prosecutors allege, were for securing the site, alerting the operation of possible task force investigations and keeping deputies away.

    Deokaran has forfeited nearly $1 million in Osceola and Orange counties after raids shut down his illegal casinos, but he has not been arrested.

    Court records show Deokaran’s admissions came as part of a proffer agreement, in which defendants may receive reduced charges or a plea deal in exchange for cooperation.

    Jose Rivas, a defense attorney not representing anyone in this case, said, “Well, it’s the big fish when it comes because he’s running the organization. But at the same time, what the government is really after is the public official which is Marcos Lopez.”

    The affidavit reveals Deokaran cooperated with investigators during proffer interviews. Rivas explained, “A proffer is what we call a snitch session. You know, pretty much in more formal terms. It’s when someone provides what we call substantial assistance.”

    The affidavit calls the former sheriff a “protector and beneficiary of the illicit operation,” and says he:

    • played a multifaceted role in the expansion and protection of the enterprise
    • joined for political campaign contributions and personal payment
    • pledged to use his anticipated elected sheriff’s title to shield the enterprise from law enforcement scrutiny
    • recruited new members, secured leases for new locations

    WESH 2 News

    Arrest docs detail former Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez’s alleged role in gambling operation

    Officials were tipped off in September of 2022 that the Eclipse Social Club in Kissimmee was operating as a casino with Las Vegas-style machines, the affidavit says.

    In July 2023, an agent went undercover into the establishment where people had to ring a bell and get through security and a locked door to enter.

    Lopez’s defense team of attorneys, Mary Ibrahim and Migdalia Perez, sent WESH 2 Investigates the following statement:

    “In light of the release of the Arrest Affidavit, the Lopez Defense team wishes to remind the public and press the importance of the legal principle of the presumption of innocence.

    It is the cornerstone of our justice system. These are unchallenged accusations, not a conviction. We urge the public and the press to respect the legal process and allow it to proceed without prejudice. It is vital that we uphold the rights of all involved and refrain from speculation that could jeopardize a fair outcome. We ask for patience while the legal process runs its course.”

    See the full documents below.

    Background

    Lopez was accused of engaging in the gambling operation for campaign contributions and personal payments.

    In total, investigators said the organization generated over $21.6 million in illicit proceeds.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Lopez from his position as sheriff and appointed an interim sheriff, Christopher Blackmon.

    His bond was set at $1 million, and he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    One week after Lopez was booked into the Lake County Jail, WESH 2 Investigates learned a multi-agency raid in 2024 shut down the casino at the center of the state’s racketeering case.

    On June 23, Robin Severance Lopez, the suspended sheriff’s estranged wife, was arrested.

    She is charged with conspiracy to use investment proceeds from racketeering.

    Marcos Lopez bonded out of jail on June 26. He has pleaded not guilty.

    Lopez’s defense team of attorneys Mary Ibrahim and Migdalia Perez sent WESH 2 Investigates the following statement:

    “In light of the release of the Arrest Affidavit, the Lopez Defense team wishes to remind the public and press the importance of the legal principle of the presumption of innocence.

    It is the cornerstone of our justice system. These are unchallenged accusations, not a conviction. We urge the public and the press to respect the legal process and allow it to proceed without prejudice. It is vital that we uphold the rights of all involved and refrain from speculation that could jeopardize a fair outcome. We ask for patience while the legal process runs its course.”

    Arrest docs

    Timeline

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  • Commentary: The immigration raids are crushing L.A.’s fire recovery and California’s economy

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    The crew had just poured a concrete foundation on a vacant lot in Altadena when I pulled up the other day. Two workers were loading equipment onto trucks and a third was hosing the fresh cement that will sit under a new house.

    I asked how things were going, and if there were any problems finding enough workers because of ongoing immigration raids.

    “Oh, yeah,” said one worker, shaking his head. “Everybody’s worried.”

    The other said that when fresh concrete is poured on a job this big, you need a crew of 10 or more, but that’s been hard to come by.

    “We’re still working,” he said. “But as you can see, it’s just going very slowly.”

    Eight months after thousands of homes were destroyed by wildfires, Altadena is still a ways off from any major rebuilding, and so is Pacific Palisades. But immigration raids have hammered the California economy, including the construction industry. And the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling this week that green-lights racial profiling has raised new fears that “deportations will deplete the construction workforce,” as the UCLA Anderson Forecast warned us in March.

    There was already a labor shortage in the construction industry, in which 25% to 40% of workers are immigrants, by various estimates. As deportations slow construction, and tariffs and trade wars make supplies scarcer and more expensive, the housing shortage becomes an even deeper crisis.

    And it’s not just deportations that matter, but the threat of them, says Jerry Nickelsburg, senior economist at the Anderson Forecast. If undocumented people are afraid to show up to install drywall, Nickelsburg told me, it “means you finish homes much more slowly, and that means fewer people are employed.”

    Now look, I’m no economist, but it seems to me that after President Trump promised the entire country we were headed for a “golden age” of American prosperity, it might not have been in his best interest to stifle the state with the largest economy in the nation.

    Especially when many national economic indicators aren’t exactly rosy, when we have not seen the promised decrease in the price of groceries and consumer goods, and when the labor statistics were so embarrassing he fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics and replaced her with another one, only to see more grim jobs numbers a month later.

    I had just one economics class in college, but I don’t recall a section on the value of deporting construction workers, car washers, elder-care workers, housekeepers, nannies, gardeners and other people whose only crime — unlike the violent offenders we were allegedly going to round up — is a desire to show up for work.

    Now here, let me give you my email address. It’s steve.lopez@latimes.com.

    And why am I telling you that?

    Because I know from experience that some of you are frothing, foaming and itching to reach out and tell me that illegal means illegal.

    So go ahead and email me if you must, but here’s my response:

    We’ve been living a lie for decades.

    People come across the border because we want them to. We all but beg them to. And by we, I mean any number of industries — many of them led by conservatives and by Trump supporters — including agribusiness, and hospitality, and construction, and healthcare.

    Why do you think so many employers avoid using the federal E-Verify system to weed out undocumented workers? Because they don’t want to admit that many of their employees are undocumented.

    In Texas, Republican lawmakers can’t stop demonizing immigrants, and they can’t stop introducing bills by the dozens to mandate wider use of E-Verify. But the most recent one, like all the ones before it, just died.

    Why?

    Because the tough talk is a lie and there’s no longer any shame in hypocrisy. It’s a climate of corruption in which no one has the integrity to admit what’s clear — that the Texas economy is propped up in part by an undocumented workforce.

    At least in California, six Republican lawmakers all but begged Trump in June to ease up on the raids, which were affecting business on farms and construction sites and in restaurants and hotels. Please do some honest work on immigration reform instead, they pleaded, so we can fill our labor needs in a more practical and humane way.

    Makes sense, but politically, it doesn’t play as well as TV ads recruiting ICE commandos to storm the streets and arrest tamale vendors, even as the barbarians who ransacked the Capitol and beat up cops enjoy their time as presidentially pardoned patriots.

    Small businesses, restaurants and mom and pops are being particularly hard hit, says Maria Salinas, chief executive of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. Those who survived the pandemic were then kneecapped again by the raids.

    With the Supreme Court ruling, Salinas told me, “I think there’s a lot of fear that this is going to come back harder than before.”

    From a broader economic perspective, the mass deportations make no sense, especially when it’s clear that the vast majority of people targeted are not the violent criminals Trump keeps talking about.

    Giovanni Peri, director of the UC Davis Global Migration Center, noted that we’re in the midst of a demographic transformation, much like that of Japan, which is dealing with the challenges of an aging population and restrictive immigration policies.

    “We’ll lose almost a million working-age Americans every year in the next decade just because of aging,” Peri told me. “We will have a very large elderly population and that will demand a lot of services in … home healthcare [and other industries], but there will be fewer and fewer workers to do these types of jobs.”

    Dowell Myers, a USC demographer, has been studying these trends for years.

    “The numbers are simple and easy to read,” Myers said. Each year, the worker-to-retiree ratio decreases, and it will continue to do so. This means we’re headed for a critical shortage of working people who pay into Social Security and Medicare even as the number of retirees balloons.

    If we truly wanted to stop immigration, Myers said, we should “send all ICE workers to the border. But if you take people who have been here 10 and 20 years and uproot them, there’s an extreme social cost and also an economic cost.”

    At the Pasadena Home Depot, where day laborers still gather despite the risk of raids, three men held out hope for work. Two of them told me they have legal status. “But there’s very little work,” said Gavino Dominguez.

    The third one, who said he’s undocumented, left to circle the parking lot and offer his services to contractors.

    Umberto Andrade, a general contractor, was loading concrete and other supplies into his truck. He told me he lost one fearful employee for a week, and another for two weeks. They came back because they’re desperate and need to pay their bills.

    “The housing shortage in California was already terrible before the fires, and now it’s 10 times worse,” said real estate agent Brock Harris, who represents a developer whose Altadena rebuilding project was temporarily slowed after a visit from ICE agents in June.

    With building permits beginning to flow, Harris said, “for these guys to slow down or shut down job sites is more than infuriating. You’re going to see fewer people willing to start a project.”

    Most people on a job site have legal status, Harris said, “but if shovels never hit the ground, the costs are being borne by everybody, and it’s slowing the rebuilding of L.A.”

    Lots of bumps on the road to the golden age of prosperity.

    steve.lopez@latimes.com

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    Steve Lopez

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  • Friday Night Hits: Week 4 Scoreboard and Recaps

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    ONE. BRAVES WIN IT 2721. ALL RIGHT. NOT TOO FAR FROM DOWNTOWN. DOCTOR PHILLIPS IN OCOEE BATTLING TONIGHT. FOURTH QUARTER TIED AT 22 KNIGHTS IN THE GOAL LINE. NO. IT’S A FUMBLE. DP COMES AWAY WITH THE BALL. DOCTOR PHILLIPS TRYING TO TAKE HOME THEIR FOURTH STRAIGHT WIN OVER OCOEE, TN WILLIAMS UNLEASHING THE CANNON. ZYDOWICZ IRVIN ALL ALONE. NOBODY AROUND HIM. THAT IS YOUR GAME WINNING TOUCHDOWN. OCOEE HAD A CHANCE BUT THEY LET IT SLIP RIGHT THROUGH MUFFING THE KICK TO SEAL THE DEAL. DOCTOR PHILLIPS, UNBEATEN. WELL, THEY’VE BEEN OCOEE UNBEATEN NO MORE. 2922. THE FINAL SCORE. ALL RIGHT. WINTER PARK PAID A VISIT TO LAKE NONA WILDCATS 11 ONE ALL TIME IN THIS SERIES. LIONS DRIVING LATE. SECOND QUARTER HERE. LAKE MORGAN PICKED OFF IN THE END ZONE AIDEN POUNCEY GREAT RETURN BUT A HUSTLE PLAY FROM MORGAN SAVES THE SIX PLAY. THIRD QUARTER DAKARI JOHNSON. HE WILL TAKE A HIT AND KEEPS ON GOING. HE GOES IN FOR SIX. WE DID GET A FINAL SCORE IN THIS ONE. IT IS 28 TO 13. WINTER PARK TAKES THE WIN. ALL RIGHT IN OSCEOLA COUNTY THIS ONE IS KNOWN SIMPLY AS THE GAME COWBOYS OF THE K HOSTING THEIR RIVALS FROM NEARBY SAINT CLOUD IN A CLASH THAT DATES BACK EXACTLY 100 YEARS OF RIVALRY GAMES TONIGHT. THE FIRST MEETING BACK IN 1925. THAT IS CRAZY. THIS IS THE 102ND MEETING ALL TIME. OSCEOLA HAS DOMINATED THE SERIES AS OF LATE. 18 STRAIGHT WINS OVER THE DOGS. ADD ONE MORE. YEAH, PERHAPS THAT’S WHAT OSCEOLA HEAD COACH ERIC PINELLAS WAS THINKING ABOUT ON THE SIDELINES. ALL BUSINESS FOR THE COWBOYS WITH A K IN KISSIMMEE TONIGHT. THIRD QUARTER HANDOFF TO JACKSON HARDNETT HE BOUNCES HIS WAY OFF THE DEFENDER AND IN FOR THE SCORE. HI MOM 19 SEVEN AFTER A TWO POINT CONVERSION OSCEOLA STAYING ON THE GROUND A BIT LATER. THIS TIME IT IS JEFFERY BULLDOZING HIS WAY THROUGH. COWBOYS NOW HAVE A 20 POINT ADVANTAGE. THEY WERE NOT DONE YET. BULLDOGS TRYING TO GET IT TO MICHAEL COYER. INSTEAD IT’S JAMARI BRADFORD PLUCKING IT OUT OF THE AIR AND TAKING IT BACK FOR THE SCORE. IT IS ALL COWBOYS 4047. THE FINAL. THE HAWKS OF SPRUCE CREEK FLYING OVER TO DAYTONA, TAKING ON MAITLAND. BUCS FANS WERE FIRED UP FOR THIS MATCHUP, BUT I’M NOT SURE THEY LIKE THIS PLAY RIGHT HERE. HAWKS CAMERON OXENDINE MAKES A GROWN MAN CATCH AT THE 20. HUGE FIRST DOWN. WILL SET UP THE TOUCHDOWN HERE. DIRECT SNAP TO KEENAN. NEPHEW STIFLES THE BUCS DEFENSE. AND THAT’S AN EASY SIX FOR THE HAWKS. MAINLAND DID KEEP IT CLOSE IN THIS ONE. CHECK OUT QUARTERBACK SEBASTIAN JOHNSON. MAKE IT A LITTLE SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING. SCRAMBLES TO FIND CHRIS BUTLER FOR A BIG GAIN. THE BUCS WOULD CAP THAT DRIVE WITH A FIELD GOAL. THEY END UP FALLING, THOUGH BY FOUR AS THE HAWKS TAKE IT 20 TO 16. THAT’S A HUGE WIN FOR SPRUCE CREEK. CHOPPER TWO HIGH ABOVE LAKE MARY HIGH SCHOOL. THE RAMS TRYING TO BOUNCE BACK AFTER A LOSS AT LAKELAND LAST WEEK. TOUGH TASK THOUGH. RAINES WAS DOWN FROM JACKSONVILLE EARLY SECOND QUARTER. THAT’S DAN DUONG WITH A 37 YARD FIELD GOAL. IT’S GOOD DAN HAD A BUSY NIGHT. RAINES ON THE DOORSTEP HERE TIMOTHY COLE OFF THE DIRECT SNAP. BARELY GETS THE BALL ACROSS THE GOAL LINE. THEY HAD TO TALK ABOUT IT. AND THEN THEY SAY YEAH TOUCHDOWN. THAT WASN’T A DETERMINING FACTOR IN THE GAME THOUGH. RAINES ROLLS 51 TO 3. FOUR. LAKE MARY WE’RE GOING TO ZIP OVER TO SEMINOLE. THE NOLES HOSTING MONARCH WHO WAS UP FROM SOUTH FLORIDA. THIS IS A DEFENSIVE BATTLE. EARLY ON. SEMINOLE FORCES A FIELD GOAL. IT IS NO GOOD. THE NOLES WILL TAKE OVER, BUT THAT DRIVE GOES NOWHERE. KNIGHTS WITH THE BALL HERE, BUT NOT FOR LONG. ACTIVE HANDS FROM SEMINOLE. BALL PUNCHED FREE. JALEN CHAPLIN DIVES ON THE BALL. SEMINOLE TAKES OVER. BUT IN THE END IT IS MONARCH 3420 SEMINOLE FALLING FOR THE SECOND TIME THIS SEASON. YEAH. ROUGH NIGHT IN SEMINOLE COUNTY OVER TO LAKE BRANTLEY THOUGH THE PATRIOTS ONE WIN FROM SURPASSING THEIR ENTIRE WIN TOTAL FROM LAST SEASON. FEELING ALL KINDS OF FIRED UP FIRST QUARTER HERE, JACKSON STETCHER HANDS OFF TO CURTIS DEWBERRY, WHO ZIPS INSIDE FOR SIX. THAT’S A TOUCHDOWN. PATRIOTS GAME LOOKED LIKE IT WOULD BE KIND OF CLOSE THOUGH. WATCH LADARIUS SIMMONS DON’T ALWAYS SEE THAT FROM A QUARTERBACK. 50 YARDS FOR THE HOUSE CALL. WHAT A RUN FOR THE BULLDOGS. BUT IN THE END IT’S THE PATRIOTS WHO COME OUT ON TOP. LAKE BRANTLEY FOR NOW DAREN TO START THE SEASON 48 TO 7. THE FINAL SCORE. AND THEY’VE REALLY TURNED THINGS AROUND. LIONS OF OVIEDO ON THE ROAD AT LYMAN. GREYHOUNDS STILL SEEKING THEIR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON STILL SEEKING THEIR FIRST POINTS OF THE YEAR AS WE ENTER WEEK FOUR. OPENING DRIVE OVIEDO SEBASTIAN GALANO TO KAMARI SOLOMON. SIX POINTS MAKING IT LOOK EASY. MORE FROM THE O OF OVIEDO GALANO TO DONAHOO. TOUCHDOWN! 14 ZERO JOHNNY COBBS GETS IN ON THE GROUND HERE. IT WAS ALL OVIEDO TONIGHT. LIONS WIN WITH EASE. MATT HEDRICK AND THE HORNETS OF BISHOP MOORE HOSTING HIS ALMA MATER, MOUNT DORA IN TOWN OVER IN COLLEGE PARK. LATE SECOND QUARTER. BISHOP MOORE ON THE GROUND HERE. AMARI JOHNSON WILL WALTZ IN FOR THE SCORE. HORNETS IN CONTROL JUST BEFORE THE HALF. BISHOP MOORE GOING FOR MORE. BLAKE MCCULLOUGH TO THE AIR. KENYON ALSTON WILL CATCH IT. CRUISE IT UNTOUCHED. SIX POINTS. BISHOP MOORE. 5721 WINNERS TONIGHT. THE LIGHT SHOW AT EVERYTHING. HORNETS ARE FOUR AND ZERO. MORE SCORES FROM AROUND THE AREA. CHECK IT OUT. POINCIANA GOES TO EVANS AND FALLS 31 TO NOTHING. WEKIVA SHUTS OUT EUSTIS 14 TO NOTHING. COUPLE OF SHUTOUTS, BUT WE GOT MORE SCORES FOR YOU HERE. THE FIRST ACADEMY TAKING ON O’GALLEY. WE GET TO SEE HIGHLIGHTS OF THAT. WE GET TO SEE THAT ONE. THAT’S MY BAD GUYS I’M SORRY. EASTRIDGE OVER FREEDOM 62 TO NOTHING. HAD TO ADD ANOTHER SHUTOUT FOR YOU. YOU KNOW YOU’RE JUST TEASING AHEAD TO WHAT’S TO COME. WE HAVE THE GAME WINNING TOUCHDOWN FROM THAT TFA GAME. IT’S COMING UP. WE’LL SEE THAT IN JUST A BIT. PLENTY MORE TO COME HERE ON FRIDAY NIGHT HITS. IT’S WEEK FOUR. WE’RE JUST HITTING OUR STRIDE. HOW ABOUT THE COCOA TIGERS PLAYING A ROAD GAME AT HOME? IT’S BEEN AN ODD SEASON FOR THEM SO FAR. WE WIL

    Scores across Central FloridaFriday Night Hits Week 4: Game of the WeekEdgewater 20, Jones 17Friday Night Hits Week 4: You Pick 2 Game Boone 27, West Orange 21Winter Park 28, Lake Nona 13 Innovation 55, Cypress Creek 0 First Academy Leesburg 29, Lake Mary Prep 10East Ridge 62, Freedom 0The First Academy 12, Eau Gallie 8Windermere 70, Orlando University 3Monarch 34, Seminole 20Dr. Phillips 29, Ocoee 22 Monarch 34, Seminole 20South Lake 61, Davenport 0 Bishop Moore 57, Mount Dora 21Evans 31, Poinciana 0Raines 51, Lake Mary 3Umatilla 48, Interlachen 6 Trinity Prep 26, Harvest Community 14Osceola 36, St. Cloud 7 DeLand 46, Appling County 30 Lake Brantley 48, Flagler Palm Coast 7 Oviedo 55, Lyman 0 East River 24, Colonial 12 Wekiva 14, Eustis 0 Harmony 39, Clewiston 6 Lake Buena Vista 26, Oak Ridge 25Williston 63, Lake Minneola 0Olympia 14, Timber Creek 7 Winter Springs 60, Liberty 6Pine Ridge 14, Atlantic 6 Tavares 36, George Jenkins 0New Smyrna Beach 35, Orange City University 7Windermere Prep 22, Faith Christian 8 Lake Highland Prep 49, Orangewood 0 Mount Dora Christian 64, Cedar Creek Christian 0

    Scores across Central Florida

    Friday Night Hits Week 4: Game of the Week

    Edgewater 20, Jones 17

    Friday Night Hits Week 4: You Pick 2 Game

    Boone 27, West Orange 21

    Winter Park 28, Lake Nona 13

    Innovation 55, Cypress Creek 0

    First Academy Leesburg 29, Lake Mary Prep 10

    East Ridge 62, Freedom 0

    The First Academy 12, Eau Gallie 8

    Windermere 70, Orlando University 3

    Monarch 34, Seminole 20

    Dr. Phillips 29, Ocoee 22

    Monarch 34, Seminole 20

    South Lake 61, Davenport 0

    Bishop Moore 57, Mount Dora 21

    Evans 31, Poinciana 0

    Raines 51, Lake Mary 3

    Umatilla 48, Interlachen 6

    Trinity Prep 26, Harvest Community 14

    Osceola 36, St. Cloud 7

    DeLand 46, Appling County 30

    Lake Brantley 48, Flagler Palm Coast 7

    Oviedo 55, Lyman 0

    East River 24, Colonial 12

    Wekiva 14, Eustis 0

    Harmony 39, Clewiston 6

    Lake Buena Vista 26, Oak Ridge 25

    Williston 63, Lake Minneola 0

    Olympia 14, Timber Creek 7

    Winter Springs 60, Liberty 6

    Pine Ridge 14, Atlantic 6

    Tavares 36, George Jenkins 0

    New Smyrna Beach 35, Orange City University 7

    Windermere Prep 22, Faith Christian 8

    Lake Highland Prep 49, Orangewood 0

    Mount Dora Christian 64, Cedar Creek Christian 0

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  • Online dating murder suspect lured men into brutal robberies, L.A. County prosecutors allege

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    A 44-year-old Inglewood man allegedly killed and robbed two men he met through a dating website before savagely beating a third, prosecutors said Monday.

    Rockim Prowell was charged with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and multiple counts of carjacking and burglary in a string of attacks from 2021 to 2025, according to a criminal complaint made public Monday. In each case, Los Angeles County prosecutors said, Prowell met his victims through online dating.

    “Imagine the terror and horror these victims felt after being duped into believing they were meeting for one reason, only to face inexplicable violence,” Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman said in a statement. “These were predatory acts that showed a total disregard of life.”

    In July 2021, Prowell met up with Miguel Angel King, 51, after they connected on a dating app, according to a news release issued Monday by the district attorney’s office. Prosecutors allege that Prowell shot King and stole his car, which was found a week later. Forensic evidence collected from the vehicle linked Prowell to the killing, according to the district attorney’s office. King’s remains were found in the Angeles National Forest the next month.

    At the time of King’s death, Prowell was awaiting trial on multiple counts of burglary and theft. He was arrested in May 2021, court records show, and allegedly killed King two months before the district attorney’s office offered him a plea deal that placed him on probation.

    A spokesman for the district attorney’s office declined to comment on the prior plea agreement or identify the dating app used in each attack.

    The L.A. County public defender’s office, which last represented Prowell in 2021, did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

    Prowell was scheduled to be arraigned Monday, but his hearing was delayed to Oct. 16, according to a district attorney’s office spokesperson.

    In August 2023, prosecutors said Prowell met up with Robert Gutierrez, 53, after again using a dating website to connect.

    Gutierrez’s family reported him missing a week later and his body was never found, prosecutors said. But when Prowell was arrested last week, prosecutors said they found Gutierrez’s vehicle in his garage.

    This year, prosecutors say Prowell also lured a 40-year-old man to meet him through the same dating website, after which he “bound the victim, stole his wallet and beat him with a baseball bat,” according to the news release. The man escaped, but Prowell chased after him in a car, running him over and breaking his leg.

    Prosecutors could pursue the death penalty against Prowell, but a decision on whether to do so must be approved by a committee within the district attorney’s office.

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    James Queally

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  • LAPD ends protection of former Vice President Kamala Harris amid criticism over diverting cops, sources say

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    The Los Angeles Police Department on Saturday discontinued its protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris after heavy criticism within its own ranks that officers were being diverted from crime suppression, sources told The Times.

    LAPD Metropolitan Division officers had been assisting the California Highway Patrol in protecting Harris and were visible until Saturday morning outside her Brentwood home.

    Both California police agencies scrambled this week to protect Harris after President Trump, her rival in November’s election, revoked Harris’s Secret Service protection last week. Thursday. President Biden had extended that protection for Harris beyond the six months after leaving office that vice presidents traditionally get.

    Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had directed the LAPD to provide the security team to assist the CHP in the short term. According to sources, those Metro officers had to be drawn away from crime suppression work in the San Fernando Valley this week.

    The department is “assisting the California Highway Patrol in providing protective services for former Vice President Kamala Harris until an alternate plan is established,” said Jennifer Forkish, L.A. police communications director, on Thursday. “This temporary coordinated effort is in place to ensure that there is no lapse in security.”

    The CHP has not indicated how the LAPD’s move would alter its arrangement with the former vice president nor said how long it will continue.

    A dozen or more LAPD officers began working a detail to protect Harris after Trump revoked her Secret Service protection as of Monday. Sources not authorized to discuss the details of the plan said the city would fund the security but that the arrangement was expected to be brief, with Harris hiring her own security in the near future.

    A security detail was seen outside Harris’ Brentwood home by a Fox 11 helicopter as the station broke the story of the use of L.A. police earlier this week.

    The Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union that represents rank-and-file LAPD officers, criticized the move.

    “Pulling police officers from protecting everyday Angelenos to protect a failed presidential candidate who also happens to be a multi-millionaire… and who can easily afford to pay for her own security, is nuts,” its board of directors said.

    The statement continued, “Mayor Karen Bass should tell Governor Newsom that if he wants to curry favor with Ms. Harris and her donor base, then he should open up his own wallet because LA taxpayers should not be footing the bill for this ridiculousness.”

    Newsom, who was required to sign off on CHP protection, has not confirmed the arrangement to The Times, but a spokesperson for Newsom added: “The safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulse.”

    Bass, in a statement last week, commented on Trump scrapping the security detail for Harris, saying: “This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, the revoking of security clearances, and more. This puts the former Vice President in danger and I look forward to working with the governor to make sure Vice President Harris is safe in Los Angeles.”

    Deploying LAPD officers to protect Harris was a source of controversy within the department in years past.

    During L.A. Police Chief Charlie Beck’s tenure, when Harris was a U.S. senator, plainclothes officers served as security and traveled with her from January 2017 to July 2018. Beck said at the time through a spokesman that the protection was granted based on a threat assessment.

    Beck’s successor, Michel Moore, ended the protection in July 2018 after he said a new evaluation determined it was no longer needed. The decision came as The Times filed a lawsuit seeking records from then-Mayor Eric Garcetti detailing the costs of security related to his own extensive travel. Garcetti said he was unaware of the police protection until Moore ended it.

    Former vice presidents usually get Secret Service protection for six months after leaving office, while former presidents are given protection for life. But before his term ended, then-President Biden signed an order to extend Harris’ protection to July 2026. Aides to Harris had asked Biden for the extension. Without it, her security detail would have ended last month, according to sources.

    The curtailing of Secret Service protection comes as Harris is going to begin a book tour next month for her memoir, titled “107 Days.” The tour has 15 stops, which include visits to London and Toronto. The book title references the short length of her presidential campaign.

    Harris, the first Black woman to serve as vice president, was the subject of an elevated threat level — particularly when she became the Democratic presidential contender last year. The Associated Press reports, however, a recent threat intelligence assessment by the Secret Service conducted on those it protects, such as Harris, found no red flags or credible evidence of a threat to the former vice president.

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    Richard Winton

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  • Vaccine chaos: Even some vulnerable seniors can’t get COVID shots amid spiking cases

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    Seniors in some parts of the country say they are being denied COVID-19 vaccinations amid an ongoing spike in cases, leading to rising frustration over new Trump administration policies that are making it harder to get the shots.

    Matthew D’Amico, 67, of New York City, said a Walgreens declined to administer COVID-19 vaccines to him and his 75-year-old wife on Friday because they didn’t have a prescription. They’re trying to get vaccinated ahead of a trip.

    “I can’t believe we can’t get” the vaccine, D’Amico said in an interview. “I’ve been inoculated a number of times and never had to get a prescription. And it’s just very frustrating that this is where we are.”

    He’s not alone in his exasperation. Under the leadership of the vaccine skeptic Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., federal agencies have effectively made it more difficult to get vaccinated against COVID-19 this year. The Food and Drug Administration has only “approved” COVID-19 vaccines for those age 65 and up, as well as younger people with underlying health conditions.

    That means across the country, people younger than 65 interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine must now either consult with a healthcare provider or “attest” to a pharmacy that they have an underlying health condition. It’s a potential hurdle that can make getting the vaccine more difficult and, some health experts worry, prompt even more Americans to eschew getting vaccinated.

    As D’Amico can attest, though, being part of a group for whom the COVID vaccine is “approved” doesn’t necessarily guarantee easy access.

    “For me to go to my primary [healthcare provider] now and get a prescription, it’s just kind of ridiculous,” D’Amico said.

    At least some people younger than 65 are encountering pharmacy staff asking probing questions about their medical conditions.

    That happened Friday at a CVS in Orange County, according to 34-year-old Alex Benson, who takes medication that can suppress his immune system.

    Besides just protecting himself, he wanted to get vaccinated as he has family members who are at high risk should they get COVID — his mother is immunocompromised, and his mother-in-law had open-heart surgery on Thursday night.

    Benson said an employee asked why he thought he was eligible for the vaccine.

    “They asked me for either a prescription or they wanted to know … why I felt I needed the vaccination,” Benson said. At one point, a staffer offered to call his doctor to get an authorization for the vaccine.

    Benson said he was alarmed by the questions, and started to “feel kind of some desperation to plead my case to the pharmacist.” Another CVS staffer later came over and said further answers weren’t necessary and simply attesting he was eligible was good enough. He eventually got the vaccine.

    Still, he felt the experience was dismaying.

    “I think easy access should be the policy,” Benson said. “I tend not to get too political, but it seems just rather juxtaposed to me that an anti-regulation administration is using regulation in this way. They’re supposed to be removing barriers to healthcare.”

    The vaccine chaos comes as COVID-19 is either increasing or starting to hit its late summer peak. According to data released Friday, there are now 14 states with “very high” levels of coronavirus detected in their wastewater — California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Indiana, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Connecticut, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Hawaii and Alaska, as well as the District of Columbia.

    Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, the regional physician chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, said data continue to show an increase in coronavirus cases.

    “Over this past week, we’ve seen an increase in the number of outpatient COVID cases, and even a smattering of inpatient cases,” Hudson said. “It appears that we may be nearing the top of the wave, but it may be another two weeks or so until we truly know if we’re there.”

    The rate at which coronavirus lab tests are confirming infection also continues to rise statewide and in the Los Angeles area. For the week ending Aug. 30, California’s COVID test positivity rate was 12.83%, up from 7.05% for the week ending Aug. 2. In L.A. County, the positive test rate was 14.83%, up from 9.33%.

    Other data, however, suggest some areas may have reached their summer COVID peak.

    In Orange County, the COVID positive test rate was 13.1%. That’s below the prior week’s rate of 18%, but still higher than the rate for the week that ended Aug. 2, which was 10.8%.

    In San Francisco, the test positivity rate has been hovering around 9% for the last week of reliable data available. It’s up from 7% a month earlier.

    In addition, wastewater data in L.A. County show coronavirus levels declined slightly from the prior week.

    “It’s too early to know if this decrease in wastewater viral concentrations is the first sign that COVID-19 activity is peaking or is regular variation typical of this data source,” the L.A. County Department of Public Health said.

    COVID hospital admissions in California are increasing — with the latest rate of 3.93 admissions per 100,000 residents, up from 2.38.

    But they remain relatively low statewide and in L.A. County. The number of L.A. County residents seeking care for COVID-related illness, or who have been hospitalized, “is quite a bit lower than during summer surges in 2023 and 2024,” the public health department said.

    A relatively mild summer wave, however, could mean that the annual fall-and-winter COVID wave might be stronger. In July, the state Department of Public Health said that scientists anticipate California would see either a stronger summer COVID wave or a more significant winter wave.

    The current confusion over federal COVID vaccine policy has been exacerbated by the chaos at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where Kennedy earlier this year fired everyone on the influential Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and orchestrated the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez just 29 days after she was confirmed to the post by the Senate.

    Some of Kennedy’s handpicked replacements on the ACIP have criticized vaccines and spread misinformation, according to the Associated Press. And the new interim CDC director — Jim O’Neill, a Kennedy deputy — is a critic of health regulations and has no training in medicine or healthcare, the AP reported.

    The CDC hasn’t issued its own recommendations on who should get vaccinated, and that inaction has resulted in residents of a number of states needing to get prescriptions from a healthcare provider for at least the next couple of weeks. In some cases, that’s true even for seniors, as D’Amico found out.

    As of Friday, CVS said people need a prescription to get a COVID-19 vaccine, sometimes depending on their age, in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia.

    CVS couldn’t even offer the COVID-19 at its pharmacies in Nevada as of Friday; they were only available at the company’s MinuteClinic sites, according to spokesperson Amy Thibault.

    CVS said it expects to offer COVID-19 vaccines without prescriptions at its pharmacies in New Mexico, Nevada, New York and Pennsylvania “soon,” due to recent regulatory changes in each state.

    “Right now, all patients in all states need to attest to being eligible for the vaccine in order to schedule an appointment online,” Thibault said. If an adult says they have no underlying health conditions, but do have a prescription from a healthcare provider for “off-label” use of the vaccine, they can get the shot, Thibault confirmed.

    On Thursday, Hawaii joined California, Washington and Oregon in launching the West Coast Health Alliance: an interstate compact meant to provide science-based immunization guidance as an alternative to the CDC.

    “Together, these states will provide evidence-based immunization guidance rooted in safety, efficacy, and transparency — ensuring residents receive credible information free from political interference,” according to a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office.

    The statement suggested that the Trump administration was essentially “dismantling” the CDC.

    “The absence of consistent, science-based federal leadership poses a direct threat to our nation’s health security,” the statement said. “To protect the health of our communities, the West Coast Health Alliance will continue to ensure that our public health strategies are based on best available science.”

    It was not immediately clear, however, whether the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance would make it easier for people to get COVID-19 vaccines at the nation’s largest pharmacy retailers, where many people get their shots.

    Mainstream medical groups, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, are also offering their own recommendations to advise individuals and families on what vaccines they should get.

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    Rong-Gong Lin II

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  • Friday Night Hits: Week 3 Scoreboard and Recaps

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    RIGHT TO THE CHOPPER LAKE MARY PUT TOGETHER BACK TO BACK COMEBACK WINS TO START THE SEASON TONIGHT. THEY WERE ON THE ROAD IN LAKELAND LAKE MARY DOWN 13 SEVEN. FINAL DRIVE OF THE SECOND QUARTER. LOOK AT THIS THROW FROM NOAH GRUBBS. THAT’S A DART. HELPS KEEP THE DRIVE ALIVE. SETS UP A FIELD GOAL BEFORE THE HALF LUCAS PARKER WILL PUT IT THROUGH FROM 38 YARDS OUT. RAMS WERE DOWN BY THREE AT THE HALF. THEY TIE IT UP AT 13 HEADING INTO THE FOURTH QUARTER. BUT THAT’S WHEN THE DREADNAUGHTS JUST GO NUTS. FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS SEASON. LAKE MARY FALLS 32 TO 13. OSCEOLA WAS TRYING TO BOUNCE BACK FROM A LOSS AT HOME TO LAKE MARY. THEY WENT ON THE ROAD TO WINTER HAVEN TO OUR CHOPPER. TWO WAS HANGING OUT. SECOND QUARTER DRIVING AMARI RUTLAND ROLLING TO HIS RIGHT, KEEPING IT RUNNING IT DOWN THE SIDELINE BUT FINALLY SHOVED OUT RIGHT AROUND THE FIVE YARD LINE LATER IN THE DRIVE. NICE DESIGN HERE. JAKARI WATSON IN MOTION. TAKES THE HANDOFF AND JUST DRAGS A SLEW OF BLUE DEVILS INTO THE ENDZONE. IT WAS ALL COWBOYS WITH A K TONIGHT. THEY HAND WINTER HAVEN THEIR FIRST LOSS OF THE SEASON. 46 TO 6. THE FINAL SCORE FREEDOM WAS HOSTING EDGEWATER TONIGHT IN DOWNTOWN ORLANDO AND THE PATRIOTS WELL THEY STRUGGLED TO GET MUCH OF ANYTHING GOING TONIGHT. DOWN THREE SCORES HERE. SCREEN PASS IS JUMPED. THAT IS. LEMOINE MONSANTO. HE IS ALL OVER IT. AND HE IS THROUGH THE FOG INTO THE END ZONE. 28 NOTHING AT THE BREAK. THE EAGLES WITH EASE OVER FREEDOM. THEY ARE UNBEATEN STILL 48 TO NOTHING. THE FINAL SCORE. WELL IT WAS AN EMOTIONAL NIGHT UP IN SANFORD AS THE SEMINOLES RALLIED AROUND THEIR FORMER TEAMMATE ETHAN PRICHARD, NOW AN FSU SEMINOLE, SHOT SUNDAY SERIOUSLY INJURED, AS WE TOLD YOU EARLIER IN THE SHOW. BUT THE BOOSTER CLUB BACK HOME DECIDED TO SELL T SHIRTS WITH HIS NUMBER NINE ON IT TO HELP RAISE MONEY TO SUPPORT HIM AND HIS FAMILY. AT $20 A POP SOLD MORE THAN 100 BEFORE KICKOFF EVEN BEGAN. YET BOCA, STRONG NUMBER NINE ON THE MINDS AS CARL CALHOUN AND THE NOLES PLAYED SOME INSPIRED FOOTBALL TONIGHT AGAINST THE LYMAN GREYHOUNDS, ALREADY UP A SCORE IN THE FIRST, ANTHONY GAVE THE THIRD IN FOR THE TOUCHDOWN. THE NOLES IN CONTROL STILL IN THE FIRST, GO BACK TO ANTHONY, GAVE THE THIRD FOR THE SECOND TIME IN LIKE 10S ON YOUR SCREEN, SEMINOLE SCORES AND IT’S THE SAME GUY THEY’RE CRUISING. SECOND QUARTER MORE ON THE GROUND. KHAMANI FREEMAN WILL MAKE IT 28 TO NOTHING. THE GROUND GAME WAS GREAT AGAINST THE GREYHOUNDS TONIGHT. ALL NOLES TONIGHT 55 NOTHING. THE FINAL SCORE IN WINTER GARDEN. THE TITUSVILLE TERRIERS WERE IN TOWN. WEST ORANGE. THEY WERE NOT MESSING AROUND. PICK IT UP LATE. SECOND QUARTER ALREADY 42 SEVEN WEST ORANGE. THAT’S EDISON DELGADO GETS TAKEN DOWN AT THE ONE. IT JUST DELAYS THE INEVITABLE 48 SEVEN AT THE HALF. THIRD QUARTER. IT DOESN’T TAKE LONG FOR THEM TO SCORE AGAIN. YOUTUBE KAMERON JOHNSON IN ON THE OPTION. BREAKS LOOSE FOR A 79 YARD TOUCHDOWN. TERRIERS STILL FIGHTING LATE. LADARIUS FAISON WITH THE PICK SIX HERE. GOOD FOR THEM. FIGHT TO THE END. BUT IT IS WEST ORANGE WINNING THIS ONE 5421. THE FINAL SCORE NOT TOO FAR FROM THERE AT DOCTOR PHILLIPS. CAMERON WESTON, THE PANTHERS HOSTING THE APOPKA BLUE DARTERS. APOPKA STILL IN SEARCH OF THEIR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON. NICE PITCH AND CATCH HERE FROM WEST OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE. IN FOR THE SCORE. DEEP IN FRONT. EARLY SECOND QUARTER. WEST THIS TIME TO TORREY SCOTT. LOOK AT THE CONCENTRATION BALL TIPPED. HE REELS IT IN. TOUCHDOWN DARTERS TRYING TO GET BACK IN IT. BUT RAY TAYLOR WILL RIP DOWN THE INTERCEPTION HERE. APOPKA THE WOES CONTINUE. DOCTOR PHILLIPS BACK TO BACK. BIG TIME WINS 45 SEVEN. THE FINAL SCORE. LET’S GET BACK UP IN CHOPPER TWO TO THE AIR LIONS OF LAKE NONA LURING THE OCOEE KNIGHTS INTO A CLASH OF UNBEATENS TONIGHT. CHECK OUT MAYBE THE PLAY OF THE NIGHT ACROSS CENTRAL FLORIDA KNIGHTS DRIVING DEEP IN THE RED ZONE. PHILLIPS GETS TO THE QUARTERBACK, KNOCKS IT FREE. AND LOOK AT CHARLES WOODSON. JUNIOR. YEAH SON OF HIS HALL OF FAMER. HE REELS IN THE LOOSE BALL. TAKES IT ALL THE WAY TO THE HOUSE MAKING DAD PROUD. IT’S NOT ENOUGH THOUGH. OCOEE ESCAPES THE ONE POINT WIN 1413. THE FINAL SCORE. OCOEE HEADED TO DOCTOR PHILLIPS NEXT WEEK. SCORES FROM AROUND CENTRAL FLORIDA. LET’S TAKE A LOOK. SOME BIG SCORES ON THAT BOARD TONIGHT. BOONE TOPS OLYMPIA 42 TO 6. TIMBER CREEK SHUTS OUT EAST RIVER ON THE ROAD. 35 TO NOTHING MORE. SCORES FROM AROUND CENTRAL FLORIDA. THE VILLAGES TAKES DOWN SOUTH LAKE 3426 AND LAKE BUENA VISTA GETS A BIG WIN.

    Scores across Central Florida Game of the WeekDeLand 57, Merritt Island 51You Pick 2 Poll GameLake Brantley 47, Oviedo 37Other scores: Oasis Christian 44, Legacy Charter 0 Edgewater 48, Freedom 0 West Orange 54, Titusville 21 St. Cloud 41, Poinciana 12 Hagerty 49, Tohopekaliga 20Windermere 61, Colonial 0 East Ridge 51, Davenport 6 Dr. Phillips 45, Apopka 7 Ocoee 14, Lake Nona 13 Osceola 46, Winter Haven 6 Lakeland 32, Lake Mary 13Lake Region 8, Celebration 7 Haines City 19, Lake Minneola 12Bishop Moore 34, Bartow 25Matanzas 40, Deltona 14 Eau Gallie 16, Heritage 12 Vero Beach 38, Cocoa 3Melbourne 34, Orange City University 16Mainland 28, Flagler Palm Coast 7 Horizon 52, Wekiva 0Innovation 10, Leesburg 3

    Scores across Central Florida

    Game of the Week

    DeLand 57, Merritt Island 51

    You Pick 2 Poll Game

    Lake Brantley 47, Oviedo 37

    Other scores:


    Oasis Christian 44, Legacy Charter 0

    Edgewater 48, Freedom 0

    West Orange 54, Titusville 21

    St. Cloud 41, Poinciana 12

    Hagerty 49, Tohopekaliga 20

    Windermere 61, Colonial 0

    East Ridge 51, Davenport 6

    Dr. Phillips 45, Apopka 7

    Ocoee 14, Lake Nona 13

    Osceola 46, Winter Haven 6

    Lakeland 32, Lake Mary 13

    Lake Region 8, Celebration 7

    Haines City 19, Lake Minneola 12

    Bishop Moore 34, Bartow 25

    Matanzas 40, Deltona 14

    Eau Gallie 16, Heritage 12

    Vero Beach 38, Cocoa 3

    Melbourne 34, Orange City University 16

    Mainland 28, Flagler Palm Coast 7

    Horizon 52, Wekiva 0

    Innovation 10, Leesburg 3

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  • In a week of stumbles, Trump faces setbacks in court and abroad

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    WASHINGTON — Facing viral rumors of his imminent death, President Trump emerged in the Oval Office on Tuesday alive and scowling. Core tenets of his economic policies were under strain. Flashy diplomatic overtures to Moscow appeared to be backfiring. And a scandal over a notorious sexual abuser that has fixated his base was roaring back to life in Washington.

    It was a challenging week for the president, whose aggressive approach to his second term has begun to hit significant roadblocks with the public and the courts, and overseas, with longstanding U.S. adversaries Trump once hoped to coax to his will.

    The president called for an expedited Supreme Court review of an appellate court ruling that he had exceeded his authority by issuing sweeping global tariffs last spring — a decision that, if left standing, could upend the foundation of his economic agenda. On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics issued jobs numbers showing a contraction of the labor market in July, a first since the depths of the pandemic in 2020.

    New art lining a hallway in the West Wing features photographs of Trump’s summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where Trump said the Russian president had agreed to meet with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to discuss an end to the war. Yet, three weeks on, Russia had launched its most intense bombardment of Kyiv in years, and Putin traveled to Beijing for a military parade hosted by Xi Jinping, which Russian state media used to mock the U.S. president.

    During an appearance in the Oval Office on Friday afternoon, Trump said reaching a deal to end the war between Russia and Ukraine has turned out to be “a little bit more difficult” than he initially thought.

    And a rare spree of bipartisanship broke out on Capitol Hill — in opposition to Trump’s causes.

    A tense hearing at the Senate Finance Committee with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. laid bare concern over the direction of federal vaccination policy and public health recommendations under his leadership across party lines.

    Trump declined to stand behind him wholeheartedly after the hearing. “He’s got some little different ideas,” Trump told reporters, adding: “It’s not your standard talk.”

    On Wednesday, moments after a group of more than 100 women pleaded for Trump’s help from the steps of the Capitol seeking transparency over the investigation of their alleged abuser, Jeffrey Epstein, Trump dismissed the matter as a “hoax” perpetrated by Democrats.

    “The Department of Justice has done its job, they have given everything requested of them,” Trump repeated on Truth Social on Friday. “It’s time to end the Democrat Epstein Hoax.”

    Trump was close friends with Epstein for more than a decade. But his base has repeatedly called for the release of thousands of files in his case — and some of Trump’s staunchest allies in Congress are set to vote against his wishes for a discharge petition directing the Justice Department to do so in the coming days.

    A far-right political activist released hidden camera footage this week of a Justice Department official claiming the agency would redact the names of Republicans, but not Democrats, identified in the files. In the video, the DOJ official also suggested that Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell was recently moved to a lower-security prison as part of a deal to keep her quiet.

    Public support for Trump has appeared stable since July, with roughly 42% of Americans approving of his job performance across a series of high quality polls. But the end of the August recess in Washington — and the oncoming flu and COVID-19 season — could return public attention to subjects that have proved politically perilous for the president this week.

    Polls show that a majority of the president’s Republican voters support vaccines. They oppose Putin and increasingly support Ukraine. And across the political spectrum, Americans want the Epstein files released, unredacted and in full.

    A string of court losses

    The president’s agenda suffered several setbacks this week, as federal judges across the country ruled his administration had broken the law in various instances.

    In San Francisco, a federal judge ruled that Trump’s deployment of military troops in Los Angeles was illegal and barred soldiers from aiding immigration arrests in California in an order set to take effect next week.

    In Boston, a federal judge said the Trump administration broke the law when it froze billions of dollars in research funds awarded to Harvard University. In another court ruling, a judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting dozens of unaccompanied migrant children to Guatemala.

    And on Friday afternoon, a federal judge stopped the Trump administration from taking away the deportation protections under Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans and Haitians living in the United States.

    While the court decisions represent a snag for key portions of the administration’s agenda, the cases continue to play out in court — and could ultimately turn in favor of Trump.

    Legal experts are closely watching those decisions. In the case of the military troop deployments, for instance, some fear a reversal on appeal could ultimately hand the president broader power to send troops to American cities.

    Trump has floated additional federal deployments — to Chicago, Baltimore and New Orleans — in recent days.

    Trump reacts to a bad week

    Trump greeted the waves of bad news with a characteristic mix of deflection, finger-pointing and anger.

    He warned that losing his appeal on tariff policy at the Supreme Court would render the United States a “third world country,” telling reporters, “if we don’t win that case, our country is going to suffer so greatly.” And he said he was “very disappointed” in Putin.

    After the parade in Beijing — which was also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, a longstanding U.S. ally now ostracized by Trump’s tariffs — drew widespread media attention, Trump wrote on social media that the countries were conspiring together against the United States.

    “We’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China,” he wrote.

    In another lengthy social media post on Friday, Trump accused Democrats of fueling the Epstein “hoax” as a means to “distract from the great success of a Republican President.”

    Days earlier, survivors of Epstein’s sexual abuse publicly pressured lawmakers to back a legislative measure to force the release of the sex trafficking investigation into the late financier.

    “This is about ending secrecy wherever abuse of power takes root,” said Anouska De Georgiou, who was among the Epstein victims who held a news conference on Capitol Hill.

    A few high-profile Republicans also broke with Trump on the Epstein issue, calling for more transparency on the investigation. Trump ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia said she is willing to expose those who are tied to Epstein’s sex trafficking case.

    On a phone call with Trump on Wednesday morning, Greene suggested he meet with Epstein’s victims at the White House while they were gathered in town. He was noncommittal, the congresswoman told reporters.

    The survivors left town without a meeting. At the direction of the White House, Republican leadership continues to press Republican members to oppose efforts to release the files.

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    Michael Wilner, Ana Ceballos

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  • Invest 91-L to become next tropical depression in the Atlantic Ocean, NHC says

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    Invest 91-L is expected to become a tropical depression this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center.The tropical wave, tagged as Invest 91-L, is producing concentrated but disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the eastern tropical Atlantic. The environmental conditions appear conducive for the system to continue developing.According to the NHC, the system is expected to be near the Lesser Antilles by mid-next week. A tropical depression is expected to form this weekend.At this time, it is too early to determine what, if any, impacts this disturbance may cause.Formation chances for the next 48 hours: 60%Formation chances for the next seven days: 90% Global modelsModels are taking the system toward the Caribbean islands. If it rapidly intensifies, the system would recurve. The weaker the system stays, the further it shifts westward. However, once the wave develops into a tropical depression, it will be easier to determine its potential path. Hurricane season 2025The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.>> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival GuideThe First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.>> 2025 hurricane season | WESH long-range forecast>> Download Very Local | Stream Central Florida news and weather from WESH 2

    Invest 91-L is expected to become a tropical depression this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center.

    The tropical wave, tagged as Invest 91-L, is producing concentrated but disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the eastern tropical Atlantic.

    The environmental conditions appear conducive for the system to continue developing.

    According to the NHC, the system is expected to be near the Lesser Antilles by mid-next week. A tropical depression is expected to form this weekend.

    At this time, it is too early to determine what, if any, impacts this disturbance may cause.

    • Formation chances for the next 48 hours: 60%
    • Formation chances for the next seven days: 90%

    Global models

    Models are taking the system toward the Caribbean islands. If it rapidly intensifies, the system would recurve.

    The weaker the system stays, the further it shifts westward.

    However, once the wave develops into a tropical depression, it will be easier to determine its potential path.

    Hurricane season 2025

    The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.

    >> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival Guide

    The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.

    >> 2025 hurricane season | WESH long-range forecast

    >> Download Very Local | Stream Central Florida news and weather from WESH 2

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  • National Hurricane Center tags Invest 91-L in Atlantic Ocean

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    The National Hurricane Center tagged Invest 91-L in the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday morning. The tropical wave, tagged as Invest 91-L, is located several hundred miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. Showers and thunderstorms are associated with this tropical wave. The environmental conditions appear conducive for the system to continue developing.According to the NHC, the system is expected to move westward to west-northwestward at a speed of 5 to 10 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic throughout the week. A tropical depression is expected to form this week or next week.At this time, it is too early to determine what, if any, impacts this disturbance may cause.Formation chances for the next 48 hours: 60%Formation chances for the next seven days: 90% Global modelsRecent trends indicate a westward shift in the system’s trajectory. Both the European and GFS models are keeping the system from making landfall in the U.S.However, once the wave develops into a tropical depression, it will be easier to determine its potential path. Hurricane season 2025The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.>> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival GuideThe First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.>> 2025 hurricane season | WESH long-range forecast>> Download Very Local | Stream Central Florida news and weather from WESH 2

    The National Hurricane Center tagged Invest 91-L in the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday morning.

    The tropical wave, tagged as Invest 91-L, is located several hundred miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.

    Showers and thunderstorms are associated with this tropical wave. The environmental conditions appear conducive for the system to continue developing.

    According to the NHC, the system is expected to move westward to west-northwestward at a speed of 5 to 10 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic throughout the week.

    A tropical depression is expected to form this week or next week.

    At this time, it is too early to determine what, if any, impacts this disturbance may cause.

    • Formation chances for the next 48 hours: 60%
    • Formation chances for the next seven days: 90%

    Global models

    Recent trends indicate a westward shift in the system’s trajectory.

    Both the European and GFS models are keeping the system from making landfall in the U.S.

    This content is imported from Twitter.
    You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    However, once the wave develops into a tropical depression, it will be easier to determine its potential path.

    Hurricane season 2025

    The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.

    >> More: 2025 Hurricane Survival Guide

    The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.

    >> 2025 hurricane season | WESH long-range forecast

    >> Download Very Local | Stream Central Florida news and weather from WESH 2

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  • The NFL is finally back. Here are 5 things to know ahead of kickoff

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    The NFL is back at long last, and we are going to be treated to 16 games over four days to start the season.Here are five things to know heading into Week One. (And get to the end of the article for a fantasy tip that could help you win Week One!)Super Bowl champs open the season vs. Cowboys and Friday night footballThe Philadelphia Eagles are set to begin their title defense Thursday night when they host their NFC East rival, the Dallas Cowboys.The Philly faithful will still have plenty to cheer about as they are bringing back pretty much all of the core from their championship team. And some extra good news for the Eagles: the so-called “tush push” was not banned, and they can continue to dominate short-yardage scenarios with Jalen Hurts and their powerful offensive line.Hurts is extra happy for this matchup after the Cowboys shocked the NFL world by trading All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons last week to the Packers for two first-round picks and Kenny Clark. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said part of the reason they made the trade was to stop the run. Let’s see how they do against Saquon Barkley on opening night.The second game of the NFL season will be just one night later, as the league returns to São Paulo, Brazil, for a second straight season. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will take on the Los Angeles Chargers.In last year’s Brazil game at Arena Corinthians, the field was very slick and drew much criticism from the Eagles and Packers. The NFL says it is aware of the problem and will make sure it does not happen this time.The Buffalo Bills are Super Bowl favoritesNeither Hurts and the Eagles, nor Mahomes and the Chiefs, are the favorites to win the Super Bowl this season. Oddsmakers have Josh Allen and the Bills as the most likely to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.At some point the Bills’ luck has to change, right?They are one of 12 NFL teams to have never won the Super Bowl, along with the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans.They just better hope they don’t run into the Chiefs. Allen is 0-4 against Mahomes in the playoffs. The Bills have a monster opener Sunday night at home against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.Aaron Rodgers revenge gameRight out of the gate we get Aaron Rodgers, who is now the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, going up against his former team, the New York Jets. New York fans will likely not be giving Rodgers a warm welcome when he gets under center at MetLife Stadium. In his two seasons in New York the Jets went just 6-12 in games he played – and he spent much of the time injured.Rodgers turns 42 in December. Here is the list of quarterbacks who have started 10 or more games in their age-42 season: Tom Brady.That’s it.Rodgers will need to stay healthy and find the fountain of youth if the Steelers are to realize their Super Bowl dreams.The 49ers are fire and iceHistory has told us one thing about the 49ers: They are either going to be really good or really bad. This is an amazing stat: Over the last 22 years, the Niners have either made at least the NFC Championship Game or not made the playoffs at all. They don’t mess around with any first- or second-round exits.This season they are coming off a very disappointing 6-11 record. But the good news is that finish was good for last place in the NFC West, which means they get to play a last-place schedule this season. Expect a big bounce-back year from Brock Purdy and company, as they officially have the easiest schedule in the NFL.They open at Seattle on Sunday.Bengals yearn for hot startNo team needs to get off to a fast start more than the Cincinnati Bengals. Over the last three seasons they’ve started 0-2, and last season they started 0-3. For this reason, coach Zac Taylor had his starters playing more than usual during the preseason to get them ready for Week One against the Browns.Joe Burrow and company have missed the playoffs the past two seasons. They will look to end the drought behind their high-powered offense.Fantasy tip: Start Jerome FordSpeaking of the Bengals … while their offense is good, their defense is expected to be one of the worst in the NFL. Browns running back Jerome Ford is rostered in about 70% of ESPN leagues. If he’s available, or if you already have him, start him against the Bengals.

    The NFL is back at long last, and we are going to be treated to 16 games over four days to start the season.

    Here are five things to know heading into Week One. (And get to the end of the article for a fantasy tip that could help you win Week One!)

    Super Bowl champs open the season vs. Cowboys and Friday night football

    The Philadelphia Eagles are set to begin their title defense Thursday night when they host their NFC East rival, the Dallas Cowboys.

    The Philly faithful will still have plenty to cheer about as they are bringing back pretty much all of the core from their championship team. And some extra good news for the Eagles: the so-called “tush push” was not banned, and they can continue to dominate short-yardage scenarios with Jalen Hurts and their powerful offensive line.

    Hurts is extra happy for this matchup after the Cowboys shocked the NFL world by trading All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons last week to the Packers for two first-round picks and Kenny Clark. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said part of the reason they made the trade was to stop the run. Let’s see how they do against Saquon Barkley on opening night.

    The second game of the NFL season will be just one night later, as the league returns to São Paulo, Brazil, for a second straight season. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will take on the Los Angeles Chargers.

    In last year’s Brazil game at Arena Corinthians, the field was very slick and drew much criticism from the Eagles and Packers. The NFL says it is aware of the problem and will make sure it does not happen this time.

    The Buffalo Bills are Super Bowl favorites

    Neither Hurts and the Eagles, nor Mahomes and the Chiefs, are the favorites to win the Super Bowl this season. Oddsmakers have Josh Allen and the Bills as the most likely to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

    At some point the Bills’ luck has to change, right?

    They are one of 12 NFL teams to have never won the Super Bowl, along with the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans.

    They just better hope they don’t run into the Chiefs. Allen is 0-4 against Mahomes in the playoffs. The Bills have a monster opener Sunday night at home against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.

    Aaron Rodgers revenge game

    Right out of the gate we get Aaron Rodgers, who is now the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, going up against his former team, the New York Jets. New York fans will likely not be giving Rodgers a warm welcome when he gets under center at MetLife Stadium. In his two seasons in New York the Jets went just 6-12 in games he played – and he spent much of the time injured.

    Rodgers turns 42 in December. Here is the list of quarterbacks who have started 10 or more games in their age-42 season: Tom Brady.

    That’s it.

    Rodgers will need to stay healthy and find the fountain of youth if the Steelers are to realize their Super Bowl dreams.

    The 49ers are fire and ice

    History has told us one thing about the 49ers: They are either going to be really good or really bad. This is an amazing stat: Over the last 22 years, the Niners have either made at least the NFC Championship Game or not made the playoffs at all. They don’t mess around with any first- or second-round exits.

    This season they are coming off a very disappointing 6-11 record. But the good news is that finish was good for last place in the NFC West, which means they get to play a last-place schedule this season. Expect a big bounce-back year from Brock Purdy and company, as they officially have the easiest schedule in the NFL.

    They open at Seattle on Sunday.

    Bengals yearn for hot start

    No team needs to get off to a fast start more than the Cincinnati Bengals. Over the last three seasons they’ve started 0-2, and last season they started 0-3. For this reason, coach Zac Taylor had his starters playing more than usual during the preseason to get them ready for Week One against the Browns.

    Joe Burrow and company have missed the playoffs the past two seasons. They will look to end the drought behind their high-powered offense.

    Fantasy tip: Start Jerome Ford

    Speaking of the Bengals … while their offense is good, their defense is expected to be one of the worst in the NFL. Browns running back Jerome Ford is rostered in about 70% of ESPN leagues. If he’s available, or if you already have him, start him against the Bengals.

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  • How a Macy’s parking structure became L.A. latest luxury apartment complex

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    An unlikely corner of one of L.A.’s once-famous/now-dead malls is open for business again this week as residents move into luxury apartments on the spot that used to be a Macy’s parking lot.

    The Westside Pavilion was one of the city’s premier shopping venues and a cultural touchstone for generations of Angelenos, appearing in movies, television shows and music videos.

    1992 photo of interior of Westside Pavilion that was designed like a Paris arcade.

    (Randy Leffingwell)

    Built on the site of California’s first drive-in movie theater, the center played prominent roles in the 1995 film “Clueless” and the video for musician Tom Petty’s 1989 hit “Free Fallin’.”

    But like many other indoor malls, the Westside Pavilion fell out of favor in the 21st century before closing in 2019 to be converted to offices for rent.

    Now the former mall also has housing, which is even more in demand than offices these days. New residents will be allowed to start moving in this week.

    On a spot once occupied by what the developer called an “absolutely horrible, obsolete” parking structure, there are now 201 luxury apartments — a six-story complex that includes townhouses with front doors that open onto a residential street.

    “You have your own stoop,” developer Lee Wagman said of the townhouses. “It’s kind of like a brownstone.”

    Developer Lee Wagman of GPI Companies stands in the rooftop lounge.

    Developer Lee Wagman of GPI Companies in the rooftop lounge area at the Overland & Ayres apartments.

    (Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)

    Wagman is managing partner of GPI Cos., the Los Angeles real estate company that built the Overland & Ayres apartments and converted the mall’s former Macy’s building into the West End office complex. The combined cost of both builds was $350 million.

    Wagman said the company got the temporary certificate of occupancy for the apartment complex just last week and move-ins can start as early as this week.

    The rest of the former mall was in the process of being converted to offices for rent to Google when it was purchased last year by UCLA. The university is turning the old shopping center into a nearly 700,000-square-foot research center that will focus on immunology, quantum science and engineering.

    The biomedical research center, which is set to open as early as next year, will be trying to tackle towering challenges such as curing cancer and preventing global pandemics.

    The pool area at Overland & Ayres.

    The pool area at Overland & Ayres.

    (Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)

    The new apartments will be convenient for people working at the research center or other nearby job centers, such as UCLA in Westwood, Century City or Culver City.

    As has grown more common for buildings competing at at the top of the apartment market, Overland & Ayres has amenities such as a gym with a resort-style pool deck and spa, an outdoor lawn for working out, a sauna and a cold plunge tub.

    It has a large rooftop space with both indoor and outdoor lounging, dining areas and gas grills. There is a game room and two event kitchens. The building also includes an outdoor dog park and a spa for pets.

    The dog park at the new Overland & Ayres Apartments.

    The dog park at the Overland & Ayres Aapartments.

    (Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)

    Services available to tenants for a fee include personal training and private yoga instruction, dry cleaning pickup and delivery, car washing, dog walking, grocery delivery and housekeeping. Plans also call for commercial tenants along Overland Avenue that would serve the building, such as a restaurant or Pilates studio.

    Rents range from $3,800 per month for a studio apartment to $8,500 per month for a townhouse.

    The mall makeover is part of a decades-long trend of repurposing dead shopping centers, devastated by the pivot to online shopping.

    Once the kings of retail, indoor shopping centers fell out of favor and lost customers to e-commerce, as well as outdoor “lifestyle” centers — places such as the Grove and Westfield Century City, which feature fancy restaurants, entertainment and pleasant spaces to hang out, even if you’re not buying anything.

    The kitchen and living room area of a two-bedroom den unit at the new Overland & Ayres Apartments.

    The kitchen and living room area of a two-bedroom den unit at the Overland & Ayres apartments.

    (Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)

    The Sherman Oaks Galleria, a legendary indoor mall used in the filming of “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Valley Girl,” is now mostly offices.

    Lakewood Center, one of the largest enclosed malls in Los Angeles County, spanning 2 million square feet, has been sold to developers who plan to transform it by adding housing, green spaces and entertainment venues.

    “A lot of malls now are going towards mixed use,” said Wagaman, who helped turn an indoor mall in Pasadena into an outdoor mall with apartments more than two decades ago.

    It is not just old mall space. Struggling office buildings are also looking at transitioning to residences.

    With downtown L.A.’s office rental market struggling with high vacancies and falling values, stakeholders are lobbying for city support to convert high-rises to housing. The hope is that this could help address the city’s persistent housing shortage.

    Among the suggested targets for conversion are elite Financial District towers that commanded top rents before the COVID-19 pandemic’s stay-at-home orders shut down offices, leaving many buildings more than one-third vacant.

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    Roger Vincent

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