Across the United States, people are gathering at vigils honoring the victims of a shooting attack at a gay nightclub in Orlando that left 50 people dead and 53 wounded.
The number of people killed in the shooting at the nightclub Pulse Orlando has been adjusted to 49. That number does not include the shooter, 29 year old Omar Mateen. 48 of the victims have been identified. Officials say that families of 24 of the victims from the massacre have been notified. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer described the progress at a Monday morning news conference. He says that by 11 p.m. Sunday, all bodies of victims had been turned over to medical examiner.
Omar Mateen was a body builder and a security guard, a religious man who attended the local mosque and wanted to become a police officer.
Blood donors are responding to the urgent need for blood donations in light of the tragic mass shooting in Orlando, Florida. The blood center is asking donors to help over the next several days to help replenish the blood supply. To make an appointment, please visit www.oneblood.org or call 1-888-9DONATE (1-888-936-6283). Generally, healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood.
The list of victims who have been identified and whose families have been notified can be found by CLICKING HERE.
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Just hours after yesterday’s shooting in Orlando, police in Santa Monica California arrested a heavily armed Indiana man who told investigators he was headed to an event known as LA Pride which included a gay pride parade. Police say 20-year-old James Howell was arrested with three assault rifles, ammunition, and chemicals that can be used to make explosives.
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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Orlando Police say YouTube sensation and former “The Voice” contestant Christina Grimmie had no personal connection to the man who shot her after a concert Friday night. Police are seeking a motive. Detectives are searching the cellphone and social media accounts of 27-year-old Kevin Loibl of St. Petersburg looking for clues. Orlando Police Chief John Mina says Loibl apparently traveled from St. Petersburg to the venue where Christina Grimmie was performing Friday night intending to attack the New Jersey native.
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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) _ In an encouraging sign for the general economy, the number of Tampa Bay borrowers who owe more than their homes are worth continues to plunge. The Tampa Bay Times reports that although still double the national average, just 16 percent of bay area homeowners with mortgages were underwater in the first three months of this year compared with 23 percent in 2015’s first quarter. CoreLogic, a research firm, said nationally, 8 percent of borrowers owed more than their homes were worth in the first quarter of this year, compared with 14 percent last year. Nevada had the highest percentage of homes in negative equity, 16 percent, closely followed by Florida at 15 percent.
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KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) _ Mosquito control officials in the Florida Keys are expecting an expensive fight against the mosquitoes that carry the Zika and dengue viruses. State health officials reported June 1 that a tourist had contracted dengue fever in Key West. It’s the island chain’s first dengue case since a 2009-2010 outbreak that infected dozens. Florida Keys Mosquito Control District spent an extra $2 million during that outbreak to fight the mosquitoes that spread dengue. The same species also carry the Zika virus. Executive Director Michael Doyle says more aerial spraying missions may be needed. The district typically conducts 10 aerial missions each summer, and says each costs about $25,000.
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Apple will unveil new ideas at a software conference. Improvements to the iPhone, artificial intelligence, an overhaul of its music service and possible changes to the digital assistant Siri could play a big role.
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PENGUINS BEAT SHARKS FOR 4TH STANLEY CUP TITLE. Pittsburgh beats San Jose 3-1 in Game 6 and a turnaround season for the Pens ends with Sidney Crosby lifting his second Stanley Cup.
