Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
PRESIDENT REAFFIRMS OPPOSITION TO US COMBAT IN IRAQ
President Barack Obama says U.S. forces in Iraq “do not and will not” have a combat mission as part of the effort against Islamic State militants. Obama received a briefing Wednesday from officers at U.S. Central Command in Tampa. That command oversees military efforts in the Mideast. The president says the fight against the Islamic State group cannot be America’s alone and will require a broad coalition. He says some nations will assist the U.S. with airstrikes and others will help train forces.
FSU BENCHES QB FOR FIRST HALF OF CLEMSON GAME AFTER LEWD REMARK
Jameis Winston has been benched for the first half of Saturday’s game against Clemson after making “offensive and vulgar” comments about women and Florida State officials say that the quarterback will undergo internal discipline. The decision was announced Wednesday in a joint statement by Florida State interim President Dr. Garnett S. Stokes and athletic director Stan Wilcox. Several students tweeted Winston stood on campus Tuesday and shouted a lascivious comment that may have derived from an internet meme.
DISNEY TO OPEN NEW “FROZEN” ATTRACTION
Walt Disney World is planning a new attraction inspired by the ever-popular “Frozen” movie. The “Frozen” attraction will go up at the Norway Pavilion in Epcot at the theme park near Orlando. The new attraction replaces the Maelstrom boat ride. It will take guests to the fictional land of Arendelle and recreate moments and music from the film. The pavilion will include an area where guests can meet the movie’s sister characters Anna and Elsa.
FIREFIGHTERS AID AILING MAN ON FLIGHT TO VEGAS
Jacksonville firefighters flying to a bachelor party in Las Vegas helped save a man who fell seriously ill on their flight. Firefighter Jason Kerr on Wednesday said their United Airlines flight leg from Houston to Las Vegas was interrupted by attendants on the intercom asking if anyone had medical training. He and two fellow Jacksonville firefighters responded and found a 41-year-old man with ashen skin, extremely low blood pressure and a weak heart rate.
COAST GUARD WARNS OF RIP TIDES DUE TO OFFSHORE HURRICANE
The U.S. Coast Guard is warning swimmers, surfers and beachgoers of dangerous riptides along north Florida’s coastline due to swells from Tropical Storm Edouard. The high risk of rip tides continues through Thursday night. Officials say beachgoers should listen to advice from lifeguards or avoid water activities until conditions improve.
