Friday, January 31, 2020

Anti-gay schools & murder charge in Celebration

Start your day with a quick digest of today's top Central Florida headlines.

Orlando Sentinel

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January 31, 2020

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Orlando Morning Report

Key GOP lawmaker: No fix needed for school voucher program as more companies pull funds over LGBTQ policies

Private schools receiving taxpayer money through vouchers will likely be able to continue to discriminate against LGBTQ students, after a key GOP lawmaker indicated he won't take steps to deny funds to schools with such policies.

Anthony Todt charged with murder in Celebration killings of wife, kids

Prosecutors have formally filed murder charges Anthony Todt, the man accused of killing his wife and three children, whose bodies were found inside their Celebration home earlier this month.

Central Florida drop-in center opens as peer support gains traction for mental health, substance abuse

Yasmin Flasterstein was a young psychology student working with survivors of Orlando's Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016 when she was raped at gunpoint in her home and witnessed her roommate kill himself in front of her. The trauma was debilitating. But not for long. The 25-year-old is now the co-founder of Peer Support Space, pushing for the region to embrace peer support specialists in mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Troubled UCF frat suspended through the end of 2020

A UCF fraternity already in hot water has had its suspension extended through the end of 2020 after members were accused of misconduct including throwing drinks on to a dance floor and threatening to "jump" someone.

I-4 entrance ramp to be closed for 6 months

An Interstate 4 entrance ramp from Colonial Drive was set to be closed for six months starting Thursday night, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

Orange County voters can't request a vote-by-mail ballot online this week. Here's why.

In the lead up to the Democratic Presidential Primary in March, Orange County voters haven't been able to request a vote-by-mail ballot online in recent days.The online system has been down for maintenance, as Bill Cowles' office moves to a new platform used by nearly every Florida County.

Dan Mullen's Gators are ready to win SEC, national titles | Commentary

 "I came here to bring back the Gator standard, and that means having teams that are competing for and playing for SEC and national championships all the time," Mullen exhorted. "And that's how it's going to be!"

Magic shooting guard Terrence Ross idolized Kobe Bryant: He was everything

Orlando Magic shooting guard Terrence Ross long emulated former Lakers star Kobe Bryant and doesn't think "there'll ever be anybody like him again."

Map: Most popular college football teams in every Florida ZIP code

College football in Florida: A look at the most popular team in every ZIP code in the state.

Busch Gardens gives early look at new Iron Gwazi roller coaster

Busch Gardens Tampa shares early look at its new Iron Gwazi hybrid roller coaster.

Got singing talent? Karaoke Idol reprised for second year at Aloma Bowl

Aloma Bowl is bringing back Karaoke Idol, it's hometown singing competition, for the second year. Orlando competitors will sing their hearts out to see who takes home a $1,000 cash prize.

PDQ restaurants offer BOGO Super Bowl chicken

PDQ has buy-one-get-one-free chicken tender platters ahead of the Super Bowl.