Hillsborough's Back 2 School Bash to give away thousands of free backpacks, supplies

Volunteers are assembly-lining thousands of free back-to-school backpacks at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds to help local families prepare for the upcoming school year.

Why Hernando County might close its largest library

Hernando County commissioners face a consequential budget decision Thursday: whether to reopen the West Hernando Branch Library or allow a temporary closure caused by air-conditioning problems to become permanent.

Polk sheriff ties James Duckett to 1987 cold case murder: ‘Pure evil in the flesh’

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced Thursday that executed Florida prisoner James Duckett is responsible for the 1987 abduction, rape and murder of 14-year-old Jeanifer Weldon.

Elizabeth Waddell's disappearance: New video may show her final moments

Newly released surveillance video appears to show the final moments before Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell, a 43-year-old physical therapist from Cary, North Carolina, disappeared while vacationing in Grenada.

Canadian woman arrested, accused of having 12 fraudulent IDs during Tampa traffic stop: HCSO

A Canadian woman was arrested after Hillsborough County deputies say they found 12 fraudulent ID cards with her photo but different names and dates of birth during a traffic stop.

Man found guilty of terrorism in stabbing of novelist Salman Rushdie

A 28-year-old man faces sentencing later this year for stabbing author Salman Rushdie on stage during a 2022 speaking engagement.

Suspected burglar accused of reaching for crowbar during fight with Hillsborough deputies: HCSO

A suspected burglar was arrested after Hillsborough County deputies say a suspicious person call at a Publix parking lot led to a man fighting with law enforcement and the discovery of a crowbar and other tools.

NASA Mars rover finds ‘honeycomb’ patterns on red planet

NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has uncovered a mysterious "honeycomb" landscape unlike anything seen before on Mars. The discovery could unlock new clues about the red planet's past.

Cyclosporiasis outbreak: Florida cases up to 264; county-by-county breakdown

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating several outbreaks of Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection that can lead to frequent and watery diarrhea.

Man killed after portable toilet falls from truck onto interstate

A 56-year-old man was killed after his vehicle struck a portable toilet that fell from a truck traveling on Interstate 49 in Benton County, Arkansas State Police said.

Florida man arrested after deputies find dead, neglected dogs during welfare check: HCSO

A Florida man was arrested on multiple charges after deputies found a dead dog on his front porch and several other dogs that appeared to be neglected, according to the Holmes County Sheriff's Office.