Bruno Sacco, creator of many Mercedes-Benz postwar classics, dies
Bruno Sacco, the designer of many of the top-selling vehicles in Mercedes-Benz history, died in Germany on Sept. 19 at age 90.
Federal judge rejects FPL ‘ghost candidate’ funding case
TALLAHASSEE — A federal judge has dismissed a securities-fraud lawsuit that alleged Florida Power & Light and its parent company made misleading statements about involvement in funding “ghost” candidates to influence elections.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon on Friday issued a 16-page decision that rejected arguments by investors in the potential class-action lawsuit. In part, the plaintiffs contended that the stock price of NextEra Energy, FPL’s parent, plummeted in January 2023 after making disclosures that followed denials of wrongdoing.
Cannon wrote that she found plaintiffs “have failed to identify a corrective disclosure that reveals a truth that was previously concealed or obscured by defendants’ alleged fraud.”
The lawsuit was filed in June 2023 after a series of events stemming from media reports about allegations that FPL had funneled money through a political-consulting firm, Matrix LLC, and other organizations to improperly influence elections.
Probably the most high-profile example involved allegations that FPL helped back a “ghost” candidate — someone on the ballot but not an active candidate — who siphoned votes from then-state Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami, in the 2020 election. Rodriguez ultimately lost by 32 votes to now-Sen. Ileana Garcia, R-Miami, with the third candidate, Alex Rodriguez, receiving 6,382 votes.
Dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas go on strike, a standoff risking new shortages
By TOM KRISHER and TASSANEE VEJPONGSA
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas began walking picket lines early Tuesday in a strike over wages and automation that could reignite inflation and cause shortages of goods if it goes on more than a few weeks.
The contract between the ports and about 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association expired at midnight, and even though progress was reported in talks on Monday, the workers went on strike. The strike affecting 36 ports is the first by the union since 1977.
Workers began picketing at the Port of Philadelphia shortly after midnight, walking in a circle at a rail crossing outside the port and chanting “No work without a fair contract.”
The union had message boards on the side of a truck reading: “Automation Hurts Families: ILA Stands For Job Protection.”
Local ILA president Boise Butler said workers want a fair contract that doesn’t allow automation of their jobs.
Shipping companies made billions during the pandemic by charging high prices, he said. “Now we want them to pay back. They’re going to pay back,” Butler said.
Best Dog-Friendly Parks in Cape Coral
Cape Coral offers dog owners an array of outdoor adventures with their furry companions, from scenic walking trails to dog-friendly parks where dogs can roam off-leash. In this guide, we’ll explore the best dog-friendly parks in Cape Coral, perfect for spending quality time with your pup. Whether you’re searching for dog-friendly beaches in Cape Coral or scenic walking trails, Cape Coral has it all. Keep reading to learn more about the best dog-friendly parks in this Southwest Florida city.
Rotary Park Environmental Center
One of Cape Coral’s top dog-friendly spots is the Rotary Park Environmental Center. This beautiful park offers a dedicated off-leash dog park that allows your pet to socialize and exercise freely. The off-leash area is divided into sections for large and small dogs, ensuring that all dogs can enjoy a safe environment. The park also features shaded areas, water stations, and agility equipment, making it one of the best dog parks in Cape Coral.
Beyond the dog park, Rotary Park offers scenic walking trails where dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed. The park’s nature trails are perfect for those who want to enjoy Cape Coral’s native wildlife and plant life while getting some exercise with their pets. Be sure to check out the Rotary Park bike trails where leashed dogs are also allowed.
ULA readies for 2nd Vulcan Centaur rocket to get national security certification
It’s been nearly nine months since United Launch Alliance managed a successful debut of its new Vulcan Centaur rocket, but launch No. 2 could happen as early as Friday.
The ULA Certification-2 mission is aiming for liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 41 during a three-hour window that runs from 6-9 a.m.
The rocket rolled out from the company’s vertical integration facility (VIF) to the pad on Monday. ULA plans to perform a wet dress rehearsal this week filling and draining the rocket with a million pounds of cryogenic propellants and running through a complete countdown.
This week’s Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) will see the #Cert2 #VulcanRocket loaded with a million pounds of cryogenic propellants at Space Launch Complex-41 and put through a complete countdown procedure as part of certification. https://t.co/eWLyIiIUE6 pic.twitter.com/vt7suqfO4g
— ULA (@ulalaunch) September 30, 2024
The first launch of the replacement for ULA’s Atlas and Delta family of rockets occurred back on Jan. 8 on the first of two certification missions needed by the U.S. Space Force before ULA can begin launching its backed-up slate of national security missions.