SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will soon mandate that hotels, vacation rental platforms, and event promoters disclose all fees upfront in their pricing. This decision, motivated by consumer complaints about unexpected “junk fees,” aims to promote transparency and ensure consumers know the total costs before booking. The rule takes effect in 120 days and was approved by four of the five commissioners. It requires businesses to clearly disclose all mandatory fees in their advertised prices, potentially saving consumers 53 million hours annually. This initiative follows the FTC’s exploration of fee transparency, spurred by over 12,000 public comments.

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SUMMARY: Zephen Xavier has been sentenced to death by a Florida judge for the 2019 mass shooting at a Sebring bank, where he killed five women. Xavier pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree murder, and a jury recommended the death penalty. The victims, four bank employees and a customer, were executed in a planned attack. Xavier showed no emotion during the sentencing. The judge noted the premeditated nature of the crime, citing evidence of Xavier’s intentions in the weeks before the murders. The victim’s families expressed satisfaction with the decision, with one stating they would “pull the switch” if allowed.

A Highlands County judge has sentenced Zephen Xaver to death for the shooting deaths of five people inside a Suntrust Bank in 2019 in Sebring. This comes after a jury recommended the death penalty earlier in 2024. In Xaver’s case, on all counts, the jury split by a 9-3 vote on recommending the death penalty. Earlier this year, jurors heard closing arguments from lawyers on both sides, starting with the state.

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SUMMARY: The Florida citrus industry faces significant challenges, including recent hurricanes Helene and Milton, freezes, and the ongoing threat of citrus greening disease. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s December forecast for the 2024-2025 harvest indicates it will be the smallest in over a century, projecting only 12 million boxes of oranges and 1.2 million boxes of grapefruit—33% less than last season. Despite these setbacks, growers remain resilient, emphasizing the importance of the industry to Florida’s identity and economy, which generates nearly $7 billion annually. Support from state and federal partners is crucial for recovery and growth.

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