Latest news with #Orlando
Yahoo
an hour ago
- General
- Yahoo
Regina Hill's team wants key witness barred from testifying
Attorneys for suspended Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill have asked a judge to bar a key witness from testifying against her, saying she has exhibited a pattern of dishonest behavior as the attorneys gear up for trial. Sandra Lewis, a notary whose stamp and signature appear on a mortgage application Hill filed several years ago, gave evasive, contradictory, and sometimes false answers to questions Hill's attorneys threw her way, they claimed. The filing said Lewis feigned a lack of memory when answering basic background questions and tried to obscure the work she did for Shan Rose, a political opponent of Hill's, and Andrew Bain, who served as state attorney when Hill was arrested and charged. The document also stated Lewis was paid for political activities through her beauty school, which she failed to answer questions about. 'The notion that the State would proceed with this witness is disturbing,' attorneys wrote. 'She had two opportunities to provide truthful sworn testimony with an intervening period to consult with the State and a lawyer. Yet, she consistently engaged in deception and obstruction.' Lewis's, testimony would help prosecutors prove their accusations that Hill committed mortgage fraud when she applied for a loan in the name of a 96-year-old constituent without the woman's consent. WFTV interviewed Lewis shortly after the accusations against Hill became public last year. She admitted her stamp was on the document but pointed to several inconsistencies with the application and suggested the document had been altered. Lewis did not immediately return a request for comment Saturday. Hill is facing a maximum 180 years in prison if convicted, though she'd likely be sentenced to significantly less time. She said all accusations against her are false, and she had permission to apply for the mortgage, live in one of the woman's houses and spend the woman's money. Her trial is expected to take place in the fall. It's not clear if it will happen before or after she faces Rose in her fight to regain her commission seat in Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Morning showers and storms forecast in Central Florida on Saturday
Morning showers and storms forecast in Central Florida on Saturday, Spectrum News 13 meteorologist Greg Bennet said. The weather is expected to be drier tomorrow. Rain today is forecast to stop by lunchtime, Bennet said. Sunshine is expected for the rest of the day, with temperatures in the lower to middle 80s. The high today will be 85 degrees and the low will be 71 degrees.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Meet French Fry, a pointer mix with a sizzling amount of energy
Preview all of the adoptable pets at To meet or adopt a pet located at SPCA Florida, stop by the Adoption Center Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prior to adoption, all pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccines and come with a month of flea and heartworm prevention. For questions, contact SPCA Florida's Adoption Center at 863-577-4615 or adopt@ Breed: Pointer/Mix Gender: Female Weight: 48 pounds Age: 1 year Orphaned Since: Dec. 18 Adoption Fee: $250 Would you like a French Fry? This year-old pointer mix is uber-energetic and ready to mix it up with leash walks and play dates at the park. You can bond during couch chillathons during French Fry's favorite activity ― belly rubs. Stop in soon to visit and adopt this glass-half-full, four-pawed optimist. Breed: Bulldog Gender: Male Weight: 53 pounds Age: 4 years Orphaned Since: May 2 Adoption Fee: $150 For Oreo, both the cookie and the dog, it's all about the black and white markings ― white surrounded by black on both sides. For canine Oreo, it's all about the fun and yes, food. Spoiler alert: If it fits inside his mouth, edible or not, Oreo will grab it, and if it's tasty, he may coat it with drool. Oreo is happy when he's near his person and ecstatic if his human plies him with a treat or two. He's more than ready for a one-way trip home. Breed: Domestic Shorthair Gender: Male Weight: 11 ½ pounds Age: 8 months Orphaned Since: Oct. 23 Adoption Fee: $75 The name Barney brings to mind a kaleidoscope of characters: Barney, the kid-favorite, purple dinosaur; and for adults, the clumsy deputy in Mayberry, Barney Fife. But Barney, a former resident of Polk County Animal Control, personifies a people-pleasing feline who works the room at SPCA Florida's Tinker's Legacy. Twirl a wand toy, and it's game on for this energetic kitty who's ready to bulldoze his sweet self into your heart. He's ready for a play date ending in a trip home to his forever family. Breed: Domestic Longhair Gender: Male Weight: 10 pounds Age: 2 years Orphaned Since: March 4 Adoption Fee: $75 At first, he might play hard to get but give him a little time and a few gentle pets, and he'll show you his sweet, playful side. Johan loves toys, affection and mealtime (he never misses a snack). Once you earn his trust, you'll have a loyal companion who greets you with purrs and playful pounces. If you're looking for a low-key best friend with a soft spot for treats and snuggles, Johan's your guy. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Meet this week's SPCA pets: French Fry, Oreo, Barney and Johan
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Travel + Leisure
7 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
I Asked a French Fashion Designer What to Wear in Paris in the Summer—Here Are the 15 Styles She Recommends
Thanks to a new direct Air France flight added to my home airport, Orlando (MCO), I'm planning my first summer trip to Paris. Orlando and the City of Lights haven't been directly connected in over 10 years, but now that the nonstop flights are running four days a week, I'll be visiting my favorite European city a lot more often, especially during Florida's hottest months. I travel to Paris often and thought I had mastered the art of the ultimate Paris packing list filled with effortlessly stylish pieces, until I realized I'll need an entirely new ensemble for the hot and sometimes unpredictable summer weather. So, to help me pack, I turned to a Paris-based fashion and style expert: Morgane Sézalory, the founder of the French fashion brand Sézane. I always look to Sézane when I need to add versatile basics to my closet because the garments are well-tailored, crafted from high-quality fabrics, and designed specifically to pair together. The styles are timeless and feminine; they transcend fleeting, cheap trends and are instead designed to last. Using her best summer fashion tips, I created a Paris packing list that's comfortable, functional, and fashionable. 'What defines quintessential Parisian summer style?' is my first question for Sézalory. Thoughtful and unfussy, she tells me. 'It's less about trends and more about trusting your instincts.' She gives the example of this white embroidered blouse from Sezane paired with worn-in sandals. Your best accessory will be minimalist makeup, she adds, saying, 'A touch of blush goes a long way.' The easiest way to get that coveted French flush is with Ilia Beauty's Multi Stick, plus a swipe of Typology's Tinted Balm on the lips. I found similar tops perfect for summer, including a cotton poplin blouse from and a boatneck tee from Madewell. Unlike a white blouse, a white button-down adds movement to an outfit and is just the right weight on your shoulders, especially as an evening layer. 'Pack light, breathable staples,' Sézalory says. 'I always go for a crisp shirt like our Max Shirt.' The designer also advises paying attention to fabric, saying that it's best to stick to light materials like cotton and linen. 'They keep you cool and comfortable, no matter where the day takes you,' she says. Given this advice, I'm eyeing these polished button-down shirts to add to my suitcase, whether it's the silky cotton top from Everlane or Quince's breathable linen option. Dresses should feel effortless but not lazy, and easy to wear all day. When choosing a dress to pack for summer in Paris, make it something you can slip on in the morning and still feel beautiful wearing to dinner, especially if you run out of time to head back to your hotel to change. 'What I love about Paris is its versatility—what you wear by day you can easily wear by night,' Sézalory says. She recommends the versatile Sezane Dorotha chambray dress, and I'm also looking at similar easy-to-throw-on cotton dresses, like this Mango white midi style or this fit and flare number from Gap. When I think of summers in the south of France, I think of creamy linen sets. Turns out a linen set is popular in Paris, too. Sézalory says she likes to pair a matching set with a big woven tote bag, like the Justine basket bag, a look which brings to mind visions of style icon Jane Birkin. Linen sets are such a summer travel staple that I know I'll wear these items over and over again, whether it's this Abercrombie wide-leg pant and matching vest or a striped number from Gap. Americans might live in casual cut-offs and cargo shorts for a summer spent by the lake, but frayed shorts are not a common style choice in Paris, or even Europe in general. Instead of denim, pack tailored shorts with pleats, a high waist, and room around the leg. 'You want to feel free but still pulled together,' Sézalory says, pointing to Sézane cuts like the cotton Rome style. Other options that will keep you cool yet still looking polished this summer are a pair of pleated shorts from Quince or a linen-blend pair of Bermuda shorts from Mango. Jeans might seem like a surprising addition to a summer packing list, but a loose, wide-leg pair makes sense. Paris in August is at its hottest and might reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit at the height of the day. But after dusk, the temperature is dropping back into the 60s. A comfortable pair of jeans that don't trap heat against the legs and still allow you to move is a versatile bottom to pack; it'll pair well with the white blouse and white button-down from above. Sézalory mentioned a pair of classic blue denim trousers in particular, but I'm eyeing them in ecru and this faded light blue denim too. I'm also loving this high-waisted pick at and a stylish split-hem style at Banana Republic. Everyone has an opinion about the perfect white sneaker. Adidas Sambas or Gazelles? Vionic or Veja? But Sézalory says, 'I've never really been a sneaker girl. For me, it's all about comfort, but never at the expense of style.' Instead of sneakers, she reaches for ballet flats, espadrilles, or a low-heeled shoe. She notes that she can 'still walk all over Paris' in Sézane's Isabelle clogs that add just the right amount of height. Packing comfortable, stylish flats instead of sneakers supports the Parisian principle of outfits that transition seamlessly from day to night. I'm looking at staples like Everlane's understated ballet flat and Quince's Italian leather flat that will be comfortable for all-day wear and match everything in my wardrobe. 'Mix pieces you love, whether new or vintage, in a way that feels personal,' says Sézalory, which had me dreaming of a simple white ensemble paired with my favorite well-worn leather sandals. There's nothing more comfortable than shoes that have worn in exactly to your footbed. Similar sandal options include Everlane's suede fisherman sandals or Quince's platform sandals that will go with anything. As a big fan of Paris's Velib public bikes, I could relate to Sézalory's suggestion to pack a good crossbody bag for visiting the city. The style will make your life easier when you're on a bike. Paris' weather can be unpredictable, so a water-resistant or waterproof bag is a good choice if you wish the contents to stay dry. Try an option that doubles as a fanny pack or a shoulder bag that can also be worn across your body, As a mom of three, Sézalory uses a tote or a basket bag for running errands and carrying everything she needs. Even when you're visiting Paris as a tourist, however, a roomy bag will come in handy whether you're keeping essentials close or doing some shopping. Sézalory mentioned the Justine basket bag, which feels summery with its woven raffia construction, and has a drawstring lining so its contents won't jump out while bumping around in a bike basket. A canvas tote bag, like this one from Athleta, provides plenty of security thanks to the zipper, while Quince's puffer bag can also double as your personal item on the plane with an expandable design. Leave your baseball caps at home when you head to Paris. 'Instead of hats, you'll often see a silk scarf around the neck, in the hair, or tied to a bag—yes, even at the height of summer,' says Sézalory. Silk is a lightweight fabric that feels great on the skin in the summer. I use a silk scarf as a hack to hide humid, frizzy, or sweaty hair. Use this accessory to add pops of color or playful summer prints to your outfit. My Paris packing list for the fall is full of olives, burgundies, browns, and plaids, but I wasn't sure what color palette and patterns to pack for summer. When choosing colors and prints, Sézalory says to 'think soft shades, the occasional bold accent, and classic prints like florals.' Given this advice, I'm looking at tops and dresses with pretty floral prints and delicate embroidery that have a sense of romantic timelessness (and I'll be looking for them at Paris' huge flea market, Marche du Puce). France has a reputation for loving a classic stripe, but Sézalory reminded me of another neutral pattern to reach for during the summer—gingham. When choosing prints and colors for summer, she says, 'It's more about timeless touches than making a statement.' Gingham is everywhere this season, whether it's in the form of a tank top, vest, pants—you name it. Accessories play a big part in Parisian summer style. With just the swap of a silk scarf for jewelry, a piece can go from casual to dressed-up. 'Versatility matters in a city where plans change fast,' Sézalory says. I can attest to the scenario of being 45 minutes from my hotel but needing an outfit change for an impromptu party—having the right jewelry on hand could've easily done the trick. 'Lately, I've loved incorporating bold, playful jewelry—just one fun piece can completely shift the feel of an outfit built on good basics,' adds Sézalory. As for my packing list, I'll be adding some gold earrings, whether it's a pair of globe hoops or gold-plated brass earrings. There's no garment more versatile than a trench coat, and Sézalory says they come in handy in the summer, too. The key is to reach for a lightweight trench that has water-resistant properties, so you'll be ready for whatever the unpredictable summer weather throws at you. Pack pieces that 'handle heat and a surprise downpour equally well,' Sézalory says. 'Paris weather can be moody. Your clothes shouldn't be.' Whether it's a long belted number or a cropped style for a little less fabric to deal with, this year-round essential will be a welcome addition. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Reuters
8 hours ago
- Business
- Reuters
High yields bring US fiscal 'precipice' even closer
ORLANDO, Florida, May 29 (Reuters) - Few would disagree that U.S. public finances are deteriorating, but debt Cassandras have been warning of a fiscal day of reckoning for 40 years and it has yet to arrive, so why should this time be any different? The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office's baseline forecast sees federal debt held by the public rising to 117% of GDP over the next decade from 98% last year, and net interest payments rising to 4% of GDP, a sixth of all federal spending. While these eye-watering figures are concerning, it still seems difficult to fathom the United States experiencing a genuine debt crisis where investors turn their backs on Treasuries and the dollar, the two cornerstones of the global financial system. Both should enjoy strong demand – at least for the foreseeable future – even if their prices may need to fall to attract buyers. And in times of extreme crisis, like 2008 and 2020, the Fed can always buy huge quantities of U.S. bonds to stabilize the market. But that doesn't mean investors should ignore the swelling tide of fiscal gloom. We may not see a full-blown debt crisis, but there's a sense that "the fiscal" matters for markets more now than it has for decades. To better understand the risk at hand, it's useful to explore the assumptions baked into the current U.S. debt and deficit projections. The CBO's comprehensive fiscal projections are a benchmark for many policymakers and investors. But amid the fog of uncertainty created by U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war, the baseline economic assumptions underlying this outlook may be too optimistic. The CBO assumes that the United States will experience continuous, uninterrupted economic growth over the next decade. While it's true that since 1990 the U.S. economy has twice gone on streaks of more than a decade without experiencing a recession, conditions today - not the least of which is the country's bloated public debt burden - suggest that a repeat is highly unlikely. And in the event of a downturn, U.S. public finances would almost certainly suffer the double whammy of shrinking tax receipts and a surge in benefit payments, pushing the country closer to a fiscal cliff. Of course, an economic downturn would probably also prompt the Fed to lower interest rates, which would likely cause bond yields to fall and offer some relief on debt-servicing costs. But investor angst over the debt may keep market-based borrowing costs higher than they would otherwise be, something that is also not baked into the CBO's central projections. And if government borrowing costs over the next decade are higher than currently projected, the U.S. fiscal picture is even more troublesome than thought. Yield curve assumptions play a major – and often underappreciated – role in U.S. debt sustainability projections. The current CBO projections are based on the expectation that the yield curve will "normalize" in the coming year. They assume that the three-month Treasury yield will fall to 3.2% and the 10-year yield will settle at 3.9%. But what if the yield curve stays near current levels over the next decade, with a three-month rate of 4.40% and a 10-year yield of 4.50%? Chris Marsh at Exante Data crunches the numbers and finds that, in this scenario, federal debt held by the public could rise to 125% of GDP by 2034 and interest payments as a share of revenue would approach 30%. Interest payments as a share of revenues are already about to exceed their late-1980s peak and may end up at the highest level since at least the 1950s. Adding to this concern, Saul Eslake and John Llewellyn at Independent Economics note that if the yield curve does not normalize, the United States could get in the dangerous position where nominal GDP growth remains persistently below the 10-year Treasury yield, meaning debt dynamics would deteriorate because interest payments would outstrip growth. Given that the Trump administration's current budget bill is expected to add nearly $4 trillion to the federal debt over the next decade, the risk of this is especially pertinent today. One consequence of higher-for-longer U.S. interest rates then could be a much-heavier-for-much-longer debt burden. (The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters)
