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🌱 Patch AM: What jurors saw and heard as Orlando’s 2024 Halloween shooting trial opened

Coming up on the Orlando Patch calendar: 2026 Metamorphosis Arts and Music Project - Saturday

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Hi Orlando! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What jurors saw and heard as Orlando's 2024 Halloween shooting trial opened
  • How Orlando police say a property dispute turned deadly in May
  • How Orlando's latest DeSantis visit could boost Florida cancer research

Also on today's calendar: GreenFest and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 93 and low of 79 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: A stray afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 92, low: 76.
  • Sunday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 90 and low of 77 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'He wasn't done': Trial in 2024 Orlando mass shooting begins with police, survivors' testimony (miamiherald.com) — Jurors in Orlando have begun hearing graphic testimony and seeing video from the 2024 downtown Halloween shooting that left two people dead and several others injured. Orlando police officers, survivors, and friends of the victims described chaotic scenes near Orange Avenue, Central Boulevard, and Washington Street as the accused shooter, now on trial as an adult, faces possible life in prison.
   

2. Three women arrested in connection with a May shooting in Orlando, police say (wftv.com) — Orlando police have arrested three women in connection with a May shooting that left a 33-year-old man dead after crashing near Harbour Road and Chesapeake Avenue. Investigators say the confrontation followed an alleged property theft and that another suspect was previously arrested at the scene. The case remains open as detectives continue gathering evidence and examining possible additional charges.
   

3. In Orlando, DeSantis announces cancer grants applications are open, touts increased research dollars (orlandoweekly.com) — At a press conference in Orlando, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida is now accepting applications for $70 million in cancer innovation grants for the coming year. He highlighted a sharp increase in statewide cancer research funding, including the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, as Florida faces some of the nation's highest projected cancer case numbers. Local researchers and institutions can apply for new funding opportunities.
   

4. Orlando Devil Dogs Young Marines honor WWII Navajo Code Talkers in Arizona (wftv.com) — Orlando-based Young Marines recently traveled to Window Rock, Arizona, to help honor the remaining Navajo Code Talkers and their families during the Navajo Nation's annual celebration. Local youth and volunteers joined about 150 peers nationwide, hearing firsthand stories from surviving World War II heroes and learning about the once-unbreakable Navajo communications code.
   

5. Religious life must find harmony amid change, LCWR's president tells assembly (dioceseofscranton.org) — A major national gathering of Catholic sisters brought more than 1,300 leaders to Orlando this month, focusing on how religious life can adapt to rapid change. Speakers used the metaphor of musical harmony to urge deeper listening, collaboration across congregations, and renewed commitment to serving migrants, the marginalized, and a "suffering world," while new leadership took the helm for the coming year.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • SHES BEEN FOUND!
    She just came back to the back door of the house thankfully! Thank you everyone for the advice and help Please help me find my cat we believe she… (Nextdoor South Semoran)
  • Great news ..
    Four lost dogs owner has been found through their chip devices (Nextdoor Orlo Vista)
  • Two Roads Professional Resources, Inc. posted a job opening for Shipping Clerk - Large Freight in Orlando. Apply here.
  • Chuy's Tex-Mex Restaurant posted a job opening for Janitor/Busser in Orlando. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Orlando here.

Ok Orlando! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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