Michael Dunn, human trafficking, and flight delays are in the headlines today.Welcome to WJCT First Read, your daily weekday morning round-up of stories from the First Coast, around Florida, and and across the country. We'll also preview some of WJCT's upcoming news programming.
Reporters allowed into Dunn courtroom, demonstrators protest on second day of jury selection: Judge Russell Healey paused the jury selection process in the Michael Dunn to allow reporters into the courtroom on Tuesday. Meanwhile, demonstrators with the New Jim Crow Movement and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference joined in protest outside the courthouse. (WJCT, News4Jax)
Former state crime lab chemist charged with drug tampering: A state crime laboratory chemist who recently resigned amid allegations of tampering with illicit drugs seized by law enforcement has been arrested on charges of evidence tampering and drug trafficking. (AP)
Free arts events to highlight human trafficking: The Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center and other local advocates are sponsoring a multi-faceted awareness campaign to raise awareness of slavery and human trafficking during Human Trafficking Awareness Month. (WJCT)
Proposal to prevent insurers from discriminating against gun owners: A proposal being considered by state lawmakers would prevent a property or auto insurer from refusing to issue or renew a policy based on a person's legal use, possession or ownership of a firearm. (First Coast News)
Hearing today in Tampa theater shooting: A circuit will rule today whether video showing an altercation and the shooting of Chad Oulson by retired Tampa police officer Curtis Reeves at a Tampa area movie theater can be made public. (ABC Action News)
Storm cancels JIA flights north: A winter storm now pummeling the northeast has triggered delays and cancelations at Jacksonville International Airport, including flights to New York and Detroit. (Florida Times-Union)
Today on First Coast Connect, University of North Florida criminology professor Michael Hallett on a new study examining how religion affects crime prevention.
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You can get all the latest headlines online at WJCTNews.org, on our Facebook page, and on Twitter @WJCTJax. You can follow Patrick Donges on Twitter at @patrickhdonges.
