Another Florida city has succumbed to a “ransomware” attack and paid off cyber-extortionists in exchange for a decryption key to regain access to much of its paralyzed computer systems.

The Lake City City Council agreed to pay 42 Bitcoin -- about $460,000 to $480,000 --to end a cyber-attack that began June 10 and disabled the city’s email, online utility payment programs and even its phone system.

Bitcoin, a cyber-currency difficult to trace, is the preferred exchange tender in what is becoming a growing menace to cities and utilities nationwide.

As we Americans look ahead to a long Fourth of July weekend, this is often a time when the nation’s thoughts turn to the members of our military forces who have the responsibility to protect our precious freedoms. For me, this year’s holiday is especially meaningful, as I prepare to be deployed sometime this year in a very different and challenging role: as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is doubling down on his proposal for a constitutional amendment to limit the U.S. Supreme Court to nine justices. 

Earlier this year, prominent Democrats, including former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and presidential candidates U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, have mulled over expanding the Supreme Court