Report: Florida students out-gain peers in other large states – A report on the five most heavily populated states showed Florida students have made the most progress in 19 years on federal tests. Florida’s fourth graders have come from well below the national average in reading to surpassing it. Florida was compared with California, Illinois, New York and Texas, which enroll nearly 40 percent of public school students. Tampa Bay Times
Case dropped against former University of Florida quarterback Doug Johnson for lack of evidence – The case accusing Doug Johnson, a former University of Florida quarterback, of beating a Gainesville man after a UF football game, was dropped. Joe Cappellitti said Johnson and two others jumped him, breaking his nose. The prosecutor dropped the case due to lack of evidence. The Gainesville Sun
11-year-old dead, 2 others wounded in father’s shooting rampage – Miami-Dade – A father opened fire on his family, killing his 11-year-old son and himself. The boy’s mother, 43, and sister, 14, are in critical condition. A neighbor said he had never heard them fight or seen police come to the house. The Miami Herald
In Gun Debate, a Bigger Role Seen for Insurers – Lawmakers have proposed legislation to require gun owners to buy liability insurance. Lawmakers hope this will provide a financial incentive for safe gun behavior. Some groups representing gun owners oppose mandatory insurance. The New York Times
