MIAMI — Florida’s shift to the right is perhaps nowhere more notable than in this vibrant swath of the state’s southeast coast where the latest Donald Trump drama is unfolding. Republicans have made steady inroads in this former Democratic stronghold in recent years, culminating in the GOP carrying Miami-Dade County in last year’s …
Read More »Donald Trump described Pentagon plan of attack and shared classified map, indictment says
MIAMI — Donald Trump has been indicted on charges of mishandling classified documents at his Florida estate, a remarkable development that makes him the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges by the federal government that he once oversaw. The former president described a Pentagon “plan of attack” and shared …
Read More »Disney lawsuit judge removes himself from case but not for reasons cited by DeSantis
ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal judge overseeing the First Amendment lawsuit that Walt Disney Parks filed against Gov. Ron DeSantis and others is disqualifying himself, but not because of bias claims made by the Florida governor. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker said in a court filing Thursday that it was …
Read More »Alachua County student competes in Scripps National Spelling Bee
Update, June 1: Martin made it through to the semifinals on Wednesday afternoon, where he spelled the word “molasse” incorrectly. He is the first Alachua County student to make it this far in the national competition, tying for 22nd place overall. Original story, May 30: Westin Martin is an eighth …
Read More »State Pushes Back on Transgender Athletes Rule
The State Board of Education on Wednesday adopted a statement condemning a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Education that is geared toward allowing transgender athletes to participate on teams consistent with their gender identity. The proposed rule would apply to schools that receive federal education money. It deals …
Read More »NAACP issues travel advisory for Florida: “open hostility” toward African Americans
The NAACP issued a travel advisory for Florida Saturday, citing recent legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The civil rights organization describes recent legislation as a “relentless and systemic attack on democracy and civil rights” against African Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color. “We will not allow our rights …
Read More »SpaceX giant rocket explodes minutes after launch from Texas
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (AP) — SpaceX’s giant new rocket exploded minutes after blasting off on its first test flight Thursday and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico. Elon Musk’s company was aiming to send the nearly 400-foot (120-meter) Starship rocket on a round-the-world trip from the southern tip of …
Read More »Land of the fee? Costly permits now required to film some YouTube, TikTok videos in national parks
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Social media mavens may need to think twice before pulling out their iPhones, GoPros or other video equipment when they’re recording in breathtaking national parks like Yosemite, the Grand Canyon or the Everglades. The National Park Service is now requiring permits that could cost hundreds of dollars …
Read More »An exit interview with outgoing Sen. Ben Sasse as he prepares to become UF president
As a new Congress began work on Monday, Republican Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska said goodbye. NPR’s Steve Inskeep talked to Sasse about when government is effective, and why he retired from the Senate. Transcript: STEVE INSKEEP, HOST: As a new Congress began yesterday, Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse said goodbye. …
Read More »Watch: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visits Washington to speak with Biden, address Congress
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington D.C. to meet with President Joseph Biden and to address a joint meeting of Congress.
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