Government and politics

With the state budget balanced and other issues debated, Democratic State Representative Charles Chestnut IV from Gainesville shared his thoughts about the 2012 legislative session with Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Marc Whiteman. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/ChestnutQA.mp3]  

The City of Ocala is hoping a new grant will help revitalize the downtown area. Florida’s 89-point-1 WUFT-FM’s Jonee’ Lewis has more on their plans. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/03/Ocala-Grant-Wrap.mp3|titles=Ocala Grant Wrap]

Mitt Romney won Super Tuesday’s big prize of Ohio as well as five other states, but overall results were mixed, with Rick Santorum winning three states and Newt Gingrich winning his home state of Georgia. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Chip Skambis spoke with University of South Florida Political Science Professor Susan MacManus about …

In a long-awaited ruling, Judge Jackie Fulford today struck down the 3-percent pension charge levied on public employees in the Florida Retirement System prior to last July 1, calling it “Unconstitutional.” Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Nickelle Smith spoke with Alachua County Education Association President Karen McCann who says today’s ruling is …

Ten states are holding their primaries and caucuses tonight for Super Tuesday and more than a third of the 1,144 delegates are at stake. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Cameron Taylor spoke with Alachua County Republican Party Chairman Stafford Jones about how this Super Tuesday is crucial for the GOP field. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/03/FP-Super-Tuesday.mp3|titles=FP …

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin emerged victorious in elections for the Russian presidency held over the weekend. Putin, who has been a major figure in Russian politics for many years, was elected to a third term, after he held the position for two terms from 2000 to 2008. Florida’s 89.1, …

A University of Florida student spent his spring break fasting in support of Immokalee farm workers' labor rights.

Tomorrow marks the single biggest day of the Republican presidential campaign. Ten states will decide how more than 400 delegates get allocated, and one of the biggest prizes will be winning Ohio and the 63 delegates the state holds. Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Jordan Matich spoke with University of Florida Political …

Former Massachussetts Governor Mitt Romney picked up two more wins last night in Michigan and Arizona. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Chip Skambis spoke with University of South Florida Political Science Professor Susan MacManus about what we can expect to see come Super Tuesday on March 6th. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/MacManusQA229ChipS.mp3]

Schools will now face a tougher grading system, with the Florida Board of Education’s decision to change standards passed yesterday. A last minute change excepts special needs schools, although special needs students in public schools will be included. Ocala’s Hillcrest School Principal Lori Manresa says she hopes the decision sticks. …