Government and politics

‘Slaves built the Capitol’: Advocate for abandoned Black cemeteries criticizes Florida senators

A leading advocate for abandoned Black cemeteries sharply criticized Florida lawmakers for killing a bill that would have helped identify, protect and restore burial grounds across the state. “I want to know, many of these legislators, where are they from?” asked Gloria Jefferson Anderson, who is leading the cemetery restoration …

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After emotional debate, GOP-led Florida Senate passes ‘Don’t Say Gay Bill,’ awaits DeSantis’ signature

The Florida Senate on Tuesday gave final passage to a bill that would restrict classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity and the measure now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it.  The Parental Rights in Education bill – what critics have labeled the “Don’t …

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‘Rape loophole’: Florida bill raising penalty for sexual assault against intoxicated victims dying in Legislature

A bill with bipartisan support aimed at protecting college students by increasing penalties against those who sexually assault intoxicated victims is dying as Florida’s legislative session comes to a close. The measure would have raised the penalty for raping a woman who had become drunk at a bar while celebrating …

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First students outside Florida to save thousands with in-state tuition under new grandparents law

For the first time, out-of-state applicants to universities across Florida are finding out whether they will be among 350 students who will save tens of thousands of dollars with in-state tuition under a new law rewarding them as grandchildren of residents here. The tuition discounts are the result of a …

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