While climate change is a global challenge, Alachua County residents also have a role to play. About 70 people spent part of their weekend at a Gainesville church to talk about climate threats and responses, with recent extreme weather events like Hurricane Idalia fresh on their minds. Jacqueline Patterson, longtime …
Read More »Redistricting fight teed up in federal court
TALLAHASSEE — As the state appeals a Leon County circuit judge’s ruling that a congressional redistricting plan violated the Florida Constitution, another battle about the plan is poised to play out in federal court. A three-judge panel of federal judges is scheduled next week to start hearing arguments in a …
Read More »From dance to research, celebrating the wide range of Hispanic culture
From dancing to researching butterflies, scientists and artists displayed the wide influence of Latinx culture to mark Hispanic Heritage Month at the 11th annual Viva Museum, hosted by the Florida Museum and Gainesville Latino Film Festival. The Viva Museum event has been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month since 2012 after the …
Read More »Both sides in redistricting case seek fast track to state Supreme Court
TALLAHASSEE — Seeking a final ruling before the legislative session starts in January, both sides in a battle over a congressional redistricting plan asked an appeals court Friday to fast-track the case to the Florida Supreme Court. The joint request by attorneys for the state and voting-rights groups was expected: …
Read More »Redistricting appeal could go on fast track to Florida Supreme Court
TALLAHASSEE — A state appeal has put on hold a circuit judge’s ruling that a congressional redistricting plan violated the Florida Constitution, as the case could be on a fast track to the state Supreme Court. Secretary of State Cord Byrd and the Florida House and Senate filed a notice …
Read More »Tim Scott criticizes Ron DeSantis over Florida’s new slavery curriculum
ANKENY, Iowa — U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina has criticized fellow Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for supporting new standards that require teachers to instruct middle school students that slaves developed skills that “could be applied for their personal benefit.” “What slavery was really about was separating families, about mutilating …
Read More »Two Black Farmers get licenses to grow medical marijuana, and one will do so in Alachua County
TALLAHASSEE — Two Black farmers have received licenses to grow, process and sell medical marijuana, after a new state law helped clear the way for the long-awaited licenses. The Florida Department of Health issued the licenses July 11 to Suwannee County farmer Terry Donnell Gwinn and Bascom-based Shedrick McGriff. The …
Read More »Harris targets Florida rules on Black history pushed by DeSantis
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is making a last-minute trip to Florida on Friday to tackle changes to the state’s education standards that critics say play down the horror of slavery. It’s the latest example of how Harris has been the White House point person for addressing cultural …
Read More »Alachua County School Board chair discusses new position, goals for the district
Alachua County School Board Chair Tina Certain was sworn into a new role as president of the Florida School Boards Association this month. She starts in July. WUFT’s Kristin Moorehead spoke with her to discuss her goals for the association — a statewide advocacy group — and the district. This …
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 …
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