TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday suspended Orlando-area State Attorney Monique Worrell, accusing the prosecutor of “neglecting her duty” and being lax on criminal enforcement. DeSantis’ suspension of Worrell, elected in 2020 as state attorney for Florida’s 9th Judicial Circuit in Orange and Osceola counties, marks the second time …
Read More »Florida’s Black history education standards were approved amid criticism
TALLAHASSEE — The State Board of Education on Wednesday approved new academic standards for instruction about African American history, after numerous teachers from across Florida objected to the changes and asked the board to put the proposal on hold. Meanwhile, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. pushed back on assertions by …
Read More »DeSantis signs bill prohibiting colleges and universities from spending money on ‘DEI’
TALLAHASSEE — Continuing an effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from Florida’s higher-education system, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a measure aimed at prohibiting colleges and universities from spending money on “DEI” programs. The governor also signed a separate bill that will prevent colleges and universities from …
Read More »The Point, May 1, 2023: Lawmakers approve change to “resign-to-run” law
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Gainesville city commissioners seek clarity about Ironwood Golf Course finances. “After years of substantial operational losses and an audit from the state, the Gainesville City Commission wants more transparency about …
Read More »Florida lawmakers pass elections bill, setting up change to the ‘resign-to-run’ law
The law says any state officeholder who “qualifies for federal public office must resign from the office he or she presently holds if the terms, or any part thereof, run concurrently with each other.”
Read More »Florida House approves bill that would change rules around campus free speech
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida House on Wednesday passed a measure that would put new requirements on universities related to debates and other campus forums, with supporters saying it would bolster free speech but critics arguing it could have unintended consequences. The Republican-controlled House voted 82-34 along near-party lines to approve …
Read More »The future of abortion rights in Florida hinges on a state Supreme Court decision
TALLAHASSEE — A seismic shift in abortion rights could be coming in Florida after Gov. Ron DeSantis late Thursday signed a measure to prevent abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. But whether the six-week limit goes forward will hinge on a case before the state Supreme Court. The Republican-dominated House …
Read More »Then and now: How DeSantis’ State of State speeches have changed
For the first State of the State address of his second term on Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis is kicking off the Florida legislative session in a much different position than he was four years ago. When DeSantis took office in 2019, he had defeated his Democratic opponent Andrew Gillum by …
Read More »Groups Rally In Orlando As Anti-Riot Bill ‘HB 1’ Passes Florida House
As House Bill 1 “Combating Public Disorder” passed the Florida House of Representatives Friday, activist groups rallied in Orlando to protest the legislation.
Read More »Florida Democrats Taking ‘Long, Hard Look’ After Losses
Florida Republicans dominated Tuesday's elections from the top of the ballot on down, leaving Democrats searching for answers after more than two decades of GOP control of the state.
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