DeSantis calls for ditching standardized tests
Saying the state’s system of standardized testing in public schools is “quite frankly, outdated,” Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday announced that lawmakers will consider a proposal during the 2022 legislative session to end the Florida Standards Assessments.
DeSantis pledges to fight federal, local vaccination mandates
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday that Florida will fight local and federal COVID-19 vaccination mandates for public and private workers, warning that such requirements will have a “huge impact” on public safety.
Florida gas prices dip below $3 a gallon
Gas prices in Florida slipped on average 2 cents per gallon last week as refineries in the Gulf of Mexico have restarted after shutting down as a precaution against Hurricane Ida, the auto club AAA reported Monday.
Florida universities rise in annual rankings
Florida universities on Monday heralded their advancement in a national ranking of public universities, but none celebrated harder than the University of Florida after cracking the top five on U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” for the first time.
Campaign cash chasm widens for 2022 elections
Ungodly. That’s how a fundraising email Sunday from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist described the amounts of money being raised by Republicans.
Judge issues injunction against protest law
Calling it unconstitutionally “vague and overbroad,” Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker on Thursday blocked a controversial state law that enhances penalties and creates new crimes in protests that turn violent.
Updated: Court gives boost to DeSantis in mask mandate fight
Pointing to “serious doubts” about the lawsuit, an appeals court Friday put on hold a circuit judge’s ruling that said Gov. Ron DeSantis overstepped his constitutional authority in a July 30 executive order aimed at preventing school mask mandates.
School districts tackle staffing challenges
Hosting hiring fairs, shifting resources and shuttering schools are some of the measures school district officials are taking as they grapple with shortages in crucial staffing positions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
State quickly files emergency motion in mask battle
Hours after a Leon County circuit judge allowed school districts to continue student mask requirements, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration Wednesday night filed an emergency motion asking an appeals court to reinstate a stay.
Justices to hear local gun regulations case
The Florida Supreme Court will take up a closely watched case about a 2011 state law that threatens tough penalties if city and county officials approve gun-related regulations.