Briefs
Miami congressional candidate has new ad touting Trump impeachment
Impeachment. “That’s one word that official Washington does not want you to hear,” candidate David Richardson says in a new TV ad. standing in front of the U.S. Capitol, in the ad. He attempts to say the word “impeachment,” but it keeps being beeped before he finally blurts it out. Richardson, currently a Florida State […]
Nelson-Scott race gets national attention
Two heavyweight national publications – the New York Times and Talking Points Memo – are drilling down on the Rick Scott-Bill Nelson race for the U.S. Senate, calling it among the most important – and expensive – in America. Some key questions: Will Scott’s buddy-buddy relationship with President Trump hurt him or help him? And […]
Could a tragedy have been thwarted? Nikolas Cruz’s safety net had holes
Accused shooter Nikolas Cruz went without school counseling and special education services in the 14 months leading up to the Feb. 14 killings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School – in part because of school district errors, according to a South Florida Sun-Sentinel story. The newspaper account this past weekend was based on a heavily-redacted […]
Florida’s state retirement system isn’t exactly lucrative for women retirees
So much has been written and said about unequal pay between men and women that one financial piece of the pie can get overlooked: government pensions. Salaries are a key part in calculating pensions that state and local employees receive. That means lower pay for women, compared to men, will lead to lower pensions for […]
Gwen Graham’s surrogates blast Jeff Greene’s ad on megamall
Democrats backing Gwen Graham’s candidacy for governor are blasting Jeff Greene for a new television campaign ad that the Palm Beach billionaire began airing on Friday. The ad alludes to her family’s participation in developing what is planned to be the largest mall in the U.S., near the Everglades. The proposed American Dream Miami megamall […]
New nationwide survey: Younger teachers vs. older teachers on the education issues of the day
A new, sweeping educator survey released this week is striking in part because it shows how younger teachers view critical education issues compared to older peers. Regarding retirement: More than half of young teachers (younger than 30) surveyed preferred a private-company-style 401K rather than a traditional pension popular with older teachers (age 50 and older). […]
More Florida Democrats call for special session on Stand Your Ground law
(Update) Senate Minority Leader Oscar Braynon, incoming House Minority Leader Kionne McGhee and now Miami Beach Rep. David Richardson are joining St. Petersburg state Senator Darryl Rouson in calling for the Legislature to convene a special session to address the state’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law. The call comes two weeks after 28-year-old Markeis McGlockton […]
Judge knocks greyhound racing ban off the November ballot
A circuit judge has knocked a measure off the fall ballot that would give voters a chance to ban greyhound racing in Florida Groups working to end dog racing say it is a cruel sport and they are vowing to appeal the ruling to try to keep the Constitutional amendment before voters this fall. Leon […]
Dueling doctors, different credentials, in Democratic state Senate primary in North Florida
On the “Kayser Enneking for state senate” website, the candidate appears in a typical white doctor’s coat, with a stethoscope around her neck. Move on to the link for “Kayser’s Story” and the first paragraph highlights her profession: “Kayser Enneking, MD, is a mother of two, a lifelong Gainesville resident and longtime UF Health physician.” […]
‘Tidal Town Halls’ let voters talk to candidates about climate change
ReThink Energy Florida and First Street Foundation are holding a series of town halls where local and statewide candidates will talk about their plans to deal with rising seas and climate change.This is a chance for voters to ask them how they plan on protecting Florida. Here is the schedule: August 1, 5:30 – 8:30 […]
Democratic candidates for governor debate Thursday – last time before the primary election
The five Democratic candidates for governor will debate Thursday night in West Palm Beach for the fifth and final time before the August 28 election. It will be televised live in the ten major media markets around the state at 7 p.m. Eastern Time (It will also be streamed online at wpbf.com). The most recent poll […]
Bernie Sanders endorses Andrew Gillum in Florida Democratic gubernatorial election
Senator Bernie Sanders announced Wednesday morning that he is backing Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum in the Democratic race for governor in Florida. I’m proud to endorse Tallahassee Mayor @AndrewGillum in his race for governor of Florida. — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) August 1, 2018 “As governor, @AndrewGillum will work to provide health care for all through […]