Politics & Law
Even more charter schools in Florida? Fall ballot could be “game changer”
Some two decades ago, Florida introduced a new type of public school – the “charter” – designed to be free from bureaucracy and run by private groups. Today, that sprinkling of new schools has grown into one of the largest charter movements in the country, with tens of thousands of Florida students flocking to charters […]
Green groups sue to block Trump’s offshore drilling plan in Gulf of Mexico
Four environmental groups filed a lawsuit today against the Trump administration for its decision to open more than 78 million acres of the Gulf of Mexico to offshore drilling. The groups – Earthjustice, the Gulf Restoration Network, the Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity – issued a press release announcing the lawsuit and […]
The Florida Legislature keeps stomping on local laws
After the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in South Florida, the mayors of twenty Florida cities filed a legal challenge to a state firearm law. The controversial law allows the state to impose a $5,000 fine on any local official that dares to pass local gun regulations. The firearm law is an […]
“Disgraceful betrayal of America:” Trump’s strange press conference with Russia’s Putin draws ire in Florida
Democrats and some Republicans in Florida spoke out critically following President Trump’s news conference held with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday in Helsinki. During the appearance, Trump dismissed his own national intelligence director’s conclusion that Russia interfered with the 2016 presidential election and sided with Putin instead. Putin denied Russia’s involvement. “President Putin says […]
Investigate fiascos over concealed weapons permits at Adam Putnam’s Ag Department, groups urge
Following a series of reports on the mishandling of the concealed-carry firearm permit process at the Dept. Of Agriculture and Consumer Services, two activist groups say they want an independent investigation of how the process is being carried out. The department is led by Adam Putnam, a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor. Orlando area Democratic state Senator Linda Stewart is calling for Florida’s Chief […]
The feds say they will keep releasing vile Lake Okeechobee pollution to coasts
Despite the nasty fluorescent green algae outbreak that’s happening off South Florida’s east and west coasts, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has resumed releases of the polluted water from Lake Okeechobee that’s filled with fertilizer, manure and sewage from surrounding industrial agriculture operations and cities north of the lake. The Okeechobee swill flows out […]
The Great Debate: Democrats for governor to face off in online-only event
With the Aug. 28 primary election rapidly approaching, Florida voters will get a chance to see the five candidates running for governor debate Wednesday at 7 pm at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. The debate won’t be broadcast statewide, but people can watch via Winknews.com or on the Florida Democratic party’s Facebook page. […]
Gwen Graham has already consulted attorney in potential Florida Supreme Court battle
President Trump’s nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court has interjected the power of the federal judiciary into Florida’s governor’s race, and the state judiciary as well. His likely confirmation to the high court has opened up the explosive possibility of the Roe v. Wade decision on legalizing abortion being overturned, and some […]
GOP environmentalists today: As rare as a Florida panther
In Florida, Republican environmentalists used to be a thing. And they didn’t get more prominent than Nathaniel Pryor Reed. The legendary conservationist from South Florida’s Jupiter Island died last week at the age of 84. Nat loved the woods and waters since boyhood. He spent his life trying to save wild Florida so that future […]
Scott seeks oily bucks for U.S. Senate campaign
Gov. Rick Scott is flying to Oklahoma City this Thursday to seek political contributions from a who’s who of American fracking, oil, and coal company executives, the media outlet Energy & Environment News reports. E&E got a copy of the fundraiser invitation, and confirmed that Scott will lunch in a restaurant in the headquarters of […]
National Democratic committee says it will spend millions to try to flip Florida Senate this fall
Florida Democrats hoping to start a “blue wave” by getting a Democratic majority in the state Senate during this fall’s elections got a significant financial boost today. The prospect of changing the Florida Senate from Republican majority to a Democratic one is a long shot – Democrats have been in the minority for more than […]
Florida activists speak out against Trump Supreme Court nominee
Progressive activists on Thursday gathered outside the Florida Supreme Court and called on Florida U.S. Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio to reject President Trump’s nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, saying that the jurist would be detrimental to reproductive rights and health care in America. “Make no mistake about it. The […]