State

File photo

File photo

Pot initiative pulls in $313M

A political committee leading efforts to pass a constitutional amendment that would allow use of recreational marijuana raised $313,566 from July 6 through July 12 and had about $12.6 million in cash on hand, according to a newly filed finance report.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., did not get selected as former President Donald Trump's 2024 running mate. File photo

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., did not get selected as former President Donald Trump's 2024 running mate. File photo

Trump chooses Vance over Rubio for VP

Former President Donald Trump on Monday bypassed U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio in making his vice-presidential pick, averting what could have been a major change in Florida’s political landscape. Trump announced freshman U.S. Sen.
File photo

File photo

Another tough citrus season ends

Florida’s citrus industry limped to the end of the 2023-2024 growing season, with farmers hoping newly planted and recovering trees can avoid hurricane damage this year. The U.S.
Rep. Daniel Perez, R-Miami, is preparing to become House speaker after the November elections. File photo

Rep. Daniel Perez, R-Miami, is preparing to become House speaker after the November elections. File photo

Fixing Problems? Or Creating Them?

Florida has seen an uptick during the past couple of years in bills turning into laws. But that could slow down as a new leader takes over in the state House.
Escambia school board. Submitted photo

Escambia school board. Submitted photo

Return of books to school shelves sought

In a key battleground in the larger debate about removing and restricting school books, plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Escambia County School Board asked a federal judge this week to order officials to return to the shelves seven titles that have been off-limits for over a year.

Patronis eyes governor’s race

State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has set his sights on the governor’s mansion. “I'd love to be governor one day,” Patronis said during an appearance on The News Service of Florida’s “Deeper Dive With Dara Kam” podcast that will be released Sunday. “My wife wants me to do it.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a $116.5 billion budget for the fiscal year that will start July 1. File photo

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a $116.5 billion budget for the fiscal year that will start July 1. File photo

DeSantis signs $116.5 billion budget

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed a $116.5 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, after vetoing close to $950 million in spending approved by lawmakers in March.
News Service of Florida

News Service of Florida

FHSAA considers compensation for student athletes

The governing body that oversees high-school athletics in Florida could soon approve a proposal that would lead to high-school athletes getting paid through business agreements such as endorsement deals.

New ACLU leader points to ‘urgency of now’

Saying the country is at a “deeply, deeply disturbing” juncture, Bacardi Jackson — a veteran litigator whose civil-rights advocacy is literally in her genes — is taking the mantle as executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida.