This November will be the first presidential election since the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature pushed through a series of laws that reduced access to ballot boxes, complicated voting-by-mail, and now – as of July 1st – curtailed the scope of grassroots voter registration groups. As Margie Menzel reports, Florida’s GOP leaders say the measures were passed to eliminate fraud – although the state’s elections supervisors opposed them.
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush is part of a political dynasty, with his brother and father both serving as president. Jeb Bush served two terms as governor and ran for president in 2016. On the Deeper Dive with Dara Kam podcast from the News Service of Florida, Bush shared some insights about today’s polarized political environment. He says we need more civility and respect for people who disagree with us. Here’s an excerpt.
The group pushing the recreational marijuana ballot initiative has ramped up ad spending over the past few weeks. Tristan Wood reports the multi-million dollar fight for and against the proposal features some of the state’s biggest political players.
Florida law enforcement and healthcare experts are weighing in on a state constitutional amendment that would legalize recreational cannabis in Florida. Some officers oppose the legislation, while others say it’s what’s best for the communities they serve. Adrian Andrews has the story.
Heat advisories are being issued around the state with regularity this summer. Forecasters and reporters are trying to come up with innovative ways to say the same thing, as we hear from our partners at WLRN in Miami.
Under a new education law in Florida, private, charter and micro schools can now lease certain public spaces and turn them into classrooms. WLRN’s Jimena Romero reports on the new policy.