Florida lawmakers and Governor Ron DeSantis have finally reached consensus, passing two immigration reform bills this week. But as Tristan Wood reports, the process to get there has reshaped the relationships and power dynamics among the state’s top government leaders.
Protesters have been gathering lately outside the historic Capitol in downtown Tallahassee. They’re upset about immigration raids, federal orders, and state legislation. Tallahassee immigration attorney Elizabeth Ricci (RICH-ee) has become the go-to expert in Florida and often times nationally on immigration. She spoke via Zoom with WFSU’s Gina Jordan.
That was Tallahassee immigration attorney Elizabeth Ricci. Her law firm is a regular underwriter of WFSU. You can hear more of that conversation at WFSU dot org.
It failed during last year’s session, but a bill to restrict the kinds of flags that can be flown over government buildings and public schools is once again working its way through the Florida Legislature.
Florida lawmakers are looking into a plan to limit artificial intelligence technology used to detect firearms. It’s part of a Republican push to protect 2nd amendment rights. But as Adrian Andrews reports others argue it’s a useful tool for public safety.
Republican State Senator Corey Simon says he’s troubled that children have been staying overnight in the offices of Florida’s community-based care agencies. He raised questions in the Senate committee that oversees the Department of Children and Families, known as DCF. Department Secretary Shevaun Harris responds to his concerns in an interview with WFSU’s Margie Menzel.
Genetically modified citrus trees could help fight the insect that causes greening disease. The Asian citrus psyllid [SILL-id] has devastated Florida's iconic citrus industry ... slicing production by 90 percent since the early 2000s. WUSF's Jessica Meszaros tells us how these new trees are providing hope.
A longtime icon in the Florida Legislature has died. Orlando Democratic Senator Geraldine Thompson was a towering figure in politics and an advocate for African American history. Joe Byrnes reports she died yesterday (Thursday) at age 76 from complications following knee replacement surgery.