State News – Page 27 – Capital Outlook

DeSantis downplays coronavirus variant

June 30, 2021

Gov. Ron DeSantis By Christine SextonNews Service of Florida As the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention labeled the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus a “variant of concern,” Gov. Ron DeSantis downplayed the potential impact it could have on the state. DeSantis avoided directly answering a reporter’s question

Judge blocks CDC restrictions on cruise ships

June 30, 2021

Judge Steven Merryday By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida Saying the “injury to Florida’s economy grows by the day,” a U.S. district judge issued a preliminary injunction against federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention restrictions that have idled cruise ships in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 124-page

FSU poised for change at the top

June 30, 2021

Richard McCullough By Ryan DaileyNews Service of Florida The Florida State University Board of Trustees approved a five-year contract for incoming President Richard McCullough, as retiring President John Thrasher reflected on his nearly seven years at the helm. McCullough, who was selected last month to lead the university, would earn

COVID-19 vaccinations lag in rural areas

June 18, 2021

A recent report indicated that 10,460,797 people in Florida had received at least one vaccine dose.Photo submitted By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida COVID-19 vaccination rates lag in vast swaths of rural Florida compared to the rest of the state — a pattern that also has been seen in other

Grammy Award winner Stephanie Mills releases new music decrying racial injustice, police violence

June 18, 2021

Stephanie Mills is releasing new music, including the song “Let’s Do the Right Thing,” an anthem not unlike Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?” 50 years ago.Photo courtesy Amp Harris By Stacy M. BrownNNPA Newswire SeniorNational Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia Music lovers, prepare yourself for one of the most anticipated comebacks in history. The

State asks for more time on potential Medicaid boost

June 18, 2021

According to guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, states could use increased funds for a number of other services such as medical or remedial services recommended by physicians.Photo special to the Outlook By Christine SextonNews Service of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is asking the federal

COVID-19 student retention measure signed

June 18, 2021

Sen. Lori Berman NSF Staff Report Parents of public-school students in kindergarten through fifth grade will be able to request that children be retained in their current grade levels for the 2021-2022 school year under a bill signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Lawmakers approved the issue during the

Education board backs controversial history guidelines

June 18, 2021

Controversial guidelines approved by the State Board of Education won’t include teaching about slavery and lynching of Blacks.Photo special to the Outlook By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida Backing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign against critical race theory, the State Board of Education approved a rule that places controversial guidelines on

Immigration fight to be heard in September

June 18, 2021

Ashley Moody NSF Staff Report A federal appeals court will hear arguments in September in Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s challenge to immigration-enforcement moves by the Biden administration. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has scheduled arguments the week of Sept. 20 in Miami, according to court documents. Moody

Money flows in governor’s race

June 18, 2021

Charlie Crist By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida Democrat Charlie Crist brought in more than $1.5 million in the first month of his campaign to return to the governor’s mansion. But he will have a long way to go to become competitive financially with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis’ political