State News – Page 4 – Capital Outlook

Higher legal caps spark debate

January 26, 2024

Bob Harris By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida Cities, counties, school districts and hospitals are trying to fend off a proposal that could lead to them paying more money in lawsuits over people getting injured. The House Civil Justice Subcommittee last Thursday overwhelmingly approved a bill (HB 569) that would

Water rate ‘discrimination’ stirs debate

January 26, 2024

Rep. Chuck Clemons, R-Newberry, pointed to concerns about “discrimination” against utility customers outside municipal boundaries.Photo by Florida Alligator By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida In an issue that could affect cities across the state, Florida House members started moving forward with a proposal aimed at preventing municipalities from charging higher

Appeals court tosses out ruling in Warren case

January 26, 2024

Andrew Warren By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida Focusing on First Amendment violations, a federal appeals court ordered a district judge to reconsider a lawsuit challenging Gov. Ron DeSantis’ suspension of Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren. The ruling by a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of

Edward Waters University completes renovation of historic building

January 26, 2024

Edward Waters University President, First Lady, faculty, staff, and stakeholders were present at the Hatcher-Stewart ribbon cutting.Photos submitted A. Zachary Faison Jr., J.D. Special to the Outlook Faculty, staff and guests gathered recently for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked completion of renovation to the historic Hatcher-Stewart Science and Mathematics Building

Panel backs lawsuits over ‘unborn child’ deaths

January 26, 2024

Rep. Ashley Gantt By Dara KamNews Service of Florida Less than a year after passing a measure that would ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, Republican lawmakers are pursuing an effort to allow parents to file civil lawsuits seeking damages for the wrongful death of an “unborn child.” The

Fees proposed in book challenges

January 26, 2024

Since the legislature began a ban on school books, the Florida Education Association held one of its book give away events in Tallahassee.Photo by St. Clair Murraine By Ryan DaileyNews Service of Florida Amid widespread controversy about removing books from school shelves, the Florida House is moving forward with a

DeSantis drops presidential bid

January 26, 2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dropped his bid for president, saying he didn’t have a “clear path to victory” and that a majority of Republican voters back former President Donald Trump. DeSantis, who announced the decision Sunday on social media, endorsed Trump

Tribe resuming gambling payments to state

January 17, 2024

Marcellus Osceola By Dara KamNews Service of Florida Amid a celebrity-fueled launch of new casino games last week, the Seminole Tribe intends to resume making payments to the state as part of a 30-year deal that included giving the tribe control over sports betting. Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming

Attorney spar during Worrell’s suspension arguments

January 17, 2024

Monique Worrell By Dara KamNews Service of Florida The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments in an attempt by suspended Central Florida prosecutor Monique Worrell to get her job back after Gov. Ron DeSantis ousted the Democrat this summer. A lawyer for Worrell told justices the suspension did not meet a

Grand jury calls for immigration moves

January 17, 2024

Immigration advocates have protested around the country.Special to the Outlook By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida A statewide grand jury has issued a 146-page report that calls for taking a series of steps to try to curb illegal immigration, saying “it will be up to Florida and other states to