Florida’s Cautionary Tale: How Gutting and Muzzling Public Health Fueled Covid Fire
Even as Florida's population grew over the last decade, Florida slashed the funding of local health departments, leaving them with less staff to respond to the pandemic. And some were then told not to speak.
A Showdown Over Returning to the Classroom
An Iowa school district and teachers union have sued the governor over her mandate requiring schools to reopen for in-person instruction.
Florida Officials Keep Eye on Isaias as Tropical Storm Moves Toward State
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Texas AG offers opinion on health departments’ authority to close schools … ALEC lawmakers say they don’t want more federal Covid aid … D.C. mayor says businesses should call police on maskless people.
Family Members Raise Concerns as Florida Inmate Deaths Rise
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | "Pooled testing" could speed up results ... Minneapolis council votes to get rid of police PIO ... Los Angeles County sheriff slammed for sexist statement.
In Bid to Boost Tech Workforce, University of Florida Develops 'Fastest' Academic Supercomputer
The artificial intelligence-rooted supercomputer, built in part with funding from Nvidia, will be used in AI-centric courses. The university has to hiring 100 new faculty members who are focused on the evolving technology.
Florida's Largest Teacher Union Files a Lawsuit Challenging School Reopening Order
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Nursing home trade group calls current rise in cases "a category five-level emergency" ... California AG to investigate evidence destruction in police shooting case ... Atlanta mayor says governor trying to stop her from talking to the media.
From Hurricanes to Pandemics: Benefiting from Crisis Lessons Learned
COMMENTARY | Elected and appointed officials must anticipate a broad range of possible catastrophes and put effective plans in place now to meet challenges like Covid-19 and future disasters.
Florida Orders Schools to Make In-Classroom School Available in Fall
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Phoenix mayor wants FEMA to set up testing center … Houston mayor asks state Republican party to cancel convention … Georgia governor sends National Guard to Atlanta.
Florida Tops 200,000 Coronavirus Cases as ICU Beds Fill Up in Some Tampa Bay-Area Hospitals
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Principals told to quarantine after coronavirus exposure at meeting … Pennsylvania Supreme Court rules for governor on emergency powers … Portland, Oregon extends police union contract.
Texas and Florida Restricting Bars Amid Coronavirus Surge
Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas bars to close, while a state official said Florida is planning to suspend on-premises alcohol sales. Both states are grappling with trying to control the virus, while allowing businesses to operate.
Florida to Spend $240 Million on Rent and Mortgage Help
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Police officers fired in Wilmington after racist conversation caught on recording … Minnesota city could remove word “chief” from position titles … More than 20,000 workers in New York City could face furloughs or layoffs.
From Jacksonville to Louisville, Confederate Statues Are Coming Down
Calls to remove the statues, denounced as symbols of white supremacy, were reignited in the wake of national protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd.
Florida Can't Stop Ex-Felons From Voting If They Can't Pay Fines, Judge Rules
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Virginia's governor caught in crowds without mask ... North Dakota governor tearfully pleads for masks not to be partisan ... County fairs could go on in Nebraska.
Dining Out? Cities Allow Restaurants to Reopen with Seating in Streets, Parking Lots
Some states are allowing restaurants to reopen at limited indoor capacity. Cities are letting them have more outdoor seating by closing off streets, sidewalks and parking lots.
Retiree-Rich Palm Beach County Leads Florida In COVID-19 Deaths
Three factors contribute to the county's high mortality rate: a large elder population, lack of available testing, and frequent travel among residents and visitors to and from the New York metro area, the national epicenter of the outbreak.
Under Pressure, Florida Governor Finally Orders Residents To Stay Home
Florida joins more than 30 other states and the District of Columbia in moves that have similarly restricted residents and businesses. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision came as Texas and Pennsylvania took similar action.
Cleaning Up Paper Recycling in South Florida
Waste Management reversed its decision to cut mixed paper recycling in 14 Broward County municipalities, but says reduced contamination is needed.
Federal Court Rules Against State Law Requiring Ex-Felons to Pay Fines and Fees Before Voting
The appeals court found the law created an unconstitutional penalty against people who can’t afford to pay certain financial obligations, but have served the rest of their sentences.
Poop, Screams and Divebombing Birds: How One City Plans to Deal With a Peacock Problem
The Miami City Commission will begin humanely trapping and relocating peacocks from one neighborhood after years of complaints from residents.
A Local Leader On Guard Against Preemption in a State That’s a Hotbed For It
“These legislators are doing things without even speaking to, or thinking about, local governments,” says the city commissioner.
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