Florida News & Current Events | Public News Service

IRS Direct File is a new tax tool to file federal income tax returns for free, directly with the IRS. It comes with access to live customer service representatives who can answer tax questions. (stevepb/Pixabay)

Friday, April 12, 2024

Get ahead of Tax Day: IRS introduces free tax-filing program

Florida residents can now file their simple income-tax forms for free and save time through the Internal Revenue Service's Direct File pilot program…

In November, Florida voters will get to decide on ballot initiatives that would enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution, and authorize recreational marijuana use for people ages 21 and older. (cottonbro studio/Pexels)

Florida Supreme Court clears abortion amendment for ballot

Reproductive-rights advocates see a silver lining in the Florida Supreme Court's recent decision. The court upheld a 15-week ban, and a six-week …

The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation plans to expand the visibility of the 3,517 awarded Medal of Honor recipients. (Screenshot of collage of medal recipients/NMOHMF website)

Building tributes: Honoring medal recipients on National Medal of Honor Day

As the nation observes National Medal of Honor Day, facilities in Florida and Texas are under construction to serve as perpetual memorials …

A survey of Jewish college students found 37% say they've had to

Silencing dissent: Where can students debate Israel-Palestinian conflict?

As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, students find it hard to freely express opinions as universities shut down groups due to political tensions …

Dalton (left) and Dawson, together after being adopted in 2017. (Dave Thomas Foundation)

A Florida family's inspiring adoption journey

As siblings in foster care, the fear of being separated is daunting. But thanks to a loving family in Jacksonville, Fla., for two brothers in Ohio…

The Florida panther is the only mountain lion subspecies remaining in the eastern United States. (Everglades NPS)

Groups push for less pesticide use to save Florida's endangered species

Last month, an environmental group sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, accusing it of failing to protect endangered species from dangerous …

From book bans to teacher qualifications, a new national report from the Network of Public Education examines the laws and policies that support or undermine each state's public schools and the students who attend them. (Pixabay)

Report: Florida last in public education

A new Network for Public Education report grades Florida an "F" for its public school funding. As Florida lawmakers negotiate the state budget in …

The Florida Senate unanimously approved a comprehensive plan championed by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and other advocates to broaden health care accessibility to accommodate the state's growing population. (TotalShape/Pixabay)

FL lawmakers propel mental health in historic health care package

The Florida House is expected to follow the Senate's lead by signing off on an initiative to pour millions into the state's health care industry…

Oral-health experts note the fact that everyone's mouth is full of bacteria. They recommend a daily routine of brushing and flossing as the best defense against bad bacteria known as plaque. (renatalferro/Pixabay)

Expert tips to prevent cavities for Children's Dental Health Month

Beyond celebrating Valentine's Day, February is Children's Dental Health Month - which serves as a reminder to prioritize oral health habits that can …

The Agency for Health Care Administration is responsible for Medicaid in Florida. (fernandozhiminaicela/Pixabay)

FL health centers face financial strain without Medicaid reimbursement increase

Florida's Community Health Centers are raising concerns about their own financial health due to what they've said are inadequate Medicaid reimbursemen…

The National PTA and ConnectSafely are hosting a free virtual event to help parents safely navigate digital screen times with children and teens. (Pixabay/twinquinn84)

'Safer Internet Day' offers free resources to parents, children

As Florida lawmakers advance bills to restrict children's access to social media, today's Safer internet Day is a global campaign to raise awareness …

The Secretary of State has determined Floridians Protecting Freedom has received the requisite number and distribution of valid signatures to obtain a spot on the ballot for a proposed amendment in the 2024 General Election. (Lerone Pieters/Pexels)

FL abortion rights measure to be on Nov. ballot

Florida voters will soon have the opportunity to express their views on abortion rights at the ballot box. After Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a law …

A new report reveals over the last 15 years, the majority of states have raised performance standards for public schools, while simultaneously decreasing funding. (ebpilgrim/Pixabay)

FL schools grapple with insufficient funding, persistent state budget cuts

A new report that examines school funding formulas finds 80% of states, including Florida, are grappling with ongoing state budget reductions and a …

Florida Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates are calling on the Republican-controlled Legislature to focus on what they describe as

FL GOP bill could ban rainbow flags in schools, government buildings

Another GOP proposal is sparking controversy in Florida over freedom of expression, as it aims to ban rainbow flags from being displayed. House Bill …

If the new defamation bill becomes law, it is unlikely to survive a legal challenge due to what critics say are its clear violations of free speech and anti-discrimination laws. (Pixabay)

FL lawmakers back in Tallahassee to debate limits on abortion, free speech

Within hours of the start of Florida's legislative session, newly filed bills are set to test the limits on hot-button topics such as abortion and …

If approved, Florida's Senate Bill 190 would direct all ballot boxes, including ballot transfer containers, to be supervised by law enforcement personnel at all times. (cocoparisienne/Pixabay)

Should law enforcement transport ballot boxes in FL?

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story implied the new regulations were in effect. Implementation is in the planning stages. (11:14AM MST…

In 2021, scientists determined Rice's whale was a unique species, genetically and morphologically distinct from Bryde's whales. (NOAA Fisheries)

Protecting Rice's whale, others, on 50th anniversary of Endangered Species Act

Wildlife experts are spotlighting the Rice's whale, which was classified as its own species in 2021, as one of many reasons to preserve the …

According to the United Health Foundation's latest America's Health Rankings report, Florida is 46th in the nation when it comes to people being uninsured. (Pixabay)

FL sees drop in national health rankings among states

Florida has dropped to the 31st position among states in national health rankings. It's a decline from last year's 27th spot. Local public health …

In March, House Republicans in Florida passed a wide-ranging education bill targeting how teachers and students can use pronouns in schools, adding to the state's parental rights law, which critics called

FL teachers sue state over restriction on pronoun use

Three Florida teachers filed suit Wednesday over a Florida statute they claim targets transgender and nonbinary teachers for being themselves at work…

Some worry the push to drop sociology from general education requirements comes after a new law, part of Senate Bill 266, Florida's anti-diversity, equity and inclusion law, which forbids institutions of higher education from spending state funds on DEI programs or initiatives. (Pixabay)

Why is sociology on the chopping block in Florida?

Another controversial move in Florida's education system is a proposal to drop sociology, the study of social life and the causes and consequences of …

The ongoing Israel and Hamas conflict is affecting student organizations in Florida and across the country. (hosnysalah/Pixabay)

FL student groups defend Palestinian rights with lawsuits against state officials

The Students for Justice in Palestine chapters at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida are filing lawsuits against the deacti…

In 2022, about 29% of the people in Florida's prison system were age 50 or older, which is one reason their advocates are urging state lawmakers to ensure prison housing units are climate-controlled. (geralt/Pixabay)

Heat crisis in FL prisons: Lawmakers urged to add air conditioning

Florida lawmakers are being asked to use the winter months to swiftly install air conditioning in prison housing units before the return of scorching …

According to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission at UNESCO, plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution, and around 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year. (Flockine/Pixabay)

Community activists engage in hands-on beach cleanup initiative

Olympic swimmer turned environmental activist Merle Liivand has seen a rise in plastic waste while navigating the Intracoastal canals of South Florida…

The number of living Medal of Honor recipients has been steadily declining. (sranson/Pixabay)

National Medal of Honor Museum: Veterans' year-round salute of service

On Veterans Day, many Floridians will pay tribute to those who have served in the nation's military, and for football fans, more than a dozen Medal …

The Biden administration unveiled the U.S. Labor Department's proposed Retirement Security Rule, which aims to restrict

Proposed rule aims to protect retirement savers from unscrupulous advisers

The Biden administration has proposed a rule to help people save more in retirement and avoid "junk" fees from unscrupulous financial advisers…

Climate change with rising seas is making it more dangerous, and much more expensive, to live on the subtropical islands at the southern tip of Florida. (Stingrea1/Pixabay)

In face of rising seas, Monroe County adapts, innovates

By Steve MacLaughlin for NBC Miami.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publi…

Florida Power & Light, a subsidiary of NextEra, continues to receive a high grade when it comes to its plans to transition to clean energy, according to the Sierra Club's 2023 Dirty Truth Report. (Ulleo/Pixabay)

Report: Florida Power & Light scores high in transition to clean energy

In its latest report rating the progress of utility companies transitioning from fossil fuels such as coal into clean energy like wind and solar…

A mural project celebrates the Endangered Species Act and the smalltooth sawfish. (Kelly Quinn)

Mural raises awareness for FL's smalltooth sawfish

A vibrant installation at today's SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival is designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act …

Floridians for Dental Access is collecting firsthand stories from Floridians about their challenges getting access to dental services that can be shared with policymakers. (Pixabay)

Floridians share stories of struggles in 'dental health crisis'

Listing dental care as the top unmet health-care need in Florida, one group is helping Floridians share their stories and challenges in getting that …

A Lumina Foundation/Gallup poll found Hispanic students struggled more than those of any other race or ethnicity to stay enrolled in post-high school education and training programs in 2022. (Pixabay)

Poll: Hispanic students most likely to consider 'stopping out' of college

The latest poll of Hispanic community college students finds more than half have considered quitting school in the last year. In the Lumina …

Alt New College is offering courses in partnership with the New College community and with support from Bard the Open Society University Network, OSUN. (Pixabay)

Educators preserve, shape future with 'ALT NEW COLLEGE'

The so-called conservative "hostile takeover" of a small, progressive liberal arts college in Florida is seeing some resistance from former students …

Nov. 1 is the first day you can enroll, re-enroll or change health plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The dates for changes are mid-Sept through early December for employer-sponsored coverage, and from Oct. 15-Dec. 7 for Medicare. (Edar/Pixabay)

Avoid last-minute crush of choosing a health plan

When it comes to open enrollment and navigating the many health care options, experts say starting your research sooner rather than later is the best …

The Florida Board of Governors' statement on the Supreme Court's landmark affirmative action decision:

A Challenge to Help Redesign Higher-Ed Admissions Process

If applying for college was not so difficult, maybe more people would enroll, which is the premise of a new challenge to states and universities…

More than 150 people showed up at a Fort Pierce, Fla., community gathering in June to raise awareness and demand the end of attacks on immigrant communities. (FLIC)

Political Climate Drains Vital Donations for FL Immigrant Rights Advocacy

Groups aiding immigrants in building economic independence and pursuing citizenship are grappling with funding challenges exacerbated by anti-immigran…

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office released a photo of a firearm used in the Saturday shooting, which shows several swastikas drawn on it. (Jacksonville Sheriff's Office)

Jacksonville Mourns After Racist Shooting Leaves Three Dead

People in Jacksonville are mourning the deaths of three Black residents, gunned down by a white man who left behind "manifestos," leading …

Maternal mortality rates in the United States showed an alarming increase from 2018 to 2021, which highlights the preventable nature of over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths, according to the CDC. (Pixabay)

CDC Reports Mistreatment of Patients by Maternity Care Providers

People from some racial and ethnic minority groups are more likely to have negative experiences during pregnancy and delivery affecting the quality of…

According to data from AHCA, as of October 2022, there are approximately 5.5 million Floridians enrolled in Medicaid. (Pixabay)

Florida's Medicaid Redetermination Issues, Coverage Losses in Spotlight

Health policy experts are highlighting a multitude of concerns regarding Florida's Medicaid Redetermination process, claiming it results in a lack of …

Even as they celebrate National Health Centers Week, advocates warned community health centers are navigating financial uncertainty. (Pixabay)

Community Health Centers See Record Number of Patients Seeking Care

This has been National Health Center Week, to showcase the impact of community health centers serving a growing number of patients in Florida and …

As founders and leaders of the Tallahassee chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), Florida A&M University (FAMU) students Patricia and Priscilla Stephens led a series of nonviolent protests in Tallahassee in the early 1960s in front of a segregated theatre in Tallahassee. (State Archives of Florida)

Florida's New Teachings on Slavery 'Offensive,' Distort Brutal Reality

As Gov. Ron DeSantis promotes claims that enslaved people developed skills for their personal benefit, and is requiring those teachings to middle …

Researchers at the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health found that nationally, children who visit emergency departments for non-traumatic dental conditions are more likely to be uninsured or covered by Medicaid and live in lower-income households. (jennyfriedrichs/Pixabay)

Report: High Rates of Emergency Rooms for Nontraumatic Dental Conditions

A new report showed children aged 14 and younger are seeking dental care through emergency departments at alarming rates for preventable conditions su…

Along with boosting reading comprehension, other elements of the American Federation of Teachers' campaign include garnering more support staff and necessary teacher resources, and making strides to improve youth mental health. (Adobe Stock)

New Campaign Works to Aid FL, US Public Education

A new campaign is working to invigorate public schools across Florida and the U.S. The American Federation of Teachers - Real Solutions for Kids …

Funds from the Prevention and Stabilization Fund are often used to support a wide range of conflict mediation and resolution activities, strengthening governance and rule of law, promoting human rights and justice. (Ralphs_fotos/Pixabay)

Concerns Mount Over Funding Cuts to International Aid for Peace

U.S. officials are being asked to invest more in programs that could help end or prevent conflicts, whether in Ukraine or any region dealing with …

Florida lawmakers changed language in a higher ed bill which would have banned course topics on gender and women's studies. (Pixabay)

The Fight to Preserve the Future of Gender and Women's Studies

By Aviva Dove-Viebahn for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

According to Floridians for Dental Access, dental care is the top unmet healthcare need in Florida. (Pixabay)

Dental-Medical Tourism: Bridging the Affordability Gap in FL

With the rising costs of dental procedures in the United States, many patients are turning to neighboring countries like Mexico to get care at …

Under Florida's Medicaid redetermination plan, the state Department of Children and Families is reviewing the eligibility of approximately 4.9 million Floridians currently on the Medicaid program for 12 months. The process began in March. (Pixabay)

FL Medicaid Changes Leave Some Scrambling for Coverage

Of its 4.9 million Medicaid enrollees, Florida purged about 300,000 from its Medicaid rolls when the federal government removed protections put in …

An aerial view shows the salt marsh adjacent to the runway at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida. (Mark Bias)

How Salt Marshes Are Preserving Life Along FL Coast

Florida's nearly 500,000 acres of salt marshes are under threat from rising seas, polluted runoff, and an abundance of urban development that's been …

In March 2023, thousands lined the streets of Adjuntas for Casa Pueblo's second annual rally for solar energy. (Photo courtesy od Katherine Rapin)

Puerto Rico's Solar Microgrids Illuminate Path to Energy Security

By Katherine Rapin for Next City.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Florida's average cost of center-based child care for a toddler in 2021 amounts to 26% of a single mother's income in the state. (Pixabay)

Report: Child Care Costs Push FL Parents to Breaking Point

New data ranks Florida 31st in the country for overall child well-being, however, it showed parents are tapped out on child care costs. The Annie E…

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