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WMNF Pulse: Keeping You Updated

House Reps propose bill sidestepping DeSantis’s $350 million federal funds veto

In June, Governor Ron DeSantis rejected around $350 million in energy efficiency incentives. WMNF's Chris Young reports.
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How a tiny non-profit startup broke the year’s biggest Florida politics story

Barbara Petersen, executive director of the Florida Center for Government Accountability, appeared on WMNF WaveMakers.
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Barbara Petersen

The Pinellas Legislative Delegation supports a revamp of PSTA; what would it mean for local transit?

A Republican Florida representative has proposed a bill that would change how Pinellas County’s transit organization is governed.
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bus rapid transit BRT St. Petersburg, Florida

Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler, husband of Moms For Liberty cofounder, accused of sexual battery by alleged menage a trois lover

Christian Ziegler, Florida’s GOP chairman and husband of Sarasota County School Board member and Moms of Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler, is under criminal investigation after...
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Christian Ziegler

A decade after Rick Scott refused $1.25 billion from feds, a Florida lawmaker proposes $50 million for private passenger rail between Tampa and Orlando

Florida lawmakers are championing hundreds of projects including $50 million for Brightline to extend rail from Orlando to Tampa.
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railroad tracks train

Here comes the Sun: Talking pro women’s soccer in Tampa Bay

The new professional women’s soccer team has a name - Tampa Bay Sun FC-will kick off its inaugural season in August 2024.
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A yellow and blue soccer team logo unveiling ceremony

Responding to Food Insecurity in Florida with Gulf Coast JFCS

It’s Thanksgiving time and our thoughts turn to food and those who may not have it. Our friends from Gulf Coast JFCS joined us to...
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Get answers about open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace

Information how navigators can help you choose the Obamacare plan that’s best for you and if you are eligible for financial assistance.
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Obamacare ACA

Backers say the Florida Supreme Court should OK an abortion rights initiative

Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment fired back at Florida's Attorney General Ashley Moody who wants the measure blocked from the 2024 ballot.
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Women's March

Riverview call center workers stage picket, demanding $25/hour, better healthcare, and more

Listen: On Thursday, call center workers at Maximus, the federal government’s largest call center contractor, picketed to demand higher wages. Call center workers want the...
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Non-binary Florida teacher falls victim to “Don’t Say Gay” expansion law, fired for using ‘Mx.’ title

A physics teacher at Florida Virtual School was fired last month for using a gender-neutral title in class.
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lgbt lgbtq

NPR’s Aya Batrawy on what she has seen and heard in the Israel-Hamas war

NPR international correspondent Aya Batrawy reported from Israel on the aftermath of the Hamas attacks and on Israel's deadly response.
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Aya Batrawy reports during Israel-Hamas war

Controversial Florida judicial circuit merger faces committee resistance

A committee appointed by the Florida Supreme Court unanimously recommended against shrinking the number of judicial circuits in the state.
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Anna Paulina Luna talks Israel, impeachment and Pinellas beach restoration

St. Pete’s representative in the U.S. House, Anna Paulina Luna, was a last-minute guest on this week’s episode of WMNF's The Skinny.
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U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, in a white suit, with a microphone in her right hand.

A surprising statistic sparks concern for the endangered Florida panther

The Florida Panther is our state’s official animal and one of the most endangered mammals in the country. WMNF's Chris Young reports.
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New survey reveals most Americans support military aid to Israel, humanitarian aid to Palestinians

Most Americans support providing military aid to Israel but oppose committing American troops to fight directly against Hamas.
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Palestine Israel flags

What we know about the latest possible tear in a Mosaic gypstack liner at its New Wales plant in Florida

There’s a possible leak of water at a Polk County phosphogypsum stack owned by the giant fertilizer company Mosaic.
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Mosaic sinkhole

Florida leads nation in number of cost-burdened renters

A new study shows Florida has one the highest rates of cost-burdened renters in the country. WMNF's Chris Young reports.
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For rent sign / renters / rental vouchers housing vouchers housing

Sarasota residents get a chance to speak to their legislators ahead of legislative session

The legislative session starts in 2024, and concerned Sarasota citizens and community leaders had a chance to speak to their representatives.
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New initiative sends free banned books to Floridians

Florida is one of the top states in the nation for book bans in schools. One organization is sending banned books to Floridians for free.
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banned books, First Amendment

Florida Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) calls the special legislative session on Iran “performance”

On WMNF’s Tuesday Café, State Representative Anna Eskamani called the Florida special session more politics and performance by the governor.
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Anna Eskamani on WMNF's Tuesday Cafe

New College of Florida trustees approve $1.3 million/year contract for controversial president Richard Corcoran

New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran is set to earn up to $1.3 million per year in salary and benefits in a five-year contract.
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Richard Corcoran

Tampa woman hopes the U.S. will do more to find out if her kids in Gaza are safe

A Tampa non-profit is demanding the government do more to ensure the safety of all American citizens in Gaza.
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Pinellas County emergency beach restoration projected to cost over $20 million

The county’s new emergency beach restoration project is projected to cost upwards of $20 million dollars. WMNF's Chris Young reports.
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A law professor & scientist ask for a halt to a dredging project that could harm Puerto Rico coral reefs

Coral reefs in Puerto Rico may be threatened by a proposed dredging project. On Tuesday Cafe a scientist and a law professor say why.
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Healthy coral / WMNF News

Andrew Warren calls judicial consolidation “a naked power grab by Tallahassee and the Republican leadership”

Andrew Warren calls a plan to merge court circuits "a naked power grab by Tallahassee and the Republican leadership" in Florida.
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Hillsborough County's suspended State Attorney Andrew Warren

East Tampa doctor transforms former nightclub into wellness center

On Monday, a new wellness hub opened in the site of a former nightclub. It will offer a pharmacy, family health services, and more.
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Myakka Ranch in Manatee County one step closer to state protection

Myakka Ranch in Manatee County is one step closer to getting state protection. WMNF's Chris Young reports.
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Sarasota woman’s stepson missing after Hamas attack on Israel

One Sarasota woman is searching for her stepson, who is among the missing Israelis after Hamas's deadly attack.
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Florida Department of Children & Families addresses turbulent Medicaid redetermination process, excessive call wait times

A state Senate committee met to discuss Florida' s Medicaid redetermination process. WMNF's Chris Young reports.
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State legislators sound alarm on Floridians losing Medicaid coverage

Half of Floridians losing Medicaid coverage are 20 years or younger, and Democratic state legislators are calling for more to be done.
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stethoscope on money

Both sides speak out after viral arrest of Jacksonville man

On Friday, a black man was brutally beaten by officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. WMNF's Chris Young reports.
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Florida Supreme Court hears arguments on protest law amid allegations of targeting Black activists

The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments in a challenge to a law that enhanced penalties during protests that turn violent.
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Florida Supreme Court will decide the future of abortion access in the state

Amy Weintraub with Progress Florida talks about the Florida Supreme Court pondering a law that could lead to abortions essentially being banned in Florida.
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abortion access

New College of Florida’s business plan is “not financially viable” according to a UF business school professor

UF business faculty: A business plan outlining sweeping changes at New College of Florida is “not financially viable” in its current state.
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New College of Florida

The Power of Gratitude with Dr Fred Harvey

The journey to improved health and well-being is a multifaceted one, encompassing not only physical aspects such as diet and exercise, but also the mental and emotional practice of gratitude. Dr. Fred Harvey, a firm...
United States Supreme Court

New hearing sought in lawmaker subpoena fight

©2023 The News Service of Florida. All rights reserved TALLAHASSEE — Plaintiffs’ attorneys Monday asked a full federal appeals court to take up a dispute about whether 14 current and former Florida lawmakers should have...
farm

St. Petersburg legislators propose urban farming initiative expansion

Listen:   Rural areas are known for farming– but a new bill was filed by St. Petersburg legislators to promote urban farming. Democratic Representative Lindsay Cross of St. Petersburg is the sponsor of the House...

Attitudes on U.S. Economy and Democracy

Inflation is down but Americans are still gloomy over the economy. Also, some survey research studies find some people believe U.S. democracy may not survive another two decades. The community weigh-in on the direction and...
The Scoop: WMNF Daily News Digest

The Scoop: Mon., November 20, 2023 Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNF

Superintendents address education guidelines As Florida gained national attention for its sweeping legislation on K-12 Education, Tampa Bay superintendents spoke out on how they are tackling issues, including Florida’s controversial voucher program, in their respective...

Self Determination and Healthy Living

The Forum begins with a nod to the enduring legacy of Marcus Garvey, the Black Nationalist of the early 20th century, as we talked about  about modern ideas for Black self-sufficiency. Gardening in it’s many...

Tampa Bay superintendents defend public education, criticize controversial voucher program

Listen: As Florida gained national attention for its sweeping legislation on K-12 Education, Tampa Bay superintendents spoke out on how they are tackling issues, including Florida’s controversial voucher program, in their respective counties. Pasco County...

The Deconstruction of Miss Guianna – Peter & Guianna

The Neo soul, jazz and Gospel vibes of Peter & Guianna Graced the LIve Music Showcase studio in this episode. We hit some of the heavy topics, covering sobriety, Christian Deconstruction, and art of...

Addressing Disinformation & Propaganda with Social Science & Hip-Hop

What a pleasure to converse with Professor Walter Grayson and Danian Darrell Jerry two insightful men who are undeniably passionate about their endeavor as co-editors of Illmatic Consequences: The Clapback to Opponents of ‘Critical Race...
The Scoop: WMNF Daily News Digest

The Scoop: Fri., November 17, 2023 Tampa Bay & Florida headlines by WMNF

School threats A 16-year-old is facing charges after making school threats on the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Instagram page. The teen had claimed he would bomb every school in the county tomorrow. Deputies searched the home,...

“Walk A Mile In My Shoes” on Morning Energy

“Walk A Mile In My Shoes” is a popular proverb that has many variations such as: “You Can’t Understand Someone Until You have Walked A Mile In Their Shoes” or “Before You Judge Me, Walk...
no smoking sign

Bill in Florida legislature would stop smoking and vaping at state parks

A Democrat filed a proposal (HB 495) that would prohibit smoking or vaping within Florida state parks.

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