Florida lawmakers have enacted several contentious immigration laws, one of which requires that undocumented immigrants convicted of deadly crimes, including child rape and first-degree murder, be executed. First-time offenders who enter Florida without proper inspection face a nine-month jail sentence and repeat offenders face felony charges with a one-year […]

In a world where medical advancements have extended life, the question of how we choose to end it has become increasingly pertinent.  House Bill 471, commonly known as the Florida End-of-Life Options Act,  proposes a significant shift in how terminally ill patients can approach their final days. This legislation would […]

Despite its storied reputation and cultural significance to Florida A&M University, the Marching 100 faces financial challenges impacting scholarships, travel opportunities and overall resources. Kazah Dixon, trumpet assistant section leader, said the issue is with the band’s leadership and how the university allocates its funds. “It’s not really a […]

Dr. Fran Close, a distinguished scholar and expert in public health, engaged in a discussion regarding various aspects of community health, education, and advocacy and also touched on an upcoming event this weekend that “The Mental Health Council of The Big Bend” will be hosting here at FAMU on Sunday […]

As hurricane season approaches, most prioritize sheltering homes and families, leaving pets behind in the chaos. Trooper, the bull terrier left behind last year during  Hurricane Milton, has caused a significant discussion about animal safety during emergencies.  Senator Don Gaetz introduced Senate Bill 150, declaring leaving pets behind during a […]

On Feb. 2, Sen. Nick DiCeglie (R-St. Petersburg) filed Senate Bill 608, which aims to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in sections of Florida’s county boundaries.  “A short time from now we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to […]

New identical bills filed by Rep. Mitch Rosenwald (D-Oakland Park) and Senator Rosalind Osgood (D-Tamarac) hope to help reduce mental health and substance abuse service disparities in the state’s minority communities.    HB 0469 and SB 542, which were filed last week, would, if passed, change the areas in which the […]

Major changes could be on the horizon at Leon County’s John G. Riley Elementary School. With the school operating at 102% capacity, Leon County Schools is considering a change to the school zone for the 2025-26 school year.    The district took to Facebook last Monday to announce their proposal to […]

Malachi Thompson understands what it means to start over. Released from prison in 2023, he’s working to rebuild his life.  “I want to earn my degree in sports medicine,” he said. “But with barely any work experience and no way to afford college, I honestly don’t know if it is […]

Florida Senate Bill 546, currently under consideration, would allow medical marijuana patients to grow two cannabis plants at home, an initiative that has stirred up both excitement and concern.   While some patients and dispensary workers welcome the idea of homegrown marijuana, others argue it may not be as easy […]