State News

Florida Democrats say recent election wins show the party gaining momentum. But Republican leaders are projecting confidence going into the midterms.

As of this year, Florida rules allow for reclaimed water, or recycled wastewater, to be treated and distributed for drinking.

In the American Society of Civil Engineers report, the state's highest-rated areas include its ports, bridges and solid waste management systems. Its lowest-rated areas are dams, levees and schools.

Executive Director Hiba Rahim said the governor's order against the Council on American-Islamic Relations was an attack based on conspiracy theories, similar to those aimed in past decades at other minority groups.

The letter, signed by groups in all 50 states, asks for lawmakers to pause approval and construction of new data centers until regulations are in place.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations and its Florida chapter said the organization plans to sue DeSantis in response to what it called an "unconstitutional" and "defamatory" proclamation.

Florida House supporters of redistricting want to do it during the legislative session, which begins in mid-January. But the Senate president and Gov. Ron DeSantis want to wait for a court decision.

It shows how federal and state policies have pushed immigrants and their family members into a state of social isolation.

A National Council on Teacher Quality report found almost two-thirds of the state’s teacher preparation programs need to work on attracting and graduating more diverse teacher candidates.

Neither the House, the Senate, or Gov. Ron DeSantis seem to be on the same page about how to approach redistricting. But opponents are unified, saying it would be undemocratic and unlawful.