Sunday, March 17, 2024

Big tobacco is trying to hide its greed behind ‘harm reduction’


You wouldn’t trust a thief to sell you a home alarm system, or a fox to guard a hen house. So why should we trust cigarette companies to help reduce tobacco use?....Read More

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Trump says some undocumented immigrants are ‘not people,’ warns US will see ‘bloodbath’ if not re-elected


Former President Trump denounced some undocumented immigrants as “not people” and warned of a “bloodbath” if he is not reelected at a chaotic rally in Ohio on Saturday night.....Read More

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Joe Biden backs Chuck Schumer after his call for new Israeli elections


President Joe Biden expressed support Friday for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after the Senator called for new elections in Israel, the latest sign that the U.S. relationship with its closest Middle East ally is careening toward fracture over the war in Gaza.....Read More

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Oklahoma medical examiner rules Nex Benedict’s death a suicide

Oklahoma high school student Nex Benedict died from suicide, the state medical examiner’s office ruled Wednesday, ending more than a month of speculation.....Read More

Miami Beach votes on enacting limits on protests following recent pro-Palestine events


The Miami Beach City Commission voted unanimously Wednesday for the city to enact limits on protests after a series of recent pro-Palestine demonstrations.....Read More

More than 1 in 5 Gen Z adults identify as LGBTQ+, survey finds


One in 13 U.S. adults — and more than one in five Generation Z adults — identify as LGBTQ+, according to Gallup’s annual survey.

The poll results, released Wednesday, found that 7.6% of Americans age 18 and older identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or some other sexual orientation besides heterosexual.

That number has risen from 5.6% four years ago and 3.5% since Gallup first began tracking sexual orientation and transgender identity in 2012.

Among Gen Z adults — who were 18 to 26 years old when the survey was conducted in 2023 — 22.3% identify as LGBTQ+.


Tampa considers change to allow more people to build tiny homes


The City of Tampa is considering expanding zoning laws to allow more people to build accessory dwelling units on their property. ADUs are also known as tiny homes or in-law suites.....Read More

Is TikTok going to be banned in the US?


Lawmakers in the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill Wednesday that could ban the ultra-popular social media app TikTok. The bill heads to the Senate next, and if it passes there, it’ll go to President Biden’s desk.....Read More

The Supreme Court granted Trump amnesty it has no power to give


The Supreme Court has decided to grant former President Donald Trump and all other insurrectionists running for federal office amnesty, allowing Trump to become president despite being disqualified by lower courts for engaging in an insurrection on Jan. 6. But Section 3 of the 14th Amendment only authorizes Congress with a two-thirds vote, not the Supreme Court, to grant such an amnesty.....Read More

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

BarrieHaus Beer Co. crowned best small brewery in Florida


In the historic Ybor City, BarrieHaus Beer Co. has proudly announced its recent triumph at the Best Florida Beer Championship, earning the esteemed title of Best Small Brewery in Florida. This accolade comes alongside a collection of awards celebrating their finely crafted lagers and European-style beers.....Read More

Sparkman Wharf announces waterfront Spring Break movie series


Sparkman Wharf isn’t just a playground for foodies. This waterfront gem replete with mural-covered shipping containers is also a major events destination that continues to transform itself for specific holidays and seasons. This March, the area will host several “Movies on the Lawn” events that are totally free to attend, and family-friendly.

The first three in the lineup are action-packed blockbuster sensations. Movies begin at noon each day:
  • March 13: The Hunger Games
  • March 14: Wonka
  • March 15: Marvel’s The Avengers


NAACP warns athletes against Florida colleges

Photo by Bryan McDonald

Florida’s ongoing battle with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is seen as a war against Black athletes according to one civil rights group.

And now, the NAACP is issuing a warning to those athletes who may be participating in college sports in the state, or considering doing so, to look at other places to study and play.


Legislature locks out bills to cap rent increases, require AC in apartments


Twin bills aimed at giving renters a leg up in an increasingly landlord-friendly environment got locked out of the legislative process this year.

As written, the measures (SB 64, HB 31) would have restricted rent hikes to once a year and capped the annual increase at 30% of the existing rate.

The bills would also have added air conditioning units to the list of things landlords must provide to tenants.


Tampa relaunching popular eBike Voucher Program


Everybody get your roll on! As we celebrate Florida Bike Month, gear up and join the City of Tampa on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, for the exciting re-launch of the popular eBike Voucher Program!  The kick-off event will include a hands-on eBike-Rodeo where community members can take an eBike for a free test-ride.

The first application window went live Friday, March 1, at 8am and runs through 5pm Friday, March 15.  Sign-ups can be done online at tampa.gov/ebike.  Sign-ups will also take place in person at one of four eBike Rodeo events or at the City's Parking offices located in the Fort Brooke Garage, 107 N Franklin St.


Florida settles lawsuit over "Don't Say Gay"


Florida education officials and civil rights attorneys agreed to a settlement Monday, ending a yearslong legal battle over the controversial state law critics dubbed "Don't Say Gay."....Read More

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Trump Scheme CALLED OUT In Bombshell Presidential Prediction


Donald Trump's undeniable plot to contest election results if they do not go in his favor get called out by President Biden and experts presidential predictions. John Iadarola and David Cay Johnston breaks it down on The Damage Report.

Florida Democrat: Marginalized communities won’t ‘survive’ a second Trump term

Greg Nash

Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) argued that communities of color are “incredibly critical” in helping reelect President Biden in November and said he thinks marginalized communities “won’t survive” another term with former President Trump.....Read More

Friday, March 8, 2024

Climate change’s impacts on coastal cities could be heightened as those cities sink: Study


Sea level rise caused by the changing climate is expected to wreak havoc on the nation’s coastal cities, impacts that could be heightened in the years ahead as the cities themselves are sinking, according to a study published this week.....Read More

Florida exempts some social media sites from new limits on teens; no one knows which ones


The proposed law also doesn't describe exactly how those companies would verify a user's age.
The new ban on social media in Florida for young teens the Legislature rewrote and passed this week is so narrowly crafted that it’s not clear which popular online platforms might be covered — if any of them.....Read More

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Lawmakers OK volunteer chaplains in public schools; civil rights groups say it’s unconstitutional


Despite backlash from dozens of civil rights organizations, the Florida Legislature on Thursday passed a bill to allow volunteer chaplains with limited qualifications to go into public schools and provide unspecified support and services to students.

The Senate approved the bill on Thursday along party lines and the House passed it earlier. The legislation now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for his consideration.


9 veterans accused a shelter owner of racist comments. They were fired before they could resign.


Tonight, Tampa Bay's largest veterans shelter and service center— New Beginnings of Tampa— is facing turmoil. 

Its owner and CEO allegedly fired nine veterans who worked for him, including all of the senior management. Meanwhile, he's facing accusations of racism.


Back the blue: Legislature declaws civilian review boards for police


The measure shields law enforcement from external complaints.

The House has agreed to Senate language on a bill that will bring an end to civilian review boards probing allegations of misconduct in Florida once Gov. Ron DeSantis signs off.

On party lines, the House voted up the Senate amended version of GOP Rep. Wyman Duggan’s measure (HB 601) which stipulates that while a Sheriff has a right to establish and appoint their own advisory board to counsel on policies and procedure, those boards have limited authority.


Controversial Teacher Prep Bill Heads To Florida Gov. DeSantis


The Florida Senate on Wednesday gave final approval to a measure designed to keep “identity politics” out of teacher preparation programs that lead to educators getting their professional certificates, readying the bill to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Republican-controlled Senate voted 28-12 along party lines to approve the bill (HB 1291) nearly a week after the House passed the measure.