The gas tax plan, paid for with federal stimulus dollars sent to Florida because of the pandemic, emerged on a busy legislative day. The House also approved a statewide squad to combat voter fraud and a contentious immigration bill, two of DeSantis’ top legislative priorities. ... Read More
Rent control in Miami? County leader wants emergency action on housing in Miami-Dade
Rents are soaring across Miami-Dade County, and a new proposal could have voters deciding whether to impose a temporary freeze on some housing costs. New legislation introduced by a Miami-Dade … Click to Continue » ... Read More
$83 million Surfside settlement endorsed by judge but some victims plan to object
The settlement agreement that would pay $83 million to victims of the Surfside condominium collapse has received preliminary approval and an endorsement from the judge overseeing lawsuits arising from the … Click to Continue » ... Read More
Could gas hit $6 a gallon in Florida? Experts predict impact on groceries and goods
The repercussions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 continue to be felt nationally and in tourist-reliant Florida. Fuel prices had already been on the rise before the attack. … Click to Continue » ... Read More
Of Orphanages and Armies
My Russian-born son enlisting reminded me of my identity in Christ. “He’s like a little soldier!” Those were among the first words my wife, Maria, and I spoke when meeting a little baby in a Russian orphanage almost 20 years ago. As we walked into the room, this tiny-but-scrappy fellow climbed up against the slats in his crib, straight-backed as though standing at attention. Every day we would visit the room there, and Maxim—soon to be renamed Ben—was always... Read More
Wilton Manors’ attorney McClain remembered as ‘titan’ in death penalty cases
“Marty McClain, in my view, set the gold standard for advocacy for Death Row inmates, and he did it with such professionalism, meticulous preparation, and unwillingness to give up on his clients,” former Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Barbara Pariente told The News Service of Florida in a phone interview Tuesday. “From my point of view, I think he was respected by the justices that I sat with, even if we didn’t agree with his argument. But his arguments were often very... Read More
Muniz chosen as chief justice of Florida Supreme Court
Muniz, 52, was appointed to the court in January 2019 by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Among other positions, he previously served as general counsel to former U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and chief of staff to former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. He also worked for former Gov. Jeb Bush. ... Read More
If new local rules hurt revenue, Florida businesses will be allowed to sue for damages
Businesses whose revenues decline by 15% or more as a result of a local ordinance or local citizens initiative will now be allowed to sue cities and counties for damages … Click to Continue » ... Read More
‘This Is My Body,’ Broken into Three Views of Communion
Christian tradition diverges on the nature and meaning of the Lord’s Supper. Lent is a season of preparation in which Christians get ready to celebrate the momentous events of Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension. Some use this season as an opportunity to draw near to God by engaging in confession, fasting, and meditation on Scripture. The Lord’s Supper has long been seen as one such occasion, and yet this sacrament is interpreted in a myriad of different ways across the... Read More
A $12 million fraud with a Keys guy, a Broward pizza joint and Miami money laundering
Brad Kantor’s $12 million healthcare fraud allowed him to buy a $2.5 million Key Largo home, a 37-foot Boston Whaler boat and two Winnebago recreational vehicles. And, after Kantor got … Click to Continue » ... Read More