Mistie Webb

5 days ago | wcjb.com | Mistie Webb

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) -As Catholics around the world react to the election of Pope Leo XIV, students in Gainesville had the chance to reflect on the historic moment with a visiting bishop. Bishop Erik Pohlmeier of the Diocese of St. Augustine met with students and staff at St. Francis Catholic Academy on Tuesday to discuss what the election of the first American pope means for the future of the Catholic Church.

6 days ago | wcjb.com | Mistie Webb

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - White smoke emanated from the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City earlier today as the 267th pope was elected during the second day of Conclave. Cardinal Robert Prevost has taken the name Leo XIV. He’s the first American to become Pope. Born in Chicago, he spent time ministering in Peru before returning to the U.S.Pope Francis made him a bishop in 2023. We’re following reactions from Catholics in North Central Florida.

1 week ago | wcjb.com | Mistie Webb

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - A Marion County firefighter whose career ended after a devastating training accident is finding purpose in the pain, as a newly approved bill bearing his name moves closer to becoming law. The Anthony Gillan Act, passed unanimously by both chambers of the Florida Legislature, would guarantee health coverage for first responders injured during training exercises—something current law does not require.

1 week ago | wcjb.com | Mistie Webb

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Facing the prospect of a $20 million shortfall, the Alachua County School Board voted on a massive cutback on hours for the staff next school year. The decision was controversial; many employees were critical of the decision. Many were also critical of a pay raise the board approved Tuesday night for administrators. Alachua County School Board members voted to approve a draft staffing manual, making significant cuts to positions and work days across the district.

1 week ago | wcjb.com | Mistie Webb

ALACHUA, Fla. (WCJB) - Nearly a year after Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents raided Boukari Law and the Alachua County Today newspaper offices, residents are reacting with shock and disgust to new details revealed in a recently surfaced memorandum. The memo, obtained through public records, sheds light on what prompted the July 3, 2024, raid.