Stephany Matat

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Stephany Matat

Three public school parents in Florida are appealing a federal judge's dismissal of their discrimination lawsuit earlier this year, in which they argued the state violated their First Amendment rights by not allowing them to challenge school board decisions to remove books. The case involves a law approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2023 that allows parents to use a state review process to object to when school boards decide not to remove or restrict a book.

1 week ago | tallahassee.com | Stephany Matat

A federal judge largely upheld a Florida law tightening citizen initiative rules, but struck down a provision expanding the definition of "racketeering."Plaintiffs, including groups advocating for Medicaid expansion and recreational marijuana, challenged the law, arguing it infringes on free speech. The law imposes stricter deadlines for petition submissions, fines for errors, and residency requirements for circulators.

1 week ago | tallahassee.com | Stephany Matat

A Florida ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana for adults has obtained enough signatures for a state review. The proposed amendment would allow adults 21 and older to possess, purchase, and use marijuana while prohibiting marketing towards children and public smoking. This is the second attempt to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida, after a similar measure failed to reach the 60% threshold in 2024.

1 week ago | tallahassee.com | Stephany Matat

At the same time, the judge said he 'does not doubt that parents and legislators in the state have sincere concerns about the effects that social media use may have on youth.'A Florida judge blocked part of a 2024 law restricting minors' access to social media. The judge deemed the law "likely unconstitutional," citing First Amendment protections. Trade associations representing major social media platforms sued the state over the law.

1 week ago | tallahassee.com | Stephany Matat

Santa Ono, current president of the University of Michigan, awaits final approval from the Florida Board of Governors to become the next president of the University of Florida. Ono faces opposition from some Republican officials who question his stance on protecting Jewish students, citing his handling of pro-Palestine encampments at the University of Michigan.