FEATURED STORIES
Diaz-Balarts withdraw endorsement of Gov. Crist for U.S. Senate
By Lesley Clark and Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
Miami Republican U.S. Reps. Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart have pulled their endorsement of Gov. Charlie Crist for the Senate, dealing his campaign a significant blow in South Florida's Hispanic community.
Lawmakers announce jobs forum
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
The incoming leaders of the Florida Legislature announced plans Tuesday for a statewide conference on job creation next month in Orlando.
Punch-drunk Charlie Crist reels in tax-cut bait
By Scott Maxwell
Orlando Sentinel
Charlie Crist nowadays is looking more beat-up than Rocky at the end of his bout with Apollo Creed.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Alex Sink wants reform for the State Board of Administrators
By Joshua Holton
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
Almost one million Floridians rely on the state's $112 billion pension fund.
Legislators seek extra day off for state workers
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
State Rep. Alan Williams asked Gov. Charlie Crist Tuesday to give state employees a day off for Christmas Eve.
Florida Senate report urges blood business to open up
By Mike Clary
Orlando Sentinel
While asserting that Florida's blood supply is safe and adequate, a state Senate committee recommends that nonprofit blood collection centers open up about their business practices to increase competition and reassure the public that they are ethically and fiscally sound.
What's cooking with 'Wafflegate?'
Editorial
Tampa Tribune
Officials with the state Department of Transportation spent months negotiating in secret with CSX Railroad to cut the deal that would eventually become SunRail - the $495 million purchase of 61 miles of track for commuter rail near Orlando.
Lobbyists' spending still too secretive
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
Businesses and other special interests spent an estimated $116.5 million last year trying to influence the Florida Legislature.
2010 RACES
Political grandstanding or making sure that "justice" is done?
By Gary Fineout
The Fine Print
The battle to become Florida's next Attorney General may hinge on one simple question: What is the proper role for the state's top legal officer?
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Regulators set to release opinion on FPL rate hike
By Susan Salisbury
Palm Beach Post
Another step along an unexpectedly bumpy road for Florida Power & Light Co.'s proposed $1.4 billion rate hike is due Wednesday.
FGCU solar field switched on to provide power to part of campus
By Leslie Williams Hale
Naples News
There was no flip of a giant switch or flickering of lights.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Citizens No-Bid Contract Questioned
By Mike Vasilinda
Capitol News Service
Citizens, the state-run property insurance company, is under fire for awarding a contract worth up to 60 million dollars without a bid.
Tampa Bay home sales surge 34 percent over last November
By James Thorner
St. Petersburg Times
Department stores use the tactic all the time: attract bargain hunters with promises of soon-to-end sales.
In Southwest Florida, number of home sales begins to level off
By Tom Bayles
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Stability has returned to the Southwest Florida real estate market -- for now.
Job creation is Job 1
By Mike Haridopolos and Dean Cannon
Tallahassee Democrat
When the throngs gather in Times Square to herald a New Year of hope, many Floridians will be all too glad to close the books on 2009.
EDUCATION
Florida's graduation rate nothing to be proud about
By Lawton 'Bud' Chiles
TC Palm
It's past time to move beyond political myth and rhetoric regarding Florida's educational quality and move toward a real awareness of and solution to a major crisis facing our state -- the education of our kids.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Lessons of reform: progress in spite of noise and fury of opposition
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Journal
When New York Times/CBS pollsters asked respondents if they understood "the health care reforms under consideration in Congress" back in September, 59 percent said they were confused.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Rothstein's office contents to be sold at auction
The Associated Press
Tampa Tribune
Belongings of a South Florida lawyer charged with operating a $1 billion Ponzi scheme are going on the auction block.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Daily Clips for December 22, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
4 Senate candidates try to woo Cuban-Americans
The Associated Press
Tampa Tribune
The four top candidates in the race to become Florida's next U.S. senator vied today to show the state's politically powerful Cuban-American community why each would be the best to fight for democracy in Cuba.
New information undercuts Sansom's defense
By Alex Leary
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
As the Florida House prepares for an unrivaled investigative hearing into its former leader, new information undercuts key parts of Rep. Ray Sansom's defense.
Destroying the Everglades at 25 Cents Per Ton
By Alan Farago
Counterpunch
In early December, on an unseasonably hot and humid Florida day, I sat under a large tent in a crowd of hundreds at the edge of a man-made canal draining the Everglades.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Greer shoots back, says he won't give in to threats, "hateful lies"
By William March
Tampa Tribune
Embattled state Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer has shot back with a letter to state party leaders saying he won't give in to "hateful lies" being spread about him by resigning from his position.
Crist aide departing to be Chamber's chief
By Shannon Colavecchio
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Dale Brill, director of transportation, tourism and economic development for Gov. Charlie Crist, is leaving to serve as president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
E-mails out of the public eye
Editorial
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Did state Department of Transportation officials try to evade Florida's public records laws by mislabeling thousands of e-mails concerning an expensive commuter rail proposal?
2010 RACES
Florida's U.S. Senate candidates unified on Cuba
By Wilfredo Cancio Isla
Miami Herald
The four leading candidates for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat in 2010 were in the same room for the first time Monday at the U.S.-Cuba Democracy Political Action Committee's annual luncheon -- where they staked out their positions on the future of Cuba and its relations with the United States.
What Crist won't forget: your name
By Jeremy Wallace
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist stepped to the microphone at a recent Sarasota Republican Party meeting and immediately began dropping names.
In Rubio-Crist battle, GOP allies becomes foes
Staff Report
St. Petersburg Times
Members of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans Club say the split between supporters of Marco Rubio and Charlie Crist in their U.S. Senate race has become personal.
Little light is shed in a visit by Gov. Crist
By Daniel Shoer Roth
Miami Herald
For the first time in all the years I have worked at The Miami Herald, a short circuit left the newsroom in the dark Friday morning.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
Businesses leaders plan Amendment 4 fight
By Scarlet Sims
Panama City News Herald
Business community leaders last week took the first step toward organizing to fight an amendment that would allow residents to vote on all zoning changes to city and county comprehensive land-use plans.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Judge tosses out Seminole demand for cash over river fight
By Steve Patterson
Florida Times-Union
A state administrative judge has rejected a utility's request to make Jacksonville and the Johns Riverkeeper pay attorney fees the utility spent on a court fight to take drinking water from the St. Johns River.
Waging a global war on climate change
Editorial
Miami Herald
Was the climate summit in Copenhagen worth the two years of preparation and expense, or just another wasted exercise in over-hyped bloviating by bureaucrats and their heads of state?
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Rail bill overcharges taxpayers, inflates employment claims
By Paula Dockery
Ft. Myers News-Press
Counterpoint by Gov. Charlie Crist: Rail projects create jobs Floridians need
Special interests won the day when Gov. Charlie Crist signed the new rail legislation into law.
Florida's job market got ice cold during the recession
By Scott Andron
Miami Herald
When the job market gets tough, the tough get going -- back to school.
Protect state funds
Editorial
Orlando Sentinel
With more than $100 billion in investments, Florida has the nation's fourth-largest pension fund.
EDUCATION
Crist could improve his ranking of Florida schools
By Aaron Sharockman
St. Petersburg Times
Gov. Charlie Crist says Florida has a good story to tell when it comes to K-12 education.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Health care bill: Florida will feel effects of reform
By Frank Gluck
Ft. Myers News-Press
Florida could see its health insurance rolls increase by 2.4 million by 2019, and almost a million of its seniors would be blocked from proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage, according to a landmark $871 billion health care reform package expected to win Senate approval Thursday.
Senate gears for second critical health vote
By Erica Werner
The Associated Press
One 60-vote hurdle down, two to go for President Barack Obama's health care overhaul in the Senate.
Heart doctors protest Medicare cuts, say patient care will suffer
By Richard Martin
St. Petersburg Times
Cardiologists from across the state have been banding together, bending the ears of lawmakers in Washington and even holding a rally in Orlando, all to protest Medicare cuts that they say will have devastating consequences for their patients and their practices.
Senate health care bill is dealmaking, not reform
Editorial
Palm Beach Post
On Christmas Eve, Senate Democrats intend to leave under the health insurance industry's tree 31 million new customers at significant taxpayer expense.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Leaders seek FDLE probe of Adderley-Rothstein link
By Jon Burnstein
South Florida Sun-Sentinel via Miami Herald
Two Fort Lauderdale city commissioners have asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate allegations against Police Chief Frank Adderley arising from his relationship with Ponzi scheme suspect Scott Rothstein.
Judiciary: A little balance, please
Editorial
Florida Times-Union
A local man, Circuit Judge Waddell Wallace, is one of four nominees to fill a vacancy on the state's 1st District Court of Appeal.
4 Senate candidates try to woo Cuban-Americans
The Associated Press
Tampa Tribune
The four top candidates in the race to become Florida's next U.S. senator vied today to show the state's politically powerful Cuban-American community why each would be the best to fight for democracy in Cuba.
New information undercuts Sansom's defense
By Alex Leary
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
As the Florida House prepares for an unrivaled investigative hearing into its former leader, new information undercuts key parts of Rep. Ray Sansom's defense.
Destroying the Everglades at 25 Cents Per Ton
By Alan Farago
Counterpunch
In early December, on an unseasonably hot and humid Florida day, I sat under a large tent in a crowd of hundreds at the edge of a man-made canal draining the Everglades.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Greer shoots back, says he won't give in to threats, "hateful lies"
By William March
Tampa Tribune
Embattled state Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer has shot back with a letter to state party leaders saying he won't give in to "hateful lies" being spread about him by resigning from his position.
Crist aide departing to be Chamber's chief
By Shannon Colavecchio
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Dale Brill, director of transportation, tourism and economic development for Gov. Charlie Crist, is leaving to serve as president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
E-mails out of the public eye
Editorial
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Did state Department of Transportation officials try to evade Florida's public records laws by mislabeling thousands of e-mails concerning an expensive commuter rail proposal?
2010 RACES
Florida's U.S. Senate candidates unified on Cuba
By Wilfredo Cancio Isla
Miami Herald
The four leading candidates for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat in 2010 were in the same room for the first time Monday at the U.S.-Cuba Democracy Political Action Committee's annual luncheon -- where they staked out their positions on the future of Cuba and its relations with the United States.
What Crist won't forget: your name
By Jeremy Wallace
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist stepped to the microphone at a recent Sarasota Republican Party meeting and immediately began dropping names.
In Rubio-Crist battle, GOP allies becomes foes
Staff Report
St. Petersburg Times
Members of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans Club say the split between supporters of Marco Rubio and Charlie Crist in their U.S. Senate race has become personal.
Little light is shed in a visit by Gov. Crist
By Daniel Shoer Roth
Miami Herald
For the first time in all the years I have worked at The Miami Herald, a short circuit left the newsroom in the dark Friday morning.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
Businesses leaders plan Amendment 4 fight
By Scarlet Sims
Panama City News Herald
Business community leaders last week took the first step toward organizing to fight an amendment that would allow residents to vote on all zoning changes to city and county comprehensive land-use plans.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Judge tosses out Seminole demand for cash over river fight
By Steve Patterson
Florida Times-Union
A state administrative judge has rejected a utility's request to make Jacksonville and the Johns Riverkeeper pay attorney fees the utility spent on a court fight to take drinking water from the St. Johns River.
Waging a global war on climate change
Editorial
Miami Herald
Was the climate summit in Copenhagen worth the two years of preparation and expense, or just another wasted exercise in over-hyped bloviating by bureaucrats and their heads of state?
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Rail bill overcharges taxpayers, inflates employment claims
By Paula Dockery
Ft. Myers News-Press
Counterpoint by Gov. Charlie Crist: Rail projects create jobs Floridians need
Special interests won the day when Gov. Charlie Crist signed the new rail legislation into law.
Florida's job market got ice cold during the recession
By Scott Andron
Miami Herald
When the job market gets tough, the tough get going -- back to school.
Protect state funds
Editorial
Orlando Sentinel
With more than $100 billion in investments, Florida has the nation's fourth-largest pension fund.
EDUCATION
Crist could improve his ranking of Florida schools
By Aaron Sharockman
St. Petersburg Times
Gov. Charlie Crist says Florida has a good story to tell when it comes to K-12 education.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Health care bill: Florida will feel effects of reform
By Frank Gluck
Ft. Myers News-Press
Florida could see its health insurance rolls increase by 2.4 million by 2019, and almost a million of its seniors would be blocked from proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage, according to a landmark $871 billion health care reform package expected to win Senate approval Thursday.
Senate gears for second critical health vote
By Erica Werner
The Associated Press
One 60-vote hurdle down, two to go for President Barack Obama's health care overhaul in the Senate.
Heart doctors protest Medicare cuts, say patient care will suffer
By Richard Martin
St. Petersburg Times
Cardiologists from across the state have been banding together, bending the ears of lawmakers in Washington and even holding a rally in Orlando, all to protest Medicare cuts that they say will have devastating consequences for their patients and their practices.
Senate health care bill is dealmaking, not reform
Editorial
Palm Beach Post
On Christmas Eve, Senate Democrats intend to leave under the health insurance industry's tree 31 million new customers at significant taxpayer expense.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Leaders seek FDLE probe of Adderley-Rothstein link
By Jon Burnstein
South Florida Sun-Sentinel via Miami Herald
Two Fort Lauderdale city commissioners have asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate allegations against Police Chief Frank Adderley arising from his relationship with Ponzi scheme suspect Scott Rothstein.
Judiciary: A little balance, please
Editorial
Florida Times-Union
A local man, Circuit Judge Waddell Wallace, is one of four nominees to fill a vacancy on the state's 1st District Court of Appeal.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Daily Clips for December 21, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Suddenly in a slump, Crist seems a bit lost
By Beth Rainhard
Miami Herald
Gov. Charlie Crist walked alone into Friday's meeting with The Miami Herald editorial board.
Gov. Charlie Crist stands by embattled Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer
By Steve Bousquet
St. Petersburg Times
At the moment, Gov. Charlie Crist needs another headache like he needs a hole in the head.
Jobs outlook not expected to improve until second quarter
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
Florida's unemployment rate rose last month to 11.5 percent, within a half-point of a state record, the state announced Friday.
A Worsening climate: Political pressures on Crist place the environment at risk.
Editorial
Orlando Sentinel
Florida's ban on offshore drilling may be history. So too its claim to being in the forefront of states on clean energy. We're convinced of that because of what Gov. Charlie Crist said.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Gov. Crist: I'll return donations from Rothstein's law firm
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
Related: Feds pursue more lawyers, campaign violation links in Scott Rothstein case
Related: Scott Rothstein's attorney: Don't auction his photos
With polls showing his U.S. Senate rival on his heels, Gov. Charlie Crist reversed course Friday and said he would return all campaign donations from employees of the law firm formerly headed by accused con man Scott Rothstein.
Legislature set to hit the session running on corruption reform
By Brandon Larrabee
Florida Times-Union
After a rash of corruption charges against state and local officials and other political figures, a handful of lawmakers has already filed a slate of bills aimed at cracking down on official misconduct.
Pressure Mounting on Greer to Step Down
By John Kennedy
News Service of Florida via Lakeland Ledger
Pressure continued to mount on Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer, with former state House and Senate GOP leaders circulating a resolution Friday calling for him to resign.
Rail special session gave DOT unprecedented clout
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
The state Department of Transportation acquired sweeping new power, including the ability to borrow money, in the rail bill that Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law last week.
Just Who Are Those Florida Swing Voters?
By Dr. Susan MacManus
Sayfie Review
A Closer Look at No Party Affiliation (NPA) Registrants and Self-Proclaimed Independents.
Some Oppose Term-Limit Bill
By Kevin Bouffard
Lakeland Ledger
Local officials in Polk County and across Florida are closely watching proposed legislation that, as currently written, would limit the terms of elected county and municipal officials to 12 years.
Florida rules leave too many voteless
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
The U.S. Constitution guarantees Americans the right to vote.
2010 RACES
Records link Rubio to many spending items
By Gary Fineout
The Fine Print
Former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio -- a GOP candidate for U.S. Senate -- claims on his campaign Web site that "during Rubio's last four years in the House, he did not file any individual member budget requests."
Fla. Senate candidates to meet at Cuba forum
The Associated Press
Miami Herald
Three top candidates in the race to become Florida's next U.S. senator will face off on the issue of U.S.-Cuba relations.
Candidate Deutch wins endorsements from fellow Dems Frankel, Meek, to replace U.S. Rep. Wexler
By Stacey Singer
Palm Beach Post
State Sen. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, burnished his congressional election resume with endorsements from two top Democrats on Sunday, setting him up as the local party's favored son in the Feb. 2 special election primary to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler.
Crist would suspend Spence-Jones again if she wins special election
By Charles Rabin and Michael Vasquez
Miami Herald
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said Friday he would likely remove Michelle Spence-Jones from office again if she wins her Miami commission seat again in January while fighting a grand theft charge.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
District process may be changed
By Jim Saunders
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Every 10 years, Florida lawmakers play a political chess game.
Proposed amendments take aim at redistricting reform
Editorial
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Entrenched Florida politicians and their special-interest allies in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., are getting nervous about a pair of proposals that could loosen their grip on power.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Pols, voters abandon go-green positions
By Aaron Deslatte
Orlando Sentinel
This is not a good time to go green in Florida politics.
Reject near-shore drilling
By Scott Maddox
Tampa Tribune
In 2008, a super-modern, hi-tech, state-of-the-art oil drilling rig was installed 250 miles off the Coast of Australia.
State says manatee deaths up
By Catherine Whittenburg
Tampa Tribune
State wildlife officials are reporting that a record number of manatees were found dead in state waters this year, due partly to cold weather in early 2009.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Florida unemployment leaps to 11.5%; bay area to 12.3%
By Jeff Harrington
St. Petersburg Times
Even as the national unemployment picture slightly improved, the job front in Florida -- and Tampa Bay in particular -- took a turn for the worse in November.
State job rolls take a hit amid recession
By Bill Cotterell
Pensacola News Journal
The recession has state government employees clinging to their jobs as Florida legislators cut job rolls.
Hard times remain for Florida banks
By John Hielscher
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Sixteen Florida banks have failed during the Great Recession, the fourth highest total in the nation.
PSC's newcomers already facing high-stakes decisions
By Mary Ellen Klas
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Six months ago, David Klement and Steve Stevens were looking for jobs in classified ads and on Internet job boards.
No Rail Grant List Exists
Staff Report
Lakeland Ledger
A Florida congressman told a Central Florida newspaper Friday that the state is among four finalists to receive federal stimulus money for high speed rail, but other officials said the statement may have been premature.
Fla. parimutuels betting on casinos for rebirth
By Michael Vasquez and Jim Freer
Miami Herald via Ocala Star-Banner
An overflow crowd of 26,874 flocked to Hialeah Park's hallowed grounds when the historic track threw open its gates Nov. 28 after an eight-year hibernation.
Stop 'legal' tax cheating
Editorial
Palm Beach Post
Even if online sales hit record levels between Cyber Monday and last week's beat-the-shipping-deadline push, Florida won't benefit the way the state would from a mega Black Friday.
EDUCATION
VPK enrollment is growing across Manatee and Florida
By Natalie Neysa Alund
Bradenton Herald
The state-funded, legislative-mandated program called Voluntary PreKindergarten was created to prepare every 4-year-old in Florida for kindergarten.
63 of 67 school district OK Fla. grant application
The Associated Press
Miami Herald
Education Commissioner Eric Smith says 63 of Florida's 67 school districts have endorsed the state's application for up to $700 million in federal grant money.
Teaching science is a state priority
By Eric J. Smith
Tallahassee Democrat
As commissioner of education and a former science teacher, I have a very keen understanding of how important science is to the future success of our students.
Climate researcher becomes FSU's 14th president
By Shannon Colavecchio
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
The third-grader from Lafayette, Ind., had no interest in race cars or G.I. Joe sets for his upcoming birthday.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Getting Florida's Nelson to vote for the health bill
By Jeremy Wallace
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
When Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid dropped a Medicare buy-in provision to the latest health care reform bill, he likely secured Sen. Bill Nelson's support when the package goes for a vote of the full Senate this week.
Insurers may have to hike percentage spent on care
By John Lantigua
Palm Beach Post
If there is one thing former Saturday Night Live comedian Al Franken doesn't find funny, it's the amount of money paid to health insurance companies that doesn't go to health care.
Malpractice setup haunts Lee County, U.S. health care
By Pat Gillespie
Ft. Myers News-Press
In the six years since Florida put limits on damages in medical malpractice lawsuits, insurance premiums and lawsuits have dropped.
Lawyers heading to court next month over Florida's Medicaid reimbursement rates
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
While the nation waits for Congress to vote on massive health care reforms, advocates for 1.6 million poor children in Florida are pinning their hopes on a Miami federal judge.
Proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage concern South Florida seniors
By William E. Gibson and Bob LaMendola
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
For years, the federal government has spent billions to entice senior citizens into private Medicare Advantage plans run by HMOs that offer bonus care for low premiums.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Police chief in limbo after second major embarrassment
By Brittany Wallman
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Some leaders don't survive a single bout of public embarrassment and negative attention. But two?
Put children first
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
The case of Dorothy Sampson-Monroe demonstrates why Florida needs stricter rules on when convicted criminals may care for children as day care workers, foster parents or counselors.
Suddenly in a slump, Crist seems a bit lost
By Beth Rainhard
Miami Herald
Gov. Charlie Crist walked alone into Friday's meeting with The Miami Herald editorial board.
Gov. Charlie Crist stands by embattled Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer
By Steve Bousquet
St. Petersburg Times
At the moment, Gov. Charlie Crist needs another headache like he needs a hole in the head.
Jobs outlook not expected to improve until second quarter
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
Florida's unemployment rate rose last month to 11.5 percent, within a half-point of a state record, the state announced Friday.
A Worsening climate: Political pressures on Crist place the environment at risk.
Editorial
Orlando Sentinel
Florida's ban on offshore drilling may be history. So too its claim to being in the forefront of states on clean energy. We're convinced of that because of what Gov. Charlie Crist said.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Gov. Crist: I'll return donations from Rothstein's law firm
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
Related: Feds pursue more lawyers, campaign violation links in Scott Rothstein case
Related: Scott Rothstein's attorney: Don't auction his photos
With polls showing his U.S. Senate rival on his heels, Gov. Charlie Crist reversed course Friday and said he would return all campaign donations from employees of the law firm formerly headed by accused con man Scott Rothstein.
Legislature set to hit the session running on corruption reform
By Brandon Larrabee
Florida Times-Union
After a rash of corruption charges against state and local officials and other political figures, a handful of lawmakers has already filed a slate of bills aimed at cracking down on official misconduct.
Pressure Mounting on Greer to Step Down
By John Kennedy
News Service of Florida via Lakeland Ledger
Pressure continued to mount on Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer, with former state House and Senate GOP leaders circulating a resolution Friday calling for him to resign.
Rail special session gave DOT unprecedented clout
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
The state Department of Transportation acquired sweeping new power, including the ability to borrow money, in the rail bill that Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law last week.
Just Who Are Those Florida Swing Voters?
By Dr. Susan MacManus
Sayfie Review
A Closer Look at No Party Affiliation (NPA) Registrants and Self-Proclaimed Independents.
Some Oppose Term-Limit Bill
By Kevin Bouffard
Lakeland Ledger
Local officials in Polk County and across Florida are closely watching proposed legislation that, as currently written, would limit the terms of elected county and municipal officials to 12 years.
Florida rules leave too many voteless
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
The U.S. Constitution guarantees Americans the right to vote.
2010 RACES
Records link Rubio to many spending items
By Gary Fineout
The Fine Print
Former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio -- a GOP candidate for U.S. Senate -- claims on his campaign Web site that "during Rubio's last four years in the House, he did not file any individual member budget requests."
Fla. Senate candidates to meet at Cuba forum
The Associated Press
Miami Herald
Three top candidates in the race to become Florida's next U.S. senator will face off on the issue of U.S.-Cuba relations.
Candidate Deutch wins endorsements from fellow Dems Frankel, Meek, to replace U.S. Rep. Wexler
By Stacey Singer
Palm Beach Post
State Sen. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, burnished his congressional election resume with endorsements from two top Democrats on Sunday, setting him up as the local party's favored son in the Feb. 2 special election primary to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler.
Crist would suspend Spence-Jones again if she wins special election
By Charles Rabin and Michael Vasquez
Miami Herald
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said Friday he would likely remove Michelle Spence-Jones from office again if she wins her Miami commission seat again in January while fighting a grand theft charge.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
District process may be changed
By Jim Saunders
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Every 10 years, Florida lawmakers play a political chess game.
Proposed amendments take aim at redistricting reform
Editorial
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Entrenched Florida politicians and their special-interest allies in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., are getting nervous about a pair of proposals that could loosen their grip on power.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Pols, voters abandon go-green positions
By Aaron Deslatte
Orlando Sentinel
This is not a good time to go green in Florida politics.
Reject near-shore drilling
By Scott Maddox
Tampa Tribune
In 2008, a super-modern, hi-tech, state-of-the-art oil drilling rig was installed 250 miles off the Coast of Australia.
State says manatee deaths up
By Catherine Whittenburg
Tampa Tribune
State wildlife officials are reporting that a record number of manatees were found dead in state waters this year, due partly to cold weather in early 2009.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Florida unemployment leaps to 11.5%; bay area to 12.3%
By Jeff Harrington
St. Petersburg Times
Even as the national unemployment picture slightly improved, the job front in Florida -- and Tampa Bay in particular -- took a turn for the worse in November.
State job rolls take a hit amid recession
By Bill Cotterell
Pensacola News Journal
The recession has state government employees clinging to their jobs as Florida legislators cut job rolls.
Hard times remain for Florida banks
By John Hielscher
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Sixteen Florida banks have failed during the Great Recession, the fourth highest total in the nation.
PSC's newcomers already facing high-stakes decisions
By Mary Ellen Klas
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Six months ago, David Klement and Steve Stevens were looking for jobs in classified ads and on Internet job boards.
No Rail Grant List Exists
Staff Report
Lakeland Ledger
A Florida congressman told a Central Florida newspaper Friday that the state is among four finalists to receive federal stimulus money for high speed rail, but other officials said the statement may have been premature.
Fla. parimutuels betting on casinos for rebirth
By Michael Vasquez and Jim Freer
Miami Herald via Ocala Star-Banner
An overflow crowd of 26,874 flocked to Hialeah Park's hallowed grounds when the historic track threw open its gates Nov. 28 after an eight-year hibernation.
Stop 'legal' tax cheating
Editorial
Palm Beach Post
Even if online sales hit record levels between Cyber Monday and last week's beat-the-shipping-deadline push, Florida won't benefit the way the state would from a mega Black Friday.
EDUCATION
VPK enrollment is growing across Manatee and Florida
By Natalie Neysa Alund
Bradenton Herald
The state-funded, legislative-mandated program called Voluntary PreKindergarten was created to prepare every 4-year-old in Florida for kindergarten.
63 of 67 school district OK Fla. grant application
The Associated Press
Miami Herald
Education Commissioner Eric Smith says 63 of Florida's 67 school districts have endorsed the state's application for up to $700 million in federal grant money.
Teaching science is a state priority
By Eric J. Smith
Tallahassee Democrat
As commissioner of education and a former science teacher, I have a very keen understanding of how important science is to the future success of our students.
Climate researcher becomes FSU's 14th president
By Shannon Colavecchio
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
The third-grader from Lafayette, Ind., had no interest in race cars or G.I. Joe sets for his upcoming birthday.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Getting Florida's Nelson to vote for the health bill
By Jeremy Wallace
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
When Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid dropped a Medicare buy-in provision to the latest health care reform bill, he likely secured Sen. Bill Nelson's support when the package goes for a vote of the full Senate this week.
Insurers may have to hike percentage spent on care
By John Lantigua
Palm Beach Post
If there is one thing former Saturday Night Live comedian Al Franken doesn't find funny, it's the amount of money paid to health insurance companies that doesn't go to health care.
Malpractice setup haunts Lee County, U.S. health care
By Pat Gillespie
Ft. Myers News-Press
In the six years since Florida put limits on damages in medical malpractice lawsuits, insurance premiums and lawsuits have dropped.
Lawyers heading to court next month over Florida's Medicaid reimbursement rates
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
While the nation waits for Congress to vote on massive health care reforms, advocates for 1.6 million poor children in Florida are pinning their hopes on a Miami federal judge.
Proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage concern South Florida seniors
By William E. Gibson and Bob LaMendola
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
For years, the federal government has spent billions to entice senior citizens into private Medicare Advantage plans run by HMOs that offer bonus care for low premiums.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Police chief in limbo after second major embarrassment
By Brittany Wallman
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Some leaders don't survive a single bout of public embarrassment and negative attention. But two?
Put children first
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
The case of Dorothy Sampson-Monroe demonstrates why Florida needs stricter rules on when convicted criminals may care for children as day care workers, foster parents or counselors.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Daily Clips for December 18, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Fifty Florida GOP officials sign letter calling for vote on Greer
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
The chorus of Republican officials calling for the ouster of state GOP chairman Jim Greer grew louder Thursday as at least 50 party officials signed a letter calling for a secret ballot vote on rescinding Greer's chairmanship.
Crist proposes cutting corporate-income tax
By Josh Hafenbrack
Miami Herald via South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Gov. Charlie Crist told The Sun Sentinel on Thursday that he is crafting a plan to slash Florida's corporate income tax, which generates $1.7 billion annually.
Crist says he had no reason to suspect alleged swindler Rothstein of anything illegal
By Peter Franceschina
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
In his most detailed comments yet about $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme suspect Scott Rothstein, Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday he had heard the rumors swirling about the mysterious source of Rothstein's sudden wealth but saw no reason to investigate him or refuse his big political contributions.
BEST OF THE BLOGS
How we got to 43:43: Crist's inevitable return to Earth
By Steve Schale
Steve Schale
To me, the real story surrounding the Crist/Rubio Rasmussen poll has very little to do with Marco Rubio's rise and has everything to do with the one fundamental flaw in Crist's political career: he's never had a base.
Pensacola: "Don't Go Near the Water"
By Beach Blogger
Pensacola Beach Blog
Judging from their published comments, local utility and tourist-promotion big-wigs might have some pretty snappy suggestions for promoting Pensacola as a safe place to live and visit.
Hillsborough County Commission Votes Down Protections for LGBT Employees
By Tobias
Progress Florida
By a vote of 4 to 3, the Hillsborough County Commission today failed to extend non-discrimination protections to their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.
FLORIDA POLITICS
LeMieux ends stall on Brazil ambassador
By Lesley Clark
Miami Herald
Florida Sen. George Le-Mieux dropped his opposition Thursday to the Obama administration's new ambassador to Brazil, saying he won commitments from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on areas of concern -- including Honduras and Cuba.
Battle brewing over GOP chairmanship
By Matt Dixon
Panama City News Herald
Republican Party of Florida Vice Chairman Allen Cox has not been coy about his criticism of RPOF Chairman Jim Greer's spending habits.
Greer may be short on money and support
By Paul Flemming
Tallahassee Democrat
An indicted Republican legislative leader is not enough. Shady expenditures are not enough.
Vasilinda: Deal 'fair and square'
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
State Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda and her television-newsman husband Thursday said renewal of a $3.7 million Florida Lottery contract with his company was "fair and square."
2010 RACES
Ausley may ditch Senate bid, run for CFO instead
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
Veteran Democratic lawmaker Loranne Ausley of Tallahassee says she is seriously considering dropping her bid for the Florida Senate and running instead for chief financial officer.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Rail deal wins cautious support
By Heather Scofield
Daytona Beach News-Journal
The Volusia County Council cautiously renewed its commitment to the SunRail project Thursday with a one-year extension of an interlocal operating agreement.
DCF call center is answer for Ocala area jobless
By Jackie Alexander
Ocala Star-Banner
Samuel Allen and his family came to Florida four months ago from Michigan on the promise of a new job and new life.
EDUCATION
Florida teachers union blasts federal grants' merit-pay rule
By Leslie Postal
Orlando Sentinel
Florida's largest teachers union Thursday called efforts to win federal grant money by overhauling teacher pay plans "fatally flawed" and urged local unions not to take part in the state's bid to win as much as $700 million.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
2.4M in FL would get coverage, group says
Staff Report
Health News Florida
About 2.4 million people will gain insurance coverage in Florida by 2019 if the Senate health-care bill passes, according to a report to be released next week by the consumer health organization Families USA.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Five law firms land plum state pension fund work
By Sydney P. Freedberg and Connie Humburg
St. Petersburg Times
Five law firms, including several political donors, were tapped Thursday to represent Florida's pension fund in mega lawsuits that could produce millions in legal fees.
Florida Justices Ban Shackling Kids In Court
By Bill Kaczor
The Associated Press
The Florida Supreme Court called the blanket use of shackles, handcuffs and other restraints on children in most of the state's juvenile courtrooms "repugnant, degrading, humiliating" and counterproductive as the justices banned the practice Thursday.
Scott Rothstein's office items to be auctioned
By Amy Sherman and Jay Weaver
Miami Herald
Everything from the pens Scott Rothstein could have used to write fake legal documents to the photo of himself blowing out candles on a cake with Gov. Charlie Crist to the massage chairs in the law firm's lounge will be sold at an auction next month.
Fifty Florida GOP officials sign letter calling for vote on Greer
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
The chorus of Republican officials calling for the ouster of state GOP chairman Jim Greer grew louder Thursday as at least 50 party officials signed a letter calling for a secret ballot vote on rescinding Greer's chairmanship.
Crist proposes cutting corporate-income tax
By Josh Hafenbrack
Miami Herald via South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Gov. Charlie Crist told The Sun Sentinel on Thursday that he is crafting a plan to slash Florida's corporate income tax, which generates $1.7 billion annually.
Crist says he had no reason to suspect alleged swindler Rothstein of anything illegal
By Peter Franceschina
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
In his most detailed comments yet about $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme suspect Scott Rothstein, Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday he had heard the rumors swirling about the mysterious source of Rothstein's sudden wealth but saw no reason to investigate him or refuse his big political contributions.
BEST OF THE BLOGS
How we got to 43:43: Crist's inevitable return to Earth
By Steve Schale
Steve Schale
To me, the real story surrounding the Crist/Rubio Rasmussen poll has very little to do with Marco Rubio's rise and has everything to do with the one fundamental flaw in Crist's political career: he's never had a base.
Pensacola: "Don't Go Near the Water"
By Beach Blogger
Pensacola Beach Blog
Judging from their published comments, local utility and tourist-promotion big-wigs might have some pretty snappy suggestions for promoting Pensacola as a safe place to live and visit.
Hillsborough County Commission Votes Down Protections for LGBT Employees
By Tobias
Progress Florida
By a vote of 4 to 3, the Hillsborough County Commission today failed to extend non-discrimination protections to their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.
FLORIDA POLITICS
LeMieux ends stall on Brazil ambassador
By Lesley Clark
Miami Herald
Florida Sen. George Le-Mieux dropped his opposition Thursday to the Obama administration's new ambassador to Brazil, saying he won commitments from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on areas of concern -- including Honduras and Cuba.
Battle brewing over GOP chairmanship
By Matt Dixon
Panama City News Herald
Republican Party of Florida Vice Chairman Allen Cox has not been coy about his criticism of RPOF Chairman Jim Greer's spending habits.
Greer may be short on money and support
By Paul Flemming
Tallahassee Democrat
An indicted Republican legislative leader is not enough. Shady expenditures are not enough.
Vasilinda: Deal 'fair and square'
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
State Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda and her television-newsman husband Thursday said renewal of a $3.7 million Florida Lottery contract with his company was "fair and square."
2010 RACES
Ausley may ditch Senate bid, run for CFO instead
By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat
Veteran Democratic lawmaker Loranne Ausley of Tallahassee says she is seriously considering dropping her bid for the Florida Senate and running instead for chief financial officer.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Rail deal wins cautious support
By Heather Scofield
Daytona Beach News-Journal
The Volusia County Council cautiously renewed its commitment to the SunRail project Thursday with a one-year extension of an interlocal operating agreement.
DCF call center is answer for Ocala area jobless
By Jackie Alexander
Ocala Star-Banner
Samuel Allen and his family came to Florida four months ago from Michigan on the promise of a new job and new life.
EDUCATION
Florida teachers union blasts federal grants' merit-pay rule
By Leslie Postal
Orlando Sentinel
Florida's largest teachers union Thursday called efforts to win federal grant money by overhauling teacher pay plans "fatally flawed" and urged local unions not to take part in the state's bid to win as much as $700 million.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
2.4M in FL would get coverage, group says
Staff Report
Health News Florida
About 2.4 million people will gain insurance coverage in Florida by 2019 if the Senate health-care bill passes, according to a report to be released next week by the consumer health organization Families USA.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Five law firms land plum state pension fund work
By Sydney P. Freedberg and Connie Humburg
St. Petersburg Times
Five law firms, including several political donors, were tapped Thursday to represent Florida's pension fund in mega lawsuits that could produce millions in legal fees.
Florida Justices Ban Shackling Kids In Court
By Bill Kaczor
The Associated Press
The Florida Supreme Court called the blanket use of shackles, handcuffs and other restraints on children in most of the state's juvenile courtrooms "repugnant, degrading, humiliating" and counterproductive as the justices banned the practice Thursday.
Scott Rothstein's office items to be auctioned
By Amy Sherman and Jay Weaver
Miami Herald
Everything from the pens Scott Rothstein could have used to write fake legal documents to the photo of himself blowing out candles on a cake with Gov. Charlie Crist to the massage chairs in the law firm's lounge will be sold at an auction next month.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Daily Clips for December 17, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
High-stakes coup forming against RPOF chair Jim Greer
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
A bitter battle is heating up to oust state GOP chairman Jim Greer, with leading Florida Republicans accusing him of serious financial mismanagement that could jeopardize Republican campaigns in 2010.
McCollum, Sink trade shots over banking ties
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
Picking up a line of attack begun months ago by the Florida Republican Party, gubernatorial hopeful Bill McCollum is accusing his Democratic rival, Alex Sink, of using ``deceptive loan practices'' while she was a top banker.
Open-records allegations taint Charlie Crist's high-speed rail bill-signings
By Steve Bousquet and Janet Zink
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
The fallout from the use of ``pancake'' and ``French toast'' in state e-mails continued to simmer Wednesday, clouding Gov. Charlie Crist's celebratory four-city tour promoting sweeping new rail legislation.
State Farm, state cut deal: 14.8 percent rate hike, 125,000 cancellations
By Paul Flemming
Tallahassee Democrat
State Farm Florida, the state's largest private insurer, will continue insuring property in the state after cutting a deal with regulators that grants a 14.8 percent rate hike and the cancellation of 125,000 policies.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Voting-machine firm merger investigated
By Marc Caputo
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum is conducting an anti-trust investigation of a voting-machine company merger that would create a near-monopoly over the levers of democracy in Florida and much of the United States.
Ethics Commission could use more bite
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
New York's Prohibition-era mayor, Jimmy Walker, once said a reformer is a guy who rides through the sewer in a glass-bottomed boat.
Got a question for Gov. Charlie Crist? Here's your chance
Staff Report
Miami Herald
Are you concerned about rising insurance rates? The state of public education education? Florida's high unemployment rate?
2010 RACES
McCollum's goals if elected Fla. gov look familiar
The Associated Press
Gainesville Sun
Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum has a to-do list if elected governor that looks a lot like the one Gov. Charlie Crist had in 2006: education, lawsuit limits, property insurance and property taxes.
In governor's race, Sink trims McCollum's lead
By David Hunt
Florida Times-Union
Democrat Alex Sink appears to have trimmed down Republican Bill McCollum's lead in the polls as the two campaign to be Florida's next governor.
Forces of Political Nature to Wipeout Florida's Executive Branch
By Caroline Cziesla
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
The whirlwind began last August when Florida Senator Mel Martinez resigned from his Senate position before his term expired.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
Change, after Amend. 4 passes
By John H. Rogers Jr.
Orlando Sentinel
Mary Hurley's recent My Word, "Why I'll vote no on Amend. 4," brought tears to my eyes and enlightened my mind with her impassioned defense of all that is good, right and constitutional about rejecting Amendment 4.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Environmentalists Fight Effort To Allow Oil Drilling Closer To Florida's Coastline (audio story)
By Robert Lorei
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
There's a move by a group in Tallahassee to get the legislature to allow oil and gas drilling in state waters, 3-10 miles off Florida's coast
Groups threaten suit over panther habitat
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
Two environmental groups served notice today that they plan to sue federal officials for failing to take steps to protect the Florida panther.
Billboards to fight pythons
By David Fleshler
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Like bank robbers, drug traffickers and other public enemies, the Burmese python, Nile monitor and sailfin catfish will appear on posters throughout the state as part of a campaign against the release of non-native animals in the wild.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Crist approves millions more dollars for Tri-Rail
By Josh Hafenbrack
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday signed a transportation bill that will provide new funding to Tri-Rail, South Florida's cash-trapped commuter train, and boost billion-dollar rail projects in the Central Florida region.
State pension fund needs more oversight
By Alex Sink
St. Petersburg Times
Like many of you, I love watching sports -- football, basketball, you name it.
No more financial meltdowns
Editorial
Miami Herald
President Obama put the bully pulpit to good use on Monday by scolding bankers for fighting consumer protection legislation and failing to explore ``every reasonable way'' to increase lending.
EDUCATION
Analysts: It's a Year for Holiday Saving, Not Spending
By Gina Presson
Public News Service Florida
It won't wear out, get lost or broken; it doesn't require batteries; and kids can't outgrow it.
Merit pay move a state grab of local school power
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Journal
What makes a good teacher? And how should schools reward those teachers who inspire their students to learn and grow?
A reason to hope for better schools
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
They are two of the clearest reasons to be both discouraged and hopeful about public education in Tampa Bay.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Senators agree? Glory be!
By Carol Gentry
Health News Florida
Florida's two senators, Democrat Bill Nelson and Republican George LeMieux, don't agree on much when it comes to health reform.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Prosecutor hints that plea deal is possible in Rothstein case
By Amy Sherman and Jay Weaver
Miami Herald
A guilty plea from alleged Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein is ``possible,'' a prosecutor told a judge Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale federal court.
High-stakes coup forming against RPOF chair Jim Greer
By Adam C. Smith
St. Petersburg Times
A bitter battle is heating up to oust state GOP chairman Jim Greer, with leading Florida Republicans accusing him of serious financial mismanagement that could jeopardize Republican campaigns in 2010.
McCollum, Sink trade shots over banking ties
By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
Picking up a line of attack begun months ago by the Florida Republican Party, gubernatorial hopeful Bill McCollum is accusing his Democratic rival, Alex Sink, of using ``deceptive loan practices'' while she was a top banker.
Open-records allegations taint Charlie Crist's high-speed rail bill-signings
By Steve Bousquet and Janet Zink
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
The fallout from the use of ``pancake'' and ``French toast'' in state e-mails continued to simmer Wednesday, clouding Gov. Charlie Crist's celebratory four-city tour promoting sweeping new rail legislation.
State Farm, state cut deal: 14.8 percent rate hike, 125,000 cancellations
By Paul Flemming
Tallahassee Democrat
State Farm Florida, the state's largest private insurer, will continue insuring property in the state after cutting a deal with regulators that grants a 14.8 percent rate hike and the cancellation of 125,000 policies.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Voting-machine firm merger investigated
By Marc Caputo
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum is conducting an anti-trust investigation of a voting-machine company merger that would create a near-monopoly over the levers of democracy in Florida and much of the United States.
Ethics Commission could use more bite
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
New York's Prohibition-era mayor, Jimmy Walker, once said a reformer is a guy who rides through the sewer in a glass-bottomed boat.
Got a question for Gov. Charlie Crist? Here's your chance
Staff Report
Miami Herald
Are you concerned about rising insurance rates? The state of public education education? Florida's high unemployment rate?
2010 RACES
McCollum's goals if elected Fla. gov look familiar
The Associated Press
Gainesville Sun
Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum has a to-do list if elected governor that looks a lot like the one Gov. Charlie Crist had in 2006: education, lawsuit limits, property insurance and property taxes.
In governor's race, Sink trims McCollum's lead
By David Hunt
Florida Times-Union
Democrat Alex Sink appears to have trimmed down Republican Bill McCollum's lead in the polls as the two campaign to be Florida's next governor.
Forces of Political Nature to Wipeout Florida's Executive Branch
By Caroline Cziesla
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
The whirlwind began last August when Florida Senator Mel Martinez resigned from his Senate position before his term expired.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
Change, after Amend. 4 passes
By John H. Rogers Jr.
Orlando Sentinel
Mary Hurley's recent My Word, "Why I'll vote no on Amend. 4," brought tears to my eyes and enlightened my mind with her impassioned defense of all that is good, right and constitutional about rejecting Amendment 4.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Environmentalists Fight Effort To Allow Oil Drilling Closer To Florida's Coastline (audio story)
By Robert Lorei
WMNF Community Radio Tampa
There's a move by a group in Tallahassee to get the legislature to allow oil and gas drilling in state waters, 3-10 miles off Florida's coast
Groups threaten suit over panther habitat
By Bruce Ritchie
FloridaEnvironments.com
Two environmental groups served notice today that they plan to sue federal officials for failing to take steps to protect the Florida panther.
Billboards to fight pythons
By David Fleshler
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Like bank robbers, drug traffickers and other public enemies, the Burmese python, Nile monitor and sailfin catfish will appear on posters throughout the state as part of a campaign against the release of non-native animals in the wild.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Crist approves millions more dollars for Tri-Rail
By Josh Hafenbrack
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday signed a transportation bill that will provide new funding to Tri-Rail, South Florida's cash-trapped commuter train, and boost billion-dollar rail projects in the Central Florida region.
State pension fund needs more oversight
By Alex Sink
St. Petersburg Times
Like many of you, I love watching sports -- football, basketball, you name it.
No more financial meltdowns
Editorial
Miami Herald
President Obama put the bully pulpit to good use on Monday by scolding bankers for fighting consumer protection legislation and failing to explore ``every reasonable way'' to increase lending.
EDUCATION
Analysts: It's a Year for Holiday Saving, Not Spending
By Gina Presson
Public News Service Florida
It won't wear out, get lost or broken; it doesn't require batteries; and kids can't outgrow it.
Merit pay move a state grab of local school power
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Journal
What makes a good teacher? And how should schools reward those teachers who inspire their students to learn and grow?
A reason to hope for better schools
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
They are two of the clearest reasons to be both discouraged and hopeful about public education in Tampa Bay.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Senators agree? Glory be!
By Carol Gentry
Health News Florida
Florida's two senators, Democrat Bill Nelson and Republican George LeMieux, don't agree on much when it comes to health reform.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Prosecutor hints that plea deal is possible in Rothstein case
By Amy Sherman and Jay Weaver
Miami Herald
A guilty plea from alleged Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein is ``possible,'' a prosecutor told a judge Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale federal court.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Daily Clips for December 16, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Promising new jobs, Crist to sign rail bill
By Gary Fineout
Ocala Star-Banner
Related AP report: Gov. Crist to sign rail bill in 4 cities
Gov. Charlie Crist, citing the prospect of "jobs, jobs, jobs," today will sign into law a sweeping measure meant to put in place the framework for a statewide rail system that will one day crisscross the state.
Gov. Charlie Crist launches investigation into 'pancake' e-mails
By Marc Caputo
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist waded into an odd public-records squabble Tuesday by asking the state's inspector general to conduct an inquiry into Florida Department of Transportation e-mails that bear the headlines "pancake," "Pancakes" and "French Toast."
FLORIDA POLITICS
SayfieReview.com/AIF/Zogby: Florida Divided
Statewide Poll
Sayfie Review
Florida likely voters have mixed opinion of President's health reform proposal but majority hold favorable opinion of President; GOP leads generic Congressional ballot.
Group calls Carroll GOP's best solution
By David Hunt
Florida Times-Union
Two Florida Republicans, one of them a state GOP committeeman, are pushing a solution to the ideological differences that have intensified throughout the party in past year.
DOT under fire for rail bill e-mails
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
What Florida Department of Transportation officials say was just an eye-catching little gimmick in e-mail messages about high-speed rail systems has become a political conflict with legal overtones.
CSX/SunRail Deal: The Breakfast of Concealers
Editorial
Lakeland Ledger
If state Sen. Paula Dockery wins the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink wins the Democratic counterpart, two things are certain.
DOT's "Wafflegate" needs a closer look
Editorial
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
For all the good it promises, the rail legislation approved last week by the Legislature smacked of a sweetheart deal.
LeMieux's legacy: Florida's junior senator could better use his time by working for bipartisan solutions
Editorial
Orlando Sentinel
Florida's George LeMieux seems intent on making a splash during his brief tenure in the U.S. Senate.
2010 RACES
Poll: Crist And Rubio Now Tied In Florida GOP Primary
By Eric Kleefeld
Talking Points Memo
The new Rasmussen poll of the Florida Republican Senate primary has big news for conservative insurgent candidate Marco Rubio -- he's now tied with moderate Gov. Charlie Crist, the favorite of the GOP establishment.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
Incumbents dread amendments to end custom-fit districts
By Mark Lane
Daytona Beach News-Journal
One of the great unchanging things about the Florida Legislature is the way it resents being told what to do by voters.
Developers Rush to Get Ahead of Amendment 4
Staff Report
News Service of Florida via WBOB Radio Jacksonville
The prospect of land-use changes going before voters if constitutional Amendment 4 is approved next year, is sparking an unprecedented crush of proposals being sent to state planning officials.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Crist meets with Ala., Ga. governors on water-sharing
Staff Report
News Service of Florida via FloridaEnvironments.com
Gov. Charlie Crist met with his two neighboring governors today in Alabama to renew efforts to resolve a dispute over water usage and the three emerged confident they'll resolve the dispute rather than let a federal judge's solution stand.
The Exotic Menace
By Dinah Voyles Pulver
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Florida's problems with exotic, invasive plants and animals developed over a long period and won't be resolved quickly.
Brevard Commission OKs 13K new homes
By Rick Neale
Florida Today
Developers can create new communities containing more than 13,300 homes across 36 square miles of Space Coast woodland and cattle pasture, the Brevard County Commission ruled Tuesday.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Jobless Floridians encounter delays in getting extended unemployment benefits
By Jeff Harrington
St. Petersburg Times
Nearly six weeks after President Barack Obama extended unemployment benefits in hard-hit states like Florida, Janet Husted of St. Petersburg is still waiting for her first check.
Port of Palm Beach's inland port draws criticism from all sides ahead of key vote
By Paul Quinlan
Palm Beach Post
Port of Palm Beach efforts to build a warehousing and distribution complex that would serve South Florida's three seaports has come under mounting criticism in recent weeks from a competing port, potential allies and environmentalists.
$309 million slated for Pensacola area
By Bart Jansen
Pensacola News Journal
Military bases around Pensacola will get construction projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars from a spending bill that Congress has sent to President Barack Obama.
Avis agrees to refund some fees
By Lee Logan
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Avis Rent A Car has agreed to refund some customers a $2.50 per day ``Plate Pass'' fee that was charged even on days customers didn't use the toll payment service.
EDUCATION
Legislator files bill to do away with FCAT
By Katherine Albers and Leslie Williams Hale
Naples News
A Florida representative from Miami who proposed a failed 1 percent sales tax for education last year is suggesting another big change: to do away with the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or FCAT.
AP results should spur parents into action
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
The revelation of vastly different passing rates for college-level Advance Placement exams taken by Tampa Bay high school students is an opportunity for positive change.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Upbeat Obama Says Senate Near Health Bill Passage
By David Espo
The Associated PressProdded by President Barack Obama, Senate Democrats won tentative backing from one holdout and worked intensely to satisfy another Tuesday as they grappled with the last, lingering disputes blocking passage of health care legislation by Christmas.
Dozens rally in Orlando against health care legislation
By Fernando Quintero
Orlando Sentinel
As President Barack Obama called Senate Democrats to the White House Tuesday to solidify support for health care reform, groups opposed to the legislation met in Orlando and in cities throughout the country for a "senate emergency rally."
Health reform's last chance
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Joural
It would be frustrating but grudgingly respectable if health care reform were to hinge on the principles of a single lawmaker.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Judges allow lawsuit challenging prisons' religion programs
Staff Report
St. Petersburg Times
The state prison system's use of Christian and other faith-based programs can be challenged in court by a secular humanist group, a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal ruled Tuesday.
Jennifer Martin to walk free Wednesday after state clemency board cuts sentence in half
By Meg Laughlin
St. Petersburg Times
Jennifer Martin got a call from the director of clemency in Tallahassee on Tuesday.
Promising new jobs, Crist to sign rail bill
By Gary Fineout
Ocala Star-Banner
Related AP report: Gov. Crist to sign rail bill in 4 cities
Gov. Charlie Crist, citing the prospect of "jobs, jobs, jobs," today will sign into law a sweeping measure meant to put in place the framework for a statewide rail system that will one day crisscross the state.
Gov. Charlie Crist launches investigation into 'pancake' e-mails
By Marc Caputo
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist waded into an odd public-records squabble Tuesday by asking the state's inspector general to conduct an inquiry into Florida Department of Transportation e-mails that bear the headlines "pancake," "Pancakes" and "French Toast."
FLORIDA POLITICS
SayfieReview.com/AIF/Zogby: Florida Divided
Statewide Poll
Sayfie Review
Florida likely voters have mixed opinion of President's health reform proposal but majority hold favorable opinion of President; GOP leads generic Congressional ballot.
Group calls Carroll GOP's best solution
By David Hunt
Florida Times-Union
Two Florida Republicans, one of them a state GOP committeeman, are pushing a solution to the ideological differences that have intensified throughout the party in past year.
DOT under fire for rail bill e-mails
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
What Florida Department of Transportation officials say was just an eye-catching little gimmick in e-mail messages about high-speed rail systems has become a political conflict with legal overtones.
CSX/SunRail Deal: The Breakfast of Concealers
Editorial
Lakeland Ledger
If state Sen. Paula Dockery wins the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink wins the Democratic counterpart, two things are certain.
DOT's "Wafflegate" needs a closer look
Editorial
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
For all the good it promises, the rail legislation approved last week by the Legislature smacked of a sweetheart deal.
LeMieux's legacy: Florida's junior senator could better use his time by working for bipartisan solutions
Editorial
Orlando Sentinel
Florida's George LeMieux seems intent on making a splash during his brief tenure in the U.S. Senate.
2010 RACES
Poll: Crist And Rubio Now Tied In Florida GOP Primary
By Eric Kleefeld
Talking Points Memo
The new Rasmussen poll of the Florida Republican Senate primary has big news for conservative insurgent candidate Marco Rubio -- he's now tied with moderate Gov. Charlie Crist, the favorite of the GOP establishment.
BALLOT INITIATIVES
Incumbents dread amendments to end custom-fit districts
By Mark Lane
Daytona Beach News-Journal
One of the great unchanging things about the Florida Legislature is the way it resents being told what to do by voters.
Developers Rush to Get Ahead of Amendment 4
Staff Report
News Service of Florida via WBOB Radio Jacksonville
The prospect of land-use changes going before voters if constitutional Amendment 4 is approved next year, is sparking an unprecedented crush of proposals being sent to state planning officials.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Crist meets with Ala., Ga. governors on water-sharing
Staff Report
News Service of Florida via FloridaEnvironments.com
Gov. Charlie Crist met with his two neighboring governors today in Alabama to renew efforts to resolve a dispute over water usage and the three emerged confident they'll resolve the dispute rather than let a federal judge's solution stand.
The Exotic Menace
By Dinah Voyles Pulver
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Florida's problems with exotic, invasive plants and animals developed over a long period and won't be resolved quickly.
Brevard Commission OKs 13K new homes
By Rick Neale
Florida Today
Developers can create new communities containing more than 13,300 homes across 36 square miles of Space Coast woodland and cattle pasture, the Brevard County Commission ruled Tuesday.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Jobless Floridians encounter delays in getting extended unemployment benefits
By Jeff Harrington
St. Petersburg Times
Nearly six weeks after President Barack Obama extended unemployment benefits in hard-hit states like Florida, Janet Husted of St. Petersburg is still waiting for her first check.
Port of Palm Beach's inland port draws criticism from all sides ahead of key vote
By Paul Quinlan
Palm Beach Post
Port of Palm Beach efforts to build a warehousing and distribution complex that would serve South Florida's three seaports has come under mounting criticism in recent weeks from a competing port, potential allies and environmentalists.
$309 million slated for Pensacola area
By Bart Jansen
Pensacola News Journal
Military bases around Pensacola will get construction projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars from a spending bill that Congress has sent to President Barack Obama.
Avis agrees to refund some fees
By Lee Logan
Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times Tallahassee Bureau
Avis Rent A Car has agreed to refund some customers a $2.50 per day ``Plate Pass'' fee that was charged even on days customers didn't use the toll payment service.
EDUCATION
Legislator files bill to do away with FCAT
By Katherine Albers and Leslie Williams Hale
Naples News
A Florida representative from Miami who proposed a failed 1 percent sales tax for education last year is suggesting another big change: to do away with the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or FCAT.
AP results should spur parents into action
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
The revelation of vastly different passing rates for college-level Advance Placement exams taken by Tampa Bay high school students is an opportunity for positive change.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Upbeat Obama Says Senate Near Health Bill Passage
By David Espo
The Associated PressProdded by President Barack Obama, Senate Democrats won tentative backing from one holdout and worked intensely to satisfy another Tuesday as they grappled with the last, lingering disputes blocking passage of health care legislation by Christmas.
Dozens rally in Orlando against health care legislation
By Fernando Quintero
Orlando Sentinel
As President Barack Obama called Senate Democrats to the White House Tuesday to solidify support for health care reform, groups opposed to the legislation met in Orlando and in cities throughout the country for a "senate emergency rally."
Health reform's last chance
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Joural
It would be frustrating but grudgingly respectable if health care reform were to hinge on the principles of a single lawmaker.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Judges allow lawsuit challenging prisons' religion programs
Staff Report
St. Petersburg Times
The state prison system's use of Christian and other faith-based programs can be challenged in court by a secular humanist group, a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal ruled Tuesday.
Jennifer Martin to walk free Wednesday after state clemency board cuts sentence in half
By Meg Laughlin
St. Petersburg Times
Jennifer Martin got a call from the director of clemency in Tallahassee on Tuesday.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Daily Clips for December 15, 2009
FEATURED STORIES
Crist defends DOT secretary after CFO Sink calls for resignation over 'pancake' e-mails
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
The use of breakfast-related code words by the state's top transportation officials in the subject lines of e-mails dealing with rail legislation has provoked outcry among two candidates for governor, public records advocates and a tax watchdog group.
Taxpayers got taken for a ride on rail bill
By Paula Dockery
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Special interests won the day in Tallahassee last week.
Drilling won't give us what proponents promise
By Scott Maddox
Tallahassee Democrat
There are some very good reasons for Floridians to consider drilling for oil off our coast, but there are probably more reasons to reject such an idea.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Lawmakers promote themselves using taxpayer-funded mailers
By Mark K. Matthews
Orlando Sentinel
Few members of Congress are as relentless at self-promotion as U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson.
A rail deal or a 'pancake'? Dockery takes aim over e-mails
By Marc Caputo
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Innocent breakfast-food reference? Or clever trick to hide the truth?
Give more power to the Florida Commission on Ethics
By Howard Troxler
St. Petersburg Times
Although we have an outfit called the "Florida Commission on Ethics," supposedly our state's public watchdog, it has limitations.
2010 RACES
In Pinellas, Gov. Crist takes aim at Rubio's conservative credentials
By Adam C. Smith and Dominick Tao
St. Petersburg Times
Charlie Crist calls himself a "happier warrior" on the campaign trail.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Alabama, Georgia, Florida governors talk water
The Associated Press
Miami Herald
The governors of Alabama, Georgia and Florida are meeting for the first time in two years to discuss a water sharing dispute that has been going on for two decades.
Kissimmee River making comeback
By Kevin Lollar
Ft. Myers News-Press
An almost day-and-night biological change met passengers last week as the pontoon boat entered the restored section of the Kissimmee River from the C-38 canal.
Navy expresses concern about proposed manatee protections
By David Fleshler
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Having defeated the Japanese fleet and faced down the Soviets, the U.S. Navy faces a new obstacle, one that hides behind a deceptively gentle, seagrass-munching facade.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Banks Under Pressure To Help Struggling Homeowners (audio story)
By Gina Jordan
WFSU Public Radio Tallahassee
Florida is second only to Nevada in the number of foreclosures.
State jobs shrink as recession continues
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
The recession has hit state government and employees are clinging to their jobs as Florida legislators cut job rolls.
Democrats must push for financial reforms
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
It is hard to imagine the disconnect among some in Washington and on Wall Street.
EDUCATION
Federal grant may give Florida schools up to $700 million
By Patricia Mazzei and Hannah Sampson
Miami Herald
As Florida races to win up to $700 million in federal grant money, teachers unions in the state's two largest school districts are balking.
UF faculty union reaches contract agreement
By Nathan Crabbe
Gainesville Sun
The University of Florida's faculty union has reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, forestalling the need for impasse hearings that were scheduled to start Monday.
AP scores reveal cracks in facade
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
School principals and administrators in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties -- and throughout Florida -- boast about the rising number of high school students enrolled in college-level Advanced Placement classes.
Florida universities must do more to attract minorities
Editorial
Miami Herald
One Florida, which removed race and ethnicity from college admissions' outreach, was a monumental step for Florida a decade ago.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Senate Democrats Likely to Drop Medicare Expansion
By Carl Hulse and Robert Pear
New York Times
Senate Democratic leaders said Monday that they were prepared to drop a proposed expansion of Medicare and scrap a new government-run health insurance plan as they tried to rally their caucus in hopes of passing the bill before Christmas.
Rogue group of pain managers skirt rules
By Michael LaForgia
Palm Beach Post
The pain management business has been good to Dr. Anthony G. Rogers.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Dollars and innocence: State wastes money and lives by wrongful imprisonment
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Journal
When James Bain entered prison, he was a slight 19-year-old; now his beard and hair are shot with gray.
Crist defends DOT secretary after CFO Sink calls for resignation over 'pancake' e-mails
By Dara Kam
Palm Beach Post
The use of breakfast-related code words by the state's top transportation officials in the subject lines of e-mails dealing with rail legislation has provoked outcry among two candidates for governor, public records advocates and a tax watchdog group.
Taxpayers got taken for a ride on rail bill
By Paula Dockery
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Special interests won the day in Tallahassee last week.
Drilling won't give us what proponents promise
By Scott Maddox
Tallahassee Democrat
There are some very good reasons for Floridians to consider drilling for oil off our coast, but there are probably more reasons to reject such an idea.
FLORIDA POLITICS
Lawmakers promote themselves using taxpayer-funded mailers
By Mark K. Matthews
Orlando Sentinel
Few members of Congress are as relentless at self-promotion as U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson.
A rail deal or a 'pancake'? Dockery takes aim over e-mails
By Marc Caputo
St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Innocent breakfast-food reference? Or clever trick to hide the truth?
Give more power to the Florida Commission on Ethics
By Howard Troxler
St. Petersburg Times
Although we have an outfit called the "Florida Commission on Ethics," supposedly our state's public watchdog, it has limitations.
2010 RACES
In Pinellas, Gov. Crist takes aim at Rubio's conservative credentials
By Adam C. Smith and Dominick Tao
St. Petersburg Times
Charlie Crist calls himself a "happier warrior" on the campaign trail.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Alabama, Georgia, Florida governors talk water
The Associated Press
Miami Herald
The governors of Alabama, Georgia and Florida are meeting for the first time in two years to discuss a water sharing dispute that has been going on for two decades.
Kissimmee River making comeback
By Kevin Lollar
Ft. Myers News-Press
An almost day-and-night biological change met passengers last week as the pontoon boat entered the restored section of the Kissimmee River from the C-38 canal.
Navy expresses concern about proposed manatee protections
By David Fleshler
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Having defeated the Japanese fleet and faced down the Soviets, the U.S. Navy faces a new obstacle, one that hides behind a deceptively gentle, seagrass-munching facade.
JOBS, BUDGET, AND ECONOMY
Banks Under Pressure To Help Struggling Homeowners (audio story)
By Gina Jordan
WFSU Public Radio Tallahassee
Florida is second only to Nevada in the number of foreclosures.
State jobs shrink as recession continues
By Bill Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat
The recession has hit state government and employees are clinging to their jobs as Florida legislators cut job rolls.
Democrats must push for financial reforms
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
It is hard to imagine the disconnect among some in Washington and on Wall Street.
EDUCATION
Federal grant may give Florida schools up to $700 million
By Patricia Mazzei and Hannah Sampson
Miami Herald
As Florida races to win up to $700 million in federal grant money, teachers unions in the state's two largest school districts are balking.
UF faculty union reaches contract agreement
By Nathan Crabbe
Gainesville Sun
The University of Florida's faculty union has reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, forestalling the need for impasse hearings that were scheduled to start Monday.
AP scores reveal cracks in facade
Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
School principals and administrators in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties -- and throughout Florida -- boast about the rising number of high school students enrolled in college-level Advanced Placement classes.
Florida universities must do more to attract minorities
Editorial
Miami Herald
One Florida, which removed race and ethnicity from college admissions' outreach, was a monumental step for Florida a decade ago.
HEALTH AND SENIORS
Senate Democrats Likely to Drop Medicare Expansion
By Carl Hulse and Robert Pear
New York Times
Senate Democratic leaders said Monday that they were prepared to drop a proposed expansion of Medicare and scrap a new government-run health insurance plan as they tried to rally their caucus in hopes of passing the bill before Christmas.
Rogue group of pain managers skirt rules
By Michael LaForgia
Palm Beach Post
The pain management business has been good to Dr. Anthony G. Rogers.
JUSTICE AND THE COURTS
Dollars and innocence: State wastes money and lives by wrongful imprisonment
Editorial
Daytona Beach News-Journal
When James Bain entered prison, he was a slight 19-year-old; now his beard and hair are shot with gray.
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