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Workers brave the oppressive heat in Jackson, Miss., as they reroof the Barfield Complex, Monday, June 13, 2022. Heat advisories, excessive heat warnings and excessive heat watches were issued over states stretching through parts of the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes and east to the Carolinas. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Gov. DeSantis signs worker wage, protection from heat bill

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a controversial bill that will prevent local governments from imposing wage requirements on contractors and requiring heat-exposure protections for workers.DeSantis’ office announced the signing of the bill (HB 433), along with nine other measures passed during this year’s legislative session, in a news release Thursday night.

Johnny Gaudreau, seen here skating in warmups before last year's NHL All-Star Game.

NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother are killed on bicycle ride

The player, nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” and his younger brother, Matthew, were struck and killed by an SUV one day before they were to appear in their sister's wedding.

North Port is asking voters this fall to allow the city to borrow large sums of money for major projects and infrastructure. North Port never has had the authority to do that. It's had to save up tax money to pay for large expenditures.

North Port seeking voter approval on loans to fund large projects

The City of North Port in Sarasota County is asking voters to change the charter, and allow taking on debt up to $15 million a year for each large project. North Port has not been allowed to take on large debt since the city was founded in 1959. A referendum on debt is on the November ballot.

Rep. Dotie Joseph, D-North Miami, said a bill restricting flags in schools and government buildings "validates hate."

Attempt to restrict flag displays fuels fight along Florida party lines

The Florida House on Wednesday began moving forward with a proposal that would restrict the types of flags that can be displayed at government buildings and schools, including preventing the display of LGBTQ pride flags.The bill (HB 901), sponsored by Rep. David Borrero, R-Sweetwater, and Rep. Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, drew heavy opposition from LGBTQ people, activists and parents and refueled legislative battles that have raged in recent years about LGBTQ-related issues.

The California State flag flies beside a sign for Los Angeles' sister city Split outside City Hall, in LA in 2017. A proposal to divide the state into three will be on the ballot in California in November.

California? Or Cali-Three-Nia? Proposal To Split State Will Be On Ballot In November

The ballot initiative says the state of California is so enormous and diverse that it is "nearly ungovernable." Long a billionaire's pet project, the idea will go before voters this fall.

Community Cooperative mobile pantry dates set

Community Cooperative lists Mobile Food Pantry times, sites

The Community Cooperative March 2024 food pantry schedule has been released with locations spanning Lee County.The Mobile Food Pantry provides nutritious meals to those in need at various locations throughout the month.

Fall River, MA: Lewis Latimer Headstone Memorial Celebration Weekend

Youth Innovation Night seeks to 'Unleash Your Super Powers'

Area students invited to meet Black innovators Tuesday night at the youth innovation night features modern day heroes, Latimer Fellows and seeks to ‘Unleash Your Super Powers’.

A rusting old luxury ocean liner is set to become divers' dream as artificial reef

Divers are getting excited about the planned sinking of the SS United States. The once glorious luxury ocean liner is slated to become an artificial reef.

Alec Baldwin sues New Mexico officials over handling of 'Rust' shooting case

Actor Alec Baldwin has filed a civil lawsuit for malicious prosecution and civil rights violations in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the Western movie Rust.

Dagon Flores and Marvin Agular were there to support those who will be affected by the SB 1718 law. A massive march and rally was held June 28, 2023, beginning at Centennial Park, marching through downtown Fort Myers, along Palm Beach Blvd to El Nuevo Maguey a restaurant on Palm Beach Blvd. From June 28th to July 5th the immigrant community of Florida have entered into a work stoppage to protest the now law SB 1718. The marched to demonstrate their value to the economy.

Communities across the region feeling crippled by mass deportation orders

Haitian American advocate calls measures such as school and church raids un-American

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