Florida Politics

Weekly political notes from The News Service of Florida: Delving into the state budget "sprinkle list" and New College officials' react with negative humor to protests on campus.

Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed six new trustees at New College of Florida in January and they have already begun radically changing the state’s public honors college. Critics say it all amounts to a conservative overhaul of the small, traditionally progressive college with about 700 students. We talk with a current professor, a current student, and a New College alumnus, to get their reactions to what’s unfolding.

HJR 405 would ask voters to require candidates for city and county commissions to disclose their party affiliations, but Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey says that's not what local government is for

It’s becoming increasingly common for conservative political leaders in the United States — including here in Florida — to use language and put forward policies that conflate American identity with religious identity. Many are focusing on issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, and trans rights — and critics say this trend represents a rise in what’s called Christian Nationalism. Christian Nationalism is best summarized as the belief that the history and character of the United States is defined by Christianity, and that the government should take active steps to keep it that way. Our guest counts himself among its critics, and says that while supporters of Christian Nationalism portray it as a social movement, it’s actually a well-organized political movement that seeks to gain political power and to impose its vision on all of society. Rev. Paul Raushenbush is an ordained Baptist minister, and he is President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, a national nonprofit founded in 1994 to advocate for religious freedom and pluralism in the U.S.

Lawyers in Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office say the Legislature has discretion to make choices about school curriculums.

Plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging Florida’s new congressional map have launched a statewide tour aimed at educating Black voters about changes to the state's U.S. House district lines.

An amendment added to the Florida constitution in 1980 guaranteeing the right to privacy is protecting the legality of abortion in the state, for now.

Southwest Florida residents lined up to listen to speakers like conservative commentator Rogan O'Handley at Naples’ third Patriot Fest Saturday afternoon.

Collier County’s Supervisor of Elections Office publicly tested voting machines in preparation for the Naples city election Feb. 1.

Florida lawmakers officially kick off the 2020 state legislative session today. Over the course of the 60-day regular session, legislators will be…