A new federal rule removes the regulatory definition of ‘harm’ from the Endangered Species Act, a change proponents say reduces governmental overreach on private landowners and developers. Wildlife advocates have raised concerns that the rollback weakens protections for threatened and endangered species by narrowing what actions can be considered harmful under the law.
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Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator
Florida gubernatorial candidate David Jolly visited Gainesville on Wednesday for a campaign rally less than a week before Election Day. He addressed topics including public school reform, affordable housing, healthcare, Medicaid, and Amendment 3, as well as taking aim at his opponent.
Sources: The Gainesville Sun · The Independent Florida Alligator
Law enforcement and fire officials gathered in Tallahassee on Thursday to urge voters to reject Amendment 3, a DeSantis-backed ballot measure that would exempt the first $250,000 of home value from most property taxes. Opponents argue the revenue loss would force cuts to emergency services, while the governor has touted the plan as returning the majority of property tax bills to homeowners. Polls show the amendment could pass or fail on election day.
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Sources: WCJB TV20
The Florida Department of Education disclosed that unauthorized criminal access to the Florida Student Financial Aid website may have exposed the personal information, including Social Security numbers, of roughly 4.9 million people. The department said current financial aid awards are not at risk and scholarship or loan eligibility will not be affected. Law enforcement has been notified, cybersecurity response protocols have been activated, and affected individuals are urged to monitor their financial and online accounts for suspicious activity.
Sources: WCJB TV20
