Reform-minded Florida lawmakers are having some disagreements over how to address sexual harassment. House Republicans have significantly expanded their measure. Kate Payne reports that could make it more difficult for the two chambers to agree.
Sexual assault survivors are speaking out more and more, from the #MeToo movement to the heart-wrenching testimony of 150 young women who testified at the sentencing hearing of USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. The media’s been covering more and more of these cases, where survivors of sexual assault are speaking out publicly. Kelly McBride of the Poynter Institute for Media Studies said while media stories traditionally have left victims anonymous, that may be changing. WUSF’s Mary Shedden spoke with McBride. This interview begins with testimony from some of Nassar’s victims.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker declared Florida’s process of restoring felon’s civil rights unconstitutional. Walker criticized the “absolute veto authority” Governor Rick Scott has on the process, and has ordered a permanent remedy be in place by February 12th. Andrew Quintana recently sat down with the Program Director for Florida State University’s Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, Mark Schlakman. The two discussed Florida’s current restoration process and what changes Governor Scott and his cabinet, which make up the state clemency board, can make by the deadline.
As the midpoint of the legislative session nears the outline of the next year’s budget is beginning to take shape. Regan McCarthy has more....
If Florida lawmakers don’t do anything policy wise soon, the state’s prison population could increase. As Sascha Cordner reports, that’s according to a report commissioned by the Florida Senate to promote the need for prison reform.
South Florida could see two feet of sea level rise in the next forty years, according to a joint projection by Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. It’s frightening to imagine. But that threat -- does have a benefit: It’s led to South Florida being recognized as a global expert on preparation for climate change. And that’s EVEN THOUGH we’re in a state and a country where many officials don’t acknowledge climate issues. Recently, Canada’s minister for the environment and climate change was in Miami. WLRN’s Kate Stein spoke with Minister Catherine McKenna.