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☆ A federal judge says Florida's new anti-drag law threatens free speech and can't be enforced, at least for now
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Charles R. Davis | Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A federal judge is blocking enforcement of Florida's new law on drag shows. The judge ruled the language is overly vague and threatens free speech. Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill, SB 1438, that he said was designed to protect children from sexually explicit drag shows. The drag law, by contrast, "is specifically designed to suppress the speech of drag queen performers," Presnell wrote, pointing to a bill sponsor's claim that the law would put an end to "Drag Queen Story Time," which entails no sexually explicit content. Presnell's ruling marks the third time this month that a judge has struck down portions of DeSantis' anti-LGBTQ agenda.

Persons: —, Ron DeSantis, Judge Gregory A, Presnell, Bill Clinton, DeSantis, Jeremy Redfern, Brandon Wolf, Walt, Robert Hinkle, Clinton, Nikki Fried Organizations: Service, Florida, Florida Gov, Court, Middle, Department of Business, Miami Herald, Walt Disney World, Democratic Party of Locations: Florida, Orlando, Hamburger, Middle District, Democratic Party of Florida

☆ A giant snail that eats plaster and is a threat to human health was spotted in a Florida county, forcing it into quarantine
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( Sonam Sheth | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A giant African land snail was spotted in Broward County, forcing part of it into quarantine. The snail is among the world's most invasive species and lays thousands of eggs at a time. The giant snail is among the most invasive species in the world; it eats plaster, paint, and stucco, poses significant threats to vegetation, according to CBS. The portion of Broward County under quarantine covers Fort Lauderdale and is about 3.5 square miles, the report said. It's illegal to import or possess the giant African land snail in the US; the snail was first spotted in Miami in 1969, according to ABC News.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, CBS News, CBS, Florida's Department of Agriculture, Consumer Services, ABC News Locations: Broward County, Florida's Broward County, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Miami

☆ Here are all of Republican elected officials backing Ron DeSantis' 2024 presidential campaign
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Ron DeSantis is officially announced his 2024 presidential campaign in May, launching the most formidable challenge yet to former President Donald Trump. In the two months before DeSantis' announcement, Trump locked up the support of most of the Republican House members from Florida — and he's garnered far more endorsements overall than DeSantis. As of June 20, five House members and one governor have announced they're backing DeSantis for the 2024 GOP nomination. Thomas Massie — the Kentucky congressman and outspoken libertarian endorsed DeSantis in April, saying he's been "honored to call Ron DeSantis a friend for over a decade." Rich McCormick — the Georgia congressman endorsed DeSantis in May, saying in a Twitter video that the 2024 "election is about winning" and "who can earn victory in Georgia."

Persons: Ron DeSantis, —, Donald Trump, DeSantis, Trump, he's, Republican Sen, Cynthia Lummis of, dislodging Trump, Kevin Stitt —, Joe Biden, Bob Good —, Kevin McCarthy's speakership, Laurel Lee, Thomas Massie —, Rich McCormick —, Chip Roy — Organizations: Florida Gov, Trump, Service, Gov, Capitol, Republican House, Capitol Hill, Republican, GOP, Republicans, Five, State, Caucus Locations: Florida, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Oklahoma, Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia, Texas

☆ Ron DeSantis is quiet about his Catholic faith, but it could be his secret weapon to court voters away from Trump
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-11 | by ( Tiffany Stanley | Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Ron DeSantis rarely mentions the specifics of his religion, faith, or practice of it. Ron DeSantis delivers remarks during the Project Opioid conference at First Presbyterian Church in Orlando on Aug. 20, 2019. Ron DeSantis and his wife Casey stand during the Pledge of Allegiance at a campaign event, Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ron DeSantis and his wife, Casey, bow their heads during a prayer at a campaign event, Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ron DeSantis speaks during a campaign event, Tuesday, May 30, 2023, in Clive, Iowa.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, wouldn't, —, Joe Burbank, Brian Burch, Burch, DeSantis, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Biden, He's, Nate Hochman, Hochman, Maria Sullivan, Casey, Charlie Neibergall, Sullivan, Piers Morgan, there's, that's, Phelan M, Paul Harvey, Cary McMullen, John F, Kennedy, El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz, Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Wenski, heartburn, US Sen, Joni Ernst, David Polyansky, Ted Cruz, Bob Vander Plaats, Vander Plaats, John Stemberger, Stemberger, we've, Trump, Mike Pence, Tim Scott, Pat Robertson, Michael Binder, Tom O'Shields Organizations: Catholic, Service, Florida Gov, First Presbyterian Church, Orlando Sentinel, DeSantis, GOP, New York, Our Lady Star, Republican, Gov, AP, Lourdes Catholic School, The, Catholic Church, El Paso Bishop, Miami Archbishop, Florida Conference of Catholic, US, Policy Council, Trump, University of North, Lilly Endowment Inc Locations: Florida, GREENVILLE, S.C, Iowa, South Carolina, Orlando, Tallahassee, DeSantis, Catholic Church, Northeast Florida, Cedar Rapids , Iowa, Dunedin , Florida, Ohio, Galilee, Israel, Tampa , Fla, Lakeland , Florida, California, Texas, Des Moines , Iowa, Clive , Iowa, University of North Florida, Greenville, Easley , South Carolina

☆ Federal judge blocks Florida's ban on gender-affirming care for 3 trans youths
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A federal judge in Florida issued a preliminary injunction that will permit three transgender children to receive puberty blockers, even as the state has banned gender-affirming care for minors. Judge Robert Hinkle on Tuesday said the three youths, who are children of the plaintiffs in the case, may receive GnRH agonists, known as puberty blockers. This suit challenges legislation in Florida that bans gender-affirming care for minors, which Gov. The organization estimates that more than 30% of transgendered youth ages 13 to 17 reside in states where they can't access care. Thus far, 20 states have passed laws or policy that ban gender-affirming care for individuals up to age 18, the HRC found.

Persons: Robert Hinkle, Ron DeSantis, Hinkle, DeSantis Organizations: U.S . House, U.S, Capitol, Human, HRC Locations: Florida

☆ Ron DeSantis loses big in court as judge issues scathing ruling on his anti-trans healthcare law: 'Gender identity is real'
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Judge Robert Hinkle said 'gender identity is real' and endorsed medical treatment for trans kids. The record makes this clear," Hinkle wrote in his ruling, adding that even a witness for the state agreed. Transgender medical treatment for minors is increasingly under attack, but has been available for over a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations, Hinkle noted. Hinkle wrote that the "treatments at issue are GnRH agonists, colloquially known as 'puberty blockers,' and cross-sex hormones." "The overwhelming weight of medical authority supports treatment of transgender patients with GnRH agonists and cross-sex hormones in appropriate circumstances," Hinkle wrote.

Persons: Robert Hinkle, —, Ron DeSantis, Hinkle Organizations: Service, Republican Gov Locations: Florida

☆ Judge denies DeSantis bid to disqualify him from Disney case, but recuses himself anyway because his relative owns company's stock
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Kevin Breuninger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

A sign near an entrance to Walt Disney World on May 22, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. Ron DeSantis recused himself from the case Thursday, days after learning that one of his relatives owns stock in The Walt Disney Company . Judge Mark Walker made the decision to remove himself from the case despite denying DeSantis' motion for him to be disqualified. While the judge did not identify the relative by name or relationship, third-degree relatives include great-grandparents, great grandchildren, great uncles and aunts as well as first cousins. Disney's allegations make clear that this case "involves significant economic interests for its parent corporation, in which my third-degree relative owns stock," the judge wrote.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Judge Allen Winsor, Donald Trump, Mark Walker, DeSantis, Walker, Barack Obama, —, Disney, Walt Disney, Weeks, Bob Chapek Organizations: Walt Disney World, Florida Gov, Walt Disney Company, Trump, DeSantis, United, Disney, Republican, Florida Legislature Locations: Orlando , Florida, United States, Tallahassee , Florida, Florida

☆ Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin's potential late entry into the 2024 field seems destined to fail from the start
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-31 | by ( John L. Dorman | Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Glenn Youngkin of Virginia is reconsidering a 2024 presidential run, per a recent Axios report. But such a decision would be rife with peril, with Youngkin far down the pack of GOP contenders. Former President Donald Trump speaks to supporters at his rally in Waco, Texas, on March 25, 2023. As of May 31, the GOP polling average on FiveThirtyEight had Trump ahead of DeSantis 54.1%-20.7%, with former Gov. Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert, left, gavels to order the special session of the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond, Va., on September 7, 2022.

Persons: Glenn Youngkin, Youngkin, —, Donald Trump, Terry McAuliffe, Joe Biden, Trump, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, Axios, Evan Vucci Trump, juggernaut Trump, Stormy Daniels, FiveThirtyEight, Nikki Haley, Sen, Tim Scott of, Mike Pence, Marta Lavandier, McAuliffe, Ralph Northam, Todd Gilbert, gavels, Steve Helber, Miles Coleman, Ball, Roe, Wade, Coleman, Aaron Rouse, Jennifer McClellan Organizations: Service, Democratic Gov, GOP, Republican, Walt Disney Company, AP, Manhattan District Attorney's, Gov, South Carolina —, Disney, American Studies, Democratic, Virginia, Virginia General Assembly, Commonwealth, Delegates, Virginia Senate, Republicans, University of Virginia Center for Politics Locations: Virginia, Florida, Waco , Texas, DeSantis, South Carolina, Tim Scott of South Carolina, Iowa , New Hampshire, Texas, Miami, Fla, Richmond , Va, Richmond, Virginia Beach

☆ A shark bit off the leg of a young US woman while snorkeling on a Caribbean boat excursion, say reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-26 | by ( Alia Shoaib | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A shark attacked a 22-year-old woman while she was snorkeling in Turks and Caicos. A hotel employee who witnessed the incident said the victim had her leg bitten off, police said. An employee of the resort called for an ambulance and indicated that the victim had her leg bitten off, the police saidThe woman remains in serious condition in hospital, the police statement said. There were just 57 unprovoked shark bites worldwide last year, of which five were fatal, according to the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File. Sharks have been known to attack humans when confused or curious, such as when they see a human splashing in the water.

☆ Not just Disney: DeSantis brings history of business battles to the presidential campaign
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-24 | by ( Kevin Breuninger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Ron DeSantis officially launched his presidential campaign Wednesday, putting his blend of pro-business conservativism and culture-war populism to the test at the national level. In the most recent legislative session, DeSantis signed a bill that stopped union dues from being automatically deducted from public employees' paychecks. Ron DeSantis, a critic of environmentally sensitive investing, didn't succeed in protecting his constituents from the ravages of Hurricane Ian, which may have been intensified by global warming. DeSantis signed a bill in early May barring state and local officials from making ESG-based investment decisions. The Disney sagaApparel promoting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sit on a table before a book tour event at the North Charleston Coliseum on April 19, 2023 in North Charleston, South Carolina.

☆ A DeSantis-appointed board made this college ground zero for his education agenda. In less than 6 months, the college eliminated its diversity board and will now accept a Christian-focused SAT-alterna
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

In January, DeSantis made new appointments to the New College of Florida's board of trustees. His target: New College of Florida, a liberal arts school with less than 700 students, outside of Sarasota, Florida. In January, DeSantis appointed six conservative education leaders to the school's board of 13 total trustees. New College of Florida is the first public school in Florida to accept the CLT as an alternative to other standardized tests. Representatives for Governor DeSantis and New College of Florida did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.

☆ The countdown is on for DeSantis' presidential kickoff, just as 2024 frontrunner Trump readies powerful exit from Florida
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Polling has him second to Trump, who has been living in Florida at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach. Donald Trump's permanent residence is in Palm Beach, Florida, at his Mar-a-Lago oceanside estate. New Jersey, therefore, is set to become the new go-to spot for the GOP right around the time that the DeSantis campaign kicks off. On Monday, DeSantis' political team moved to a new office in Tallahassee, NBC News reported. The DeSantis political operation declined to share details of the governor's plans, including formal rollouts and events that may come later.

☆ How to invest in the S&P 500 — a guide to the funds that mimic the influential index's makeup and moves
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Martin Daks | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +17 min

After tracking the S&P 500 from 1965 to 2021, Berkshire Hathaway found the compound annual gain in the S&P 500 was 10.5%. In the case of S&P 500 index funds, the stocks are those of the companies listed in the S&P 500. With 500+ stocks in their portfolio, S&P 500 funds are especially diversified, their securities representing a range of industries. With 500+ stocks in their portfolio, S&P 500 funds are especially diversified, their securities representing a range of industries. The diversified, passive approach of S&P 500 funds — like most index funds — means an investor's downside is generally limited.

☆ DeSantis signs law to cover up records of his travel and visitors ahead of anticipated 2024 presidential run
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-11 | by ( Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

DeSantis signed a bill into law that will hide his travel records from public view. DeSantis signed the bill into law unceremoniously on Thursday afternoon, among more than 35 other bills. The security argument was nonsensical to Ben Wilcox, research director and co-founder of the good government organization Integrity Florida, given that the new law will apply to past travel records. "It strains credulity to suggest that hiding travel records could somehow prevent a security breach in the future," Wilcox told Insider. Another elections related bill is headed for DeSantis that will allow him to maintain his seat as governor while running for president.

☆ The 'brain' behind Ron DeSantis' likely presidential campaign was involved in a major 'ghost candidate' scandal in Florida: 'If it's not illegal, it should be'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-11 | by ( Katherine Long | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The Florida pollster Ryan Tyson is expected to be a top advisor in Ron DeSantis' presidential bid. Ron DeSantis' presumptive presidential bid, was deeply enmeshed in a major Florida political-corruption scandal that has resulted in criminal charges for five people, two of whom have been convicted. At the center of the scandal are "ghost candidates" — those drafted to run purely to siphon votes from an opposing party in close races. It's not illegal to run ghost candidates, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, a Democrat, said at a news conference in 2021 after two people were arrested on campaign-finance charges in connection with the scheme. Tyson is "Ron DeSantis' brain," Peter Schorsch, the publisher of Florida Politics, said.

☆ In a fickle sporting world F1 understands it's "Entertain to Survive"
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-07 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

But the reality for every promoter is that in the world of fickle fans you now need to "Entertain to Survive". Last year the Miami Grand Prix was the hottest ticket in South Beach and, while resale demand has softened, this year's race is again a sellout with 90,000 attending Sunday's race. While the grand prix is the anchor for a weekend of fun, the races themselves are no longer enough to make the event a financial and commercial success. Hard Rock alone hosts three of Florida's biggest sports - the Miami Grand Prix and the Miami Open tennis as well as being home to the NFL's Dolphins. Miami debuted a new driver introduction to the grid that F1 says will be used at eight races this season.

Disney says the contracts were crafted to help lock in its long-term development plans amid escalating tension with DeSantis and his allies. "This feud between DeSantis and Disney is insane," Linda Stewart, a Democrat who represents Florida's 13th Senate district, told CNBC. Disney sued DeSantis and the board members last week, alleging a campaign of political retaliation led by the governor. In addition to voiding the development deals, the Florida Legislature passed a measure that would have the state transportation department conduct inspections of Walt Disney World's monorails. Earlier this month, the state education board approved an expansion of the classroom bill that kicked off the feud with Disney.

☆ Key Florida business lobby isn't picking sides in feud between its allies Disney, DeSantis
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Brian Schwartz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Florida Chamber of Commerce has counted Disney as an ally for over a decade, and helped to propel Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' climb up the state's political ladder. But as Disney and DeSantis descend into an increasingly venomous fight, the state Chamber has not defended or criticized either side. The business lobbying group has yet to weigh in on the dispute on its website. The Florida Chamber of Commerce declined to comment.

☆ This GOP senator declared DeSantis the 'leader of the Republican Party.' Despite his recent struggles, she still thinks that holds true.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Sen. Cynthia Lummis declared that Ron DeSantis was the "current leader" of her party in November. Ron DeSantis — not former President Donald Trump — was the "current leader of the Republican Party." That's why I think he's the leader of the party." Her initial November comments in support of DeSantis came on the heels of a poor midterm performance that many in the party blamed on Trump. In 2020, the party notably opted not to adopt a platform, citing pandemic-era restrictions and its "strong support" for Trump.

☆ New York and California lost over $90 billion in income to low-tax states during Covid
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( Robert Frank | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

New York and California lost over $90 billion in income during Covid as taxpayers moved to other states, accelerating the trend of high-earners relocating to lower-tax areas. New data from the Internal Revenue Service shows that New York state lost $25 billion in adjusted gross income due to outmigration in 2021, on top of $20 billion lost in 2020. Combined, the two states lost $92 billion across the two years. The data shows that the income flight from high-tax states to low-tax states, which has been happening for years, picked up steam during Covid. California, Illinois and New Jersey each lost over $4 billion in income to Florida in 2021.

☆ DeSantis Disney oversight board votes to sue company over tax-district fight
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Kevin Breuninger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Ron DeSantis to oversee Walt Disney World's operations voted Monday to sue Disney in response to the company's recent federal lawsuit alleging a campaign of political retaliation by the governor. The panel, which challenged the company's long-standing self-governing status when it replaced a Disney-backed board weeks earlier, unanimously voted to authorize a lawsuit in state court. Disney sued DeSantis last Wednesday and the oversight panel in U.S. district court in Tallahassee, Florida. DeSantis, who is expected to announce his presidential plans after the Florida state legislature ends in early May, is considered a top contender against former President Donald Trump. But the extended row against Disney, one of Florida's top employers, has recently begun to generate criticism from some of DeSantis' fellow Republicans.

☆ Democrats say Florida is 'dead for Biden' as his 2024 presidential campaign starts: 'We just need to be realistic'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-25 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +15 min

"It's like a dead carcass on the side of the road," DeSantis said in April of the Florida Democratic Party. Nearly two decades ago, Florida Democrats were "similarly declared dead, you know, forever, Amen," Schale said, but they rebounded. Wilfredo Lee/AP PhotoDemocrats say they still have spend in FloridaBut it's important for Democrats to still invest campaign resources in Florida, Democratic insiders said. Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said the party had no infrastructure and no voter registration drive when she took the helm in February. Joe Raedle/Getty Images, Scott Olson/Getty ImagesBuilding a Democratic benchFried she's optimistic about Florida Democrats' future — and Biden's potential there.

☆ Trump racks up Florida endorsements in blow to DeSantis
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speak at midterm election rallies, in Dayton, Ohio, U.S. November 7, 2022 and Tampa, Florida, U.S., November 8, 2022 in a combination of file photos. REUTERS/Gaelen Morse, Marco BelloApril 19 (Reuters) - Donald Trump continued to rack up endorsements in Florida for his presidential campaign on Wednesday, outmaneuvering the state's Governor Ron DeSantis on his home turf. "If we want to get our economy back on track, Donald Trump is just the guy to get it done," Buchanan said. "They have the DeSantis campaign in a vulnerable position." Only one, Laurel Lee, stuck with DeSantis, announcing her endorsement on Tuesday.

☆ Chris Christie joins Trump in bashing DeSantis over Disney clash
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-18 | by ( Dan Whitcomb | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie speaks at the Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S., March 27, 2023. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File PhotoApril 18 (Reuters) - Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie joined former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday in criticizing a fellow Republican, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, over his feud with the Walt Disney Co. (DIS.N). "I don’t think Ron DeSantis is a conservative based on his actions towards Disney,” added Christie, who is also said to be considering a run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Trump, who could be DeSantis' top rival for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, has called the Florida governor's war with Disney a "political stunt" and suggested it could backfire on the party. DeSantis and the Florida legislature have been working to eliminate the virtual autonomy the company has enjoyed over the Disney World resort and amusement parks for more than 50 years, saying that constitutes an "unfair advantage."

☆ One of Florida's wealthiest GOP donors won't finance a DeSantis presidential run because of his book bans, but supports the governor's war with Disney
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( Hannah Getahun | Lloyd Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Peterffy told the Financial Times he didn't like the governor's stance on abortion or book bans. Peterffy is on board with DeSantis in his battle against Disney, however. Thomas Peterffy told Financial Times that DeSantis' "stance on abortion and book banning" meant that he and "his friends" are no longer planning to give the Republican governor their money. DeSantis signed into law the Stop Woke Act and the Don't Say Gay Act in 2022. DeSantis has not announced a 2024 run for president, but he has continued to tease the possibility.

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