The Tallahassee Reports Daily Briefs: Thursday, March 21, 2024

Sponsored by 

FOODIES TAKEOUT & DELIVERY

DOWNLOAD FOODIES APP

Select a Restaurant and Place an Order

LOCAL NEWS

The Florida Highway Patrol is closing the Eastbound Lanes on I-10 in Leon County after a deadly crash. Troopers confirmed one person was killed. They responded to the crash around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday near the U.S. 90 Eastbound entrance to I-10.

Local leaders respond to state legislation that addresses camping on public property. Currently there are 40+ homeless camps across Leon County.

On Tuesday night, the Leon County Commission backed away from plans to name Wahnish Way after Althea Gibson, the barrier-breaking Black athlete. Commissioners said the tennis champion and Florida A&M alum is more than deserving, but they understand concerns that changing the name of just part of the street, could be confusing in an emergency.

LOCAL SPORTS NEWS

FSU women’s basketball Sophomore guard Ta’Niya Latson has been named an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American, announced on Wednesday afternoon. It is her second AP All-America honor in as many seasons. Latson also earned All-ACC First Team honors this season. 

The search for a new head basketball coach at Florida A&M has begun, as the University announced Wednesday it will not renew Robert McCullum’s contract, which expires on June 30th. McCullum was the head coach of the Rattlers for seven seasons, going 67-133, including a 53-61 mark in conference play. The men went 6-23 this season, and 4-14 in SWAC play, losing their final three games of the season.

FLORIDA NEWS

Sen. Rick Scott has secured endorsements for his reelection campaign from Sen. Marco Rubio, the senior senator from Florida, and Rep. Kat Cammack. In endorsing Scott, Rubio praised his economic policies and their collaborative efforts in the Senate. Together, they have led initiatives including the Hurricane Tax Relief Act. Their partnership has also aimed at combating online censorship and improving the efficiency of federal grant processes.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation on Wednesday to crack down on public homeless encampments across Florida. The new Florida law bars local governments from allowing public sleeping or camping on public property without a lawful permit. Instead, the local jurisdictions can set certain public properties or venues to be used for public camping or sleeping for up to one year.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced earlier this week that the state Treasury has purchased another $50 million in Israel bonds. The purchase raises Florida’s total investment in Israel bonds to $250 million, the largest total the state has ever held at any given time. Since 2017, the Florida Treasury has generated approximately $9.4 million in interest.

NATIONAL NEWS

A dizzying volley of courtroom maneuvers over a Texas law that would allow the state to arrest and deport people who enter the U.S. illegally sowed confusion at the nation’s border with Mexico on Wednesday as sheriffs, police chiefs and migrants waited for direction.

Donald Trump is hurtling toward a critical deadline in his most costly legal battle to date. If the former president doesn’t come up with a financial guarantee by Monday, New York’s attorney general can start the process of collecting on the more than $454 million Trump owes the state in a civil fraud lawsuit.

Congressional leaders from both parties looked to put a positive light on a $1.2 trillion spending package that lawmakers are working to approve before funding expires at midnight Friday for a host of key government agencies.

TALLAHASSEE WEATHER