The Tallahassee Reports Daily Briefs: Friday, May 9, 2025

LOCAL NEWS

Dana Brooks: “It seems everyone has a strong opinion about Florida State University taking over Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Once we get past the ruffled feathers over how the matter came to light, it’s clear it all comes down to the same problem we always have in Tallahassee: who gets to decide how we grow.”

Members of the FAMU community are weighing in on the school’s search for a new president. About 60 people attended a town hall meeting at Bethel AME Church to discuss the topic.

On Thursday, Jersey Mike’s Subs presented a check for $35,965.33 to First Tee – Tallahassee following the success of its 15th Annual Month of Giving campaign. The donation will directly support First Tee’s youth development programs across the Big Bend.

LOCAL SPORTS NEWS

On Thursday the Chiles girls flag football team advanced to the 3A state championship game with an 18-7 win over Homestead in the semifinal matchup. The Timberwolves will face Seminole Ridge on May 10 in the championship final.

FLORIDA NEWS

Another poll shows First Lady Casey DeSantis with the slightest edge over U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds in the Republican field for Governor. But the numbers also show high unfavorable ratings as she weighs a run.

First-time unemployment claims in Florida had a slight jump last week.

NATIONAL NEWS

Chicago native Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church yesterday, becoming the first US citizen to hold the office. The 69-year-old (who is also a citizen of Peru) selected Leo XIV as his papal name—a nod toward the late 19th-century Pope Leo XIII, known for opening the church to modernity and emphasizing workers’ rights.

The US and UK announced a framework for a trade deal yesterday, the largest step toward a potential trade agreement since President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on US trading partners. The deal, pending finalization, focuses on tariff relief for autos, steel, and select industrial goods.

US stock markets close higher (S&P 500 +0.6%, Dow +0.6%, Nasdaq +1.1%) after US unveils outline of UK trade deal and signals optimism for talks with China (More).

TALLAHASSEE WEATHER