Monday, June 29, 2026

Weather: Today, a 10 percent chance of showers with a high near 97. Tonight, a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm with a low around 78. Tuesday, showers and thunderstorms likely with a high near 95. Tuesday night, showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm with a low around 77. NWS

US stock markets slightly Friday (S&P 500 -0.1%, Dow -0.1%, Nasdaq -0.2%), driven by a slide in chipmaker stocks; tech-heavy Nasdaq down 4.6% on the week (More).

Local & State News

Is this a good move for his campaign? Matlow embraces NYC mayor, attacks Democratic party. Details.

Steve Stewart discusses controversial statement made by city commission candidate Dot Inman-Johnson.

Undocumented students wouldn’t be admitted to the state’s public universities under a proposal reviewed by the State University System Board of Governors on Thursday. Details

National News

US Supreme Court is expected to release opinions today, possibly including a ruling on President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order (More).

Iran strikes US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain and threatens to halt peace talks with the US; comes after US struck Iranian targets last week in response to Iran’s alleged drone attack on a Singaporean-flagged ship (More).

Friday, June 26, 2026

Weather: Today, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm with a high near 91. Tonight, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7pm, with a low around 75. Saturday, a 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm with a high near 94. Saturday night. mostly clear, with a low around 76. NWS

US stock markets close mixed (S&P 500 -0.0%, Dow +0.1%, Nasdaq -0.5%) (More).

Local & State News

Steve Stewart discusses false statements related to hospital deal.

One year after it opened, Alligator Alcatraz, the detention center used by Florida and the federal government to house undocumented immigrants, is shutting down. Details

Unemployment claims in Florida dropped for a second consecutive week, but remained close to the weekly average since the start of the year. Details

National News

The Supreme Court handed down two immigration rulings yesterday, allowing the Trump administration to revive a border asylum policy and immediately move forward with ending deportation protections for migrants from Haiti and Syria.

US Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index—key inflation metric monitored by the Fed—rose 4.1% year over year in May, highest level in three years (More).

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Weather: Today, showers and thunderstorms likely, with a high near 91. Tonight, a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm with a low around 73. Friday, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4pm, with a high near 92. Friday night, showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, with a low around 74. NWS

US stock markets close mixed (S&P 500 -0.1%, Dow +0.4%, Nasdaq -0.4%) (More).

Local & State News

Nicolas addressed “administrative bloating” by stating that comparisons with similar districts that show LCS has more administrative positions is misleading. Details.

Steve Stewart addresses controversy over the local economy.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has made a large property tax cut ballot measure central to his message in his last year in office, and on Wednesday he signed two bills in line with that priority. Details

National News

President Donald Trump cancels plan to sign bill aiming to reduce housing costs by building homes, restricting investors’ home purchases; says he won’t sign until Congress passes the SAVE America Act (More).

The owner of Texas’ Camp Mystic filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection yesterday, estimating total debts at $10M-$50M. The proceedings come nearly one year after flooding killed 25 campers, two counselors, and the camp’s co-owner and executive director.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Weather: Today, sunny, with a high near 91. Tonight, partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Thursday, a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm with a high near 92. Thursday night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, with a low around 73. NWS

US stock markets close lower (S&P 500 -1.4%, Dow -0.1%, Nasdaq -2.2%) amid memory chipmaker sell-off led by Micron (-13.2%) and SanDisk (-13.6%) (More).

Local & State News

Leon County Schools is spending significantly more than comparable school districts in several staffing categories. Details.

The $114.5 billion budget for the next fiscal year (HB 5001E) was delivered to Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday. Details

Efforts to shrink Citizens Property Insurance have brought the policy count for the state-run insurer to what officials herald as a record low. Details

National News

The Justice Department has charged 455 defendants across 45 states and US territories in a $6.5B healthcare fraud crackdown, which officials described as the largest coordinated enforcement action in its history and the second-largest amount ever charged in a single operation (behind last year’s $14.6B operation).

Senate votes 50-48 to adopt House resolution calling for President Donald Trump to end the war in Iran or secure approval from Congress; four Republicans join Democrats in the vote (More).

Efforts to shrink Citizens Property Insurance have brought the policy count for the state-run insurer to what officials herald as a record low.

But they also caution that an upturn is bound to occur, though it shouldn’t be as dramatic as ones in the past due to new laws approved in 2022 and 2023.

Citizens Property Insurance President and CEO Tim Cerio told board members Tuesday in a conference call that depopulation strategies over the past couple of years put the policy count under Citizens at 278,662 as of last Friday.

“It seems that we are really at an all-time low for probable maximum loss for Citizens policy insurance, which is great news, and again attributable to the reforms,” Cerio said.

The policy count, and any potential exposure risk, is down from 1.41 million in October 2023 as financial problems in the private market caused homeowners to fall into Citizens, which became the state’s largest property insurer.

With the current numbers, Cerio cautioned that a more measured upturn is expected due to the changes in law that help speed the latest depopulation move.

“With the reforms, what we think we are going to see is, instead of a drastic increase if the market really turns south at some point, those increases and decreases would be more gradual. They wouldn’t be as drastic,” Cerio said. “That’s good news for consumers.”

The recent legislative changes targeted lawsuit costs incurred by insurers. The state has also benefitted from a year without any hurricanes, which officials say has allowed some softening in homeowners insurance prices and growth in new carriers into the state.

State leaders have long sought to hold down the number of Citizens policies, at least in part because of financial risks if Florida gets hit by a major hurricane or multiple hurricanes. Citizens was created to provide a haven for homeowners who couldn’t find affordable coverage with a private carrier, but its policy counts have fluctuated significantly, depending on private market conditions.

Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky claimed at the June 9 Cabinet meeting the insurance market is the healthiest it’s been in at least a decade.

“There are well-capitalized companies ready for the oncoming hurricane season, should the worst happen,” Yaworsky said. “So, we find ourselves in a really good place.”

The policy count high in 2023 wasn’t the peak for Citizens, which reached 1.48 million policies near the end of 2012.

At that time a series of depopulation efforts were implemented, such as the “clearinghouse” where homeowners would be sent to a private firm when their coverage was within 15 percent of the offer by Citizens.

By 2019 Citizens had the count just under 420,000 policies.

Last week Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill (SB 1028) that will create a new clearinghouse for commercial policies and allow surplus lines insurers providing strong financial strength ratings to be considered for the policy takeouts.

Surplus lines insurers are companies not licensed in Florida but allowed to operate as an “eligible” insurer.

News Service Assignment Manager Tom Urban contributed to this report.

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Weather: Today, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 2pm and 3pm with a high near 92. Tonight, a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm with a low around 72. Wednesday, sunny, with a high near 91. Wednesday night, with a low around 71. NWS

US stock markets close mixed (S&P 500 -0.4%, Dow +0.3%, Nasdaq -1.3%) (More).

Local & State News

During a recent presentation about the local economy at the Capital Tiger Bay Club, Skip Foster, the former publisher of the Tallahassee Democrat, stated that “In October of 2024, according to the OEV’s own data center, there were 163,592 jobs in Leon County. The latest reporting data – it’s down to 158,830.” Foster concludes that, based on this data, “Almost 5,000 jobs have vanished in 18 months.” Foster’s conclusion is wrong and here’s why.

An upward trend in the state’s unemployment rate paused in May, with hiring by small businesses considered “flat.” Details

National News

Alan Greenspan, the former Federal Reserve chair known as “The Maestro,” died yesterday from complications of Parkinson’s disease at age 100. He led the central bank from 1987 to 2006, steering the US economy through a stock market crash, the dot-com boom, the 9/11 attacks, and years of growth that made him the defining policymaker of his era. 

Vice President JD Vance says Iran agreed to allow nuclear inspectors back into the country, while Iran says it made “no new commitments”; inspectors have had limited access since Israeli strikes on Iran in June 2025 (More).

Monday, June 22, 2026

Weather: Today, a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm with a high near 92. Tonight, a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm with a low around 76. Tuesday, a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4pm with a high near 93. Tuesday night, A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, with a low around 75. NWS

US stock markets were closed Friday.

Local & State News

During a candidate forum for city commission seat 5 featuring incumbent Dianne Williams-Cox and challengers Tifany Hill and Dot Inman-Johnson, Inman-Johnson responded with a false statement in her answer to a question related to the FSU Health purchase of the city of Tallahassee owned hospital assets. Details.

Florida’s attorney general concluded the State University System Board of Governors has no legal authority to delay its confirmation vote on Dr. Stuart Bell as University of Florida president. Details

National News

US average gas price drops to $3.93; see state-by-state map (More).

The Trump administration will likely carry out a second round of repairs on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, President Donald Trump said over the weekend, alleging vandals were responsible for algae buildup and large swathes of peeling paint.

Friday, June 19, 2026

Weather: Today, showers and thunderstorms before 1pm, high near 89. Tonight, a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms with a low around 75. Saturday, showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 5pm, high near 88. Saturday night, showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, low around 73. NWS

US stock markets close up (S&P 500 +1.1%, Dow +0.1%, Nasdaq +2.0%) (More).

Local & State News

Steve Stewart discusses candidate forum for city commission seat 5.

The University of Florida has hit another snag in the push to install a new president. Details

National News

US national average gas prices fall below $4 per gallon for the first time since March, but remain 25% higher than a year ago (More).

Vice President JD Vance delays trip to Switzerland to begin 60 days of negotiations with Iran, including over the country’s nuclear program (More).

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Weather: Today, a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1pm and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Tonight, a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11pm with a low around 77. Friday, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm with a high near 89. Friday Night, showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, low around 75. NWS

US stock markets close lower (S&P 500 -1.2%, Dow -1.0%, Nasdaq -1.3%) after Fed holds rates steady, signals at least one rate hike this year (More).

Local & State News

Steve Stewart discusses local government budget workshops.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who recently pushed for a major overhaul of property taxes paid to cities and counties, will soon decide whether to increase the amount of money local governments and the state must pay out in negligence lawsuits. Details

National News

The US and Iran have remotely signed their deal to end hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and launch negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Pakistan’s prime minister said yesterday. Read the 14-point memorandum of understanding here.

US military strikes boat it says was carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing one person and leaving two survivors; at least 208 people have been killed in alleged drug boat strikes by the US since September (More).

Leon County Alum Lee Poppell finished his second round with a final score of 142 (-2), just four shots behind the fourth qualifier. Although Poppell did not qualify, he finished under par with a round of 70 (-2) on the first day and a round of 72 (E) on the second, finishing in 13th place out of a field of 71 golfers.

Poppell advanced to final qualifying after shooting a 4-under 68 to tie for second place at a local U.S. Open qualifier at The Plantation at Ponte Vedra. He carded six birdies during the round, including four on the back nine after making the turn at even par.

The qualifier capped a strong junior season at Troy University, where Poppell posted a 72.06 stroke average, recorded 15 under-par rounds and finished inside the top 25 in eight of 11 events.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Weather: Today, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 2pm, with a high near 87. Tonight, a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, with a low around 77. Thursday, showers and thunderstorms likely, with a high near 87. Thursday night, showers and thunderstorms likely, with a low around 76. NWS

US stock markets close mixed (S&P 500 -0.1%, Dow +0.6%, Nasdaq -1.2%) ahead of Fed’s interest rate decision today (More).

Local & State News

During a budget workshop, Leon County Commissioners considered some changes to cut expenses if taxpayers vote to roll back property taxes this fall. Details.

Leon County Commissioners want a bigger say in how the Council on Culture and Arts, or COCA, spends local tourist development dollars. Details.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a series of law enforcement-related measures Tuesday, with many of them designed to increase penalties for criminals and give police and prosecutors more options to pursue them. Details

National News

Infant mortality in the US falls to an all-time low of fewer than 5.4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births but remains higher than other high-income countries (More).

Federal authorities said yesterday they disrupted an alleged plot targeting an Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House, arresting five people and identifying 23 individuals in a related online chat.

Jamarin Simmons – Clemson

Godby wide receiver Jamarin “Waffle House” Simmons, a five-star prospect in the Class of 2027, has established himself as one of the most accomplished football recruits in Leon County, culminating in his commitment to Clemson in May.

Simmons enters his senior season coming off a standout junior campaign in which he recorded 59 receptions for 932 yards and 14 touchdowns while helping lead the Cougars. He also showcased his versatility by adding a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown on offense, while contributing defensively with 25 tackles, six pass breakups, and three interceptions.

His production has been consistent throughout his high school career. As a sophomore, Simmons hauled in 49 receptions for 996 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging more than 20 yards per catch. He also saw varsity action as a freshman, giving him three years of experience against top competition entering his final season.

Beyond Friday nights, Simmons has earned recognition on the national recruiting circuit. He was named an “Alpha Dog” at Under Armour Orlando in 2026 and participated in The Opening Finals, one of the country’s premier showcase events for high school football prospects. Recruiting services rank him among the top wide receivers in Florida and one of the highest-rated prospects in the nation.

His recruitment drew interest from some of the nation’s top programs, including Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Colorado, Miami and LSU, before he ultimately chose Clemson. The commitment marks a significant milestone for both Simmons and the Godby football program, as the dynamic playmaker prepares for what could be a memorable senior season before heading to the ACC.

Davion Crumitie – Vanderbilt

Rickards athlete Davion Crumitie, one of the top multi-sport prospects in Florida’s Class of 2027, announced his commitment to Vanderbilt in May after reopening his recruitment with a decommitment from Syracuse on Feb. 3. The decision came after Crumitie emerged as one of the state’s most dynamic athletes, drawing interest from programs across the country.

Crumitie enters his senior season following a productive junior campaign in which he contributed in all three phases of the game for the Raiders. Playing both wide receiver and safety, he recorded 52 receptions for 776 yards while adding 26 tackles and an interception on defense. He also made an impact on special teams with both a kickoff return touchdown and a punt return touchdown.

His versatility has been a hallmark of his high school career. As a sophomore, Crumitie contributed as both a receiver and defensive back, finishing the season with 22 catches, four interceptions, and a forced fumble. Through two varsity seasons, he has totaled 74 receptions for more than 1,000 receiving yards while also making plays on defense and special teams.

While his football accomplishments have drawn the attention of college recruiters, Crumitie has also established himself as one of Florida’s premier track and field athletes. As a junior, he captured FHSAA Class 3A state championships in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dash and helped Rickards win a state title in the 4×100 relay. He also claimed Florida indoor state championships in the 60-meter and 200-meter dash, further cementing his reputation as one of the fastest athletes in the country.

His combination of speed, athleticism, and versatility attracted more than 30 scholarship offers from programs across the nation, including Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Tennessee and Syracuse, before he ultimately chose Vanderbilt. The commitment represents another major recruiting victory for Rickards and gives the Commodores one of the state’s most dynamic athletes as Crumitie prepares for his senior season.