Here's the news you need to know this morning
Masks In Schools
At Monday's Okaloosa County School District Board meeting, around a dozen parents asked the board to consider a mask policy to help mitigate spread of COVID. And more updates on the state's mask mandate battle: parents suing to overturn Gov. Ron DeSantis' mask mandate ban have asked the Florida Supreme Court to take up the lawsuit. Read more about that here.
DeSantis Calls for Ditching Standardized Tests
Calling the state's standardized testing in public schools “outdated,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said lawmakers will consider a proposal during the 2022 legislative session to end the Florida Standards Assessments. Read more here.
California Recall Election
California Governor Gavin Newsom will keep his job after a majority of voters rejected the recall. For news and analysis on the results, click here.
The Justice Department Wants A Federal Judge To Block Texas' New Abortion Ban
The Justice Department asked a federal judge in Texas to temporarily block enforcement of the state's new law that bans abortions after about six weeks. Read more here.
Wet Weather
Nicholas has weakened to a tropical depression, but it is drenching the Gulf Coast from northern Texas to the Florida panhandle. Be cautious of flash flooding through Thursday.
Heads up Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties, a Flash Flood Watch has been issued for your area. As Nicholas' remnants move eastward rounds of heavy rain should wrap ashore and flooding will be possible. #FLwx pic.twitter.com/UD62Bmz3Y4
— Florida Storms (@FloridaStorms) September 14, 2021
COVID Hospitalizations Declining
Florida continues to see reduced numbers of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. A reported 10,979 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized Tuesday at 228 Florida hospitals, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
A New Tiny Desk Winner
After thousands of entries, NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest has a winner. Meet Mecca Russell – who we'll come to know as Neffy.