University faculty back UF professors
Pressure from faculty statewide is mounting on University of Florida leaders to reconsider a decision to block professors from serving as witnesses in a lawsuit challenging a new state elections law that, among other things, makes it harder for people to vote by mail. Read more about it, here.
The Biden administration is suing Texas over its new voting law
It's not just Florida's election laws causing controversy. he Biden administration is suing Texas over the state's restrictive voting law that was signed into law in September and is set to go into effect Dec. 2. Read more here.
Order bars mask, distancing requirements in Florida courts
Chief judges in the state won’t be allowed to require masks or social distancing in courthouses, under an administrative order issued Thursday by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady. The order, which goes into effect Nov. 15, will allow people who attend court proceedings to wear masks if they choose and will require courts to provide masks to people who request them, but it will prohibit judges from mandating masks. Read more here.
More details on vaccinating U.S. workers
On Thursday, the Biden administration rolled two different vaccine rules that cover more than 100 million workers. Read the details here.
Mark your calendars for Stamped Film Festival
Since 2012, the Stamped Film Festival has showcased movies and short films centered on the LGBT experience. It’s part entertainment, part education with a weekend of independent films that share stories about "all individuals of the LGBT alphabet," says Stamped President C. David Newton. The festival starts next week. Get more information here.
Happy Diwali!
Hindus across the world are celebrating Diwali. The five-day festival of lights is one of the most popular holidays in India, and Thursday is the main day of festivities, when the faithful pray to the Hindu goddess of wealth. Read more about the traditions and celebrations here.