Here's your morning news briefing for Friday
Okaloosa Darter saved from extinction
Federal officials this week announced a major conservation milestone for the once-endangered Okaloosa Darter. The small fish that inhabits streams mostly located on Eglin Air Force Base is now being proposed for delisting. Read more here.
DeSantis signs bills on barring vaccine mandates
Gov. Ron DeSantis quickly signed four bills into law Thursday from a special legislative session aimed primarily at preventing workers from being required to get vaccinated against COVID-19. One of the bills starts the process that could lead to the state taking control of worker safety and health issues from OSHA. Read more here.
Congressional panel launches probe into University of Florida policy
A congressional subcommittee has launched an investigation into the University of Florida’s conflict-of-interest policy, after professors were told that testifying against the state in legal cases was “adverse” to the university’s interests. Read more here.
Black pastors gather in Brunswick, Ga., to support Ahmaud Arbery's family
Pastors and other faith leaders from around the country gathered in front of the Glynn County, Georgia, Courthouse Thursday, where the trial of the three white men accused of murdering Ahmaud Arbery is ongoing. The rally is the largest demonstration in Brunswick since the trial started a month ago. Read more here. And in Kenosha, Wisconsin the jury continues its deliberations in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial. Read more here.
Fill the Mayflower for Manna starts Monday
The annual Fill The Mayflower event for Manna Food Pantries, and it’s set to go next Monday and Tuesday in the parking lot of the Cordova Mall. After nearly two years of the pandemic and serving an increased number of clients, this fundraiser is "critical" says executive director DeDe Flounlacker. Read more here.