Staff Reports
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Attorney General Ashley Moody marked the beginning of Human Trafficking Prevention Month by highlighting educational materials that teach people how to recognize signs of human trafficking.
“Ending human trafficking in Florida is a top priority and while we made great strides toward this goal during my first term as Attorney General, we cannot relent in our efforts to prosecute traffickers and help victims. One way you can join our efforts is by learning how to spot and report suspicious activity,” Moody said.
The resources, housed on YouCanStopHT.com, include a fact sheet and “Rumors vs. Reality” section that dispels some common assumptions about human trafficking and trafficking victims. Floridians can also apply for one of two training programs — The 100 Percent Club and Highway Heroes.
The 100 Percent Club recognizes companies and organizations that take proactive steps and pledge to train their employees on the signs of human trafficking and how to report it safely and effectively.
The Highway Heroes campaign, meanwhile, is a partnership between the Attorney General’s Office and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles that focuses on educating truckers. So far, more than 6,400 truckers have signed up for the program.
Additionally, Moody’s office holds an annual Human Trafficking Summit. Material from the 2022 summit, which was held in October, is available online.
Evening Reads
—“The humiliation of Kevin McCarthy” via Russell Berman of The Atlantic
—“The real reason the chaos in the House should scare us” via Andrew Prokop of Vox
—“Byron Donalds nominated for Speaker of the House” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
—“How far right are the 20 Republicans who voted against McCarthy” via Danielle Ivory, Charlie Smart and Karen Yourish of The New York Times
—“Gov. Ron DeSantis administration surveying for CRT, DEI in Florida higher education” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics
—“Poll: DeSantis closing on Donald Trump among GOP Primary voters” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
—“Florida Surgeon General used ‘flawed’ vaccine science, faculty peers say” via Jack Stripling of The Washington Post
—“Who’s the boss? Some agencies have no secretaries as Gov. DeSantis begins second term” via Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics
—“Senate Agriculture Committee meets as citrus production continues to decline” via Mitch Perry of the Florida Phoenix
—“Grappling with, but not yet turning away from, football’s violent pull” via Andrew Keh of The New York Times
Quote of the Day
“As we all know, because after all, we are in politics, the line of critics is always long.”
— Rep. Kat Cammack in her speech nominating Kevin McCarthy for House Speaker.
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