Associated Press, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Associated PressAugust 30, 2017

Two weeks before Harvey’s floodwaters engulfed much of Houston, President Donald Trump quietly rolled back an order by his predecessor that would have made it easier for storm-ravaged communities to use federal emergency aid to rebuild bridges, roads and other structures so they can better withstand future disasters. Now, with much of the nation’s fourth-largest […]

Associated PressAugust 30, 2017

As cities across the country are tearing down and relocating Confederate monuments, a county in southern Alabama on Sunday unveiled a new one. Several hundred people attended a dedication ceremony for the “Unknown Alabama Confederate Soldiers” at Confederate Veterans Memorial Park in Crenshaw County, Alabama, 55 miles (88 kilometers) south of Montgomery. The memorial park’s owner and developer, […]

Associated PressAugust 30, 2017

Republicans in the Florida Senate are moving ahead again with an ambitious proposal to boost financial aid for college students. Sen. Bill Galvano filed a bill (SB 4) Wednesday that would require the state to permanently cover 100 or 75 percent of all tuition costs for top high school students who attend a Florida university […]

Associated PressAugust 29, 2017

The University of Tampa has fired a visiting assistant professor who suggested in a tweet that Hurricane Harvey’s destruction is “instant karma” for Texas because it voted Republican. Sociology professor Kenneth L. Storey posted the tweet and two responses on Sunday before removing the entire thread and his profile photo. University spokesman Eric Cardenas said […]

Associated PressAugust 29, 2017

The second-highest ranking official in the Florida Highway Patrol is resigning amid an ongoing review into whether troopers were being ordered to meet traffic ticket quotas. Lt. Col. Michael Thomas resigned Monday after it was discovered he sent an email in late May that encouraged troopers to write two tickets an hour. Thomas had been […]

Associated PressAugust 29, 2017

George W. Bush never recovered from his flyover of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. Barack Obama got a bipartisan boost late in his re-election campaign for his handling of Superstorm Sandy. Now, President Donald Trump confronts the political risks and potential gains that come with leading the federal government’s response to a deadly and destructive natural disaster. […]

Associated PressAugust 28, 2017

Despite the moderator’s polite prodding, the three leading Democratic candidates for Florida governor expressed few differences Monday on their main issues in next year’s election – education, jobs and the economy. Former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum and Orlando businessman Chris King also agreed on what should happen to Confederate monuments on […]

Associated PressAugust 28, 2017

President Donald Trump is preparing to lift restrictions on surplus military equipment that can be passed on to local law enforcement agencies in spite of past concerns that armored vehicles and other gear were escalating confrontations with protesters. Documents obtained by The Associated Press indicate Trump was preparing to sign an executive order undoing an […]

Associated PressAugust 27, 2017

The election of President Donald Trump and Republican control of Congress meant the National Rifle Association could probably rest easy that gun laws wouldn’t change for at least four years. But the NRA has begun a campaign not against pending legislation but what it sees as liberal forces bent on undoing the progress it’s made […]

Associated PressAugust 27, 2017

Mark Cuban isn’t ready to launch a formal campaign to challenge President Donald Trump. Yet Cuban, an outspoken Texas billionaire who describes himself as “fiercely independent” politically, sees an opportunity for someone to take down the Republican president, who is increasingly viewed as divisive and incompetent even within his own party. “His base won’t turn […]

Associated Press
Image via Tiger Bay.

Donald Trump order undermines rebuilding better for future floods

As Confederate monuments go down, Alabama puts one up

Florida will again consider college financial aid boost

University of Tampa boots prof who blames Harvey on GOP

Ticketed: Another Florida Highway Patrol official resigns

Donald Trump’s turn to face tricky politics of natural disasters

At forum, Democratic gubernatorial candidates express few differences

Trump set to roll back limits on military gear for police

NRA’s video message to ‘elites’: ‘We’re coming for you’

As Donald Trump struggles, some Republicans talking 2020 challenge