The Texas and Florida legislatures passed the laws at the center of the disputes in 2021. The Florida law, known as S.B. 7072 or the Stop Social Media Censorship Act, prohibits social-media companies from banning political candidates and “journalistic enterprises.” The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to weigh in on the constitutionality of the controversial laws.
Florida & Beyond, and All Opinions
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Sunday, October 1, 2023
St. Augustine Songwriters Festival, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” at City Repertory Theatre, a celebration of Amin Maalouf.
America’s Way Too-Senior Moments
The world’s oldest democracy currently has its oldest-ever Congress. President Joe Biden (80 years old) is also the oldest US president in history. His leading rival in the 2024 presidential race, former President Donald Trump, is not far behind at 77. They’re both older than 96% of the US population. Ron DeSantis thinks the founders would have had a maximum age limits on elected officials if they “could look at this again.” But why didn’t they?
Bipartisan House Vote Keeps Government Open for 45 Days; Flagler’s Mike Waltz Votes Against
The U.S. House approved a bill Saturday that would stave off a government shutdown until at least mid-November, though the measure doesn’t include Ukraine aid backed by both Republicans and Democrats. The bipartisan 335-91 vote to send the bill to the Senate took place with less than 10 hours until funding expired. U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, who represents Flagler County, voted against the measure.
Madeline Mary Lee, 1934-2023, Obituary
Madeline “Maddy” Lee 89, of Palm Coast, Florida passed away during the early morning hours of September 23, 2023 at the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Saturday, September 30, 2023
A themed 60s/70s Dance Party at African American Cultural Society, Remembering Heroes Fall Festival in Palm Coast’s Central Park, Jamil Jan Kochai’s great story, “The Haunting of Hajji Hotak.”
France’s Wrong-Headed Ban of the Abaya in Public Schools
Many critics argue that the abaya is a cultural garment, not a religious one, and should be allowed under laïcité. In practice, though, anything associated with Muslim cultures tends to be considered “religious.” Catholic traditions, meanwhile, are often considered “cultural” – and therefore compatible with laïcité.
Florida’s Policing of Public Restroom Gender Draws Federal Lawsuit from Trans and Nonbinary Group
A group of transgender and nonbinary people on Friday filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new Florida law requiring people to use public restrooms that align with their sex assigned at birth, asking a judge to block enforcement before an upcoming march in Orlando.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Friday, September 29, 2023
Michael Bowling is back in court, “The Tin Drum” at the Carver Center, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” at CRT, a brief review of the GOP debate.
GOP’s Shutdown Threat Is the Wrong Way to Win a Budget War
History shows that shutdowns are counterproductive – at least as measured by their own defenders’ goals. Fortunately, the past also provides a proven way to reduce the deficit, a laudable goal. But now is the wrong time for Republicans to take a stand on reducing the deficit, not least because shutdowns don’t get results.