Politics – Page 14 – Florida Center for Investigative Reporting

Governor’s Inspector General Didn’t Act When Alerted To Prison Issues

September 28, 2014

The Miami Herald broke more news this week regarding the ongoing scandal in the state prison system. According to recent documents obtained by the Herald, Gov. Rick Scott's inspector general received a letter about two years ago alleging corruption, cover-ups and abuse in some of the state's prisons. Instead of looking into the allegations, the inspector general asked the very people accused of covering-up the deaths to look into the matter.

GOP Redistricting Docs Go Before The Florida Supreme Court

September 22, 2014

A legal challenge over whether documents related to the Florida Legislature’s 2012 effort to redraw the state’s congressional districts can be made public is now before the state’s Supreme Court justices. The first hearing on the matter began Friday.

Koch Foundation Proposal to FSU: Teach Our Curriculum, Get Millions

September 19, 2014

When the Charles Koch Foundation considered giving millions of dollars to Florida State University’s economics department, the offer came with strings attached.

Times/Herald: Rick Scott Is Appointing Fewer Black Judges Than Charlie Crist And Jeb Bush

September 18, 2014

This week, The Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald published a story looking at the number of African-American judges appointed under the Scott Administration compared to administrations before him. In short, Gov. Rick Scott is falling short of his predecessors.

Big Sugar Plans Development In Potential Everglades Restoration Land

September 16, 2014

Environmental groups around the state are alarmed at U.S. Sugar's plans to potentially develop huge tracts of land it owns in Hendry County, which might affect Everglades restoration efforts.

Standardized Testing Issues Prompt Statewide Discussion

September 12, 2014

This week alone several local school boards held serious discussions on the issue of high-stakes and high-frequency testing, which critics say improperly penalizes students and takes up valuable classroom instruction time. However, no concrete action has been taken. Most school boards are wary of being penalized by the state for being non-compliant.