SUMMARY: Florida has been without a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) appointee for over six months, drawing criticism from former CFO Rep. Jimmy Patronis. Patronis, now a congressman, urges Governor Ron DeSantis to fill the vacancy, warning the leadership gap risks a talent drain in the department. DeSantis defends the delay, citing ongoing legislative budget negotiations. The vacant CFO role, which also oversees insurance and fire marshal duties, may go to either State Senator Blaise Ingoglia or Joe Gruters, setting up a competitive GOP primary in 2026. Florida also lacks a lieutenant governor after Jeanette Nuñez’s departure, adding to political uncertainty ahead of 2026.

“I know that my daughter is not the only one going through this difficult time, but she is not a criminal,” said Lourdes Martinez. “She does not deserve to be there.”A Sarasota family is shaken up after being separated from their daughter. Federal agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 22-year-old daughter, Maria Martinez. And now, they are demanding for her return.

“Our children do not belong in cages:” Sarasota family demands return of daughter held by ICE

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The post Florida still without CFO, pressure mounts on DeSantis to act appeared first on www.abcactionnews.com

SUMMARY: A shooter, a 21-year-old former student, opened fire at BORG Dreierschützengasse high school in Graz, Austria, killing nine people and injuring at least 12 before dying by suicide. Authorities evacuated the school and special forces responded promptly. The motive remains unclear. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker declared three days of national mourning. This is Austria’s deadliest postwar attack, surpassing past incidents in Vienna and other regions. Austria’s liberal gun laws allow ownership of certain firearms from age 18 with minimal restrictions, contributing to ongoing concerns about gun violence. The community and nation mourn the loss in this once safe learning environment.

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The post Here’s what we know about a school shooting in Austria appeared first on www.news4jax.com

SUMMARY: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices just before their planned vote on new COVID-19 and other vaccine recommendations. Kennedy criticized the panel for conflicts of interest and accused it of rubber-stamping vaccine approvals. Medical experts and organizations like the American Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics condemned the move, warning it threatens public trust and independent medical expertise. Concerns have also been raised that Kennedy may censor data presented to the panel, escalating fears of politicizing vaccine policy amid ongoing public health challenges.

Naomi Ruchim reports on what this means for the vaccine process moving forward.

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