Regional

Budget chiefs see progress on state spending plan

TALLAHASSEE — House and Senate budget negotiators agreed to pay raises for state employees, with bigger boosts going to law enforcement officers and firefighters, as talks continued Tuesday on a state spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

State looks to enforce social media law

TALLAHASSEE — Arguing that a district judge’s ruling “puts millions of kids at risk,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Monday asked a federal appeals court to allow the state to enforce a law targeting social-media platforms while a legal battle plays out.

House, Senate still hammering out budget

TALLAHASSEE — House and Senate budget leaders Monday rushed to finalize a new state spending plan, while Gov. Ron DeSantis continued calling for giving property-tax rebates.

Agent Orange argued in bid to halt execution

TALLAHASSEE — Florida inmate Anthony Wainwright has gone to the U.S. Supreme Court to try to halt his scheduled execution Tuesday, with an attorney arguing that Wainwright’s exposure to Agent Orange before birth caused long-lasting cognitive and behavioral problems that need to be considered.

Legislators look to pump up rainy-day fund

TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers Thursday started moving forward with a proposed constitutional amendment that supporters say would bulk up financial reserves to help the state weather potential problems such as economic recessions.

Jennings man arrested for child, animal sex abuse crimes

JENNINGS — A Jennings man was arrested Tuesday by state officers on child and animal sex abuse charges.

Springs protection decision appealed

The Florida Springs Council on Wednesday filed an appeal after an administrative law judge last month sided with the state Department of Environmental Protection in a dispute about rules involving systems designated as “Outstanding Florida Springs.

Kamoutsas set to become education chief

The State Board of Education on Wednesday unanimously approved appointing Anastasios Kamoutsas, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ deputy chief of staff, as Florida’s next education commissioner. Kamoutsas will succeed outgoing Education Commissioner Manny Díaz Jr.

Ono rejected from UF president search

The state university system’s Board of Governors on Tuesday rejected the appointment of former University of Michigan President Santa Ono as president of the University of Florida. The 10-6 vote came after heavy debate about Ono’s past views on issues such as diversity, equity and inclusion.

‘Rural Renaissance’ bill forced to wait

TALLAHASSEE — When lawmakers began budget conference talks Tuesday, a couple of priorities of Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) and House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) were basically already off the table.