Gov. DeSantis address Hope Florida controversy
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a news conference Wednesday morning in Fort Pierce at Indian River College. During the event, DeSantis brought up the ongoing controversy surrounding Hope Florida, a nonprofit organization spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis that "empowers individuals to embrace their full God-given potential." The controversy concerns a $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation, which is tied to the welfare assistance program and has led to criticism from some state House Republicans. Critics say the money was inappropriately used to help campaign against a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state last November. However, at the presser, DeSantis said the allegations are not true and are "a political attack against the success of the program and the First Lady."

Gov. DeSantis announces infrastructure, workforce investments
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a news conference Wednesday morning in Fort Pierce at Indian River College. At the event, DeSantis announced infrastructure and workforce development investments funded through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. The awards include $4 million to Indian River State College to support the development of the institute for industrial manufacturing and production training and $4.9 million to Miami-Dade College to launch new aircraft mechanic training programs. In addition, to the workforce development grants, DeSantis announced two targeted infrastructure grants, including $2.1 million to the Sebring Airport Authority.

Sen. Ashley Moody speaks on Florida citrus industry
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U.S. Senator Ashley Moody reaffirmed her commitment to Florida?s citrus industry on Tuesday by unveiling the ?Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act? at Florida?s Natural Visitors Center. Moody was joined by farmers and industry leaders and addressed the challenges facing the state?s citrus growers, attributing a significant portion of their struggles to ?nonsensical government overregulation.?

Trump White House press briefing April 22, 2025
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hosted a press briefing at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22. Leavitt gave updates on the latest happenings inside The White House, including the death of Pope Francis, upcoming travel plans for President Donald Trump, trade, immigration, economy, student loans and more.

Rep. Frost speaks out against Trump's immigration efforts
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U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost hosted a virtual press call to share key takeaways from his recent trip to El Salvador. During the call, Frost discussed ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of Kilmbar Abrego Garcia to the United States, as well as to ensure he receives due process. Garcia, a 29-year-old from El Salvador who was deported from the U.S. in March, has prompted a legal showdown over the administration's immigration policy. Judges have ruled Garcia was deported in error and the U.S. government should help "facilitate" his return. However, the White House has accused Garcia of being a member of the transnational Salvadorian gang MS-13, a designated foreign terrorist organization, saying that he "will never live" in the U.S. again.

Catholic church mourns death of Pope Francis
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Pope Francis will be laid to rest on Saturday. This morning, cardinals of the church began planning for his funeral. FOX News Correspondent Doug Luzader joins FOX 35 to talk about the latest updates.

Anti-Trump rallies break out across the U.S., including in Central Florida

Protests, rallies and demonstrations against the Trump administration are taking place in cities across the country this weekend, including in Central Florida.

Anti-Trump protests break out across the U.S.
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More than 700 events are scheduled around the U.S. Saturday to protest the Trump administration?s agenda. This round of events, organized under the 50501 movement, will focus on community action in the wake of President Trump?s policies on immigration, transgender rights and other marginalized people in America. Many of the events will be protests, but others will be community-focused food and clothing drives, picnics and other "social support" activities, organizers said on Substack. FOX 35's Stephanie Buffamonte heads over to Cocoa Beach to talk to people at the protests.

U.S. may walk away from Ukraine ceasefire, new Trump trade deals
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the United States is prepared to move on from peace negotiations if Ukraine and Russia cannot agree on a deal soon. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is predicting that new trade deals with Europe could come within the next month.

Hope Florida hosts hearings on funding
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Hope Florida hosted its first board meeting since a scandal erupted surrounding the program. State lawmakers are holding hearings into how money from a state Medicaid settlement was funneled through the foundation into a political action committee controlled by the governor's top ally. FOX 35's Evan Axelbank reports some state lawmakers say it's possible laws were broken.

Florida one step closer to banning fluoride in water
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Florida is one step closer to banning fluoride in its water. The state senate passed a bill last night to prevent local cities and counties from using the additive. However, it's not a done deal yet, because the bill still has to pass the house. FOX 35's Chris Lindsay explains why some lawmakers are calling the bill "a joke."

FULL: Florida Gov. DeSantis advocates for law enforcement
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a press conference at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, at the Florida Highway Patrol Station in Fort Myers. DeSantis was joined by Dave Kerner, executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and the two spoke on the importance of law enforcement in the community.

Activist, former athlete Riley Gaines speaks out against Maine's transgender policies
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Attorney General Pamela Bondi hosted a press conference Wednesday morning at the United States Department of Justice to announce a civil lawsuit against Maine in an effort to challenge the state's policy regarding transgender athletes competing in girls' and women's sports. This comes after Maine said it would not comply with the federal government's demands to ban transgender athletes from girls? sports, a move that would violate state law. At the event, Bondi was joined by several key speakers, including former athlete and anti-trans activist Riley Gaines.

FULL: DOJ files lawsuit against Maine over transgender policies
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Attorney General Pamela Bondi hosted a press conference Wednesday morning at the United States Department of Justice to announce enforcement actions against the state of Maine for violating Title IX. Bondi says a civil lawsuit will be filed against Maine over its transgender policies. This comes after Maine said it would not comply with the federal government's demands to ban transgender athletes from girls? sports, a move that would violate state law. Supporters of President Donald Trump?s executive order argue it protects the integrity of women?s sports under Title IX, which a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination.

Democratic senator going to El Salvador to visit deported man
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Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen said said he?ll go to El Salvador "to show solidarity" if President Donald Trump doesn?t secure the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia ? a Salvadoran national living in Maryland, who was deported in what Trump officials have acknowledged was an "administrative error." FOX News Correspondent Griff Jenkins joins FOX 35 Orlando to talk this and other political headlines.

Bill aims to crack down on puppy mills
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A bill targeting dog breeding, mainly stopping puppy mills, is making its way through Tallahassee. However, it's getting pushback from the American Kennel Club. FOX 35's Evyn Moon looked into the proposed rules for dog owners.

Push to eliminate daylight saving time continues
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It's a debate in Washington that comes up every year and never seems to go away. Senators are once again debating if we should end daylight saving time. FOX News Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram walks us through the latest efforts from Washington.

Hurricane preparedness, response bill headed to Florida house
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A bill is now headed to the Florida house that's meant to help local governments prepare for better hurricane response. The bill passed the senate this week, but it still needs to be fine-tuned with the house's version before it can go to a committee or floor vote.

Casey DeSantis' assistance program under scrutiny
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A Florida welfare assistance program led by First Lady Casey DeSantis is facing new scrutiny from lawmakers who want an accounting of where they money is and who's helping. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says House Republican leaders are using this as an excuse to batter him and his wife politically and she considers a run for governor.

Former VP Kamala Harris could make political comeback
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The latest buzz in the political world comes from reports of former Vice President Kamala Harris possibly plotting a comeback. FOX 35's Madeline Rivera brings us the latest updates from Washington, D.C.