Politics

President Donald Trump is taking part in a bilateral meeting with Jonas Store, the prime minister of Norway. The leaders will meet on Thursday afternoon in the Oval Office.

State Attorney Monique Worrell shared a quarterly update at a news conference hosted on Thursday morning in Orlando. Worrell reported a "strong and successful start" to her first quarter back in office and said her office has made significant progress in advancing the mission of serving justice and protecting the community. Worrell discussed convictions in several high-profile cases and said her office has taken 61 felony cases to trial in Orange and Osceola counties in the quarter, resulting in a 70% conviction rate. Worrell also discussed her hopes and goals for the upcoming future quarters.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a news conference to highlight Hope Florida on Thursday morning in St. Augustine at the Anchor Faith Church. Others positively impacted by Hope Florida also shared their experiences at the event. The nonprofit organization has been under intense scrutiny following questions from lawmakers over the handling of a $10 million settlement. The allegations center on whether the funds were appropriately funneled into Hope Florida?s nonprofit arm instead of the state?s coffers.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a news conference on Thursday morning in St. Augustine at the Anchor Faith Church. At the event, Casey DeSantis advocated for the program she spearheads: Hope Florida. The nonprofit organization "empowers individuals to embrace their full God-given potential." Recently, the program has faced some backlash. 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. Both Ron and Casey DeSantis have dismissed the accusations, saying they are wildly untrue.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a news conference to highlight the benefits of Hope Florida on Thursday morning in St. Augustine at the Anchor Faith Church. There has been a multitude of ongoing controversy surrounding Hope Florida, which is a nonprofit organization spearheaded by 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.

The Florida Senate had an emotional tribute with a moment of silence for the Florida State University (FSU) shooting victims on the floor on Wednesday. Two people were killed, and six others were injured, in the shooting that took place last week near the school's Student Union. FOX 35 News+'s Garrett Wymer talks us through the powerful moments.

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."

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.

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.?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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."

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.

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.