Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
CELEBRITY PHOTOGRAPHER WANTS TO BOOST POTENTIAL DAMAGES HE COULD WIN FROM JUSTIN BIEBER
The photographer accuses the singer and a bodyguard of battery in a confrontation last summer outside a recording studio. His attorney said a punitive damage award could deter future assaults against “paparazzi.” Bieber’s attorney says there’s no evidence the photographer was physically harmed in the alleged attack in June and no proof that Bieber himself told a bodyguard to go after him.
COMMON CORE BACKLASH IN FLA. PROMPTS CHANGES
Common Core standards for Florida’s schools remain alive and well, but don’t say that too loudly. The ongoing backlash against the contentious standards has prompted state officials and the Florida Legislature to act. Legislators are advancing bills that would remove more than 30 references to the Common Core standards that were placed in law just a year ago.
SCOTT SIGNS TOUGHER SEXUAL PREDATOR MEASURES
Sexual predators will receive longer sentences and will have a tougher time being released under a package of bills Gov. Rick Scott signed into law. Scott signed the four bills Tuesday during a ceremony packed with lawmakers, law enforcement officers and advocates who fight against sexual violence. In addition to longer sentences, the legislation attempts to close loopholes in the Jimmy Ryce Act.
FLORIDA STATE NATIONAL CHAMPION FOOTBALL TEAM HONORED AT CAPITOL
The Florida State national champion football team has been honored by legislators during Florida State Day at the Capitol. Heisman-winning quarterback Jameis Winston was recognized with his own resolutions in the House and Senate Tuesday. During their first stop in the House, Coach Jimbo Fisher presented Speaker Will Weatherford with a Florida State jersey.
FEWER ANTI-SEMITIC INCIDENTS REPORTED IN FLORIDA
According to an Anti-Defamation League audit, there were 68 anti-Semitic incidents in the state last year, mostly in South Florida. That’s down from 88 reported in 2012. The audit includes incidents of assault, vandalism and harassment targeting Jews and Jewish property and institutions. It includes both criminal and non-criminal incidents reported to ADL’s Florida office and to law enforcement.
