Education Commissioner Responds To Criticism Over Black History Standards
(Tallahassee, FL) --Florida has no plans to change its controversial Black History curriculum. That's what Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. told school districts in a memo he sent yesterday. Vice President Kamala Harris and others have criticized the curriculum for teaching that slaves developed skills that could be applied for their personal benefit. In his memo, Diaz writes we will be moving forward with implementing Florida's new history standards. He adds the standards are supported by historical accounts of African Americans, including slaves and their immediate descendants. Diaz also tweeted, "We will not back down from teaching our nation's true history at the behest of a woke White House."
Jacksonville Teacher Resigns Over New Black History Curriculum
(Jacksonville, FL) --A Duval County teacher would rather quit than teach what he calls a watered down version of Black History. R.L. Gundy resigned yesterday from his job teaching social studies at Jacksonville's Ribault Middle School. He wrote in his resignation letter that those who wrote the new standard of history should be ashamed of themselves. Gundy also writes the climate of teaching social studies in Florida is hostile, and "our children will be harmed as a result."
State Board Overseeing Disney World Property Approves Changes
(Lake Buena Vista, FL) -- The state-elected board overseeing Walt Disney World's property is making some changes to how the district operates. Members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District unanimously approved a contract for the union representing the Reedy Creek Fire Department earlier today.It includes a five-percent pay increase and larger salary hikes for long-time first responders. Officials also agree to no longer use taxpayer money to pay for Disney security measures. Governor Ron DeSantis appointed the new board members as a way to strip Disney of its governing powers amidst their ongoing feud.
Volusia County Girl Accused Of Swatting
(Daytona Beach, FL) -- A Volusia County girl's idea of a joke now has her facing charges. The sheriff's office says an 11-year-old texted 911 yesterday to report a kidnapping, but it was a lie. Deputies and officers from three police departments responded to I-95 South in Oak Hill to look for a kidnapping suspect and victim before realizing the texts were a hoax. Deputies traced the texts to a home in Port Orange, and the girl confessed. Sheriff Mike Chitwood says the girl told investigators she thought it would be funny. She's charged with a felony for making a false police report concerning the use of a firearm in a violent manner.
Florida Leaders Lead Push Demanding UFO Transparency
(Washington, DC) -- Several Florida lawmakers are calling for more transparency on UFO's from the Pentagon. A U.S. House Oversight Committee is holding a hearing on Capitol Hill today about declassifying information on UFO's. U.S. Representatives Anna Paulina Luna and Jared Moskowitz have expressed concerns about defense leaders blocking questions connected to the issue. Also, both sides of the aisle are supporting a bill sponsored by Senator Marco Rubio that would force the release of UFO records. During yesterday's hearing, several people, including three former military officers, took the stand to testify.
TODAY IN HISTORY
2015, Boy Scouts of America ended its ban on openly gay leaders and employees.
1996, a pipe bomb explosion at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park cast a dark cloud over Olympic Summer games in Atlanta.
1974, the House Judiciary Committee voted in favor of recommending President Nixon's impeachment for obstruction of justice in the Watergate case.
1960, Vice President Nixon was nominated for president at the Republican national convention in Chicago.
1953, the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War was signed in Panmunjon, Korea. Delegates from North Korea and the United States signed the pact. The U.S. delegates were representing South Korea.
1940, Bugs Bunny made his official debut in a Warner Brothers animated cartoon film short.