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Miami Herald
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
At CPAC Latino, Salazar says give immigrants contributing to US a chance to stay
Immigrants who have been contributing to their U.S. communities for years while in the country illegally should be given the opportunity to earn legal status, Miami Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar said Saturday during a gathering of conservative Latinos. Salazar, a Republican whose coastal Miami-Dade district includes more than 535,000 people who identify as Hispanic or Latino, spoke about her 'Dignity Act' that she drafted with fellow Hispanic Rep. Veronica Escobar, a Texas Democrat The bill, which they introduced in 2023, would offer a way for immigrants who years ago arrived illegally to stay in the United States if they don't have a criminal record, contribute to the economy and pay restitution. Salazar, who has said she will reintroduce the legislation this month, emphasized that those who qualify would receive no government assistance, just a way to continue working in the country. 'Let's seal the border,' Salazar said. 'But once that is done, then we have to look back and start this national conversation, and then give some type of dignity to those people with no criminal record, who have been a part of our communities and who are decent human beings.' Though Salazar has been critical at times of elements of President Donald Trump's sweeping plan to deport millions of immigrants, she heaped praise on the Republican president. 'Trump will be for immigration what Lincoln was for slavery, and what Reagan was for communism,' she said. Salazar's comments came during a Conservative Political Action Conference event held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood, co-hosted by Latino Wallstreet. Conservative leaders said during the conference that Hispanic Americans are only increasing their power and influence across the United States, touting the growing diversity of the Republican Party. This year's conference began one day after the U.S. Supreme Court decided Trump could move forward for now with a policy preventing children born to immigrants in the country illegally from receiving citizenship in places where there isn't pending litigation — which includes Florida. The policy also applies to children of some temporary visa holders. The policy is part of a bigger Trump administration agenda to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and end programs that have either provided temporary legal status or deferred immigration enforcement for people who came from places like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Beyond Salazar's comments, the topic of immigration enforcement went mostly undiscussed throughout the day. When event organizer Mercedes Schlapp, a senior adviser for communications during Trump's first administration, was asked prior to Salazar's speech about the congresswoman's position on immigration — including a social media post saying she was 'heartbroken' by the way ICE raids were affecting Miami communities — Schlapp said events like CPAC are meant to bring people with different viewpoints to the stage. 'We're not going to agree on everything,' Schlapp said. 'And I think for Maria Elvira, she is speaking up for her community in South Florida.' During her speech, Salazar also denounced socialism and said Democrats have been 'infiltrated' by it, referencing self-titled democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani's recent win in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. She said Hispanic Republicans have to act as 'saviors of the party' to prevent the same thing happening across the aisle. Several speakers said Hispanic people were at the heart of the modern Republican Party. Former Republican U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores from Texas and Trump special assistant Jenny Korn said that without the Hispanic vote, Trump would not have won the 2024 election. Trump 'loves Latinos,' Korn said, and he works with advisers of Latino descent, like her, on issues of national security. Flores said she wanted to see more Hispanic people in Congress to represent that influence. 'Hispanics are the future of this party,' Flores said. 'If the Republican Party wants to win big this upcoming midterm, they've got to continue investing in the Hispanic community.'
Miami Herald
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Gambler turns $12.50 bet into huge jackpot prize at Florida casino. ‘Wow!'
One lucky gambler turned a $12.50 bet into a huge jackpot at a Florida casino. Now the player is more than $134,000 richer. The guest sat at a Dragon Link slot machine at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, the casino said in a June 21 Facebook post. The gambler made a bet, hit spin and watched as the symbols flashed across the screen. Then a jackpot message appeared saying the player won $134,521.91. The guest had a remaining credit of $104.60 in the machine at the time of the win. Nearly 50 people commented on the casino's Facebook post to congratulate the winner. 'Save some for me. I'll be there next Thursday for three days,' one person said. 'Wow!' another person wrote. There have been other big wins at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa this month. Another gambler also chose a Dragon Link slot machine, bet $7.50 and won the $111,420.01 jackpot, the casino said in a June 2 post.
Politico
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Beshear shows Florida Dems his winning blueprint
Good morning and welcome to Monday. When the Florida Democratic Party invited Kentucky Gov. ANDY BESHEAR to speak at its Leadership Blue gala on Saturday night, it seemed to be sending a loud-and-clear message: We'll have what he's having. What exactly is that? A winning streak they envy. Beshear has won statewide office as a Democrat three times in a row in Kentucky — a place where President DONALD TRUMP dominated in 2024 by 30 points — despite describing himself with terms like 'pro-choice' and 'pro-union.' Compare that to Florida, where Trump won by 13 points but Republicans have eclipsed Democrats in recent cycles to take over the Legislature, every statewide office and a big voter registration advantage. Democrats have been depressed about it, but they say they'll keep fighting. As it turns out, Beshear had a lot of thoughts about what Florida Democrats need to do. And it wasn't just because he enjoys vacationing in the Panhandle. He told Playbook that during the weekend, a lot of Democrats approached him to ask about his political secret sauce. 'I'm here as proof that when Democrats put people first and stand firm on our values, we can — we will — win tough elections,' he said onstage later. Beshear opened up about his blueprint, both onstage at the gala (held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood), in gaggles with journalists and one-on-one with Playbook. Here are the biggest takeaways: Focus on people's daily lives. Beshear said one of the big reasons Trump won the 2024 election was because he convinced voters that 'the vice president was distracted' while he was focused on issues like high prices and public safety. 'When people wake up in the morning, they're not thinking about the next election,' he said. 'They're thinking about their job and whether they make enough to support their family. They're thinking about the next doctor's appointment for themselves, their parents or their kids. They're thinking about the roads and bridges they drive each day, the school they drop their kids off at, and whether they feel safe in their community. The way that Democrats win is to own that lane.' Talk like a real person. Beshear gently reprimanded Democrats for using terms like justice-involved populations, substance use disorder and food insecurity — word he said he knew were intended to reduce stigma but that also ended up being an attempt at sanitizing difficult issues and taking the emotion out of them. He urged them instead to use the words addiction and hungry. 'I know all of this is important,' he said, 'but we don't change stigma by changing words. You change stigma by changing hearts.' Get dirt on your boots. 'What that means is that we're not just signing something in a rose garden,' Beshear said. 'We are out there making sure that people see the new factory, see the new growth, to see the impact that we're making in their daily lives, to get out in those communities again and again, because showing up shows the people we care.' Explain why. Democrats need to talk about their reasons for making decisions, Beshear said. For him, it's his Christian faith. So when he vetoed sweeping legislation that would have restricted bathrooms for transgender people and banned gender-affirming care for minors, he said it was because of his faith. 'My faith teaches me that every child is a child of God,' he told Kentuckians then, 'and I didn't want people picking on those kids.' The next day, he said, a man came toward him at an event and told him that even though he didn't agree with the veto, he understood the governor was doing what he thought was right. 'Whether people agreed with the decision or not, they knew what I was thinking,' he said. 'It creates the grace and the space to disagree and understand where someone is coming from.' Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget that Playbook should look at? Get in touch at: kleonard@ CAMPAIGN MODE MORE FROM LEADERSHIP BLUE … — Another quick note on Beshear: These events can also be viewed as an audition of sorts. Beshear is considering running for president, and (to close listeners) there were a couple 2028 Easter eggs in his speech. For instance, he included a dig at Vice President JD VANCE, widely viewed as the very early GOP frontrunner, as not actually being from Kentucky and said Democrats should 'make sure this is the last political job he ever has.' Then he capped off his speech with a resounding, 'Are you ready to elect a Democratic president in 2028?' — A key theme from the party: 'Several elected officials and party leaders agreed on one thing: they have a messaging problem, and President Donald Trump might help them solve it,' report Siena Duncan and Vivienne Serret of the Miami Herald. 'Democrats mentioned immigration, tariffs and potential cuts to healthcare as issues that have caused division in Florida districts that voted Republican. Deportations in South Florida were central to the discussion, with issues like revoking Temporary Protected Status, instating travel bans and targeting immigrants who have not committed crimes roiling Hispanic communities.' — Democratic Sen. CORY BOOKER of New Jersey got the crowd's attention. Mitch Perry of the Florida Phoenix writes: Booker's speech 'began with him calling for the house lights to be put on so he could see all 1,000-plus attendees, and then he waded into the audience, ultimately standing atop a table to address the crowd.' — At one point, Booker said, 'I miss Obama,' then joked that he was referring to the former first lady and not the former president. 'Michelle!' he yelled jokingly into the mic, 'If you married me, I'd be president right now!' — The Florida Phoenix also highlighted NIKKI FRIED's remarks, delivered unknowingly to her as Trump revealed the US had bombed Iran: 'Our message is shit,' she said. 'Our brand is broken. But quitting, hiding, waiting or whining will not fix it. What will? Showing up.' SPOTTED: Reps. SHEILA CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK, JARED MOSKOWITZ, DARREN SOTO, DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ; gubernatorial candidate DAVID JOLLY; Senate candidate JOSH WEIL; House Democratic leader FENTRICE DRISKELL; state Reps. ANNA ESKAMANI, MICHELE RAYNER, MARIE WOODSON, KEVIN CHAMBLISS, CHRISTINE HUNSCHOFSKY and ASHLEY GANTT; state Sens. SHEVRIN JONES, TRACIE DAVIS; Miami Dade County Mayor DANIELLA LEVINE CAVA; former Florida Democratic Party Chair TERRIE RIZZO. ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... ENVIRONMENTAL SPENDING REVERSAL — 'State legislators this year pivoted away from spending money to buy environmentally sensitive land and instead poured hundreds of millions into paying Florida land owners — including farm owners — from developing their property,' reports POLITICO's Gary Fineout. 'That was one of the biggest environmental spending highlights in this year's $115 billion state budget that also included a significant retreat from a decision made just a year ago to permanently dedicate money from the state's gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe to environmental programs.' WEATHER MANIPULATION BANNED — 'DeSantis signed Senate Bill 56, spearheaded by Sen. Ileana Garcia, R-Miami, which repeals current state law that allowed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to issue permits to people or groups seeking to change the weather,' reports Michaela Mulligan of the Tampa Bay Times. 'Weather modification is just as it sounds: It's the act of artificially influencing the weather. And in Florida, despite previous legislation, no institutions have ever sought a permit to change the weather, according to state environment officials.' — 'Judge grants partial delay in Carolina Amesty's federal case until next month,' reports Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics. — Florida Politics is out with its annual list of Tampa Bay's Most Powerful Politicians. PENINSULA AND BEYOND LOOK WHO'S BACK — DeSantis is keeping a familiar face on the University of West Florida trustee board by reappointing ADAM KISSEL, who was rejected by two state Senate committees over his stances on higher education. Kissel, who DeSantis reinstalled on the board Friday, is expected to be a key vote as part of a new majority picked by DeSantis to run UWF alongside Education Commissioner MANNY DIAZ JR., the school's interim president. A visiting fellow on higher education reform for The Heritage Foundation, Kissel was grilled by senators over his past writings, where he signaled support for privatizing universities and claimed military veterans are contributing to an 'overpopulation problem' facing colleges. Kissel, listed as a resident of Charleston, West Virginia, earlier this month suggested the University of Florida should 'consider a path to privatization' in response to state leaders rejecting former University of Michigan President Santa Ono as its prospective president. — Andrew Atterbury VOTING ON ELECTION CHANGES — Miami city commissioners will vote this week on whether to move its municipality elections to even years, which would help improve voter turnout, report Tess Riski and Jay Weaver of the Miami Herald. Should the election get moved, then it would cancel the 2025 election and allow certain officials, such as Miami Mayor FRANCIS SUAREZ, more time in their role regardless of term limits. DeSantis and state Attorney General JAMES UTHMEIER have warned Miami officials they don't have the right to move the elections without voters weighing in. — 'Fort Lauderdale eyeing own emergency reserve in case FEMA goes away,' reports Susannah Bryan of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP JUDICIARY SCRUTINY — 'A Florida state judge was lobbying for a seat on the federal bench. After he sided with the president in a defamation case, Donald Trump gave him one,' reports POLITICO's Hailey Fuchs. 'Ed Artau, now a nominee to be a district court judge in Florida, met with staff in the office of Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott to angle for the nomination less than two weeks after Trump's election last fall, according to a new Senate disclosure obtained by POLITICO. In the midst of his interviews, Artau was part of a panel of judges that ruled in Trump's favor in the president's case against members of the Pulitzer Prize Board.' DATELINE D.C. REACTIONS TO US BOMBING OF IRAN — Sens. RICK SCOTT and ASHLEY MOODY both issued supportive statements about the president's decision to launch strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday night, reports Drew Dixon of Florida Politics. Over in the House, many Democrats, including Rep. DARREN SOTO, said they were concerned that the president hadn't sought congressional approval before launching the strikes. Soto told Playbook he'd supported the bipartisan War Powers resolution that had been introduced in the House and wanted to look into whether Trump had exceeded his powers. 'It is a lot more offensive than normally the actions that are taken through the use of force,' he said. 'Often, it's done to help protect our allies — like Israel and the region and Kuwait and others. So there's a lot of questions to be asked. We also certainly don't want a nuclear Iran.' Rep. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (D-Fla.) had a more nuanced position, saying that Iran now needed to return to engaging in diplomatic negotiations. She said Trump should turn to Congress for any further action on Iran but that in her view the move on Saturday 'was a defensive one.' 'The window had opened with Israel striking their nuclear sites,' she said, 'and when diplomacy appeared to have not been effective, to me, it was essential to not allow that window to close, because this appeared to be the most significant opportunity to be able to prevent them from being able to achieve their nuclear goals.' TELLING HER PERSONAL STORY — Republican Rep. KAT CAMMACK opened up to The Wall Street Journal's Katy Stech Ferek recently to reveal that she had an ectopic pregnancy — a life-threatening condition — after Florida's six-week abortion limit was signed into law. She said the doctors questioned whether they were allowed to treat her by expelling the embryo, and she had to read them the law to persuade them to move ahead. Per WSJ: 'Cammack doesn't fault the Florida law for her experience. Instead, she accuses the left of scaring medical professionals with messaging that stressed that they could face criminal charges for violating the law. She said she feels those efforts gave medical staff reason to fear giving drugs even under legal circumstances.' — 'One Big, Beautiful Bill's changes for Obamacare could be ugly for Florida,' by Christine Sexton of the Florida Phoenix. ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN BIRTHDAY: Former state Rep. Joy Goff-Marcil.
Politico
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Politico
Democrats' Hollywood bash
Good morning and happy Friday. State Democrats are descending on Hollywood (the Broward County version) this weekend for their annual 'Leadership Blue' meeting and fundraiser. It all takes place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino — the same spot where Gov. RON DESANTIS and the Republican Party of Florida often hold events. Not everyone in the party was happy to turn to a host who's given so generously to the GOP. But off to the electric guitar-shaped venue they'll go. NORA VIÑAS, the state party's new communications director, said more than 1,000 Democrats are attending, and that they can expect musical performances on top of the regular program of training and panels. The Florida Democratic Party will also preview their 2025 game plan, which they said involves a 'multimillion-dollar investment to hire local organizers, expand vote-by-mail, register new Democrats and recruit candidates.' The bash kicks off this afternoon with a welcome reception and a live podcast taping with Gen Zers SAM SCHWARTZ, an advocate against gun violence, and AARON PARNAS, a lawyer and TikTok political commentator. This particular part of the program showcases Democrats' own efforts to focus on platforms Republicans successfully used for outreach in 2024. Florida Democrats have struggled in recent cycles. They've fallen behind by 1.3 million active voter registrations, hold no statewide positions and are battling a GOP supermajority in the Legislature. But Viñas said they're feeling encouraged by their overperformance in the pair of special elections from April. 'Democrats showed up and it mattered,' she said. (To be clear: Despite the overperformance, Republicans won both seats.) This weekend, party leaders are hoping to take some lessons from Gov. ANDY BESHEAR of Kentucky, one of the gala's speakers, who knows a little something about winning in a red state as a Democrat. Incidentally, he's also someone who's considering running for president in 2028. Also speaking is Democratic Sen. CORY BOOKER of New Jersey, who caught nationwide attention when he gave a 25-hour, five-minute speech on the Senate floor in protest of the Trump administration. A karaoke after party will follow the VIP reception. Two candidates to watch this weekend are the Democrats who've already announced they're running statewide: former Rep. DAVID JOLLY and teacher JOSH WEIL (more on him below). The two are far apart on the political spectrum; Jolly was once a Republican and Weil is an unapologetic progressive. Still, they've already done events together as they geared up to run. 'We have to build back into every corner of the state and be a party for every Floridian,' Weil said when asked how he felt about the state of the party ahead of the weekend's events. 'And I think [Florida Democratic Party chair NIKKI FRIED] is the right person for the job, and I think she has a great message.' But others heading into town are feeling decidedly more … well, blue. 'No amount of cheerleading on Saturday will overcome the 1.3 million voter registration lead the GOP has in the state,' said one party organizer, granted anonymity to speak candidly. Playbook will be on the ground Saturday reporting on the happenings. Reach out to say hello at kleonard@ WHERE'S RON? Gov. DeSantis held a press conference this morning at Tampa International Airport, after greeting a flight arriving from Israel. Fox News has more: '1,500 Jewish Americans evacuated from Israel as DeSantis sponsors rescue flights to Tampa.' ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... FLORIDA RIVER RESTORATION — 'A Republican state senator who represents north central Florida is already asking Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto millions approved by the Legislature to begin the eventual restoration of the Ocklawaha River,' reports POLITICO's Gary Fineout. 'Christina Johnson, a spokesperson for state Sen. Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach), confirmed Wednesday that Leek has been communicating with DeSantis' office to 'express his objections against this project, including asking for a veto.' 'In a move that would have been unthinkable a few years ago, the new state budget includes $6.25 million to draw up a plan to remove a section of a dam that now blocks the Ocklawaha River, a tributary of the St. Johns River with a rich history. At one point in time, steamboats would traverse the river and take visitors to Silver Springs.' THREE NEW UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS, FINALLY — 'State university leaders granted final approval Wednesday to three new presidents with connections to the DeSantis administration: former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez at Florida International University, Marva Johnson at Florida A&M University and Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. as the University of West Florida's interim leader,' reports POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury. 'The confirmation votes from the Board of Governors came without heavy deliberations, even as alumni opposition swells surrounding Johnson's hire and contract, which required special legislation to remedy. These approvals marked a sharp contrast with the state board rejecting former University of Michigan president Santa Ono earlier this month as the University of Florida's prospective president after grilling him for three hours.' SPEAKING OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES — 'The Board of Governors, which oversees the state's university system, voted Wednesday to allow Florida public universities to increase a fee out-of-state students pay,' reports Danielle Prieur of Central Florida Public Media. 'Out-of-state students in Florida don't just pay higher tuition, but also a special fee. It's the first time in over a decade these fees are being increased. With the Board of Governors vote, Florida's public universities will be allowed to increase that fee up to 10 percent this fall, and up to 15 percent by the fall of 2026.' RESHUFFLING MILLIONS TOWARD COLLEGE ATHLETICS — 'State leaders opened a new revenue stream Wednesday for Florida universities to reshuffle millions of dollars toward athletics in response to the landmark House v. NCAA settlement,' reports POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury. 'An emergency rule approved by the university system Board of Governors allows schools to use up to $22.5 million generated by auxiliaries like housing and bookstores for paying student athletes as part of the landscape-altering, revenue-sharing model about to reshape college sports. The policy is meant to be a short-term bridge for Florida universities to get ahead of the anticipated July 1 start date and stay competitive with high-powered rivals.' CONSERVATION FUNDS SEE BIG CUT — 'Despite the vast display of bipartisan support for Florida's wild places, lawmakers on Monday night approved budget cuts to the state's flagship conservation land acquisition program that helps grow and create new state parks,' reports Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times. 'The Florida Forever program is slated to receive $18 million in the upcoming budget year, compared to at least $100 million in funding every year since 2021, according to state documents. The land-buying money falls well short of the additional $100 million DeSantis recommended for the new budget.' — 'Not just a swamp: Everglades worth $31.5 billion to local economy each year, study finds,' by Denise Hruby of the Miami Herald. BIG PRIORITY ULTIMATELY IGNORED THIS SESSION — 'Florida's legislative leaders ushered in this year's session vowing to investigate insurance company profits and holding the industry accountable if it wasn't paying claims,' reports Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times. 'A House committee held rare hearings to grill the state's current and former insurance regulators. Republicans and regulators proposed several pro-consumer bills. But 105 days later, it didn't amount to much.' One insurer recently asked for a big hike: 'Trusted Resource Underwriters Exchange, which goes by the acronym TRUE, asked state regulators at a June 17 rate hearing to allow the insurer to jack rates up by 31 percent for its multiperil homeowners' insurance for tens of thousands of policyholders when they renew this year,' reports Anne Geggis of the Palm Beach Post. JOB TRAINING CASH INFLUX — 'Five state colleges in Central Florida will receive nearly $10 million after Gov. Ron DeSantis recently handed out grants allowing them to expand career and technical training programs,' reports Gray Rohrer of USA Today Network — Florida. 'The money will go to Eastern Florida State College, Indian River State College, Polk State College, Valencia College and Seminole State College.' — 'How Florida's attempt to let teens sleep longer fell apart,' by Ted Alcorn and Patricia Mazzei of The New York Times. IN DEPTH LOOK AT LIVE LOCAL ACT — Many officials in Florida 'contend there are loopholes in the Live Local Act that enable developers to take advantage of the property-tax breaks and more flexible zoning rules that are part of the legislation — without doing enough to help low-to-moderate-income Floridians find a truly affordable place to live,' report Dave Berman Laura Layden of USA Today Network — Florida. AG PITCH — 'Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier wants to set up an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades he is calling 'Alligator Alcatraz,'' reports Skyler Swisher of the Orlando Sentinel. 'Uthmeier touted his proposal for a 1,000-bed facility as 'the one-stop shop to carry out President Trump's mass deportation agenda.' It would be positioned on a 'virtually abandoned' airstrip surrounded by wetlands, he said.' — '16 indicted for illegal reentry after sweeping Florida immigration crackdown,' reports Ana Goñi-Lessan of USA Today Network — Florida. — 'Florida contractor cuts nursing care for 100 medically fragile children,' reports Christopher O'Donnell of the Tampa Bay Times. PENINSULA AND BEYOND — 'South Florida Jews face changing plans as they try to leave Israel for U.S.,' by David Lyons of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. ...HURRICANE HOLE... NEVER THE SAME — 'Panama City [Florida] and Paradise stand as vivid examples of an emerging cycle in this era of more-extreme weather in America: Communities struck by disasters often grow richer and more exclusive,' report of Arian Campo-Flores, Cameron McWhirter and Paul Overberg of The Wall Street Journal. '... Poor residents have a tougher time navigating bureaucratic procedures for disaster aid and weathering job losses. Renters often get evicted from damaged properties and face spiraling rents as the supply of units shrinks. Low-income homeowners frequently struggle to pay for repairs that must comply with stricter building codes and to buy sufficient insurance coverage.' CAMPAIGN MODE ICYMI: WEIL CHALLENGING MOODY — Florida Democrat JOSH WEIL, the once little-known progressive teacher who stunned the political world in March by raising nearly $14 million for a failed congressional special election bid, is now running to become the Sunshine State's next senator. Weil is the first major Democratic candidate to file for the 2026 Senate race to challenge incumbent Sen. ASHLEY MOODY. 'I'll be everywhere,' Weil said of his planned campaign tour across the state, which kicked off Wednesday at a veterans' center in conservative Clay County. DATELINE D.C. IMPLICATIONS FOR FLORIDA'S LAW — 'The Supreme Court has upheld a Tennessee law that bans gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors,' reports POLITICO's Josh Gerstein. 'In a 6-3 ruling Wednesday, the court's conservative majority rejected a challenge from transgender adolescents and their families who argued that the ban violates the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection.' — 'Rick Scott, Byron Donalds, Greg Steube demand more transparency in next UF President pick,' reports Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics. — 'The price you pay for an Obamacare plan could surge next year in Florida,' reports Daniel Chang of the Orlando Sentinel. — 'Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' would kick nearly 8K rural Floridians off Medicaid,' reports Brandon Girod of the Pensacola News Journal. TRANSITION TIME — Blake Nolan has been promoted to be chief of staff for Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.). — 'Former Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg has joined GrayRobinson as a shareholder in its Litigation practice,' per Florida Politics. — 'Matt Newton is rejoining Shumaker as a Partner in its Real Estate, Construction & Development Service Line,' per Florida Politics. ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN — 'Better the second time around: South Florida celebrates Panthers' Stanley Cup encore victory,' by Ben Crandell and Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. BIRTHDAYS: Brad Howard of the Corcoran Street Group … Ed Miyagishima … (Saturday) state Rep. Linda Chaney … former state Rep. Chuck Clemons … former Rep. Jim Bacchus … (Sunday) Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady … state House Speaker Daniel Perez ... Drew Weatherford, partner at Weatherford Capital and Florida State University trustee.
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Wrestling legend Ric Flair gives concerning update amid skin cancer treatment; ‘I will not be able to…'
Ric Flair, the WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling legend, will not attend a scheduled meet-and-greet event at a wellness clinic in Mississippi on Tuesday as he continues treatment for skin cancer. This marks the second time Flair has postponed the event. 'To All My Dear Friends And Fans- I Am So Sorry, That I Will Not Be Able To See You Tuesday,' Flair wrote on X, using capital letters for each word. 'I Have Health Issues, That I Need To Attend To. As I Have Procrastinated Putting My Health First In The Past. Melanoma, I Have Found Out, Is Nothing To Play With. I Promise To See You ASAP. Please Continue To Love Ric Flair Drip, As @_RicFlairDrip Loves You.' A post shared by Ric Flair® Nature Boy® (@ricflairnatureboy) Also Read: Ric Flair's 'attention-seeking' jab at Jim Ross sparks controversy amid colon cancer recovery The 76-year-old had previously denied he was dealing with a health issue, but recently confirmed his skin cancer diagnosis during an interview with People magazine. 'It's the second time in three years that I've been dealing with skin cancer,' Flair told People. 'I will be undergoing treatment next week.' Known as "The Nature Boy," Flair is widely considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. His daughter, Charlotte Flair, has followed his path and become one of WWE's top stars. Flair was seen attending a Florida gaming event at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in 2023. Though he first announced his retirement after his match against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24 in 2008, Flair has returned to WWE for occasional appearances over the years. In addition to his wrestling legacy, Flair has faced several serious health issues. In 2017, he was placed in a medically induced coma and remained there for 11 days after his intestine ruptured. He had gone to the hospital with stomach pains and quickly developed kidney problems, coming close to congestive heart failure due to years of heavy alcohol use. Doctors gave him only a 20 percent chance of survival. He later underwent surgery to remove an obstructed portion of his bowel. In 2019, Flair was rushed to the hospital after another serious medical emergency. He later had successful heart surgery in Atlanta. In his autobiography Ric Flair: To Be the Man, Flair revealed he had been diagnosed with alcoholic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition caused by long-term alcohol abuse. "I had one vice," Flair told Sports Illustrated in 2017. 'I'm not going to point my finger at anybody else. My vice was drinking. I didn't have any pain issues, addiction problems, marijuana, cocaine, nothing like that. It's a fact that I kept myself up all night and always had a good time.' Flair married Wendy Barlow in 2018. The couple separated in September 2024. At the time, Flair thanked her for standing by him during his health struggles. Flair gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s through his work with WCW and WWF (now WWE). He holds 16 recognized world championship titles and remains the only WWE Superstar inducted into the Hall of Fame twice. Originally from Wisconsin, Flair wrestled, played football, and ran track in high school during the late 1960s. He began his wrestling career in 1972 and went on to headline WrestleMania VIII in 1992. Even into his 60s, Flair remained active in the wrestling world, including a notable appearance at WrestleMania 35 in 2019. He continues to appear at select wrestling events, often joining his daughter Charlotte in the ring. His son Reid died in 2013 from a drug overdose.
