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The Latest Breaking News from Geraldine Thompson

Florida brother and sister are running against each other in ‘hurtful’ state senate race

Siblings Randolph Bracy and LaVon Bracy Davis are facing off in Florida’s State Senate District 15 Democratic primary on Tuesday.

The Independent UK

Florida lawmakers honor the 'trailblazing legacy' of late state Sen. Geraldine Thompson

In a state so often divided along partisan lines, Democrats and Republicans alike were moved to tears as they gathered in the Florida capitol Thursday to honor the life and legacy of Democratic state Sen. Geraldine Thompson, a longtime legislator, civil rights legend and educator who died on Feb. 13…

The Independent UK

Florida school guidelines can punish trans students and teach how slavery ‘developed skills’ for Black people

Civil rights groups, lawmakers and educators blast ‘inaccurate and a scary’ African American history standards

The Independent UK

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DeSantis wants the state to regulate Disney rides. Here’s what that could mean

A proposal to strip Disney World of its ability to self-inspect its rides and monorails could also alter its participation in an agreement that allows major theme parks to self-report injuries on their attractions.

Orlando Sentinel

Florida bill targeting college diversity programs no longer mentions them

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In January, Gov. Ron DeSantis called on Florida lawmakers to overhaul the state’s higher education system with a clear target in mind: diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Tribune News Service

Tyre Sampson’s mom settles lawsuit against Free Fall owner, ICON Park

ORLANDO, Fla. — Standing in front of the Orlando Free Fall drop tower where her 14-year-old son Tyre Sampson lost his life nearly a year ago, Nekia Dodd and her lawyer announced Wednesday they had reached a settlement with ride owner Orlando Slingshot and landlord ICON Park in the civil…

Orlando Sentinel

Eyeing a run for president, Ron DeSantis wants to 'Make America Florida'

Florida Gov. DeSantis' pugnacious approach to issues involving race, sexual orientation and public health has pushed him to the front of the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

WEKU

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Tyre Sampson bills would strengthen ride safety but keep records secret

ORLANDO, Fla. — Legislation filed after teenage tourist Tyre Sampson’s death on the Orlando Free Fall drop tower would improve ride safety, his mother’s attorney and a ride safety expert say, but it could also keep future accident investigations secret until they’re done.

Orlando Sentinel

Florida’s struggle to teach Black history has become a battle over who controls the past

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For 71 years, the survivors of Rosewood controlled their history. They guardedly discussed their stories only at family gatherings, haunted by the threat of retaliation in their rural Central Florida communities.

Tribune News Service

Crump threatens to sue DeSantis over African American Studies course

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said Wednesday he would sue Gov. Ron DeSantis if he doesn’t allow Florida high school students to take a new AP African American Studies course that the governor contends promotes woke ideology and critical race theory.

Orlando Sentinel

Florida cites CRT, ‘Black Struggle,’ and communism in rejected African American course

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida rejected an Advanced Placement African American studies course because it contains critical race theory and state leaders objected to its lessons on “Black queer studies,” Black feminist thought and “the Black Struggle in the 21st Century,” according to the Florida Department of Education.

Orlando Sentinel

State seeks fine, criminal charges in teen’s tower ride death at Orlando theme park

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has determined the operator of the Orlando Free Fall, the ride from which 14-year-old tourist Tyre Sampson fell to his death in March, broke numerous laws in operating the ride and is seeking to fine the company over $250,000.

Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Free Fall to be torn down after 14-year-old's death

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Free Fall, a drop tower from which 14-year-old tourist Tyre Sampson fell to his death in March, will be taken down, the attraction’s operators said Thursday.

Orlando Sentinel

Tyre Sampson’s father, attorneys say Free Fall ride death being swept ‘under the rug’

ORLANDO, Fla. — On Friday, two days before Father’s Day, Juneteenth and his birthday, Yarnell Sampson visited the Orlando Free Fall ride in ICON Park.

Orlando Sentinel

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The Independent UK

Father of teen killed on Florida ride fears death forgotten

The father of a Missouri teenager killed after falling from a Florida amusement park ride said Monday he fears his son’s death will be forgotten with tragic consequences for future ride patrons

Daily Record

Teen who plunged 400ft to his death on theme park ride 'had seat misadjusted'

Tyre Sampson, 14, died while riding Orlando Free Fall thrill ride with a report confirming he was not properly secured in his seat.

Daily Mirror

Teen, 14, who fell 400ft to his death on theme park ride 'had seat misadjusted'

Tyre Sampson, 14, died on March 24 while riding the Orlando Free Fall thrill ride, which is said to be the world's largest free-standing drop tower

Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Free Fall ride operators altered safety features before teen’s death, report says

ORLANDO, Fla. — An engineering firm hired by the state found that the operator of the Orlando Free Fall drop tower manually changed sensors on specific seats on the ride, “resulting in it being unsafe,” Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said Monday in Orlando.

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Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Free Fall operators altered safety features before teen’s death, report says

Orlando Sentinel

Seat belt could have saved teen at ICON Park Free Fall, experts say

ORLANDO, Fla. — One simple thing might have saved 14-year-old Tyre Sampson’s life: a seat belt.

Tribune News Service

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Conor Lamb says John Fetterman’s afraid to debate, calling shotgun incident ‘a huge problem’

Orlando Sentinel

Florida official says stronger laws may be needed after boy's death on Orlando Free Fall ride

ORLANDO, Fla. — As the state’s investigation into the death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson on the Orlando Free Fall drop tower last week continues, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said Friday her department will look into changing Florida laws to ensure amusement park rides are safe.

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