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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida Supreme Court orders redrawing of eight U.S. congressional districts
The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the redrawing of some of the state's U.S. congressional districts before the 2016 elections. In a 5-2 ruling, the state's high court found the legislature's redistricting plan was tainted by "unconstitutional intent to favor the Republican Party and incumbents," the latest decision in a long-running legal battle over gerrymandering in the state. Full story is here -- and also see Politico.
» PDF of ruling is here:
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FLORIDA -Vs.- KEN DETZNER
As consumers shoulder more costs, health care prices remain hidden
Consumers with health insurance shouldered more of the expense for their medical care in 2014, but Florida and nearly every other state did little to require that prices for hospitals and doctors be made public — hindering comparison shopping and allowing dominant hospital systems and insurers to drive up costs overall. More at the Miami Herald.
Applications for US unemployment benefits climb to 297,000
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits rose last week to the highest level since late February. But the increase likely reflected temporary auto plant shutdowns rather than any underlying labor market weakness. More at the AP.
Teacher bonuses tied to tests — their own college entrance exams
The Florida Legislature this year approved another measure using test scores to reward teachers — but this time, the rewards will be based on the SAT and ACT scores teachers took as high schoolers. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Illegal robocalls on the rise in Florida
The number of telemarketers using illegal robocalls is on the rise in Florida. In just the past two weeks, Attorney General Pam Bondi's office and the Federal Trade Commission have stopped two calling scams. More at WPTV.
Out of the Box
Museum Garage
A garage like no other has advanced in Miami and will add another 800 parking spaces to the growing Design District. Called Museum Garage, the 7-story building with ground floor retail is planned by Dacra for a stretch of Northeast 41st Street.
» More from Miami Today
Around the State
Cloud Nine
Cloud-based computing company Vology has been approved to compete for the government’s business on everything from networking equipment and security tools to video conferencing systems and data storage. The move could mean up to $200 million for the Olsdmar-based company.
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