Florida, seven other states, investigating Facebook for possible antitrust violations

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has joined seven other states and the District of Columbia investigating Facebook for possible antitrust violations. The probe will look into whether Facebook "endangered consumer data, reduced the quality of consumers' choices, or increased the price of advertising," said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement. More from the Tampa Bay Times and NPR.

Florida may seek close to $200 million in federal aid for Dorian preparation

Florida wants the White House to approve federal reimbursements for the state and 24 counties to help cover costs of Hurricane Dorian preparation, shelters and evacuation measures. Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday he’s spoken to President Donald Trump and has directed state emergency-management staff to amend an already-approved request for federal disaster relief to include the additional reimbursements that could approach $200 million. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

See also:
» University of Florida economist says Hurricane Dorian has 'minimal' impact on Florida agriculture, citrus
» Don’t take your eyes off the tropics yet; more systems are brewing
» Are Florida’s nursing homes prepared for hurricanes?

John Morgan isn’t taking lead role in legalizing marijuana after all

Don’t count on John Morgan opening up his checkbook to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. Morgan says he’ll support both major proposals to get marijuana legalization on the ballot in 2020 – but as a cheerleader, not with cash. The Orlando attorney, who spent millions of dollars on the successful campaign to legalize medical marijuana in 2016, remains focused on his proposed 2020 amendment that would gradually increase the minimum wage in Florida to $15. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

At budget hearing, Miami-Dade residents demand action on housing costs

One resident after another took their two minutes before a county microphone Thursday night to plead with Miami-Dade commissioners to take action on affordable housing. There’s about $645 million for housing in the budget proposed by Mayor Carlos Gimenez in July and given preliminary approval after 10 p.m. by the 13-seat board. Housing spending is up 15 percent from the current budget year, which ends Sept. 30. More from the Miami Herald.

State economists weigh costs of assault weapons ban

If Floridians approve a constitutional amendment next year to block possession of assault weapons, a panel of economists on Thursday estimated the state budget could take a $26.9 million hit in lost revenue. But the head of the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research said the amount would likely be smaller because revenue lost in taxes from gun sales would be balanced out with other purchases that can be taxed. More from the Gainesville Sun.

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