Federal judge expands ruling to include all Florida felons

When Florida’s lawsuit over felon voting rights goes to trial later this month, the stakes will be much larger. At least 430,000 people larger. In a Tuesday decision, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle ruled that whatever he decides at the end of the trial will apply to all felons in Florida, not just the 17 who sued the state last year. More from the Tampa Bay Times.

Pressure builds to make Florida’s jobless claims retroactive

Pressure mounted on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday to make jobless benefits retroactive as the state’s newly unemployed continued to be mired in an unemployment system riddled with glitches and uncertainty amid the coronavirus outbreak. Amid rampant filing troubles, it remained unclear how quickly the state could begin issuing checks to hundreds of thousands of Floridians left without income because of stay-at-home orders and the economic downturn. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Pilot program for e-cargo bicycles wheels toward Miami

Electric cargo bicycles have been touted as an alternative to traditional delivery that’ll mitigate traffic and curb carbon emissions. With that in mind, they could soon be rolling into some of the City of Miami’s busiest areas. Commissioner Manolo Reyes, the current chair of the Downtown Development Agency, is sponsoring a resolution for a one-year e-cargo bicycle pilot program. The pilot program has the backing of the agency’s board of directors. More from Miami Today.

Jacksonville City Council advances school tax referendum, new JEA board appointees

The Jacksonville City Council returned to business this week after its pandemic-induced hiatus by advancing a November referendum for a half-cent sales tax for local schools and the confirmation of seven new board of directors for JEA. A special committee investigating the aborted sale of JEA also issued 22 subpoena for records to the firms that submitted bids to purchase JEA, as well as two investment banks that helped JEA with the controversial sale that cost ratepayers more than $10 million. More from the Florida Times-Union.

Why a beloved Gables Irish pub won’t reopen after the coronavirus crisis ends

JohnMartin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant closed its doors with the rest of Miami’s restaurants over coronavirus concerns. When the others reopen, however, the iconic Coral Gables spot won’t be among them. The pandemic that forced America’s restaurants into a takeout and delivery model hastened the end for JohnMartin’s, one of South Florida’s longest-running restaurants, which helped revitalize a sleepy Miracle Mile more than 30 years ago. More from the Miami Herald.