National News Archives

Pope Francis’s Life of Humility has Ended: Enters Eternal Glory.

By Richard Gallagher FMN April 21, 2025National News

April 21, 2025

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, just hours after delivering his Easter Sunday address. His passing marks the end of a 12-year papacy defined by humility, advocacy for the poor, and bold reforms that reshaped the Church’s global outreach. Mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square, some in tears, as world leaders and Catholics worldwide praised his commitment to marginalized communities and his vision for a more inclusive Church.

Florida House Votes To Reduce Sales Tax

By FMN Staff April 10, 2025Florida News, Politics

Florida House Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan, R-Jacksonville. Meredith Geddings | Florida House of Representatives

In a unanimous decision, the Florida House of Representatives approved House Bill 7031 on Wednesday, aiming to reduce the Florida sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25%. The bill, which brings even more substantial sales tax cuts in certain areas, passed with a 112-0 vote.

Planning To Fly or Cruise Soon? Make Sure You Have REAL ID.

By Charles Boyer FMN April 7, 2025Florida News, Florida Travel, National News

Sample REAL ID for Florida — Sample REAL ID from Florida DMV

As of May 7, 2025- just one short month from now- significant changes will take effect regarding identification requirements for Americans. With the coming enforcement of the REAL ID Act, individuals who want to board US domestic flights or enter government facilities will need to possess a REAL ID-compliant form of identification (And yes, Florida’s cruise terminals count as a government facility). There are only a few exceptions, such as states that issue what is known as “Enhanced ID” – Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. The government says REAL ID requirements will be strictly enforced. Here’s how to make sure you are ready.

Florida House Proposes Sales Tax Cut

By FMN Staff March 30, 2025Florida News, Politics

The skyline of Miami, Fla.
Patrick Bloodgood, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | DVIDS — The skyline of Miami, Fla. Patrick Bloodgood, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | DVIDS

(The Center Square / Steve Wilson) – Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez wants to cut the state’s sales tax rate, saying it would be the largest cut in the state’s history.

Bill In Florida State Legislature Takes Aim At “Super Speeders”

By Charles Boyer FMN March 27, 2025Florida News, Politics

Florida lawmakers are what might become a new Florida law, Senate Bill 1782 (SB 1782), a measure aimed at imposing stricter penalties on drivers who engage in extreme speeding, commonly referred to as “super speeders.” The bill, introduced by State Senator Jason W. B. Pizzo (D) Hollywood, seeks to deter reckless driving behaviors that have become increasingly prevalent on Florida’s roadways. Pizzo’s district covers parts of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.

A Florida Highway Patrol traffic stop.
Photo by: Rusty Clark, Wikimedia Commons

Portrait of a businesswoman using laptop on gray background

Women Abandon Social Media in Droves Over Misinformation and Security Concerns

By Charles Boyer FMN March 3, 2025National News, Politics

A new survey by Uplevyl, an Austin-based company, highlights a growing trend of women disengaging from major social media platforms due to concerns over misinformation, harassment, security, and mental health impacts.

Could Florida Eliminate Property Taxes? We May Find Out This Year

By Mark Stone FMN February 19, 2025Florida News, Moving To Florida, Politics

Whether you live here or are just thinking about moving to Florida, here’s an interesting bit of news: Florida State Senator Jonathan Martin, representing Fort Myers, has introduced a bill (SB 852) aimed at exploring the feasibility of eliminating property taxes in the state.

Reducing Florida’s Property Taxes: A Proposal from Governor DeSantis

By Mark Stone FMN February 8, 2025Florida News, Politics

Governor Ron DeSantis discusses his newest proposal at a recent news conference. Photo: State of Florida

Some long awaited property tax relief may be coming for Florida homeowners. In a recent initiative to alleviate the financial burden on Florida homeowners, Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed a significant increase in the state’s homestead exemption. The Governors proposal aims to provide substantial property tax relief amid rising housing costs and interest rates, but it won’t be easy to do.

Butch Wilmore ans Suni Williams head to the launch pad

Trump Calls For Quick Return of Astronauts “Abandoned In Space”

By Mark Stone FMN January 29, 2025Boeing, National News, Politics, SpaceX

Boeing's Starliner heads to the ISS on June 5, 2024 for what was supposed to have been an eight day mission. The two astronauts on board are still on the ISS today, awaiting a ride home. Photo: Chris Leymarie/FMN — Boeing’s Starliner heads to the ISS on June 5, 2024 for what was supposed to have been an eight day mission. The two astronauts on board are still on the ISS today, awaiting a ride home. Photo: Chris Leymarie/FMN

President Donald Trump has called upon SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to expedite the return of NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams from the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts have been aboard the ISS since June 2024, following an extended mission due to technical issues with their original Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

Gulf of Mexico Name Change – What Does it Mean For Floridians?

By Mark Stone FMN January 28, 2025Florida News, National News, Politics

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” This decision, part of the “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness” initiative, aims to emphasize the gulf’s significance to the United States. With over 5000 miles of shoreline, the gulf represents Florida’s longest border.

The Curtain Falls on TikTok: Ban Enacted in U.S., Millions of Users and Businesses in Limbo

By Richard Gallagher FMN January 19, 2025National News, Politics

TikTok is no longer in the US…for now.

Washington, D.C. – January 19, 2025

In an unprecedented move against a social media platform, the United States has officially banned TikTok, effective from today, due to concerns over national security, privacy, and foreign influence. The TikTok ban decision marks the culmination of years of scrutiny and legislative action against the Chinese-owned app, which boasts over 170 million American users, including those in Florida.

Connectivity Amid Chaos: Starlink’s Critical Role in California’s LA Fires

By Richard Gallagher FMN January 9, 2025National News, SpaceX, Starlink

A SpaceX Falcon9 rocket launches from LC-40 at CCSFS in Florida to deliver a batch of Starlink satellites. Image by Richard P Gallagher / FMN

Los Angeles, CA — As the devastating wildfires continue to ravage California, leaving swathes of communities in darkness, disarray and without internet, a technological marvel is helping to restore service: Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service.