Politics

The Florida Senate had an emotional tribute with a moment of silence for the Florida State University (FSU) shooting victims on the floor on Wednesday. Two people were killed, and six others were injured, in the shooting that took place last week near the school's Student Union. FOX 35 News+'s Garrett Wymer talks us through the powerful moments.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a news conference Wednesday morning in Fort Pierce at Indian River College. During the event, DeSantis brought up the ongoing controversy surrounding Hope Florida, a nonprofit organization spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis that "empowers individuals to embrace their full God-given potential." The controversy concerns a $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation, which is tied to the welfare assistance program and has led to criticism from some state House Republicans. Critics say the money was inappropriately used to help campaign against a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state last November. However, at the presser, DeSantis said the allegations are not true and are "a political attack against the success of the program and the First Lady."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a news conference Wednesday morning in Fort Pierce at Indian River College. At the event, DeSantis announced infrastructure and workforce development investments funded through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. The awards include $4 million to Indian River State College to support the development of the institute for industrial manufacturing and production training and $4.9 million to Miami-Dade College to launch new aircraft mechanic training programs. In addition, to the workforce development grants, DeSantis announced two targeted infrastructure grants, including $2.1 million to the Sebring Airport Authority.

U.S. Senator Ashley Moody reaffirmed her commitment to Florida?s citrus industry on Tuesday by unveiling the ?Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act? at Florida?s Natural Visitors Center. Moody was joined by farmers and industry leaders and addressed the challenges facing the state?s citrus growers, attributing a significant portion of their struggles to ?nonsensical government overregulation.?

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hosted a press briefing at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22. Leavitt gave updates on the latest happenings inside The White House, including the death of Pope Francis, upcoming travel plans for President Donald Trump, trade, immigration, economy, student loans and more.

U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost hosted a virtual press call to share key takeaways from his recent trip to El Salvador. During the call, Frost discussed ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of Kilmbar Abrego Garcia to the United States, as well as to ensure he receives due process. Garcia, a 29-year-old from El Salvador who was deported from the U.S. in March, has prompted a legal showdown over the administration's immigration policy. Judges have ruled Garcia was deported in error and the U.S. government should help "facilitate" his return. However, the White House has accused Garcia of being a member of the transnational Salvadorian gang MS-13, a designated foreign terrorist organization, saying that he "will never live" in the U.S. again.

Pope Francis will be laid to rest on Saturday. This morning, cardinals of the church began planning for his funeral. FOX News Correspondent Doug Luzader joins FOX 35 to talk about the latest updates.