Latest News from Duval Times

Rubio, King Colleagues Protect U.S. Health Care Systems From Hackers

By Duval Times | Feb 8, 2024

In response to the alarming increase in cybersecurity attacks against healthcare systems, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio, Angus King, and their colleagues have introduced the Strengthening Cybersecurity in Health Care Act. This legislation aims to protect the personal health information of Americans and ensure the safety of healthcare systems across the country.The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been a primary target for hackers, with millions of people having their health data breached in 2023 alone. To address this issue, the Strengthening...

Rubio, Carper Introduce Bill to Free Up Hospital Beds for High-need Patients

By Duval Times | Feb 8, 2024

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Tom Carper (D-DE) have introduced the At Home Observation and Medical Evaluation (HOME) Services Act, a new bill aimed at addressing the need for hospital beds for high-need patients. The bill seeks to establish a hospital-at-home pilot program that would expand the current acute hospital-at-home program to include observation status patients.The hospital-at-home program has been crucial in helping hospitals free up beds and staff for patients in need of greater care. However, it currently only covers acute patients, leaving...

Rubio, Hagerty Introduce Respect State Housing Laws Act

By Duval Times | Feb 7, 2024

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Hagerty have introduced the Respect State Housing Laws Act, a bill that aims to eliminate a federal requirement put in place under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. The requirement, which mandates a 30-day notice to vacate for tenants, was originally implemented as a response to the economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.However, the regulation was never intended to be permanent, yet it still remains in effect today, causing legal confusion for both renters and landlords...

Sens. Rick Scott & Gary Peters’ Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Federal Building Security Passes Committee

By Duval Times | Feb 7, 2024

A bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing the security of federal buildings has successfully passed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The legislation, authored by Senators Rick Scott and Gary Peters, seeks to address the various threats faced by federal facilities on a daily basis, including active shooters, cyber-attacks, hostile surveillance, and improvised explosive devices.Under this bill, federal agencies will be required to respond to the security recommendations issued by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) within 90 days. The goal is to...

Rubio Calls Out FDA for Inadequate Enforcement Against Chinese Vapes

By Duval Times | Feb 7, 2024

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has criticized the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lack of effective enforcement against Chinese companies flooding the U.S. market with illegal vaping products. Rubio sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf expressing concern about the importation and distribution of illicit Chinese disposable e-cigarettes in the United States.Rubio highlighted the regulatory loopholes and lax enforcement by the FDA that have allowed Chinese companies to flood the market with untested and unapproved devices. He emphasized that this...

Rubio, Colleagues to Blinken: Wokeness is Undermining U.S. Foreign Assistance

By Duval Times | Feb 7, 2024

The U.S. Department of State has come under scrutiny for a proposed rule that has the potential to prioritize a woke agenda over the future of U.S. foreign assistance. This rule would discriminate against faith-based organizations and traditional values groups in various regions around the world. In response, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and a group of colleagues have sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, expressing their concern and urging him to rescind the proposed rule.Rubio and his colleagues state, "Conditioning foreign assistance programs on...

Medium commissioner of education manny diaz jr 2023

Florida Education: Increase in student enrollment in Duval County school district during 2022-23 school year

By Duval Times | Feb 7, 2024

Student enrollment in Duval County school district increased in the 2022-23 school year, with 129,801 students enrolled.

Rubio, Cardin, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Reauthorize U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

By Duval Times | Feb 7, 2024

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) may receive a new lease on life. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and their colleagues have introduced the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2024. This bill aims to extend the authorization of USCIRF for two additional years, as its current authorization is set to expire on September 30, 2024.Senator Rubio, a staunch advocate for religious freedom, expressed his support for the reauthorization. He emphasized the importance of...

Marco Rubio: The Real Reason the Border "Deal" Collapsed

By Duval Times | Feb 7, 2024

A bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the border crisis collapsed less than 24 hours after its introduction, leaving many wondering what went wrong. According to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), the real reason behind the failure of the bill is that it falls short in truly addressing the border issues facing the United States.Rubio criticizes the bill for not being tough enough on the border, contrary to what some media outlets and the White House claim. He points out that the bill's "border emergency" provision would actually normalize mass migration by allowing a...

Rubio: Against Progressive Pseudo-religion

By Duval Times | Feb 6, 2024

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has voiced his concerns about the rise of what he refers to as "progressive pseudo-religion" in American society. In an article published on February 6, 2024, Rubio argues that while scholars of religion have predicted a decline in religious affiliation leading to an increase in the population of "nones," Americans are instead embracing political ideology as a replacement for traditional faith.Rubio highlights the emergence of what he calls the "cult of intersectionality" as the first step towards the transformation of progressivism into a...

Sen. Rick Scott: Abandoning Voters Doomed the So-Called “Border Security” Deal

By Duval Times | Feb 6, 2024

In a press conference held today, Senator Rick Scott and several other Senate conservatives expressed their strong opposition to the recently released "border deal." Joining Senator Scott were Senators Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, Ted Cruz, J.D. Vance, Roger Marshall, and Eric Schmitt.Senator Scott criticized Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for keeping the Senate GOP Conference in the dark while crafting an immigration bill that was falsely labeled as a border security bill. He stated, "It was a TOTAL FAILURE of Mitch McConnell to abandon the voters by keeping nearly...

Rubio Calls Out Biden’s Softness on Maduro

By Duval Times | Feb 6, 2024

In a scathing critique, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has accused President Biden of going soft on Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Rubio's criticism comes in response to Biden's decision to restore sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned gold-mining company, while delaying the restoration of sanctions on the country's oil and gas sector until April.Rubio highlights that Maduro had promised Biden a free and fair presidential election in October, but instead, he has banned his leading opponent, María Corina Machado, from running for 15 years. This move by Maduro clearly...

Sen. Rick Scott Leads Congressional Letter Supporting Florida’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration

By Duval Times | Feb 6, 2024

Today, Senator Rick Scott led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in sending a letter to President Joe Biden in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' request for a Major Disaster Declaration in Florida's panhandle. The request comes in the wake of the recent catastrophic storms that affected the northern portion of the state.In the letter, the lawmakers highlight the devastating impact of the storms, which left tens of thousands without power and displaced individuals from their homes. The preliminary damage assessments indicate that hundreds of homes have been damaged or...

Sen. Rick Scott Calls for Accountability for Fed's Failure to Meet Targets and Fuel Inflation

By Duval Times | Feb 5, 2024

Senator Rick Scott has called for accountability from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, accusing him of failing to meet targets and fueling inflation. In a letter sent to Chair Powell, Senator Scott emphasized the need for the Fed to address its massive failure to reduce its balance sheet and misallocate capital.Since his election to the Senate, Senator Scott has been vocal about the importance of holding the Federal Reserve accountable to its goals. He criticized Chair Powell for overseeing an unaccountable Fed that has mismanaged U.S. monetary policy and allowed its...

Rubio Applauds Recent Elections in El Salvador

By Duval Times | Feb 5, 2024

Yesterday, the people of El Salvador democratically elected their President. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued a statement following the election of Nayib Bukele."Congratulations to the people of El Salvador for conducting democratic and peaceful elections where President Bukele has won a second term. May this new chapter bring the best for the Salvadoran people, their institutions, and our bilateral ties. I look forward to continuing our ongoing efforts in support of democratic order and peace in the region."Looking back... In March 2023, Rubio visited El Salvador and...

R. Brett James Appointed Director of Planning and Development in Jacksonville

By Duval Times | Feb 5, 2024

R. Brett James has been appointed as the Director of Planning and Development for the city of Jacksonville. Prior to his appointment, James served as the Director of Strategic Planning for the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command in San Diego, California. With a background in planning and extensive experience in the federal planning niche, James brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of knowledge to his new role.James has an impressive career history, having spent eight years as the senior civilian leader for Asset Management at two NAVFAC commands, Southwest and...

Rubio Applauds Recent Election in El Salvador

By Duval Times | Feb 5, 2024

Yesterday, the people of El Salvador democratically elected their President, and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has released a statement applauding the election of Nayib Bukele to a second term. Rubio congratulated the people of El Salvador for carrying out a democratic and peaceful election, expressing his hopes that this new chapter will bring forth the best for the Salvadoran people, the nation's institutions, and the bilateral ties between El Salvador and the United States.Rubio's statement read, "Congratulations to the people of El Salvador for carrying out a...

Duval Times

News from February 2024

Rubio, King Colleagues Protect U.S. Health Care Systems From Hackers

Rubio, Carper Introduce Bill to Free Up Hospital Beds for High-need Patients

Rubio, Hagerty Introduce Respect State Housing Laws Act

Sens. Rick Scott & Gary Peters’ Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Federal Building Security Passes Committee

Rubio Calls Out FDA for Inadequate Enforcement Against Chinese Vapes

Rubio, Colleagues to Blinken: Wokeness is Undermining U.S. Foreign Assistance

Florida Education: Increase in student enrollment in Duval County school district during 2022-23 school year

Rubio, Cardin, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Reauthorize U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

Marco Rubio: The Real Reason the Border "Deal" Collapsed

Rubio: Against Progressive Pseudo-religion

Sen. Rick Scott: Abandoning Voters Doomed the So-Called “Border Security” Deal

Rubio Calls Out Biden’s Softness on Maduro

Sen. Rick Scott Leads Congressional Letter Supporting Florida’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration

Sen. Rick Scott Calls for Accountability for Fed's Failure to Meet Targets and Fuel Inflation

Rubio Applauds Recent Elections in El Salvador

R. Brett James Appointed Director of Planning and Development in Jacksonville

Rubio Applauds Recent Election in El Salvador

Which former Duval Times area high school standouts will be in action in the week starting Mon Feb. 5?

Ametri Moss, former Northwest High School standout, played on Saturday, February 3 in NCAA D1 game

On Saturday, February 3, former Hagerty High School standout Jah Nze’s college team lost in an NCAA D1 game

Scott & Harris push two-step plan for border security & tax cuts

Other Publications

News

Marketing

More Info