Vote decriminalizes marijuana in Hillsborough
Commissioners voted unanimously on Wednesday to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana for their residents.
With overcrowding being a continuous problem within Hillsborough jails, this is a major step towards limiting space behind local bars. Rather than charging individuals with a misdemeanor charge, those caught with 20 grams of the substance will ultimately get the equivalent of a parking ticket.
“This ordinance allows our Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office to focus our resources on arresting and prosecuting violent offenders,” said Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister at today’s press conference.
This is a major step for marijuana advocates, who have struggled for its legalization for years.
Felons voting rights restored by appeals court
A federal appeals court has ruled that Florida can’t bar ex-felons from voting, even if they have outstanding court fees.
Florida voters approved restoring ex-felon rights in a 2018 referendum, but state legislators have since tried to establish rules that would limit how ex-felons could go about restoring these rights. The Legislature adopted regulations requiring full repayment of fines and court costs before ex-felons could vote.
Since 2018, 1.6 million ex-felons became eligible to vote under 4, leading this to be considered a win for both voters and the former felons.
Tonight’s Democratic debate being analyzed by USF business students
The first Democratic debate in Nevada happens Wednesday night and features the top six contenders in the race.
Nevada isn’t just another state when it comes to the Democratic primary. The state is a major stepping stone for the candidates, is worth 36 delegates and is a huge momentum launcher for the winner.
Tonight’s debate will be monitored by students in the USF Muma College of Business. The students will be monitoring other students and their emotions while watching the debate.
Students will place biometric sensors on each of the students’ fingers, which will be connected to a computer showing the peaks of emotions. The center of marketing and sales wants to showcase the analysis as something that can be done in a unique way.
If you’d like to learn more about biometrics at USF, contact Dr. Robert Hammond at the USF Muma College of Business.
Producer: Sonu Trivedi
Anchors: Logan Semegram, Jailyn Montero
Reporters: Tommy McTague, Lizbeth Gutierrez
In-studio reporter: Payton Kirol
Director: Christian Minus
Technical Director: Rachel Boyd
Graphics Operator: Lizbeth Gutierrez
Audio: Brad Haft
Prompter: Tommy McTague
Floor Manager: Vanessa Galluppo
Camera Operators: Kaylen Alvarez
Production Assistant: Siham Kharfan
Web Editor/Social Media Producer: Taylor Lovejoy
Faculty Advisers: Cathy Gugerty/Jeanette Abrahamsen
Graduate Teaching Assistants: Emmanual Maduneme
