Posted inNews
Orlando hospitality staffing agency ordered to pay back wages after denying workers overtime rates
The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $114,000 in back pay for 100 employees
McKenna Schueler
General news reporter for Orlando Weekly, with a focus on state and local government and workers' rights. You can find her bylines in Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, In These Times, and Facing South.
Posted inNews
An Orlando doctor gives anti-choice activists a way to more easily and thoroughly harass abortion clinic clients
Letting the pro-life camp in the private driveway and parking lot he shares with the women’s center gives them unfettered access to vulnerable patients
Posted inMusic
Leg Biters, Summer Hoop and more throw a ‘Fridge Party benefit at Will’s Pub this week
Proceeds from the show go to the Neighborhood Fridge Project
Posted inNews
Osceola County deputy charged after setting dirt bike rider ablaze last year
Osceola County deputies pursued Barreto into Orange County for popping wheelies in traffic
Posted inNews
Florida hospital workers will refuse to take on voluntary overtime next month, file labor complaint
A hospital spokesperson dismissed the union’s claims of understaffing, insisting the hospital system provides a safe environment for patients.
Posted inNews
Florida socialists blast Florida Sen. Rick Scott’s anti-socialist travel advisory
Former Florida Governor and sitting U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said socialists aren’t welcome in Florida. That didn’t go over well.
Posted inNews
Orlando restaurant Hamburger Mary’s sues Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over anti-drag law
The lawsuit comes after DeSantis signed into law a bill that restricts drag performances anywhere children are present.
Posted inNews
Florida’s lack of a labor department leaves workers with limited options
Republicans abolished the state labor department in 2002, and with it, an active mechanism for helping victims of wage theft
Posted inNews
Disney World is pulling the plug on Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser
The two-night, immersive experience will offer its final voyage from Sept. 28 to Sept. 30
Posted inNews
Florida advocates denounce DeSantis signing anti-LGBTQ ‘slate of hate’ bills into law
The bills were signed into law by DeSantis on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, observed by over 100 countries on May 17
Posted inNews
Orange County sees decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths for the first time in years
The scourge of fentanyl isn’t ‘going to go away anytime soon,’ but harm reduction strategies are making a difference
Posted inOrlando Guides
Rounding up the choicest indoor and outdoor options on Orlando’s brewery and taproom scene
A beer-drinker’s summertime guide
Posted inNews
Orange County school board reluctantly approves book ban policies, with hands tied by the state
The district’s general counsel confirmed in an Orlando meeting they’ll have to revise their policies, thanks to new law that makes it easier to challenge books in schools
Posted inNews
Florida unions file lawsuits over DeSantis’ union-busting bill and prepare for fight ahead
From legal challenges to boots-on-the-ground organizing, Florida union members aren’t ready to let their unions be crushed by a new anti-union law without a fight
Posted inNews
Near Orlando, HCA Osceola hospital staff warn of understaffing and unsafe conditions for patients
The Hospital Corporation of American frequently faces allegations of understaffing; employees say their employer puts profits over people
Posted inArts + Culture
‘An Elegy to Rosewood’ opens this week at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center
Art exhibition commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the Rosewood Massacre
Posted inNews
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs anti-union bill into law, calling it ‘paycheck protection’
DeSantis calls it protection, but teachers have described it as an attack on their unions
Posted inNews
Florida groups urge DeSantis to veto bills that would weaken renter protections
HB 1417 and HB 133 would wipe out local renter protections and allow landlords to charge nonrefundable ‘junk fees’
Posted inNews
Florida legislators vote to decriminalize fentanyl test strips to help address overdose crisis
In a rare bipartisan move, legislators agree on the bare minimum in smart drug policy, which now heads to DeSantis.
Posted inNews
Orlando rent is still unaffordable for low-income renters, even with a housing voucher
In Orlando and other Florida metro areas, the value of housing vouchers hasn’t kept up with surging rent prices.