The American Federation for Children, which calls itself the nations voice for educational choice, released the following statement from executive counsel Kevin P. Chavous in response to President Obama's State of the Union address:

The Nebraska Supreme Court, said to have been the only Keystone XL Pipeline holdup, has ruled in favor of the pipeline's route, just as Congress is set to vote on it.

The president had said he would wait for the Nebraska high court ruling -- now it's in.

Terry OSullivan, general president of LIUNA the Laborers International Union of North America made the following statement today on the Nebraska Supreme Court clearing the way for Keystone:

Tallahassee continues a holiday tradition by providing local residents with a greener way to dispose of their evergreens.

According to a press release from Sachs Media, Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown has been designated again this year as an official drop-off location to recycle old Christmas trees.

Gov. Rick Scott announced two appointments and one reappointment to the Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission on Wednesday.

Fred Karlinsky, 47, of Weston, is a shareholder of Greenberg Traurig. He succeeds Alexander Clem and is appointed for a term that began Christmas Eve 2014, and will end July 1, 2018.

Rep. Katie Edwards, D-Plantation, filed legislation Thursday that would include domestic violence advocacy organizations and domestic violence referral service organizations in public records exemptions.

HB 125 would create a registry and certification process under the Department of Children and Families for organizations that provide services, but not shelter to victims of domestic violence.

According to sources within the Rick Scott administration, Layne Smith, general counsel for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, is leaving DBPR to become general counsel for the Florida Lottery, effective Jan. 5.

The announcement of Smith's departure and his replacement at DBPR is expected later today.

The first flight test of Orion, NASAs next-generation spacecraft capable of sending astronauts on future missions to an asteroid and the journey to Mars, now is scheduled to launch at 7:05 a.m. EST Friday, atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

NASA Television coverage will begin at 6 a.m. There is a two-hour, 39-minute window for the launch.

Gov. Rick Scott and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Tuesday a saltwater license-free fishing day for Nov. 29.

On this day, Florida residents and visitors "can experience Floridas unique saltwater fishing opportunities firsthand" without being required to have a recreational saltwater fishing license, according to a press statement from the governor's office.

The Leon County Sheriff's Office is not yet releasing the name of a deputy ambushed, shot and killed while responding to a 10 a.m Saturday house fire at 3722 Caracus Court in Tallahassee.

Lt. James McQuaig, LCSO spokesman, said the department will release tha information on Sunday.

The gunman took the weapon from the deputy as he lay on the ground, then walked down the street firing it. In the process he shot and wounded another deputy.