Sunrise

The 15-day abortion ban had its first hearing, giving Democrats their first crack at challenging it. Question No. 1: Why fifteen days — and how is that constitutional?

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— Big Issues like abortion aren’t the only things being talked about this Session. We talk to a veteran political reporter about county delegations pushing their big issues … like sewers and road improvements.

— A Republican poll says there may be a reason behind the alleged rift between Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. The Governor is polling almost as high as Trump among Republican primary voters.

— And we’ll let you hear what Roger Stone has to say about the Governor in a new YouTube video.

COVID-19 absences at the 2022 Florida Legislative Session have begun. We have a conversation about how bad it could get and what might be done to prevent the Session from becoming a spreader event.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— Debate has begun on legislation aimed at keeping critical race theory out of schools, and in the case of one bill … businesses. Democratic opponents predict a lot of fallout.

— Democratic leadership doesn’t think much of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ map drawing skills.

— And a bill to protect the national anthem at pro sports events advances.

Just one week into the Legislative Session and still a long way from the next gubernatorial election and “Hitler” is now in play. Hear why the Governor’s wife calls comments from a would-be opponent “disgraceful.”

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— The day before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a Republican state Senator says the fight for civil rights has been won.

— Are Democrats just “blowin’ smoke” with their bills to legalize marijuana?

— Pinellas County has a record year for pedestrian and bike rider fatalities.

Making religious organizations essential businesses and extending COVID-19 liability protection to medical facilities both moving through the Legislature.

Also, on today’s Sunrise:

— An in-depth look at the tragic death of the Legislative Affairs Director of the State Board of Administration, John Kuczwanski.

— A partial collection of the dad jokes flying around the Strawberry Shortcake debate.

— A candidate for Governor of Nevada is running TV ads in Palm Beach. Guess who she hopes will see them.

Who are you calling gutless? The buzz is Donald Trump called out Gov. Ron DeSantis on admitting to being boosted against COVID-19. But the Governor’s office says no names were named, so don’t make assumptions.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— The Governor says he would sign a fifteen-week abortion bill. So, the abortion battle line is drawn.

— The Attorney General is emotionally tied to fighting human trafficking.

— The AARP wants nursing homes to be required to spend Medicaid money on patient care.

— And Strawberry Shortcake could be the state’s official dessert.

Now we know the State of The State … and it’s Freedom.

We’ve got highlights from the opening of the state Senate and House and, of course, the Governor’s State of The State Speech … which included the Python King.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— House Democrats release their own freedom video in rebuttal to the State of the State speech.

— Bill to ban abortions in Florida was introduced on the opening day of the Legislative Session. Democrats promise a fight.

— And dueling National Anthems in the Senate and House; one featured no singing and was pretty saxxy.

It’s opening day of the 2022 Florida Legislative Session. And the Florida Senate is moving fast on redistricting maps. It’s even giving Democrats an extra seat. Sunrise digs deep into what’s going on and where the House fits into this fast-paced, seeming fair, approach to redistricting.

Also on Today’s Sunrise:

— House Democrats open up to the news media about the upcoming Legislative Session.

— Jackie Toledo is going after the buyers of what sex traffickers are selling.

— Outgoing Palm Beach County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay announced Monday she is not running to be the state’s next Agriculture Commissioner.

— And we’ll let you hear why holding a virtual political rally can be hard.

Health advocates are sounding the alarm about Florida’s growing drug-overdose statistics.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— New Reporting shows the University of Florida Board of Trustees chair was a backchannel to the Governor’s office.

— And Gov. Ron DeSantis’ open invitation is catching on as another conservative political commentator announces plans to make the Sunshine State home.

— Two Sunrise Interviews today. First up is Corbin Bolies, a reporter with Fresh Take Florida, who uncovered University of Florida Board of Trustees chairman was a back-channel to the Governor’s office in deciding whether university classes should go online when the delta variant was surging.

— Melanie Brown-Woofter, president and CEO of the Florida Behavioral Health Association, will talk about the alarming rise in drug-related deaths, and tips for being vigilant about holiday stressors that can trigger anxiety and depression.

For the first time in modern history, registered Republican voters outnumber Democrats. We’ll break that down.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— A Las Vegas Sands affiliate has dropped its request for a restraining order against the Seminole Tribe. The tribe maintains the claims were unfounded.

And First Lady Casey DeSantis shares words of encouragement as she opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces his $99.7 billion “Freedom First” budget proposal. Democrats and critics say it’s all for political show.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— Today’s Sunrise interview is with Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida’s state director, who joins us to discuss concerns raised in a recent study that shows nursing home deaths rose 25% after Hurricane Irma.

— Also, Cathy Timuta, CEO of the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions joins the program as this week marks 30 years of service for the organization supporting healthy babies and their moms.