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Florida officials file lawsuit against Target due to activism | Florida

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Wilson | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-02-20 12:58:00

(The Center Square) – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier joined a class action lawsuit against Target on Thursday alleging the retail giant concealed the possible effects on its stock price from its pro-LGBTQ policies. 

The lawsuit was filed along with America First Legal, Boyden Gray PLLC and Lawson Huck Gonzalez in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Fort Myers.

Uthmeier said the state is joining the lawsuit due to possible effects on the state’s defined-benefit pension plan for state and local employees, which is a Target investor. 

The lawsuit alleges Target violated two sections of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by failing to disclose risks of consumer backlash to its polices on diversity, equity and inclusion and environmental, social and governance. The complaint also alleges that Target misled investors by claiming to monitor those risks.

After Target’s Pride Campaign in 2023, the company’s stock plummeted, losing $10 billion in market value in just 10 days and erasing $25 billion in shareholder value over the course of six months. According to the complaint, that was Target stock’s worst performance and longest losing streak in 23 years.

“Those losses put the retirement accounts of Florida’s teachers and first responders at unacceptable risk,” Uthmeier said in a video posted to X. “Our public servants should not suffer diminished retirement security because companies focused on leftist virtue signaling. No company should be celebrating and marketing the sexualization of our children.

“This is a fight worth having and we will fight to hold Target financially accountable for these wrongful practices and force them to get back to the business of doing business.”

It represents the second lawsuit brought against Target by the two law firms over what they characterize as securities fraud from the company concealing possible fiscal impacts of its LGBTQ activism. The first lawsuit is still active. 

“My office will stridently pursue corporate reform so that companies get back to the business of doing business — not offensive political theater,” Uthmeier said in a news release. “We appreciate America First Legal’s assistance in the fight to keep Florida’s investments safe.”

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis also praised the state joining the lawsuit in a statement. 

“We’ve seen time and time again that when companies prioritize performative virtue signaling and wokeness over profitability, they alienate customers, lose market value, and erode shareholder trust — all while pretending their activism carries no financial risk,” Patronis said. “It’s unacceptable and Florida is fighting back on behalf of taxpayers and investors that have had enough.

“Businesses like Target need to focus on the bottom line and do right by their customers, not some ESG overlords. Thank you to Governor DeSantis and the SBA for leaning forward on this issue.”

The post Florida officials file lawsuit against Target due to activism | Florida appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

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South Florida Weather for Thursday 4/24/2025 12PM

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South Florida Weather for Thursday 4/24/2025 12PM

www.youtube.com – CBS Miami – 2025-04-24 11:34:40

SUMMARY: On Thursday, April 24, 2025, South Florida will experience warm temperatures in the low to mid-80s, accompanied by east winds leading to rough surf and a high risk of rip currents. While the weather radar is mostly dry, isolated showers are possible. Tonight’s Lexus Corporate Run in downtown Miami will feature CBS Miami’s meteorologists, including Ivan Cabera and Lauren Pastron. Safety alerts recommend avoiding ocean swimming due to rip currents. This weekend, the Miami Takes Steps event at Riata Park will support the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, with pleasant weather conditions expected. Overall, highs will remain in the low 80s with minimal rain chances.

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NEXT Weather meteorologist Lissette Gonzalez says Thursday afternoon will remain partly cloudy and breezy.

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Ukraine’s Zelenskyy arrives in South Africa for state visit following Trump’s renewed criticism

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www.news4jax.com – Associated Press – 2025-04-24 02:02:00

SUMMARY: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in South Africa for a state visit amid accusations from U.S. President Donald Trump that Zelenskyy is prolonging the war by rejecting a peace deal involving Ukrainian territory. While Zelenskyy traveled, a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed nine people and injured 63. Peace talks have stalled, with limited progress made during discussions in London. Zelenskyy will meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has sought to mediate the conflict, although his efforts have had little success. Zelenskyy questioned Russia’s commitment to peace after a failed ceasefire attempt.

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The post Ukraine’s Zelenskyy arrives in South Africa for state visit following Trump’s renewed criticism appeared first on www.news4jax.com

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Lakeland Park may be renamed after civil rights activist

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Lakeland Park may be renamed after civil rights activist

www.youtube.com – ABC Action News – 2025-04-23 19:52:23

SUMMARY: Lakeland Park may soon be renamed Meline Brooks Park in honor of the influential civil rights activist and NAACP member, Meline Brooks. She played a vital role in ending segregation in the 1960s, organized sit-ins, and fought for voter registration, often involving her children in her activism. Brooks was the first Black matron hired by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and successfully sued for racial and sexual discrimination. Her daughter and other community members have campaigned for this name change over nine years, and a resolution will be voted on at the next city commission meeting as a tribute to Brooks’ legacy.

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Community members and family advocate for renaming a local park in honor of Madalynne Brooks, a key figure in the civil rights movement in Polk County.

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