Comment on What is the state of American democracy? As July 4th nears, poll shows voters are worried

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a death warrant for a man convicted of brutally murdering a couple at a Charlotte County sod farm in 1997. James D. Ford, 64, is scheduled to be executed Feb. 13 at Florida State Prison in the murders of Greg and Kimberly Malnory.

By ERIC TUCKER WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI must remain independent, above the partisan fray and “committed to upholding the rule of law,” outgoing Director Christopher Wray said in a farewell address just days before his expected retirement at the conclusion of the Biden administration following more than seven years on the job. Related Articles National News | Supreme Court to weigh reinstating Obamacare care requirements struck down by lower court National News | Media companies scrap Venu Sports streaming service before it even started National News | Shortage leaves Dunkin’ stores without any doughnuts in Nebraska, New Mexico and other states National News | Supreme Court seems likely to uphold a federal law that could force TikTok to shut down on Jan.

By MARGERY A. BECK OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Dunkin’ dropped the “Donuts” from its brand name years ago. Now — at least across Nebraska, New Mexico and some other states — it doesn’t have doughnuts on the shelves either. Related Articles National News | Supreme Court to weigh reinstating Obamacare care requirements struck down by lower court National News | Media companies scrap Venu Sports streaming service before it even started National News | FBI must be independent and above the partisan fray, outgoing director says in farewell address National News | Supreme Court seems likely to uphold a federal law that could force TikTok to shut down on Jan.

By The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump spoke for six minutes. The judge talked for seven. In the end, the first criminal court sentencing of a former or future president took little more than half an hour. Related Articles National Politics | The Trump company is not banning private foreign deals, a break with its first term policy National Politics | Trump is planning 100 executive orders starting Day 1 on border, deportations and other priorities National Politics | Biden to deliver prime-time farewell to nation on Wednesday from Oval Office National Politics | Panama Canal administrator pushes back against Trump’s assertions of Chinese meddling National Politics | Judge holds Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court for continued lies about Georgia election workers Trump, appearing by video from his Palm Beach, Florida, home, received no punishment Friday for his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

By BERNARD CONDON NEW YORK (AP) — The Trump family business released a voluntary ethics agreement Friday that allows it to strike deals with private foreign companies, a move that could help outside actors try to buy influence with the new administration. Related Articles National Politics | Excerpts from President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing National Politics | Trump is planning 100 executive orders starting Day 1 on border, deportations and other priorities National Politics | Biden to deliver prime-time farewell to nation on Wednesday from Oval Office National Politics | Panama Canal administrator pushes back against Trump’s assertions of Chinese meddling National Politics | Judge holds Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court for continued lies about Georgia election workers The so-called ethics white paper bars the Trump Organization from striking deals directly with foreign governments, but allows ones with private companies abroad, a significant departure from President-elect Donald Trump’s first term.

By LISA MASCARO, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is preparing more than 100 executive orders starting Day One of the new White House, in what amounts to a shock-and-awe campaign on border security, deportations and a rush of other policy priorities. Trump told Republican senators about the onslaught ahead during a private meeting on Capitol Hill.