Cut off

Published: May 25, 2021, 4:15 a.m.

Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity will no longer be taking part in the federal program that boosted the state’s unemployment checks by $300 per week. Gov. Ron DeSantis says that's going to end June 26.

Also on today’s Sunrise:

— DeSantis says the federal money was a lifeline when the economy shut down, but now the benefits are so high they encourage people to stay home instead of finding a job.

— The Governor signs a bill imposing new regulations on tech giants like Facebook and Twitter. This started after social media companies de-platformed Donald Trump for spreading lies and misinformation during the final days of his administration. Still, DeSantis claims social media censorship is the real threat.

— Under the new law, any Floridian can sue social media companies if de-platformed, censored, or shadowbanned.

— While DeSantis hasn't signed off on the new state budget yet, Florida TaxWatch is asking him to aim for more than $100 million in “turkeys” that have no business being in the budget.

— TaxWatch is also asking lawmakers to stop using a sprinkle list to add spending projects to the budget after the formal negotiations have been finished.

— Central Florida Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy has decided she won't run against Sen. Marco Rubio next year. Murphy's announcement clears the path for Orlando Congresswoman Val Demings to run against Rubio next year, and Murphy appears to be targeting Sen. Rick Scott in 2024.

؅Now that the pandemic is killing fewer Americans and mask rules are relaxing, people are getting the urge to travel again. But the folks at VISIT FLORIDA say they're going to have to work hard to overcome all the negative publicity heaped on the Sunshine State during the pandemic.

— And finally, police are accusing a Florida Man of trying to hide cocaine where the sun doesn't shine. Too bad for him a deputy saw the whole thing.