South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (Photo courtesy Gov. Kristi Noem/Twitter) On Wednesday, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem pledged not to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for children. Her pledge came after the CDC's advisory committee on immunization practices recommended the COVID-19 vaccine's inclusion in the vaccines for children program. Noem, who was running for reelection, accused her Democratic opponent of supporting mandatory vaccination for children wishing to attend public school. Recent polling from South Dakota State University shows Noem in an unexpectedly close race with a lead of just a few points. A conservative rising star and possible Dark Horse 2024 Republican Presidential Contender Gnome has touted her COVID-19 record in her campaign, including her opposition to lockdowns and vaccine mandates.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Appointed Shannon Shaw, Caroline Shepherd, Richard Martin and Jeffrey Rich to serve as Judges
Governor Ron DeSantis 📰 Governor Ron DeSantis Makes Four Judicial Appointments Across Florida TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | July 17, 2025 — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of four accomplished legal professionals to serve on state appellate and circuit courts, further shaping the judiciary with experienced and credentialed figures. Fourth District Court of Appeal Appointments Shannon Shaw – Jupiter, Florida Shannon Shaw has been appointed to the Fourth District Court of Appeal. She currently serves as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, a position she has held since 2017. Prior to that, Shaw was an Associate at Hunton & Williams LLP and also served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable K. Michael Moore and the Honorable James King of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. A graduate of Duke University and Vanderbilt University Law School , Shaw will fill the vacancy created by the resig...