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.
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — July 23, 2025 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of Christian Caban and the reappointment of Monesia Brown to the Tallahassee State College District Board of Trustees , reinforcing the state’s commitment to strong leadership in higher education. Christian Caban Joins the Board Christian Caban, a community leader and entrepreneur, currently serves as the Leon County Commissioner for District 2 . In addition to his role in local government, Caban is the Principal of Wolf Hospitality Group , a growing business venture rooted in the region. He brings significant civic experience, serving on the Juvenile Justice Board for Circuit 2 , the Leon County Value Adjustment Board , and the Downtown Tallahassee Redevelopment Commission . Caban earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical science from Florida State University , and his appointment marks a continued effort to integrate loc...