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The Point, May 27, 2020: An Investigation Into Florida's Public Health, Climate Change Finds Human Hazards Are On The Rise

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The top stories near you

• WUFT News special series: The Human Hazard. Florida’s climate has long been known for bestowing good health. But now, the changing climate is putting human health and wellness at risk. An investigation of climate change and public health found that human hazards — from heat-related hospitalizations to disease-carrying insects — are on the rise in Florida. Children, elders, low-income Floridians and other vulnerable populations are particularly susceptible to these risks.

• Gainesville Sun ($): GRU shut-off moratorium extended. "Nearly 8,000 customers of Gainesville Regional Utilities have been late on payments this year as many face layoffs and reduced work hours."

• Citrus County Chronicle: Citrus County Sheriff's Office continues Operation Coin Toss drug arrests. "The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that during the third quarter of its Operation Coin Toss, its Tactical Impact Unit made 22 drug-related arrests during the past three months."

• Gainesville Sun ($): Health chief: More than 13,000 in Alachua County may have been exposed. "Antibody tests suggest more widespread coronavirus infection than previously thought, as county officials look toward summer youth activities and reopening vacation rentals."


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Around the state today

• WUFT News: NASA, SpaceX Set To Launch Astronauts From Florida After Nearly Nine-Year Hiatus"For the first time in nearly a decade, NASA astronauts will strap in Wednesday for a rocket launch from Florida's Space Coast, a significant milestone for a region hit hard by the retirement of the space shuttle."

• WLRN: Hurricane Prep Tax ‘Holiday’ Begins Friday. "Starting Friday, shoppers in Florida emerging from coronavirus stay-at-home orders can avoid paying sales taxes while putting together disaster-preparation stockpiles for the 2020 hurricane season."

• Florida Politics: Ron DeSantis supports GOP convention move to Florida. "The Republican National Convention may or may not be up for a move, but the Governor is vying for it nonetheless."

• Fresh Take Florida: Attorneys: Judge’s Historic Ruling In Florida Voting Rights Was Hardly Unexpected. "Although the federal judge’s decision over the weekend – which grants felons the right to vote even if they can’t pay their court fines or fees – was hardly unexpected, questions remain whether the legal battle is finished, or whether it can be resolved before the 2020 elections."

• Fresh Take Florida: One-Time Busboy Challenges Florida Governor’s Emergency Powers In Pandemic Dispute. "William Abramson of Lantana filed a longshot lawsuit over the governor's authority to issue lockdown orders under Florida's constitution and state laws. The Florida Supreme Court, which is expected to rule on the matter, has designated the lawsuit one of its high-profile cases."

• Florida Today ($): Florida Tech under federal investigation for alleged Clery Act violations. "Several students reported rapes to FIT officials that were not reflected in annual crime reports by the university as required under federal law."

• WTSP: Floridians can get 13 additional weeks of unemployment under federal program. "If your current unemployment benefits are about to expire and you're still unemployed, you could be eligible for the program."

• Florida Politics: Florida revenue falls $878 million below April estimates. "According to the monthly revenue report by the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, the most drastic shortfalls were reported in the categories of sales tax collection, corporate income tax, highway safety fees and corporate filing fees."

• Tallahassee Democrat ($): Florida NRA leader questions local coronavirus stats, suggests they're 'deliberately deceptive'. "The woman who has personified the National Rifle Association in Florida is concerned that local coronavirus figures aren't accurately telling the story of the virus in the state's capital."

• Orlando Weekly ($): KFC is testing a new chicken sandwich exclusively in Orlando. "KFC announced Tuesday they are testing a larger, "more premium" chicken sandwich in Orlando."


From NPR News

• National: New California Relief Program for Undocumented Overwhelmed By Demand

• National: Obituary Writer Aims To Show How Coronavirus Impacts 'All People In Our Society'

• World: Workers At Garment Factories In Bangladesh Face Harsh Conditions During The Pandemic

• Politics: Twitter Flags President Trump's Tweet For The First Time

• Business: New York Stock Exchange Reopens Trading Floor After 2-Month Closure

• Health: Feds Arrest 'The Mask Man,' New York Pharmacist Accused Of Profiteering On N95 Masks

• Race: 4 Police Officers Fired After A Black Man Dies In Minneapolis Police Custody

Jasmine is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.