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The stories near you
• WUFT News: UF Health provides Marine with double lung transplant. "Robert Domen has been at UF Health since June 30th, but now, he is finally ready to go home. After contracting COVID-19, Domen, an active-duty marine, needed intensive care because of the extensive damage done to his lungs. Through the efforts of health care workers, the perseverance of Domen and the support of his family, Domen was able to become one of nearly 30 people to receive a double lung transplant at UF Health since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic."
• The Alligator: UF is being investigated by its accreditor. What does that mean? "During the past few weeks, UF faced heavy scrutiny because of an administrative decision that kept three professors from providing expert testimony in a lawsuit against the state. The media coverage following the decision grabbed the attention of scholars and citizens across the country as well as its accreditor."
• News Service of Florida: Congressional panel launches probe into University of Florida policy. "In a letter to University of Florida President Kent Fuchs on Thursday, the U.S. House Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties said the panel has opened a probe into the policy, saying it “undermines the academic and free speech values that are essential” to higher education."
• WUFT News: Gainesville welcomes a Brazilian jiujitsu academy. "Brazilian jiujitsu is a popular martial art and combat sport based on ground fighting and submission holds. Now, Gainesville and Alachua County residents can learn this martial art at the new martial arts school Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gainesville."
• Gainesville Sun ($):Alachua County Public Schools, parents square off in court over COVID-19 policies. "Trust, and lack of it, was at the center of court arguments Wednesday on the latest policy of the Alachua County School Board over masking of students to curtail the spread of COVID-19. An attorney for the school district said in the video-streamed hearing that the board is in compliance with state law and will remain in compliance."
• Tallahassee Democrat ($): Scott Rivkees, former Florida Surgeon General, leaving the University of Florida. "Dr. Scott Rivkees, the embattled former Florida surgeon general who was kept out of the public eye for more than a year of the COVID-19 pandemic for recommending people wear masks until a vaccine was developed, is leaving Florida."
• WUFT News: Pleasant Street cottage wins top new Airbnb host in Florida. "Maude Wilson, owner of the Egret Cottage on Pleasant Street, won the No.1 title with 85 reviews on her charming two-bedroom residential home. This is the first year that the recognition has been given out within the 50 states, making Wilson the first to win top-host status in Florida."
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Around the state
• News Service of Florida: DeSantis makes Brandon appearance to sign special session bills that bar vaccine mandates. "Gov. Ron DeSantis quickly signed four bills into law Thursday from a special legislative session aimed primarily at preventing workers from being required to get vaccinated against COVID-19."
• Tampa Bay Times ($): Florida schools react to increased parent, public participation. "The role parents and the public play in the public school system continues to gain attention throughout Florida, as some raise questions and concerns about book content and other issues. As they demand a bigger voice, some districts are reacting by closing off some aspects of commenting, while others are launching investigations."
• WTSP-Tampa:Manatee School Board elects first Black man as its chair. "The Manatee County School Board made history Tuesday when members nominated and voted to approve Rev. James Golden as its next chairman. Golden, who has been with the school board since 2018, is the first Black man to hold the position."
• News4Jax: A day later, still no word on source of odor that permeated much of Jacksonville. "City air quality inspectors contacted and visited a number of industrial facilities, but none said they’d had any incidents that might have caused a chemical release."
• Miami Herald ($): Miami commissioners order motorized scooters taken off city streets immediately. "The scooters have sparked a consistent debate among politicians and residents. Transit advocates have touted the scooters as an effective micromobility solution for people to travel the last mile between transit stops and their destinations. Critics consider the scooters a dangerous nuisance that litters sidewalks and creates too many opportunities for accidents with vehicles and pedestrians."
• Spectrum News: Record-breaking holiday shopping season expected in Florida. "Florida’s Retail Federation estimates people will spend over $840 billion this holiday season and local shoppers say the price isn’t an issue."
From NPR News
• Business:A look into the ugly and incredibly personal fight over Biden's pick to oversee banks
• Politics: Rep. Paul Gosar is censured over an anime video depicting him killing AOC
• National: Okla. governor grants clemency to Julius Jones hours before he was set to be executed
• Health: Coronavirus FAQ: What is long COVID? And what is my risk of getting it?
• Health: For the first time, drug overdose deaths have surpassed 100,000 in a 12-month period
• Health: Pfizer says it will share the rights to its COVID-19 pill
• Health: COVID and pandemic stress is causing widespread hair loss
About today's curator
I'm Jacquelyn Deo, a journalist at WUFT. Originally from Orlando, I love to read and embroider in my free time. I am a senior journalism major and am part of a team searching for local and state news each week that's important to you. Please send feedback about today's edition of The Point or ideas for stories we may have missed to JackieDeo1028@gmail.com.