Florida’s 2012 Legislative Session get underway this week.  Florida Pulbic Radio’s Tom Flanigan reports that this year’s gathering of lawmakers will be unique in several ways. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/sessionpreview0106d.mp3] WUFT-FM will carry Florida Governor Rick Scott’s “State of the State” address tomorrow with live coverage beginning at 11:00 a.m.

New numbers released today show the U.S. economy added about 200,000 jobs in December, bringing the unemployment rate down to 8.5%, the lowest rate in nearly 3 years. This continues a 6-month trend in which the economy has added 100,000 or more jobs each month. Workforce Connection CEO Rusty Skinner …

The Republican Presidential race will get its first big test tonight.  University of Florida History Professor Paul Ortiz says the Iowa caucus is the first chance for voters to sound off on the party candidates. [audio:https://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/01/Ortiz5.mp3] He says the caucus this year is more unique than ever. [audio:https://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/01/Ortiz2.mp3] He says …

With the nights getting colder, the St. Francis House homeless shelter and soup kitchen is opening its doors to those needing overnight assistance. Executive Director Kent Vann says once the temperature drops below 45 degrees, St. Francis House becomes an emergency overnight shelter that does not turn anyone away. [audio:https://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/01/VANN4.mp3] …

Although most public school children are enjoying their holiday break, the North Central Florida United Way is still working to bring help to those children most in need. President Debbie Mason says they host a number of drives and programs to bring food, clothing and other essential supplies to those …

It goes by a range of names and can be found on many store shelves. WUFT-FM’s Corey Bachenheimer says synthetic marijuana may be legal, but still brings dangers and uncertainties. [audio:https://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/12/INTROSYNTHETICMARIJUANA.mp3]

Graduating seniors from the University of Florida are excited as they wait for their commencement ceremonies. Soon to be graduate Scott Cooper says he has some memories that he won’t ever forget. [audio:https://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/12/Cooper1.mp3] But graduating senior Daniel Pimental says excitement comes with some concern as well. [audio:https://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/12/Pimental2.mp3] All graduates say …

Florida children may be experiencing headaches along with their toothaches.  Emergency room visits for dental care are up, because many families can’t afford regular care from dentists who don’t take Medicaid. Florida Community Dentistry Chairman Frank Catalanotto says dental problems in children have wide ranging effects. [audio:https://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/12/CATALANOTTO1.mp3] He says dental …

This week we’ve told you about some alternative places for holiday shopping including consignment stores and thrift shops. And there’s still antother holiday shopping venue you may want to consider. More people are finding the perfect gift at the local pawn shop. [audio:https://www.wuft.org/news/files/2011/12/PawnShopWRAP.mp3]

A three car crash in Union County has left two people with serious injuries.  The Florida Highway Patrol says Lake Butler resident Cailyn Stalnaker was driving eastbound on State Road 100 around 7:45 this morning and slowed to make a left turn on County Road 237.  Lake City resident Harlos …