WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville

As a midnight deadline approaches, the federal government is facing the prospect of a shutdown. WUFT-FM’s Dan Katz spoke with the chairmen of both the Alachua County Democrats and Republicans on the negotiation standstill. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Governmentshutdown.mp3]

The annual Orange and Blue football game is the end of spring football practice for the University of Florida. This will mark the coaching debut of Will Muschamp, UF’s new head football coach. In a news release Friday afternoon, the school has announced it is heightening security in and around …

On Thursday night, a march was held on the University of Florida campus to raise awareness about childhood sexual abuse. WUFT-FM’s Chris Peralta has more. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Takebackthenight.mp3]

Gator fans have a chance to size up their new head football coach and their new look football team this weekend. Dan Katz reports. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/orangebluegame.mp3]

Protesters will gather today to advocate what they call the proper removal of Bison from Paynes Prairie. Advocates are protesting in response to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Bison management plan, and protest organizer Lisa Grossman says they are hoping to ensure the safe removal of the roaming animals. …

The federal government may shut down if Republicans and Democrats don’t reach a compromise on the federal budget by midnight tonight. Both parties agree that there is a need to reduce spending, but while Republicans want to cut 66 billion dollars, Democrats want to cut only 30 billion. Alachua County …

Although a government shutdown may prevent North Central Florida from visiting National Parks, there are many events going on in Gainesville this weekend to fill the void. Activities include everything from a healthy horses conference at UF’s large animal hospital and a native plant sale at Morningside Nature Center to …

When University of Florida student Evan Kiggin started volunteering at the Boys and Girls club in Gainesville, he had no idea how large of an impact the experience would have on his life. Now, he’s fighting to keep the struggling Boys and Girls club around by raising needed funds for …

Hernando County is offering incentives to green-conscious residents in the community. As Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Veronica Vilar reports, the “Caught in the Act” awards program begins Monday (April 11th). [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/HernandoRecyclingProgramWrap.mp3]

A young woman who overcame years of physical and sexual abuse, then worked to change laws protecting victims, is walking through Ocala and Gainesville today (Thursday) for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Walkinmyshoeswrap2.mp3]

Although several hurricanes formed in the Atlantic, none hit the United States. The upcoming season may be different. Meteorologists say 2011 may be an active year for hurricanes. As Florida’s 89.1 WUFT FM’s Juliza Monterroso reports 15 total storms are predicted for this year. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/HurricaneOutlookWrap.mp3]

This weekend’s Orange and Blue Game will draw thousands of people to Gainesville. That’s exactly what the organizers of the Santa Fe Springs Arts Festival and the Battle of the Bands are happy about. Drawing people to Gainesville’s downtown can mean an “economic boost” for the community. Thirty years ago …

With the economy in shambles and Florida’s budget in a massive deficit, everyone is trying to save money any way they can. But with recent legislative bills making life more expensive for state employees, many of them took to the state capital today to voice their opinions. From Tallahassee, WUFT’s …

Gainesville Regional Utilities posted the full contract detailing their purchase agreement to buy biomass energy from American Renewables. Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Olivia Link has more on the previously-censored contract. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/GRUBiomassWrap.mp3]

Gainesville Pastor Terry Jones is causing a stir again this time with target on his back. Hezzbollah has issued a $2.4 million-dollar bounty over the pastor’s head. Gainesville Police Department Public Information Officer, Tscharna Senn says short of Jones requesting help GPD will not take action. “Really it’s not something …

Sustainability and energy conservation were highlighted this morning at the Alachua County Health Department. The Second Annual Alachua County Energy Conservation Day focused on achieving a sustainable workplace and energy savings. Alachua County Manager Randall Reid says energy conservation is the critical issue of our day. “All that is transferrable …

Students may face cuts to Bright Futures due to a large state deficit. As Florida’s 89.1 WUFT– FM’s Lysette Portales reports, these cuts will affect many students. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/BrightFuturesWrap.mp3]

About 25 percent of Florida mortgages are in some form of delinquency and Florida Housing Finance Corporation Spokeswoman Cecka Rose Green says a new funding program will help. Florida Housing will open applications for the Hardest-Hit Fund program on April 18th. Green says the need in the state is high. …

Legislators seeking to discourage the hiring of illegal immigrants are now one step closer to reaching Florida’s employment law. The state senate’s judiciary committee approved a bill on Monday requiring companies to use the electronic verification program for new hires. The bill must go through two more committees before reaching …

The Clay County sheriff’s office is currently looking for a woman who it says was involved in a shoplifting operation. Her accomplice, Nyota McGriff was arrested on four counts of initiating theft of property. Detectives believe the two women provided “shopping lists” to professional shoplifters who would in turn steal …

April marks the start of the season for jumping sturgeon. These large fish mostly congregate in deep areas of the Suwannee River, but they can be found anywhere in the river. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Public Information Coordinator Karen Parker says to be cautious during this time of year, …

Cleanup has begun across the state after severe weather early this morning caused traffic delays, downed power lines and knocked over trees. Spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Transportation, Gina Busscher says storm debris caused several traffic delays. Law enforcement officers responded to several intersections where traffic lights were out. …

The city of Ocala will decide tonight whether to support a farmers market in Downtown Square. The proposed farmers market would occur every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Downtown Business Alliance President George Carrasco says this farmers market is a great way for farmers to market their products. …

The disappearance of Caylee Anthony went unreported for an entire month by her mother Casey in 2008. Now, the Orlando native is charged with first degree murder of her daughter, whose cause of death has not been determined. As Anthony’s trial quickly approaches, more and more media outlets have been …

Tucker McCarty, 21, was killed Saturday evening after his truck overturned on County Road 138. The University of Florida student was the only one in the truck not wearing a seatbelt. There were also 3 passengers, all wearing seatbelts that escaped with only minor injuries. Florida Highway Patrol Spokesman Pat …

More than 800 University of Florida students stayed awake and on their feet for 26 consecutive hours for Dance Marathon this past weekend. As Florida’s 89-point-one WUFT-FM’s Corey Bachman reports, they danced the night away for a great cause. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/dance.mp3]

To keep kids in school district officials are developing programs focused on drop out prevention. As Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Sarah Kassem reports, they hope to give students the confidence to complete their education. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/dropouts.mp3]

Eight Lake City businesses have been targeted in a series of recent business break-ins. Officers investigated after three alarm companies reported alarm activations and found the suspects tried to disable the systems and force their way inside. Police are stepping up their patrols and urging business owners to increase their …

Early voting for Gainesville’s run-off elections began today. Lauren Poe and Todd Chase are up for the district two seat, and Susan Bottcher faces Rob Zeller in district three. Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Pam Carpenter says she anticipates about 15% of registered voters will participate in the run-off. Carpenter …

Many people have express outrage over the behavior of a Gainesville Pastor, whose actions may have triggered the killing of 8 United Nations workers in Afghanistan. The groups taking responsibility say their actions were in response to the burning of the Quran by Pastor of the Doe World Outreach Center’s …

With social security discussions happening in both houses of Congress, many Alachua County residents are concerned about their future. Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Rebekah Shephard reports on how a change to the program could affect retirement planning. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/socialsec.mp3]

In its fourth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast this morning, the MLK Commission of Florida and African American Accountability Alliance remembered the battle for social justice. Commission Interim Chaplain Kevin Thorpe says society has made progress towards equality, but is not there yet. “Unfortunately, we still don’t live …

Write, film and edit… all in 48 hours- it’s a challenge many budding filmmakers will undertake tonight. Santa Fe College is hosting a 2 day film competition and Media Professor Marc Shahboz says it will keep competitors on their toes. “I will give them a topic, a line of dialogue …

The Centers for Disease Control estimate an average of 1 out of 110 children have an autism spectrum disorder. Saturday is World Autism Awareness Day. WUFT-FM’s JoAnna Wise spoke with Marie Trempe the founder of Autism Oasis, a school for autistic children. She outlined what people should be more aware …

Afghan officials say eight foreigners and four Afghan protesters were killed at a United Nations compound in Northern Afghanistan Friday. The attackers were retaliating after news reports surfaced that Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville had burned a Koran on March 20th. Minutes after the …