Harris to announce $1B to states for floods, extreme heat
(Michael Clevenger/Courier Journal via AP) (Michael Clevenger)WASHINGTON — (AP) — The White House is making more than $1 billion available to states to address flooding and extreme heat exacerbated by climate change. Multiple Western states continued heat advisories amid a prolonged drought that has dried reservoirs and threatened communities across the region. A total of $1 billion will be made available through the BRIC program, with another $160 million to be offered for flood mitigation assistance, officials said. The city was awarded $23 million for flood mitigation and stormwater infrastructure. The South Florida Water Management District in Miami-Dade County received $50 million for flood mitigation and pump station repairs.
wftv.comFlorida researcher finds Arctic shark swimming in Caribbean waters
This is the first time a Greenland shark has been seen in warm water. Greenland sharks, which average 8-14 feet in length, have skin that is poisonous to humans when raw but edible once dried, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. Greenland sharks live in water so cold they are unlikely to encounter human swimmers and are not considered a threat. Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration believe that Greenland sharks live extremely long lives, with a study examining the eyes of Greenland sharks identifying a female between 272 and 512 years old. The waters off Belize where the shark was found drop to 9,500 feet, which means the water would be cold enough for a Greenland shark to thrive, FIU said.
wftv.comStudy: ADHD medications do not lead to higher grades
“What this study shows is the medication has no effect on how much kids learn in the classroom setting,” Pelham said. Pelham said reinforcing behavior through positive messaging and building an infrastructure that gives feedback, benefits students more than taking medication. Unfortunately, most of them only get medication.”Pelham is a clinical psychologist who has studied the use of medication in ADHD students since the 1980s. According to Pelham, to help students with ADHD do better in school, behavioral therapy and other psychological methods are needed. This number includes:· 388,000 children aged 2-5 years· 2.4 million children aged 6-11 years· 3.3 million children aged 12-17 yearsBoys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls.
wftv.comFIU president quits over 'emotional entanglement' with woman
MIAMI — (AP) — The president of Florida International University has now explained his abrupt resignation, telling students, faculty and staff that he's ending his 45-year career because of an “emotional (not physical) entanglement" with a valued colleague. His Sunday statement to the South Florida university community said his wife's deteriorating condition — she has advanced dementia — had led him to act inappropriately with a co-worker. The Miami Herald reported that a woman in her 20s who worked closely with the 72-year-old university president confided to a colleague in December that he had been harassing her for months. The Herald reported that the harassment began in October, and the woman rejected his overtures, saying they made her feel uncomfortable. The next day, Rosenberg told FIU Board of Trustees Chairman Dean Colson what had transpired, and Colson launched the investigation.
wftv.comCOVID-19-sniffing dogs on the job at Miami International Airport
MIAMI — The Miami International Airport has a unique take on the fight against COVID-19. >> Read more trending newsThe airport has deployed dogs to detect potentially infected travelers before the passengers can board flights, CBS News reported. So, when you get COVID-19, you produce volatile organic compounds, it’s called.”Furton said the dogs detect the volatile organic compounds or VOCs. More coronavirus pandemic coverage:>> Coronavirus: How long between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms? This tool will tell you>> How to not let coronavirus pandemic fatigue set in, battle back if it does©2021 Cox Media Group
wftv.comProsecutors will ask grand jury to probe building collapse
Building Collapse Miami South Florida Urban Search and Rescue team look through rubble for survivors at the partially collapsed Champlain Towers South condo building in Surfside, Fla., Monday, June 28, 2021. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald via AP) (Matias J. Ocner)SURFSIDE, Fla. — (AP) — Prosecutors in Florida will pursue a grand jury investigation into the deadly collapse of an oceanfront condominium building, officials said Tuesday. State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said she would bring the matter before grand jurors soon. “Whether they do or not, it’s completely their decision.”Grand juries in South Florida have examined other large-scale disasters, such as the 2018 collapse of a pedestrian bridge at Florida International University, which killed six people. The grand jury's investigation would examine factors and decisions that led to Thursday's collapse of the 12-story Champlain Towers South building in Surfside, killing at least 11 people and leaving 150 unaccounted for.
wftv.comSurfside Condo collapse: Had the building been sinking into the sand?
Building Collapse Miami This aerial photo shows part of the 12-story oceanfront Champlain Towers South Condo that collapsed early Thursday, June 24, 2021 in Surfside, Fla. (Amy Beth Bennett)The building in Surfside, Florida, that partially collapsed on Thursday at one time was sinking into the sand it was built on, a researcher at Florida International University said Thursday. The building collapsed around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. At least 159 people believed to have been in the building when it collapsed remain unaccounted for. According to a story from USA Today, when Wdowinski heard of the collapse of the building he remembered it from the study, he said. The Champlain Towers South Condos is located at 8777 Collins Avenue in Surfside, Florida.
wftv.comMacKenzie Scott puts her money where her heart is, including to help FIU’s minority students | Editorial
Here’s what’s so great about MacKenzie Scott’s $40 million gift to Florida International University: No one begged her for the money; there was no dog-and-pony show to get her to write a check. She just did it because she is concerned about the wealth gap in America. And there are no strings attached.
news.yahoo.comBillionaire MacKenzie Scott, Bezos’ ex-wife, donates $40 million to FIU in surprise move
Florida International University President Mark Rosenberg was driving down Southwest Eighth Street, one of the busiest traffic arteries in Miami, when his phone rang. The voice on the other line shocked him. So much so, he pulled off immediately near a lawn in Coral Gables and rushed to take notes on what he was hearing.
news.yahoo.comFlorida law seeks to rein in large social media companies
Social Media Florida Florida Gov. Federal law prevents internet companies from being sued for removing posts and federal law trumps state law when there is a conflict. It will also allow individual Floridians to sue social media companies for up to $100,000 if they feel they've been treated unfairly. The bill targets social media platforms that have more than 100 million monthly users, which include online giants as Twitter and Facebook. The law will require large social media companies to publish standards on how it decides to “censor, deplatform, and shadow ban.”Regardless of the federal law, the new Florida law is constitutionally flawed, said Computer and Communications Industry Association President Matt Schruers.
wftv.comHappening today: Gov. DeSantis to speak in South Florida
Ron DeSantis will speak in South Florida on Monday morning. The governor is set to hold a news conference at Florida International University at 10:30 a.m.DeSantis’ administration did not say what the announcement will be about. Channel 9 will livestream the news conference when it begins. Click here to watch it live. READ: ‘Freedom Week’: Here’s what is covered by Florida’s new sales tax holidayClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
wftv.comMas family pledges $5 million toward FIU center that will honor Cuban culture
If you visit the greater Miami area, you can enjoy tastes of Cuban culture nearly anywhere — whether sharing a colada with friends at a downtown ventanita, dancing to a Celia Cruz tune at a South Beach bar or watching the domino players in Little Havana on a Sunday afternoon.
news.yahoo.comPlans underway to replace Florida bridge that collapsed, killing 6
Multiple deaths were reported Thursday afternoon after a pedestrian bridge at Florida International University in Miami collapsed, trapping multiple vehicles in the debris. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)MIAMI – Almost three years after six people were killed when a pedestrian bridge collapsed at Florida International University, plans are moving forward for a new one in the same location. In a meeting this week, the university's board of trustees approved the transfer of $9.1 million to the Florida Department of Transportation, which will oversee the design and construction of the bridge, the Miami Herald reported. The new bridge will span the same highway, connecting the university's Modesto A. Maidique Campus to the downtown area of a Miami suburb. The Herald reported the university got the $9.1 million from different sources, including $8.5 million from the settlement with the contractors on the failed bridge.
Dogs detecting scent of COVID-19 in Florida is latest effort in fight against virus
Dogs detecting the coronavirus at the entrances of sports venues and theme parks in Central Florida could soon be a normal thing, according to a professor at Florida International University. He also serves as the provost of the university and said dogs can accurately detect COVID-19 by more than 90 percent. If a dog is already trained to detect scents, Furton said training for COVID-19 detection could take about two weeks. “Certainly, in Orlando with all of the theme parks, it could be a very viable option. At a sporting venue, Furton said dogs can detect the virus by separating people six feet apart while scanning.
Florida university has trained dogs to detect COVID-19
Florida International University researchers have trained dogs to detect the COVID-19 virus, CBS Miami reports. Whereas at the Heat, they're actually screening people before they come into the arena." The training for these dogs, Furton said, is very similar to that of drug and bomb detection canines. He said seasoned dogs only take a few weeks to train, while newer dogs can take two to three months. "We're training the dogs on actually face coverings that were from patients at Baptist Health South Florida, which is our partner.
cbsnews.comObama: GOP's 'fantasy narrative' about election spurred violence at Capitol
Former President Barack Obama speaks in support of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden during a drive-in rally at the Florida International University on November 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. Former President Barack Obama issued a statement on the mob of pro-Trump extremists who infiltrated the Capitol and delayed election certification on Wednesday. "History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation. Their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Several law enforcement officials said a woman who was shot inside the Capitol building during the chaos had died, and at least one improvised explosive device was found.
cnbc.comFloridas Universities Prepare to Reopen in Uncertain Times, With Dozens of Covid Cases at 2 Campuses Already
Returning to campus is the next frontier in Floridas reopening process, and several state universities are about to put their plans to the test. As thousands of students move into their dorms this month, at least two state universities reported dozens of coronavirus cases on campus before classes are set to begin Monday. The University of Notre Dame this week also halted in-person instruction for the next two weeks, following a surge in positive cases. As classes in Florida begin to resume on Monday, at least two state universities already have reported COVID-19 cases among students during the move-in process. As students moved into their dorms this month, UCF reported 76 students tested positive for the virus.
flaglerlive.comFlorida universities set to reopen amid pandemic
More and more universities, as they try to reopen, are experiencing a high risk of infection. Since the start of the pandemic, 359 students and 114 employees have tested positive for the virus.As students moved into their dorms this month, UCF reported 76 students tested positive for the virus. Students cannot travel or visit from building to building, Bejar said. If you are a student in the university towers you are only inside the university towers. You are not traveling to go visit a friend in Park View or Lakeview or one of the other units.
orlandoweekly.comTwo Florida beaches were named 'Best in America' by Dr. Beach
click to enlarge Photo via Adobe StockGrayton Beach State ParkFor the past 30 years Stephen Dr. Many people choose to camp in this wonderful state park that also features tidal lakes and freshwater ponds. Grayton Beach State Park, Florida Panhandle2. Caladesi Island State Park Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida7. Hapuna Beach State Park, Big Island, Hawaii8.
orlandoweekly.comFIU student adds to lawsuits over tuition, fees
Attorneys for Sarah Fagundez, an FIU graduate student from Miami, filed the lawsuit late Tuesday in Leon County circuit court against the university systems Board of Governors. Fagundez contends that she and other students throughout the university system should receive refunds of portions of tuition and fees that they paid. The suit filed by Fagundez and the federal lawsuit filed Monday by Dylan Egleston against the University of Florida trustees contend students are entitled to reimbursement of portions of tuition and fees, which include such things as athletic fees and transportation fees. Fagundez, for example, paid $7,880 in tuition and fees for the spring semester, according to her lawsuit. The lawsuit filed last week in Leon County circuit court against the Board of Governors by University of Florida graduate student Anthony Rojas seeks only a refund of fees and diverges from the arguments in the other cases about reimbursing tuition.
ocala.comApplause for April 19, 2020
Area students excel in higher educationProvost's ListTeresa Blaes, Ocala, Troy UniversityHonor Society InitiatesMaricruz Andrews of Summerfield was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Florida International University. Shady Alshorman of Clermont was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Fordham University. Charles Gick of Clermont was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at The University of Tampa. This scholarship is granted annually in memory of the Catons, who were both lifelong educators in Marion County. Dennis took part in the "We the People" competition, which the Ocala chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution helped judge.
ocala.comFlorida universities move to remote instruction amid coronavirus concerns
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida State University system took action Wednesday to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, ordering all of its campuses to transition to remote instruction and keeping students away from campus. “State universities with students who have returned from spring break, which includes Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida, should implement a process to transition to remote instruction immediately and encourage students to return home for at least two weeks. This includes: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, New College of Florida, the University of North Florida, the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of West Florida. No college or university students have tested positive for the coronavirus, or COVID-19, in the state of Florida. Click on the links below to see Florida college and university responses to the coronavirus:This is a developing story and will be updated.
FIU bridge victims or their families will get their cut of $102.7 million, judge affirms
On Thursday, A. Jay Cristol, senior bankruptcy judge, confirmed a plan of reorganization filed last month by Munilla Construction Management, the projects general contractor. The $102.7 million settlement should be divvied up by mid-January if no one appeals the plan by Dec. 28. By the end of July, all but one of the implicated companies reached settlements with the victims. The settlement determines how much each individual plaintiff will receive from the total pool, but those amounts are confidential. In November, MCM filed its bankruptcy plan and Cristol said hed do his best to expedite the confirmation.
news-journalonline.comMiami bridge fall blamed on design, lack of oversight
MIAMI A Miami university bridge that collapsed and killed six people last year showed significant design errors and should have been more carefully monitored by the state government because of the project's complexity, federal officials said Tuesday. The National Transportation Safety Board members concluded that the design firm FIGG Bridge Engineers, Inc. underestimated the load of the bridge and overestimated its strength in a critical section that splintered, dropping a 174-foot-long (53-meter-long) span onto eight cars on March 15, 2018. But the NTSB findings said the bridge could still have failed because of design miscalculations. The project's complexity required greater oversight than was given by the Florida Department of Transportation, the board said in its findings. The bridge collapsed immediately after crews tightened support rods in the northern section of the bridge.
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