WUSF - Newsletter Submission Form

Florida appeals court sides with state in challenge over marijuana petitions

The three-judge panel overturned a circuit court's ruling on inactive voters and upheld a ruling on petitions gathered by nonresidents, with the net effect of invalidating more than 70,000 signatures.

Florida Senate committee backs bill with expanded vaccine exemptions

The measure, which would create a new path for parents who don’t want their schoolchildren vaccinated, drew sharp warnings from health care experts about public health risks.

Candy under the microscope: Florida testing reveals arsenic in sweet treats

The DeSantis administration's Healthy Florida First initiative finds traces of the toxic element in several popular candies. How dangerous is this? Manufacturers criticize the testing as "misguided."

Florida has a mold problem. How does that happen?

Indoor mold can damage homes, reduce property values and create health problems, particularly for people with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems.

Federal judge nixes challenge to Florida's pregnant parking law

The “expectant mother parking permit” allows pregnant women to obtain disabled parking placards at any point in their pregnancies.

Florida Senate committee backs lawsuits over vaccine advertising

The legislation would allow people injured by vaccines to sue drug manufacturers that advertise the products. Opponents cite the First Amendment and the creation of a "hidden tort tax."

Senate committee advances bill to ban smoking and vaping pot in public

The measure would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in a variety of places, such as streets, parks, beaches, government buildings, office buildings, lodging establishments and restaurants.

Gov. DeSantis announces $20 million for nursing programs

The money will go toward the LINE program, which provides scholarships and financial assistance.

Florida bill targets 'aiding and abetting' gender-affirming care for minors

Providing gender-affirming care, such as hormone treatment, to people under 18 is illegal in Florida. But a new bill could change who can be charged for it and who can investigate it.

How Escambia's EMS drastically improved cardiac arrest survival rates

The county's new medical director, Dr. Ben Abo, led training and response changes that quadrupled the number of resuscitation successes.

A Florida ER pediatrician on keeping kids safe as RSV and flu cases increase

Dr. Carlos Abanses of St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa offers guidance on prevention, symptoms, vaccines, fever fears, hydration and when to get emergency care.

Beyond the eye of the storm: The impact of repeated hurricane closures on mental health

Students face increased mental health risk while dealing with the challenges of a hurricane.

Moffitt holds grand opening for outpatient cancer center on burgeoning Pasco campus

The facility — the first completed project of Moffitt's 775-acre Speros innovation hub — will be part of a growing and competitive cancer-care market in the Tampa Bay region.

Can texting a therapist help with depression? A new study says yes

While video sessions build stronger bonds, text-based therapy offers a practical alternative that can fit into daily life.

Baptist Health plans 15-story hotel on downtown Jacksonville's campus

A Baptist rep said rooms would be offered to families of patients receiving care on the hospital campus, but the hotel would be marketed to anyone.

Florida Senate quickly passes 'rural renaissance' package

Senate President Ben Albritton's proposal passed his chamber unanimously for the second year in a row. Whether it will make headway in the House remains to be seen.

Tallahassee commission moves forward with hospital sale price in FSU Health talks

The agreement will have FSU pay the city $109 million across 30 years for Tallahassee Memorial Hospital's property and assets. The school will also commit $250 million to various upgrades.

How smokers blow millions of dollars over a lifetime of puffs

In Florida alone, smokers face nearly $3.8 million in lifetime costs — including cigarette purchases, health care, lost income and missed investment gains, according to a new report from WalletHub.

Florida leads the nation in ACA enrollment decreases as costs spike

Sign-ups are down nationally as extended tax credits approved during the COVID pandemic expired. As the enrollment deadline approached, Florida showed the largest drop: more than 260,000 fewer people.