Here is a link to many coronavirus resources The new $900 billion coronavirus stimulus package is still in limbo over President Donald Trump’s refusal to sign. And while it does fix a marriage penalty for citizens married to legal immigrants, millions of American’s and American taxpayers still won’t be getting stimulus checks. Mixed-status marriage penalty… Read more »
Here is a link to many coronavirus resources The House and Senate Monday passed a long-overdue pandemic relief package that includes $15 billion in aid to independent venues and theaters. The Save Our Stages Act extends an essential lifeline to the shuttered live music industry. LISTEN: The Save Our Stages Act only took up about… Read more »
Here is a link to many coronavirus resources Because of the Holidays, many coronavirus testing locations will be closed some days or have modified hours. Here is the information provided by Hillsborough County about COVID-19 testing holiday schedules. Hillsborough County COVID-19 Public Testing Schedule for the Holidays COVID-19 coronavirus Update No. 250 Hillsborough County,… Read more »
In October, the Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of phosphogypsum in road construction. It’s a waste product of phosphate mining and it contains small amounts of radioactive isotopes of radium and uranium. On Friday a coalition of public health, environmental and union groups sued the EPA for approving phosphogypsum in roads. One of the… Read more »
The Sarasota County Legislative Delegation Friday met with civic organizations and county residents to discuss priorities for Florida’s 2021 legislative session. Among many areas of concern discussed, none was talked about more than prison reform. LISTEN: To illustrate her point, Denise Rock of Florida Cares told the story of Christopher Dean. ‘Nobody had any choice… Read more »
Camilla Pang An Outsider’s Guide To Humans – What Science Taught Me About What We Do And Who We are “Blessed with the solid combination of ASD, ADHD, and Ph.D. – I use the powers of neurodiversity to navigate the under-passed connections of how human psychology can meander beyond the norm. The study of humans… Read more »
The same group that fought Walmart from developing land along the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs has taken up the cause again. More than 10 years after beating back the big-box giant, environmental advocates are trying to keep a 74-acre residential community from going up at the same site. LISTEN: Just before midnight, city commissioners… Read more »
Here is a link to many coronavirus resources December 17, 2020 Good morning, welcome to Radioactivity. I’m Rob Lorei. There are now more calls for an investigation into the search of a former Florida COVID data scientist’s home. A group of Florida Congress members, all Democrats, sent a letter to the state’s chief inspector general…. Read more »
Here is a link to many coronavirus resources A group of St. Petersburg residents have organized to fight back against a rising wave of evictions, another crisis brought during the COVID-19 pandemic. A rally is scheduled Friday to call for rent relief and extension of eviction moratoriums while the pandemic persists. LISTEN: Mel Meyer’s year… Read more »
Pasco County’s Catholic St. Leo University is moving full-speed ahead with plans to replace its 44-year-old faculty union and senate with a new “shared governance system.” Faculty members, state unions and even Catholic organizations are asking the school to pull back before it’s too late. LISTEN: Valerie Wright has been president of the United Faculty… Read more »
Here is a link to many coronavirus resources Tampa General Hospital is one of five hospitals in Florida to participate in the state’s pilot program for the distribution of the coronavirus vaccine. On Monday, front-line nurse Vanessa Arroyo became the first person in Tampa to be vaccinated with Pfizer’s shot during the trial period. Shortly… Read more »
Here is a link to many coronavirus resources Last week, the home of former state COVID-19 data manager Rebekah Jones was raided by the Florida Department of Law enforcement. The security video she released shows several officers with their guns drawn. Congress member Charlie Crist released an email statement critical of the raid of Rebekah… Read more »
Here is a link to many coronavirus resources One of Florida’s first COVID-19 vaccines was administered at Tampa General Hospital Monday. Tampa General received enough vaccine to begin immunizing about 20,000 people. LISTEN: Six months ago, USF’s Dr. Kami Kim was skeptical a vaccine would come before the year’s end. “This vaccine coming out is… Read more »
Here is a link to many coronavirus resources The Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation Friday met virtually with members of the public to discuss local bills and issues ahead of the 2021 session. COVID-19 concerns were the underlying theme as topics including clean energy, mental health and prison reform were discussed. LISTEN: Acting chair Sen. Janet… Read more »
As 2020 draws to a close a collective sigh of relief can be heard around our troubled world. Covid is not over, yet, but vaccinations are on the way and, a new administration is ready to lead with decorum and integrity. The holiday season this year may not be joyous rounds of non-stop gatherings but… Read more »
A number of bars and restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg this week are holding fundraisers to honor the life of Chad Bennett, a bicyclist who was killed in a crash last month. Bennett was a well-known and loved figure in a community that’s figuring out how to move on without him. LISTEN: Tonight this seat… Read more »
Here is a link to many coronavirus resources This week, the home of former state COVID-19 data manager Rebekah Jones was raided by the Florida Department of Law enforcement. The security video she released shows several officers with their guns drawn. Because of the raid, a lifelong Republican resigned his state position yesterday. Ron Filipkowski… Read more »
The Florida Department of Transportation Tuesday announced it awarded Tampa a $67.3 million grant for its streetcar extension and modernization project. The City and the Hillsborough Regional Transit Authority hope the expansion will make the TECO Streetcar Line a viable commuter option in the city. LISTEN: Paying it forward For Melanie Williams, access to public… Read more »
Here is a link to many coronavirus resources St. Petersburg leaders Monday announced a new initiative to fight the spread of COVID-19. The “Race to Safe” campaign challenges residents to help keep COVID numbers in St. Pete and Pinellas among the lowest in Florida. LISTEN: Standing under a cloudy sky on the rain soaked steps… Read more »
St. Petersburg residents led by a few city council members gathered Saturday to say “Enough is Enough” violence in the city. The movement comes just days after a 20-year-old Black man was killed on the city’s south side. For a little over an hour, about 50 St. Pete residents stood on each corner at the… Read more »
Veteran bartender Hope Ewing, had grown impatient with the surprisingly outdated perceptions of women in the alcohol industry. Entrepreneurial and ambitious, often the first in their fields, the women she knew in the business were leaders, mentors, and trailblazers. In her debut book, Movers & Shakers – Women Making Waves In Sprites, Beer, and Wine, Ewing seeks them out,… Read more »
Here is a link to many coronavirus resources Hillsborough County announced that two new drive-through COVID-19 testing sites are opening in Riverview and in Dover. The press release announcing the two is below: Two New Hillsborough COVID-19 Testing Sites to Open Dec. 7 and 9 COVID-19 Coronavirus Update No. 243 Hillsborough County, Fla. (Dec…. Read more »
A group of 42 Florida businesses Wednesday sent a letter to the State’s congressional delegation asking it to block a proposed industrial finfish farm off the coast of Sarasota. Businesses all along the Gulf of Mexico warn of disastrous effects to the environment and the Gulf’s tourism industry. LISTEN: In an economic climate already decimated… Read more »
December 3, 2020 Good Morning, welcome to Radioactivity. I’m Rob Lorei. Coming up—what progressive ideas could Joe Biden implement in his first months in office? Our first guest has some suggestions…. And later- a local Republican official has become one of the few Republicans in office to speak out against conspiracy theories about the election. President-elect… Read more »
On November 9, 2020, the New York Times reported that President Trump’s refusal to concede the election to President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. affected Mr.Biden’s transition, particularly on national security issues. This refusal from the Trump administration has led some some to question if the United States is making it self once again vulnerable to… Read more »
