Florida lawmakers reintroduce bill to fund right whale restoration efforts
U.S. Reps. John Rutherford (R-Jacksonville) and Stephanie Murphy (D-Orlando) introduced the Scientific Assistance for Very Endangered (SAVE) Right Whales Act that would invest $5 million annually in grants that states, nonprofits and members of the fishing and marine shipping industries can use to fund research and efforts that restore the North Atlantic right whale population.
Democrats to redraft virus relief in bid to jump-start talks
WASHINGTON โ House Democrats are going back to the drawing board on a huge COVID-19 relief bill, paring back the measure in an attempt to jump-start negotiations with the Trump administration. The Democratic-controlled chamber could also pass the $2.4 trillion measure next week if talks fall through to demonstrate that the party isn't giving up on passing virus relief before the election. The chamber passed a $3.4 trillion rescue measure in May but Republicans dismissed the measure as bloated and unrealistic. Even as Democrats cut their ambitions back by $1 trillion or so, Senate Republicans have focused on a much smaller rescue package in the $650 billion to $1 trillion range. Republicans reacted coolly, especially at the prospect of a partisan floor vote if the effort doesn't spark constructive talks.
With storms in May, lawmaker wants a longer hurricane season
ORLANDO, Fla. Even though the six-month Atlantic hurricane season lasts as long as a typical Major League Baseball season, a Florida congresswoman thinks it needs to be longer. In 2020, three tropical storms Arthur, Bertha and Cristobal formed in mid-May and the beginning of June, she said. There has been only one named hurricane before June since the satellite era started in 1966 Hurricane Alma in 1970. I dont think there is any reason to lengthen the hurricane season, since we havent had a hurricane in May in 50 years," Klotzbach said in an email. Hurricane season was also never intended to include ... all of the activity, just the majority of it," said McNoldy, who works for the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science.
Florida officials express caution - not panic - over virus
But despite assurances, there was growing fears about the further spread of the virus amid criticism that state officials were not being adequately forthcoming about any suspected cases in the state. "I was disappointed that at todayโs briefing, state officials failed to be forthcoming with the public about suspected cases in Florida,''she said in a statement. Legislative Democrats were also scheduled to hold a news conference Thursday morning to respond to the governor and his health officials. There have been very few cases reported in the United States, but federal health officials say they expect more cases. The California case brings the total number infected in the United States to 60.