Local News

H2A Rules Revised

rchin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:03:00 GMT

Bush Administration rules that made it easier for growers to hire temporary foreign workers have been revised. The new regulations went into effect Monday. WGCU’s Valerie Alker Reports.

Romance Novels

rchin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:58:00 GMT

Southwest Florida Romance Writers are holding book signing Saturday at the Alliance for the Arts in Ft. Myers. A number of well known published fiction writers will be there – including Linda Bilodeau, Jamie Rush and Lynnette Hallberg. Hallberg, whose most recent book is titled “Moonlight, Motorcycles and Bad Boys” told WGCU’s Valerie Alker that the heart of a romance novel is two people finding each other and living happily ever after.

State of the Birds

rchin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:53:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of the Interior has released its annual “state of the birds” report focusing on threats posed by climate change. WGCU’s John Davis reports.

Juice Crop Estimate

rchin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:36:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has increased its orange crop forecast for Florida. Valerie Alker has more.

Super High Speed?

rchin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:31:00 GMT

A number of southwest Florida communities are clamoring to get on Google’s shortlist. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez explains.

State Lawmakers Run for Higher Office

rchin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:12:00 GMT

This year’s state legislative session has a twist. Dozens of lawmakers are running for a higher office. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports on how that could mean even less will be accomplished.

Coral Bleaching

rchin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:08:00 GMT

Marine biologists say damage to Florida’s coral reefs is severe after record low temperatures in January caused widespread coral bleaching and tissue death. WGCU’s John Davis has more.

Coastal Summit

rchin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:31:00 GMT

Environmental Activists are in Washington D.C. this week for a coastal summit. They’re urging congress to adopt new policies to manage America’s coastlines. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Slavery in Southwest Florida

rchin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:22:00 GMT

An Immokalee man is in federal custody on charges related to the enslavement of a teenage Guatemalan girl smuggled into the U.S. in 2007. Francisco Domingo faces ten years in prison without parole and a 250 thousand dollar fine with more charges pending. The Guatemalan teen alleges Domingo forced her into field labor and sexual servitude. Domingo’s federal detention hearing took place Monday. WGCU’s John Davis spoke with News-Press reporter Amy Bennett Williams who’s been investigating the story since Domingo’s arrest last week.

Hazelden

rchin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:28:00 GMT

Southwest Florida residents dealing with drug and alcohol addiction have a new option for treatment. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Spring Training Underway

rchin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:26:00 GMT

Spring Training has returned, and not a moment too soon for fans…but especially for businesses. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports on the return of the boys of summer.

2010 Census Underway

rchin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:28:00 GMT

One hundred and twenty million households across the country begin receiving their U.S. Census questionnaires this week. The mass mailing is the first phase of the country's ten year population count. Local census officials say the region's ethnic diversity and the down economy make Southwest Florida one of the most difficult regions to count. WGCU's John Davis reports.

EPA Extends Comment Period

rchin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:01:00 GMT

The U-S Environmental Protection Agency has extended the comment period on proposed new water rules. As WGCU’s Mike Kiniry reports, the decision came after EPA officials met with Florida lawmakers Thursday morning.

Lee Tourism

rchin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:57:00 GMT

Colder than average winter temperatures have not put a damper on tourism in Lee County this season. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Mullet Tossing Championship

rchin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:57:00 GMT

More than a hundred people, some from as far away as Ohio and Michigan, gathered in Matlacha last Saturday behind the Mulletville Restaurant for a 19 year old competition that has become a tradition for Pine Islanders. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez was at the mullet tossing championship and has this report.