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August 28, 2020

The legal battle over reopening Florida’s brick-and-mortar schools has been a rollercoaster. Ryan Dailey takes us through what’s transpired in the case over the last several days and what comes next as more districts prepare to start the 2020-2021 school year.

Immunocompromised teachers returning to the classroom must rely on safety measures like social distancing, mask-wearing, hand-washing and regular deep cleaning to protect themselves from serious illness if someone in the building tests positive for COVID-19. But Valerie Crowder reports at one Bay County school a group of teachers is taking it upon themselves to protect a colleague.

As many schools across the state open and parents head back to work, businesses are taking stock of what a “new normal” might look like for them. Regan McCarthy reports while some have a sunny outlook, others say they haven’t received the support they need.

Fall brings an influx of college students into local communities. But some of those students may also be bringing the coronavirus with them. Robbie Gaffney looks into how Florida’s institutions of higher learning are trying to prevent that from happening.

This election cycle will be like no other in Florida history. It is the first time Democrats have fielded a full slate of candidates in almost every race for the legislature – even in places where history suggests Democrats have little or no chance of winning. Steve Bousquet explains who and what is behind this unusual approach.

The United States 11th District Court of Appeals is weighing whether a Florida law on felon voting rights is in line with the state’s constitution. The League of Women Voters of Florida are awaiting a ruling so they can start registering felons before the October 18 deadline. Prior to the stay put in place by the court, felons could register to vote without paying back financial obligations. With November elections approaching the uncertainty is growing around whether they’ll be able to participate in the November Presidential Election, November 3. Blaise Gainey speaks with League President Patricia Brigham on the subject.

The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic threw off the 2020 U.S. Census schedule by about four months. Now, as Tom Flanigan reports, door-to-door census takers are racing to complete their work before the end of September.