Katie Fogarty

The lack of access to drinkable water is devastating communities around the world, and Southwest Florida's water managers are working to make sure the same thing never happens here.

In a densely filled auditorium, choral music swept through the air, churning emotions throughout the room. Tissues were out, hearts were pounding, and eyes teared as the performance unfolded. Choral Artistry performed the three-part oratorio, “Considering Matthew Shepard” at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral last Sunday.

$300,000 in grant funding from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity was approved to aid Lee County residents who were impacted by the tornadoes on January 16th. The funding was approved Wednesday at the Lee County Board of County Commissioners meeting. The funding will go towards vendors who will help repair home damages from the tornadoes.

Senate Bill 90 passed in the Florida Senate and was signed by Governor DeSantis last May. Its provisions amend the state election laws to, according to the Senate website, “improve election security, transparency, and administration.” Here’s what you should know about the bill before the state elections this fall.

Birds have begun nesting along the Florida coast. Here’s what you should know to help protect the birds and their ecosystems this spring and summer.Shorebirds and seabirds build their nest in the sand, but be careful – these nests tend to be shallow, and their eggs are difficult to see. The eggs are often camouflaged in the sand, which is a form of predator protection. They can be easily missed and stepped on.

Winter storms continue to blow furiously in the north and more snowbirds are flocking to warmer climates. While beaches in Florida are popular getaways for northerners, it’s important for all beachgoers to properly know how to use local beaches. Whether in ignorance or a blatant disregard for the rules, beach patrons may leave a significantly negative effect on the environment in Southwest Florida.

Brooks Burgers in Naples recently added robots to help serving staff because of personnel shortages.“We’re not trying to lose hospitality, we’re not trying to lose or replace employees. We’re simply giving them the ability to get through a shift and do a good job,” said Todd Brooks, the owner of Brooks Burgers.

February 1st is National Freedom Day which commemorates the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865. Abraham Lincoln signed the Amendment in a special joint session of the house and the senate abolishing slavery in the U.S.

In 2003, Jeb Bush designated January as Florida Jewish History Month. To commemorate this month, WGCU looks into the history of what Jewish people have done to impact Southwest Florida.

January 27 will mark the 77th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the largest Nazi concentration camp. In 2005, the United Nations declared that day International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center in Naples is among organizations recognizing the anniversary and working to educate future generations about the Holocaust.