SUMMARY: Scientists at the University of Florida have confirmed that two destructive invasive termite species, the Formosan and Asian subterranean termites, are hybridizing in South Florida. This hybridization, documented after over a decade of monitoring, raises concerns about increased spread and intensified structural damage. Genetic testing identified hybrid termites swarming since 2021, and in 2024, an established hybrid colony was found in Fort Lauderdale. The termites’ cryptic nature delayed detection, and established hybrids are likely widespread in urban South Florida. This phenomenon, also occurring in Taiwan, could expand beyond Florida, complicating termite control and potentially exacerbating economic impacts.

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The post Two of the world’s most destructive termite species got together to make a hybrid. Now they are taking hold in Florida appeared first on www.news4jax.com

SUMMARY: The Trump administration requested the Supreme Court to block court orders requiring Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to disclose documents to a watchdog group. The Justice Department argues DOGE, key to Trump’s government overhaul, is a presidential advisory body exempt from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington sued, citing DOGE’s broad, opaque powers affecting federal contracts and employees. A federal judge ruled DOGE likely holds more than advisory power, ordering disclosures by June 13. The administration called the orders overly broad and intrusive, appealing for swift Supreme Court intervention amid ongoing legal battles against Trump’s agenda.

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The post Trump administration asks Supreme Court to block watchdog access to DOGE documents appeared first on www.clickorlando.com

The post Florida’s unemployment rate inched up slightly in April | Florida appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

The article provides a straightforward presentation of economic data related to Florida’s unemployment rate and job growth across various sectors and counties. It focuses on reporting statistics from official sources without using loaded language or editorializing the information. The tone remains factual and neutral throughout, simply outlining the job gains and losses without attributing causes to particular political policies or advocating for a specific ideological viewpoint. This approach demonstrates an adherence to neutral, factual reporting rather than presenting or endorsing an ideological stance.