Welcome to WJCT First Read, your daily weekday morning round-up of stories from the First Coast, around Florida, and across the country. We'll also preview some of WJCT's upcoming news programming.
Citing American ideals, Obama keeps military strike on the table in Syria: In hisaddress to the nation last night, President Barack Obama said he would prefer a diplomatic solution to the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons, but that U.S. forces would maintain their positions in advance of a potential strike on the country if the regime of Bashar al-Assad does not follow through on a plan to turn over weapons stockpiles to international control. (NPR)
Syrian refugees face long resettlement process: Some of the more than 2 million Syrians forced to leave their homes during the country's civil war could end up living in U.S. cities, but the bureaucratic road to get them here is not an easy one to traverse.
Three Fla. universities on top 100 list: The University of Miami, University of Florida, and Florida State University all are listed in U.S. News & World Report's new "Top National Universities" rankings. (Jacksonville Business Journal)
Nyad fires back at critics: Marathon swimmer Diana Nyad held a press conference during which she refuted critics' claims she may have been helped by handlers during her record swim from Cuba to Florida. (CNN)
Scott tax tour begins, local pols split on plan: Governor Rick Scott began a listening tour this week in support of his recently announced plans to cut $500 million from state taxes and fees. Local state legislators are split along partisan lines on the plan. (The Florida Current, Florida Times-Union)
State tourism hopes to draw 100 million: Florida tourism officials are hoping to increase the number of people visiting the state to 100 million and create 121,000 jobs in the process. (Orlando Sentinel)
Tobacco ban may prove unconstitutional: A new policy approved by Flagler County banning job seekers who use tobacco is being challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. (Fox News)
Today on First Coast Connect, we'll talk with Janet Owens, executive director of the Jacksonville office of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), about what the group is working on to aid city nonprofits transform Jacksonville's distressed neighborhoods.
Correction: Yesterday's First Read incorrectly referred to the date the University of Florida Gators football team is scheduled to play their first Southeastern Conference game against Tennessee. That game will take place Saturday, Sept. 21 in Gainesville.
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