Nuclear case dropped.

The cases against Florida Power and Light (FP&L) brought by two families whose sons have rare cancers were dismissed without trial in January, nearly three years since filing (see "The Nuke Next Door," Currents, May/June 2004). U.S. District Judge James Cohn, a Bush appointee known for denying paper voting receipts in Florida and for giving the minimal sentence to a would-be abortion bomber, dismissed much of the evidence presented in the case as speculative. FP&L failed to produce some documents, leaving considerable questions about the amount of radiation released into the community by faulty plumbing.

While the efforts of these families may seem in vain, questions have been raised. "We are pleased that the attorneys have decided to appeal the case, and we remain hopeful that we will someday get our day in court," adds Scott Finestone, a plaintiff on behalf of his son, Zachary, who has lived with neuroblastoma since diagnosed in 2000 at the age of 5. Plaintiffs hope to find answers as to why more than 50 local kids have become so ill.