The red flag law, supported by legislators of both parties, has been applied more than 3,500 times since the Parkland shooting two years ago, with the pace accelerating during the last half of 2019. Even so, its use is inconsistent, with some counties and cities using it rarely and others not at all.

But the law also has vocal critics: those who say it violates the U.S. and state constitutions, including the right to bear arms, and others who argue that laws already on the books in Florida made it unnecessary.

However, the law is focused on precautionary measures, and officers try to work within the confines of the constitution.

Hong Kong’s leader unveiled a 25 billion Hong Kong dollar ($3.2 billion) fund on Friday to bolster efforts to fight the virus outbreak, as the city announced three new cases, bringing its total to 56.

The amount is more than double the 10 billion Hong Kong dollars ($1.3 billion) the government initially planned.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam says the government will subsidize companies producing masks to boost supply and provide 4.7 billion Hong Kong dollars ($605 million) more to the Hospital Authority. Lam says cash handouts will also be given to poor families, students and other groups hit by the epidemic, including travel agencies, property management firms and restaurants.

Lam, whose government has come under fire for its perceived mishandling of the outbreak, says her administration has “put in every effort” to fight the virus. She said the emergency funding reflects its commitment to protect the welfare of the city’s 7.4 million people.

The St. Thomas Opus College of Business announced Wednesday that admissions into the Master of Business Administration program and Master of Science in Accountancy program have been suspended.

The other MBA programs will remain the same.

Other adjustments include changing administrative leadership and combining six academic departments into three.

Maddie Peters can be reached at pete9542@stthomas.edu.