Schools & Kids
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 · Columbia County
St. Thomas University Students Face New Federal Aid Rules in 2026
St. Thomas University students will face new federal student aid rules beginning July 1, 2026. Graduate PLUS Loans end, Parent PLUS borrowing caps decrease, and Pell Grant eligibility tightens.
Center scientists aim to solve devastating citrus greening, first, then other crop diseases
University of Florida scientists are joining forces at the new Crop Transformation Center to combat pests and diseases threatening Florida’s crops, starting with citrus greening.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
UF Eyes $500M Engineering Boom to Tackle Florida Tech Shortage
The University of Florida is pushing for $500 million in state funding to expand engineering facilities, aiming to supercharge STEM education amid Florida's booming tech sector. The proposal targets workforce gaps in high-demand fields like data science and advanced manufacturing. With Gainesville at the epicenter, UF's multibillion-dollar building spree could reshape the state's innovation landscape.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Florida Senate OKs Bill Capping Teacher Tenure at 4 Years
In a bold move to elevate classroom performance, the Florida Senate has passed legislation limiting teacher tenure to just four years while mandating merit-based evaluations. The measure, aimed at statewide public school gains, reignites a decade-old debate on accountability versus job security. Backed by GOP leaders, it heads to the House amid teacher union pushback.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026