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Florida
11th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

ICE arrests surge in Florida

ICE arrests in Florida have nearly tripled during the first ten months of the Trump administration, jumping from about 7,400 in 2024 to over 20,629. This increase follows policy changes aimed at boosting deportations, supported by Republican officials. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Lois Frankel and School Board Member Virginia Savietto are advocating for reforms, citing the negative impact on students and schools, with Savietto noting a $45m loss due to student departures. Local restaurant owner Eddie Schmidt highlighted the depth of feeling among the community, stating: “They're in fear.” The data also revealed a 150% increase in arrests linked to the 287 (G) program, which allows local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Federal policy clarifies that teachers may join students in prayer

The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance emphasizing the rights of students and teachers to express their religious beliefs in public schools. This guidance allows for prayer as long as it does not disrupt school activities or coerce participation. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said: "Our Constitution safeguards the free exercise of religion as one of the guiding principles of our republic." The guidance also mandates that schools protect students from religious harassment and accommodate those needing to pray at specific times. However, schools cannot sponsor religious activities and must treat religious student groups like any other student club. The document reflects a shift towards prioritizing individual religious expression, particularly for educators, while maintaining a neutral school environment.

STATE NEWS

K-12 education bill sparks debate

A K-12 education bill, HB 1071, has passed its final committee stage with a 15-4 party-line vote, igniting passionate discussions among lawmakers. The bill mandates new fetal development lessons, enhances school security, and restricts funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Rep. Dana Trabulsy, the bill's sponsor, emphasized that the DEI provisions aim to "eliminate discrimination based on these factors." However, critics argue that the bill's vague language could disproportionately affect minority and LGBTQ students. Rep. Kimberly Daniels expressed concern over the negative impacts of previous DEI-targeting legislation, while Rep. Rita Harris highlighted the ambiguity of DEI terminology. The bill is now awaiting a House floor vote, with its Senate counterpart, SB 1090, still pending a hearing.

Florida bill would boost local student access

In response to concerns about Florida students' access to in-state universities, legislation known as HB 1279, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, aims to reduce the number of out-of-state applicants. Kincart Jonsson stated: “Our Florida preeminent universities are built and funded by Florida’s taxpayers. Their first priority should be to educate Florida’s students first.” If passed, the bill would require state universities to reserve 95% of fall slots for first-time college students from Florida, based on a three-year average. The bill also limits international student enrollment and mandates that students must be U.S. citizens or lawfully present to receive state financial aid.

Florida lawmakers push for speech restrictions

Florida lawmakers are deliberating changes to state laws that could significantly impact free speech. Proposed legislation includes granting the governor the authority to label groups as "terrorist organizations" and expelling college students who support them. While some measures have bipartisan backing, they face opposition from free speech advocates and trade unions. Critics argue that the legislation could target civil rights groups and stifle dissent, particularly among college students protesting Israel's actions in Gaza. Tyler Coward from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression warned that the bills threaten free speech on campuses, stating: "the government may prohibit material support for terrorist organizations... it cannot punish independent advocacy or expression."

TECHNOLOGY

Parents push K-12 AI literacy

Despite AI’s rapid spread, only 40 school districts in 17 states, about 0.30%, have district-level AI guidance. Pew data cited shows 26% of teens used ChatGPT for schoolwork in 2024, up from 13% in 2023, while most received no responsible-use instruction and many parents say schools haven’t shared policies. Dr. Julaine Fowlin, assistant professor and executive director for the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning at the Medical University of South Carolina, argues this creates students who either fear AI as cheating or misuse it as a shortcut. She describes advocating in her South Carolina district, eventually joining an AI planning team and seeing a board-approved classroom policy in January, and urges parents to push for clear communication, training, and AI literacy. 

TEACHING

Schools rethink how teens learn about money

U.S. high schools are revamping personal-finance instruction as more states make it a graduation requirement. Thirty states now mandate a standalone course, projected to cover over 73% of public high school students by 2031, up from 11% in 2023. Schools are emphasizing hands-on learning. Connecticut’s Ethel Walker School has students invest real endowment funds, monitor results over multiple years, and earn tax-preparer certification to assist local families. In California, Da Vinci Communications students map decades-long financial plans, explore compounding and budgeting, and begin saving early through activities like letters to their future selves and opening Roth IRAs at 18. Educators say this experiential approach strengthens engagement, while researchers find credit and debt outcomes improve even as wealth-building effects stay mixed.

FINANCE

Leon County Schools brace for cuts

The Leon County School District is facing significant budget cuts proposed by Superintendent Rocky Hanna, aiming to save nearly $7m for the 2026-27 budget. The cuts will impact various staff roles, including interventionists, social workers, and security monitors, as well as funding for arts and athletics. Hanna said the recommendations "reflect efforts to preserve core instructional services while acknowledging that many of these reductions will have real impacts on schools, staff, students, and families." The district's financial strain is attributed to declining enrollment, rising costs, and state underfunding. If further cuts are necessary, the district may consider furloughing administrators and laying off teachers, which could lead to larger class sizes and reduced elective offerings.

DISTRICTS

Broward schools win color guard battle

After a period of uncertainty, Broward County Public Schools will participate in color guard competitions this year. A legal dispute with WGI, a nonprofit youth organization, nearly barred the schools from competing. WGI announced that an agreement was reached, allowing the Broward County School Board to vote on the contract at an upcoming meeting. “With terms now finalized, participating groups can refocus on preparation, performance, and artistic growth,” WGI stated. The resolution is especially significant for high school seniors, as the 2026 season is their last chance to compete.

Jimenez hits all right notes

Jennifer Jimenez, South Miami Senior High’s band director, received the Recording Academy’s Music Educator Award for her long-running contributions to student performance and development. She credited her community and highlighted funding challenges, saying: “It’s really tough to fund music education.” The recognition includes a $10,000 honorarium plus a matching grant to support the school’s music program.

INTERNATIONAL

Mass shooting at B.C. school leaves 10 dead, community in shock

Ten people, including a female suspect, were killed in shootings at a secondary school and a nearby home in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, in what officials described as a devastating tragedy. RCMP said eight people, including the suspected shooter, died at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday afternoon. The suspect, described in an alert as a woman wearing a dress with brown hair, was found dead at the school from what are believed to be self-inflicted injuries. Police have not released further details about the shooter's identity or a possible motive. More than 25 people were injured at the school, including two with life-threatening injuries. About 100 students and staff were evacuated after police received reports of an active shooter around 1:20 p.m. Officers arrived within minutes and encountered what they described as a “very dramatic scene.” Two additional bodies were later discovered at a residence believed to be connected to the incident, bringing the total number of dead to 10. Support services are being mobilized for students, families, first responders and residents as the community begins to process the events.

AND FINALLY...

Present, but not accountable

A high school teacher was surprised when a sophomore student declared they were "only at school for attendance purposes" and not obligated to complete any assignments. The student, who shared their message on Reddit, stated: "I am not required to do any work that is given to me." This sparked a lively discussion among Reddit users, with one commenting that the email could serve as "Exhibit A" if the student failed the class. Grace Dearborn from the Association for Middle Level Education noted that such defiance is often a test of authority, commenting: "Defiance, disrespect, and confrontation in general are all just tests." This incident highlights ongoing challenges educators face regarding student accountability and classroom authority.
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