News

The future of The U.S. Department of Education is facing significant uncertainty as the White House pushes forward with a strategy to restructure the agency. On Feb. 4, the White House outlined a two-pronged approach to downsizing the department. The initial phase targets programs that were not explicitly created by Congress, making them easier to eliminate. However, the department’s major functions— such as Title I funding for low-income schools, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and the federal student loan system —are protected by congressional statute, meaning any major structural changes would require legislative approval.

Dr. Shameka Shelby, a dedicated member of the Chemistry Department, is stepping into a new leadership role in the fall. Starting in September, Shelby will serve as Florida Southern’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence. Shelby has been a faculty member at FSC for over a decade. She serves as the Department Chair of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics. She has also taken an active role in the creation and facilitation of the Race, Culture and Ethnic Studies minor. Through her passion and mentorship, she’s made an impact on many. Fortunately for students, Shelby will still teach one class a semester.

Every morning, Saed Alaraj commutes from his house in Tampa to Rogue Coffee in Lakeland. Opening the door to a cozy setting with couches, a menu full of specialty drinks right over the bar, Alaraj makes his way to the back corner of the shop that is full of stacked coffee beans right from Brazil. From farm to cup, Rogue Coffee sells premium coffee beans as a wholesaler to coffee shops in Lakeland such as Foxtail and Latitude, and Alaraj explains that the coffee community is all about giving everyone the best coffee beans.

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) at FSC was born out of a need for community and representation. Co-leaders Nida Anwar (president) and Ghita Diani (vice-president) have worked to establish a welcoming environment for Muslim students while educating the broader campus community about Islam.  When both Anwar and Diani first arrived at FSC, they found it challenging to connect with other Muslim students. Recognizing the gap, the MSA’s mission became clear: to create a safe, inclusive space for Muslims to practice their faith and build community.

Florida Southern is entering an exciting new chapter based on growth and transformation, with the most notable being the expansion of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Arts (ABG). Formerly the Polk Art Museum, the building has recently received a new name, benefactor and makeover. Set to open its doors to the public on Jan. 18, the 14,000 square foot expansion comes after nearly 30 years of planning and fundraising.  “This is a really exciting moment for our entire community, academic and beyond,” said Dr. Alexander Rich, the executive director and chief curator of the AGB. “We are developing an innovative, intentional, academic and community space that I can’t wait for our whole community [to see].”

After 14 hours, U.S. users regained access to TikTok. Despite a law banning the app, the video-sharing app restored access to users in the country after President Trump vowed to issue an executive order on the day of his inauguration, delaying the ban. In his message published on truthsocial.com on Jan. 19, Trump pledged to bring the app back as long as the U.S. obtains 50% ownership of TikTok.

Eaton and Palisades wildfires weaken in Los Angeles after over a week of burning despite increasing winds. Yet, finding who or what to blame still remains up in the air. Though they have accused hikers, utility poles and arson, spokeswoman Ginger Colbrun for the LA division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives told BBC “it’s just too early” for answers.

Jan. 20 marks the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States of America, Donald Trump. This will mark Trump’s second tenure as president, having first served the role from 2017-2021. With his inauguration in sight, Trump has already been outspoken of his plan for his second four-year term.

The Lakeland Linder International airport has a lot of exciting new expansion that’s expected to benefit both FSC students and the Lakeland community. With new flight routes coming to the airport and other expansion efforts, patrons can expect more travel options and greater convenience right in Lakeland. 

In such a digital world, monetary transactions are leaning into the digital realm. Digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Wallet and Venmo are becoming more popular. As digital wallets and electronic payment systems become increasingly integrated into everyday life, questions about the future of cash and traditional banking are on everyone’s minds.