Good morning, Tallahassee.

On Wednesday, a Tallahassee Chuck E.

Cheese employee was arrested for using a stolen credit card while wearing the restaurant’s iconic mouse mask—surveillance footage and bystander photos linked him to purchases at a smoke shop, grocery store and Whataburger.

Whitfield Leland III, a former mayoral candidate and 13-time convicted felon, was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for the May 2024 armed robbery at a Dollar General store in Tallahassee—he held a manager at gunpoint and stole $689—federal prosecutors said.

DOJ officials started a second day of questioning Ghislaine Maxwell at the federal courthouse in Tallahassee—following an eight‑hour session on July 24—and her lawyer said she answered every question without invoking her rights as prosecutors search for new leads in the Epstein case.

Four recent FSU graduates have been awarded the prestigious 2025 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship which provides three years of support and honors outstanding work in STEM—eight current students and alumni also received honorable mentions that recognize their research achievements. The award supports research and future academic pursuits and strengthens FSU’s record of excellence in STEM education.

Florida State University approved a 10% fee increase for out-of-state students for the upcoming academic year, joining the University of Florida in a similar move.

Officials said rising operating costs after 14 years with no tuition hike forced the change+four other state universities are reviewing similar moves+and Florida residents will not see any fee increase.

Federal lawmakers proposed changes to the Marine Mammal Protection Act to clarify vague terms, but critics warned that the update could weaken protections for Florida manatees.

At a Tuesday hearing, officials noted that 477 manatee deaths this year raised concerns & suggested that lowering conservation goals might harm wildlife & local tourism.

Defense attorney David Markus — who represents Ghislaine Maxwell — attended his second closed-door deposition with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche at the Tallahassee federal courthouse on Friday, July 25 as DOJ officials drove from the Aloft Hotel amid ongoing fallout from the Epstein case.

Forever Grads 2025 Graduation Party

10 PM – 2 AM — Potbelly's — Free entry for graduates — Celebrate your achievements and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere at the ultimate graduation party.

Back to School: Fuel the Future

10 AM – 1 PM — Florida Blue Center - Tallahassee — Free school supplies — A family-friendly event with fun activities and resources to kickstart an academic year.

Parrothead Phrenzy

7-10 p.m. — The Moon — $47 — Enjoy a concert featuring Jimmy Parrish & the Waves in support of Alzheimer's Project.