Good morning, Tallahassee.

Leon County Schools faced a $500,000 federal funding shortfall for afterschool programs and superintendent Rocky Hanna revisited an agreement with the Children's Services Council to cover the gap, as the district received only $1.6 million out of the expected $2.1 million+ the council will work with the school district and the Boys and Girls Club to determine additional funds needed.

FSU chemists led by Professor Biwu Ma have developed a new amorphous thin-film detector that makes large-area X-ray imaging more efficient for airport security, manufacturing, and medical work—researchers plan to scale up production and commercialize the technology soon.

The breakthrough, backed by a pending patent and industry collaboration, is expected to improve detection speed and detail in future applications.

Jack Gant, FSU’s first Black dean, died at 98 on his birthday, Aug.

8, after a long career in education and community service—he was regarded as a trailblazer—and a funeral is held today at 10 a.m. at Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee.

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that a part of a 2023 Florida school book law is unconstitutional because its vague language forced schools to remove books without looking at their full value—six publishers, authors and parents filed a lawsuit last year.

The decision may change how schools choose materials for libraries.

Tropical Storm Erin is strengthening and is expected to become a hurricane today with 125-mph winds in five days.

Forecasts show Erin will reach Category 3 strength while officials advise residents to monitor the storm due to dangerous rip currents along coastal areas—though its track should remain offshore.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is preparing to open a second immigration detention center at Baker Correctional Institution in north Florida.

The facility, dubbed Deportation Depot—will hold 1,300 beds with room to expand to 2,000, and it is designed to meet growing needs for immigrant detention and deportation.

Parrothead Phrenzy

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

Florida-Friendly Landscaping Certification Training

8 AM – 12 PM — UF/IFAS Leon County Extension — Registration required — Complete your training to become a certified Florida-Friendly Landscape Professional.

Ronnie Randolph with Walter Kelleher

6-10 p.m. — Hobbit American Grill - East — Free entry — Enjoy the duo's encore performance featuring local music talent in Tallahassee.

Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra Live

7:30 PM — Ruby Diamond Concert Hall — Tickets on sale starting July 21 — Experience a night of jazz and entertainment with Jeff Goldblum and his renowned orchestra.

OLLI at FSU Fall 2025 Showcase

1-3 p.m. — Augustus B Turnbull Conference Center — Free entry — Explore exciting lifelong learning opportunities for adults 50+ at the Fall Showcase.

The Yeah Babys: TLH Indie Night Live

7-11 p.m. — 926 Bar & Grill — No cover — Enjoy an indie music night featuring local talent in a lively venue.

Beginner Meditation Workshop

9:30-11 a.m. — Tallahassee Chan Center — Free entry — Experience a calming seated meditation followed by an insightful Q&A session on mindfulness practices.