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Threatened Florida bird makes a comeback, wildlife officials say

The Trump administration is calling it a conservation success story.

Environment

Federal wildlife officials are removing protections for a Florida bird no longer considered threatened while agreeing to protect 11 other local plants and animals.Why it matters: The delisting of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wood stork" data-vars-click-url="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/waterbirds/wood-stork/" data-vars-content-id="7a7be545-c8fa-4eaf-98ee-bea86b7b1a99" data-vars-headline="Threatened Florida bird makes a comeback, wildlife officials say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/waterbirds/wood-stork/" target="_blank">wood stork</a> — decades after it was deemed endangered in 1984 — is being hailed by the Trump administration as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="conservation success" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2026-02/wood-stork-delisted" data-vars-content-id="7a7be545-c8fa-4eaf-98ee-bea86b7b1a99" data-vars-headline="Threatened Florida bird makes a comeback, wildlife officials say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2026-02/wood-stork-delisted" target="_blank">conservation success</a> story.By the numbers: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the wood stork was near extinction in 1984, as its population had declined by more than 75% since the 1930s.<ul><li>That was largely due to habitat loss, especially in South Florida, the agency says.</li><li>In 2014, it was reclassified from endangered to threatened.</li><li>Today, the bird&#x27;s breeding population is estimated at between 10,000 and 14,000 nesting pairs — more than twice the number compared to when the species was listed.</li><li>Their breeding habitat stretches across Florida and other southern states.</li></ul>The other side: The Center for Biological Diversity argues the bird has not met recovery goals in South Florida and that Trump administration policies are threatening its wetland habitat, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Inside Climate News" data-vars-click-url="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09022026/south-florida-plants-animals-endangered-species-act/" data-vars-content-id="7a7be545-c8fa-4eaf-98ee-bea86b7b1a99" data-vars-headline="Threatened Florida bird makes a comeback, wildlife officials say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09022026/south-florida-plants-animals-endangered-species-act/" target="_blank">Inside Climate News</a>.Meanwhile, following a lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to finalize protections for the 11 other plant and animal species.<ul><li>Those include the Florida Keys mole skink, the Rim Rock crowned snake and the Key ring-necked snake, Inside Climate News reported.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: The delisting of the wood stork will be final on March 9.

What Tallahassee's property tax overhaul could cost South Florida governments

The House and the Senate must agree on a proposal before it goes to the voters.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Florida" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/24/miami-dade-property-tax-debate-ron-desantis" data-vars-content-id="17837809-399d-48dc-8af3-58fe4802a707" data-vars-headline="What Tallahassee&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost South Florida governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/24/miami-dade-property-tax-debate-ron-desantis" target="_self">South Florida</a> counties stand to lose hundreds of millions in tax collections if property tax changes advancing in the Legislature become law, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" data-vars-content-id="17837809-399d-48dc-8af3-58fe4802a707" data-vars-headline="What Tallahassee&#x27;s property tax overhaul could cost South Florida governments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/bill-summary-hjr-201-203-205-207-209-211-and-213?mc_cid=c9718583ff&amp;mc_eid=81b69123db" target="_blank">report</a> by the Florida Policy Institute (FPI).Why it matters: Property taxes, collected by cities, counties and school districts, fund critical infrastructure and services, including law enforcement, parks maintenance, social services and schools.

Miami "supertall" developer plans another downtown skyscraper

The city's downtown skyline is getting supersized.

Real Estate

Miami&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown skyline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/03/07/real-estate-luxury-high-rises-pagani-residences" data-vars-content-id="7763b715-70a3-48cf-b3a8-51e19c1abd83" data-vars-headline="Miami &quot;supertall&quot; developer plans another downtown skyscraper" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/03/07/real-estate-luxury-high-rises-pagani-residences" target="_self">downtown skyline</a> is getting supersized.The big picture: With the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami" data-vars-click-url="https://propertymg.com/portfolio/waldorf-astoria-residences-miami" data-vars-content-id="7763b715-70a3-48cf-b3a8-51e19c1abd83" data-vars-headline="Miami &quot;supertall&quot; developer plans another downtown skyscraper" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://propertymg.com/portfolio/waldorf-astoria-residences-miami" target="_blank">Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami</a> slated to become the city&#x27;s tallest building when it opens in 2028, developer Property Markets Group (PMG) announced Thursday that another &quot;supertall&quot; is on its way.

Scoop: WLRN employees criticize leadership amid Miami-Dade Schools lawsuit

The dispute has been brewing since the summer.

Education

Senior employees of Miami-Dade&#x27;s public radio station say they&#x27;ve lost trust in its leadership amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="monthslong legal fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/10/miami-dade-schools-lawsuit-wlrn" data-vars-content-id="28c8bf0f-b5e8-4ee2-bf9a-f035f0898001" data-vars-headline="Scoop: WLRN employees criticize leadership amid Miami-Dade Schools lawsuit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/10/miami-dade-schools-lawsuit-wlrn" target="_self">monthslong legal fight</a> with the county&#x27;s school district.

Scoop: Employees say WLRN's future at stake in latest escalation with leadership

Miami's NPR station faces a growing revolt among employees.

Miami&#x27;s NPR station faces a growing revolt among employees who say board chair Richard Rampell is putting the station in jeopardy.Why it matters: The future of public radio in Miami is at stake in an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="escalating conflict" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/17/wlrn-miami-dade-public-schools-lawsuit-emails" data-vars-content-id="b29086d4-66b5-406d-ae65-9d6920444de4" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Employees say WLRN&#x27;s future at stake in latest escalation with leadership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/09/17/wlrn-miami-dade-public-schools-lawsuit-emails" target="_self">escalating conflict</a> between South Florida Public Media Group, which manages WLRN, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools.<ul><li>The contract between the school district, which holds WLRN&#x27;s broadcast license, and SFPMG is set to expire in June 2027.</li></ul>

Entering final year as governor, DeSantis takes victory lap on education

Florida during his tenure has often served as a test kitchen for boundary-testing policies.

Entering his final year in office, Gov. Ron DeSantis, who built his national profile on overhauling public education, is celebrating his achievements rather than pushing for one final round of reforms.Why it matters: The governor&#x27;s education policies have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="provided a blueprint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/07/22/republican-platform-florida-education" data-vars-content-id="e2a1adee-9662-46b1-aefb-7393817dd622" data-vars-headline="Entering final year as governor, DeSantis takes victory lap on education" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/07/22/republican-platform-florida-education" target="_self">provided a blueprint</a> for conservative reforms nationwide, with Florida during his tenure often serving as a test kitchen for boundary-testing policies.<ul><li>But many public education advocates say the governor will leave office having gutted the state&#x27;s public school system, to the detriment of teachers and families.</li></ul>

Charter schools eye space in Miami-Dade public schools

Miami-Dade County Public Schools received letters of intent from three charter companies.

Charter school operators are seeking to share building space with close to 100 public schools in Miami-Dade County.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest charter school expansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" data-vars-content-id="77256f79-ff04-4712-9965-c706cadbd357" data-vars-headline="Charter schools eye space in Miami-Dade public schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" target="_self">latest charter school expansion</a> that public education advocates worry will come at the expense of traditional schools.<ul><li>Under the state law setting the framework for campus colocation, school districts foot the bill for custodial, food and other services.</li></ul>

How international student enrollment is holding up in Florida amid national declines

Some Florida universities had slight bumps in the number of students attending this fall.

Politics

American universities enrolled fewer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/27/trump-admin-overhaul-student-visas" data-vars-content-id="07e5c6a7-9d2d-4269-a400-dc4b349ddede" data-vars-headline="How international student enrollment is holding up in Florida amid national declines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/27/trump-admin-overhaul-student-visas" target="_self">international students</a> this fall, the first full academic year under President Trump&#x27;s second term. <ul><li>But some Florida schools are bucking that trend.</li></ul>Why it matters: The Trump administration upended the spring semester for international students nationwide, raising questions about enrollment this autumn.

Multi-million-dollar grant to expand arts education across Miami

Arts Access Miami wants to reach all 325 public schools by 2032.

A $5.6 million grant will help expand arts education across Miami-Dade&#x27;s public schoolsWhy it matters: Arts Access Miami, a coalition of independent arts organizations, says its work has increased literacy, attendance and emotional development among students at participating schools.

UF tops Florida schools in 2026 Best Colleges list

The annual Best Colleges report is one of the most influential and controversial rankings of colleges nationwide

The University of Florida remains the state&#x27;s highest ranked school, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. News &amp; World Report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges?src=usn_pr" data-vars-content-id="daf11092-c42c-4c24-82fa-04303da31cd1" data-vars-headline="UF tops Florida schools in 2026 Best Colleges list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges?src=usn_pr" target="_blank">U.S. News &amp; World Report</a>.Why it matters: The annual Best Colleges report is one of the most influential and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/education/2024/09/25/why-the-u-s-news-college-rankings-have-sparked-controversy-criticism/75375117007/" data-vars-content-id="daf11092-c42c-4c24-82fa-04303da31cd1" data-vars-headline="UF tops Florida schools in 2026 Best Colleges list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/education/2024/09/25/why-the-u-s-news-college-rankings-have-sparked-controversy-criticism/75375117007/" target="_blank">controversial</a> rankings of colleges nationwide.

First look: Miami's public schools lose about 12,000 students

A continued decline in enrollment will mean even fewer dollars for local schools.

Preliminary enrollment numbers suggest the Miami-Dade County Public School District has nearly 12,100 fewer students enrolled so far this year compared to last.Why it matters: Miami is already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="facing a budget deficit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/30/miami-dade-public-schools-budget-millions-deficit" data-vars-content-id="b7dccdd1-3e7f-4d10-897f-88d0d5cc9669" data-vars-headline="First look: Miami&#x27;s public schools lose about 12,000 students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/30/miami-dade-public-schools-budget-millions-deficit" target="_self">facing a budget deficit</a> upwards of $50 million, officials have said, and a continued decline in enrollment will mean even fewer dollars, as public schools are funded on a per-pupil basis.<ul><li>Continued monetary shortfalls could lead to major changes in the district, including job cuts or hindering the growth of programs like International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement classes.</li></ul>

AI "is here." Miami-Dade Public Schools wants to create guidelines

High school students already have access to Google's Gemini.

Determining how and when to use artificial intelligence in the classroom is again at the forefront of discussion in Miami-Dade County schools — just as a new school year is set to begin.The latest: At the School Board&#x27;s monthly meeting Tuesday, officials are expected to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weigh a proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://pdfs.dadeschools.net/Bdarch/2025/Bd081225/agenda/h4rev.pdf" data-vars-content-id="7f744f48-8ca5-42be-acaf-a186b9deb3f2" data-vars-headline="AI &quot;is here.&quot; Miami-Dade Public Schools wants to create guidelines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pdfs.dadeschools.net/Bdarch/2025/Bd081225/agenda/h4rev.pdf" target="_blank">weigh a proposal</a> requiring district staff to create guidelines teachers can use to incorporate AI in their classrooms.<ul><li>A central component would be a &quot;tiered framework&quot; governing the use of AI for certain tasks, ranging from no use of AI for some to minimal or maximum use for others.</li></ul>

What to know about Miami-Dade's first day of school

The biggest change for students relates to cell phone usage.

Thursday is the first day of school for Miami-Dade County Public School students, and with it come a few new policies students and parents should keep in mind.State of play: The biggest change for students relates to cell phone usage.

Education 📚

Scoop: Employees say WLRN's future at stake in latest escalation with leadership

Scoop: WLRN employees criticize leadership amid Miami-Dade Schools lawsuit

Entering final year as governor, DeSantis takes victory lap on education

Charter schools eye space in Miami-Dade public schools

How international student enrollment is holding up in Florida amid national declines