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Vol. 1 · No. 42 · Friday, June 12, 2026

The Gainesville Ledger

Sports

UF approves $1.45 billion renovation of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

The University of Florida’s Board of Trustees approved a $1.45 billion overhaul of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, described as the most expensive stadium renovation in college football history. Construction is expected to begin after the 2026 football season, with completion targeted before the 2030 season. Planned improvements include better concessions, restroom access, traffic flow, upgraded technology, and additional gathering spaces.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator · WCJB TV20 · The Gainesville Sun · Mainstreet Daily News

Public Safety

Gainesville mother charged with manslaughter after infant dies

Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call on May 19 from Rebecca Morris, 36, who reported her infant was not breathing; the child was transported to a hospital and later died. Morris, who has a prior criminal history that includes drug and child abuse charges, has since been booked into the Alachua County jail on an aggravated manslaughter charge. The Florida Department of Children and Families conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the child’s death.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun · WCJB TV20

Environment

Colorado State cuts 2026 Atlantic hurricane forecast as El Niño takes hold

Colorado State University has revised its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook downward, citing the development of a strong El Niño pattern. El Niño conditions, which have historically been associated with reduced Atlantic hurricane activity, have now officially emerged and are expected to shape weather across the region through the rest of the year. Scientists note that El Niño years tend to coincide with Earth’s warmest recorded temperatures since global tracking began in the 1950s.

Sources: WUFT News

Community

Gainesville organizations host Open Mic Poetry Nights for Gun Violence Awareness Month

Impact GNV and the city of Gainesville partnered with local organizations to hold open mic poetry events throughout June in recognition of Gun Violence Awareness Month. One event took place Wednesday night at Released Reentry, where participants shared personal stories through spoken word. The city has been working with community groups to host multiple events across the month.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator · WUFT News

City

In Brief

Education

In Brief

Public Safety

In Brief

Business

In Brief

Sports

In Brief

Arts & Culture

In Brief

Environment

Community

In Brief

State & National

Florida’s HAVEN Act signed into law, expanding protections for abuse victims

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the HAVEN Act, a new state law that creates a web-based silent alert system allowing domestic and dating violence victims to contact law enforcement discreetly. The legislation, written by domestic violence survivor and House District 22 candidate Amy Trask, also aligns legal protections for dating violence victims with those already afforded to domestic violence victims. The law takes effect July 1, with a feasibility study for the alert system due in January.

Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

From the Magazine

SHOW PREVIEW

Pop-Punk Stacks the Bill at Signal Friday Night

Lifted Riffs, AITA, The 91’s and SWANYX at Signal. Doors 8 p.m., show 8:30, 21 and up.

By Craft Lemon

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