Good morning, Gainesville.

UF College of Pharmacy professor Christopher McCurdy faced criticism today for not disclosing conflicts of interest after accepting travel reimbursements from the American Kratom Association— which covered his hotel stay in Vienna and secured a flight credit for an Indonesia trip— as he continues his kratom research.

The Florida Board of Education set new rules stating undocumented students will not be allowed to enroll in district postsecondary courses and dual enrollment programs starting Spring 2027.

Alachua County Public Schools require proof of legal status for adult courses beginning this Fall (schools plan to follow state guidelines).

U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon and Sen. Bernie Sanders rallied over 2800 attendees at the University of Florida on Oct.

19 to discuss healthcare, economic reform and AI; Nixon championed Medicare for All while Sanders criticized current tech policies + administration actions.

A new Veterans Affairs contract with Volunteers of America Florida will offer 18 previously rented beds free for eligible veterans in Gainesville, with stays limited to 90 days.

The program operates at 3901 NW Seventh St (expires Sept. 30) and provides immediate housing and support services.

HCA Healthcare celebrated the opening of its new Center for Clinical Advancement on Oct.

15 in Gainesville, where hands-on simulation rooms and skill labs served as a central training hub for teams from six local hospitals to enhance clinical practice.

Florida Gators volleyball beat Texas in five sets at Gregory Gymnasium on Sunday.

The win improved Florida’s record to 15 to 2 and Texas suffered its first home loss, while the Gators will return home Friday to host LSU at 7 p.m. on SEC Network+.

Florida is ranked No.1 in the AP preseason poll for the first time since 2006-07 and will open its season against Miami in Tampa on Nov.

2. The Gators come in with four of last season’s five starters plus Denzel Aberdeen, who cleared his legal hurdles for this season.

The Florida Gators defeated Texas 27-24 on Saturday in Austin, earning their first road win there as quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. stepped in after Aaron Philo suffered a shoulder injury; the victory pushed the team to No. 20 in the AP rankings.

SEC football saw major upsets on Saturday as Georgia lost its first game and the Florida Gators moved from 11 to 5 under coach Jon Sumrall; Ole Miss jumped to No. 1 + several teams shifted rankings ahead of next week’s contests.

The USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, released on Monday (Oct.

19), featured five SEC teams in the top 25 with Florida at number 1 and Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas and Alabama following. Local college fans look forward to a competitive season.