While Central Florida continues growing, its largest public school district is shrinking. Seven Orange County schools could shut down soon, and it may not stop there. This week marks 40 years since the Challenger disaster. We revisit that day and the impact it still has on our Space Coast. The weekly Language Exchange at Lake Mary’s Rita’s Café builds a community and creates opportunities to practice language skills.

In Central Florida, immigration enforcement has become more visible and for many families, more frightening. Immigration advocates are responding with prayer vigils and community ICE watch trainings while supporters of stepped-up enforcement and partnering agencies weigh-in. We discuss the key tests this week on our Space Coast to send people back to the moon for the first time in decades. Meet the performer stepping into the spotlight from Orlando to biggest global drag competition happening now.

Central Florida reporters break down the issues shaping schools, healthcare, and neighborhoods during the 60-day session in Tallahassee. New legislation would regulate AI data centers, protect privacy, and give local governments more control over technology projects. Stars of the Spectrum performers on the autism spectrum showcase music and community support.

Extra Affordable Care Act discounts ended because Congress let enhanced tax credits expire at the end of 2025. This year the cost of healthcare outweighs the ability to pay for many Central Floridians, but some groups argue ending the temporary subsidies helps long term. A key vote is coming in a long-running dispute over the historic Eatonville Hungerford School property. A UCF Anthropologist shares why New Year’s food resolutions can crumble so quickly around fast food.

Engage looks back at the most inspiring, the most joyful, the most engaging segments of 2025, including a look at a manatee rescue program, the renovation of a historic home on the Bethune-Cookman campus, a unique skateboarding community, Maitland's finest confections and a look at John Lennon’s visit to Disney World.

Central Florida’s rapid growth is reshaping how people experience home and belonging. Engage hosts a live community conversation examining what helps people stay connected as communities evolve and how the region can build a future where more people feel rooted here.

States are grappling with the federal government over who gets to regulate the artificial intelligence industry, Central Florida gets a new non-NFL football team, The Creative Happiness Institute celebrates all the holidays and Central Florida hoofers gather for a five-day ballroom dancing competition.

Florida’s legislature prepares to redraw the state’s congressional districts as the 2026 legislative session approaches. An F-DOT project brings attention to driver safety on I-4. A Windermere resident faces his troubling past. HBCU athletics return to Central Florida with the first HBCU Hoops Invitational. Jose Juarez puts the flavors of Cuba in a bottle.

Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the Orlando/Kissimmee market near the bottom for wage earners. A StoryCorps program bringing together people from different backgrounds comes to an end. UCF researchers are analyzing saliva to determine the impacts of music on people living with Alzheimer’s.

Florida passed a ‘Stand Your Ground’ law twelve years ago and the impacts across Central Florida communities have exposed inequities in its use.

As the federal government shutdown proceeds through day 37, SNAP recipients are feeling the shortfall. Federal cuts to HIV funding are having dangerous effects on efforts to educate, prevent and treat. Bartow’s own James Van Fleet played a pivotal role in Allied victory in WWII.

Unexpectedly sustained rains douse Coastal Central Florida, causing damage. A category 5 hurricane pummels Jamaica and Millennials figure out late nights mean rough days.