UF making moves to offer new African-American studies major  – The University of Florida is on its way to establishing a new major. African-American studies could be a major starting in Fall 2013, and is pending approval from the Board of Trustees. The major was approved by UF’s Faculty Senate on Thursday. The Independent Florida Alligator

Politically active Hialeah pain clinic owner to face campaign-related felony — Friday afternoon a Hialeah pain clinic owner will surrender on allegations of engineering illegal campaign contributions to candidates across the state. Inspectors believe chiropractor Mark Cereceda, 44, made his clinic employees donate to Florida political candidates and later repaid them in cash and checks. The Miami Herald

How did woman’s body come to be in L.A. hotel water tank? – Tuesday morning 21-year-old Elisa Lam’s body was found in a water tank on the roof of the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles. Two days later, the case is shrouded in mystery and unanswered questions. CNN.com

750-acre prescribed burn planned for Paynes Prairie – A 750-acre planned burn is scheduled today on Paynes Prairie. The fire will be ignited by a fire bombing from helicopter along Alachua County Road 234. The Gainesville Sun

In Drought-Stricken Heartland, Snow is No Savior – After last summer’s drought across America’s heartland, farmers and ranchers who hoped winter snows would replenish the ground and refill rivers will receive no such luck.  The New York Times