Gov. Rick Scott announced he wants Florida to determine its own education testing standards and no longer work with PARCC. Alachua County school board member Eileen Roy said parents are tired of the frenzy of ever-changing tests.

Keeping track of your children’s grades is now at the palm of your hands. Alachua County Public Schools Public Information Officer Jackie Johnson says a new app will allow parents to stay up to date with their children’s progress in school. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/04/Johnson1.mp3] Johnson adds more than 6,000 parents and 13,000 …

Republican Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich has announced he will suspend his campaign for the White House within a week. Alachua County Republican Party Chair Stafford Jones says the party will have to work quickly to prepare for the general election. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/04/jones3edit.mp3] He says the voters will need some time to …

The Alachua County Commission unanimously approved the new Shands drug addiction and eating disorders facility earlier this week. As Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Rachel Stern . [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/FPResidenceInnFinal.mp3]

Construction to turn the Residence Inn on the corner of Southwest 13th Street and Williston Road into a drug addiction and eating disorders facility will now begin. Planning Project Manager Craig Brashier says Shands and the University of Florida are now able to move forward after the unanimous approval of …

Your traditional Easter meal may cost you more this year. Ham prices are rising around the nation. University of Florida Food and Resource Economics Professor, John Van Sickle says the high prices are due to the increase in pig feed costs. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/04/Sickle1.mp3] Van Sickle also says this may be the …

If you are reaching for some eye drops this morning, it may be because of the allergy season. University of Florida Student Healthcare Center Marketing Coordinator Catherine Seamen says to check your local pollen count to avoid allergies. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/03/Seaman1.mp3] Seaman also says warmer weather and the new plant life are …

Say Happy Birthday to Twitter. It has been six years since the first tweet, “just setting up my twttr” was relayed.  University of Florida Social Media Specialist Bruce Floyd says because of its growth, Twitter is a key resource for companies to have to make them successful. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/03/FLOYD1.mp3] He says …

The University of Florida Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Transportation and other organizations are coming together to stress their concern for bicyclist and pedestrian safety. FDOT Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Resource Coordinator Wanda Tyson says people aren’t aware of their surroundings. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/02/Tyson1.mp3] She says the partnership hopes …

A four year study of some North Central Florida waterways has come up with encouraging results.  WUFT-FM’s Rachel Stern says levels are stable. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/02/OCKLAWAHAWRAP.mp3]