Crowds of eager patrons lined up outside the restaurant on Thursday, ready to experience Jacksonville’s latest addition to the food scene.

The 3,355-square-foot restaurant is located at 14016 Beach Blvd., east of Hodges Boulevard in the Beach Haven area, which formerly housed Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Many Cook Out locations are drive-thru-only, but the Jacksonville location also features indoor seating.

Its menu features chargrilled hamburgers; grilled chicken, chicken breast fillets, chicken strips, wraps and nuggets; hot dogs, corn dogs, chili dogs and bacon cheddar dogs; quesadillas; BLTs; wraps; sides such as fries, onion rings and white cheddar cheese bites; and cheesecake.

Along with traditional beverages, Cook Out offers three dozen flavors of shakes such as banana berry, Orange Push-Up, peach cobbler, Snickers and vanilla.

Will you be stopping by?

The S&P 500 rose 0.4% after veering between an earlier gain of 0.7% and drop of 0.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 221 points, or 0.4%, as of 12:29 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.6% higher after briefly losing all of an early 1.3% jump.

The market initially seemed to be heading for healthy gains as Amazon leaped 15.2% after reporting much stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Its profit more than tripled from a year earlier, thanks in part to an acceleration of growth in its cloud computing business.

Analysts said that could be a signal Amazon’s huge investments in artificial-intelligence technology are paying off, and Amazon increased its forecast for how much it will spend on investments this year.

The stock reaction was similar to what Microsoft got a day before, when it soared to its best day in nearly 18 years on signals that its AI investments may also be yielding higher profits.

Worries have been high on Wall Street that companies pouring billions of dollars into AI data centers may not get enough profit and productivity to make all the investments worth it. That weighed on the broad U.S. stock market, causing its sharp swings throughout July, along with worries that stock prices shot too high for companies selling the processors and computer memory that such “hyperscalers” are scrambling to buy.

Chipmakers swung sharply again on Friday. Micron Technology, for example, went from an early jump of 6.4% to a loss of 5.3%.

More firmly on the losing end of Wall Street was Apple, which dropped 9.6% despite reporting stronger profit for the latest quarter than expected. Its forecast for growth in the current quarter fell short of expectations, which executives pinned on a supply crunch in components getting vacuumed up in the AI boom.

Also pressuring stocks was another rise in oil prices as uncertainty continues about when the war with Iran will allow crude to flow freely again from the Middle East.

The price for a barrel of Brent crude rose 0.9% to $87.66 after careening between $72 and $102 earlier in July.

Higher oil prices have pushed the cost for a gallon of regular gasoline to an average of nearly $4.11 across the United States, up from $3.85 a month ago, according to AAA. More expensive oil also puts upward pressure on prices for virtually every product that rides on a ship, plane or truck before it gets to a customer.

The worries about inflation sent yields in the bond market even higher.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury jumped to 4.74% from 4.68% late Thursday and from just 3.97% before the war with Iran sent oil prices shooting higher. That's a notable move for the bond market, and the yield moves higher when investors' expectations for inflation, economic growth and other factors in upcoming years are rising.

The leap has already sent the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate to its highest level in a year.

Longer-term yields jumped on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve's chair, Kevin Warsh, promised again to get inflation back down to 2% but did not say how he plans to get it there. The Fed voted again to keep its main interest rate steady on Wednesday, even though inflation continues to remain well above 2%.

Higher interest rates could keep a lid on inflation, but they could also slow the economy and undercut prices for stocks and other investments. President Donald Trump, who nominated Warsh to lead the Fed, has lobbied for lower interest rates instead of higher.

Warsh has clearly told financial markets that he does not want to give hints about what the Fed will do with interest rates, saying he wants to get direct, “unfiltered” messages from them rather than echoes back of what the Fed has suggested.

But “without clarifying why action was or wasn’t taken already, it’s hard to see how statements about being committed to hitting its inflation target aren’t just a bluff,” according to Brian Jacobsen, chief economic strategist at Annex Wealth Management.

“The Fed is facing a growing credibility problem,” economists at Bank of America wrote in a report. Unless data comes in showing less pressure on inflation in the interim, “it is imperative for the Fed to pass the September test by hiking rates and delivering an internally consistent narrative.”

In stock markets abroad, the swings were even wilder for chip stocks.

Seoul’s Kospi index soared 17.9% for its best day in history. The index is dominated by two tech giants, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which both surged at least 26.8% on Friday.

The Kospi, though, still lost 22% in July despite Friday’s historic move. That’s after it more than doubled in the first six months of the year.

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AP Business Writers Chan Ho-him and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed to this report.

Trump is taking Friday’s Cabinet meeting on the road — to the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland. It's the first Cabinet meeting at Camp David in Trump’s second term after an earlier attempt in May was scuttled because of bad weather.

Trump said Thursday he may pull acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination for the full-time post to avoid conceding to Senate Republicans’ demands over a sweeping tax audit immunity deal benefiting the president and members of his family.

Here's the Latest:

RFK Jr talks about first visiting Camp David 6-plus decades ago

Trump health chief Robert Kennedy Jr. said he was visiting the presidential retreat on Friday for the first time in about 62 years.

“My father loved this place, my uncle loved this place,” said Kennedy, who is the son of former Attorney General and New York Sen. Robert Kennedy.

He said that his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, was resentful of his predecessor, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, for naming it Camp David after Eisenhower’s grandson.

Kennedy said that had his uncle lived to a second term, he planned to rename the retreat Shangri-La, which was its original moniker before Eisenhower changed it.

Kennedy also cheered Trump for allowing reporters in the compound, saying Trump had opened “inner sanctum” of the presidency.

Trump later pointed to a picture of John F. Kennedy on the wall and said he was a “handsome guy.”

Trump says the anti-weaponization fund is ‘dead’

The comments came after the president spent the morning defending the $1.8 billion fund on social media.

“It is dead,” Trump said. “But I wish it weren’t, to be honest with you.”

Trump continued to defend the people who could potentially benefit from the fund, mainly those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

“Their families have been ruined,” Trump said. Those people “wanted to go to a rally or an event and ended up spending the rest of their lives in horror.”

Trump acknowledged that Blanche, his attorney general pick, has been a “pawn in this whole thing.”

Trump says ‘we just want to win’ in Iran

The president has previously insisted that Iran has been “completely defeated” militarily. But in his engagement with reporters at Camp David on Friday, he acknowledged that he expects U.S. military action will likely continue for some time.

“We’ll be hitting them very hard,” Trump said. “You know, at some point they’re going to say, ‘We just can’t take it anymore.’”

Trump cheers Clayton for first Cabinet meeting

Jay Clayton, confirmed earlier this week as the new director of national intelligence, is at Camp David for his first formal Cabinet meeting.

Clayton was confirmed by the Senate on party lines earlier this week.

“He’s with us today, as you know,” Trump said. “He’s had a big victory.”

Trump said of Clayton, a former federal prosecutor and chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission: “His whole life has been about doing a fantastic job.”

Trump says he doesn’t think International Criminal Court is targeting him but ‘it could happen’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio complained that the international court based in the Hague was very arrogant and had unfairly targeted leaders around the world.

That prompted the president to interject: “There’s no indication they’re after me. It could happen.” He didn’t elaborate, but his suggestion drew laughter from Cabinet members.

Trump said Rubio wasn’t trying to defend him personally, but instead wanted to shield other court targets. He said that could include people like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“There is no indication that I’m one of them, at this moment,” Trump added again for emphasis, drawing still more laughter.

Trump says US could see surge of migrants like Spain if Republicans don’t win midterms

Spain is grappling to respond after some 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s tiny Ceuta territory in the past 24 hours.

Roughly half of them have already made their way back voluntarily, according to the Spanish government, but Trump suggested the moment should be taken as a warning to U.S. voters as midterm elections near.

“You know I saw Spain yesterday and I watched the catastrophe that took place. It looks like an invasion of a country by hundreds of thousands of people,” Trump said. “And that same thing is going to happen to us if the Republicans don’t get elected. Except worse, much bigger.”

Trump also criticized Spain’s left wing government led by Pedro Sánchez, claiming the country’s “weak law, bad management” is to blame.

US to make visa bond requirements permanent, affecting mostly African countries

The State Department is making permanent a pilot program under which citizens from 50 countries, mainly in Africa, are required to post bonds to apply for a U.S. visa, and it’s raising the cost as well, to as much as $20,000.

A draft notice published Friday in the Federal Register says a review “provided sufficient data” to suggest the bond program effectively enforces compliance, and would be made permanent by the end of August. The notice is to be formally published on Monday. Additional countries may be added to the list, found here.

The program requires holders of passports from the affected countries to pay the bond when being interviewed for business and tourist visas. The regulation says the bond will be refunded if the application is denied or after the person leaves the United States.

The Trump administration rolled out the program as a way of cracking down on visa overstays.

Trump starts Cabinet meeting at Camp David

The president began his Cabinet meeting Friday by saying his team was meeting in a “very special room.”

The White House has tried to highlight that this was the first televised Cabinet meeting at the presidential retreat.

Trump said he invited the news media to watch because he believes in “transparency,” before turning to his standard talking points about the economy and border security, among other issues.

CEO defends Exxon’s performance at a time of global supply shortages

American refineries are running at near-full capacity and poised to benefit because some refineries in the Middle East and Russia were damaged. And Asia can’t get the amount of Middle East oil needed for refining.

“Penalizing the businesses who stood by those countries and provided that product going forward is very short-sighted,” Exxon CEO Darren Woods said in a call with investors Friday. “We canceled investments that we had planned for Europe based on the last time they passed a windfall profits tax.”

Lawmakers propose taxing the war profits of major oil producers

Exxon and Chevron don’t set the price of American oil, which has ricocheted between $68 and $115 a barrel, driven by supply and demand, and what traders, refiners and other buyers are willing to pay.

Democrats nevertheless hope to tax major oil producers for profits from 2026 onward and redistribute that revenue to consumers.

“It’s fair to put a windfall profits tax on inordinate windfall profits rather than cut off children’s food programs,” said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. His measure and a companion bill by Rep. Ro Khanna of California would impose a per-barrel tax on companies that produced or imported at least 300,000 barrels of oil per day in 2025.

The UK and other European countries have extended temporary windfall profits taxes on fossil fuel companies to 2030, according to Tax Foundation Europe.

Critics say the energy company windfalls are unjustified

“There are constituencies around the world who are having a very good crisis, and the oil producers are one of them,” said Patrick Galey, fossil fuels lead at Global Witness, a nonprofit organization that investigates environmental issues.

“When you compare that to the hundreds of millions of people who are struggling with rolling blackouts, with electricity curbs, rationing, waiting in line for food queues, or the disruption to fertilizers and the potential impact that that has on food prices, we don’t think that it’s a justifiable price for the rest of the world to be paying.”

Major oil companies reap massive profits as US and Iran fighting drives energy prices higher

American oil and gas giants are announcing huge spring windfalls thanks to the fighting between Iran and the U.S. that made consumers around the world pay more for fuel.

Exxon Mobil on Friday reported that its second quarter profits doubled to $14.53 billion, boosted by record diesel production. The oil giant, based in Spring, Texas, brought in $116.02 billion in revenue, up 42%. Chevron, based in Houston, nearly quadrupled its profits to $12.07 billion and revenue jumped 56% to $70.06 billion.

Six of Europe’s largest oil companies posted combined first-quarter profits of $22 billion, more than 40% higher than last year.

Saudi Arabia announces Red Sea defense alliance plan

The kingdom said the alliance includes 14 countries to strengthen maritime security, safeguard freedom of navigation and secure international trade routes and energy supply corridors in the Red Sea region.

The Iran war has severely disrupted global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Yemen’s Houthi rebels have declared a blockade on Saudi Arabia over a separate but related conflict, putting at risk another major trade corridor.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said Thursday that the coalition is “defensive in nature,” and that access “remains open to all willing countries.” Oman and the United Arab Emirates were the only two Gulf countries that did not back Saudi Arabia’s statement. Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan were among those that joined the proposed alliance.

Latest developments in the Iran conflict

No U.S. strikes were reported in Iran on Friday.

Iran fired drones at Kuwait, a Gulf country hosting U.S. forces, and said it had also fired at oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil and gas shipments, which has been largely closed by the fighting.

Kuwait’s Defense Ministry said Friday its armed forces had shot down drones inside Kuwaiti airspace. It said the Iranian attacks had targeted several vital military facilities, causing material damage from falling shrapnel but no casualties. It did not specify how many drones were intercepted. Iranian state media said Iran had targeted an air base in Kuwait with drones, in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Thursday.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed to have hit two oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media said four other tankers had turned around. The report did not provide further details on which flags or ownership the tankers were sailing under, or say whether there were any casualties.

FIFA chief operating officer tells AP that staff was ‘deceived’ by World Cup sell-off plan that ‘must not go ahead’

FIFA’s chief operating officer Kevin Lamour said in a statement to The Associated Press that the staff was “deceived” by Gianni Infantino’s lack of openness while planning the scheme to sell a World Cup stake to private investors linked to Trump’s family.

“It is the project of one person,” wrote Lamour, a long-time colleague of Infantino at both FIFA and UEFA. “Not only must this project not go ahead … but the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions.”

Lamour did not resign the post he held since 2024 but said he had a duty to his colleagues to speak out about the “contempt and intimidation” FIFA staff has faced.

“And if that means I lose my job, then so be it” the French official said. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”

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Wisconsin Democrats shaken by Mandela Barnes’ exit from governor’s race

The former lieutenant governor’s announcement came Thursday amid news that the state party had reviewed past allegations of inappropriate behavior, further shaking up the race less than two weeks before the Aug. 11 primary in Wisconsin, where independents and moderates are key voters and where Trump won two razor-thin elections.

That leaves four Democrats, including most prominently Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who rejoined the race with the endorsement of Gov. Tony Evers after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez ended her run amid a campaign finance scandal two weeks ago, and insurgent democratic socialist State Rep. Francesca Hong, running far to the left.

The single mother and former line cook has captured the imaginations of liberal Democrats upset with the party establishment, but she’s raised concerns that her past calls for defunding the police will hurt her chances against Trump-backed Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in November.

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Details on disarmament from the Hamas statement

Hamas said Friday that it’s committed to implementing the Gaza ceasefire agreement, including the new roadmap focused on the steps it needs to take to disarm.

The group’s statement says it and other Palestinian factions agreed to the framework as part of a national consensus to protect people in Gaza and help meet their humanitarian needs.

It said Israel must adhere to the ceasefire deal agreed to in October and halt its attacks in order for implementation to move forward, echoing language in the new roadmap released Friday by the Board of Peace.

The agreement calls for Hamas, which ran the government in Gaza, to first turn over all police weapons to a national committee of technocrats responsible for administering the strip. Only later, once the Israeli military withdraws from Gaza, would it be required to decommission and hand over its heavier weapons, according to the text.

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Democratic candidates grapple with ‘defund the police’ baggage

With midterm elections looming, Democrats hope to convince voters that Trump administration lawlessness is the biggest threat to their rights and pocketbooks. The party’s past debates over crime and safety threaten to undermine that pitch.

Across the country, Democratic candidates are facing tough questions about their past calls to “defund the police” by reimagining public safety services or redirecting spending to other social programs — a prominent demand during the protests that followed George Floyd’s death.

Democratic leaders fear the outlier opinions may sink their chances of gaining ground in Congress, governor’s mansions and statehouses as the party’s rising left flank captivates its base, just as Republicans stoke fears about crime, immigration and democratic socialism in their closing midterm message.

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Asian soccer joins Europe and North America in opposing World Cup privatization plan

The Asian Football Confederation, a key ally in Gianni Infantino’s presidency of global soccer, has joined UEFA and CONCACAF in protesting his plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors tied to the Trump family.

“Football should never have been placed in such a position,” said the Asian soccer body. Together with Europe and North America, they count 136 of FIFA’s 211 members.

“Some things are simply too important to sell,” UEFA said in a statement Thursday announcing a boycott of FIFA events.

Infantino’s secret proposal revealed Tuesday would spin off its commercial operations in a new $20 billion subsidiary 20% owned by private investors, whose core investor would be a New York investment firm created by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Trump swings at Cornyn over Blanche nomination

Trump, still frustrated about the status of his attorney general pick, began his Friday morning by going after one of the Republican senators who was holding up Todd Blanche’s confirmation to lead the Justice Department.

Continuing a criticism he began earlier this week, Trump said Texas Sen. John Cornyn had no issue with the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund until after he endorsed his primary challenger, Ken Paxton, for the Senate.

In the post, Trump also continued to defend the controversial fund, which Blanche said in his Senate testimony was dead. Republican senators want him to put that commitment into writing.

“Perhaps there has never been a group of people treated so badly in our Nation’s history,” Trump said. “They are suffering still, many ruined, and I felt that they should be given compensation for what has been done to them.”

Blanche met privately with Cornyn and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis over the issue later Thursday and the sides were working collaboratively, although Blanche’s confirmation prospects still remain unclear.

FIFA adviser on White House’s World Cup panel resigns to protest Infantino private equity plan

Senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro, who represented the soccer body on the White House Task Force for the World Cup, resigned Friday to protest its private equity plan.

“I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup,” Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker, said in a statement resigning as adviser to FIFA President Gianni Infantino that urged other senior FIFA staff to speak out.

Cordeiro often joined Infantino on working visits to meet Trump at the White House in recent years.

“Let me be clear. I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally,” the former U.S. Soccer Federation president said, calling the $20 billion commercial subsidiary “a bad deal for football.”

“Football has been central to my life, and after more than 35 years in banking, I understand both the value of this asset and the consequences of giving part of it away” he said. “That is why this proposal should be rejected.”

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The Trump administration is ending a Medicare drug subsidy program. Here’s how it could affect costs

Millions of older adults on Medicare prescription drug coverage could face steeper monthly costs in 2027, after the Trump administration concludes a temporary subsidy program that has helped offset premiums for the past two years.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services this week announced it would wrap up the program, which was initially implemented by the Biden administration in 2024 to lower patients’ Medicare Part D prescription drug costs in response to the effects of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

While federal officials insist the financial impact on Medicare beneficiaries will be minimal, the decision opens the Republican-led administration to potential political consequences in a high-stakes midterm election year. Voters have identified cost of living as a top concern, and many older adults, who tend to vote in high numbers, are on fixed incomes where every dollar counts. The roughly 25 million Americans with Medicare Part D plans will find out about their 2027 rates in the fall, when they are casting ballots in November’s elections.

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Trump floats pulling Blanche’s nomination for attorney general to avoid conceding to GOP demands

Trump said Thursday he may pull acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination for the full-time post to avoid conceding to Senate Republicans’ demands over a sweeping tax audit immunity deal benefiting the president and members of his family.

After failed negotiations forced the delay of a committee vote to advance Blanche’s nomination, Trump suggested he was holding firm against pressure from Republican Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. They have expressed concerns about the controversial settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, which a judge denounced as an exercise in self-dealing.

The senators said the Justice Department seemed interested in reaching an agreement with them, but the White House wouldn’t budge to aid the confirmation of Trump’s loyal former personal attorney, who has aggressively pursued the administration’s priorities as acting attorney general. Instead, Trump said in a social media post that he might pull Blanche’s nomination and resubmit it after Cornyn and Tillis leave office next year.

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Trump is taking his Friday Cabinet meeting on the road to Camp David

Trump told his Cabinet members to meet him at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, a rustic backdrop for the Trump administration sessions that have come to be known for being overly long and consumed by endless praise for their boss.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the 13th such meeting of the Republican president’s second term “will be a lot of fun and something different for the Cabinet to experience together.”

An earlier attempt in May was scuttled because of bad weather. During his first term, Trump held a Cabinet meeting at the retreat.

The public portion of Trump’s Cabinet meetings has lasted as long as three hours, with the president letting everyone at the table update him on their departments or agencies — with added praise for him personally and his leadership thrown in. In a departure from other presidents, he allows the news media to stay for the duration, a move that Leavitt has said proves his commitment to transparency.

▶ Read more

Trump announces a deal for Hamas to disarm in Gaza, but many hurdles and uncertainty remain

A Hamas official said Friday that they did reach an agreement on disarmament, the most crucial part of the ceasefire deal. Israel didn’t give an indication that they had agreed.

Trump said Thursday that a deal has been reached for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza, but many hurdles, conditions and long timelines remained to wind down the war in the Palestinian territory.

The White House announcement comes nine months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was signed. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas had largely deadlocked over the implementation of its second phase, including the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan calls on the militant group to surrender its weapons and destroy its vast network of tunnels. It also envisions Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza, the arrival of a new technocratic Palestinian government, deployment of an international security force and the rebuilding of the battered Palestinian enclave.

▶ Read more

A few of those storms could pack a punch. Some thunderstorms may produce wind gusts between 40 and 55 mph, fueled by afternoon sea breezes drifting inland from the coast.

Temperatures will be a touch cooler than recent days, topping out in the low to mid 90s. But don’t let that fool you — the air will still feel dangerously oppressive. The “feels-like” temperature is expected to reach 100 to 107 degrees through the afternoon, just under the threshold for an official heat advisory.

Storm activity should taper off after sunset as daytime heating fades. Overnight lows will settle into the low to mid 70s.

Saturday’s Outlook

Saturday brings another round of storm chances.

The sea breeze will push west, sparking showers and thunderstorms across north-central Florida before shifting eastward. Highs stay in the low-to-mid 90s with more cloud coverage.

Trump began the meeting by noting it was “something very unique.”

“It's Camp David, and this room is a very, very special room,” Trump said, as the White House spent Friday morning highlighting that the meeting was the first televised Cabinet meeting at the storied presidential retreat.

He then segued into his usual talking points about the economy, the border and Iran — but then referred to the recent surge of migrants into Cueta, a tiny territory of Spain, suggesting that the moment should be taken as a warning to voters ahead of the U.S. midterms.

“You know I saw Spain yesterday, and I watched the catastrophe that took place. It looks like an invasion of a country by hundreds of thousands of people,” Trump said. “And that same thing is going to happen to us if the Republicans don’t get elected. Except worse, much bigger.”

It is the first Cabinet meeting at Camp David in Trump's second term after an earlier attempt in May was scuttled because of bad weather. During his first term, Trump held a Cabinet meeting at the retreat.

The public portion of Trump's Cabinet meetings has lasted as long as three hours, with the president letting everyone at the table update him on their departments or agencies — with added praise for him personally and his leadership thrown in. In a departure from other presidents, he allows the news media to stay for the duration of the meetings, a move that Leavitt has said proves his commitment to transparency.

More recently, however, Trump has commented on how lengthy the meetings have become. He has begun urging speakers to keep their comments brief, and he has limited the number of oral reports.

“Everybody around here has got a lot to say. But we did that once, and it lasted for like four or five hours. It was a little much,” Trump said at the May meeting.

Camp David was established in 1942 during Franklin Roosevelt's presidency and has been used by every president since.

Roosevelt had enjoyed relaxing aboard a presidential yacht, but the military and the U.S. Secret Service began to worry about his safety on open water during World War II. As a result, Roosevelt asked the National Park Service to find sites within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the White House that he could use for rest.

He chose what is now known as Camp David. He gave it the original name of Shangri-La, from James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon.” President Dwight Eisenhower renamed it Camp David, after his grandson and father.

Trump spent more weekends at the retreat in his first term but has visited sparingly in his second, most recently in June for Father’s Day.

In 2019, during his first term, Trump announced on social media that he had canceled a secret weekend meeting at Camp David with Taliban and Afghanistan leaders — scheduled for just days before the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks — after a bombing in the capital of Kabul killed a dozen people, including a U.S. soldier.

Presidents throughout history have turned to Camp David when they needed security and privacy for sensitive diplomatic talks with foreign leaders. Jimmy Carter took the leaders of Egypt and Israel there in 1978 for talks that produced the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between the two countries.

Camp David is also where Carter huddled in 1979 with representatives of a cross-section of American society. He later delivered a nationally televised speech on energy policy that became known as the “malaise” speech — even though he never said the word.

The camp's primary purpose is to provide presidents a place to rest, relax and recharge.

The 180-acre (73-hectare) retreat, which is run by the Navy and guarded by Marines, has a cabin named Aspen that’s reserved for the president, plus about a dozen other cabins for guests. A main lodge has conference rooms, a dining room and an office for the president.

Guests can take advantage of a range of indoor and outdoor amenities, including a fitness center, a bowling alley, a movie theater, a heated swimming pool and tennis and basketball courts. A chapel offers religious services.

___

Superville and Kim reported from Washington.

“This is the first fire I'm experiencing real-time, and I can tell you it’s vicious," said Pauner, 64. “It’s underground, it comes out at any moment, and no matter how much we try to extinguish it, re-extinguish it, re-extinguish it, it keeps restarting."

“It’s like a steamroller that’s constantly, constantly rolling,” said Pauner, wearing shorts, boots and sunglasses on a string around his neck on a road through cultivated pine trees, as the ground smoldered.

Pauner is among the untold numbers of volunteers who have mobilized to support firefighters battling the biggest wildfires in years in France.

“I’m protecting my forest, and my home,” he said, pouring his watering can into a smoking ditch as if watering a garden, then huffing in the heat.

Hundreds of thousands forced from their homes

The wildfires that tore through cultivated forests on an Atlantic coast also known for towering sand dunes and tourist resorts devastated 42,000 hectares (about 162 square miles) west of Bordeaux, driving nearly a quarter-million people out of their homes and vacation sites.

Many other places in France have been hit by fires this summer, including in the Mediterranean Var region where a blaze in the Gros Bessillon mountain ridge flared up again on Friday, driven by violent winds, local authorities said. Several towns in the area were evacuated.

Europe is facing an extremely hot summer, fueling wildfires from the Atlantic coast to the eastern Mediterranean. The United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Greece and Turkey battled blazes this week.

As cooler, more humid air moved into southwest France this week, authorities allowed two-thirds of the 224,000 evacuees to return home, including some more on Friday.

But the ground still simmers in many places.

“It’s stabilized, but not totally stopped,” French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told RTL radio. “Hot spots remain.”

Volunteers like Pauner — what he calls “little eyes” on watch to report flare-ups to firefighters — do what they can with limited resources. Others have mobilized their trucks and giant jerrycans to supply water to fire crews.

Drought has left forests dangerously dry

Prolonged drought and climate change have created fire-prone conditions. Pauner said the region endured more than two months without significant rainfall, leaving vegetation exceptionally dry.

In the smoking forests, fire crews used rakes to dig down into the smoldering forest floor so buried embers can be doused with water, a long and painstaking job. Ukraine became the latest country to send help, dispatching 70 people and 10 vehicles in the coming days, Nunez said.

Investigators suspect that contractors clearing away vegetation inadvertently ignited the blaze last week. But other fires have been attributed to arsonists or criminal negligence.

Nunez said police have made 308 arrests in connection with blazes this summer — more than 120 of them involving minors — and that 33 people have either been convicted or are being held pending court rulings.

Elsewhere in Europe, fires are also burning

Blazes continued in other parts of Europe.

Many parts of Greece were listed at high or extreme risk of wildfires, with strong winds. Three Greek firefighters died fighting fires this week on the southern island of Crete.

Firefighters were tackling 73 wildfires around the country, 51 of which broke out on Friday, Fire department spokesman Col. Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said.

The fire department and coast guard used boats to evacuate more than 250 people from one of the largest fires, in Boeotia, and evacuation orders were issued for several other fires, including one on the western fringes of the Greek capital.

Gale-force winds were hampering aircraft from dumping water on the wildfires, he said.

In England, where half the country is gripped by drought, firefighters battled a wildfire on an east coast heath in Suffolk, near a nuclear power station that fire services said wasn't threatened. More than 100 firefighters were deployed.

“I wouldn’t say it is under control," said Henry Griffin, a fire officer.

___ Macpherson reported from Paris. Elena Becatoros in Athens, Greece, Danica Kirka in London, Jamey Keaten in Geneva and John Leicester contributed to this report.

Fernandez, who is accused of hiring a gunman to murder Bridegan, his wife’s ex-husband, in a case that has garnered national attention, will now be tried only on first-degree murder and solicitation to commit a capital felony.

Prosecutors announced during a hearing earlier this week that the other two charges Fernandez had been indicted on -- conspiracy to commit murder and child abuse -- had been dropped.

RELATED: Defense attorneys for Mario Fernandez briefly discussed plea deal with state in Jared Bridegan murder-for-hire case

In what is expected to be his final pre-trial hearing, Fernandez and his attorneys are asking Judge Kite to block testimony from a potential witness about a conversation she allegedly overheard between Fernandez and his now estranged wife, Shanna Gardner.

They argue the testimony might be protected by legal privilege and hearsay rules.

Fernandez’s defense is also asking the state to provide more information about potential witnesses, including who might have received immunity, benefits or other considerations in exchange for agreeing to testify.

Jury selection for Fernandez, the first of three defendants to face trial in the case, will begin on Aug. 10.

Fernandez is accused, along with Gardner, of hiring Henry Tenon, a former tenant of Fernandez, to fatally shoot Bridegan, a 33-year-old father of four, in February 2022 in Jacksonville Beach.

Gardner, Fernandez and Tenon are all under indictment for first-degree murder and other charges and have each pleaded not guilty.

Gardner also appeared in court on Friday for a pre-trial hearing to address issues as her trial date looms after Fernandez.

After initially planning to try Gardner and Fernandez at the same time, defense attorneys and state prosecutors have since agreed that they should face separate trials, with two separate jury selection periods.

Fernandez will go on trial first, with jury selection slated for Aug. 10-14, and his trial scheduled for Aug. 17-28.

Gardner will go on trial after Fernandez, with jury selection from Aug. 31-Sept. 4, and the trial from Sept. 8-25.

Tenon, who is also expected in court on Monday, will go on trial in March.

In 2023, Tenon pleaded guilty and admitted to being the gunman who killed Bridegan, but he has since backtracked, and a judge granted his motion to withdraw his guilty plea and go to trial.

Timeline: How we got here

More than four years ago, Jared Bridegan dropped his then-9-year-old twin children off at the home of his ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, after a “date night” with their dad.

He left Gardner’s Jacksonville Beach home on Feb. 16, 2022, with his 2-year-old daughter, Bexley, strapped in her car seat in the back of his dark-colored SUV. They were headed back to St. Augustine.

But the 33-year-old Microsoft employee never made it home.

Following his normal route through the Sanctuary neighborhood, Bridegan suddenly had to stop in the area of Jacksonville Drive, America Avenue and Sanctuary Boulevard.

A tire was in the road.

When Bridegan stepped out of his SUV, he was ambushed by gunfire. At least one bullet missed Bexley by mere inches in her car seat.

RELATED | Murder-for-hire plot included practice run along Jared Bridegan’s normal route home: prosecutors

Bridegan was left lying in the street next to the SUV with the door wide open, and the shooter seemed to melt into the shadows just as quickly as he had launched his ambush attack.

None of the 911 callers that night mentioned seeing a shooter or a vehicle leaving the scene.

LISTEN: Press play below to hear 911 calls from night of Jared Bridegan’s murder (WARNING: May include graphic content)

But eventually, detectives tracked down the man they say pulled the trigger.

Investigators say that it was all part of a murder-for-hire plot set in motion by Gardner and her second husband, Mario Fernandez. It was a conspiracy that began in November of 2021, according to court documents.

Interactive Timeline

Alleged murder-for-hire scheme

According to detectives, Gardner was tired of sharing custody of her twin children with Bridegan.

Fernandez, she knew, could “take care of him” because of his military background, Gardner told a friend. At least that’s what the friend told investigators as she detailed the strained marriage between Gardner and Fernandez and the contentious ongoing custody battle between Gardner and Bridegan.

RELATED: A friend of Shanna Gardner said she could help in Jared Bridegan’s murder case. Here’s what she told investigators | How investigators say they untangled conspiracy to kill Jared Bridegan

Investigators say that’s exactly what Fernandez did, hiring Henry Tenon, a tenant at one of his properties, to kill Bridegan.

In his initial interview with police in July 2022, Tenon told investigators that he had been renting a home from Fernandez in Jacksonville’s Biltmore neighborhood for several years.

Tenon’s original court records said he became involved in the conspiracy on Jan. 4, 2022 -- just over a month before Bridegan was killed.

Investigators said when Tenon was arrested on an unrelated felony driving charge in August 2022, they questioned him about Bridegan’s murder and a Ford F-150 truck they had been searching for since the shooting.

RELATED | Follow the money: Checks written to Jared Bridegan’s admitted killer connect him to 2 accused in ‘murder-for-hire plot’ | Jared Bridegan’s wife files wrongful death lawsuit against 3 accused in his murder

Tenon was later arrested in Bridegan’s murder, and investigators said the single link between Tenon and Bridegan was Fernandez.

Again, Tenon initially pleaded guilty, but has since withdrawn his guilty plea.

He is now under indictment for some of the same charges as Gardner and Fernandez.

Gardner is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony and child abuse.

Tenon is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, child abuse, possession of a firearm by a felon and accessory after the fact.

State prosecutors initially said they would be seeking the death penalty against Gardner and Fernandez if they were convicted, but they have since taken the death penalty off the table, with the support of Bridegan’s widow, Kirsten, and his family.

Zurich-based executive Kevin Lamour all but invited Infantino to fire him in a statement to The Associated Press that defended his colleagues amid intense fallout from the FIFA boss' plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private equity funds.

Lamour wrote that staff were “deceived” by Infantino’s lack of openness in planning the sale over recent months and “deserve better than contempt and intimidation.”

“It is the project of one person,” Lamour, a long-time colleague of Infantino at both FIFA and European soccer body UEFA, wrote. “Not only must this project not go ahead … but the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions.”

Lamour's statement came hours after Infantino's senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker who represented the soccer body on the White House Task Force for the World Cup, resigned and urged other senior FIFA staff to speak out.

“I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup,” Cordeiro wrote in a statement. The former U.S. Soccer Federation president said he was not included in talks about the plan backed by a New York investment fund created by Joshua Kushner.

“Let me be clear. I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally,” Cordeiro said. He called the $20 billion commercial subsidiary “a bad deal for football.”

Lamour did not resign the post he has held since 2024 but said he had a duty to his colleagues.

“And if that means I lose my job then so be it” the French official said. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”

Lamour came to soccer from politics two decades ago as an aide to then-UEFA president Michel Platini. He often had an international role in soccer politics liaising with FIFA member federations in Africa and Asia who are weighing their own decisions about Infantino's offers of $20 million each by a Sept. 19 deadline.

Cordeiro often joined Infantino on working visits to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in recent years.

“Football has been central to my life, and after more than 35 years in banking I understand both the value of this asset and the consequences of giving part of it away,” he said. “That is why this proposal should be rejected.”

Infantino has proposed spinning off FIFA’s commercial businesses — including World Cups and Club World Cups for men and women — into a $20 billion subsidiary with 20% owned by private investors. The “anchor investor,” described by FIFA, is Kushner, the younger brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

“FIFA already has access to extraordinary financial resources. The organization sits on billions of dollars in reserves and no debt,” Cordeiro said. He noted FIFA's revenue of $15 billion over the last four years tied to the men's World Cup just ended.

“Against that backdrop, selling a permanent stake in football’s most valuable asset to raise $4.2 billion makes little sense. It is mortgaging football’s future without any compelling justification,” he said.

Cordeiro said he shared five years of working for FIFA alongside Infantino with “dedicated, principled people who care deeply about the game.”

“I hope they, too, will speak up,” he wrote, “because decisions of this magnitude should be made in the interests of football, not those who stand to profit from it.”

Infantino has been president of FIFA for more than 10 years and seemed sure to be re-elected unopposed next March. FIFA has set a Nov. 18 deadline for challengers to come forward.

Lamour was part of Infantino’s inner circle that campaigned for him to become the surprise winner of that FIFA presidential election in February 2016.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and AP World Cup coverage

In the meantime, Florida is holding its annual back-to-school sales tax “holiday” from now through Aug. 20.

RELATED: Florida’s back-to-school tax ‘holiday’ begins Monday: Here’s how you can save

And community groups and local governments across the area are hosting back-to-school bashes, giveaways and more.

We’ve compiled a county-by-county list of events around Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

NOTE: Want to see your event added? Email the name, a brief description, and the time, date and location to ffrazier@wjxt.com.

Alachua County

• Alachua Police Department Back 2 School Giveaway: backpacks/supplies giveaway, 9 a.m.–noon, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 — Legacy Park Multipurpose Center, 15400 Peggy Road, Alachua, FL 32615.
• Alachua Back to School Event (Better Together + SWAG Family Resource Center): supplies/resources, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 — SWAG Family Resource Center, 807 SW 64th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32607.

Clay County

• Friday Night Safari (Orange Park Mall): Families can get up close with a rotating cast of cold-blooded creatures during this live reptile experience. The program refreshes monthly with new reptiles and surprises, making every Safari a fresh, family-friendly adventure. Free and open to all ages. 6-7 p.m., Friday, July 31, inside the Orange Park Mall near Belk, 1910 Wells Road, Orange Park, FL, 32073
• American Legion Post 250 Back to School Supply Giveaway: supply giveaway, 11 a.m.–noon, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 — 2608 Black Creek Dr., Middleburg, FL 32068.
• Back to School Health and Wellness Event (Clay County Health Dept.): back-to-school health/wellness, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 3–Friday, Aug. 7, 2026 — 1845 Town Center Blvd., Building 600, Fleming Island, FL 32003.
• American Academy of Cosmetology Back to School Bash: bash w/ free haircuts (per listing), 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026 — 1330 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL.
• Super Squad: The Ultimate Back-to-School Hero Mission (Orange Park Mall): Kids can suit up and join the Super Squad for a series of superhero-themed mission stations, earning stamps on their mission card as they complete challenges such as the Kindness Mission Station, Super Reader Challenge, and Hero Homework Challenge. This free, family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Orange Park Mall, 1910 Wells Road, Orange Park, FL, 32073

Duval County

• Back to School Giveaway (New Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church): Free haircuts, supplies, book bags, coast and jackets, 8-11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 1, New Mount Moriah AME, 880 Melson Ave., Jacksonville, FL.

• Back to School Backpack Giveaway (Tulsa Welding School): Food, music, fun and free backpacks while supplies last from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 1, at Tulsa Welding School, 3500 Spingfield Blvd., Jacksonville, 32216
• Back to School Bash (Sulzbacher Village): 500 free backpacks filled with school supplies, family activities, and access to pediatric health services for local students. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Sulzbacher Village, 5455 Springfield Blvd. (44^th & Pearl), Jacksonville, FL 32208.
• Back to School Bash (Jacksonville Community Action Committee): The event will have food, games, and fellowship, along with school supplies to give away. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 1, at Cafe Resistance, 5007 Soutel Dr., Jacksonville. RSVP requested at link above.
• Free Backpack Giveaway (YR Tax Guy LLC): Call or text 904-888-3159 to reserve a spot for a free backpack and $25 gift card for school supplies. 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 811 Edgewood Ave. South, Jacksonville, FL, 32205
• Back to School Giveaway Event (Sheila and Her Fav 5): Food, music, games, petting zoo, face painting and backpack giveaway. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 2, at 101-1 West 48th St., Jacksonville.

• Back 2 School give-a-way (Motorcycle Clubs Community): Music, food, face painting, fun and raffles. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 2, A. Philip Randolph Heritage Park, 1096 A Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville, FL, 32206
• Back 2 School Community Day (New Life International): 500 backpacks filled with supplies, vendors, resources, Haircuts, quick braids and more; free vaccination, physicals and an EKG for sports clearance (Pre-registration for health services required). 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 2, 6429 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL, 32211

• Back to School Free School Supplies (The Rashaud Fields Foundation & Extraordinary Men): All are welcome at this event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, at 6912 Buffalo Ave. in Panama Park, Jacksonville.
• Back to School Bash (Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church): All are welcome as this free community event with supplies for students and teachers. 11 a.m. until supplies are gone, Saturday, Aug. 8, at 10325 Interstate Center Dr., Jacksonville.

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• Back to School Giveaway Festival (DJ Squally & Rai): Vendors, games, prizes, food trucks, music, supplies. 1 p.m. until supplies are gone, Saturday, Aug. 8, 555 West 25th St., Jacksonville, FL 32206
• Back-to-School Spirit Event (St. Johns Town Center): In collaboration with the University of North Florida, the event features family-friendly activities to celebrate the start of the school year. 12-4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15, Park Green, 4663 River City Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246.

Flagler County

• Boots & Backpacks Community Roundup (Remembering Heroes): school supply giveaway, Noon–5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 — 2K Ranch, 6067 Tangerine Ave., Bunnell, FL 32110.

Nassau County

• Back to School Giveaway: backpacks/clothing/haircuts + screenings/physicals (while supplies last), 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 — Hilliard First Assembly, Hilliard, FL.

Putnam County

• Interlachen Back to School Bash: community back-to-school bash (supplies + family activities), 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 — 155 CR 315 N, Interlachen, FL 32148.

View this post on Instagram

St. Johns County

• OFFSITE: Community Focus Back to School Event (10th Annual Back to School Festival): resource fair + back-to-school physicals (UF Health St. Johns) + immunizations (FL Dept. of Health) + supplies giveaway (per listing), 9–11 a.m., Sat. Aug. 1, 2026 — W.E. Harris Community Center (Gym), 400 E Harris St., Hastings, FL 32145.

GEORGIA

Charlton County

• Charlton County Health Department – Back-to-School Services (walk-in): immunizations + screenings (hearing/vision/dental) during normal hours, now through Aug. 10, 2026 — Charlton County Health Department, 2587 Third St., Folkston, GA 31537.

Glynn County

• Glynn County Health Department – Back-to-School Vaccination & Screening Services (walk-in): walk-in back-to-school vaccinations and screenings, now through Aug. 10, 2026 — Glynn County Health Department, 2747 Fourth St., Brunswick, GA.

Pierce County

• Pierce County Health Department – Back-to-School Clinic: immunizations + screenings (hearing/vision/dental), 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday, Aug. 3, 2026 — Pierce County Health Department, 715 Ware St., Blackshear, GA 31516.
• Pierce County Health Department – Back-to-School Clinic: immunizations + screenings (hearing/vision/dental), 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 — Pierce County Health Department, 715 Ware St., Blackshear, GA 31516.

Ware County

• B-stro on the Bypass – Annual Back to School Giveaway: school supply giveaway + food, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Sat. Aug. 8, 2026 — 502 Reynolds St., Waycross, GA 31501.

News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE

Lee Butler

Occupation: United States Navy Reserves

Age: 47

Family: N/A

Education: Some College

Political experience: No political experience.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

1. Expanding and Protecting Earned Veterans’ Benefits.

The Issue: Veterans and survivors face bureaucratic hurdles and benefit penalties, such as surviving spouses losing survivor benefits if they remarry, or combat-injured retirees losing military retirement pay to offset disability compensation.

The Plan: Champion provisions within the comprehensive Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, including the Love Lives On Act and the Major Richard Star Act. By reforming these rules, you ensure that no hero’s family is financially penalized for moving forward.

2. Safeguarding Dual-Service First Responders

The Issue: Police officers and public servants who also serve in the National Guard or Reserves are too frequently forced to use their personal vacation and sick leave to fulfill military obligations.

The Plan: Advocate for measures mirroring the bipartisan House Bills 5232 and 5233, which require police and fire departments to provide up to 26 days of paid military leave for first responders annually.

3. Healthcare and Early Retirement Security for Public Servants

The Issue: Due to the severe physical toll of their roles, many police, firefighters, and EMTs are forced to retire before reaching age 65, leaving them without affordable and flexible healthcare options until they qualify for Medicare.

The Plan: Support federal legislation like the Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act.

This allows first responders between the ages of 50 and 64 who separate from service early to buy into Medicare.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I can help voters in a way others cannot because I am not offering vague campaign promises; I am delivering an immediate, day-one legislative blueprint to pass specific, bipartisan House bills that directly fix gaps in federal care for our veterans and public servants. Every candidate running for this office will say they want to help voters, but I am the only one who has done the homework to identify and advance the exact laws needed to solve these problems right now.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

If I am fortunate enough to earn your vote, I want to be remembered for a simple, rare standard in politics: I delivered exactly what I said I would do. When my time in this office is over, I want my legacy to be measured not by empty political speeches, but by the concrete passage of life-changing House legislation that closed the gaps in care for our veterans, police officers, and public servants.

Campaign website: No website

Campaign social media: No social media

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

Judson Sapp

Campaign website: www.judsonsapp.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram

The Republican incumbent, first elected to the Florida House in 2024, has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

At a televised news conference, military spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan had targeted only hideouts and infrastructure used by the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, during that period, and said those killed in the strikes were militants.

He said the operations were carried out in self-defense to protect the lives of people in Pakistan.

Chaudhry questioned recently released reports by the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, and Amnesty International, saying they relied largely on accounts from Afghans despite what he described as restrictions on freedom of expression under Taliban rule.

He also accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of sheltering militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan and said international rights organizations had failed to document such violence.

“These are double standards,” Chaudhry said, asking how many times rights groups had documented civilian casualties caused by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes during the war in Afghanistan.

Chaudhry’s remarks came days after UNAMA, in a report on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, said it had documented 499 civilians killed and 1,216 wounded in fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan despite international efforts to reduce tensions.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have exchanged fire intermittently for months, but tensions escalated sharply in February, when Afghan forces launched a cross-border raid into Pakistan in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan. Islamabad later declared it was in “open war.”

Pakistan often accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants who carry out deadly attacks inside Pakistan, especially the Pakistani Taliban. The group is separate from, but allied with, the Afghan Taliban, which has ruled Afghanistan since it returned to power in the country in 2021 amid the chaotic withdrawal of U.S.-led troops. Afghanistan denies providing sanctuary to militants.

In the deadliest reported attack in the recent fighting, a Pakistani airstrike struck a drug-treatment center in the Afghan capital Kabul in March, killing hundreds of civilians. Amnesty International said last week the bombing should be investigated as a possible war crime.

Chaudhry defended the strikes, saying Pakistan had carried out operations in Kabul and elsewhere with precision to target militant infrastructure supporting attacks inside Pakistan. He said Pakistan is also continuing operations inside the country against “Khawarij,” a term Pakistan uses for TTP and affiliated groups.

According to Chaudhry, Pakistan has recorded 3,145 “terrorism incidents” since January.

He said Pakistan had killed 2,084 militants since January, while 819 Pakistanis, including soldiers, police officers and civilians, had been killed. He said security forces had carried out 40,348 intelligence-based operations across the country during the same period.

Chaudhry also said Afghanistan-based militants had carried out 28 suicide attacks in Pakistan since January and alleged that most were carried out by Afghan nationals or people associated with Afghanistan’s security forces. He alleged that drug addicts had been recruited to carry out suicide bombings.

“Not every drug addict is a terrorist, but every suicide bomber was a drug addict,” he said.

Chaudhry said Pakistan launched a new counterterrorism operation earlier this year following a surge in militant violence and would continue the campaign. “We will continue these operations,” he said, adding that Pakistan was winning the fight against terrorism and, “God willing, we will win.”

He also accused the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army and TTP of directing attacks in Pakistan’s insurgency-hit southwestern Balochistan province from Afghanistan. Balochistan has long faced a separatist insurgency led by BLA that accuses the government of discrimination and exploiting the province’s natural resources. The government denies the allegations.

CBS Sports announced Friday that the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was on leave “until further notice.” JJ Watt will join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson as CBS Sports’ lead NFL team during Romo’s absence.

Romo, 46, was arrested July 23 after he was stopped while driving south on Interstate 43 in Wisconsin. According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office report, Romo performed poorly on field sobriety tests before getting taken into custody, booked and released.

He has a court date set for Sept. 21.

CBS Sports’ announcement comes after citations released by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office indicated an open bottle of an alcoholic beverage was found in the passenger’s side of Romo’s black Jeep during an inventory before it was towed.

According to the citations, police stopped Romo after he was seen passing cars in a gore area, which separates interstate traffic from cars entering from an on-ramp. Police said Romo questioned what a gore area was during the stop.

Body camera footage released earlier this week showed Romo telling deputies he had been coming from a golf course and was on his way “to visit grandma and grandpa” when he was stopped. A deputy told Romo he suspected him of being impaired because he had “red glassy eyes” and an “odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage.”

Romo went to high school about 35 miles from Milwaukee in Burlington, Wisconsin.

He has been the lead game analyst for CBS’ NFL coverage since 2017 after making four Pro Bowl appearances during an NFL career that ran from 2004-16 and was spent entirely with Dallas.

Romo remains the Cowboys’ franchise leader in career touchdown passes with 248. He held the franchise record for career passing yards (34,183) until Dak Prescott overtook him last season.

Watt joined CBS in 2023. He was an analyst on “The NFL Today” for two seasons before teaming with Ian Eagle on the network’s No. 2 crew beginning last season.

Romo wasn’t expected to have his first game until the opening Sunday of the regular season on Sept. 13. CBS will air a preseason game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 28.

CBS likely will reveal its game assignments and announcer pairings for the first three weeks of the regular season in the next couple of weeks.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

The retreat, about an hour northwest of Washington, has been the backdrop for presidential summits and smaller-scale meetings since Franklin Roosevelt established it during World War II. Friday’s meeting isn’t Trump’s first at Camp David, but he has spent less time at the compound than other presidents, and typically spends weekends at his own properties, including Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, and his golf courses in New Jersey and Virginia.

Here's a look at some key dates and prominent visitors in the camp's history, assembled using archival material from The Associated Press, the National Archives, and presidential libraries.

1942 — Roosevelt established the camp as Shangri-La, a reference from James Hilton's novel “Lost Horizon.” Roosevelt had liked to relax on a presidential yacht, but the military and Secret Service started to worry about his safety on the open water during World War II. Roosevelt asked the National Park Service to identify sites within 100 miles of the White House that he could use for rest and picked what is now known as Camp David.

1943 — Roosevelt hosted Winston Churchill, who went on a fishing trip with the president and discussed the Normandy invasion at the retreat.

1953 — Dwight Eisenhower renamed the facility Camp David after his grandson and father.

1959 — Eisenhower hosted Nikita Khrushchev, the first time a Soviet leader had come to the United States.

1971 — Richard Nixon met with economic advisers amid inflation and a looming run on gold, leading eventually to an announcement ending the gold-backed dollar.

1973 — Nixon hosted his Soviet counterpart, Leonid Brezhnev.

1978 — Jimmy Carter hosted Egypt’s Anwar Sadat and Israel’s Menachem Begin, resulting in the Camp David Accords signed in 1979. Unlike at the White House, where journalists come and go, the news media are barred from Camp David, unless they are invited to cover an event, like Friday’s summit.

1984 — Ronald Reagan, the president who spent the most time at Camp David, hosted British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for the first time.

1990 — George H.W. Bush hosted Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

1992 — Camp David's only wedding occurred when Bush’s daughter, Dorothy, married Bobby Koch at Evergreen Chapel at the facility.

2000 — Bill Clinton hosted a summit with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat.

2001 — George W. Bush met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair early in the year and held post 9/11 meetings ahead of the Afghanistan invasion later in the year.

2003 — Bush hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin.

2012 — Barack Obama hosted the G8 Summit.

2015 — Obama hosted Persian Gulf nations for a summit.

2019 — Trump canceled a secret weekend meeting at Camp David with Taliban and Afghanistan leaders after a bombing in Kabul that killed 12 people, including an American soldier. ———

Associated Press journalist Darlene Superville contributed archival reporting for this timeline.

News4JAX sent questionnaires to each candidate asking about their background and views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE

Suzanna Pavelle

Occupation: Small business owner for nearly 30 years, including 26 years in St. Augustine.

Age: 53

Family: I have lived in St. Augustine with my husband, Brian for 26 years. This year marks our 30 year anniversary. We have with 3 dogs, Hazel, Bilbo and Lyra. My Mother lives nearby, and my mother-in-law lives with us part-time.

Education: B.A., University of Oregon. Graduate coursework in underwater archaeology, Department of History.

Political experience: I have spent nearly 30 years as a small business owner, including 26 in St. Augustine. My experience has prepared me to serve: I have managed budgets, HR, hiring and firing, customer service, and negotiations. As a small business owner, I solve problems, make difficult decisions, and work productively with people who do not always agree with me. I have always advocated for my staff, and I will bring that same commitment to be a voice and advocate for the residents of District 19. I served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Johns County for nearly 10 years. This experience gives me a strong foundation for representing our community.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

The top three issues in this race are affordability, smart growth that protects our water and way of life, and strong neighborhood public schools.

First, affordability is crushing families across District 19. Homeowners insurance is out of control, utility bills keep rising, and too many people feel like they are working harder just to fall further behind. In St. Johns and Flagler, affordability is not just about groceries or rent. It is also about whether bad growth decisions, flood risk, and infrastructure strain are making life more expensive for the people who already live here. I will fight to lower insurance pressure, make growth pay for the roads, drainage, water, and wastewater capacity it demands, and focus state government on the bills families actually pay.

Second, we need smart growth that protects clean water, infrastructure, and the natural heritage of Northeast Florida. Growth is coming, but reckless growth is a choice. When development outruns roads, drainage, water systems, and local planning, families pay in flooding, traffic, utility strain, and higher costs. I will fight for infrastructure before major development, real local control over growth decisions including data centers, and full support for the land, water, and resilience investments that protect our communities.

Third, strong neighborhood public schools are part of a strong local economy. Families need schools they can count on, and teachers and school staff need to be able to afford to live in the communities they serve. Public dollars require public accountability. I oppose state policies that weaken public schools while sending taxpayer money to less transparent systems with weaker oversight. I will fight to fund neighborhood public schools first, support better teacher pay, and require accountability for every public education dollar.

The reason these problems keep getting worse is that too many decisions in state government are driven by special interests, political donors, and insiders instead of the people who live here. I am running to put working families first.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

What I offer voters that others in this race cannot is a combination of lived local experience, small-business problem-solving, and a willingness to do the homework and tell people the truth. I have lived in St. Johns County for 26 years. I am not a career politician. I am a small-business owner. When running a business, your job is to listen, solve problems, serve people, and balance budgets. That is how I approach public service.

I also bring community research experience, emergency-response experience, and years of nonprofit board service. That means I look at issues, and strive to find common sense solutions. I look at what is happening to families in District 19: insurance bills, school funding, flooding, traffic, utility strain, and whether growth is making life more expensive for the people who already live here. I can help voters by being the kind of representative who is prepared, accessible, and focused on practical results, not political theater. If I do not know the answer, I will figure it out by talking to policy experts and researching solutions.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I hope to be remembered for making life more affordable, protecting what makes Northeast Florida home, and standing up for the public schools families count on. This means fighting to lower the costs people feel every month, especially homeowners insurance, utility pressure, and the hidden costs of bad growth. It means insisting on smart growth that protects clean water, wetlands, and the character of our communities instead of shifting more flooding, traffic, and infrastructure strain onto current residents. And it means defending neighborhood public schools, supporting teachers, and making sure public dollars come with real accountability. Additionally, I am encouraging the younger generation to get out, get involved, and run for office because we need fresh thoughts and ideas.

Most of all, I would hope people could say I was honest, prepared, and focused on the people who live here, not the special interests that have had too much influence for too long.

Campaign website: suzannapavelle.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | Threads | BlueSky

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

Sam Greco

Campaign website: www.samgrecoforflorida.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram

The Republican incumbent, first elected to the Florida House in 2024, has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray drew the ire of Trump in December when he voted against the redistricting plan after saying for weeks that it didn't have enough support to pass. The rejection came after intense lobbying from Trump, Vice President JD Vance, national conservative groups and others.

Bray, who has held his leadership position since 2018, said in a statement Friday that he would not seek reelection to the post when Senate Republicans choose their leaders in November. His current Senate term runs through 2028 and he will remain in office, albeit not as the Republican Senate leader.

Trump reacted to the news in a social media post by saying Bray had “foolishly led,” the state Senate, noting the May primary defeats of those who defied him on the redistricting plan.

Bray did not mention Trump or the redistricting fight in his statement announcing his position to step down from the leadership position. Bray said holding the job “has been among the most significant honors of my life, but it’s time for the Senate to choose another leader."

News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

Heather Anne Smith

Campaign website: None found

Campaign social media: None found

The Democratic candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

Art Stresing

Occupation: Attorney - Division Chief - Public Defender’s Office, 4th Judicial Circuit

Age: 43

Family: Wife - Brittney Stresing

Daughter - Phoenix Storm Stresing

Son - Banner Logan Stresing

Education: University at Buffalo ’06

Florida Coastal School of Law ’10

Political experience: First time running. Active voter.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

My three top issues are more funding for our schools, affordable healthcare, and help for our veterans. I want to introduce legislation that increases funding for our schools that will raise the salaries of public school teachers so that we have better retention and attract more teachers all while limiting the voucher programs to those who truly need them. As for healthcare, I would like to expand Medicaid so that childless adults and struggling families are covered and not bankrupted by medical expenses. As for Veterans, I want more funding for programs and organizations whose sole missions are to help Veterans who are disabled, retired, or simply just trying to transition into civilian life.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

My best ability is that I can relate to a lot of people from different walks of life because, more often than not, I’ve gone through what they went through or something similar. I feel I have a much wider perspective in life when it comes to other cultures because of my family, dealing with loss, working manual labor jobs, and working with professionals. I grew up Republican and a lot of my friends are Republicans. As an attorney at the Public Defender for over 11yrs, I have to routinely negotiate between two adversaries (State and client) to come to a resolution. So I know I can reach across the aisle to work towards a common goal that will help everyone regardless of party affiliation or race.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I’ve dedicated my life to helping others as a defense attorney at the Public Defender and through volunteering. I want to be remembered as someone who continued that service by significantly improving the lives of others in my District and State without any kind of political agenda.

Campaign website: www.voteartstresing.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

Diana Patrice Jordan-Baldwin

Campaign website: www.drjordanbaldwinforflorida.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

The Republican candidate has not completed the News4JAX candidate questionnaire following email and telephone invitations to do so. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

Kim Kendall

Occupation: Current State House Rep and former FAA Air Traffic Controller & owner of 2 dry cleaners

Age: 59

Family: Husband of 32 years, Kelly Kendall and two adult children

Education: Florida State University, Bachelor’s Degree Public Relations

Political experience: 2024-Current: State House Representative HD18

Over 20 years of political/volunteer/community experience at the state and local levels - too many to list all – but to see my complete resume visit: votekimkendall.com/resume

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

INFRASTRUCTURE remains one of our district’s biggest challenges as growth continues. I’ve secured funding for major road improvements, including the International Golf Parkway and I-95 interchange upgrade, to improve safety, reduce congestion, and support economic growth. I will continue prioritizing transportation investments that keep our communities moving safely and efficiently.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANDING THE SKILLED TRADES are critical to our future. I passed legislation creating workforce certification opportunities for students with autism and IEPs, secured funding for First Coast Technical College and aviation training programs, and worked to grow our aerospace sector. My focus is creating pathways to high-paying careers and strengthening our local economy.

MAINTAINING QUALITY OF LIFE. I have fought to protect Guana River WMA from a terrible proposed land swap situation and passed legislation to protect it. Also, worked with a 15-year old constituent who is a volunteer swim instructor who lobbied to raise the ages on the swim voucher program to help more kids while capturing children with autism – this was another bill that became law this year.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

Anybody can tell voters what they want to hear. What I offer is proof: 20+ years of showing up in this community, doing the unglamorous work, long before I ever ran for office. That track record — combined with my current experience as your State Representative — means voters aren’t taking my word for it. They can see it. I would ask you to check out my 3-minute video on my homepage www.VoteKimKendall.com which contains clips of my activism. Also, check out my Issues Page – it shows the campaign promises I made – and how I kept them. And I will continue to stand up and be our voice for our community.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

LEGISLATIVELY: my top three priorities of addressing our infrastructure and workforce development needs, expanding skilled trades ,and protecting our quality of life.

PERSONALLY: that I was the voice and heart of our district. That the constituents know they had a true voice of the people representing them and showing up. Working on keeping St. Johns County our “big, small town.” We have the benefits of a big city – but that small town neighbor-helping-neighbor community - and working hard to keep that as we grow.

Campaign website: votekimkendall.com

Campaign social media: (None given)

“Hi,” she said softly as she sat down across from Leo at his desk in the Apostolic Palace.

Wearing a crucifix necklace and hair in her trademark braids, Smith has become an increasingly visible presence at the Vatican thanks to her friendship with the Rev. Antonio Spadaro, undersecretary in the Vatican’s culture ministry.

She has said that while she is not Catholic, she was drawn in particular to Pope Francis and his “gentle, open, and steadfast sense of humanity.”

She also had a thing for Pope John Paul I: Her 1979 tune “Wave,” is about a make-believe conversation with the pope who had just died after a 33-day papacy. It begins “Hi. Hi” uttered in the same breathy voice Smith used with Leo on Friday.

The pope clearly was familiar with the tune. “That was marvelous,” he said.

Earlier this year, Smith performed during the inauguration of the Holy See’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale contemporary art fair. The occasion, May 8, was the anniversary of Leo’s election.

Spadaro, who joined Smith at Friday’s audience, said the encounter between the two Chicago natives was around 40 minutes long. In a text message, he said it “felt more like a conversation between two people discovering they were old friends, sharing memories woven from words and music, dreams, visions, and hopes — both from yesterday and for today.”

He said at the end, Smith said “Bye. Bye.”

Smith met Francis in 2013 and sang for him in 2014. When he died, on April 21, 2025, she wrote a poem on social media, comparing Francis to a dandelion, “humble yet strong.”

“Nature and poetry and the suffering shall miss their champion,” she wrote.

It was Leo's second encounter with a music legend this week. On Wednesday, Leo attended a concert in his honor by tenor Andrea Bocelli.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

But roughly half of them have already made their way back voluntarily, the Spanish government said, after the sudden arrival of so many migrants triggered chaos and a humanitarian crisis.

Spain deployed its armed forces and additional police to restore order in Ceuta, which sits on the Strait of Gibraltar at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea and has been a Spanish possession since 1580. On the Moroccan side of the border, security forces clashed with migrants. At least 57 migrants died, including some who drowned or were killed in a stampede to cross a breakwater barrier near a border checkpoint.

“The situation that Ceuta is going through is absolutely unsustainable,” Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas told journalists.

Meanwhile, migrants from Morocco also attempted to cross into Melilla, Spain’s other territory at the tip of North Africa, where they clashed with police.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Ceuta on Friday and condemned the border breach, which he described as “a violation of Spain's territorial integrity.”

Sánchez blamed human smugglers for the crisis, saying they “deceive so many young people and ultimately lead many of them to their deaths," whether in the ocean or in the autonomous city.

The Spanish Interior Ministry, which initially refused to share estimates from the border, released its own figures shortly after Vivas’ spoke, estimating that some 50,000 people had crossed from Morocco since Thursday. It added that 37,500 had already returned to Morocco, with hundreds more going back by the hour.

Video footage early on Friday showed hundreds of migrants gathered on a hill overlooking Ceuta being dispersed with tear gas by Moroccan forces, while others continued to swim to the Spanish territory. But by Friday afternoon, most migrants were trying to leave Ceuta given the dire conditions there.

Rachid Sbihi, who leads a local workers association representing Civil Guard officers, described the situation as a “serious humanitarian crisis,” saying thousands of migrants, including unaccompanied children, were left sleeping in parks and on sidewalks, while others roamed the streets aimlessly.

“It’s chaotic,” Sbihi said.

The Moroccan Interior Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the migrant figures released by the Spanish authorities.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the “images coming from Ceuta are unacceptable.”

“We cannot allow anyone to come to our Union without abiding by our rules,” she said Friday in an online statement. “Dangerous crossings must stop immediately. Smuggling networks must be dismantled. And returns must be swift, as our rules allow.”

Dozens died in the chaos

Some of the 41 people who died had drowned, Sbihi said, but some were also killed in a stampede to cross the breakwater fence at Tarajal Beach, an urban beach near a border checkpoint with Morocco. The waters near the border fence were littered with buoys, shoes and other abandoned belongings.

Many young Moroccans who crossed into Ceuta told The Associated Press that they had hoped to find better work opportunities in Spain but were returning given the mayhem in Ceuta.

“There’s nothing at home. I’d have to work 12-hour shifts for a meager wage. That’s why I came here,” said 21-year-old Abdulah Buji, who hails from the city of Tetouan. “But I haven’t found any opportunities here either, so I have to go back.”

Moroccan police used water cannons and fired warning shots into the air to prevent migrants from crossing into Ceuta, according to rights groups in Morocco.

“Despite the heavy police presence, people crossed through the waterway, while the land border remained closed,” said Achraf Maimouni, a human-rights activist in Fnideq, the Moroccan city bordering Ceuta.

Morocco’s ambassador to Spain said the situation in Ceuta had unfolded against Morocco’s wishes.

“We have always prioritized legal, orderly and safe migration for all,” Karima Benyaich said. She did not comment on what prompted the migrants to cross into Ceuta.

To reach Ceuta, on the northern African coast, migrants often swim from the Moroccan town of Fnideq, covering about 3 miles (5 kilometers) to reach Spanish territory. Others attempt the crossing from the nearby town of Belyounech, where the distance is shorter.

Border surge linked to Supreme Court ruling

The authorities in Ceuta and Madrid have linked the border surge to a recent decision by the Spanish Supreme Court, which ruled that migrants arriving by sea could not be summarily deported, unlike those who cross by land or climb the border fence.

Sánchez said migrant smugglers misinterpreted the ruling.

The interpretation of the Supreme Court’s ruling “spread like wildfire over the past few hours through the networks of human trafficking organizations,” triggering the surge, Sánchez said.

Some activists in Morocco expressed doubt that the ruling was behind the surge, arguing that most migrants would have been unaware of such legal decisions.

Spanish prime minister has bucked anti-immigration trend

Sánchez has bucked the anti-migration trend that has gained ground across Europe and in the U.S.

Earlier this year, his government moved to give residency and work permits to hundreds of thousands of migrants already living in the country without permission.

Sánchez, a Socialist, argued that it would be good for the economy and the demographics of an aging Spain. Migrants who entered irregularly after Jan. 1 this year were not included.

His critics have jumped at the opportunity to attack his policy, saying it encouraged more migrants to come.

“Sánchez allows Spain to be invaded through Ceuta,” Spanish conservative politician Isabel Díaz Ayuso wrote on X.

The U.S. State Department expressed its support for “the people of Spain, and all Europeans, against this egregious violation of their sovereignty and human rights.”

In a post on X, the department added that “this unacceptable incident is the direct result of the Spanish Government’s deliberate efforts to enable and facilitate mass illegal migration into Europe.”

Sánchez on Friday defended his migration policy and distanced it from the events in Ceuta.

The chaos had ripple effects abroad. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni threatened to suspend her country's open-border Schengen agreement with Spain “to defend our borders and ensure the safety of our citizens,” even though Italy does not share a border with Spain and is also an entry point for tens of thousands of migrants crossing the Mediterranean each year.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said France would also strengthen border checks with Spain.

“This crisis in Ceuta has nothing to do with the regularization of migrants adopted by the Government of Spain, as is being falsely claimed by some,” the Spanish government said in a statement late Thursday after Meloni's announcement.

Pressure grows on second Spanish territory in Africa

Migrants from Morocco also attempted to cross into Melilla, the other Spanish territory at the tip of North Africa.

There was widespread chaos in Bni Nsar, the Moroccan town bordering the Spanish territory, where migrants clashed with police, throwing rocks and setting police vehicles ablaze, according to local media and rights groups. They reported injuries among security forces and the arrest of dozens of people attempting to cross.

Like Ceuta, Melilla is an self-governing Spanish city. Many Moroccans consider both cities to be occupied territory.

___

Naishadham reported from Madrid. Brito reported from Barcelona, Spain. Associated Press journalists Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, Spain; Akram Oubachir in Casablanca, Morocco; and Antonio Sempere in Ceuta, Spain, contributed.

After being driven past two businesses relevant to the narrative of the January 2023 killings, jurors were escorted in groups of six to view the inside of the house, including the basement where the children died. During the roughly 40-minute visit, the jury also saw the yard where Clancy was found after jumping from a second-story window.

Journalists were kept away by a police barricade, but court officers could be seen through the trees escorting jurors to and from the bus along the site of the Clancy family’s former driveway. The home now has a new owner.

Clancy herself did not attend the visit to the home, which she hasn't seen since the day of the killings. Her lawyers argue she was in the grip of postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness linked to the stress, sleep deprivation and hormonal changes that follow childbirth.

___

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.

___

Jurors in U.S. criminal cases often are expressly told not to visit the scene of the events in question. There are a number of rationales for not doing so — among other things, the site may have changed in the interim between an alleged crime and a trial.

But courts sometimes allow juries to make a supervised excursion as a group, for reasons that can include assessing distances or features that aren’t thought to come across fully in photos.

Such excursions have happened in a number of high-profile cases, including the 2023 murder trial of South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh, the 2022 sentencing trial of Parkland, Florida, school shooter Nikolas Cruz, the 2015 Massachusetts murder trial of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez and the 1995 murder trial of O.J. Simpson.

Jurors in Clancy's trial retraced the route her then-husband, Patrick Clancy, took when she asked him to pick up takeout food and medicine for Cora on the night of the killings. He returned to find the children dead and his then-wife badly injured and bleeding in the yard.

The panel was driven past the restaurant — about 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) from the family’s former home in Duxbury, a town south of Boston — and the pharmacy, about a mile (1.6 km) from the house.

Prosecutors say the errands were a ruse to get her husband out of the house. They say Lindsay Clancy, a former labor and delivery nurse, acted intentionally and is criminally responsible for the deaths of children Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, 8 months.

Her lawyers don't dispute that she killed the children, but they say she had bipolar disorder and her condition worsened while she was on antidepressants prescribed after the birth of her third child. She believed a voice was telling her to “kill the children so you can kill yourself,” according to her lawyers.

Lindsay Clancy remains paralyzed from the waist down after using multiple methods to try to end her life that night.

If convicted of murder, she faces life in prison without parole. If found not guilty due to a lack of criminal responsibility, she would be committed to a state mental health facility.

___ Associated Press writer Jennifer Peltz contributed from New York.

News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote in their own words.

Note:Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE

Jacob Guerrero

Campaign website: None found

Campaign social media: None found

The Democratic candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

Jessica Baker

Campaign website: electjessicabaker.com

Campaign social media: None found

The Republican incumbent, first elected in 2022, has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

More Jaguars coverage

Thursday’s training camp notebook

Photo gallery 1: Scenes from Thursday’s training camp

Full interview: Jaguars CB Buster Brown

Full interview: Jaguars S Eric Murray

Sights and sounds from Thursday at training camp

News4JAGs: What we saw and heard at training camp on Thursday

Team Nitro MMA’s S.E.A.L. Team has been named the July Positively JAX winner for its work helping young people develop discipline, confidence, character and leadership skills.

Dr. Nashon Nicks founded Team Nitro MMA nearly 10 years ago. Its S.E.A.L. Team model focuses on students’ social, emotional, academic and leadership development.

“Our mission is to reach youth who will otherwise live a life of destruction, counterproductive behaviors, maybe even death or poverty,” Nicks said. “And our goal is to counter that through mentoring and the martial arts.”

The program combines martial arts training with reading, math, art, mentoring and other educational activities. Nicks said the goal is to make sure the lessons students learn inside the gym follow them home, into the classroom and throughout their communities.

“That’s something that transcends the mat,” Nicks said. “That’s something you can take back home. You can take it back to school. You can take it back to your community.”

Ninth-grader James Turner said the program has taught him why discipline and structure are essential to achieving his goals.

“Without discipline, your dreams are destroyed, and with discipline your dreams are developed,” Turner said.

When asked what that means to him, Turner said students need discipline and structure if they want to succeed in life.

Parents say they are already seeing those lessons take hold.

Tieasha Carter’s sixth-grade son, Angel, participated in the summer program. Carter said she noticed changes in his behavior after only a few weeks.

“I noticed his attitude, more discipline, how he speaks, how he talks now,” Carter said. “Everything has shifted, just in a few weeks.”

Other parents praised the program’s focus on academics and repetition.

“Just like martial arts, everything is about repetition,” one father said. “Learning is the same way. You do it, you do it and do it.”

Nicks said students are taught to work through challenges, build confidence and reject the idea that they are powerless.

“That victim mentality is over,” Nicks said. “I want to help them get a competitive edge. And I want you to take that same mindset in the classroom.”

He said the program is ultimately about creating leaders and giving young people the tools to make positive choices.

“Love changes the heart, education changes the mind,” Nicks said. “Together, that’s a one-two punch for transformation.”

For its commitment to transforming lives through martial arts, education and mentoring, Team Nitro MMA’s S.E.A.L. Team is the July Positively JAX winner.

News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE

Benjamin Sandlin

Occupation: Research Assistant, Logistics Personnel

Age: 22

Family: Son of Tom Sandlin and Rachel Gaillard.

Education: Physics Student at UNF

Political experience: Current Political director of Jax Young Dems

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Voting Rights

As state rep, I will be the biggest champion of voter rights in the whole legislature. I will fight any attempt by the Republicans to the will of Floridians, and I will work with my collogues to draft legislation to increase accessibility, especially those that people in power have historically sought to leave out.

Housing/Affordability

Floridians have been given the impossible task of having to compete with private equity simply to house themselves. In the house, I will end the cycle of constantly talking about reigning in wall street with no action. I will pass laws to pave the way for housing to be built for sale only to Florida families. I will also work with our cities to provide the resources necessary to develop high quality, high density housing, and build communities with work, school, and groceries within walking distance, therefor combatting the parasitic attachment of car companies and oil execs to Floridians’ pocket books. Furthermore, it is ever important that we fight for the right of Florida workers to be able to advocate for themselves and each other. We need to end Florida’s status as an Anti-union, anti-worker state, and beginning allowing and emboldening Florida workers to be able to collectively bargain so they can finally receive the fruits of their labor which they have long been owed.

Education

If Ron DeSantis can throw away over $1 billion on an internment camo in the everglades, we can afford to support our public schools. The world is changing so much so fast that we must be very intentional in how education moves forward. I will follow the guidance of education professionals to see how we can properly prepare our students to be successful in this new age. I want to provide universal childcare to make sure every child has the opportunity the start their education career off strong. I will also put an end to the siphoning of public school resources to private entities that prioritize padding their pockets over the success of our students.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I’m the only one in the race that answers to the people of Florida, and not backroom special interests.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I would like for my term in the house to end with more people housed, successful schools, and greater access to opportunity for every community.

Campaign website: None given

Campaign social media: Facebook

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

Terrance Freeman

Occupation: Workforce Development

Age: 51

Family: Wife and 5 kids (18, 16, 14, 12, and 3)

Education: M.S. Exercise Science

B.S. Education

Political experience: Jacksonville City Councilman - 8 years

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

1. Affordability - Fiscal responsibility and lowering taxes,

2. Jobs - Boosting small businesses and removing barriers that prevent them from growing

3. Public Safety - Always will lead in supporting our first responders.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

By bringing experience and knowledge of the issues that impact N.E. Florida

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I would hope to be remembered as someone who could be trusted, as one who always held the line for the wellbeIng of kids and seniors, and a staunch supporter of first responders.

Campaign website: terrancefreeman.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X

Judge Lindsay Tygart said that the court will need more time to review the materials and testimony presented in the case before giving a sentence.

“The court has been presented with an extensive amount of materials of evidence of testimony that the court is required to consider...the court is going to take a bit of time to re-review the materials and the evidence has been presented in the case not just today, but candidly from our prior hearings...,” Tygart said.

In an earlier sentencing hearing, Journee McGrew, 22, told the court that Waduta Woodley, whom she had known since she was a child, molested her multiple times for years, starting when she was in elementary school.

Woodley’s blood-soaked body was discovered by police in the breezeway of an apartment complex on Jacksonville’s Westside in July 2025.

RELATED: Woman describes killing man with hammer, testifies that he molested her for years as a child

McGrew was arrested that same day in connection with the discovery and charged with murder and concealing evidence.

McGrew originally pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and tampering with evidence. She later changed her plea to guilty in December 2025, and has been awaiting sentencing ever since.

McGrew’s mother takes the stand, reads statements from family

On July 31, McGrew’s mother, Jennifer Owens, took the stand and read prepared statements from McGrew’s brothers who could not attend in person. They described McGrew as a gentle person who has shown care for others and never hesitated to help.

Her older brother, Victor McGrew, who she was living with at the time of the incident, said that Journee McGrew was motivated and goal-oriented and was passionate about becoming a dental assistant.

“The conversations were always about getting ahead in life. Being a strong individual and conquering her mental health struggles. She was here with me and would always tell me about her dreams and aspirations and all the things she wanted to do in life,” Victor McGrew said in a prepared statement.

He also said he watched over her because he knew how vulnerable she is.

“This is the absolute last thing I would expect for my sister,” the statement continued. “I knew that she was struggling with her mental health. People have assaulted her, took advantage of her vulnerability and it took a toll on her mind. I’m in no way trying to justify our actions. I urge the court to consider the things she struggled with.”

Owens said her daughter was diagnosed with schizophrenia disorder, bipolar disorder and PTSD and witnessed her get treatment for it.

The state argued that McGrew didn’t tell her mother about the alleged abuse until 2024, and they never went to the police about it.

Dr. Kathrin Ritter is a clinical neuropsychologist who helped treat McGrew. She talked about how the multiple disorders may have affected her decision-making.

“At the time of the event, she maintained some understanding, but her judgement, her ability to regulate her behavior, her ability to manage impulses, her threat perception, her ability to think and reason through consequences of behavior. All of that was significantly diminished,” Ritter said.

What she claims

McGrew testified during a sentencing hearing in April that she was diagnosed with psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder when she was Baker Acted before the murder.

Watch her full testimony below:

McGrew said she hit Woodley multiple times with a hammer after she lured him to her apartment by saying she wanted to have sex.

McGrew said it wasn’t her plan to have sex or to kill Woodley, but instead to collect evidence of his alleged abuse that could be used against him.

“This was not supposed to happen. I really wasn’t in my right mind when this happened. I’m not violent, and I’m sorry for this situation,” she said in a message to the courtroom.

Woodley’s mother spoke on behalf of her son.

“Everything changed in a second when your only son has been murdered,” his mother said in court. “Yes, this has affected my family, my daughter, my granddaughter [...] We don’t know how to cope.”

When McGrew was asked if she had a message for the family, she responded:

“I am sorry about what I did,” McGrew said. “I know how much I impacted your family and mine. I’m really sorry for what happened.”

The killing

According to her arrest report, Jacksonville police were called to the Cross Creek Apartment complex on July 2, 2025, about a dispute.

When officers arrived, they found Woodley suffering from what appeared to be blunt force trauma to his head and face. Woodley was lying on the ground in front of McGrew’s apartment.

According to the arrest report, Woodley had a white piece of paper on his chest that read, “PEDO Touches Children.” The writing was in green ink from a green highlighter.

Officers ordered McGrew to come out of her apartment, and she complied. As she was being detained, the report said she asked if Woodley was still alive.

After a search warrant was obtained for McGrew’s apartment, police went inside and found bloody footprints leading from the front door to the bathroom.

According to the arrest report, when officers entered McGrew’s bathroom, they found a metal hammer in the sink. Officers discovered blood on the hammer’s handle. The sink drain plug was later found in McGrew’s bedroom. The arrest report states that the liquid found on the drain plug tested positive for blood.

The arrest report also states that police found a pair of pink Crocs slippers covered in blood, along with a tank top and a pair of pants that were also covered in blood. The search also turned up a notebook with loose paper and a green highlighter.

McGrew told investigators that Woodley had been sexually grooming her since she was 8 years old and had sexually assaulted her multiple times, the report said.

The report went on to say that on July 1, she sent Woodley a text, saying that she had been sexually fantasizing about him and regretted treating him poorly. That night, she invited him to her apartment, according to the report.

McGrew told police that by 1 a.m., Woodley pressured her to have sex, which she denied him and asked him to leave. She said as they were leaving the room toward the front entrance, she grabbed a hammer and hid it behind her back.

The report said that when the two got to the front doorway, Woodley grabbed her in a non-forceful manner, and that’s when she began hitting him with the hammer.

Police asked her if she had invited Woodley over with plans to kill him, but her response was redacted from the arrest report.

News4JAX conducted a criminal background check on Woodley and could not find any criminal offenses related to sexually assaulting or abusing children.

McGrew said she never reported the alleged abuse because she lived with Woodley and feared being kicked out. She also testified she told friends when she was young, but didn’t share with her family or doctors until she was in her 20s.

Until now, the answer has been a doting home health aide from Haiti named Martha Nelson. But with the Supreme Court sanctioning a White House immigration crackdown, Nelson’s permission to stay in the country appears likely to be yanked within days, leaving French worried.

“She’s with me all the time,” says French. “Life would be impossible.”

As the Trump administration unwinds years of protections for hundreds of thousands of people from Haiti, twin populations of vulnerable people find themselves in the crosshairs: caregivers in jobs to which those immigrants have flocked, and the older adults and disabled people who rely on them.

Around the U.S., care homes and home health agencies are bracing for the loss of workers with TPS, which stands for temporary protected status, even as they continue to reel from other immigration policy changes that have squeezed an already short-staffed industry.

For businesses, it is a predicament that could hurt bottom lines and tax remaining workers. For their clients, it threatens to upend every aspect of their lives.

“They have become like family,” says Katy Sanchez, who lives in a group home for disabled people in Nanuet, New York, run by The Arc Rockland, which stands to lose 19 caregivers with TPS, on top of 20 others it lost in immigration changes last year. “If they are forced to leave, it would be devastating.”

Supreme Court ruling paved the way

The Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration last month, saying it could end temporary protected status. The ruling specifically pertained to 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians, but immigration advocates and legal observers say it could be applied to a broader group of 1.3 million people from 17 countries.

The justices' move has been met with weeks of confusion. Immigration officials subsequently granted several extensions to TPS holders that carried through Monday. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued guidance Wednesday affirming TPS was over, though some attorneys and labor unions have argued work authorization remains intact until lower courts lift an injunction.

The Department of Homeland Security made light of the TPS expiration, referencing lyrics from a 1998 hit song: “It’s closing time, which means you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”

Fearful they might be in breach of the law, some employers have begun terminating TPS holders, to the dismay of their clients.

Anna Fischbein grew accustomed to visits to her home in Sunny Isles, Florida, from the same kindly Haitian health aide every week for the past 10 years. But Jewish Community Services of South Florida terminated the aide along with 17 others when their TPS lapsed.

“I lost not only a lady working for me,” the 87-year-old Holocaust survivor says, her voice broken by sobs. “I lost a friend.”

Facilities scramble to come up with replacement workers

Around 1 in 5 workers in the U.S. is foreign born, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but immigrants are overrepresented in caregiving roles. Among home health aides, for example, one-third are immigrants, according to PHI, a nonprofit focused on the caregiving workforce.

In lives upended by age or disability, a cherished caregiver is a lifeline. For someone living in their own home, they may be the last line of defense before institutionalization. For those in a care facility, they may be their strongest advocate, who notices subtle changes before anyone else, ensures small comforts like dollar-store word search books, and brings a sense of humanity to the humiliation of being incontinent.

“They are the first people they see when they wake up in the morning and they’re the last ones that they see before they go to bed,” says Simone Smith, vice president of human resources at Cabrini of Westchester, a nursing home in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where eight Haitians with TPS await word of their fate.

Like similar facilities around the country, Cabrini is prepared to scramble to secure replacement staffers from nursing agencies and plead with remaining workers to take overtime shifts. Cabrini’s workforce is about 75% immigrant. Among those with TPS, Smith senses “almost a hopelessness.”

A Haitian who loses TPS faces an unbearable choice: Attempt to stay in the U.S. and find underground work, tiptoeing through life with fear that authorities will eventually find and remove them. Or return to a country so plagued by gang violence and poverty that many believe it would amount to a death sentence.

“I’m afraid all the time,” says a Haitian man working at a Brooklyn nursing home who asked for anonymity because of concerns for the safety of himself and his family. “I pay tax to the country. I’m a good person. … All I want is to work. When you work, you are a person.”

Families wonder what they will do

Outside a simple brick house in Queens, Nelson stands guard as French steps through her door. On the porch, you might mistake the two for old friends, their bond as much an illustration of what is at risk as it is of how much things have changed.

The women made the same journey, from Port-au-Prince to New York, four decades apart.

French was drawn here in 1970 by the potential opportunities she saw. She built businesses as a hairdresser and seamstress. Her late husband made his way as an electrician and contractor. They bought their home. Their children got good educations. They believed they achieved the American dream.

Nelson came after an earthquake flattened Haiti in 2010. At home, she ran a butcher shop, but after arriving in New York she found work in caregiving roles. She began working for French about three years ago after French fell and broke her hip. Nelson, now 69, has been with her nearly every weekday since.

Both women felt welcomed by the U.S. when they arrived. But French is saddened to see how views on immigrants have evolved.

“America is a good country,” French says, “but it has changed.”

Nelson brings leftovers, tends to French’s chores and is a source of companionship. They watch the news together and talk in Haitian Creole about their families. On weekends, Nelson calls to make sure French has gotten up from bed and nags her to eat.

“On my days off, I think about her,” Nelson says.

French says Nelson has become like family. Nelson agrees, saying she sees French as if she’s her own mother, a show of affection and the source of the pair’s one ongoing dispute.

“You’re not like my daughter,” French protests. “You’re like my sister.”

For now, the two continue their routine, knowing each shift may be Nelson's last. She keeps a copy of her work authorization zipped in a black cloth pouch that she carries everywhere, in case she is stopped. Each Sunday, she sinks to her knees in church, praying for an answer. She worries for herself and for French.

“It makes me feel depressed,” Nelson says. “It could be difficult for her without me.”

___

Salomon reported from Miami.

___

Matt Sedensky can be reached at msedensky@ap.org and https://x.com/sedensky

Efforts were underway to retrieve the bodies of the four climbers despite the harsh weather, according to senior government officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. They did not immediately identify which bodies were found.

Bad weather continued to hamper the rescue effort Friday, according to a statement from the Gilgit-Baltistan region's Chief Minister Amjad Hussain.

The climbers lost contact with their base camp after an avalanche struck Broad Peak while they were attempting to scale the mountain, said Karrar Haidri, vice president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan. “The team has been out of communication since Thursday,” said Haidri, adding that army helicopters were part of the search-and-rescue operation.

Authorities said the search for the missing climbers continued until Friday evening and would resume Saturday.

According to the Alpine Club, the expedition comprised five Nepali climbers, Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, Omani climber Nathira, American climber Mallory Geis, a Chinese climber identified only as Wang, and another foreign climber.

On Friday, China’s government said it was trying to verify whether any of its nationals were among the 10 climbers missing.

“We will provide assistance to Chinese citizens in need and are also willing to offer help in accordance with the needs of the Pakistani side,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Friday in Beijing.

The expedition leader was the renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, a Nepal-born former soldier in the British army widely known as Nims Dai. He climbed the world’s 14 highest peaks in a record 189 days in 2019, an achievement featured in the Netflix documentary, “14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible.” His record was surpassed in 2023.

Moving Mountains, a travel company based in Pakistan, announced late last month that the expedition team was on its way to the small town of Askole and wished them a safe journey climbing Broad Peak. The company said this was Geis’ first try at an 8,000-meter peak in Pakistan, while it was expected to be Sakhi’s final one.

Sakhi is a guide for the company, as well as a geographer and high-altitude photographer, and has climbed some of the world’s major peaks, according to Moving Mountains’ website.

Geis, 39, lives in San Antonio. She announced on social media earlier this year that she was closing her Pilates studio to take “a giant leap of faith into the unknown to see where life goes. I have a sneaking suspicion there will be lots of helmets, harnesses, and crampons involved.”

Broad Peak, at 8,047 meters (26,401 feet), is the world’s 12th-highest mountain. It lies in Pakistan’s Karakoram range, home to five of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, attracting climbers from around the globe.

Accidents are common during climbing expeditions in northern Pakistan because of avalanches and rapidly changing weather.

___

Khan reported from Peshawar, Pakistan. AP journalist E. Eduardo Castillo in Beijing and Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed to this report.

The Seat 3 commissioner, Undine George, is seeking re-election and faces a challenger, Jacob David Dascomb. The Seat 3 race will only appear on the November general election ballot. As it is a non-partisan race, candidates run without party affiliation.

News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.

NON-PARTISAN CANDIDATES

Jacob David Dascomb

Occupation: Patent professional (intellectual property law)

Age: 40

Family: Wife of 8 years and three sons -- ages 6, 3, and 1

Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering -- FSU 2008; M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering -- UF 2009; JD (juris doctor) -- American University Washington College of Law 2019;

Political experience: This is my first run for public office

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Stop reckless development; make taxes more affordable; provide choice to residents to elect one of their commissioners;

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

My opponent has voted to raise taxes 12 years in a row and runs a law office that handles property matters in the City’s jurisdiction; I can provide unbiased decision making and finally deliver a tax cut for residents;

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

Giving residents a chance to vote for change at City Hall; Residents have only had the opportunity to vote for one commission seat (out of 5 total) for one term in more than 8 years -- Residents need the chance to actually elect the commissioner who represents them

Campaign website: jacob4sab.com

Campaign social media: Not yet active

Undine Celeste George

Occupation: In addition to being your City Commissioner, I’m an Attorney and owner of Anastasia Law, located in St. Augustine Beach since 2010. I have an extensive background in real estate and civil litigation but recently narrowed my practice to focus on estate planning, probate and trust administration. I am a former Pres. of the SJC Bar Assoc. and founding board member for SJC Assoc. for Women Lawyers.

For 24 yrs I’ve made active contributions to our community, volunteering with dozens of non profits and community groups; I believe it is crucial for elected officials to stay in touch with the needs of her, or his, neighbors. Therefore, I currently serve on the Board of Directors for St. Johns County Council on Aging, as well as the Friends of the GTM National Estuary Research Reserve. I’m a member of Rotary (“service before self”) & a 4th generation Elks lodge member.

Age: 48

Family: Family is very precious to me; I am blessed to have a large, extended family. Both of my parents moved here, shortly after I did; they raised me to value community service. I met my husband at St. Aug. Beach City Hall (who was on the Commission at that time & also is a former mayor).

Education: I received a scholarship to study law at Suffolk University Law School and earned a Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, with an Honors Concentration in International Law, with distinction for achieving a 4.0 GPA.

For undergraduate, I first studied at Massachusetts College of Art, with a dual major in Art History and Oil Painting. After completing my Junior year, I transferred into a Philosophy program at Suffolk University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy, Summa Cum Laude.

My Sacred Heart high school (Stone Ridge; Bethesda, MD) not only provided me with a rigorous academic education but also reinforced my interest in community service, with its five foundational goals: a personal and active faith in God; a deep respect for intellectual values; social awareness impelling to action; the building of community; and personal growth in wise freedom.

As a City Commissioner I successfully attended and completed the Florida League of Cities’ Institute for Elected Municipal Officials program.

Political experience: Appointed to the St. Augustine Beach Planning Zoning Board in 2006 - 2010. First elected as City Commissioner of St. Augustine Beach in 2010. Elected as Mayor of St. Augustine Beach in 2018 and 2019 (2 term limit); elected as Vice Mayor in 2016 and 2017.

Key successes during my service: first female mayor with 16 years of service; preservation and accreditation of the beach police (after Commission efforts to dismantle dept.); secured the 35 foot building height limit in the City Charter; kept taxes low despite Covid & major hurricanes (today’s total millage is less than it was ten years ago); preserved Ocean Hammock Park and Hammock Dunes Park; reductions in cost of flood insurance policies for beach residents by as much as 90% due to city policies and FEMA map updates in 2018; installed and improved many beach walkovers; planted thousands of sea oats to protect against coastal flooding; following storms like Hurricane Matthew (2016) and Irma (2017), improved emergency response coordination, recovery processes, and infrastructure hardening; major investments in drainage infrastructure, especially along A1A Beach Blvd and low-lying neighborhoods, have reduced chronic street flooding and improved resilience to heavy rains and king tides; various streetscape improvements, pedestrian crossings and beautification projects.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Top issues are: (1) Protect low taxes and high-quality services during a critical transition. With our city manager, Max Royle, retiring (after 37 years) and potential homestead revenue loss, I’ll ensure steady, experienced leadership and fiscal discipline for a smooth management handoff. (2) Public safety and neighborhood livability. With more tourism, e-bikes, and projects like SunTrail, I’ll push ongoing ordinance review, support the Police Department, and manage parking and traffic impacts. (3) Preserve St. Augustine Beach’s character (our beaches, tree canopy, family-friendly and pet-friendly quality of life, and thoughtful growth) by stewarding natural spaces, amenities, and small businesses.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I’m seeking re-election because I care deeply for St. Aug. Beach. It’s the most desirable place to live & that didn’t happen by accident. I’m proud that my 16 years of hard work on the Commission helped shape the quality of life we now enjoy! But the City is facing some big changes ahead with the City Manager’s retirement, possible change in our city attorney and possible loss of homestead revenues. These changes could cause serious disruption to our services and quality of life. Many neighbors and colleagues on the Commission asked me to seek another term specifically because my experience & institutional knowledge will help ease us through those changes, with efficiency.

I can help constituents immediately because I’m already prepared to serve. After 16 years in office, I’ve built a foundation of knowledge in city codes, procedures, state laws and budgeting, so I won’t be learning on the job. My opponent seems like a nice guy; I met with him and we’ve talked a couple times. He didn’t share his platform or view of the issues with me, so I don’t know what he stands for, but he articulated only a passing interest, and no essential experience. I admire his courage in stepping forward but it takes a few years to become acquainted with the role of a Commissioner, to learn the limits of the office, and the unintended consequences of budgetary, legislative or policy decisions. I encouraged him to fill a vacancy on a planning or advisory board, to explore his interest and knowledge further, but don’t believe he was interested.

Residents likely remember that in the City’s not-to-distant past: some personalities on the Commission were a detriment; others misused the power of the position, or resigned unexpectedly; the Commission didn’t always have the professional reputation that it has today. A fresh voice on the Commission might be a good idea when the timing is right. But the Commission already has new members and the next two years are critical; now is the time to stay steady at the helm.

The current Commission is the most effective, professional and well reputed Commission that has existed throughout the 24 years I’ve lived here. It makes no sense to disrupt that at this time; I have a proven track record of selfless service for the good of our City. I’ve listened to residents at commission meetings, been persuaded to change opinions when objective reasoning affords it, built relationships with other governments and agencies for the benefit of our City, and approached decisions with critical thinking, an open mind, while using my legal training and creativity for problem-solving. I’m deeply committed to protecting our small-town character, our environment, and taxpayer value. If the people think it best to re-elect me, I will be more than happy to continue that service!

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

Someone who always “walked” her “talk”, asked the difficult questions, left her ego at the door before walking into a meeting, did all she could to help her community, nurtured what we love about living in St. Augustine Beach, and did it all with a smile!

Campaign website: www.VoteUndine.com

Campaign social media: None given

The conflict, now in its sixth month, halted most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that previously served as a delivery route for a fifth of the world's oil and natural gas. With global supplies constrained, prices for Brent crude, the international standard, soared from about $70 to above $100 a barrel for much of March, April and May, and at one point reached $126.

The money that oil companies accrued between the beginning of April and the end of June could receive extra scrutiny this year. Gasoline, diesel and jet fuel prices climbed sharply during that period, increasing costs for drivers and airline passengers. Supplies ran low in some countries, leading to sporadic fuel rationing in Australia and government office closures in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Exxon Mobil on Friday reported that its second quarter profits doubled to $14.53 billion, boosted by record diesel production. The oil giant, based in Spring, Texas, brought in $116.02 billion in revenue, up 42%.

Chevron, based in Houston, nearly quadrupled its profits to $12.07 billion and revenue jumped 56% to $70.06 billion.

Six of Europe’s largest oil companies posted combined first-quarter profits of $22 billion, more than 40% higher than last year.

“There are constituencies around the world who are having a very good crisis, and the oil producers are one of them,” said Patrick Galey, fossil fuels lead at Global Witness, a nonprofit organization that investigates environmental issues. “When you compare that to the hundreds of millions of people who are struggling with rolling blackouts, with electricity curbs, rationing, waiting in line for food queues, or the disruption to fertilizers and the potential impact that that has on food prices, we don’t think that it’s a justifiable price for the rest of the world to be paying.”

Lawmakers propose taxing major oil producers for war windfalls

Energy companies such as Exxon and Chevron do not set the price of American oil, which ricocheted from $68 to $115 a barrel during the quarter. It’s driven by supply and demand, and what traders, refiners and other buyers are willing to pay.

Nevertheless, Democrats in Congress introduced bills in March to tax major oil producers for profits they show from 2026 onward and have the tax proceeds redistributed to consumers.

“It’s fair to put a windfall profits tax on inordinate windfall profits rather than cut off children’s food programs,” Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat who introduced the Senate version of the legislation.

Whitehouse's measure and a companion bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna of California would amend the U.S. tax code to impose a per-barrel tax on companies that produced or imported at least 300,000 barrels of oil per day in 2025.

“We cracked $4 again per gallon last weekend in gas stations that I drove by, and that’s a big expense, particularly for families that get their income from driving around from job to job in the work van or the work truck,” Whitehouse said.

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the U.S., which was below $3 before the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran, reached $4.11 Friday, about $1 more than ast year at this time.

The UK and other European countries implemented temporary windfall profits taxes on fossil fuel companies in 2022. The UK extended that to 2030, according to Tax Foundation Europe.

“Penalizing the businesses who stood by those countries and provided that product going forward is very short-sighted,” Exxon CEO Darren Woods said in a call with investors Friday. “We canceled investments that we had planned for Europe based on the last time they passed a windfall profits tax.”

Refineries rake in cash while consumers pay more for fuel

Outfits such as Exxon and Chevron, which also own refineries, are in the best position to profit from the current market conditions, said Tom Seng, assistant professor of energy finance at Texas Christian University.

Refineries turn oil into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and home heating oil. Higher prices for those products meant Chevron’s quarterly refinery profit was six times as big in 2026, despite processing less crude and selling less products.

“The return on refining, on a percentage basis, has skyrocketed,” Seng said. “Oil right now is priced what it is priced because of the Iran war. But in the meantime, the refineries are making money hand over fist.”

The global refining market is under-supplied, and with countries such as Russia and China no longer exporting, companies like Exxon and Chevron have to pick it up, said Rob Thummel, senior portfolio manager at Tortoise Capital. “The world is going to be short jet fuel, diesel and gasoline, so we’ll probably continue to see higher profits there.”

Globally, not all refineries have been able to get the supply of crude oil they need to meet demand since the conflict began, said Timothy Fitzgerald, a University of Tennessee professor of business economics who studies the petroleum industry.

As a result, refineries that have ample oil to work with, including those in the U.S., are turning high profits, particularly when they make jet fuel and diesel, which is priced about 41% higher in the U.S. than before the Strait of Hormuz was blocked.

"If you’re a company that owns a bunch of refinery capacity, things look pretty good," Fitzgerald said.

American refineries are running at near-full capacity and poised to benefit because some refineries in the Middle East and Russia were damaged. And Asia can't get the amount of Middle East oil needed for refining.

“Ultimately, users of the energy services pay,” Fitzgerald said. “Consumers, people like you and me buying retail motor gasoline or diesel fuel or airplane tickets. But it also means that almost everything else we buy has an embedded energy content to it ... and this is where you start to worry about it driving increases in costs.”

Not all oil and gas companies benefit in the same way

In the present geopolitical environment, some companies are winners while others are losers, Fitzgerald said.

“If you’re a company like a U.S. (oil) producer, even a U.S.-based international company like an Exxon or Chevron who’s got lots of production outside the Gulf, things are good. You’re selling your product at a higher price,” he said.

But companies in the Middle East that are not able to benefit from higher prices because they are struggling to get their liquefied natural gas out of the Persian Gulf or have a lot of damaged oil fields or processing facilities have a very different take on recent events, Fitzgerald added.

“Your ability to sell anything and the volume that you may be getting out is so curtailed that your revenues are way down and you’re incurring higher transportation costs and security costs,” he said.

Exxon and Chevron weren’t as profitable in the first quarter due to the way oil is traded; the first real opportunity they had to take advantage of higher prices oil was in April. Companies that had a lot of oil stored in floating tankers and available for spot-market trading, including some European ones, were able to benefit from March’s higher oil prices, Seng said.

News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE

Jose Javier Rodriguez

Occupation: Workers’ rights attorney

Age: 47

Family: Wife and two kids

Education: Brown University, B.A.

Harvard Law School, J.D.

Political experience: Former Florida State Senator; former Florida State Representative; former Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Labor.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

The top three issues are crime, costs and corruption. Florida families are getting squeezed by rising insurance, housing, utility, and grocery costs while powerful interests keep winning in Tallahassee, enabled by corruption and a lack of accountability at the top.

As Attorney General, I will protect communities from dangerous people and organizations and will provide police and prosecutors the support they need as partners in that work; will go after scams, fraud, price gouging, wage theft, and corporate abuse; and will take on corruption when powerful interests put their profits ahead of Floridians.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

Unlike my opponent, I have a record of actually fighting for people — and I know how to use the law to help Floridians when they are being cheated, exploited, or ignored.

As a workers’ rights attorney, I represent workers who have been cheated and mistreated. As a legislator, I took on powerful special interests directly, including electric companies. That is the kind of fight the Attorney General’s office should be picking, instead of chasing headlines, playing to Washington, or using the office as a political weapon.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I hope to be remembered for restoring the Attorney General’s office to its core mission: being the People’s Lawyer and fighting for the people of Florida.

That means keeping communities safe, lowering costs for families and small businesses, holding powerful interests accountable and taking on corruption in Tallahassee. Most of all, I want Floridians to know that when they are cheated, exploited or taken advantage of, their Attorney General is on their side.

Campaign website: www.jjr.vote

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

James Uthmeier

Campaign website: jamesforfl.com

Campaign social media: X

The Republican incumbent, appointed in 2025, has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

Evelyn Castillo-Bach

Campaign website: evelynforgovernor.org

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | BlueSky

The Democratic candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

Thomas Eloy Fernandez

Occupation: Retired United States Air Force Veteran, Healthcare Professional, Nonprofit Executive, and Community Advocate.

Age: 49

Family: Thomas is married and the proud father of two children. His family has called Florida home since 1997 and has spent years serving communities across the state through military service, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, and community outreach.

Education: Associate degree from Miami Dade College; Bachelor of Science from Weber State University; Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from Rutgers School of Health Professions. Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (ASCP).

Political experience: While this is my first campaign for elected office, I have spent more than two decades serving in leadership positions in the United States Air Force, healthcare, emergency management, nonprofit organizations, and community service. My experience has been built on leading people, solving complex problems, managing public resources responsibly, and serving others.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Florida families deserve a government focused on solving problems. My top priorities are affordability, including homeowners insurance and housing costs; expanding access to quality healthcare, especially for seniors, veterans, and underserved communities; and restoring trust through transparent, accountable government. I will work with local communities, businesses, and the Legislature to develop practical solutions that strengthen our economy, improve public services, and protect Florida’s natural resources while keeping our state affordable and competitive.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I bring a unique combination of military leadership, healthcare expertise, emergency management experience, and years of community service. For more than 20 years, I served our nation in the United States Air Force, helping lead teams through complex challenges while remaining accountable to those I served. Since retiring, I have continued serving Florida families through nonprofit work, helping veterans, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and working families navigate real-life challenges. My campaign is built on listening, bringing people together, and delivering practical, accountable solutions that improve everyday life for Floridians.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I hope to be remembered for making Florida more affordable, restoring trust in state government, strengthening healthcare and education, supporting veterans and working families, protecting our environment, and leaving Florida stronger, more united, and better prepared for future generations than when I took office.

Campaign website: qrco.de/novaforflorida

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram

Dayna Marie Foster

Occupation: BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER

Age: 32

Family: (No answer)

Education: Fort Lauderdale High School (HS Diploma - 2011), Broward College (Associate of Arts - 2015), Florida Atlantic University (Bachelor of Science in Finance - 2019), Florida International University (Master of Science in Finance - 2021), Florida State University (Master of Science in Information - 2022)

Political experience: N/A

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

First, expanding economic opportunity and affordable housing, so working Floridians can build secure, stable lives. Second, guaranteeing healthcare for all and strengthening public education because quality care and good schools should be within everyone’s reach. Third, building safer, stronger communities through commonsense gun reform and a firm commitment to human rights. By tackling these issues, my solutions would create a more equitable and prosperous future for every person in our state.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

What sets me apart from the career politicians in this race is that I’m not funded by corporate special interests. I don’t answer to political machines. I answer directly to the people.

As a public school teacher for over a decade, I live the same exact reality as everyday Floridians. I know firsthand how rising property taxes, a strained education system, and skyrocketing housing costs impact working families, because I feel it too. I’m running to put people over politics and to bring public service back into public office.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

When my time in office is done, I want to be remembered for completely shifting how leadership looks in Florida. I hope my legacy is a state where our public schools are fully funded and teachers are finally respected, where working families aren’t being priced out of their own neighborhoods by skyrocketing housing costs, and where our diverse communities can thrive without fear of political scapegoating. Most of all, I want to be remembered for proving that a truly grassroots, people-powered campaign can take on corporate special interests and win. I want Floridians to look back and say that we brought transparency, empathy, and real accountability back to our state.

Campaign website: www.fosterforflorida.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn

David Jolly

Occupation: Attorney

Age: 53

Family: Wife: Laura Jolly; Children: Daughter Cece and Son Teddy

Education: Undergraduate: Emory University B.A. in History, 1994

Law School: George Mason University J.D. cum laude, 2001

Political experience: In March of 2014, I was elected to the 114th Congress and in November of 2014, I was re-elected to the 115th Congress. Prior to that, I spent nearly 20 years working with or adjacent to the United States Congress, including serving as General Counsel to U.S. Rep. Bill Young during his Chairmanship of the House Appropriations Committee.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

My top priorities are housing, healthcare, and education. I’ll work to lower homeowners’ insurance costs by creating a state catastrophic fund, and invest in workforce and affordable housing. I’ll work to expand Medicaid and access to primary care through community health clinics, nonprofits, and federally qualified health centers. I’ll lead a 10-year renaissance in public education using tourist tax dollars, pay teachers more, and ensure all publicly funded choice schools meet required academic and service standards.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

In an era of hyper-partisanship and increased division, I’m building a coalition focused on big solutions to big problems – a state catastrophic fund to reduce homeowner’s insurance by over 50%, increased access to primary healthcare for all Floridians, a 10-year renaissance in public education. I served in Congress as a Republican, I spent 6 years organizing the independent space, today I’m a proud Florida Democrat. But I’m not driven by party identification, I’m running to get us past our party identifications.

I also bring concrete policy solutions to issues Floridians face right now: affordability, rising insurance costs, stagnant wages, gaps in education, healthcare access, and economic opportunity. These are the basics of people’s personal economies and current financial concerns.

I am committed to practical, results‑driven policymaking, and I am focused on improving the quality of life in this state by addressing the issues that matter most to families, workers, and communities across Florida.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I believe the economy should work for everyone, government can do its part to improve our lives, and everyone’s rights should be protected regardless of the color of your skin, where you were born, who you love, or who you worship. I hope to be remembered for restoring faith in that vision for all Floridians, building a state that expands opportunity and lowers the historically high cost of living.

Campaign website: davidjolly.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | Threads | BlueSky

Dotie Joseph

Occupation: Florida State Representative, Attorney

Age: (No response)

Family: My loving family includes my parents (a pastor and nurse), siblings (public school teacher, dentist and law student), and lots of extended family.

Education: B.A., Yale University

J.D., Georgetown Law Center

Political experience: Florida House of Representatives, Democratic Minority Leader Pro Tempore

First Vice Chair, Miami-Dade Democratic Executive Committee

Democracy Program Intern with former President Jimmy Carter, Carter Center

Intern and Legislative Correspondent, Congressman Peter Deutsch

Volunteer Attorney, Yale Political Action Chair, and lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

Volunteer election protection attorney with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

(1) Make Florida Affordable for ALL

Floridians are struggling with skyrocketing costs, and it’s time to end culture wars and focus on practical solutions for our families. My priority is lowering everyday expenses—housing, healthcare, property insurance, groceries, and gas–and I’ve previously filed legislation to address these issues. I successfully worked across the aisle to pass laws to cap insulin costs, extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from one month to a full year, and allocate $9 million to address health disparities. As Governor, I plan to fight for and sign bold legislation—like the Real Affordable Housing Act (to address underlying issues increasing housing stock and mitigate rent prices), the Healthy Florida Act (establishing universal healthcare), and the Florida Economic and Prosperity Act (lower grocery costs, support small businesses)

2. Protect Our Civil Rights and Democracy

As a civil rights attorney, defending fundamental rights is my life’s work–including litigating discrimination cases to the U.S. Supreme Court; negotiating bipartisan police reform; and numerous laws to empower and protect survivors of domestic violence, refugees, and child or elder abuse. As Governor, I plan to use my veto power to protect against legislative overreach, voter disenfranchisement, and any attempt to infringe on our civil rights.

3. Less Hate, More Love with Real Community Care

In a world in which politics has become dominated by fear-mongering, division, and hate, I believe that we should “love thy neighbor” and treat everyone with compassion and respect. As a government attorney and state legislator, I’ve seen where government works for people, and how it can work against people. As Governor, I want to make government work for all of us, not just the 1%. That means having an agenda that provides meaningful support for our most vulnerable populations–like seniors and veterans who will feel the impact of the federal cuts to programs like Medicare, Social Security, and the Affordable Care Act. Loving thy neighbor also means feeding the hungry, protecting our local environment, caring for our seniors, and protecting our environment.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

What sets me apart in this race is that I bring a uniquely effective combination of proven bipartisan legislative results, legal expertise, and my genuine compassion for and commitment to caring for people.

Unmatched Civil Rights & Legal Record: As a civil rights and government attorney, defending fundamental rights isn’t just a talking point—it’s my life’s work. I have litigated employment discrimination class-action cases all the way to wins at the U.S. Supreme Court, fought for victims of police brutality, negotiated bipartisan police reform after George Floyd’s murder, and advocated for domestic violence survivors, immigrants, and refugees long before it was popular.

A Proven Track Record of Delivering Results–lowering costs, expanding access to healthcare: While others make promises, I have already delivered real solutions for Florida families. I successfully passed legislation extending postpartum Medicaid coverage from one month to a full year, capped insulin costs, and secured $9 million to directly address community health disparities.

Actionable Policy Solutions Ready on Day One: I don’t just point out problems; I author concrete legislation to fix them. I have filed comprehensive bills like the Real Affordable Housing Act to increase housing supply and address rent, the Healthy Florida Act to establish universal healthcare, and the Florida Economic and Prosperity Act to lower grocery costs, support small businesses, and protect our workforce.

Bold Executive Action: As Governor, I plan to leverage every tool of the executive branch to protect Floridians—using my veto power to block legislative overreach and voter disenfranchisement, using my pardon power to safeguard women and healthcare providers seeking or delivering reproductive care, and moving decisively to restore voting rights for returning citizens.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I hope to be remembered as:

- a leader who made a tangible difference in people’s lives, restored goodwill among neighbors, and rejected divisive culture wars and fear-mongering.

- the governor who made Florida truly affordable for ALL—fundamentally lowering the cost of living by expanding affordable housing, capping prescription drug costs, lowering grocery prices, and guaranteeing accessible healthcare so working families no longer have to choose between paying their rent or taking care of their health.

- a Governor who defended our democracy and protected our civil rights.

- Established compassion and real care to governance, replacing division and hate with love, service, and dignity by building a state that actively cares for the sick, feeds the hungry, shelters those in need, protects our environment, and treats our immigrant communities with respect.

Campaign website: dotiejoseph.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram

Stephann Norman

Occupation: (No answer)

Age: 31

Family: (No answer)

Education: AIU Online Bachelor’s Degree Business Management Magna Cum Laude

Political experience: (No answer)

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

1. True Affordable Housing- Rent Reduction

2. Florida Healthcare- Expand State Medicaid, to cover seniors, children, veterans and those with disabilities

3. Revitalize Education AND Environment- Revamp education with truth, integrity, and critical thinking. Start a clean up of the environment and begin to help the environment recover.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

By creating ways for Floridians to have affordable rent so they have more disposable income for food and less medical expenses. Being bold, fearless and willing to act on my true intentions to help the people of Florida. A true, authentic Democrat that understands that helping everyday working-class people is a labor of love and with the help of God ALL things are possible while standing up and fighting for Florida.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

To be remembered as the one who did everything he could for the betterment of Florida and Floridians. Being inspired by God to run for office as He explained to me that instead of looking for someone else to do something for me or vote for, to look in the mirror and become the change I want to see in Florida and in life. Therefore, remember me as the one who answered back to God with a “yes” selflessly. No pride, ego, or ulterior motive because Floridians and Florida are at the top of my mind.

Campaign website: www.sn4flgovernor.org

Campaign social media: Instagram | X | TikTok

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

Jay Collins

Occupation: Lieutenant Governor of Florida, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Retired U.S. Army Green Beret after more than 23 years of service, including combat.

Age: 50 years old

Family: I am married to my wife, Layla, who is a 20-year veteran of the United States Army. We have two sons, Gabe and Colt.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences and pre-medicine from American Military University, Master of Science in organizational leadership from Norwich University

Political experience: Lieutenant Governor of Florida, 2025–present

Florida State Senator, 2022–2025

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Education, affordability, and public safety.

As Governor, I will keep parents in charge of education and expand real pathways for every student, college, trades, and the military, so Florida kids are ready for the future they choose, not the future Washington picks for them.

I will make Florida affordable again by eliminating taxes on homesteaded property, protecting essential services, and fighting the insurance and everyday costs crushing families and seniors. Florida should be a place where you can own a home and build a life, not just survive the bill.

And I will keep Florida safe by backing law enforcement, holding repeat offenders accountable, and leading through storms with the same urgency I learned in combat. Growth is welcome when it strengthens Florida. It is not welcome when ordinary Floridians get stuck with the cost.

Washington politicians talk about these problems. I have already been fighting them here, and as Governor I will finish the job.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

As Governor Ron DeSantis’s handpicked Lieutenant Governor, I already help lead the free state of Florida. I am not a politician from Washington. I am a Green Beret who has already been doing the job.

Washington politicians can point to speeches, cable hits, and a brand built in Congress. I can point to command under fire and results in Tallahassee. I led men into combat as a Green Beret. I was shot, operated on my own arm, lost my leg, and went back to the fight. Then in the Florida Senate I sponsored constitutional carry, helped restrict hostile foreign interests in Florida land, and required our schools to teach the history and horrors of communism.

That is the difference in this race. One path is D.C. politics. The other is earned leadership forged in combat and proven in Florida government. Florida does not need another politician from Washington. Florida needs a warrior ready on day one to protect what we built under Governor DeSantis, strengthen it, and put more points on the board. When Florida leads, America wins.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I want to be remembered as the governor who refused to let Florida become another Washington story.

Not remembered for cable hits, stock trades, or ducking hard debates. Remembered for keeping Florida free, safe, and affordable. For backing the badge. For making sure families could own a home without being taxed out of it. For leading through storms instead of spinning through them.

Washington politicians run on attention. I will run on results. I am not a politician. I am a Green Beret who came here to finish the mission: protect what we built under Governor DeSantis, strengthen it, and hand Florida to the next generation stronger than we found it.

Campaign website: www.jayforflorida.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

Byron Donalds

Occupation: Congressman

Financial Advisor

Age: 47

Family: Erika Donalds, wife

Damon Donalds, son

Darin Donalds, son

Mason Donalds, son

Education: Florida State University, Bachelor of Arts Finance and Marketing

Political experience: Florida House of Representatives, 2016-2020

U.S. Congress, 2020-present

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Affordability:

Cut property taxes and insurance rates

Modernize permitting and planning to lower the cost of home construction

Increase competition in healthcare to lower costs for prescription medicines and doctor visits

Audit all state and local government spending to root out waste, fraud, and abuse

Education:

Every Florida student deserves a quality education. We will protect school choice so families, not the government, decide what’s best for their kids. And it starts early: every student will be reading at grade level by the third grade, because a strong foundation in reading is the building block for everything that comes after.

We will give every Florida student a personalized plan starting in sixth grade, co-created with parents, that treats college, trade, military, and entrepreneurship as equally valuable paths. Education dollars will follow the student, not a default track, with dual enrollment, certifications, and apprenticeships counting toward graduation. Students who change direction won’t lose time or money, and employers will help design real career pathways.

Law and Order:

I will stand firmly with Florida’s law enforcement, working hand in hand to uphold the rule of law while opposing any effort to defund or demoralize them. Endorsed by the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the majority of Florida’s Sheriffs, I’ve earned the trust of the men and women on the front lines. We’ll back tougher penalties for violent crime, support policies that keep dangerous offenders off our streets, and ensure officers have the resources, training, and respect they deserve. Safe communities start with backing the men and women who protect them, without exception.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I’m a proven conservative endorsed by Trump. I understand affordability struggles Floridians are facing having grown up in a family that lived paycheck to paycheck. I am focused on solutions to make life more affordable for Floridians.

I’m the only candidate who’s worked in the real world. I began my career in finance starting as a credit analyst, working up the ladder to financial advisor. I can make decisions without a staffer explaining them to me. I have a winning record in and out of office.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I came to Florida at 17 on a Greyhound bus with nothing but a trunk full of clothes. This state has given me everything. I’ve been able to build a life, family, and career in Florida. I want to make sure everyone who calls this state home has the same shot at the Florida Dream that I did. Florida is the best state in the nation, and I intend to keep it that way.”

Campaign website: byrondonalds.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube

James Fishback

Campaign website: fishback2026.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram | X

The Republican candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

Jim Holcomb

Occupation: Orlando firefighter 1974 - 2004

Mount Dora, FL, HS math teacher, Special Education, 2005 - 2013

Home builder, 1970 to 2023 ( part time), only 3 subcontractors

Age: 74 years old

Family: Wife, KarenKae

4 daughters

4 grandchildren

19 cats, we rescue cats

Education: Harper Creek HS, Michigan, 1968

Lyman HS, Longwood, Florida, 1970

University of Central Florida, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, 1974.

National - Louis University, Master of Education, 2010.

Political experience: 29 plus years City of Orlando employee.

29 plus years union membership, AFL - CIO.

7 plus years Lake County Public School, employee.

7 plus years teachers union membership LCEA

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

First, maybe 40% of our insurance premiums are going to attorney prize lotteries. I want to initiate an Injury Compensation Program, similar to Workers Compensation Program. The State, insurance companies, businesses, and injured individuals have injuries repaired on a yearly program as long as necessary.

Second, circuit court judges and other Florida judges are not complying with the Code of Judicial Conduct. No supervision or transparency exists. Judicial Malpractice is protected by other judges and the Florida Attorney General with the Doctrine of Judicial Immunity. Judges are also protected from malpractice damages. I want all circuit court hearings to be audio and video recorded and part of court records. I also want the county Sheriff complying with Florida Statute 26.49 and supervising as the Circuit Court Executive Officer. I also want Florida Constitution Article 4, Section 1 complied with, “The governor shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

Third, Building Departments throughout Florida are using Extortion Practices with fines that exceed $90,000 per year. The Florida Building Departments are also violating the US Constitution’s Fourth Amendment that prohibits unlawful search, seizure, and trespass without a warrant, using a requirement to obtain a Building Permit to supersede the 4th Amendment. My solution is no fines allowed unless through Florida Statute 125.56. The Building Department should be privatized by building financial institutions who already inspect their financed construction. Doctors do not have Doctor Departments to allow doctors to practice medicine, Contractors do not need permits to practice building.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I am returning to the taxpayers all governor pay and pension money. I am not sending mailed campaign flyers. I am more like the voters than the others running for governor.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

Problem solving and listening to the Florida citizens.

Campaign website: jimholcomb4governor.com

Campaign social media: None given

Arthur Joseph McCaffrey

Occupation: I have 3 Corporations, but I mostly only work with one, that is a Rental House business.

My current job... is running to become GOVERNOR of the State of Florida, so I can make this State a State of FREEDOM.

Age: 59

Family: Young Wife (35), and our 6 little kids, ages 1-9yo.

Education: Architectural Engineering

Political experience: I grew up as Democrat, and then switched to Republican about 30 years ago. But I still believe in both sides, as long as they properly agree, to make our State, as good as it can be.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

I know Ron Desantis, has already filed so many new Laws, but I haven’t had time, to see what all of them are. However, I did see the Property Tax issue, and I emailed with Ron Desantis, about the Property Tax issue. If he doesn’t fix it, then I WILL.

Another issue, that is SO important to me, is the definition of what PROBABLE CAUSE is.

Hundred of thousands of people, have SUFFERED from FALSE ARRESTS (including Me). And that needs to STOP.

PROBABLE CAUSE needs to be redefined, to REQUIRE at least one piece of PHYSICAL EVIDENCE (not just the lying words that come out of someone’s mouth).

I have over 100 items on my list, of what to do as GOVERNOR. And, many of them are important.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

Because I will truly only care about the PEOPLE, the LAND, and FREEDOM. I know how to do it, and the PEOPLE will be very FREE in Florida.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I would hope that the PEOPLE, would remember, how I made Florida a better place to live.

A LIFE of HAPPINESS should be Remembered.

Campaign website: I don’t have one yet, because I think I may be the only ‘non-rich’ person, who is running. I’m pretty sure, that almost every candidate is rich. But I’ve met the other Candidates, and they do not seem to be as good for GOVERNOR than I will be.

Campaign social media: And I don’t have these either.

Daniel Nokovich

Occupation: Retired

Age: 65

Family: 6 Biological Children. 3 boys and 3 girls. One beautiful, amazing wife. I married at 52 years old, started having children at 53. Had my last child at 60 years old. Delivered my last three children.

Education: High school, 3 1/2 years at public university and community college. 1 year at Christian College institutes

Political experience: Just an avid student of politics

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Electricity elevated costs./ Introduce competition, decentralize the electric grid by offering Personal Power Plants at every service location.

Pure Water act, We must make pure water a guaranteed commodity, reinstate personal water supply initiative (Make personal wells available again).

Abolish Abortion, we can’t expect God to bless a land that has innocent blood covering it. Abel’s blood cried out to God for justice. How many innocent lives have been murdered, whose blood is rising as one to God for help and justice?

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

My Campaign slogan is; ”Returning Florida Back to The People, and The People Back to God!“

I have at least 20 initiatives that can advance the residents of Florida. But if we gain the whole world and lose our soul, what good will all this activity benefit us. I have a message of ownership of Florida belonging to the people and the People given the public opportunity acknowledge the Supremacy of Christ’s government, in their individual life. Not as a theocratic mandate, simply as the founders original intention to cultivate self government through the external acceptance of the Creator’s wisdom, knowledge and understanding to the needs of His own creation...man.

As for serving the people of Florida, it is my belief that all currency collected, be it time or money, should go to the benefit of Floridians and this be the guiding priniciple.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

1) Abolishing Abortion, the most hideous, sadistic, diabolical, horrific and draconian practice.

2) Breaking up the Utilities monopoly on serving their customers.

3) Holding Water Utility companies to the highest pure water standards in the world.

4) Creating a healthcare system that becomes self perpetuation, financially and medically successful. And redefining total health, to include all aspects of living. For example; Financial, mental, psychological, emotional, hygiene, marital, parental, sibling, cultural civility, and so on.

Campaign website: www.nokovichforgovernor.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok

Paul Renner

Occupation: Attorney

Age: 59

Family: Wife- Adriana Renner

Children- Abigail and William Renner

Education: Bachelor of Arts in history at Davidson College

Juris Doctorate at the University of Florida

Political experience: Florida House Member 2015-2024

Speaker of the Florida House 2022-2024

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

The top three issues in Florida are property taxes, homeowners insurance, and public safety and accountability.

First, homeowners are being squeezed by rising property taxes and the increasing cost of living. Families should be able to keep more of the money they earn instead of seeing it consumed by taxes. I will eliminate property taxes while ensuring essential services with replacement taxes that shift the burden from people who live here to people who vacation and speculate in Florida.

When I led the Florida House, the insurance crisis had already reached a breaking point. As Speaker, I championed and passed landmark insurance reforms that helped slow the rapid escalation of premiums across our state. While there is still more work to do, those reforms laid the foundation for a more stable insurance market. Building on that success, I have a plan to expand those reforms and lower insurance rates by 10% to 20%.

Third, we must strengthen public safety and accountability by stopping public corruption, ending human trafficking, and limiting death penalty appeals to three years. We will also vigorously enforce our immigration laws in partnership with the federal government.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I was a key architect with Governor DeSantis in building The Free State of Florida. When I was leading the legislature, conservatives won every battle and no other candidate has that record. Similarly, my Contract with Florida provides the boldest plan to solve our challenges within the first 100 days after I become governor.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I hope to be remembered as a governor who delivered on a bold agenda to solve Florida’s most difficult problems. It’s easy for candidates to promise they will deliver, but too often those promises go unfulfilled. As Speaker, I have already proven that when I make a commitment, I get it done. I intend to bring that same record of action and accountability as governor.

Campaign website: voterenner.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram

Rachel Rodriguez

Occupation: Lawyer - Vires Law Group, PLLC primary office

Age: 46

Family: Married - Husband and three kids

Education: Rutgers University, School of Law – Camden – J.D.

Wheaton College (IL) – B.A.

Political experience: No prior office

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Reclaiming Parental Rights – parental rights come from God, and the state does not have moral authority to those rights away permanently. DCF must support families, not destroy them.

Restoring Medical Freedom – Informed consent for medical treatment must be sacrosanct in law with real consequences, without global policy interference.

Relieving Working Families – We must stop taxing and consuming the dollar as it is being produced. Lower property taxes, insurance, and curb HOAs.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I have already been fighting for Florida individuals’ rights in court and in petition to our Attorney General without credit or platform, and I have understanding of how the systems are failing their constitutional obligations in real time. Rather than merely passing laws, I am advocating for Floridians on the law as passed, so I can see where rubber meets the road on how we need to continue to help Florida Families Flourish.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

Florida individuals and families flourishing because their productivity is not consumed. They are not forced to expend time and resources on fighting the state - and private entities acting as state proxies - to protect and educate their children and make medical decisions, lower incarceration rates due to productivity replacing delinquency and despair, higher birth rate as families feel economic relief and the value of human life is paramount in our state. The surveillance state is stopped dead in its tracks - moratorium on AI data centers and removal of Flock cameras in favor of decentralized AI development by Florida’s own innovators and tech talent. Recover aquifer resources, upgrade of all disaster prevention infrastructure, and restoration of vulnerable ecosystems together with enforcing moratorium on foreign buy-out of residential and agricultural property resources of the state for Florida’s security and Florida-first development, as well as seeing increase in first-time homebuyers.

Campaign website: rachelforgov.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

James W. Shaw

Occupation: Shaw has built multiple successful businesses across transportation, compost farming, real estate, and fast food. He is self funded and puts Florida first.

Age: 66

Family: Married 44 years, 8 children, 28 Grandchildren

Education: Colgate University

Political experience: James Shaw ran for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in 2022 in one of the greatest grassroots campaigns in recent Florida history, earning almost 600,000 votes against the big-agriculture-backed winner — roughly 200,000 votes short of victory. He received more votes than Jay Collins, Byron Donalds, and Paul Renner received in their respective races combined. As a proud member of the Mayflower Society, Shaw is a direct descendant of the Founding Fathers, and he has built multiple successful businesses across transportation, compost farming, real estate, and fast food. He is self-funded, beholden to no PAC, and reports only to the people of Florida. Florida needs a manager.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Economic Freedom / Lower Living Costs

Shaw supports business-friendly policies for agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism that create real opportunity for Florida families. Shaw will aggressively pursue lowering living costs by creating competition driven solutions such as researching promising peptide and anti-parasitic healthcare treatments.

Protect Personal Rights

No vaccine mandates. No digital surveillance state. Shaw says Floridians’ personal sovereignty will never be compromised under his administration.

Stop AI Data Centers / Overdevelopment and the Ai Job Apocalypse

Shaw helped lead the coalition that defeated the “Okee-One” AI data center proposed near Lake Okeechobee, persuading the DeSantis administration to withdraw state funding and support. The project would have consumed millions of gallons of water annually, strained the local power grid, discharged chemical blowdown into already-stressed waterways, and created dangerous heat islands near environmentally sensitive land. Shaw calls it part of a larger fight: Florida is losing an estimated 45,000 acres of land a year, and he wants to keep farmland as farmland while protecting clean beaches, food, and water from unchecked expansion. Shaw is one of the few candidates willing to confront the coming wave of AI-driven job loss head-on. Microsoft’s AI CEO has predicted that most, if not all, white-collar tasks could be automated within 18 months, and computer scientist Stuart Russell has warned of potential 80% unemployment as AI threatens workers from surgeons and journalists to truck drivers and tradespeople. Over 10 million Americans work in transportation alone, and emerging robotics platforms are now targeting construction and skilled-trade jobs as well. Shaw refuses AI PAC money — unlike his leading opponent, who has accepted millions from the same tech interests buying up Florida land and eliminating jobs through AI, driverless cars, and robots.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

Shaw has built multiple successful businesses across transportation, compost farming, real estate, and fast food, and developed a management philosophy he calls “SoftHard™.” The approach works in two phases: first, “soft” — approaching every issue or opportunity with compassion, gathering data, insights, and feedback from every stakeholder, formal and informal; then “hard” — attacking the issue with experts and facts, building strategic policies designed to maximize reward and minimize risk. FL needs a manager!

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

Here’s the full final clean version:

A Vision for Florida

When my time in this office is done, I want Floridians to say: he kept his word, and he kept Florida free.

I want to be remembered for slowing the bulldozers. Florida doesn’t have to pave over every acre of wild land and farmland to prosper. Our coastlines, our springs, our open spaces belong to our grandchildren too.

I want to be remembered for breaking up the cartels that drive up everyday costs. Insurance, healthcare, housing, energy, it doesn’t matter the sector, when a handful of players control a market, Florida families pay the price. Look at peptides, promising treatments held back by heavy restriction. I’ll push to ease that access and drive research forward, so medical prices come down. Competition and innovation drive down costs.

I want to be remembered for putting Florida’s classrooms back on solid ground. Reading. Writing. Cursive. Arithmetic. A work ethic that doesn’t apologize for itself. Skills you can build a life on. Manners and respect, taught alongside math and science, because character isn’t optional in a free society.

I want to be remembered as someone who defended your rights without exception. Your right to speak, to worship, to bear arms, to raise your family as you see fit, and to keep what you earn. Florida should be the freest state in the union, not in name only, but in how its laws treat its people.

I want Florida’s communities safe, with a well trained, well organized citizen force standing alongside law enforcement to keep the peace. Freedom and order walk together.

And I want to be remembered as someone who saw the AI disruption coming for Florida’s workforce, and met it with a plan instead of panic. Retraining. Support for small business and skilled trades. Policies that keep Florida workers ahead of the curve, not left behind by it. Humans need to work, not have Universal Basic Income.

That’s the Florida I’m working toward. Vote Shaw on August 18th.

Campaign website: www.shawforgovernor.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | YouTube

Caneste Succe

Campaign website: succeforgovflorida.com

Campaign social media: None found

The Republican candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

Bobby Williams

Occupation: 1-Founder of The Freedom Tour , a food and disaster relief ministry of 10 years. Put over 100 million pounds into Floridas economy. 2- Low voltage electrical company of 25 years 3- pastor The Freedom Church 8 years.

Age: 49

Family: Andrea Williams Wife 24 years and daughter 23

Education: High school graduate .

Political experience: Working with over 500 different organizations, from government, to charity organizations for COVID to hurricanes. On the EOC of our county handling all materials coming in during storms. Chair of our local CRA.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

1-Overdevelopment- stop rezoning

2- Affordablility - stop allowing lobbyists and big corporations to control our politics and Tallahassee

3- Water and water quality- get our water rights back, stop allowing organizations to pollute and destroy our waterways

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

Not bought , fighting for the people. Getting back to We the people , instead of we the lobbyists and we the big corporations

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

Preserving Florida and making it affordable again

Campaign website: bwflgov.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | TikTok | YouTube

LIBERTARIAN CANDIDATE

Scott Eckhard Jewett

Occupation: Entrepreneur, Inventor, Franchise developer

Age: 66

Family: two daughters, aged 31 and 33. Two grandchildren, one 3 years and one 12 months old.

Education: BS in Business Administration and MBA

Political experience: on Mike ter Maat’s team for his Presidential campaign and was a delegate at the 2024 Libertarian National Conference

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

1. Property insurance Floridians can actually afford.

The last round of reforms stopped the bleeding. Citizens has fallen from roughly 1.4 million policies at the 2023 peak to an all-time low near 279,000, and regulators approved its first rate decrease since 2015. I’ll defend those gains. But stabilization is not affordability, and any politician who tells you this is solved hasn’t opened a Floridian’s mail. We still pay the highest premiums in America — roughly $8,292 a year on average. An 8% cut on a bill that tripled is not relief.

A governor owns this problem in a way no legislator does. I will appoint an Insurance Commissioner whose mandate is the policyholder, not the market — and I’ll say publicly what I expect of that office before I fill it. I’ll appoint Citizens board members who understand it is an insurer of last resort, not a permanent parking lot. I’ll put real money in my recommended budget for home hardening, because the cheapest claim is the one the roof prevents. And I will hold carriers to account on denials, delays, and lowball adjustments. We asked homeowners to give up leverage in court. In exchange they are owed a regulator that actually regulates.

2. Make Florida the world capital of thorium and advanced nuclear energy.

Roughly 73% of Florida’s electricity comes from a single source: natural gas. That is a strategic vulnerability for a peninsula in a hurricane belt, and it is about to collide with the largest demand surge in our history. Advanced nuclear — including thorium fuel cycles — is firm, clean, always-on power that doesn’t blow away in a Category 4.

Florida already came within one committee vote of leading. The House unanimously passed a framework letting the state oversee permitting for advanced reactors, and the Senate let it die. As Governor I will put it back on the agenda in my first legislative session and call a special session if it stalls again. I will appoint Public Service Commissioners who treat advanced nuclear as a priority rather than a footnote. And I will personally negotiate and sign an Agreement State compact with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, giving Florida direct licensing authority over source materials — thorium among them — so that we set our own timeline instead of waiting on Washington. Paired with sustained investment in the University of Florida’s Nuclear Fuels and Materials Characterization Facility, the research, the supply chain, the manufacturing, and the jobs stay in Florida.

3. End property taxes on homesteaded Florida homes.

I am the only candidate who attended the state Legislature meetings and lobbied for a bill to eliminate 100% of property tax on all homestead property owners. You should not pay rent to the government to live in a house you already own. On November 3, voters decide Amendment 3 — the same ballot I’m on. I’m a yes, and I’ll campaign for it in all 67 counties. It raises the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, and opens the path to eliminating non-school homestead property taxes entirely.

Passing it is the easy part. Implementing it is the job, and it lands on the next governor’s desk. I’ll be straight with you: police, fire, and roads still have to be paid for. I will not sign an implementation that hands cities an unfunded mandate and lets Tallahassee take the credit. I’ll bring counties, municipalities, and first responders to the table before the bill is written, demand real spending discipline at every level of government, and use the veto pen if what comes back is a shell game.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

Because I’ll say the thing the others won’t.

There are more than forty people running for this office. Most of them have spent the campaign testing which sentences are safe. I’ve spent it on three positions that are each, in their own way, politically inconvenient: that our insurance market is stabilized but still the most expensive in America and the people who fixed it are done fixing it; that Florida should build a thorium nuclear industry, which is unfamiliar enough that consultants tell you not to mention it; and that we should end property taxes on homesteaded homes and be honest with voters about what that costs instead of pretending the money appears from nowhere. I’d rather lose a race explaining a hard idea than win one by saying nothing.

I hate government waste — not as an applause line, but as the reason most of the rest of this is possible. Florida DOGE’s authority sunset on July 1 of this year. The audits found real bloat, but the process had real problems: a report deadline to lawmakers was missed, and the findings identified wasteful spending without identifying fraud. Counties were handed a headline number and, months later, still hadn’t received the promised line-item audit. Others publicly disputed the math and asked for the underlying work. That’s not accountability — that’s a press conference. As Governor I will make the efficiency function permanent, staff it with auditors instead of communications people, put it beyond the reach of whoever happens to be Governor, and publish every workpaper. If we’re going to tell a county it wasted $300 million, we show our math. Waste-hunting that can’t survive scrutiny isn’t conservative. It’s theater.

And I’ll use the tools the office already has. The line-item veto is the most underused power in Tallahassee. I intend to use it until it stops being news.

My governing philosophy is simple and it is not fashionable in either party: government should do a very small number of things, and do those things extremely well. Protect life, liberty, and property. Enforce contracts. Keep the lights on. Everything past that is negotiable, and most of it should be negotiated down. That means limited government — fewer agencies, fewer mandates, fewer permits between a Floridian and their own plans. It means personal freedom, including in the decisions government has no business auditing in the first place. And it means strong law enforcement, because protecting people from force and fraud is the one job the state cannot delegate. Officers should be well-trained, well-paid, and well-equipped — and they should be funded by a transparent budget, not by seizing property from people who were never convicted of anything. Those two commitments aren’t in tension. They’re the same commitment: government confined to its proper work, and excellent at it.

What voters get from me that they can’t get elsewhere is the willingness to tell them the truth before the election instead of after.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I’d like a Floridian ten years from now to find this question in an archive somewhere and not understand why it was ever hard.

That they own their home outright — that the deed means what it says, and no homesteaded family in this state pays the government rent to live in a house they already bought.

That when the grid holds through a Category 4 and the bill stays low, nobody thinks it’s remarkable, because Florida built the world’s first great thorium nuclear industry and the rest of the country came here to learn how — cheap power, clean power, safe power, made in Florida by Floridians.

And that they’ve never known what an $8,000 insurance premium feels like, because we cut what homeowners pay by seventy percent and never let it climb back.

None of that is a monument. It’s a lower stack of bills on somebody’s kitchen table and a state that got out of their way. I’d be proud to be forgotten for it.

Campaign website: www.scottjewett.com

Campaign social media: Instagram

NO PARTY AFFILIATION CANDIDATES

Dean Abrams

Occupation: Entrepreneur, Technology Executive

Age: 50

Family: Married 14 years, one child 10 years old.

Education: Bachelors of Science - Biochemistry/Genetics. Post-graduate studies in Artificial Intelligence, Business Administration, Cloud Technology, Finance

Political experience: None

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

1. Affordability - Floridians are being crushed from every direction. Property insurance companies are pulling out of the state, leaving fewer options and driving premiums through the roof. Investment firms like BlackRock and Invitation Homes are buying up single-family houses by the thousands, pricing families out of homeownership and turning neighborhoods into rental portfolios. Property taxes keep climbing. Gas prices have spiked because of a war most voters didn’t ask for, and energy costs are following. Food, healthcare, medicine, fuel - every basic cost of living has outpaced what Floridians earn. Here is what I will do about it. I will push legislation to ban institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes in Florida and force existing corporate landlords to divest over time. I will work to eliminate property taxes on primary residences. I will push for a gas tax suspension for as long as fuel prices remain elevated by the conflict, and enforce price-gouging statutes against any station or distributor exploiting the crisis. On insurance, the 2022 and 2023 reforms targeting billboard lawyer fraud and assignment-of-benefits abuse were a start, and USAA just returned nearly a billion dollars to Florida policyholders as a result. But premiums are still too high and carriers are still leaving. I will continue that crackdown on fraud while holding insurance companies accountable when they take the savings and keep premiums inflated instead of passing them to policyholders. And I will support Florida’s local farmers by creating state-backed programs to sell their produce and meats directly to consumers in city centers, cutting out the middlemen who mark up the cost of food that was grown an hour away.

2. Safety/Security/Privacy - America’s politicians have restricted Constitutionally protected rights while selling out Americans to Foreign influence.

ALPR camera networks like Flock Safety are tracking millions of Floridians’ movements without warrants. AI hyperscale data centers threaten to damage the environment and water supply while being granted military designations that eliminate local regulatory authority. I will work to enforce Florida’s Article I Section 23 which guarantees a right to privacy stronger than 4th Amendment federal protections. I will move to ban AI datacenters, ALPRs, and warrantless searches on all devices including phones.

3. Water and Environmental Sovereignty - Florida’s aquifers, springs, and waterways are being depleted by commercial overuse and polluted by agricultural and industrial discharge. Nutrient runoff is driving algae blooms in Lake Okeechobee and along both coasts. Bottling companies are extracting millions of gallons of public water for pennies. But it is not just the water. Florida is losing its orange groves, its farmland, its forests, and its wetlands to unchecked development that paves over the land that filters our water, grows our food, and holds our ecosystems together. I will cap commercial water withdrawals at sustainable levels and end sweetheart extraction deals. I will work to preserve agriculture corridors and block overdevelopment that converts productive farmland and natural habitat into concrete or datacenters or solar farms. Florida’s freshwater belongs to Floridians for drinking and for growing food. Its land belongs to the communities who live on it, not to developers and corporate interests racing to extract everything they can before there is nothing left to protect.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I am the only candidate in this race who is not funded by the industries I would regulate. I’m not party affiliated so I answer only to the people. No party, no PAC, no billionaire donors. I spent 30 years building and managing large technology systems across government, finance, and healthcare. When I tell you how Flock cameras track your movements or how data centers drain your aquifer, I am not reading a briefing paper. I built systems and I understand how they work, and how they can be used to harm Americans. I can read and balance a state budget, trace how money moves through procurement and pension investments, and draft actual legislation. Most candidates run on slogans. I can show you who is raising your costs, how they are doing it, and hand you the bill language to stop it.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

1. Removing existing financial burdens on Floridians - no property taxes on homes.

2. Lowering the cost of living - lower insurance, food, fuel, healthcare, medicine, schools, etc.

3. Ensuring no Floridian is denied medical treatment or medication regardless of ability to pay.

4. Protecting our natural lands for the enjoyment of future generation and ensuring our water is protected.

5. Banning the surveillance state by enforcing constitutional privacy rights, banning ALPRs, and blocking AI hyperscale data centers.

6. Holding the line on medical freedom with no vaccine mandates and no medical procedure mandates.

7. Defending and expanding school choice for parents, including homeschooling options.

8. Making healthy, affordable food accessible to all Floridians by supporting local farmers and creating direct farm-to-consumer programs in city centers

Campaign website: www.deanabrams.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok

Charles Burkett

Occupation: Investments

Age: 65

Family: I have one beautiful son, William 22 years old.

Education: Graduated from the University of Miami with a BS in finance.

Political experience: I have been serving my community in Miami Beach and Surfside since 1986 as a board member, as a chairman, a commissioner, and a mayor over the past four decades.

That experience has given me a rare understanding of government from the inside. I know what works, what doesn’t, and how to cut through bureaucracy to solve problems instead of creating them.

I’ve also led through some of the most difficult moments a community can face. I’ve helped guide our residents through hurricanes, the COVID pandemic, and the collapse of Champlain Towers South, the third deadliest building collapse in United States history, where 98 innocent lives were lost.

Leadership isn’t measured by what you say when things are easy. It’s measured by what you do when everything is on the line. Through the best of times and the worst of times, I have always been there for the people I serve.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

1. Make Florida Affordable Again

Florida should reward the people who built it, not tax them out of it.

I will slash, and ultimately eliminate, property taxes for long term Florida homeowners while creating a path for long term renters to earn the same benefit when they purchase a home.

Beginning after ten years of Florida residency, homeowners will receive an additional 10 percentage point increase in their homestead exemption each year until their primary residence is completely free from property taxes. Long term renters who later purchase a Florida home will earn the same benefit. Those hard earned exemptions will also be transferable to a surviving spouse or children, helping Florida families keep their homes for generations.

2. Put Floridians First

Florida belongs to the people who live here, not the developers who profit from paving it over.

It’s time to stop sacrificing our quality of life for endless growth. I will put current Florida residents first by ending reckless overdevelopment, stopping new housing approvals where roads, schools, and infrastructure are already overwhelmed, and focusing instead on renovating and improving the homes and neighborhoods we already have.

I’ll eliminate HOV lanes and tolls on public roads, restore the full capacity of our highways to Florida drivers, and get traffic moving again.

Florida doesn’t need to become bigger.

It needs to become better.

3. Fix the Insurance Ripoff

Florida’s insurance system isn’t failing by accident. Politicians have spent decades writing laws that protect special interests instead of homeowners. The result is less competition, endless lawsuits, skyrocketing premiums, and families paying more every year for less coverage.

As Governor, I’ll rewrite Florida’s insurance laws from the ground up. I’ll open Florida to every financially strong insurance company willing to compete, expand deductible options so homeowners can choose the level of risk that’s right for them, and eliminate laws and regulations that drive up premiums without protecting consumers. More competition. More choice. Lower prices.

I’ll also tell Floridians the truth. Some homes are simply too risky to insure affordably, and pretending otherwise only makes the problem worse. Where the private market cannot provide a reasonable solution, I’ll help homeowners strengthen their homes against hurricanes or offer meaningful financial incentives to move into safer, storm resistant homes. My goal isn’t to subsidize failure forever. It’s to reduce risk, lower costs, and make Florida stronger, safer, and more affordable.

I don’t go into office to protect government, insurance companies, trial lawyers, or political insiders. I go into office to protect the people who elected me. Every decision I make will be guided by one simple question: Does this make life better for Florida’s citizens? If the answer is no, we’re going to change it.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

The political establishment doesn’t think the way I do, and that’s exactly why I’m running.

Most politicians begin by asking, ”What can I get away with?“ I begin by asking, “What’s the right thing to do?“

Most politicians see government as something to be managed. I see it as something to be fixed.

Most politicians believe there are limits on what government can do for its citizens. I don’t. I believe there are limits only on imagination, courage, and the willingness to challenge a broken system.

Most politicians believe that once they’re elected, they have to compromise with special interests, lobbyists, and political insiders. I don’t. I’ll listen to anyone with a good idea, but I won’t trade away the interests of Florida’s citizens to make the political class happy.

Most politicians spend their time trying to impress lobbyists, consultants, lawyers, and donors. I have no interest in any of them. I’m interested in the people who pay the bills, the taxpayers.

Most politicians avoid difficult decisions because they’re afraid of criticism, bad press, or losing the next election. I’m not. If the right decision is unpopular in the short term but benefits Floridians in the long term, I’ll make it anyway.

I didn’t volunteer more than forty years of my life to become another politician.

I volunteered because I believe government should work for the people, not the people for government. That’s exactly how I’ll govern as your Governor.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I want to recapture the old Florida charm that longtime residents remember.

For too long, our leaders have been obsessed with making everything bigger, denser, and more crowded. Bigger isn’t always better. Better is better.

Florida doesn’t need millions of new residents. Florida needs leaders who will take care of the millions of residents who are already here.

I want to be remembered as the Governor who had the courage to protect Florida’s golden goose, the one laying golden eggs, before it was destroyed by unchecked growth, reckless overdevelopment, and short sighted political decisions.

Campaign website: burkettforgov.com

Campaign social media: (None found)

Jeffrey Peter “Dr. Jeff” Datto

Campaign website: None found

Campaign social media: Facebook

The no party affiliation candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

Moliere “Moe” Dimanche

Occupation: FedEx driver

Age: 38

Family: I am married with 3 sons, one in 6th grade and twin kindergartners.

Education: I went to West Orange High School in Winter Garden, and Florida School of the Arts at St. John’s River State in Palatka.

Political experience: I wrote the Charter for the City of West Orlando and led the push for the municipal incorporation of Pine Hills.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

The top 3 issues are:

1- public corruption;

2- challenges facing the ability to own a home;and 3- over-surveillance.

We have to undue the current administration’s efforts to halt accountability. The Halo law was a mistake, disbanding citizen oversight committees was a mistake, and both the Florida Bar and the JQC need an extreme makeover. That’s the first step towards dealing with corruption.

On home ownership, HOAs and mortgage companies are accelerating foreclosures at an alarming rate, and their primary target is the elderly. Florida is a judicial foreclosure state, which means that it’s the judges who are allowing these foreclosures to happen. Mortgages do not create a possessory interest under Florida law, but folks are being put on the streets anyway. We have to have more homestead protections and oversight of the judges to prevent people from being thrown out of their homes. As for first time homeowners, Florida has great adverse possession laws that promote the productive use of abandoned properties. The City of Orlando just seized 300 abandoned properties and used them as a business model for “Affordable Housing”, but I don’t want a business model. I want fee simple title for married couples, veterans, college graduates and single mothers. Everyone can own a home under a lottery system that prioritizes the most vulnerable and our service men and women, but they come first. The only obligation would be the consistent payment of property taxes for a set amount of years. That way, infrastructure gets some funding and the People can actually afford to live freely.

Lastly, Flock cameras and Waymo cars operated by individuals in foreign countries have to go. I believe Flock cameras are unconstitutional and illegally search vehicles and seize information. I also believe that the artificial intelligence that goes into these cameras is not reliable, as we saw with the case of Lindsay Isaacs. The State of Florida will not be collecting information on, nor surveilling the People if I am selected as the 47th Governor of the State of Florida.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I’m the only candidate in this race who knows what it is like to be the Common Man. Being consistently surveilled, fighting bogus property liens, questioning bad actors in government under oath, fighting for incorporation for forgotten communities and speaking up for victims of crime when law enforcement made excuses is precisely why I got into this race. I’ve decided to become the candidate that I would cast a vote for because I don’t see anyone offering solutions to the problems Everyday People have. I don’t have ties to big financial backers, special interest groups, lobbying firms, political parties, or anyone who thinks money influences elections. I have my beliefs, my reputation, and commonality with the People who want leadership willing to change the things that are broken. I’m not beholden to any of the interests who benefit when the System is broken, so I won’t have any second thoughts about changing that System and fixing it once and for all.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

After serving as the 47th Governor of the State of Florida, I hope it can be said that I put a dent in homelessness. I hope it can be said that our schools are performing better, and I hope people will say that trust has been restored in our government. It doesn’t feel like “public servants” have been serving the public lately, and I want to be remembered for changing it back to what it is supposed to be.

Campaign website: nomoecorruption.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

Desmond Meade

Occupation: Attorney, author, civil rights leader, and President and Former Founder and Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, National consultant.

Age: 59

Family: Wife, 5 Adult Children and 1 grandson

Education: Juris Doctor, Florida International University College of Law

Bachelor of Science, Public Safety with Concentration in Criminal Justice - Miami Dade College

Associate of Arts, Pre- LAw - Miami Dade College

Associate of Science, Paralegal Studies - Miami Dade College

Honorary Doctorate of Law - Duke University

Political experience: For more than two decades, I have brought people together to solve some of Florida’s toughest challenges. I led the successful Amendment 4 campaign, restoring voting rights to more than 1.4 million Floridians through one of the largest citizen-led constitutional amendments in our state’s history. I built a statewide coalition that united Democrats, Republicans, independents, business leaders, faith communities, law enforcement, and grassroots organizations around a common purpose. Together, more than 5.1 million Floridians from every walk of life and every political affiliation came together to solve a problem that partisan politics had failed to address.

My work has also focused on making communities safer by supporting evidence-based violence reduction initiatives, expanding opportunities for returning citizens, and strengthening partnerships that address the root causes of crime. My experience has taught me that real leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about bringing people together, earning trust, and delivering results.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Affordability. Florida has become too expensive for too many families. Rising housing costs, skyrocketing property insurance premiums, and higher everyday expenses are making it harder for people to build a future here. I’ll focus on lowering costs, increasing housing options, and making Florida affordable again.

Economy. We need an economy that creates opportunity for everyone, not just those at the top. I’ll support small businesses, invest in workforce development, strengthen public education, strengthen our infrastructure, and prepare Florida for the jobs of tomorrow so working families can earn a good living.

Accountability. Floridians deserve a government that works for them. I’ll bring greater transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ethical leadership to Tallahassee, putting people ahead of politics and delivering results people can see in their everyday lives.

Florida can be more affordable, more prosperous, and more accountable. That’s the future I’m running to build.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

My life is proof that people can overcome hardship and that bringing people together works. I’ve united people across political, racial, religious, and geographic lines to achieve historic results. I’ve helped restore rights, strengthen communities, and support efforts that reduce violence by creating opportunity and building trust.

I don’t just talk about bringing people together. I’ve done it. As governor, I’ll bring that same collaborative leadership to every challenge facing Florida because lasting solutions come from working together, not driving people apart.

I am the only candidate with a demonstrated and verifiable history of fighting for all Floridians from all walks of life and all political affiliations and prioritizing people over politics and special interest.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I hope people remember that Florida became more affordable, more prosperous, safer, healthier, and more united. That government earned back the trust of the people by listening, solving problems, and delivering results. Most of all, I hope people will say their lives were better because their government finally prioritized their needs and worked for them.

Campaign website: desmondmeade.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram

Frank J. Russo

Occupation: Humanitarian/Business Man

Age: 65

Family: Two gladiator sons that are incredible attorneys and an amazing grandson Theodore who could be the next president.

Education: UCF Business Degree

Political experience: First-time candidate for public office.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

The top three issues in this race are affordability, economic opportunity, and restoring trust in government.

1. Affordability

Florida has become increasingly unaffordable for too many families. Rising property insurance premiums, housing costs, healthcare expenses, and everyday living costs are making it harder for Floridians to build a future. I will address this through my Lower Cost of Living initiative, which includes comprehensive Florida Property Insurance Reform, Live Local Act 2.0, reducing unnecessary government costs, and policies that increase competition and lower the overall cost of living.

2. Workforce Development and Economic Opportunity

Florida’s economy is growing, but too many employers cannot find qualified workers while too many students graduate without a clear pathway to a successful career. My Ready for Hire™ initiative will connect education directly to employment by expanding career and technical education, industry-recognized certifications, apprenticeships, internships, and partnerships between schools, colleges, and Florida businesses. Every graduate should leave school ready for college, military service, entrepreneurship, or a rewarding career.

3. Government Accountability and Transparency

Floridians deserve a government that delivers results, spends taxpayer dollars responsibly, and remains accountable to the people it serves. Through my Floridians First Initiative, I will modernize state government by increasing transparency, streamlining permitting and regulatory processes, measuring agency performance through public accountability dashboards, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, and ensuring every taxpayer dollar is tied to measurable outcomes.

These priorities are connected. When the government is accountable, businesses can grow. When businesses grow, more high-paying jobs are created. When Floridians have good jobs and the cost of living is lower, families can afford to buy homes, raise children, and build lasting financial security. My administration will focus on delivering real results, not just making promises by putting Floridians first in every decision we make.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

My campaign is built on one simple principle: Floridians First. Every decision I make will begin with one question: Does this improve the lives of the people of Florida? If the answer is no, then we need to rethink it.

What sets me apart is that I am not simply running on ideas—I am running on a governing agenda with specific, actionable initiatives that address Florida’s biggest challenges. Through the Lower Cost of Living Initiative, Ready for Hire™, Live Local Act 2.0, Florida Property Insurance Reform, and the Floridians First Initiative, I have laid out a clear roadmap to make Florida more affordable, create opportunity, strengthen our workforce, restore trust in government, and improve the quality of life for every Floridian.

I also bring a different perspective. I am not a career politician. My background is in business, leadership, and solving complex problems. I understand how to build organizations, manage budgets, bring people together, and deliver measurable results. Government should operate with the same accountability and focus on outcomes that successful businesses do.

Most importantly, I believe leadership is about the next generation—not the next election. My goal is to unite Floridians around practical solutions, work with anyone who wants to move our state forward, and ensure that every policy, every dollar spent, and every decision made puts Floridians first.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

That we lifted the lower class into a higher I hope to be remembered for one thing: putting Floridians first and leaving Florida stronger than I found it.

Campaign website: www.russo2026.com

Campaign social media: X | Instagram | TikTok

News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are published exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

Robert David Cooper II

Occupation: Chief Executive Officer, Zero Hour Life Center, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Age: 45

Family: I have 5 sisters and 2 brothers. I am the youngest of the family. I am married to my wife Mary, and we have two sons who are 22 and 17 years old.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Human Services. Currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

Political experience: While this is my first campaign for elected office, my career has been built around public service and leadership. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Zero Hour Life Center, I’ve worked with local, state, and federal partners to expand recovery services, improve access to healthcare, and help individuals and families overcome addiction. I also serve as Board Chair of Langley Health Services, where I help oversee a federally qualified health center serving thousands of Floridians. My experience as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran taught me leadership, accountability, and putting the mission before myself. I’m running for Congress because I believe Washington needs more people with real-world leadership experience who will put people over politics.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

The biggest issue facing families in our district is the rising cost of living. Too many people are working hard but still struggling to afford groceries, housing, healthcare, and insurance. In Congress, I’ll fight to lower everyday costs, increase the supply of affordable housing, protect consumers from abusive corporate practices, and make it easier for working families and seniors to get ahead instead of falling behind.

Second, we must do more to address mental health, addiction, and veterans’ care. As a Marine veteran, a person in long-term recovery, and the CEO of a recovery nonprofit, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when people can’t get help. I’ll work to expand access to community-based treatment, strengthen mental health services, support peer recovery programs, and improve care for veterans.

Finally, I believe government should be accountable to the people it serves. I’ll hold regular town halls, remain accessible to constituents, and judge every vote by one simple question: Does it lower costs, improve safety, or strengthen families? If it doesn’t help the people of this district, it doesn’t deserve my support.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

What sets me apart is that I’ve lived many of the challenges people in this district face. I’ve served our country as a Marine, struggled with addiction, rebuilt my life through recovery, and dedicated my career to helping others do the same. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Zero Hour Life Center and Board Chair of Langley Health Services, I haven’t just talked about problems; I’ve worked every day to solve them.

I’m not running to become a career politician. I’m running to bring real-world leadership to Congress. My decisions won’t be driven by political games or special interests. They’ll be driven by the same principle that’s guided my life and this campaign: people over politics. I’ll listen, I’ll show up, and I’ll fight for solutions that improve the lives of the people I represent.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I hope people remember that I never forgot who I worked for. I want to be known as someone who put people over politics, listened before speaking, and never lost sight of the families back home who trusted me to represent them.

If my time in Congress leaves our district more affordable, expands opportunities for veterans and people in recovery, helps small businesses grow, and restores faith that government can still work for ordinary people, then I’ll consider my service a success. I don’t want to be remembered for headlines or partisan fights. I want to be remembered for making a real difference in people’s lives and leaving our community stronger than I found it.

Campaign website: robcooperforcongress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | TikTok

Steve Morgan

Occupation: Brewer

Age: (No answer)

Family: (No answer)

Education: JD - University of Tennessee College of Law

MBA - Anderson School at UCLA

BA - Duke University, Political Science major

Political experience: First time running for office.

Worked on campaigns for Al Gore, Gary Hart, Bob Kerrey, and Barrack Obama.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Budget - We need to balance the budget and reduce or National Deficit. We need to do so by amending our tax code so that the billionaires and corporations pay a higher tax rate. Right now the average billionaire only pays 7.2% in Federal taxes.

Affordability - We need to reinstate SNAP, Medicare, Medicaid, and health care subsidies.

Respect - We need to treat one another with respect, treat our public employees with respect, and show respect across party lines even if we don’t agree on everything.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

Very simple. I am the democrat who can and will defeat Randy Fine.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

An effective and respected Legislator who was honest, committed to financial reform, and worked across the aisle to get things done. And one who was liked and respected by his staff and peers.

Campaign website: morganforcongress.us

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram

Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera

Occupation: Currently, a Candidate for U.S. Congress. Previously, EMS, Law Enforcement, Education, Non Profit Founder, Community Activist & Leader.

Age: 35

Family: I am a husband, father, and foster father

Education: Associate’s Degree - Seminole State College;

Bachelor’s Degree - Liberty University

Political experience: I am a first-time candidate for federal office, but I have experience in elected community leadership and public service. In New York City, I was elected by parents to serve on a Community Education Council, which is similar to a local school board in Florida. I have also served in other education leadership roles, worked as a union representative, founded a nonprofit organization, and spent my career in EMS and law enforcement. These experiences have taught me how to represent people, work with government agencies, and advocate for families and communities.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

The top three issues I see in this race are healthcare, affordability, and affordable housing.

Healthcare - Expanding Medicare and Medicaid and working to reduce prescription drug costs. I believe that in addressing healthcare and associated costs, we can simultaneously address affordability.

Affordability - I believe in raising the minimum wage to a living wage and fighting for economic policies that put working families first.

Affordable Housing - Working toward policies that protect renters, providing routes that allow people to be able to afford to buy a home, and keeping developers accountable to provide sustainable and responsible growth.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I am a dedicated public service worker with years of experience in EMS, law enforcement, and community leadership. Working for my community for over 15 years, I’ve consistently represented people, families, and communities and put people over politics. I would bring those same leadership skills, dedication, and compassion to the office.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

When my time in Congress is over, I don’t want people to remember me for a title or the number of bills I passed. I want them to remember that families were better off because I served.

I want children to have access to quality healthcare, seniors to retire with dignity, veterans to receive the care they earned, and working families to be able to afford a home, put food on the table, and know that if they get sick, they won’t lose everything they’ve worked for. I want communities to be safer, our environment to be protected for future generations, and every person, no matter where they come from or how much money they have, to know that their voice matters.

I hope people remember that I never stopped fighting for those who were overlooked, that I led with compassion instead of division, and that I always put people before politics. If years from now, a parent can spend more time with their children because life became more affordable, a senior can afford their medication, a young person can pursue their dreams without crushing debt, or a family has hope because someone in Washington finally listened, then I will consider my service a success.

I want my legacy to be simple: I left my community, my district, and my country better than I found them, and I never forgot that public office is about serving people, not serving yourself.

Campaign website: www.ron4congress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | BlueSky | Threads

Eric Yonce

Occupation: Small business owner

Age: 43

Family: (No answer)

Education: Some college - spent 22 years in retail

Political experience: No

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

For me, the top three issues are affordability, accountability, and bringing money back home.

First is affordability. People are working harder than ever and still falling behind. We can take action right away by taking back the House and ending these tariffs that are driving up the cost of everyday goods and hurting working families. But that’s only the first step. We also need long term solutions that make it possible to build a middle class again.

Second is accountability. We will never solve the big problems facing this country until we take money out of our politics. We need to overturn Citizens United, get corporate money out of our elections, ban members of Congress from trading stocks, and make government answer to the people instead of special interests.

Third is bringing money back home. Our district has sent tax dollars to Washington for years, and we deserve to see more of that investment come back. Our roads, water systems, and stormwater infrastructure are struggling under the weight of overdevelopment. If cities lose even more revenue, how are they supposed to address flooding, protect our water supply, and keep up with the growth we’ve already approved?

Those three issues are connected. If we make life more affordable, restore accountability, and invest in our communities, we’ll leave this district stronger than we found it.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

What makes me different is simple. I’m the only candidate who grew up in this district.

I’ve spent my entire life here. I’ve watched the political divide happen. I’ve been on both sides of the aisle. I’ve felt lost, forgotten, and used by political parties that cared more about winning than listening.

That story isn’t unique to me. It’s the story of a lot of people in this part of Florida.

Only someone who has lived their life here can truly understand what this district has been through and what it needs to move forward.

That’s why I believe listening comes first. Before we can rebuild roads, lower costs, or restore trust in government, we have to make people feel heard again.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I hope people remember that I never forgot who I worked for.

That I was accessible. That people knew they could call me, stop me at the grocery store, come to a town hall, or send me a message and actually get a response. That I was willing to sit down with anyone, whether they agreed with me or not, because representing a district means representing everyone.

I hope they remember that I fought to bring federal dollars back home to invest in our roads, bridges, water systems, flood mitigation, and the infrastructure our communities actually need.

I hope they remember that I worked to get big money out of our politics and put the voices of everyday people back where they belong, at the center of our democracy. Too many elected officials spend their time listening to donors instead of the people who sent them there.

I hope they remember that I showed up, I listened, I got things done, and I left this district better than I found it.

Campaign website: yonceforcongress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

Manuel Asensio

Occupation: Founde and President of Asensio & Company the nation’s recognized Pioneer of Activist Short Selling

Age: 71

Family: Mother Caridad Asensio the Founder of the Caridad Center in Boyton Beach, Fl

Education: St. Francis de Chantal School, Bishor Ford High School, Wharton School and Harvard MBA

Political experience: CONGRESS IS CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION. ASENSIO HAS A PLAN TO SAVE THE CONSTITION IN THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 120TH CONGRESS FROM THE LEFT, FROM FEDERALISTS AND THE LAWYERS!

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

THE CONSTITUTION. THE CONSTITUION. THE CONSTITUTION.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

PROTECT THEIR AMERICAN GOD GIVEN LIBERTY AND FREEDOM

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

ENDING FEDERALISM IN US COURTS AND CONGRESS

Campaign website: www.asensioforcongress.com

Campaign social media: (None given)

Aaron Baker

Campaign website: aaron4fl6.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | YouTube

The Republican candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

Dan Bilzerian

Campaign website: www.bilzerianforcongress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram

The Republican candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

Randy Fine

Campaign website: www.voterandyfine.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube

The Republican incumbent, first elected to Congress in 2025, has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

Charles Gambaro

Campaign website: voteforgambaro.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram

The Republican candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

LIBERTARIAN CANDIDATE

Andrew Parrott

Occupation: Welder & entrepreneur

Age: 54

Family: Married

Education: Graduate of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance

Political experience: I ran for this seat in the special election in April of 2025.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

The economy will be my primary focus. Fighting inflation, lowering the cost of living and increasing affordability. Banking reforms will be a big part of the legislation I will be proposing.

Healthcare affordability affects us all and we can do better at making the system more about getting necessary care and less about unaffordable insurance plans.

Meaningful changes need to be made in immigration policy. Over time the system has become more labyrinthine and difficult to navigate and needs major reform. Streamlining the process to ensure a just and safe experience for those who desire to join our great nation.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

Not being beholden to the Republican or the Democrat parties I can do what is right for my neighbors. I will not be a rubber stamp for the parties that have failed us time and again.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I would like to be remembered as a champion of freedom and liberty.

Campaign website: www.andrewparrottforcongress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X

NO PARTY AFFILIATION CANDIDATE

Michael Gist

Occupation: Veteran

Age: 53

Family: Single with brothers, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Education: B.S., Rec. Park - Sport Management, University of Minnesota (1996) – Scholarship member of the football team

M.B.A., Global Management – National University (2002)

M.S., International Sport Management – University of Florida (2018)

Graduate coursework in International Affairs – U.S. Naval War College (2004)

Political experience: This is my first time running for public office. However, I bring a lifetime of real-world leadership and service that I believe prepares me well to represent the people of Florida’s 6th District.

I served 14 years as a U.S. Marine Corps Major and Military Intelligence Officer. In that role, I developed strong strategic thinking, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to analyze complex problems and deliver clear recommendations to senior leaders. My service took me around the world, where I observed how political systems and elites operate and how they often fail the people they’re supposed to serve.

After leaving the military, I spent a decade teaching and mentoring students in Volusia County schools right here in our community. That experience gave me direct insight into the challenges facing local families and the importance of practical, results-driven solutions to the significant amount of issues in education today.

Perhaps most importantly, I spent over 15 years fighting government retaliation and bureaucracy after being medically discharged from the Marine Corps. That battle taught me how the system actually works, how it protects itself, and what it takes to hold it accountable. I know how elites operate because I’ve had to fight them.

I’m not a career politician. I’m an Independent veteran, a former teacher, and a fighter who has spent his life serving this country and this community. I believe that kind of real-world experience combined with my deep family roots here in District 6 gives me a clearer understanding of what the people of this district actually need than someone who has only known politics.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

The top issues in this race all come down to one thing: Whether we the American people are going to continue to allow Washington to keep serving itself and elites (special interests), or finally start serving the American people again.

First, economic growth and fiscal responsibility. For too long, we’ve spent trillions on programs that create dependency instead of opportunity. My top priority is the “”Freedom Accounts Act"" a market-based solution that redirects a portion of anti-poverty spending, captures savings from governmental efficiency, and puts American assets like federal real estate and natural resources to work for the people instead of bureaucrats. Instead of more government programs, we give everyday Americans ownership and let the strength of the American economy build real generational wealth for families.

Second, education freedom and safety. Parents deserve the ability to choose the best and safest environment for their children. With too many schools struggling with discipline and safety issues, it’s time to let education dollars follow the student. I will fight for real school choice so families — not bureaucrats — decide where their children learn. Every child deserves access to a safe, high-quality education.

Third, government accountability. Trust in our institutions is broken. Whether it’s veterans waiting too long for the care and benefits we’ve earned, wasteful spending, or politicians putting party over people, we need real accountability. As a Veteran of the Marine Corps discharged for disability and a former teacher, I’ve seen both the best and the worst of how government treats the people it’s supposed to serve. I know how to cut through bureaucracy. I will work to make sure our veterans are taken care of, our tax dollars are respected, and elected officials remember they work for the people — not the other way around.

I’m running as an Independent because I believe the best solutions come when we stop playing partisan games and start focusing on what actually helps families and communities. These three priorities **are about reinforcing our FREEDOM, our opportunities with a government that works for the PEOPLE again.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I can help voters in a way most candidates cannot because I am not beholden to political parties or elites. I answer only to the American people and specifically to the people of Florida’s 6th District.

My family has lived, worked, and served in this community for more than 100 years. My grandparents chose to raise their family right here in District 6 because they believed in the people of this area. That’s the same commitment I carry with me.

I’m running as an Independent because I’ve seen how political parties actually operate both here in the United States and around the world during my service as a Military Intelligence officer in the Marine Corps. No matter the country or the party label, political parties consistently put themselves and the elites who control them ahead of the people. That’s why I will never join a political party. I will always be about the people.

My experience fighting government retaliation for over 15 years has given me a clear understanding of how the system protects itself and how difficult it is for regular Americans to get fairness when they challenge it. That fight taught me what real accountability requires.

Because of what I’ve seen both overseas and here at home, I know the solution isn’t more government control or more partisan politics. The solution is freedom, capitalism, and trusting the American people. That’s why I’m pushing the Freedom Accounts Act a real, market-based solution that gives people ownership instead of more dependency programs.

I’m not here to play political games or protect the system. I’m here to fight for the people of this district the same way I’ve fought for what’s right my entire adult life through public service in the military and as a teacher. I don’t owe anyone in Washington anything. I only owe the people who send me there.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I would hope to be remembered for giving the American people especially low and middle-income families who have been struggling, a real path to build wealth and security for themselves and their children. More than anything, I want to be remembered for creating Freedom Accounts.

Freedom Accounts would redirect monies we’ve been spending for decades on programs that often trap people in dependency and instead put it directly into the hands of the American people. These accounts would be invested in the American economy, giving every citizen, not just the wealthy, the opportunity to grow their own wealth over time and pass it on to their families.

In the end, we made a clear choice between serving elites or serving the American people. Freedom Accounts is how we choose the people. It moves us away from a system designed to benefit the few and toward one where everyday families finally have a real stake in our economy and our future. I want to be remembered for helping people win — where hardworking families can build wealth, buy homes, send their kids to higher education, and create better lives for the next generation.

If years from now, families across this district and across the country are building generational wealth because of Freedom Accounts, then I will feel like I accomplished something meaningful. That’s the legacy I want to leave, not more government programs, but FREEDOM and more opportunity for the people.

Campaign website: gistfor6.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram

A write-in candidate, Alec Pavlik, has also qualified for the general election.

The proposal from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation spares Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming from facing mandatory cuts for now. But it’s a temporary fix as the states that rely on the river still fight over a long-term management plan for the dwindling resource that powers huge swaths of the Western U.S.

Under the plan, the Lower Basin states could face collective cuts up to 3 million acre-feet (130 billion cubic feet) through 2036, “subject to hydrology,” according to a press release by the Department of the Interior. That’s about enough water to serve more than 25 million people a year.

The plan would also allow annual releases between 5 million and 12 million acre-feet from Lake Powell, the basin’s second-largest reservoir. Under the 10-year federal framework, water management decisions will be made every two years.

“This framework provides the flexibility to respond to changing hydrologic conditions while preserving the opportunity for the Basin States to continue working toward durable, consensus-based solutions,” said Secretary of the Interior Dough Burgum in the press release.

The proposed cuts in the Lower Basin states of California, Arizona and Nevada would be the biggest to date and could have huge impacts across cities and farms — higher water prices, increased groundwater reliance, more agriculture out of production and conservation mandates in places where none have existed before.

The federal plan comes after years of deadlocked negotiations and a record-dry winter that tipped Colorado River reservoirs to combined record lows. Federal officials are expected to finalize the plan in the coming days.

More than 40 million people in seven U.S. states, several tribal nations and Mexico, as well as farmers, wildlife, industries and hydropower, rely on the dwindling 1,450-mile (2,334-kilometer) Colorado River. Years of overuse combined with rising temperatures and drought have severely depleted flows in the Colorado today than in decades past.

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The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment

Here are the most important developments across the Middle East today:

Gaza: Deal reached for Hamas to disarm, Israel to withdraw

Hamas said it will begin disarming as part of a deal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump that also requires Israel to end its strikes and withdraw from Gaza.

Hamas also said that laying down its heavy weapons, which would come later in the process, was contingent on the creation of a Palestinian state, something Israel’s current government adamantly rejects.

Israel has not officially commented on the deal, which is part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced last October. That agreement called for Hamas to disarm and hand over power to an independent Palestinian administration. Israel was to withdraw, and an International Stabilization Force was to deploy.

But progress stalled, with Israel saying everything hinged on Hamas disarming, and Hamas accusing Israel of violating the agreement by continuing to carry out regular strikes on Gaza.

The war in Gaza began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, including those killed since the ceasefire, Gaza’s Health Ministry says.

The Associated Press is tracking the progress of Trump's plan to end the Israel-Hamas war.

Latest developments on the Iran conflict

No U.S. strikes were reported in Iran on Friday. Iran fired drones at Kuwait, a Gulf country hosting U.S. forces, and said it had also fired at oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil and gas shipments, which has been largely closed by the fighting.

1. Kuwait's Defense Ministry said Friday its armed forces had shot down drones inside Kuwaiti airspace. It said the Iranian attacks had targeted several vital military facilities, causing material damage from falling shrapnel but no casualties. It did not specify how many drones were intercepted. Iranian state media said Iran had targeted an air base in Kuwait with drones, in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Thursday.

2. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have hit two oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media said four other tankers had turned around. The report did not provide further details on which flags or ownership the tankers were sailing under, or say whether there were any casualties.

Elsewhere in the region:

3. Saudi Arabia has announced a plan for a defense alliance of 14 countries to strengthen maritime security, safeguard freedom of navigation and secure international trade routes and energy supply corridors in the Red Sea region. The Iran war has severely disrupted global shipping. Yemen's Houthi rebels have declared a blockade on Saudi Arabia over a separate but related conflict, putting at risk another major trade corridor .

4. Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry said Thursday that the coalition is “defensive in nature,” and that access “remains open to all willing countries.” Oman and the United Arab Emirates were the only two Gulf countries that did not back Saudi Arabia’s statement. Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan were among those that joined the proposed alliance.

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Becatoros contributed to this report from Athens, Greece

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in the Superior Court of Delaware, is the latest in a flurry of suits filed against the social media giants that alleges their platforms are addictive and dangerous.

The complaint was filed on behalf of four families from Texas, North Carolina, Minnesota and Tennessee whose children died over a 14-month period starting in July 2024 through September 2025.

The Social Media Victims Law Center is bringing the suit on behalf of the families, and its founding attorney, Matthew Bergman, said it's “particularly salient” that the children in this case died “long after” similar suits had been filed.

“These platforms continue to kill kids, despite the platitudes of their executives,” Bergman said in an interview. “This is a clear and present danger to the health and safety of children, not just in the United States but around the world.”

The four teens who died by suicide each experienced harms including social media addiction, severe sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation after years of using the social platforms, the complaint states. Livi Castro died at age 13, Riv Kelleher at 14, Nathaniel Chambers at age 17 and Dawson Holden at 18.

The complaint alleges the social media companies knew they were causing harm to young users. Representatives for Meta, YouTube, TikTok and Snap did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Sacha Haworth, executive director of The Tech Oversight Project, said in a statement that parents, activists and whistleblowers have come forward and met with lawmakers for years and “while Congress has dragged its feet, more children have died."

Federal legislation of social media has moved at a glacial pace. The Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act — which had the support of parents’ groups and children’s advocacy organizations — exactly two years before this lawsuit was filed. The House of Representatives never voted on that version of the legislation, and the House and Senate are currently disagreeing on key provisions they think should be included.

“Livi, Nathaniel, Dawson, and Riv’s stories are proof that Big Tech companies continue to lie about the safety of their products, choosing instead to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into false advertising, deceptive paid partnerships with trusted education programs and political lobbying,” Haworth's statement continued.

Meta, YouTube, TikTok and Snap are facing numerous state and federal lawsuits over harms to minors. Meta is on trial in Tennessee this week for a lawsuit brought by the state attorney general claiming that the company deliberately designed its platforms, notably Instagram, to make them addictive to young people, and did not warn them of its dangers. And in August, Meta is heading to trial in federal court in Oakland, California to face four of dozens of states that sued the company in 2023. That lawsuit says the company is contributing to the youth mental health crisis by designing addictive features and violated federal law by collecting data on kids under 13 without parental consent.

Not all lawsuits are successful, and many are settled out of court. Last week, a Florida teenager dropped his case against Meta that was set to go to trial in state court in Los Angeles, without receiving any payment from the company. Meta had argued that the teen only used his Instagram and Facebook for just minutes a day, on average, and created most accounts only after hiring a lawyer in his case.

Still, the mounting court cases can get expensive, even for a company like Meta Platforms. Earlier this week Meta said it had $2.4 billion in legal expenses in the second quarter, which contributed to a relatively unusual 14% profit decline.

The agreement announced by Trump late Thursday could pave the way for ending the latest Israel-Hamas war that broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel killing over 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, including hundreds who perished after a ceasefire went into effect in Oct. 10.

Few places in the Palestinian territory of over 2 million people have been left unscathed, and the United Nations, World Bank and European Union estimate that reconstruction will cost $70 billion.

Hamas officials said the group has agreed to the disarmament agreement. Israel has not commented.

The Board of Peace will have a major role in overseeing the deal's implementation.

Here's what the group is and what it is expected to do:

What is the Board of Peace

The Board of Peace was first mentioned in September when the White House released Trump’s plan to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan called on Hamas to surrender its weapons and destroy its vast network of tunnels. It also envisions Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza, the arrival of a new technocratic Palestinian government, deployment of an international security force and the rebuilding of the battered Palestinian enclave after more than two years of war.

More than two dozen nations signed on as the board's founding members, including Israel and other regional heavyweights, as well as countries from outside the Middle East such as Indonesia, Paraguay and Vietnam.

Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are among more than a dozen countries that have not joined the board but took part in a February meeting as observers.

Israelis are suspicious of the involvement of Qatar and Turkey, which have longstanding relations with Hamas. Earlier this year, Palestinians objected because their representatives weren’t invited to the board, even as it weighs the future of a territory that is home to some 2 million of them.

A $1 billion contribution secures permanent membership on the board instead of a three-year appointment, which has no contribution requirement.

During the first meeting of the board in February in Washington, members pledged $7 billion in aid for Gaza — just a fraction of the $70 billion that international bodies say is needed to rebuild the territory. The board also announced plans for international troops and police, and for reconstruction. But no timeline was given.

How the board is involved in the new deal

The agreement was reached after months of “very difficult negotiations,” Nickolay Mladenov, the director-general of the Board of Peace in Gaza, said in comments posted on X. “There were several points when I did not believe we would make it,” he added.

Mladenov, a former Bulgarian defense and foreign minister who served as the U.N. envoy to Iraq before being appointed as the U.N. Mideast peace envoy from 2015-2020, added, “Implementation and verification have to be real” and “withdrawal must move in lockstep with decommissioning.”

The National Committee for The Administration of Gaza, a Palestinian technocratic body that operates under the supervision of the Board of Peace, is tasked with administering Gaza in the interim period after Hamas gives up control.

That includes setting up a new police force to replace the one previously run by Hamas and implementing the disarmament process - the details of which are not yet clear.

The NCAS said in a statement Friday that it is ready to assume responsibility for governing Gaza and restoring public services and the rule of law.

Ambitious Plans

In November, the Trump administration’s blueprint to secure and govern Gaza won strong approval at the United Nations.

Israel and the U.S. say Hamas’ disarmament is key to progress on the other fronts. Arab and Muslim members of the Board of Peace have accused Israel of undermining the ceasefire with its daily strikes and want the U.S. to rein in its close ally. They have called on Hamas to disarm but say Israel’s withdrawal is just as important.

Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad, who is a member of the group’s negotiating team, told Qatar's Al Jazeera TV on Friday that the agreement is a “full package” of which Hamas’ disarmament is a part.

“Hamas and Palestinian factions are making concessions for the sake of our Palestinian people in Gaza,” Hamad said. He added that Hamas will not take any step unless they are sure that Israel will implement the deal from its side.

Israel defines demilitarization as extending from heavy weapons like rocket-propelled grenades all the way down to roughly 60,000 rifles that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says would have to be given up.

Trump — along with son-in-law Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff — has laid out ambitious plans for rebuilding Gaza with international investment.

In Davos last year, Kushner suggested reconstruction could be complete in a matter of three years, even though U.N. forecasts suggest that clearing rubble and demining alone could take much longer.

Kushner’s slides showed a reconstructed Gaza with a coastal tourism strip, industrial zones and data centers. He conceded that rebuilding would begin only in demilitarized areas and that security would be essential to attract investment.

A stabilization force

The ceasefire deal also calls for a temporary International Stabilization Force made up of soldiers from Arab and Muslim-majority countries. Its mandate is not spelled out in detail, but would include securing aid deliveries, preventing weapons smuggling and vetting and training a Palestinian police force.

Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who is leading the effort, said in February the plans call for 12,000 police and 20,000 soldiers for Gaza.

Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania have pledged to send troops for the force, while Egypt and Jordan have committed to train police.

Troops will initially be deployed to Rafah, a heavily damaged and largely depopulated city under full Israeli control, where the U.S. administration hopes to first focus reconstruction efforts.

The biggest blow to the planned force came about a week after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, when Indonesia put its commitment of 8,000 troops on indefinite hold. Some 1,000 were to have been sent in April, followed by the remainder in June.

www.katherinekincaid.com

FB / IG: @katkincaidmusic

News4JAX sent each questionnaire asking about their background and views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are published exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

Troy Albers

Occupation: Retired

Age: 52

Family: Rachael is my wife of thirty years. We have to grown sons and one daughter. Last we know have one nine month old grandson.

Education: Diploma Radiological Technologist U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence

Associates of Arts Eastern Florida State College

Political experience: I have never run for political office before.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

1) unemployment

2) inflation

3) healthcare

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

It is all about listening. Candidates get in a rush and fail to listen. I go to places other candidates don’t. I want to hear what people have to say. Good or Bad.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

Short answer is restore access to healthcare. People should not have to drive over an hour to get to a hospital.

Campaign website: albersforcongress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | BlueSky

Seth Harp

Occupation: Civics Teacher - Lincoln Middle School (Gainesville)

Age: 47

Family: (No answer)

Education: Bachelor’s Degree - Western Michigan University

Political experience: Political/News Talk Show Host - WKZO Radio

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Our Three Priorities -

1. Rebuild the American Middle Class - Financial

For too long, the economy has rewarded wealth over work. Rising housing costs, stagnant wages, expensive child care, student debt, and growing income inequality have made it harder than ever to get ahead.

Our Solutions

Social Security Stabilization

CEO Salary Cap

H.E.A.R.T. Act (Affordable Housing)

C.U.B.S. Act (Child Care)

S.L.I.C.E. Act (Student Debt)

Reagan Redux (Fair Corporate Tax Reform)

Our Goal: Make it easier to own a home, raise a family, retire with dignity, and build wealth through hard work.

2. Make America Healthier - Wellness

Health care should be affordable, accessible, and focused on prevention—not profits. Americans deserve quality care for their physical and mental health, and our veterans deserve the benefits they earned through service.

Our Solutions

U.N.I.T.E. Act (Universal Health Care)

D.O. Initiative (Mental Health Expansion)

M.A.K.E. Act (Veterans Dental Care)

F.U.E.L. Initiative (Universal School Lunch)

Our Goal: Ensure every American has access to the care, nutrition, and support needed to live a healthier life.

3. Build America’s Future - Progress

America’s success depends on investing in the infrastructure of tomorrow—from broadband access to clean water to a fairer tax system that supports long-term economic growth.

Our Solutions

F.A.I.R. Plan (Affordable Internet)

L.I.F.E. Line (Water Protection & Infrastructure)

Triple E Program (Ending Tax Loopholes for the Wealthy)

Our Goal: Invest in modern infrastructure, protect our natural resources, and build an economy that works for future generations.

We have a great platform called the “13 Stripes of Strength“. You can access it here: www.sethharpforcongress.com/issues

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

As a 7th Grade Civics teacher, I spend every day helping young people understand how government should work and why public service matters, giving me a perspective grounded in education, not politics. My combination of classroom experience and decades in media has taught me how to listen, communicate clearly and turn complex problems into practical solutions that put working families first.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

That we made life more affordable for working families by strengthening Social Security, guaranteeing access to health care, and restoring economic stability. Above all, I want to leave behind a Congress that put people ahead of politics and helped rebuild trust that government can still work for the American people.

Campaign website: www.sethharp.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky

George Hubac

Occupation: Air Force veteran, retired teacher, and former small-business owner; now running full-time for U.S. Congress.

Age: 67

Family: Single

Education: B.A. in Chemistry and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania (1980)

M.Ed . in Instructional Technology, University of South Florida (1994)

Political experience:

This is my first run for office, but every part of my life has been training for it.

In the Air Force, I learned to work behind the scenes, connecting people who’d never otherwise meet to get the mission done, leaning on plain American ingenuity when the manual ran out.

As a teacher, I spent less time checking whether a kid got the right answer and more time making sure they could think for themselves.

Running a small business, I met every segment of this community across the counter, and I ran it like an extension of the classroom, giving my employees room to grow and learn new skills while they served our customers.

And caring for my mother taught me the one thing we fight hardest to keep as we age: our independence. My job was to protect hers.

That’s the whole job I’m asking for. Not to stand in front of you, but to have your back, so you can move forward with confidence.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

A kidney stone taught me how Washington works. At best, they ease the pain. They rarely treat the cause. Maybe once in a generation, someone tries to change the diet. And this year? They took away the pain meds. Here’s my treatment plan.

1) Put the safeguards back. The new cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and health insurance pay for tax breaks at the top. I’d vote to restore all three. That’s the pain relief.

2) Bring our money home. Our economy has a stone of its own: our tax dollars flow out and don’t come back. Our current congresswoman refuses to request community project funding. Zero dollars, ever, on principle. I’d fight for our share: clean water for towns like Otter Creek, mobile clinics that bring VA visits and maternity care to counties that lost their hospitals. That’s treating the cause.

3) Change the diet. At home, I’d help build local businesses that serve us: a meat processing co-op for our ranchers, a prefab housing co-op that makes homes we can afford. What’s produced here, stays here. In Washington, I’d work to create a permanent floor: healthcare you can reach and an income no one falls below. You can’t build a house from the top down.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

Most candidates promise to hand you a future. I don’t think that’s the job. My role is to open doors, clear obstacles, and train people to hold those doors open. That’s what a catalyst does. Times are hard, and they may get harder before they get better. But this district has the land, the water, the university, and above all, the people to lead as the economy turns local again. We can build our own jobs and careers instead of waiting on a company that doesn’t know our names. I can’t hand you that future, but I can lay the groundwork so you can build it yourselves. That’s what having your back means.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

Handing the seat back stronger than I found it, with the doors we opened still open and people trained to hold them. I’ve set myself a four-term limit. The point isn’t to hold power. It’s to fix what I can and pass it on. Bring investment home. Put a floor under working families. That’s the legacy I want: securing our independence so this community owns its own future.

Campaign website: hubacforcongress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook

Tom Wells

Occupation: Sr Scientist at GTRI. Then VP of Engineering at 2 small companies developing proof of performance tests for radomes; those white spheres housing radar systems that Iran keeps blowing up. In 2006, I started my own company to do it better. 14 years without a bankruptcy, better than some Presidents :- )

Age: I’m 75. I’m not going to Congress to make a career - I’ve had several. I go to make a difference.

Family: My wife of 22 years is from Brazil - a naturalized citizen and voter. I have 4 children, who’ve taught me much, and 10 beautiful grandchildren (3 of whom were pre-existing conditions :-)

Education: Formal: Ph’D. in Theoretical Physics via CalTech & UMD College Park

Moral: My father, a life of service: ’46 US Army Medical in Japan, ’49 VA Chief of Surgery, & ’56 to ’66, as his heart decayed, saving poor girls after coat-hanger abortions, sharing MLK with me.

Political experience: I have run 6 times, each cycle since the DNC snuffed Bernie in 2016. In 2022 I was the D nominee & implacably opposed to genocide. FDP leadership, and the DNC, loves AIPAC money, and declared me a ‘reputational hazard’. I was flattered.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

The Supreme Court is the supreme problem. I’ve been saying that since 7/1/24, the day the 6 declared that Trump could kill...anybody. 99% of people know this - respond enthusiastically. (6 to 8 thousand conversations at public, non-political, events). If we restore the amended Constitution then the Congress we elect will pass Universal Healthcare and free education from pre-K through graduate school.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

We have tolerated the intolerable for 50 years. The Court by ’76 Valeo and ’78 Bellotti, planted the metastasizing cancer of corporate $$ in our elections. I have a growing list of simple actions to preclude the recurrence of such a fail. This mid-term has vast potentiality.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

That I served my children well. As MLK taught me to count, I’ve 8 Billion children.

Campaign website: tomwellsforcongress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

Kat Cammack

Campaign website: katforcongress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube

The incumbent Republican, first elected in 2020, has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

NO PARTY AFFILIATION CANDIDATE

Mike Klein

Occupation:Chairman of Warrior Centric Health

Age: 58

Family: Wife - Sonia, Kids - Adam and Jasmine

Education: United States Military Academy at West Point -- BS, Engineering and International Relations

Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina --MIBS -- Master of International Business Studies, Entrepreneurship, International Marketing, Private Equity

Political experience: For more than three decades, Mike has worked behind the scenes to support candidates, campaigns, and causes that he believed would strengthen America. That journey has taken him from local grassroots efforts to managing a presidential campaign with teams working across the country. Those experiences have given him a unique perspective on both the strengths and shortcomings of our political system. They also reinforced a simple belief: democracy is strongest when leaders put country before party, principles before politics, and the people they serve before their own ambitions.

Mike isn’t running because he has spent a lifetime seeking elected office. He is running because he believes our country is at a crossroads. America faces deep political division, declining trust in public institutions, rising debt, and growing pressure on working families. As a combat veteran, Mike took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. He believes that oath did not expire when he left active service. When he sees the nation facing a crisis of trust and leadership, he believes he has a duty to step forward. For Mike, this campaign is not about political ambition. It is about continuing a lifetime of service.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

1. Economic Security

Working hard should be enough to build a good life. Yet across Florida, families are watching more of their paycheck disappear on groceries, fuel, insurance, and housing. The answer isn’t simply economic growth. It is **economic security**.

Mike believes one of America’s greatest overlooked opportunities is localization. COVID exposed fragile supply chains, while overseas conflicts continue to drive up fuel prices and the cost of everyday goods. Communities that produce more of their own food, energy, and manufactured goods create jobs while protecting themselves from global shocks. Localization isn’t about isolation. It’s about resilience.

Mike will champion a Main Street Cost of Living Plan that puts local businesses ahead of corporate monopolies. He will modernize America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) into engines of a 21st-century economy, giving entrepreneurs, manufacturers, farmers, and innovators the support they need to grow and create jobs.

He also supports a modern Civilian Conservation Corps that gives young people, veterans, and career changers the opportunity to earn while they learn, building skills through infrastructure, housing, conservation, and disaster resilience projects.

2. Accessible Healthcare

Healthcare shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code. Too many families struggle to find a family doctor, wait months to see a specialist, or drive hours for treatment. That isn’t good enough.

Mike will strengthen rural healthcare, expand telehealth, and invest in the doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals our communities need.

As Chairman of Warrior Centric Health, Mike is advancing legislation to ensure every congressional district has the partnerships needed to support veterans through healthcare providers, employers, universities, and community organizations. Those who serve our country should never have to depend on their ZIP code to determine the support they receive when they come home.

Florida is home to one of the nation’s largest veteran populations. We should be leading America in veteran care.States like Virginia and Maryland have shown what is possible. Florida must do better.

Veterans are not political props. They are our neighbors, our teachers, our business owners, our coaches, and our first responders. Their service did not end when they took off the uniform, and neither should our commitment to them.

Mike will lower prescription drug costs through greater competition and transparency while investing more in prevention, nutrition, mental health, addiction treatment, and early screening. The healthiest nation isn’t the one that spends the most on healthcare. It’s the one that helps the most people stay healthy.

3. Housing and the American Dream

The housing crisis has become one of the greatest threats to the American Dream. It is also becoming a national security issue.

Large corporations and institutional investors are buying thousands of homes that once belonged to local families. We don’t know who many of these owners are, but we do know they are not rooted in our neighborhoods. Their responsibility is to shareholders, not the people who live there.

When homes become financial assets instead of places to raise a family, we lose more than homeownership. We lose stability, belonging, and the neighborhoods that make America strong.

The American Dream was built on a simple promise. Work hard, own a home, raise a family, and leave your children with greater opportunity than you had. That dream should be measured by the number of families who own a home, not by the number of homes listed on a corporate balance sheet.

Mike will increase workforce housing, help first-time buyers achieve homeownership, reduce barriers to building affordable homes, and stop large corporations from bulk-buying single-family homes.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

What sets me apart isn’t just that I’m an Independent. It’s that I’ll be present.

If you’re a resident of Florida’s 3rd Congressional District and you want to meet with your Congressman, you’ll be able to. I’ll make myself available for coffee, community meetings, town halls, Zoom calls, or a conversation at your local veterans’ hall or civic group. You shouldn’t have to fight through layers of staff or party gatekeepers just to have your voice heard.

Too often, members of Congress spend more time in Washington attending fundraisers, meeting lobbyists, and climbing the political ladder than they do listening to the people they represent. I believe representation starts at home.

My office won’t just process paperwork. It will help solve problems. Whether you’re a veteran struggling with benefits, a farmer dealing with federal regulations, a student navigating financial aid, or a small business owner buried in bureaucracy, you’ll have a Congressman who is accessible, responsive, and committed to helping.

Because I’m not tied to a political party or dependent on corporate PAC money, my time belongs to the people of this district, not to party leadership in Washington.

I didn’t run for Congress to become part of Washington. I ran to make Washington work better for the people of Florida’s 3rd District. That means spending more time here, listening, meeting, and working alongside the people I represent, not simply hanging around DC.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

If, at the end of my service, people say I helped restore trust in government, I will consider that my greatest accomplishment.

Our country doesn’t just face economic or political challenges. It faces a crisis of confidence. Too many Americans believe Washington serves political parties, corporate interests, and special interests before it serves them. That has to change.

I want to be remembered for leading with integrity, taking responsibility, and always putting the interests of the American people ahead of politics. As an Independent, I can be a bridge bringing people together around practical solutions instead of partisan battles. Leadership isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about earning trust, building consensus, and delivering results.

I hope to help restore accountability in Congress, reduce the influence of money in politics, lower the cost of living for working families, strengthen healthcare, support our veterans, protect our environment, and ensure every decision is judged by one simple question: Does this make life better for the people of Florida’s 3rd District and for America?

I also want to be remembered for being present. Congress shouldn’t be a place where representatives disappear into Washington. I want people to remember that they could reach me, meet with me, and know they had a Congressman who spent his time listening to the people he represented, not just navigating the halls of Washington. Representation begins at home.

Most importantly, I want to be remembered as someone whose word meant something. Someone who was honest, accessible, and accountable. Someone who listened. Treated everyone with respect. and never forgot that elected office is a public trust, not a personal privilege.

If I can leave behind a Congress that is a little more honest, a little more respectful, and a little more focused on serving the American people than special interests, then I will have done my job

Campaign website: www.mikeklein4congress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | YouTube

In January 2025, after President Donald Trump began his second term, Senator Marco Rubio was named Secretary of State, vacating his Senate seat. Gov. Ron DeSantis then appointed the state’s attorney general, Ashley Moody, to Rubio’s seat. The appointment would last until after the next general election, which is the November 2026 election. The winner of this year’s election will serve the remaining two years of Rubio’s original term.

In addition to Moody, three other Republicans will appear on that party’s primary ballot, and two Democrats are vying for their party’s nomination. The primary winners will be on the general election ballot in November, along with one candidate running without party affiliation.

News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

Angie Nixon

Occupation: State Representative District 13, Florida House of Representatives

Age: 42

Family: I am a mom of 5 and now have a blended family with my husband.

Education: University of Florida 2007: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science

Political experience: 2020: Elected to the Florida House of Representatives

2022: Re elected to the Florida House of Representatives

2024: Re elected to the Florida House of Representatives

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Floridians are being crushed by an affordability crisis created by greed and corruption. My focus is on the needs of Floridians, and to create a system that works for the people not against them. No one in the richest country in the world should go bankrupt because they need medical care. Florida’s Families shouldn’t fear losing their home because their insurance doubled overnight.

People deserve a healthcare system that works for them and protects their hard earned benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA. Additionally, I will fight to make childcare affordable and accessible because that is an investment in our next generation and has incredibly strong economic returns for parents and local economies.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I was born and raised in Florida, and have spent my life here fighting for the people. As a state lawmaker, I was able to deliver meaningful change on various issues, that impact all of our lives. I understand that my role, first and foremost is to listen then act on behalf of the people of Florida. Too many of our elected officials do not answer to those who give them power, I understand that I answer to you, the people of the Sunshine State.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I hope to be remembered as a fighter who delivered on people’s needs. I want to show that elected officials can be trusted to things that make people’s lives better. I want to leave folks with hope that we can always change things for the better.

Campaign website: angienixon.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | BlueSky

Alex Vindman

Occupation: U.S. Senate Candidate, Former National Security Advisor and Veteran

Age: 51

Family: My wife Rachel and I have a 15 year-old daughter.

Education: Binghamton University (BA), Harvard University (MA), Johns Hopkins University (MAIA, Doctorate of International Affairs)

Political experience: This is my first political campaign after serving more than 21 years in the U.S. Army.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Lowering costs for Floridians is my top priority. As I travel the state to meet voters, everybody tells me that life is unaffordable in our state. We need to lower the cost of housing, groceries, insurance, and health care. I also plan to fight the political corruption catering to special interests that is responsible for this affordability crisis. My campaign has a Florida First agenda to lower costs and crush corruption.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

When I was three years old, my family fled communism as Jewish refugees in search of freedom and opportunity in America. I’ve led hundreds of people in high-pressure situations where lives depended on people devoted to the mission and their people and not to themselves. I served on the battlefield, in U.S. embassies, the Pentagon, and the White House, fighting for what is right and defending the nation that gave my family everything. I will be an independent voice in the U.S. Senate who can fight corruption and make Florida more affordable.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

Working in a bipartisan way to make Florida more affordable and crush corruption.

Campaign website: alexvindman.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Threads | BlueSky

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

Chris Gleason

Occupation: Technical Consultant, Forensic Researcher, Election Integrity Advocate

Age: 54

Family: Family of 5

Education: B.A. - University of Massachusetts, Lowell

Political experience: 2024 Candidate for Supervisor of Elections, Pinellas County, FL

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Government accountability, Border security, Election Integrity

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

By honest education about the process.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

For being the greatest U.S. Senator in history.

Campaign website: voteforgleason.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | YouTube

Ashley Moody

Occupation: United States Senator for the people of Florida

Age: (No response)

Family: Husband and two boys

Education: -Bachelors in Accounting, University of Florida

-Masters in Accounting, University of Florida

-Law Degree, University of Florida

-Master of Laws in International Law, Stetson University College of Law

Political experience: “-Circuit Court Judge (nonpartisan election)

-38th Attorney General of Florida

-Commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, under President Trump’s first term

-Chair of Florida’s Statewide Council on Human Trafficking

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

The top three issues are the economy, public safety, and restoring trust and accountability to Washington. On the economy, I am proud to have delivered the largest tax cuts in American history: No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and No Tax on Social Security. I am fighting to expand homeownership through the HELPER Act, which provides mortgage assistance for law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, and teachers so the heroes who serve our communities can afford to live in them. I am also working to protect small businesses from burdensome regulations. On public safety, I am bringing my experience as a federal prosecutor, judge, and Florida’s Attorney General to Washington. One of my first acts in the Senate was fighting to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act, and I continue working to secure our border and back the men and women in law enforcement who keep us safe. And on restoring trust and accountability, Florida families balance their budgets every month, Washington should too. I am working to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse so every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely, because government should work FOR the people, not the other way around. That is exactly the Florida playbook I am bringing to Washington.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I bring a record of fighting for Florida families. As a federal prosecutor, a circuit court judge, and Florida’s Attorney General, I’ve spent my career solving problems and delivering results. That experience is already paying off in the Senate: from delivering the largest tax cuts in American history, to securing over $1.7 billion in disaster recovery funding, nearly $1 billion for our military servicemembers and installations, to legislation protecting Florida families. I also bring something else most candidates cannot: a deep, lived knowledge of our beautiful Florida, as a fifth generation Floridian. I was born here, raised here, and I chose to raise my own family here. As the proud wife of a law enforcement officer, I understand firsthand the sacrifices made by the men and women who keep our communities safe. Voters do not have to guess how I will perform in Washington because they can look at what I have already delivered.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I hope to be remembered as a Senator who delivered for Florida families, not one who simply talked about it. I’m honored to have been named one of the most productive Senators and given an award for the best constituent services in the nation. When I make a promise, I intend to keep it. I made a promise to Governor DeSantis and the people of Florida when I took office that I would get things done, and I am doing just that. I want Florida families to look back and know that because of the work I did, they kept more of what they earned, their communities were safer, their kids had an opportunity to live their American Dream, and Washington was a little more accountable to the people it serves. I also hope to be remembered for bringing Florida’s commonsense approach to the rest of the country – proving that conservative leadership focused on results is exactly what restores the American Dream. Most of all, I want the next generation to inherit the same opportunities that made Florida the envy of the nation.

Campaign website: ashleymoody.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram

Neelam Perry

Occupation: Medical Doctor

Age:

Family: 2 sons

Education: M.D.

Political experience: Ran for Florida State House 62- 2016

U.S. Congress d14- 2024

Committee woman

PCREC

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Political influence being used by opposition

Corruption

Voter Deception and Fraud.

The solution is for the people to remove the current swamp out. Do not vote on any “incumbent’

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I have the smarts, the knowledge , skills and experience that the others don’t possess. I know where the shoe hurts and how to find x it

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

Criminal Justice System Reform

Healthcare Reform

Campaign website: vote4perry.org

Campaign social media: Facebook | YouTube

Ernest Rivera

Occupation: Ordained Minister; Nonprofit Founder and Community Leader

Age: 68

Family: Married to his wife since 1983; father and grandfather.

Education: Doctor of Ministry, Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando), 2000; M.A. in Education, New York University, 1990; B.A. in Psychology, University of Puerto Rico (Río Piedras), 1981.

Political experience: Ran for U.S. Senate (Florida) in 2016. Decades of civic and community leadership: statewide hurricane relief director after Hurricane Maria, co-founder of the Protect Our Children Project, organizer of 2,400+ pastors for the First Step Act, and TPUSA co-director in Pasco County.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

1. Cost of living — families are crushed by inflation, housing, and property insurance. I’ll fight to cut wasteful spending, lower taxes, unleash American energy, and pursue federal action to stabilize Florida’s insurance market. 2) Border security and the rule of law — I support securing the border, ending sanctuary policies, and honoring legal immigration. 3) Protecting families and children — defending life, religious liberty, parental rights, and continuing my life’s work against child trafficking and exploitation. I’ll bring a servant’s approach: show up, listen, and deliver.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I’m not a career politician — I’m a servant with nearly fifty years of proven, on-the-ground leadership. I’ve directed statewide disaster relief, co-founded an organization fighting child trafficking, built schools and churches across the Americas, and organized thousands of faith leaders for real reform. I’m bilingual and deeply connected to Florida’s diverse communities. I don’t come from the political establishment, and I don’t answer to it. I answer to Florida’s families.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I’d hope to be remembered as a Senator who put Florida’s families first — who helped make life more affordable, secured our border, protected the vulnerable, and defended our constitutional freedoms. Above all, I’d want to be remembered as a public servant who never forgot that government answers to the people, who told the truth even when it was hard, and who fought to leave Florida stronger and freer for the next generation.

Campaign website: ernie4senate.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube

NO PARTY AFFILIATION CANDIDATE

Neil Gillespie

Campaign website: neilgillespie4senate.blogspot.com

Campaign social media: None found

The no party affiliation candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.

FREE Community Beach Yoga

🗓 Saturday, August 1

🕙 10:00 AM

📍 Hampton Inn Oceanfront – Jacksonville Beach

The event begins Aug. 1 and runs for the entire month.

Before the kickoff, Jax Cooking Studio visited us on The Morning Show to share a couple of their delicious vegan recipes:

• Chana Masala
• Vegan Naan Bread

To take part in the citywide challenge, check out the Jacksonville Vegan Chef Challenge website to get the full list of participating restaurants and their vegan offerings.

Pick any of the inventive featured vegan dishes at a participating restaurant and try it out.

Then rate and review each menu to share your feedback with the chefs and cast your vote for your favorites before the challenge ends on Aug. 31.

The current list of 30 businesses participating in this year’s Vegan Chef Challenge includes:

• Abstrakt Filipino Essence
• Ajua Mexican Kitchen and Bar
• Backyard Buffalo
• Bang’n Bagel Co, Biscottis
• Buddha Thai Bistro
• Bundy Kitchen + Market at Mayo Clinic
• Casey’s Granola
• Coastal Kitchen & Bar
• Dainty Cheesecake Company
• Dreamette Ice Cream Springfield
• Epik Burger
• Gator Ice Cream (both locations)
• Hala’s Mideast Eatery and Market
• Homespun Kitchen (Riverside)
• Irie Diner Caribbean Restaurant
• Josephine Avondale
• Lanjie Hotpot BBQ
• Marry Me Jam
• Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream - Ponte Vedra Beach
• Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream - San Marco
• Moon Dog Pie House
• Murray Hillbilly
• Naked Kitchen
• One Third Asian House
• Plant Pastry
• Refinery Jax Beach
• Seitanic Jax
• Solune Coffee
• University of North Florida Dining Services

For participant updates, visit veganchefchallenge.org/jacksonville.

Winning dishes will be announced in September.

Mark Bond, 22, was arrested July 1 on charges stemming from an alleged incident in February.

On Wednesday, News4JAX learned that all charges against Bond were dropped.

We reached out to the State Attorney’s Office for more details and were told the charges were dropped because of reasonable doubt.

PREVIOUS STORY: Jacksonville man arrested on sexual battery, false imprisonment charges after months-long investigation

Specifically, the state believed it could not prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, with consent being the central dispute and witness statements creating sufficient reasonable doubt.

The state decided not to pursue the case, so the charges were dropped and Bond was released from custody.

News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE

Ken Cornell

Occupation: Alachua County Commissioner (currently serving in my 3rd term) & Real Estate Broker Associate. I am also a Certified Public Accountant.

Age: 57

Family: I have been married to the love of my life, Angela for 36 years. We have two amazing son’s Connor who is 33 and married to Taylor and Christopher who is 31 and married to Whitney. Over the last two years our family expanded, Caleb James and John Parker were born and they are the two greatest grand babies in the whole wide world! We are also blessed to have two Labradoodles, Angel and Rexx and a 14 year old rescue kitty named Scrabble!

Education: Masters Degree from the University of Florida’s Fisher School of Accounting

Political experience: 11 1/2 years as a County Commissioner

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Infrastructure & Roads

We’ve made historic investments in repairing and upgrading roads, improving stormwater systems and modernizing our infrastructure, and we will continue on this progress.

Fiscal Responsibility

By balancing budgets, practicing sound planning and keeping reserves in place, we’ve maintained strong financial footing while expanding services where they’re needed most.

Environmental Protection

We’ve preserved thousands of acres of rural lands, improved water quality and are advancing circular economy strategies to reduce waste and emissions.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I bring experience, strong values and a proven commitment to protecting our community.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I’m proud of the real progress we’ve made. From historic investments in infrastructure and protecting rural lands to strengthening our fiscal position, I’m running again to build on that momentum.

Campaign website: Cornell2026.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram

NO PARTY AFFILIATION CANDIDATE

Dewayne Baines

Occupation: Social worker

Age: 47

Family: (No answer)

Education: Master of Social Worker

Political experience: Students Government finance chair

Land Conservation board

Rual Concern citizens board

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

The top three issues facing Alachua County are income/infrastructure inequality (particularly in East Gainesville), affordable housing, and environmental/climate resilience.

Addressing these requires community-focused strategies:Economic & Infrastructure Disparities: Tackle massive income disparities by accelerating the county’s Forward Focus economic development plan.

This involves increasing job opportunities and essential services in East Gainesville to eliminate USDA-defined food deserts.

Affordable & Workforce Housing: Utilize the county’s Affordable Housing Trust to fund transitional housing and financial assistance. Align land-use policies with public-private partnerships to increase permanent supportive housing for high-need populations.

Environmental & Climate Resilience: Implement the Climate Action Plan, utilizing the Wild Spaces/Public Places Infrastructure Surtax to protect ecologically functional corridors and expand safe public recreation areas.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

Im running to make positive changes for the community, like grocery stores, supporting small business, fixing our roads, managing the county budget

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

Someone who supports the whole community not just some, bringing resources to the community and bringing unity to the county.

Campaign website: dewayne4community2026.com

Campaign social media: Facebook

The 19-year-old Agbayani, who is the son of former Mets fan favorite Benny Agbayani, is a middle infielder who hit .268 in 10 games for Fort Myers in low Class A this season. The sixth-round 2025 draft pick, a native of Hawaii, has been limited by injuries.

The 23-year-old Amick batted .217 with 23 homers in 86 games for Double-A Wichita this season, playing first and third base. He was a second-round draft pick in 2024.

Minter had a 2.35 ERA in 23 innings with 20 strikeouts and only two walks. He didn't make his season debut until May 26, going more than a year between major league appearances. His 2025 season ended after 13 appearances when he injured his left lat muscle in his back and needed surgery.

Minter signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Mets in 2025. His 2024 season with the Atlanta Braves also was cut short by a torn labrum in his left hip, but when he's been healthy he's been one of baseball's most effective late-game lefties. The 33-year-old, who was a second-round 2015 draft pick by the Braves, has a 3.18 ERA with 456 strikeouts in 382 2/3 innings over 420 career appearances.

Minter likely will be the first of multiple Mets players moved before the trade deadline on Monday. They have the second-worst record in the National League.

The Twins, who started a nine-game road trip at Seattle on Friday, have a 4.92 relief ERA that ranks fifth worst in the major leagues. They lead the American League in runs scored and entered Friday one game out of a wild card spot.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

The county is currently managing 44 active road projects with a combined budget of $183.1 million for the year.

CR 210 widening

Good news for families heading back to school. All westbound lanes on County Road 210 are expected to reopen by the end of the day Friday, July 31 — just ahead of the St. Johns County school year, which begins Aug. 10.

A county spokesperson confirmed progress has been made on the westbound side of the project and that all lanes should be open by end of the week (Friday)

State Road 16 widening near IGP

According to county officials, work on the State Road 16 widening project near International Golf Parkway (IGP) and St. Johns Parkway is 60% complete.

Drainage work near IGP is expected to wrap up by Aug. 9.

Meanwhile, a contractor is working on temporary signalization for an eastbound traffic shift from AutoZone through the existing traffic corridor.

That shift is expected to take place after Labor Day.

First Coast Expressway closures

Drivers traveling along County Road 16A should plan ahead for upcoming weekend closures.

As part of First Coast Expressway construction, CR 16A between Timberwolf Trail and River Reach Parkway will be closed during the following windows:

• 8 p.m. Friday, July 31 through 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3
• 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7 through 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10

Officials say the closures are necessary to allow for pipe installation across the roadway. During the closures, traffic will detour via State Road 16 and State Road 13.

Drivers can stay informed about lane closures and roadwork by following FDOT District 2 at @MyFDOT_NEFL on X or MyFDOTNEFL on Facebook, or by visiting nflroads.com. Real-time traffic alerts are also available at FL511.com or through the FL511 app.

Hamas also said that laying down its heavy weapons, which would come later in the process, was contingent on the creation of a Palestinian state, something Israel's current government adamantly rejects.

Israel has not officially commented on the deal, which is part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced last October. That agreement called for Hamas to disarm and hand over power to an independent Palestinian administration. Israel was to withdraw, and an International Stabilization Force was to deploy.

But progress stalled, with Israel saying everything hinged on Hamas disarming, and Hamas accusing Israel of violating the agreement by continuing to carry out regular strikes on Gaza.

Disarming would represent a sea change for Hamas, whose founding charter calls for armed resistance against Israel, and which sees its arsenal, including rockets, anti-tank missiles and explosives, as lying at the heart of its identity.

Israel meanwhile appears unlikely to pull back significant forces or make other concessions ahead of its October elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough reelection battle, with opponents accusing him of failing to prevent the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war.

The deal is set to be implemented in stages

In announcing the latest deal on social media, Trump said it would be carried out in “carefully structured phases.”

“As disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, and the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza being safe for its residents and its neighbors,” he wrote.

A copy of the agreement obtained and verified by The Associated Press said that all weapons held by the Hamas-run police will be transferred to the U.S.-backed Palestinian technocratic committee, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, upon its arrival in the enclave. It’s not clear when that would happen since it is contingent on other steps.

A process to decommission and store heavy weapons, military production sites and tunnels will begin after the arrival of the Palestinian committee and the deployment of international forces. The process will be linked to a phased Israeli withdrawal from the parts of Gaza it controls, according to the agreement.

Israel currently controls around 60% of Gaza, areas that have been mostly destroyed and depopulated. Most of the territory's 2 million Palestinians are in the other part, where hundreds of thousands live in squalid tent camps and destroyed neighborhoods.

In a statement Thursday, an Israeli official said that there will be no Israeli withdrawal before the militant group is disarmed and the strip demilitarized. The statement was made on condition of anonymity in line with government protocol.

A person with knowledge of the situation said that Israel is fully involved, but it's not a signatory to the deal, which is between Hamas and several countries helping to negotiate and guarantee the ceasefire. The person spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the agreement. The deal's guarantors are the U.S., Turkey, Egypt and Qatar.

It could take years for Hamas to disarm

On Thursday, U.S. and Board of Peace officials, describing the deal to reporters on condition of anonymity under guidelines set by the White House, gave an extremely optimistic assessment. The board was established by Trump to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza.

While Gaza's police force is expected to hand over its arms, that doesn't include the vast majority of Hamas militants, and heavy weaponry is not included in that part of the agreement, according to the officials.

Instead, the surrender of heavy weapons and the decommissioning of Hamas tunnels and other infrastructure are to come later in a process that could take between 200 and 350 days, a Board of Peace official said. That timeline did not appear in the agreement obtained by AP.

The Hamas official and the regional official involved in the process said that Hamas and other groups agreed to “collect and store” arms inside Gaza under the supervision of the Palestinian technocratic committee and that weapons won’t be handed to Israel or non-Palestinian parties.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media, said this would be a gradual process linked to an Israeli withdrawal.

Israel has been deeply skeptical

A U.S. official said Israel, which has been deeply skeptical about Hamas’ willingness to give up its guns or relinquish control of Gaza, had been consulted at every step of the negotiation.

However, the official said Israel was not being asked to do anything more than what it had initially committed to when it agreed to Trump’s 20-point plan, which essentially involves withdrawing its forces from Gaza and committing to ending airstrikes on the territory.

A member of the Palestinian technocratic committee told the AP on Friday that it was eager to enter Gaza but was concerned Israel will pose challenges. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. The person said they didn’t expect to enter Gaza for at least two months.

The committee welcomed the progress Friday, but said the work to restore public institutions and services and rebuild the territory would be immense.

The war in Gaza began after a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, including those killed since the ceasefire, Gaza’s Health Ministry said. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government and is staffed by medical professionals, does not distinguish between civilians and militants in its toll but says women and children make up around half of all deaths.

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Mednick reported from Tel Aviv, Israel, Cooper from Phoenix, and Lee from Washington. Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri in New York and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed.

The average price of school supplies increased from more than $161 last year to $173 this year. That’s nearly 8% more.

There are a variety of factors driving prices higher. And there’s little relief in sight.

Angela Hanks, Chief of Policy Programs at The Century Foundation, joined us on The Morning Show to discuss the back-to-school affordability issue for parents and how they can better cope and offset these higher costs without going into debt.

An expanding crisis for soccer's governing body reached into Infantino's longtime inner circle when his pick to represent FIFA on the White House Task Force for the World Cup walked away calling the Joshua Kushner-backed $20 billion commercial subsidiary plan “a bad deal for football.”

Carlos Cordeiro is a former Goldman Sachs banker and officially Infantino's Senior Adviser yet revealed he was not involved in the secretive investment plan that has rocked the sport since media reports revealed it Tuesday.

“I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup,” Cordeiro said in a statement formally resigning, just hours after FIFA insisted in a statement: “Nobody is selling football.”

Cordeiro's exit — and call for other senior staff to speak out — intensified scrutiny on Infantino one day after European soccer body UEFA threatened to boycott all FIFA games and events until the plan is dropped. North America's CONCACAF also rejected Infantino’s offer of one-off $20 million payments to each member federation by a mid-September deadline.

Cordeiro often joined Infantino on working visits to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in recent years, and took part in meetings of the administration's World Cup task force led by Andrew Guiliani.

“Let me be clear. I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally,” said Cordeiro, the former U.S. Soccer Federation president.

Asia joins Europe and North America

On another seismic day in soccer politics, Asia’s soccer body that has been a key ally in Infantino's 11-year presidency opposed the investor plan and said FIFA must urgently review its management style

The Asian Football Confederation said it “stands in solidarity” with UEFA and CONCACAF, the first two continental bodies to oppose Infantino whose combined 90 FIFA member countries near a majority of the 211 global total.

“Football should never have been placed in such a position,” said the Asian soccer body, which counts 46 of FIFA's 211 members

Infantino has proposed spinning off FIFA's commercial businesses — including World Cups and Club World Cups for men and women — into a $20 billion subsidiary with 20% owned by private investors.

The “anchor investor,” described by FIFA, is a New York-based investment firm created by Joshua Kushner, the younger brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

“(T)he proposed (FIFA Forward Enterprise) cannot realistically achieve the necessary broad consensus and unity required to move forward” and must be reconsidered, the AFC said.

The statement did not name Infantino yet criticized FIFA for problems beyond the content of the private equity plan plus failing to consult about the secretive proposal.

“Rather, it has exposed fundamental weaknesses in FIFA’s consultation and decision-making processes that must now be addressed,” said the AFC, whose longtime president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa narrowly lost the FIFA presidential election to Infantino in 2016.

“Accordingly, the AFC calls upon FIFA to undertake an urgent review of its governance and decision-making framework,” said the organization based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Infantino's job at risk?

Infantino had seemed — 11 days ago after the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey — to have a clear path to being reelected unopposed for a fourth and final term in office through 2031.

FIFA had briefed during the tournament that Infantino had letters of support from about 200 members, despite a furor over letting United States forward Folarin Balogun play against Belgium even though he received a red card in his previous game. Trump acknowledged asking Infantino to review Balogun's mandatory one-game ban.

FIFA has set a Nov. 18 deadline for potential candidates to declare in a presidential vote of the 211 members scheduled next March in Rabat, Morocco.

FIFA blames the media

The Asian statement came hours after FIFA blamed the media and doubled down on pursuing the project which now seems to have a majority of the 211 in opposition.

“Our planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports,” FIFA said in a statement early Friday. “We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each (member) has the ability to express its vote based on facts.”

The next FIFA event that would be targeted by the threatened European boycott is within weeks — the Women’s Under-20 World Cup hosted by Poland from Sept. 5. The four British federations comprise FIFA’s only bidder to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup. That decision is due Nov. 23.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and AP World Cup coverage

“It’s extremely important to us,” said Itai Nixon, who leads the diaspora department for Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. “We’re the state of the Jewish people, not just Israelis.”

Lesley Sachs, who has protested the current Israeli government and chairs the Israel Movement for Progressive and Reform Judaism, also considers a close relationship with diaspora Jews a “strategic asset” for both Israel and Jews worldwide.

So she’s greatly concerned about diaspora Jews losing the sense that Israel can be a homeland for them, especially as rising antisemitism targets them regardless of political and religious affiliations.

“That was always really, really important that everybody around the world, especially after the Holocaust, knows that there is a country that will always take them,” Sachs said in her synagogue in Tel Aviv. “This is already a few generations after, and this is less prominent in their DNA. And I think that this is really a failure on the part of both Israel and world Jewry, that we have not managed to keep that prominent.”

Since 2000, Taglit-Birthright Israel has brought a million Jewish young adults from the United States and elsewhere for a free 10-day “discovery” tour of Israel. The organization’s CEO says it’s more necessary than ever to show what their connection to Israel could be like beyond controversial politics.

“That really increases the importance of my job to expose people to what they give up on,” said Gidi Mark. “What we give them is a mirror.”

The staunch Israel-US relationship shows some cracks

Israel and the United States have long been staunch allies. U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Washington earlier this week to discuss the war against Iran they launched together five months ago.

“The United States is perceived as the best friend of Israel in the entire world, and that’s still the case,” said Tamar Hermann, who directs the Israel Democracy Institute’s Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research in Jerusalem.

Divisions over the ceasefire in the Iran war, however, have weakened Jewish Israelis’ belief that Trump prioritizes Israel’s security — from 64% in March to 26% in June — according to the center.

Amid diplomatic tensions, the role of Jewish Americans who historically lobbied for political, military and financial support for Israel gains new prominence, Israelis said. And that deepens the concern that many young progressive Americans, including Jews, now see supporting Israel in any way as irreconcilable with their worldview.

The decline in support for Israel has become particularly stark since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians in southern Israel, and abducted 251 others. Israel’s ensuing war against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry, which was part of the recently dissolved Hamas-run government, maintains detailed records viewed as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and international organizations. It does not distinguish between civilians and militants but says women and children make up around half of all fatalities.

That in turn ignited protests across the United States, especially on college campuses.

“Holocaust, refugees, the importance of Israel in times of need abroad, and the fact that Israel is a small country fighting for its existence … that’s history they read in a book,” Sachs said of younger Jewish Americans. “They weren’t emotionally part of it in any way or any form. And so they look at their values and the things that they believe in. And they don’t see it in Israel.”

Jewish Americans have complicated relationship with Israel

Only about 4 in 10 religious Jewish adults under 45 in the United States say that supporting Israel is “extremely” or “very” important for their Jewish identity, while about half of older religious Jewish adults do, according to the AP-NORC poll.

The survey of 1,022 Jewish adults — including people who identify as Jewish by religion and religiously unaffiliated people who identify as Jewish through culture, ethnicity or family background — also found that only about half of religious adults say Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza are justified. The number drops to 2 in 10 among Jewish adults without a religious affiliation.

At the same time, about 6 in 10 Jewish adults say prejudice against Jewish people is an “extremely” or “very” serious problem in the United States today.

To many Israelis, safety threats against Jews make it all the more tragic — and dangerous — that young Jewish Americans do not see the state of Israel as a refuge or even an ally.

“Antisemitism sadly helps us to explain why a Jewish homeland is not a bad idea,” said Asaf Zamir, a deputy mayor of Tel Aviv who served as consul general in New York. “Opposing the government is fine, but you cannot understand your history as a Jew without understanding the part of Israel in it.”

Israel reaches out to secular and liberal Jews in North America

In order to promote deeper attachment between Israel and diaspora Jews, both the government and religious organizations are reinforcing exchange programs. For decades, young Israelis have traveled to Jewish summer camps across North America, and non-Israeli Jews get free trips to Israel.

“To see Israel and meet Israelis is the gold standard,” Itai Nixon said of programs bringing teens to the country.

Taglit-Birthright’s Gidi Mark said that since 2023, with multiple wars, tour participants are fewer — and their reactions to touring Israel have also changed. He recalled one participant shouting “Israel! Israel!” outside his hotel just because he felt safe to express himself.

“These people don’t feel free to experience who they are in the places that they are coming from,” Mark said.

These and other initiatives are focusing on secular Jews and adherents to Reform Judaism. The largest branch of the religion in North America, it emphasizes progressive values such as social justice.

Orthodox Jews abroad tend to have stronger ties to Israel — and Orthodox Jews in Israel tend to see themselves as closer to diaspora Jews than do secular Israelis, Hermann said.

Within the Israeli Reform movement, which is a small part of Judaism in the country, there’s a push to send more young Israelis to the United States, including as camp counselors.

“That kind of action is important, that one-on-one connection saying, ‘You know what, we believe in the same things you do. Really, we have the same ideology in general, and we feel we need to change Israel together,'" Sachs said. “We need to be partners in making Israel the country that we all need.”

Alma Edry, 18, is spending two months as a counselor at a progressive Jewish summer camp in Ontario with teens and young adults from Canada and the United States. She said her biggest surprise has been “that Israel is such a big deal for people outside the country.”

“Most of their friends are anti-Israel,” she said of the campers. “This is their chance to celebrate their connection.”

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Back in 2021, actor Tom Holland starred in “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which was his third time headlining a film in that popular superhero franchise.

The movie shocked and delighted audiences by cleverly including previous Spider-Man actors Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield into a multiverse storyline.

The movie was highly entertaining, proving to be both a critical and box office success.

Exiting a franchise on a high note makes good sense, and reports quickly circulated that Holland felt it was the perfect time to hand off his Spidey-suit to a new actor.

Well…not so fast. In the years since, Sony and Marvel Studios have pushed for another film to examine what happens after Peter Parker’s friends have all their memories of him erased.

There was a lot of back and forth that included discussions with Holland and various directors, new scripts, delays due to the Writers Guild and Screen Actors Guild strikes, and problems with scheduling conflicts.

But now, five years after the last film, we finally have “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”

The film begins with Spider-Man/Peter Parker still fighting crime in New York City, but also quietly keeping tabs on social media on what his friends are up to.

Former girlfriend MJ (played by Holland’s real-life wife, Zendaya) and pal Ned (the also-returning Jacob Batalon) are off at MIT, enjoying the adventures that all three had planned to experience together.

Screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommer (who also wrote the first three films) pepper the script with many bittersweet moments that capture the sacrifice and pain that Peter is going through.

Things start getting complicated when Spider-Man encounters a force that seems to take over the bodies of whoever it chooses and also can jump from one person to another, almost instantly. The force also begins communicating with him.

Spider-Man seeks advice by contacting other Marvel characters, including assassin Yelena Belova, delightfully portrayed with a thick Russian accent by the wonderful Florence Pugh, who previously played the character in “Thunderbolts” and “Black Widow.”

He also meets with Bruce Banner/The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), who is teaching at a university and trying oh-so-hard not to transition into his more violent alter-ego. Anyone want to take bets whether he’s successful or not?

Other notable characters include Jon Bernthal (“The Walking Dead” and “The Bear”) as “The Punisher,” a violent vigilante who has a complicated relationship with Spider-Man. Bernthal has played the role before, but initially goes almost annoyingly overboard with the New Yorker-isms before settling into an interesting and effective performance.

I will avoid giving too much away, but another important character is played by “Stranger Things” actress Sadie Sink. She portrays a woman who has been through an emotional ringer, and her story is very front and center later in the film.

Calling the shots in this movie is Destin Daniel Cretton, who previously directed Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”

He has avoided the trap of many superhero directors who deliver overly-long, repetitious fight scenes that can really drag down a film. The action scenes in this movie are original, extremely well staged and exciting. (They were designed by Jackie Chan’s stunt team)

A scene involving a group of martial artists taking on Spider-Man is especially noteworthy, with people flying through the air. And even though we’ve seen our superhero swing through the city many times before in every one of the previous films, the director has managed here to put a fresh take on many of those shots. (Note: If you can, try and see the film in 3D -- it’s impressive.)

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” features far less humor than other films in the series and focuses more on the emotions. There are some really touching scenes between Tom Holland and Zendaya and also with their pal Jacob Batalon. As a result, there’s plenty of room to maneuver for future storylines.

Did we need this Spider-Man film? That might be debatable after the nice wrap-up with the last movie, but Holland and the filmmakers sure delivered a lot with this effort.

Will there be yet another Spider-Man film? If you want an answer, stay to the very end of the movie, after the credits.

The 5th Congressional District was redrawn by the state in 2022 and covers Duval County south and east of the St. Johns River and northern St. Johns County. The state’s 2026 congressional redistricting did not affect District 5.

News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are published exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

Rachel Grage

Occupation: Biomedical Engineer

Age: 55

Family: My family reflects a deep commitment to service, learning, and creativity. I’m married to a physician who previously served as a medical officer in the U.S. Army, grounding their household in both medical expertise and military experience. Together we have four children whose paths span science, innovation, and global engagement: two are currently in medical school, one works as an Imagineer at Walt Disney World, and one is teaching English in Poland as a Fulbright recipient. Our family story highlights a shared dedication to education, curiosity, and contributing meaningfully to the world.

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, with a minor in dance, from Tulane University.

Political experience: I served as an elected president of my homeowner’s association and spent years researching, tracking, advocating and communicating about legislation impacting the lives of Florida families.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

I am deeply passionate about tackling the issues that impact our daily lives—starting with affordable housing and skyrocketing insurance costs, which are placing an immense burden on Florida families.

Public education is also a top priority for me. As a state, we rank near the bottom nationally in education funding, and our teachers and students deserve far better. I’m committed to increasing funding for our schools, raising teacher pay, and ensuring that every child in Florida has access to a world-class education.

Economic development that lifts everyone is key to building a prosperous future. We need to create opportunities for small businesses to thrive, while also fighting for equality and justice across all sectors of government.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

What sets me apart is that I’m not approaching this race as a career politician or someone beholden to party insiders — I’m bringing a grassroots, community‑driven perspective shaped by real experience in the issues North Florida families face every day. I’ve spent years listening to parents, teachers, healthcare workers, small‑business owners, and military families, and I understand how disconnected Washington has become from the practical realities of people’s lives. Because I’m not tied to the political establishment, I can focus on common‑sense solutions instead of culture‑war distractions, and I can work across differences to get things done. My background in STEM, my work in community advocacy, and my family’s deep ties to medicine, military service, education, and innovation give me a broad, real‑world understanding of the challenges facing this district. I’m running to bring compassion, problem‑solving, and independence back to Congress — and that’s something voters won’t get from the usual political voices.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I want to be remembered for restoring something North Florida families haven’t felt in a long time: trust that their government is working for them again. My hope is that when people look back on my time in Congress, they’ll see real progress on the issues that shape their daily lives—lower healthcare and insurance costs, stronger protections for Medicare and Social Security, and a government that is finally transparent and accountable to the people instead of big-money interests.

Campaign website: rachelgrage.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram

Alex Hazen

Occupation: Principal Software Developer for Healthcare Education Simulations (Video Games for BSN nursing students)

Age: 29

Family: I am engaged to Haley, a fourth-generation Jacksonville native, and we plan to start a family here in Jacksonville.

I have one brother who is an ice skating coach and retired parents who live in Wilmington, Delaware.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development from Rochester Institute of Technology

Political experience: I haven’t held elected office, but I’m not new to politics or the political scene. A number of years ago I served as a co-president of an LGBTQIA+ advocacy group.

Within this congressional race we’ve had major successes politically. I testified before the Florida House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting, the campaign qualified for the ballot by collecting 2,890 valid petitions (the most in our race), and earned the most endorsements of any other candidate. We know how to organize, show up, and how to create a strong platform that people can get behind.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Affordability: Everyday Floridians can’t keep up with rising costs. I support expanding affordable healthcare access, including lowering the Medicare eligibility age. We deserve affordable healthcare for all. I’ll fight for smart infill housing development that doesn’t fuel Florida’s overdevelopment crisis. And I’ll push for real homeowner’s and auto insurance reform, because families in Florida pay for some of the highest premiums in the country while insurers keep raising rates and denying claims.

Institutional Reform: Our government no longer represents the people it serves. I support uncapping the House of Representatives so districts reflect actual population growth, term limits to end career politicians, and Supreme Court reforms including term limits for justices and stronger ethics enforcement. I’ll fight to get corporate dark money out of politics and rebuild a government that’s accountable to the people, not donors.

Tech Regulation: AI and social media are reshaping our society without real oversight. We need more people who understand technology in Congress. I support stronger worker protections so AI is used as a tool, not a replacement for people. I’ll push for common sense federal reforms banning social media’s addictive, deceptive design practices. And I support real oversight of hyperscale AI data centers straining Florida’s electrical grid and water, including usage disclosure and community input before they’re built.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

I’m a young professional trying to start a family here in this community. My fiancé is a 4th generation Jacksonville native and we plan to start a family together here. We want to raise a 5th generation Jacksonvillian but everyday costs are making that dream, that reality, difficult.

Inflated costs of groceries, housing prices, and medicare costs: they all directly impact us. The issues that everyday Americans face aren’t theoretical. These issues are impacting me and the future I wish to build. I am the only candidate that works, that rents, and that understands the struggles that everyday people are going through.

I also understand technology. I work as a Simulation Developer. Knowledge of technology is important because emerging technology needs regulation (AI, social media, data protections, and flock cameras). We need young people who understand technology in congress.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

The biggest issues I want to tackle for everyday people are common-sense tech regulation and healthcare reform.

For my legislative legacy, I want to be known as a main cosponsor or author of laws that make technology work for people, not against them. I also want to be remembered for proving that being young doesn’t mean you can’t make a real impact in your community and in the institutions that shape it.

Winning this race and serving in office would mean I’d be remembered not just as someone who helped flip a Republican seat, but as someone who brought real, meaningful change to people’s lives here in Northeast Florida through policy.

Campaign website: www.alexhazen.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | YouTube

Mark Heggestad

Occupation: I recently worked at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville as an IT project manager supporting rare disease research and clinical operations. In addition to my professional career, I have been a football official for more than forty years, working high school and college games as well as practices and training camps for the local professional team. Officiating has been a long-standing part of my life, and I’ve remained active in the sport through training, mentoring, and game administration.

Age: 61

Family: We live in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville with my wife, Darlene. Our family includes my stepson Michael, my stepdaughter Brianna, and my son Matthew, and we’ve built a close-knit household rooted in the community. I was born and raised in Dawson, Minnesota, where my early years shaped my work ethic and sense of responsibility. About ten years ago, we moved to Jacksonville, and our family has made Northeast Florida our home ever since, becoming deeply connected to the neighborhoods, church, and community life here.

Education: I hold two undergraduate degrees, one in Management Information Systems and one in Business Management. I am also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a certified Scrum Master, credentials that support my work in technology, operations, and team leadership.

Political experience: My professional experience includes many years as an IT project manager, where I’ve led complex initiatives, coordinated multidisciplinary teams, and worked within structured processes that require planning, accountability, and clear communication. I have also spent more than forty years as a football official, working high school and college games as well as practices and training camps for the local professional team. Officiating has required consistent rule interpretation, impartial decision‑making, conflict management, and maintaining order in fast‑moving situations.Together, these experiences have given me a strong foundation in process discipline, fairness, collaboration, and working within established systems — qualities that translate well to public service and the responsibilities of political office.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Affordability

Affordability is a major concern for families across Northeast Florida and the country. Many people are working full‑time yet still struggle to cover basic expenses such as housing, utilities, food, transportation, and insurance. One part of this challenge is that wages have not kept pace with rising costs. Raising the minimum wage would help strengthen purchasing power so workers can reliably afford monthly essentials and have the ability to save. At the same time, lowering the cost of everyday necessities is critical to ensuring families aren’t forced to choose between basic needs. Improving affordability means creating conditions where people can live securely, plan for the future, and maintain a reasonable standard of living.

Restoring Trust in Government

Public confidence in government has weakened as people question whether institutions operate transparently, fairly, and within their intended roles. Restoring trust requires clear communication, accountability, and predictable processes. A key part of this involves ensuring that the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. To maintain proper checks and balances so no branch becomes overly dominant. When each branch functions within its constitutional responsibilities, oversight is stronger and decision‑making is more consistent. A balanced system reinforces fairness and helps people feel that government is working as designed.

Healthcare

Healthcare access and reliability remain central to community well‑being. Many individuals face high premiums, gaps in coverage, or the risk of losing insurance when changing jobs. A national healthcare plan that everyone can join would provide a stable, universal option that is not tied to employment. Such a plan could offer essential benefits, preventive care, primary care, mental health services, prescription coverage, and specialized treatment, while ensuring affordability so families can manage healthcare costs without financial strain. Detaching insurance from employers would allow people to switch jobs or pursue new opportunities without fear of losing coverage. Strengthening healthcare access in this way supports long‑term stability, better health outcomes, and greater economic mobility.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

My background combines two disciplines that are rarely found together: decades of experience as a football official and a career in professional project management. As an official for more than forty years, I’ve spent my life studying rules, applying them consistently, and enforcing them impartially in fast‑moving, high‑pressure situations. Officiating requires diplomacy, calm communication, conflict management, and fairness. Skills that translate directly into working within structured systems and making decisions that people can trust.As a project manager, I’ve led diverse teams, defined complex problems, built clear plans, and driven those plans toward successful delivery. This work requires organization, accountability, collaboration, and the ability to bring people with different perspectives together around shared goals.These two experiences, rule‑based decision‑making and structured team leadership which give me a unique combination of skills that can help voters by bringing fairness, clarity, and disciplined problem‑solving to public responsibilities.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I would hope to be remembered for helping restore trust in government and strengthening the relationship between people and the institutions meant to serve them. Ensuring that government operates transparently, predictably, and with proper checks and balances is essential to rebuilding public confidence.I would also hope to contribute to advancing a national healthcare solution that every American can join, one that is affordable, comprehensive, and provides essential care and more. A system that is not tied to employment would allow people to change jobs or pursue new opportunities without risking their coverage. Creating a healthcare structure that families can rely on, and that people are proud of, would be a meaningful long‑term accomplishment.If my service could help move the country toward greater trust in its institutions and a stronger, more accessible healthcare system, those would be achievements worth being remembered for.

Campaign website: www.heggestadforcongress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

Mark Kaye

Occupation: Podcaster/Media Personality

Age: 51

Family: Celebrating 25 years with my beautiful wife, two amazing children who were both raised in Northeast Florida. Faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church, and proud American.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from NYU (Where Barron Trump goes!)

Political experience: 20 Years in Broadcasting including Political Talk Radio. Worked with Herman Cain, NEWSMAX, and other truly amazing conservatives.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

We must have Term limits for Congress. That is a necessity. Even here in our own district we see how career politicians use public office as a “retirement plan” and personal slush fund. The longer they remain in office, the more they take advantage of their positions and neglect their responsibilities to the folks back home. Congressman is not a lifetime appointment. 6-8 years in service is more than enough. 10 is WAY too many!

Banning Congressional Stock Trading. Again, this is a problem that hits close to home. While prices rise and become unmanageable for First Coast families, our leaders are living large off of money they made from their insider secrets. It isn’t right that you and I would go to jail for the same actions while our Congressional leaders get away with it.

Putting America First! American greatness requires American investment. Too much money and too many resources leave our shores. They should stay within our well-protected borders so they benefit Americans. We have been bearing the brunt of the world’s expenses for too long. When elected, I will make sure that our Government stops wasting our money and our time. America First begins in Florida’s Fifth.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

The other person running for the office is John Rutherford who has only helped himself. He has been unreachable, unreasonable, and unaccountable for ten years. He hasn’t held a single town hall meeting. He sends form letters and generic responses when constituents reach out with personal issues and concerns. Folks in District 5 deserve an attentive and transparent representative who will listen, go to work, and report back. That’s exactly what I will do.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

My legacy will be serving the people of North Florida loudly and boldly with transparency and honesty. I will be remembered for working hard to push conservative, pro-America policies and protecting our beloved Republic from the destructive forces of socialism, communism, and any other dangerous ideology that threatens our way of life.

Campaign website: markkayeforcongress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook

John Rutherford

Occupation: Congressman representing Florida’s 5th Congressional District; former Jacksonville Sheriff and career law enforcement officer.

Age: 73

Family: Married to my High School sweetheart for 53 years, father, grandfather and member of Assumption Catholic Church

Education: Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Florida State University; Graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Political experience: I served three terms (12 years) as Sheriff of Jacksonville and for nine of those 12 years, served as the Legislative Chairman for the Florida Sheriffs Association Legislative Committee representing all 67 Florida Sheriffs. I was then elected to Congress in 2016. I am currently serving my fifth term representing Northeast Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives, where I serve on the House Appropriations Committee.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

First, securing our southern border and enforcing our immigration laws to keep our communities safe. Second, lowering the cost of living by cutting taxes, reducing government spending, and eliminating burdensome regulations that drive up the cost of everyday goods. Third, protecting Northeast Florida’s economy by supporting our military installations, investing in critical infrastructure, and ensuring veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned. I will continue fighting for these priorities in Congress while delivering real results for the people of our district.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

My experience matters. I’ve spent more than 40 years serving this community - as a police officer, Sheriff, and now Congressman. I understand how government works at every level, and I have a proven record of delivering results. Whether it’s helping veterans navigate the VA, bringing federal resources back to Northeast Florida, or passing legislation to make our communities safer, I know how to get things done.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

I hope to be remembered as someone who faithfully served Northeast Florida with integrity, protected our communities, stood up for conservative principles, and always put the people I represented first. If I’ve left our district safer, stronger, and better positioned for future generations, then I’ll consider my service a success.

Campaign website: johnrutherfordforcongress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram

The rocket's upper stage will unintentionally slam into the moon on Wednesday, carving out a crater and sending up a plume of dust and rubble that scientists — and skygazers — are eager to observe.

Space tracking expert Bill Gray predicts an impact of 5,400 mph (8,700 kph) — seven times the speed of sound — near Einstein Crater on the moon’s sunlit western limb. With the action unfolding in the wee hours, the eastern portions of the U.S. and Canada, and much of South America should have the best views.

While scientists are not too concerned about this particular piece of space junk, it highlights the growing threat as more and more items cram into orbit.

“Things are getting crowded up there,” said Gray, who plans to view the aftermath from New Brunswick, Canada.

It was never SpaceX's intent to hit the moon. But space experts said the crash could have been avoided if the upper stage had been nudged into orbit around the sun.

It will be the second dead rocket known to crash into the moon accidentally. A Chinese rocket segment dug out a pair of craters on the lunar far side in 2022.

Lucky for astronomers, the upcoming smashup will occur on the moon’s near side, packing the equivalent energy of three tons of TNT.

The impact flash, lasting less than a second, will probably be too dim to see, according to experts. But the stream of ejected material could stretch for several miles (kilometers) into space and remain visible to telescopes for tens of minutes.

“The gravity on the moon is low and there is no wind to blow the dust away,” said Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Benjamin Fernando, who’s encouraging observations by professionals and amateurs alike.

“Part of the reason for our interest in this event is to figure out how much of a hazard debris impacts pose to future astronauts,” he added in an email.

Fernando anticipates an impact crater nearly 90 feet across and 16 feet deep (27 meters across and 5 meters deep), too small to see from Earth but visible to spacecraft.

NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and South Korea’s Danuri lunar orbiter will gather before-and-after shots of the crash scene. Danuri will stray within a mile or two (a few kilometers) of the SpaceX rocket just two minutes before impact, according to Fernando and his team.

The abandoned rocket segment — measuring some 40 feet (12 meters) and weighing around 10,000 pounds (4,500 kilograms) — hoisted two private lunar landers on Jan. 15, 2025.

One of them — Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost — became the first private spacecraft to pull off a fully successful lunar touchdown. The other, Japan-based ispace’s lander, wrecked.

With meteoroids and other natural objects offering little if any warning before walloping the moon, scientists said there’s much to learn by observing well-tracked strikes by human-made objects like the one coming up. NASA hurled rocket sections and lunar modules into the moon during the Apollo era for seismic measurements. Decades later, in 2009, NASA intentionally crashed its LCROSS spacecraft and upper stage in search of ice near the lunar south pole.

With the moon as the new travel hot spot, scientists said it’s crucial to improve debris monitoring and traffic control before packs of robots and astronauts arrive.

The United States and China are racing to land astronauts on the moon in the next few years. Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin are vying to provide the lander for NASA's yet-to-be-named moonwalkers of Artemis IV, who will succeed the 12 Apollo astronauts who strolled the lunar surface.

“This impact will not be a problem,” retired astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell said in an email. “But in a future where there are long-term bases on the moon, similar impacts would be an issue and we need not to leave rocket stages in chaotic orbits of this kind.”

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Jessica Treviño, 34, filed a lawsuit through her attorney this week asking a federal judge to intervene.

Treviño and her husband were arrested in December after federal agents followed them and two of their daughters into a Home Depot parking lot in South Texas. Both were deported and are living in Matamoros, Mexico, just south of Brownsville, Texas. Their three children, all U.S. citizens, are living with family on the U.S. side near the border.

After being brought to the country as a child at the age of 7, Treviño subsequently received legal permission at 20 to remain in the U.S. under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. Introduced in 2012, DACA does not confer legal status but has allowed hundreds of thousands of people who had come to the U.S. as children to temporarily remain and obtain work permits.

As a DACA recipient, she must maintain a clean criminal record and is not allowed to travel outside the United States.

Her attorney, David Rozas, filed the lawsuit. He noted her status and work permit were most recently authorized until April 2027.

Notice to terminate DACA cites ‘unauthorized travel’

Last week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services sent her a notice of intent to terminate her status for “unauthorized travel outside of the United States on or about March 25, 2026,” the same day she was deported from the country by the Department of Homeland Security.

In a statement, DHS said Treviño's husband was in the country without permission and driving at the time of the arrest. After a collision between the couple's vehicle and an unmarked Homeland Security Investigations vehicle, the couple was arrested. DHS claimed she “knowingly accepted voluntary departure and waived appeal. She left the U.S. on March 25, 2026, and will NOT return.”

In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Treviño said she did not sign any forms at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility and did not want to be deported.

Lawsuit seeks restitution of status

Rozas filed a petition asking a federal judge in Brownsville to declare the woman's expulsion was unlawful, order the government to facilitate Treviño's return to the U.S. and allow her DACA status to remain valid.

“The government had no lawful basis to remove her, and we filed this petition to demand she be brought back home,” her attorney added.

An immigration judge under the Justice Department had issued a voluntary departure order for Treviño in February while she was in ICE custody, but a valid DACA status prevents the Department of Homeland Security from deporting her.

“I would be so blessed to be able to go back home, because that’s what I long for most right now. I’m really desperate. It’s been seven months since I’ve been home,” Treviño said Thursday. Her three children are set to start school next month and their mother said she would like to be there.

The current Trump administration has deported 86 DACA recipients and arrested 241 others, according to a DHS letter sent in February to Democratic Sen. Richard J. Durbin of Illinois.

Advocates for DACA recipients say Treviño's deportation is part of a pattern.

“This is what a deliberate, systematic effort to destroy DACA looks like in practice: target recipients one by one, manufacture justifications after the fact, and leave their children to grow up without them,” said Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, a policy organization defending immigration rights.

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This story has been revised to correct that Treviño arrived in the U.S. at age 7, not 8, later receiving DACA status at 20 years old.

New York joins a growing number of states filing lawsuits against Kalshi and other companies in a dispute with President Donald Trump's administration over who regulates the fast-growing prediction market. Kalshi and other platforms argue they are federally licensed and regulated, and states have no authority to govern them.

“It’s sad to see this type of political theater from the leadership in our own state,” Elisabeth Diana, a spokesperson for New York-based Kalshi, said in a statement. “States can’t just shut down a federally licensed exchange. This would also hurt New Yorkers, who would be driven offshore. We love New York, we love New Yorkers, and New Yorkers love our product.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, both Democrats, announced the lawsuit filed in state Supreme Court in Manhattan.

“New York’s gambling laws protect children from underage betting and help combat gambling addiction,” James said in a statement. “No matter what they call themselves, prediction markets like Kalshi are gambling platforms, plain and simple. By ignoring our laws, Kalshi is running an illegal operation and harming New Yorkers in the process.”

James' office is requesting that Kalshi be ordered to forfeit all illegal gains, pay restitution to consumers who were harmed and pay fines equal to three times the company's gains.

Kalshi had been in negotiations with New York officials in recent weeks over tax and consumer protection issues.

In April, New York filed a similar lawsuit against prediction market platforms Coinbase and Gemini on illegal gambling operation allegations.

State officials say the prediction markets meet the legal definition of gambling “because the outcomes of the events on which its users are betting are uncertain and outside the control of the bettor or hinge on a game of chance.”

New York claims Kalshi has failed to obtain a license from the state Gaming Commission and skirted its obligation to pay taxes like licensed casinos and mobile sports gambling platforms do. The lawsuit also says prediction markets allow users ages 18 to 20, while New York requires mobile sports betting users to be at least 21.

Prediction market platforms say they operate differently than gambling operations, because consumers are trading against other consumers — much like how stock markets work. Prices are based on trading, and the platforms only take a fee from the trading, they say.

The platforms also argue federal law gives the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission exclusive jurisdiction to regulate transactions offered in the prediction market. In February, Trump’s appointee atop the federal commission declared that the agency “will no longer sit idly by” while states aim to regulate or ban prediction markets and “undermine the agency’s exclusive jurisdiction.”

States counter that the vast majority of the business on prediction market platforms is sports betting, which they are empowered to regulate, and that is completely different from the commodities and futures contracts that the commission regulates.

On Monday, a federal judge temporarily blocked Minnesota’s first-in-the-nation law banning prediction markets just days before it was to take effect — dealing a setback for states trying to outlaw or regulate the platforms.

A tangle of lawsuits is growing, as states try to use their gambling laws to shut down Kalshi, Polymarket and other prediction market operators. In April alone, the federal government sued Connecticut, Arizona and Illinois, challenging their efforts to regulate the industry.

Having released her new single “Shotty” on Friday, Reid wants people to meet the less pristine version of herself: a 23-year-old from Atlanta who falls in love, deals with boy problems and is still finding her way.

“I think people might think I have it all together when I really don't,” said Reid, who is known for performances in “ Euphoria, ” “ A Wrinkle in Time ” and “ The Last of Us, ” which earned her an Emmy in 2024. She graduated from the University of Southern California last year.

“I'm a normal girl trying to figure it out,” she continued.

“Shotty” follows Reid’s debut single, “Clean Sweep,” continuing a music journey she has pursued over the past year. So far, she has recorded more than 25 songs.

Reid said she hopes to focus work on her first EP after wrapping production on Teyana Taylor's feature directorial debut “Get Lite,” giving herself time to shape a project that tells a cohesive story. She's releasing music independently through her label, 1720 Music, saying the approach gives her greater creative freedom while leaving the door open to partner with a major label in the future.

“The indie route, you have a little bit more autonomy of what you want to do and how you do things,” she said.

Reid said ownership also gives her an opportunity to create doors for other artists.

“It’s the most powerful thing,” she said. “I want to sign people. I want to sign songwriters and producers and artists, and give them opportunities.”

Music has quickly become as important to Reid as acting, a career she'll continue with upcoming projects including Netflix’s “Roommates” and “Get Lite.” Preparing for Taylor's film pushed Reid outside her comfort zone as a dancer, challenging her to become more comfortable as a performer.

It's a skill Reid hopes will eventually translate to performing her own music.

“It’s as big and as important as acting is,” she said. “It’s something that I want to continue to do and want to continue to grow at.”

Reid said years in Hollywood prepared her for criticism.

“People didn’t feel like I deserved to win an Emmy, but it’s still sitting in my house,” she said. “It’s still in my mama’s house, so I don’t really care what people say.”

Since releasing “Clean Sweep,” Reid said she has largely stayed away from reading online comments.

“I don’t want to get distracted or discouraged,” she said. “Mostly I’ve been so thankful. The sentiments have been really nice and people have been supportive. ... I'm excited and can’t wait for them to hear more.”

For Reid, music has become more about who she's always been.

“Not everything is gonna be perfect. Not everything is gonna be prim, proper and pristine and eloquent,” Reid said. “Like yeah, that’s a part of me, and I can do that, and I can do it really well. But also … this is me too.”

Winfrey opened the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in 2007 after being inspired by conversations with former South African President Nelson Mandela about the transformative power of educating girls. He was among the guests at the school's opening ceremony.

Winfrey's charitable foundation ran and funded the school, but it was always part of the agreement that the academy campus near Johannesburg be ultimately handed over to the provincial education department, the academy said.

“The dream was never simply to build a school,” Winfrey said in a statement issued by the academy on Wednesday. “It was to invest in the limitless potential of young women. That mission doesn’t end with one campus. It continues in every girl whose future can be transformed through education.”

The academy said Winfrey’s commitment to educating South African girls would continue through an expanded national scholarship program supporting academically talented girls at leading schools across the country.

More than 500 girls have graduated from the academy and some have attended top universities in South Africa, the United States and Europe, according to the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation.

The Gauteng provincial government will take over the 52-acre academy campus, which has 21 classrooms, six science and computer laboratories, a 10,000-volume library and a 600-seat theater. It did not immediately say what the plans for the property were.

Gauteng Provincial Minister for Education Lebogang Maile said those currently enrolled in the school will be able to complete their education with uninterrupted financial support.

The academy drew international attention shortly after opening in 2007 when several students accused a dormitory matron of physically and sexually abusing them.

Winfrey traveled to South Africa to meet with students and parents, publicly apologized, and commissioned an independent investigation.

The matron was acquitted of criminal charges in 2010.

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This report has been corrected to show Oprah Winfrey’s statement as issued on Wednesday and not Thursday.

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AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa

Troopers said the man, who is from Eustis, was headed south on I-75 around 6 a.m. when, “for reasons yet to be determined,” his truck drifted across all three southbound lanes and hit the guardrail.

FHP said the impact sent the truck flipping into the oncoming northbound lanes, and the man, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the truck.

He died at the scene.

The crash shut down all of the northbound lanes of I-75 in the area, and traffic was being diverted Friday morning.

The death toll rose to 34, the Kumamoto prefectural government said, as rescuers raced to find those still missing after the quake triggered a mall explosion, toppled a factory chimney and flattened homes.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stressed that authorities must secure water supplies by doing “whatever it takes” and called for close coordination with the military and other relevant agencies. The earthquake left thousands of homes without power, but electricity was fully restored by Friday evening. The local power company also said there were no immediate reports of remaining outages.

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu on Tuesday. As search operations entered a fourth day, it wasn’t known how many people remained missing.

More than 1,500 buildings were damaged, including 179 that were destroyed, according to preliminary assessments by Kumamoto officials.

Officials said one more death and its connection to the quake is under investigation. At least 96 people were injured, including six seriously.

Debris collected at a severely damaged century-old Japanese inn

In Yatsushiro City, another hard-hit area in southern Kumamoto, Kinparo, a 116-year old Japanese inn, was severely damaged, with its roofed main entrance collapsed to the ground, white walls cracked and rooftiles fell.

On Friday, three days after the quake, workers were removing parts of the gate, which is part of a registered historic property that needs to be restored.

Started in 1910, the three-story ryokan with traditional architecture and its hot bath have attracted many fans from the region and across Japan.

“The damage is tremendous and it would require significant repairs, and I can’t even think if or how I can do that,” inn owner Keisuke Matsumoto said. “But it’s a valuable family inn that has been handed down for generations since my great-great grandfather built it, so I do hope to preserve it.”

Inside, his mother Misao Matsumoto said she was not injured in the quake but “I’m mentally discouraged. It’s very painful to see parts of what I’ve lived with and enjoyed for decades crumble to that state.” But she said experts of historic buildings will come in to discuss the reconstruction, so “I have to hang in there."

Across the street from the Kinparo inn, a fish cake shop owner unable to resume his business due to the water cutoff was giving away tube-shaped fish cakes while they are still edible.

Signs for the “chikuwa” fish cake hang from the ceiling. “I just wanted to cheer up this neighborhood,” said shop owner Shinichiro Katayama. He says he cannot clean or check his fish cake machine is intact until the water supply resumes. “I don’t even know if the machine still works. When water supply is back that would be my first step toward a recovery.”

Thousands are without water as heat soars

Kumamoto authorities said nearly 80,000 homes remained without water. More than 9,000 people were staying in shelters, where power sources were being added to provide air conditioning.

Fuel has also become scarce as power outages disabled gas stations and quake damage disrupted deliveries from other regions. Many have resorted to sleeping in their cars for privacy, but with the fuel shortage, they struggle to keep the air conditioning running in sweltering temperatures.

Japan's weather agency and the Ministry of the Environment issued an extreme heat alert for Kumamoto city Friday as temperatures peaked at 36 C (97 F).

Hirokazu Sato, who lost his home in the earthquake, said he and his wife and three children would remain in their car until they can move into temporary housing.

“I don’t know how soon I’d be able to move in,” said Sato. “We need to have the air conditioning on throughout the day and night, which uses up gas.”

Kumamoto is also a major industrial hub, and there are concerns that the quake could possibly disrupt semiconductor and auto-parts supply chains for months to come.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, a global chip giant that operates a lab in Kumamoto, said all personnel were safe and operations were gradually resuming after postquake inspections found the structure was sound, although detailed inspections and impact assessments were still underway.

Searches continue, with the number of missing unknown

Japanese officials had described Friday afternoon as a crucial point for rescue efforts as some experts say survival chances decline after the first three days.

With search dogs, rescuers continued looking for survivors across the Kumamoto area, including at the collapsed Aeon Mall in the town of Kashima, one of the hardest-hit sites. The complex was bustling with thousands of people when the quake happened.

The company said about 3,000 shoppers were evacuated to a parking lot before an explosion happened in another part of the mall, where some staff remained working. The mall’s second floor collapsed, trapping people. Seven of the 11 rescued were confirmed dead, but officials did not say if anyone else is missing.

A search operation had ended at a Nippon Paper Industries factory in the Yatsushiro city where a chimney collapsed in the quake, officials said. Of the 11 people dug out there, nine were confirmed dead.

Smaller-scale searches continued Friday at the sites of collapsed houses in badly hit towns in southern Kumamoto. Authorities haven't supplied a firm figure for how many people are missing.

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Ono reported from Tokyo. Associated Press writer business writer Yuri Kageyama contributed to this report.

NOTE: The man’s name and photo have been removed from the story because he is no longer missing.

Though there was no shortage of levity, a sense of urgency filled the Detroit meeting room as Abdul El-Sayed, a former gubernatorial candidate who is running as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, began speaking about how his Muslim faith informs his progressive views.

The public health researcher asked the group of faith leaders ahead of Tuesday’s primary, “What does the inspiration of holding yourself accountable to something bigger than you mean for what you do for the people around you?”

El-Sayed added, “If you can’t eat food and I have something to do about it, I better do it.”

Progressive Democratic politicians have won major electoral victories across the country in recent months amid growing frustrations surrounding inequality, affordability and potential threats to job security posed by artificial intelligence. As the economy becomes a flashpoint for the November midterms, many of these candidates and voters who support them are citing religion as a justification for their positions.

“We’re in an era of historical inequality,” El-Sayed told The Associated Press. “Most faith traditions — certainly the Abrahamic faith traditions — put a lot more burden on the wealthy.”

The interfaith roundtable took place days after a high-profile rally for El-Sayed, who has made “Medicare for All” a fixture of his campaign and is running against the more moderate Rep. Haley Stevens. It featured speeches from progressive heavy hitters like Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.

Though not a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, El-Sayed is being endorsed by liberal allies, many of them members of the DSA, while being criticized by Republicans and centrist Democrats for being too far left to be electable in a swing state.

If elected in November, he would be the first Muslim senator in U.S. history.

Representatives for Stevens, who is identified in congressional profiles as a Protestant, did not respond to requests for comment.

Progressive ideologies carry different connotations for different generations

Religious support for progressive economic and labor movements is not new, even if it has ebbed and flowed in the U.S. over the centuries. Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical was in many ways an ode to “Rerum novarum,” Pope Leo XIII’s seminal 1891 text on labor, wages and unions that helped shape Catholic social teaching.

This embrace of religion isn't unique to the Democratic Party's progressive wing. More moderate candidates like James Talarico, the seminarian running for the U.S. Senate in Texas, also highlight their faith. But as left-leaning Democrats and democratic socialists like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is Muslim, score wins in local and national races, Republicans have repeatedly decried the party's progressive wing as communists devoid of religion.

“Republicans and conservatives believe in natural rights that flow from a creator. I think communism rejects that. It espouses a very atheistic, centralized sort of secular view of society,” said Douglas Blair, a spokesperson for Heritage Action for America.

Megan Romer, a DSA national co-chair and ordained ruling elder within the Presbyterian Church (USA), conceded socialism is a troubling concept for some people of faith.

“People’s idea of it is, ‘Oh, that’s when you’re not allowed to have a religion, right?’ Which has been true in some socialist projects,” she said.

But experts say that narrative carries less weight among many younger Americans who have no memory of the Cold War and the anti-religious associations it begot.

Theology informs more than just faith

Though there are more Democrats unaffiliated with religion than Republicans, many people of faith do not see progressive ideologies like socialism as contradictory to their beliefs. They cite Black religious activists who were outspoken critics of capitalism, including Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and W.E.B. Du Bois, as models for their thinking about the relationship between religion and politics.

The Rev. Andrew Wilkes, who co-pastors the Double Love Experience Church in New York City, became interested in democratic socialism more than a decade ago after presiding over a funeral for someone whose insurance wouldn’t cover a critical operation. “It was not God that sent him home but an unjustly organized healthcare system and economy,” he said.

“There’s an increasing recognition, I would say, connecting socialism to a sense of a moral compass,” Wilkes said, adding that religion can bring optimism and creativity in a time of pessimism. “There’s a level of world-building that faith can speak to.”

Romer, who joined the DSA in 2018 in part because of Sanders’ unsuccessful presidential run two years earlier, thinks there is a theological component to why Christianity in particular has thrived among conservatives.

“That flavor of Christianity is a very individualistic one. They talk a lot about your personal relationship with God,” she said. “My interpretation of Christianity is one that, I think the early Christians — they were not communists in the modern sense, but they lived in communal situations.”

Attitudes toward capitalism are changing, and religion is playing a role

This faith-driven economic focus is not limited to elections.

Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice is a nonprofit organization that works with congregations throughout Southern California to support workers’ rights. Earlier this month, it facilitated a visit to Live Oak United Church of Christ in Brea, California, to support efforts to unionize a local grocery store chain.

“We just feel very, very overworked,” Luis Cueva, a Mother’s Market employee, told members of the congregation after their Sunday service as he asked for support.

“Jesus was a socialist,” Cueva said after the meeting, citing his teachings about it being difficult for rich people to go to heaven. “It means a lot to know that the church is willing to help.”

About half of U.S. adults have a positive view of capitalism, according to a poll last year from Gallup, down from 61% in 2010. Democrats have driven part of the shift, but favorable views of capitalism have also declined among independents.

President Donald Trump and other Republicans have cast these attitudes and candidates as being fundamentally at odds with religion.

“These are hard core, godless communists,” Trump said recently during a speech to the Faith & Freedom Coalition. “All communists are godless. They don't believe in God.”

Faith can be both a political asset and a liability

Although there are myriad points of contention within the Democratic Party, such as support for Israel, El-Sayed considers economic issues a top issue for his campaign.

“I talk about taking money out of politics because it’s the reason life is not affordable,” he said. “People are realizing that politicians on both sides of the aisle really are being paid off by the same people.”

The son of Egyptian immigrants, El-Sayed is aware that his Islamic faith can be weaponized or misunderstood. But since having a religious experience in college that followed a rebellious childhood, he takes seriously the implications of his faith.

“If you put your morals on a mantel, they’re not morals. They’re just, you know, things that you can admire and then you give yourself the permission to step away from them when it’s convenient,” he said.

As the roundtable concluded, leaders from each faith took turns praying. Their heads lifted, but the Rev. Horace Sheffield chimed in with one last request on behalf of El-Sayed.

“I don’t think y’all were specific enough. So I’m gonna say it real simple,” he said. “Lord, let him win.”

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

None of those initiatives would have passed under a ballot measure getting decided by voters Tuesday.

Missouri's proposed Amendment 4 would make it significantly harder to amend the constitution by requiring citizen initiatives to pass in all eight of the state's diverse congressional districts instead of by a traditional, simple statewide majority. No other state has such a high standard — or has even asked voters to consider it.

“This is a first-of-its-kind,” said Kelly Hall, executive director of the Fairness Project, a national group that backs progressive ballot initiatives like the ones Missouri's Republican lawmakers are hoping to quelch.

“It would be nearly impossible for citizens to participate meaningfully in any sort of direct democracy,” said Hall, who believes other states could try to copy Missouri's proposal.

Lawmakers seek to rein in citizen initiatives

The Missouri proposal is the culmination of years of attempts by lawmakers in numerous states to raise the bar for citizen-initiated petitions to qualify for the ballot and win voter approval. Some elected officials contend lawmaking is best left to themselves — the people's representatives — because citizen initiatives lack the vetting that comes from the multistep legislative process of public hearings, debates and revisions.

The effort to curtail citizen initiatives on state ballots comes as President Donald Trump pushes for greater restrictions on who can vote and how ballots are cast, asserting the integrity of elections is at stake.

Missouri’s measure “fits into the larger narrative and story around what the future of democracy looks like in the United States,” said Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, which supports progressive ballot measures.

Citizen initiatives are allowed only in some states

About one-third of U.S. states allow people to bypass their legislatures by gathering signatures to place proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot. Several others allow the process for proposed laws.

In most of those states, a simple majority of voters is all that’s needed to approve constitutional amendments. Colorado requires a 55% vote for most measures, and Florida a 60% vote.

Voters in recent years rejected ballot measures to raise the approval threshold for amendments in Arkansas, Ohio and South Dakota. Still, South Dakota lawmakers have placed a proposal for a 60% approval threshold on the November ballot. North Dakota voters will consider a similar measure, and Utah voters will decide on a 60% requirement for citizen-initiated tax increases.

Missouri’s proposal would apply only to citizen initiatives. Constitutional amendments proposed by the Legislature still would need only a statewide majority. No other state has a dual standard like that.

Missouri proposal requires geographic consensus

Republican state Rep. Ed Lewis, who sponsored Missouri's measure, said he wants to ensure people in all parts of the state have their voices heard. He said activists funded by out-of-state interest groups have run up large majorities in St. Louis and Kansas City to pass controversial initiatives that failed throughout most of the rest of Missouri.

The abortion, marijuana, sports betting and Medicaid initiatives all were placed on the ballot by petitions between 2020 and 2024 after lawmakers declined to act. All passed with 53% or less of the statewide vote.

Requiring “50% in each of our congressional districts is not a difficult barrier for anything that has a consensus,” Lewis said. But “it is a difficult barrier for either a very conservative or a very liberal initiative petition,” he said.

“If you’re going to change the constitution, shouldn’t it be broadly accepted?” Lewis asked rhetorically.

Amendments to the U.S. Constitution require ratification by three-fourths of the states.

Critics say Missouri's proposed amendment could undercut consensus, because an initiative backed by large margins in seven congressional districts still would fail if opposed by a slim margin in just one district.

“It is an astonishing level of unfairness, and it crushes our notion of one person, one vote and majority rule, which we learned about in school as kids,” said Scott Charton, a spokesperson for the Missouri Realtors campaign committees, which have backed previous initiatives.

Republicans are divided over initiative restrictions

Though Amendment 4 was referred to the ballot by Republican lawmakers, people at a recent Republican club meeting in Jefferson City were divided about whether to make it harder for citizens to amend the state constitution.

Rick Kolb said he supports the tougher standards.

“Our country was founded as a republic not a democracy,” he said. When initiatives appear on the ballot, “everybody votes on these things that they haven’t put any thought into it.”

But Jim Bryan said he opposes the amendment, fearing it could allow voters in St. Louis or Kansas City to thwart measures supported by the rest of the state.

“The popular vote is what I want,” he said.

A new petition could fortify citizen initiatives

Regardless of the outcome, Tuesday's vote may not be the last on Missouri's citizen initiatives.

The Respect Missouri Voters coalition submitted more than 300,000 petition signatures — currently being verified by election officials — to try to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot protecting the initiative process. It would reverse the Legislature's amendment by requiring only a statewide majority to pass citizen initiatives. It also would bar the Legislature from increasing the number of signatures needed to qualify for the ballot, shortening the time to do so or imposing other requirements that weaken initiative rights.

The measure also would make it harder for the Legislature to reverse or amend voter-approved initiatives by requiring an 80% vote in both the House and Senate instead of a simple majority. That comes after the Legislature last year repealed a paid sick leave law approved by voters and referred a new constitutional amendment to the November ballot to reverse voter-approved abortion rights.

Supporters insist their measure is nonpartisan, noting that Democratic lawmakers also tried to restrict citizen initiatives before Republicans gained control of the Capitol.

“Politicians in power want all the power in their hands,” said Benjamin Singer, co-founder of Respect Missouri Voters. “They don’t want citizens to have a check on their power.”

Troopers said the SUV was headed south on CR 325 near Hampton Villa Drive around 1:45 a.m. when it ran off the road to the left and flipped.

FHP did not indicate why the SUV might have left the road.

Troopers said the driver, who was from Hampton, died at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the report.

No other information was provided in the crash report.

The Cyclospora parasite causes extreme diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite, according to the CDC.

The Florida Department of Health’s Reportable Diseases Frequency Report showed 167 cases from Jan. 1 to July 18, but one week later, that number jumped to 264 on July 25, the last date that data is available.

That includes 22 cases in Northeast Florida counties:

• St. Johns: 7
• Duval: 6
• Alachua: 4
• Flagler: 3
• Nassau: 1
• Columbia: 1

Other counties outside Northeast Florida with cases include: Bay, Brevard, Broward, Collier, Escambia, Gadsden, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Jackson, Lake, Lee, Leon, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, Volusia, Wakulla and Walton.

In most scenarios, people who get cyclosporiasis will recover on their own. But in some cases, people can have persistent symptoms and relapsing infections over time, so any suspected cases should be tested, officials urge.

Dr. Shalika Katugaha, System Medical Director of Infectious Disease at Baptist Health, said the spike is not unexpected.

“There is no reason to panic,” Katugaha said. “We always knew that cases would increase up till the end of August because this is a seasonal parasite from May to August.”

Once a case is confirmed through testing, a report is sent to the state department of health.

Direct human-to-human transmission is rare, officials say, but if infected, people could shed the parasite into the environment, where it could become infectious again within a week or two, contributing to another outbreak.

Katugaha says the parasite spreads through certain raw fruits and vegetables — particularly those with textured or bumpy surfaces.

“Things that are raw, unpeeled, pre-cut fruit, fresh produce are what you’d like to avoid,” Katugaha said. “So that’s bagged salads, fresh herbs, some berries like raspberries, and then vegetables like snow peas or snap peas. Those are things to avoid. And then with the bagged salads, the shredded lettuce is the big one.”

Katugaha also warns that washing produce alone is not enough.

“The concern is that washing alone doesn’t get rid of the cyclospora, especially if the vegetable — like if it’s a lettuce or raspberry — has a lot of bumps,” she said.

The outbreak was first reported in Michigan on July 1, with other outbreaks later reported in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky, according to the CDC.

While all 50 states have now reported cases, the source of the outbreak is still unknown.

But the CDC is investigating multiple clusters of Cyclospora cases, including one multistate outbreak affecting nine states linked to iceberg lettuce.

What foods are safe to eat?

Not all foods carry the same risk. Katugaha says many options remain safe.

“Animal products are safe to eat — cheese, dairy, meat, all cooked products are safe to eat,” she said. “Vegetables and fruits with a thick rind are fine. So there are lots of options still out there.”

She says the safest approach is to cook your produce, since heat kills the parasite. Fruits and vegetables with thick protective rinds or peels — like bananas, oranges, and melons — are also lower risk. Frozen, canned, or pre-heated processed items offer an additional layer of safety.

Signs, symptoms, and treatment

Cyclosporiasis has a one-week incubation period, meaning symptoms do not appear immediately after eating contaminated food. Watch for:

• Explosive diarrhea
• Abdominal bloating and cramping
• Low-grade fever
• Fatigue

Without treatment, symptoms can come and go.

“It’s relapsing diarrhea,” Katugaha explained. “It may go away for a few days and then it returns.”

If you think you have cyclosporiasis, see your doctor and ask to be tested.

“Most physicians now know to test for cyclosporiasis because it’s in the news,” Katugaha said. “The treatment is actually straightforward. It is an antibiotic that we have named trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, which is also known as Bactrim or Septra, and it’s seven to 10 days of treatment.”

Cases are expected to continue through the end of August. Check the FDA and CDC for the latest warnings on affected produce and restaurants.

It comes as Wolfson Children’s Hospital and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office warn about safety concerns — especially with school starting soon.

Wolfson Children’s Hospital said in a recent Facebook post that its trauma center treated 97 children for traumatic e-bike and e-scooter injuries in the first six months of 2026 — close to the number treated for all of 2025.

Wolfson said the trauma center projects it could reach 194 traumatic injuries by the end of the year if the trend continues.

RELATED: Fernandina Beach unanimously passes new rules for e-bike riders amid safety crackdown

“These aren’t just scrapes and bruises,” the hospital wrote. “We’re seeing concussions, facial fractures and traumatic brain injuries.”

Wolfson’s post urges parents to understand the risks before buying an e-bike or letting a child ride one, warning that what seems like a quick ride around the neighborhood can quickly turn serious.

JSO: What rules apply

In a separate social media post, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it has been getting questions at recent town halls about e-bikes, particularly ahead of the start of school.

JSO’s post says e-bikes are:

• Limited to 28 mph
• No age minimum to ride
• Citations possible if riding recklessly
• Those under the age of 15 must wear a helmet or they’ll receive a citation (we recommend everyone wear a helmet regardless)

JSO also warned about “e-motorcycles,” saying they are not legal, can go much faster than 28 mph, and parents can be cited if a child is caught riding one.

Councilman’s proposal

Councilman Michael Boylan introduced Ordinance 2026-570, which would add new regulations to Jacksonville’s traffic code related to electric bicycles.

“They think they’re invincible,” Boylan said. “And they’re not. And they’re not only putting themselves in jeopardy but the people they come into contact with.”

Among the proposed changes:

• A 10 mph speed limit on sidewalks for e-bikes
• Requirements that riders yield to pedestrians, follow pedestrian traffic signs and signals, and provide an audible signal before passing on a sidewalk
• A minimum age: No one under 11 could operate an e-bike on bicycle lanes, bicycle paths, bikeways, rights-of-way, roadways, sidewalks, or other city-owned property

Equipment, modifications and nighttime visibility

The ordinance would also:

• Require operators or passengers under 16 to wear a properly fitted helmet
• Require e-bikes to display a label with the bike’s classification, top assisted speed and motor wattage
• Prohibit modifying motors to allow higher speeds than designed by the manufacturer
• Require a front white light and rear red light/reflector when operating between sunset and sunrise

Enforcement and penalties

The ordinance states violations would be treated as a civil infraction and says parents or guardians can not authorize or knowingly allow a minor to violate the rules, which could result in fines.

“Enforcement’s not going to be easy,” Boylan said. “I get that. But that still doesn’t mean you can’t put it in place.”

Boylan said he expects the ordinance to head to City Council committees in the coming weeks.

He said they had to go back to the drawing board after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed proposed e-bike legislation that had unanimously passed the Florida Legislature, citing concerns of government overreach and law enforcment surveillance.

For the second weekend in a row, two outside lanes of I-295 North will close Friday night as part of ongoing bridge improvement work.

FDOT posted a message to drivers on social media, alerting them about the closures, while using an emotional hamster meme, with the words “The lanes are closed sorry” written in what appears to be Microsoft Paint.

The northbound double lane closures are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Friday, July 31, and are expected to reopen by 4 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3.

The ramp from San Jose Boulevard (State Road 13) to I-295 North will also be closed during that time.

Drivers will need to take a detour at Old St. Augustine Road to access I-295 North.

If you can find another route this weekend, you should, or plan for extra travel time.

The closures are part of a larger project to replace finger joints on the Buckman Bridge over the St. Johns River. Work also includes partial coatings and structural steel improvements.

The $5.4 million contract was awarded to Cekra, Inc. Project completion is expected in fall 2026, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.

Anthropic, the San Francisco-based AI company behind Claude, posted on its website Thursday that it discovered the three incidents after reviewing more than 141,000 evaluation runs.

It had launched a “large-scale” cybersecurity review which specifically looked for evidence whether its AI models were able to access the internet from within testing environments that should have been sealed off, in response to the OpenAI incident, Anthropic said.

Anthropic said the models involved in the incidents were Claude Opus 4.7, Claude Mythos 5 and an internal research test model. The earliest incidents date to April, the AI company said.

“Claude compromised the impacted organizations’ infrastructure using basic techniques,” Anthropic said, such as exploiting weak passwords.

In all three incidents, the AI models were tasked with a “capture the flag” cybersecurity challenge, which Anthropic said has been one of the ways it assesses a model’s cyber capabilities.

The models were given a fictional scenario and told a piece of secret information, or the “flag,” had been hidden on a different machine on the network with the objective of breaking in and retrieving it, it said.

It added that it had already reached out to the affected organizations, which it did not name. Two of them said they had not previously detected the activity. Anthropic said it was “continuing to reach out to the third.”

Anthropic said it conducted its review with Irregular, which describes itself as the “first frontier security lab.”

“Addressing these risks will require closer cooperation across the AI ecosystem,” Irregular said in a post on X.

Last week, OpenAI said its AI models went rogue during an evaluation of its models, breaking into the servers of AI startup Hugging Face. OpenAI described it as a “significant security incident.”

These incidents have highlighted the vulnerabilities in AI security and controls and raised questions over how AI can be safely kept under human control as the technology’s usage becomes more widespread globally.

Researchers have warned for years about risks from technology and the need for stronger AI defensive engineering.

“Safety testing happens before a model is released precisely because we don’t yet know what it is capable of,” Anthropic said on Thursday on its website.

Kok Tin Gan, co-founder & CEO of cybersecurity firm NyxLab, which specializes in cybersecurity and threat detection, believes there will be more such incidents in the future.

“It is increasingly about governing what agents are available to the AI, what authorities they possess, which actions require approval, and how we ensure they remain within scope,” Gan said.

But the future of AI safety extends beyond just the safety of AI models, he said.

“If we simply give the AI a goal and allow it to decide how to achieve it, we should not be surprised when it takes actions that technically satisfy the objective, but fall outside our intended scope or expectations,” Gan said.

Therefore, stepping up the governance of the organizations and authorities behind these AI models is going to be increasingly important, he said.

Brussels aims to track the use of AI models for violations of its new regulations, like the publishing of sexually explicit material, fake photos and videos, and cyber threats to public infrastructure. When the bloc's AI Act comes into force on Sunday, AI companies will be required to make clear to consumers with labels or digital watermarks that chatbots or imagery are generated with AI.

“As enforcement begins, we are taking an important step towards AI that people and businesses can understand and trust, and whose benefits are shared widely across our society,” said Henna Virkkunen, the EU chief for tech sovereignty, on Friday.

The European Commission said in a statement that new regulations also include “systemic risks” posed by AI like “chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, loss of control, cyber offense, harmful manipulation and threats to fundamental rights."

The team is the latest move in the 27-nation EU’s “tech sovereignty” strategy that welds landmark digital regulations with economic ambition that has seen over the past week billions of euros in fines on Big Tech companies as well as record investment in AI infrastructure inside the bloc.

The rollout comes on the heels of shocking AI safety failures that rattled the nascent industry. Political leaders worldwide are now weighing control of the technology with market leadership.

Anthropic said on Friday its artificial intelligence models hacked into three other organizations during testing, just days after ChatGPT maker OpenAI raised concerns over AI controls after it disclosed its rogue models hacked another company.

The EU is now expanding its AI Office in Brussels with an additional 38 people who will begin monitoring AI companies, from the new firms to the American and Chinese tech titans like OpenAI and DeepSeek.

Those companies must “document certain information,” said the European Commission, the bloc's tech enforcer, which reserves the right to interview AI company staff during investigations. It has also launched a Whistleblower Tool for tech workers and a Compliance Tool for tech users to confidentially alert authorities to illegal conduct.

If models or other products break the EU's sector regulations, called the AI Act, Brussels can fine the firms or cut off their access to the EU market. Recent gigantic antitrust fines on U.S. tech companies have irked U.S. President Donald Trump.

The EU now clearly sees systemic vulnerability in its deep reliance on American software companies like Amazon, Google and Microsoft as well as imports of Chinese industrial goods and critical minerals. While it is seeking protections from AI, it is also keen to catch up in the AI arms race, where it is a distant third behind the U.S. and China.

More broadly, the EU is seeking more independence from both Washington and Beijing by reinvigorating specific domestic industries like manufacturing and defense and forging new trade deals from Brazil to Australia to meet the global rise in economic nationalism spearheaded by Trump.

The rights group said an attack aircraft identified as a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 dropped two munitions on Kyrnia village in the Mopti region on June 15. One strike hit near the home of the village chief, killing his wife and three children. The second hit a nearby cattle market, killing four men. No fighters from the Islamic militant group JNIM, which has controlled the village for six years, were reported among the casualties.

The Associated Press was not able to independently verify the claims by Human Rights Watch.

Mali has been plagued for over a decade by militants affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, including JNIM, as well as a Tuareg separatist rebellion in the north.

Violence escalated in recent months after an alliance of JNIM and Tuareg separatists carried out the largest coordinated attack in over a decade, targeting the airport of the country’s capital, Bamako, the nearby garrison town of Kati, and several northern and central cities.

April’s attacks exposed the weaknesses of Mali’s strategy to combat the rebellion, including relying on Russia, which has partnered with the military-led government after it distanced itself from former allies such as France.

Russian mercenaries have been present in Mali since late 2021 to help its military junta fight militants and separatists. Last year, Africa Corps, which reports to Russia’s Defense Ministry, replaced the private mercenary Wagner Group in the country.

Human Rights Watch said it interviewed 19 people, analyzed satellite imagery, and reviewed a video the Africa Corps posted online describing the strike last month as targeting a “terrorist” gathering. Researchers said roughly 100 JNIM fighters were in the village at the time but were mostly gathered elsewhere, and that the strikes did not appear to target a clear military objective.

The rights group called on Mali’s government to investigate the strike and hold those responsible accountable, saying it could otherwise be complicit in war crimes.

Russia’s Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rescuers recovered 32 bodies from the mine on the outskirts of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, and were working to retrieve the remaining two, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority said in a statement.

Mine inspector Ghani Baloch said authorities initially believed 42 people had been inside the mine when the explosion occurred Thursday.

Balochistan’s Minister for Mines and Minerals Shoaib Nosherwani expressed condolences to the victims’ families and announced compensation of 500,000 Pakistani rupees (about $1,800) for the family of each victim. He said authorities would investigate the cause of the explosion and review safety measures at coal mines across the province.

Deadly accidents are common in Pakistan’s coal mining industry, particularly in Balochistan, where many mines lack adequate ventilation, gas-monitoring systems and other basic safety measures.

Despite the dangers and low wages, thousands of workers rely on coal mining for their livelihoods in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least-developed province, where poverty and unemployment remain widespread.

The Dodgers open a three-game set against the Boston Red Sox.

The two-way superstar wanted to play Thursday against the Seattle Mariners, manager Dave Roberts said, but it was the team's decision to rest him. Ohtani told the training staff of renewed soreness after Wednesday night's 4-2 win.

“I appreciate the communication,” Roberts said. “I can’t read minds, the training staff can’t read minds, so just for him to communicate that then allows for us to make a decision.”

Second baseman Tommy Edman went 0 for 3 in Ohtani’s place for the series finale, a 6-2 win.

Ohtani has been dealing with knee soreness since June 11 and hasn't pitched since July 3 while also dealing with a right biceps issue. He skipped the All-Star Game in Philadelphia to stay home and receive a lubricant injection in the knee.

He is still serving as the designated hitter. Ohtani was 5 for 7 combined in his last two games against the Mariners, with a home run, four RBIs and two runs scored.

"The last couple days he’s been on base a lot more whereas the last part of the road trip he wasn’t, so there might have been a little something to that,” Roberts said, adding that nothing occurred in the game Wednesday to precipitate Ohtani sitting out the next day.

The Dodgers expect Ohtani to return to pitching this season, but they're not rushing him back to the mound.

“If there was something structural, then we would be much more concerned,” Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations, said Wednesday. “The fact that there’s not and the fact that it does keep improving suggests that we’re on the right path.”

For now, the team doesn't have any plans to shut down Ohtani entirely to give him time to recover from his ailments.

"We're talking about this constantly,” Roberts said. “Nothing should be off the table and nothing is set in stone. So I think it’s more of how he feels. With this new information we’ve got to have new conversations.”

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

The White House announcement comes nine months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was signed. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas had largely deadlocked over the implementation of its second phase, including the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza.

“The agreement will be carried out in carefully structured phases,” Trump said on social media. “As disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, and the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza being safe for its residents and its neighbors.”

Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan calls on the militant group to surrender its weapons and destroy its vast network of tunnels. It also envisions Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza, the arrival of a new technocratic Palestinian government, deployment of an international security force and the rebuilding of the battered Palestinian enclave.

Trump announced what he said was an agreement to realize one of the most difficult portions of the Gaza ceasefire while negotiations have stalled and military attacks have escalated in the war that the U.S. and Israel in February launched against Iran, a key sponsor of Hamas.

On Friday, a Hamas official said they have reached an agreement on disarmament, the most crucial part of the ceasefire deal. Israel didn't give an indication that they had agreed.

Officials offer long or unspecific timelines for Hamas to disarm

U.S. and Board of Peace officials, describing the deal to reporters on condition of anonymity under guidelines set by the White House, gave an extremely optimistic assessment of the agreement that laid out a scenario very similar to the one described by Trump and his top aides when the Board of Peace, an international body established by Trump to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza, was first formed.

The officials were unable to offer specific timelines for the disarmament of Hamas or other groups that operate in Gaza, such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad, but said the Gaza police force would turn over weapons to the technocratic Board of Peace-backed Gaza administration in the next two weeks.

The Gaza police force, however, does not include the vast majority of Hamas militants and heavy weaponry is not included in that part of the agreement, according to the officials.

Instead, the surrender of heavy weapons and the decommissioning of Hamas tunnels and other infrastructure are to come later in a process that could take between 200 and 350 days, a Board of Peace official said.

Israel has not responded but has been deeply skeptical

A U.S. official said Israel, which has been deeply skeptical about Hamas’ willingness to give up its guns or relinquish at least behind-the-scenes control of Gaza, had been consulted at every step of the negotiation.

However, the official said Israel was not being asked to do anything more than what it had initially committed to when it agreed to Trump’s 20-point plan, which essentially involves withdrawing its forces from Gaza and committing to ending airstrikes on the territory.

The official said Trump would be “very, very disappointed” if Israel didn't adhere to the agreement. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House on Tuesday, but neither said much about what was discussed in their first face-to-face meeting since launching the war against Iran.

Israel’s U.N. Mission said it had no immediate comment.

The official added that Iran remains a wildcard in the equation because although it counseled Hamas members not to accept a deal, it is also not in a position to offer the group much support because it is preoccupied with the conflict with the United States.

Hamas previously had insisted on implementing the first phase of the ceasefire before moving to discuss its weapons. The group’s founding charter calls for armed resistance against Israel, and it has been reluctant to give up an arsenal, including rockets, anti-tank missiles and explosives, that lies at the heart of its identity.

Hamas announced earlier this month, however, that it had dissolved its government in Gaza and was preparing to transfer power to a technical committee backed by the United Nations as part of the ceasefire deal.

The war in Gaza began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, including those killed since the ceasefire, Gaza’s Health Ministry said.

Israel’s military now controls more than half of Gaza, leaving Palestinians confined to squalid tent camps and heavily damaged urban neighborhoods.

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Cooper reported from Phoenix, Amiri from New York and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer contributed from the United Nations.

The 30-year-old entertainer, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, wept after the verdicts were delivered in the District Court of Western Australia state in Perth.

He had pleaded not guilty to six charges of rape, three charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of choking in a Perth hotel room in September 2024.

The accuser cannot legally be named. She was 20 at the time.

Three days after the jury began deliberating, they found him guilty of only two of the assault charges which relate to him biting the woman. He testified during his eight-day trial that they were “love bites” and denied his victim had complained that he was hurting her.

He was found not guilty on some charges, but he could potentially face a retrial on three charges of rape on which the jury could not reach a verdict.

Despite the convictions, the Colombian-born entertainer remained free on bail until the case returns to court on Aug. 21 to discuss next steps.

Barrientos had been touring Australia and had already performed in Sydney and Melbourne before he encountered his victim in Perth. He was arrested several days later in the east coast city of Brisbane, where the tour was to end.

Prosecutors alleged the woman initially agreed to have sex but withdrew her consent because she feared for her safety.

Photos of the woman with bruising as well as bite marks on her face and neck were shown to the court.

Barrientos has been free on bail since he was charged and was allowed to return to Britain for several months.

The book was returned to the library in the seaside town of Kiama last week by a local Ross Simmons who had found it during recent home renovations inside a tea crate bricked into a sealed fireplace, Kiama Library manager Michelle Hudson said.

“We’ve never had anything that old come back to us,” Hudson said Thursday.

“I follow lots of libraries on social media and often you’ll get things that are maybe 30 or 40 years old when they’re cleaning out estates and stuff like that,” she added.

Ross Simmons, told The Associated Press on Friday he assumed the book was borrowed by his great-great-grandfather John Simmons, who had owned the house where it was found.

“I'm making an assumption. He was in residence in the cottage around about that time and his children were probably too young,” Ross Simmons said.

The library opened in 1872, and the book, “Antiquities of Athens,” published in 1858, was marked as No. 506 in the library’s original collection of around 1,000 books. Hudson suspects the book was lost within a few years of the library opening.

The late return fine would be around 28,000 Australian dollars ($19,500), allowing for inflation, Hudson said. That was calculated on the British three pence-a-week overdue fee that was printed on the inside cover of the book, along with a list of rules that applied when the library opened.

But Hudson said the library's records of borrowers in the 1870s had been lost. “Unfortunately, we have a missing link. There’s nothing in the book that tells us who the last borrower was,” Hudson said.

Library rules in the 1870s stated that a book had to be returned and an overdue debt paid before another book could be borrowed. “Maybe that’s why they never returned it to us,” Hudson said.

Antiquated rules of the day included that up to three books could be borrowed by households in which at least six members were “known to be able to read.” Proof of reading ability is no longer required to use today’s library.

In the 1870s, books were not lent to people who arrived at the library in a “state of intoxication.” Library users are now asked to leave if their behavior impacts others, but the rules are not specific about intoxication.

Ross Simmons said he had no idea why his English immigrant ancestor, who had also served as an alderman in Kiama's municipal government, would not have returned the book.

He said he hadn't been concerned by the prosect of being held liable by an angry librarian for his family's debt.

“I've spent a lifetime dealing with irate customers and being irate with customers himself. Just stick to your guns and say do your worst,” the 77-year-old said.

The returned book will be displayed in the library’s local history collection.

“We’re not going to allow it to go back out again. We don’t want to wait another 150 years for this book to be returned,” Hudson said.

Devers did get a sacrifice fly, but Tatis added on to his impressive list of home run robberies.

Tatis tracked Devers' fly ball and leaped to get his glove high above the short wall in right-center at Petco Park to make the catch. He landed and tumbled onto his backside, but flipped the ball to center fielder Jackson Merrill, who tossed it into the infield.

Merrill helped Tatis to his feet and patted him on the chest. Pitcher JP Sears raised his left arm in celebration.

Tatis was an All-Star at shortstop in 2021 and was moved to right field in 2023, after missing the 2022 season with injuries and a PED suspension. He won the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards in 2023 and 2025.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

“UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions,” the European soccer body said after an urgent online meeting of its 55 member nations.

FIFA issued a statement early Friday saying that “nobody is selling football” and that it plans to continue the consultation process. But it appeared to back off from establishing the public equity move — what it calls the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) — if member countries do not agree.

“FIFA acknowledges and respects feedback and concern aired in public,” it said, while blaming "erroneous reporting in the media” for disruptions to its planned consultation with member associations.

But it said that without the support of FIFA's 211 member associations, “FIFA’s commercial activities would remain unchanged. FFE would not be established.”

"Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain.”

The next scheduled FIFA tournament is within weeks in Europe — the Women’s Under-20 World Cup hosted by Poland from Sept. 5 — and the four British federations comprise FIFA’s only bidder to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup. That decision is due Nov. 23.

“Some things are simply too important to sell,” UEFA said in a statement. “The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale.”

The strategy meeting was called to counter FIFA President Infantino’s offer of $20 million to each of FIFA’s 211 global members that has to be accepted by mid-September.

Later Thursday, the 41-member Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) met and announced it rejected Infantino's plan.

In a statement, CONCACAF said members “expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed, and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governance bodies.” It also questioned the need for outside investment "following the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history.”

Infantino’s secret project was revealed Tuesday to spin off its commercial operations in the new $20 billion FFE subsidiary 20% owned by private investors. The core investor would be a New York investment firm created by Joshua Kushner, the brother of U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Infantino wrote Tuesday to the 211 members — already the effective owners of FIFA as a non-profit association under Swiss law — that if they approve FFE their promised $10 million basic funding for the next four years will double to $20 million. He projected their FIFA funding through 2038 would be $86 million each, instead of about $36 million.

“This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of FIFA’s duty as the custodian of world football,” said UEFA, where Infantino was a long-time staffer and its CEO-like general secretary when he was first elected to lead FIFA in 2016.

Infantino’s presidency at risk?

Infantino’s high-stakes financial gambit now could threaten his previously secure 11-year presidency of FIFA as anger and frustration with him rises among soccer stakeholders including three of the six continental bodies.

FIFA has set a Nov. 18 deadline for potential candidates to declare in a presidential vote of the 211 members scheduled next March in Rabat, Morocco.

Infantino had seemed — 11 days ago after the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey — to have a clear path to being re-elected unopposed for a fourth and final term in office through 2031, despite a furor over letting United States forward Folarin Balogun play against Belgium despite a red card in his previous game.

Soccer officials have said privately Infantino has eyed a lucrative commissioner-like role at the FFE spinoff beyond 2031.

“Game over, Gianni #InfantinOUT,” the Football Supporters Europe group, which advises UEFA on fan issues such as ticket prices, posted after the boycott threat.

Soccer’s concern at investor pressure

UEFA detailed Thursday why soccer officials fear external investors owning a stake of the global game’s biggest events, including World Cups and Club World Cups for men and women.

“The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, football changes forever,” UEFA said. “Commercial return becomes a permanent obligation. Investor expectations become a daily pressure.”

Infantino has presented the private equity offer as a chance to “turbocharge” funding development of soccer across the world, where a majority of the 211 FIFA members rely on its funding.

Officials from about 40 UEFA member spoke at the urgent meeting, with anger expressed that FIFA is not using some of its multi-billion reserves to fund extra development programs.

“As a result of today’s discussion, no UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive,” the European soccer body said, “unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership.”

Asia adds rare criticism of Infantino

On a seismic day in soccer politics, a traditional bedrock of support in Asia for FIFA and Infantino had earlier Thursday been shaken.

“FIFA’s unilateral actions appear to undermine the very foundations of continental football,” the Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said in a letter to its 46 members of FIFA, warning of risks to their own competitions.

Sheikh Salman, an ally to Infantino since losing the FIFA presidential election to him in 2016, wrote “such an initiative will not succeed without the support of all the confederations, which is not the case now.”

In a video message published Wednesday by FIFA, Infantino insisted spinning off its money-making operations was “an offer, not an obligation.”

A FIFA presentation for its members, co-written with its banking advisors from J.P. Morgan and seen by the AP, set a goal for FFE as “commercial rigor and expertise to better capitalize on broadcast rights, sponsorships and a growing tournament portfolio.”

FIFA squeeze on continental games

That growing portfolio likely would include adding more teams to FIFA competitions like the World Cup and Club World Cup for men and women, and potentially staging them more often than every four years, including in the U.S.

FIFA adding teams, games and competitions would squeeze the value, status and space in the congested global fixture calendar for those that fund and are organized by the six continental soccer bodies like UEFA and the AFC. Those include World Cup qualifying games, continental tournaments and Champions Leagues.

“It is important that the AFC family has a complete understanding,” Sheikh Salman wrote, “of how such an initiative may affect key areas of global and Asian football, including the sustainability of confederation and (domestic) competitions, as well as the organization and commercial landscape surrounding the AFC’s activities.”

UEFA’s previous boycott threat

A threatened World Cup boycott from Europe helped derail Infantino’s plan in 2021 to play World Cups every two years instead of four.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and AP World Cup coverage

Across the country, Democratic candidates are grappling with their previous positions calling to “defund the police” — a prominent demand during the protests that followed George Floyd's death — by either reimagining public safety services altogether or redirecting some police departments’ funds to other social programs. Now, they are facing tough questions about their past positions.

Democratic leaders fear that the outlier opinions favoring police defunding may again tarnish the party's brand and sink its chances of gaining ground in Congress, governor's mansions and statehouses nationwide.

“It was a serious debate in 2020 that arguably cost us some seats that year and caused us to lose on something where we should have had the upper ground, because a few members of our party wanted to have a stylistic debate rather than one on substance,” said Antjuan Seawright, a Democratic strategist.

Seawright said to avoid being painted as politically toxic on safety issues, Democrats “have to define the narrative before others define us with the narrative.”

That task may become more challenging as the party grapples with a rising left flank that has captivated its base, just as Republicans move to make warnings about crime, immigration and growing support for democratic socialism core to their closing midterm message.

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate reckons with past ‘defund’ rhetoric

In Wisconsin, a swing state known for razor-thin elections that President Donald Trump won in 2016 and 2024, insurgent democratic socialist State Rep. Francesca Hong has upended the Democratic gubernatorial primary by running far to the left in a state where independent and moderate voters are key in statewide races. A single mother and former line cook, Hong has captured the imaginations of liberal Democrats upset with the party establishment.

But she’s also raised concerns among more moderate Democrats that her past support for defunding the police would hurt her chances in the general election against Trump-backed Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany.

“I support defunding the police as a first step towards abolishing the police,” Hong said in a 2020 social media post after the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man in Kenosha, Wisconsin. A year later, while serving in the State Assembly, Hong again posted about Blake, writing: “Police exist to uphold white supremacy. Defund then abolish. Reform can’t be an option.”

But as a candidate for governor, Hong had softened her tone while not disavowing her past statements. On Tuesday night, in the only televised debate ahead of the Aug. 11 primary, Hong said she did not support cutting police funding.

“The governor cannot defund the police and I’m not here to govern by slogan,” Hong said. “I’m here to make sure that I am the governor that is most serious about public safety, and that means investing in the things that we know prevent crimes.”

New York, Michigan politicians distance themselves from ‘defund’ calls

In neighboring Michigan, Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, a staunch progressive, has faced questions about his past support for defunding the police. Last November, CNN reported that the public health researcher and Rhodes scholar had deleted scores of posts expressing support for defunding the police. He now says he rejects the idea.

And in New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has tried to distance himself from his past criticisms of the city’s police department and a previous call to defund the agency. He is at times still dogged by a set of social media posts he made in 2020, at the height of the Black Lives Matter protests, where he described the department as “racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety” and pushed to “Defund this rogue agency.”

Mamdani apologized for the language during his campaign and stressed that he no longer wanted to defund the agency. He has since moved to ease lingering concerns by retaining his predecessor’s police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, an establishment moderate respected by the city’s business leaders and law enforcement community. That decision angered some of Mamdani’s progressive allies.

The backtracking illustrates how the politics of criminal justice have shifted since 2020, posing dilemmas for Democrats’ midterm strategy and their ability to enact their preferred solutions.

Memphis voters reject ‘defund the police’ but decry National Guard presence

The stakes are life and death for communities caught in the middle of the political debate.

In Memphis, Tennessee, residents are exhausted at being thrust into the national discourse over crime and safety. The president surged the city with National Guard troops last year as part of an “anti-crime” task force. The task force has faced renewed local backlash after federal agents earlier this month killed a man experiencing a mental health crisis and another person during an altercation while agents executed a drug warrant. The city's local Democratic lawmakers claim that the tough-on-crime policies only temporarily reduced crime while troop presence was at its peak.

“They don’t like how it was done, how President Trump and the governor were able to snap their fingers, and all of a sudden we see federal agents flooding our city,” said State Sen. London Lamar, who represents Memphis and has faced tough questions from constituents and her statehouse colleagues about how to address crime in the city.

But Lamar added that outside of frustrated local progressive activists, residents outraged by the administration's anti-crime crackdown were still skeptical of calls to “defund the police.”

“It's not really sticking because, though it's quietly kept, the vast majority of the community still wants law enforcement's presence,” said Lamar. The debate is a useful distraction, Lamar said, from real conversations over how to boost public safety.

“Our challenges are being exploited for political gain,” she added.

The announcement came after local authorities in Ceuta had asked the central government in Madrid for reinforcements to manage a border crisis that boiled over Thursday with large crowds of people breaching the border fence.

Spain’s government said it would send the Armed Forces to help the Civil Guard “maintain security in the city of Ceuta.” It also announced that Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez would join Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska in a visit to Ceuta on Friday.

“The situation is absolute chaos,” Rachid Sbihi, head of the association that represents Spain’s Civil Guard officers who police the border in Ceuta, told The Associated Press. “It’s not possible to give precise numbers, but there are thousands of migrants crossing,” he said, adding that the border had “totally collapsed.”

Achraf Maimouni, a member of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights in northern Morocco, described the situation as “exceptional.”

“The Tarajal border was opened under unusual circumstances this morning and people crossed," he said.

Video footage showed crowds of people, mainly Moroccans, walking around the breakwaters at Tarajal beach onto local roads. While most appeared to be young men, there were also families with women and small children.

“Viva España!” some shouted to a freelance photographer working for the AP. It was not immediately clear what prompted so many migrants to cross to Ceuta.

Spain’s government delegation in Ceuta said at least nine people died Thursday during the chaos. It did not provide details on the circumstances of the deaths but bodies could be seen floating in the water. Dozens have died this year trying to reach Ceuta, according to local authorities.

Arrivals had been increasing, but reasons are still unclear

The escalation at the frontier between Spain and Morocco comes after a surge in migrants attempting to reach the small exclave, mainly by swimming, on Wednesday.

Moroccan authorities have not publicly commented on the crossings, and Morocco's Interior Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Spain’s Interior Ministry said the Moroccan government was “closely cooperating” with Spain to handle the situation and that Moroccan police are stopping “numerous people” who are trying to cross the border. Both countries agreed to work together “for the return, as soon as possible, of all the people who entered Ceuta illegally.”

The ministry earlier said it would guarantee the safety of citizens and the integrity of the nation’s border but that the Spanish government could not declare a national emergency — as local authorities had asked — over migration concerns.

The chaos had ripple effects in Italy, another key destination for migrants. Premier Giorgia Meloni threatened to suspend Italy's open-border Schengen agreement with Spain “to defend our borders and ensure the safety of our citizens," though Italy doesn't share a border with Spain.

Ceuta authorities had previously linked the surge to a Spanish Supreme Court ruling earlier this month that barred authorities from immediately returning migrants who arrive by sea without due process. The ruling does not apply to migrants who enter Spain by land, including by climbing over the border fence.

But some activists in Morocco expressed doubt that the ruling was behind the surge, arguing most migrants would have been unaware of such legal decisions.

Spain is a main point of arrival into Europe for migrants seeking better economic opportunities or an escape from violence in their home countries.

To reach Ceuta, located on the northern African coast, migrants often swim from the Moroccan town of Fnideq, covering about 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) to reach Spanish territory. Others attempt the crossing from the nearby town of Belyounech, where the distance is shorter.

The scenes of people streaming across the frontier recall the border crisis of May 2021 when more than 8,000 migrants poured into Ceuta in just two days.

At the time, Morocco was accused of easing border controls and allowing migrants to cross into Ceuta after Spain allowed Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali to receive treatment at a Spanish hospital, triggering a diplomatic crisis between Rabat and Madrid. The pro-independence Polisario Front for decades has claimed to be the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people of the Western Sahara. Morocco claims Western Sahara as its own.

Ceuta authorities ask Madrid to declare emergency, send army

Juan Jesús Vivas, the head of Ceuta’s regional government, called for the national government to declare an emergency on grounds of national security, asking for more police and for the army to be deployed on the border “to guarantee the inviolability of the frontier and citizen safety.”

He had warned Wednesday that migrant reception centers were overwhelmed with hundreds of people sleeping on the streets after more than 1,500 migrants entered the territory in the past week. Thousands more crossed overnight and on Thursday.

Spain’s Interior Ministry, which tracks irregular migration, would not confirm the number of migrants who had made it to Ceuta in the last few days but said it would publish its next migration report on Aug. 3. As of July 15, nearly 3,000 migrants had entered Ceuta by land or sea this year, according to ministry figures.

Legislation covering a declaration of national emergencies does not consider migration flows as a risk to national security, according to the ministry, which said government agencies are “coordinating to respond with speed and efficacy to the situation in Ceuta.”

Ceuta, which is perched on a historical isthmus, has been a Spanish possession since 1580. Its mixed population of Christians and Muslims, Spanish and Moroccan residents and day workers, lives in relative harmony behind a border fence that many desperate migrants from across Africa attempt to cross for a better life in Europe.

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Brito reported from Barcelona, Spain. AP journalists Joseph Wilson in Barcelona and Akram Oubachir in Casablanca, Morocco, contributed to this report.

A person familiar with the deal said Samuel agreed on Thursday to return to the 49ers on a one-year contract worth up to $7 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been announced.

NFL Network first reported the agreement.

Samuel spent his first six seasons with the 49ers after being drafted in the second round in 2019, helping the team reach the Super Bowl twice and earning All-Pro honors in 2021 when he had 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns.

Samuel was traded to Washington in 2025 for a fifth-round draft pick and had 72 catches for 727 yards and five TDs for the Commanders last season. He became a free agent in March and now will join the Niners to provide reinforcement with Pearsall out.

Samuel has 406 career catches for 5,519 yards and 27 touchdowns and has been one of the most dynamic players after the catch in the NFL. His average of 8.7 yards after the catch on receptions rank first among all receivers with at least 100 catches since 2019. He also has rushed for 1,218 yards and 21 TDs in 97 career games.

The move comes a day after the 49ers announced that Pearsall was sidelined with a knee injury that could require surgery. The team said Pearsall had swelling in the right knee that was related to the posterior cruciate ligament injury that forced him to miss eight games in the 2025 regular season. The Niners are concerned that the knee is still an issue after Pearsall participated in just two practices in training camp and were evaluating all options.

Pearsall has flashed when he is healthy, but has struggled to stay on the field since being drafted in the first round in 2024. He missed most of training camp as a rookie with a shoulder injury and then was shot in a robbery attempt just before the start of that season. Pearsall returned to make 31 catches for 400 yards and three TDs in 11 games.

Pearsall was slowed early last summer by a hamstring injury, but got off to a fast start with 20 catches for 327 yards in his first four games before going down with a knee injury in Week 4. He has 67 catches for 928 yards and three TDs in 20 games over two seasons.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Time was running out to find survivors, as rescuers continued to work in the Kumamoto area on Japan ’s southern main island of Kyushu, where the magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Tuesday. The number of people missing was unclear.

Of the deaths given in the latest tally, 25 have been confirmed as related to the disaster, but there were nine more deaths under investigation as likely to be connected, the Kumamoto prefectural government said. The quake left at least 86 people injured, five of them seriously, it said.

Survivors spoke about desperately pulling family members out of the wreckage. Some had suffered injuries and were rushed to the hospital.

Thousands of people spent another night at evacuation centers set up throughout the area at schools and other big spaces. Some homes were still without water or electricity, while others were simply afraid to go back.

Nearly 19,000 homes were still without electricity and more than 9,000 people were staying in the roughly 400 shelters, where power sources were being added to provide air conditioning.

Concerns were growing about illness, including from the sweltering heat. The Ministry of Environment sent out a heatstroke alert for the Kumamoto area, with temperatures rising above 33 C (91 F) Thursday.

Some evacuees sleep in cars

In the town of Hikawa, one of the hardest-hit areas in Kumamoto, many residents are without water or electricity, or both, and some were staying inside their vehicles in parks, at the town hall parking lot, or outside their homes. More than 800 of the town of about 4,500 households were destroyed or damaged, officials said.

At the front entrance of the town hall, officials delivered bottled water and packaged instant rice, while the Ground Self-Defense Force service members came with a trolley to provide fresh water.

Hirokazu Sato, a nurse, whose house was destroyed, is staying in his passenger car at the town hall parking lot with his wife and three children, because he worries that his 1-year-old baby could be a nuisance to others if they take shelter at an evacuation center.

“I can't sleep sitting in the car, so sometimes I go out for a walk during the night,” Sato says. “I hope the town will provide temporary housing soon.”

Yoshiaki Nakashima, a 66-year-old resident who came with two bottles and his beloved pet dog to get water, said he is staying in a car because of his reluctance to stay at one of the three evacuation centers in the area. He also said he doesn’t want to sleep at home because aftershocks made him feel uneasy.

“It’s difficult to turn over while sleeping in a car,” he said, but added that living at a shelter is even more difficult.

Akiko Inazaki, another resident in her 30s, is living in a tent set up in the yard of her home, which has been without water and electricity since the quake. Inazaki, who also came to get water, said she will use it little by little.

“Fresh water is so valuable,” she said. Inazaki said she drank so little that she almost had a heatstroke.

Risks of heatstroke are a major concern among officials.

Yutaka Kobayashi, a doctor dispatched from central Japan's Aichi prefecture, said he was touring evacuation centers Thursday to assess the condition of evacuees, especially elderly people and those with injuries as they cope with a harsh environment.

“We have to make sure elderly people are not developing heatstrokes or dehydration,” he said in Hikawa.

While the town parking lot was nearly packed the first night, some residents have moved to three public schools where air-conditioning is running, Hikawa officials said.

A town official, Yuzuru Tamura, said they are starting to run out of emergency food supply, such as canned bread and instant rice.

Emergency personnel search for missing people

The most serious damage was at the Aeon Mall shopping center in the town of Kashima, which was bustling with thousands of people when the quake struck in the late afternoon.

The company said some 3,000 customers were evacuated to a parking lot before the explosion happened in another part of the mall, where some people were still working. The mall’s second floor collapsed, trapping people.

On Thursday, seven people were confirmed to have died at the mall site among the 12 people pulled out of the wreckage, according to Kumamoto authorities.

In the Yatsushiro area, where a chimney collapsed at a Nippon Paper Industries factory, 10 people were rescued, but eight others died, and one remained missing, the Kumamoto prefectural disaster team said.

Footage provided by the Japanese government and military showed rescue workers drilling through the collapsed parts of the building in an attempt to get to anyone who may still be trapped inside.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters the central government will take a lead role in coordinating the various rescue efforts. Restoring electricity, gas and water to stricken areas, while providing a supply of fresh water is key, she said.

“The needs on the ground are constantly changing. To put to rest the people's feelings of uncertainty, we will do all that needs to be done,” she said.

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Associated Press writer Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo contributed to this report.

Amazon’s fully autonomous Zoox vehicles got approval Thursday to begin charging customers for rides in the specially designed cars that feature four inward-facing seats once they secure state and local approval. Zoox has already been offering free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco since last year. At least a couple people were waiting at most stops Thursday afternoon for rides up and down the Vegas strip aboard one of the distinctive boxy-shaped vehicles.

“It’s kind of scary at first, but when I just got used to it, it’s really cool and chilling. I really liked the music and how you can adjust the temperature,” Chloe Huu from Ann Arbor, Michigan, said after taking a ride in a Zoox Thursday. But the projected wait time for the ride kept changing, which made it hard to plan.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also proposed a rule last month to allow robotaxis to operate without brake pedals, but that proposal is still pending. Administrator Jonathan Morrison said his agency wants to update the regulations to fit these fully autonomous vehicles while still acting as the “cop on the beat to make sure that this is being done right.”

Most vehicle safety regulations were written decades ago, always with the assumption that there would be a human driver behind the wheel. But Morrison said that things like steering wheels, windshield wipers and side-view mirrors aren't really needed in an autonomous vehicle.

“If you’re going to be developing a standard in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, nobody at that time had this imagination, nobody had a crystal ball that you might have technologies that would enable the vehicle to drive itself,” Morrison said.

Questions remain about robotaxi safety

The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety group raised concerns about Zoox’s plan to operate without a steering wheel or other standard controls because the company didn’t provide detailed evidence to show that its vehicles could operate safely on public roads.

“Lots of promises, lots of glossy language, lots of ‘We believe, we think we’ll do this.’ Yet there really was no data behind the promises, and that’s really concerning to us,” said Peter Kurdock, who is general counsel for the Advocates group.

Morrison said this technology does offer the promise of never driving distracted or drunk like human drivers do, but robotaxis have had some problems. Sometimes they're just weird behaviors like stopping in the middle of the road or struggling to get out of a parking lot. But he said NHTSA responded to the incidents of autonomous cars passing school buses or interfering with first responders, with investigations, recalls and calls to action.

“Sometimes we have seen unsafe behaviors, and we jump on that really quickly again. That’s our job at NHTSA,” Morrison said. But he said Americans shouldn't be terribly worried about the safety of these robotaxis.

“By and large we’re really excited about the promise of this technology and we want to see that promise fulfilled,” he said.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said recently that the limited crash data the government requires autonomous vehicle companies to submit makes it hard to assess the safety record of these robotaxis as they continue to expand across the country.

Most companies don't report how many miles their autonomous vehicles drove, which makes it impossible to calculate a crash rate, according to the IIHS. And there isn't a clear standard for which incidents must be reported. So autonomous vehicle companies are reporting many more minor incidents than human drivers, who tend to only report a crash when there is significant damage or injuries.

Robotaxi industry is expanding quickly nationwide

Zoox and Tesla are working to catch up to the industry-leading Waymo that already operates in multiple cities. Waymo is owned by Google's parent company, Alphabet.

Zoox CEO Aicha Evans said this approval is an important milestone for autonomous vehicles.

“This achievement reflects a shared commitment to enabling innovation while maintaining the highest standards of safety,” Evans said.

Amazon hopes to eventually produce as many as 10,000 robotaxis a year at a plant near Silicon Valley as it works to challenge Waymo. Amazon paid $1.2 billion to acquire self-driving startup Zoox. Initially, Zoox will only be allowed to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles without steering wheels over the next two years as it works to prove the technology is safe. The company said that more than half a million people have already ridden in its vehicles.

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AP Transportation Writer Josh Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska.

A Flood Advisory will continue through 9:15 for Union, Alachua and Columbia counties.

Light rain continues over areas of Alachua County with the stronger storms remaining west of I-75 as they dissipate late tonight.

The unsettled pattern continues through Monday, with damaging winds and flooding remaining the main concerns.

Tonight: Cooler, quiet with showers and thunderstorms west of I-75.

Friday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop along the stalled cold front. Rain chances over NE FL will average 50-60 percent, SE GA 30-40 percent. Strong to severe storms will be possible. Lows in the upper 70s to low 80s. Afternoon highs in the mid to upper 90s. Wind: SW 10-15 mph. Cloudy skies overnight.

Weekend: Scattered showers and thunderstorms will blanket northeast Florida and southeast Georgia, with rain chances of 60-80 percent. Lows in the 70s to low 80s. Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. Wind: SW 5-10 mph.

Looking ahead: Rain chances continue through Monday.

Tropics: Tropical activity is not expected for the next 7 days.

Sunrise: 6:44 p.m.

Sunset: 8:22 p.m.

The changes at the National Jamboree, which ends Friday, reflect shifts made by Scouting America since the organization became a target of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over what he calls “woke” policies. Some scouts who had planned to attend the event in West Virginia said they backed out because Scouting America scrapped the inclusion initiatives it previously celebrated.

Hegseth threatened to end the Pentagon's century-old partnership with Scouting America if it did not make changes including refocusing away from diversity initiatives. The organization, previously known as Boy Scouts of America, rebranded in 2024 to emphasize inclusion and the growing number of girls in the scouting ranks.

“Scouting fundamentally is a safe place for young people to have fun,” said Samuel J. Aronson, an assistant scoutmaster who has organized inclusive events at previous national events. “In the absence of these spaces, we’re denying all that, both the safety and the fun, to thousands of young people.”

Thousands attend the National Jamboree

This year, about 15,000 scouts, leaders and volunteers from across the country are attending the 10-day event in the mountains of West Virginia. In addition to activities including mountain biking and kayaking, the gathering hosts leadership programs and educational sessions.

A Scouting America spokesperson said the organization remains “fully committed to welcoming and serving all youth,” but did not address questions about the changes to the jamboree.

The Pentagon made a deal with Scouting America in February but the two sides have given conflicting accounts of that agreement. This month, a gay rights activist obtained the memo outlining the agreement from the Defense Department after filing a lawsuit, arguing that clarity was of public importance.

The six-page document spells out ways the Pentagon will monitor compliance, including that officials from each organization would have “periodic touchpoints and meet” as needed. It was obtained by James Dale, who was expelled from the Boy Scouts in the early 1990s for being gay and later sued over discrimination. He equated the Pentagon's tactics to the actions of a bully.

“They basically have their thumb on the organization, threatening them under constant pressure,” Dale said.

Deal preserves ties between Scouting America and Pentagon

The scouts and the military have long held close ties; The military provides logistical support for the jamboree and some scout troops meet on or near bases.

Asked about the implementation and monitoring of the deal, a Pentagon spokesperson referred to previous comments by Hegseth.

In February, Hegseth posted a video that said his department would “vigorously review” changes made by Scouting America and would cease the military’s longtime support of the organization if it failed to comply by late August.

Some scouts disappointed by changes to inclusion efforts

John Andrew Segebarth, a 21-year-old college student and Eagle Scout, has been disheartened by the agreement. He joined the scout ranks in first grade and said he had been looking forward to staffing the space for LGBTQ+ and Allied Scouts at this year’s jamboree.

Segebarth, who is gay and was elected by peers as a national officer for scouts in 2024, said the removal of inclusive spaces is a sharp reversal for Scouting America. National scouting events in recent years included community spaces for girls, scouts of color, LGBTQ+ scouts and persons with disabilities, according to Aronson.

“Scouting’s kind of walking back on its values that they told me they believed in,” said Segebarth who, along with Aronson, decided not to attend the jamboree this year.

It was at a community tent that Layla Grace found the first place where she could talk openly about being a transgender female. Now a 21-year-old assistant scoutmaster, Grace had also planned to staff the space for LGBTQ+ and Allied Scouts in West Virginia this year.

When the spaces were canceled, Grace said she almost didn't go to the jamboree but decided she wanted to be there to help those in need. She wound up volunteering at an area dedicated to addressing issues that include mental health, food security and education.

And she's trying to fill the gap left by the removal of inclusive areas.

“I am wearing so many rainbows on me, my right hand has my nails painted in the lesbian flag and my left hand has my nails painted in the transgender flag,” she said. “I am being as loud as I can to do my best to hopefully make up for the lack of community spaces.”

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Associated Press reporter Ben Finley contributed to this report from Washington.

The blast was apparently triggered by a buildup of methane gas and occurred on the outskirts of the Baluchistan provincial capital of Quetta, said government mine inspector Ghani Baloch.

The bodies of seven people were recovered hours after the blast, and emergency responders later found 25 more bodies, officials and a provincial disaster management agency said in a statement. It said the search and rescue operation was continuing, with rescue teams working to locate and recover the remaining trapped miners.

Baloch said rescue operations would continue until all the trapped miners were found, but he added that officials believed the death toll likely would rise further.

“The chances of finding anyone alive diminish after methane gas explosions because oxygen levels drop to zero, and rescuers are also proceeding cautiously inside the mine,” Baloch said.

Authorities were handing over the bodies to their families for burial, while relatives of those still trapped waited anxiously for news, Baloch said.

Baluchistan’s Minister for Mines and Minerals Shoaib Nosherwani said the rescue teams were working under extremely difficult conditions.

Nosherwani expressed condolences to relatives of the victims and said the provincial government would pay compensation of 500,000 Pakistani rupees (about $1,800) to the family of each miner killed in the blast.

He said authorities would conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion, and would review mining safety measures.

A coal miners’ labor union said it suspected negligence led to the explosion and called for action against those responsible. In a statement, the Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation urged the government to strictly enforce safety regulations and take tough action against companies that violate mine safety laws.

Deadly accidents are common in Pakistan’s coal mining industry, particularly in Baluchistan, where many mines lack adequate ventilation, gas monitoring systems and other basic safety measures.

Mine workers and labor groups have long accused mine owners of failing to enforce safety regulations or provide adequate protective equipment.

Despite the risks and low wages, thousands of miners depend on the coal industry for their livelihoods in Baluchistan, Pakistan’s largest but least developed province, where unemployment and poverty remain widespread.

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Ahmed reported from Islamabad.

Mayor Katie Wilson's announcement followed hours of speculation about whether Police Chief Shon Barnes would step down, as some of his supporters said he had rebuffed Wilson’s request to resign.

Wilson said she was appointing Deputy Chief Andre Sayles, a law enforcement veteran with more than two decades of experience, as interim chief.

Barnes told The Seattle Times earlier Thursday that whether he remained as chief was “up to the mayor.” He said he was off for the day and spending time with family.

In a written statement, the mayor said she was grateful for Barnes' service. The statement included comments in which Barnes called it an honor to have served the city.

“I hope this transition gives the city and this department the opportunity to return full focus to what matters most, addressing youth gun violence and preventing more tragedies,” Barnes said.

Barnes was out of town at a law enforcement conference when gunfire erupted last weekend at the Bite of Seattle, an annual three-day festival that draws hundreds of food and retail vendors and performers. Three people, including one suspect, were killed, and four people were wounded. One of the injured was a 2-year-old boy.

Dozens of officers were at the event, and at least one saw a 15-year-old suspect firing into a crowd and quickly persuaded him to surrender, according to court documents. Police are still searching for at least one other person.

While Wilson credited the quick police response with potentially saving lives, she acknowledged that the city was slow to communicate in the aftermath.

After an initial social media post announcing the shooting, it took nearly five hours for police to provide any additional information to the public, including whether there was any ongoing threat. The city also failed to send out any notifications through its emergency alert system. In the meantime Wilson announced that two people had been taken into custody, a statement she later retracted.

Assistant Seattle Police Chief Tyrone Davis finally provided an update around 11 p.m. Sunday during a news conference that was also attended by the mayor, Gov. Bob Ferguson and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal.

“What I did not fully understand in that moment was how little information had reached the public or the press since the incident began at 6 p.m.,” Wilson said in a video statement Thursday. “Had I known that, I would have pushed for an immediate briefing, rather than waiting for a press conference to be organized.”

Barnes was the second Black police chief in Seattle.

Several Black community organizations, including the Seattle NAACP and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, rallied to try to save his job Thursday. In an open letter to the mayor's office, they credited him with improving relations between the department and the community, helping reduce gun violence and strengthening the department's operations.

“Chief Barnes should not be made a scapegoat for the complex challenges of public safety,” the letter said.

At least six City Council members issued statements supporting Barnes. A statement signed by four of them pointed out that the city has had four chiefs in less than three years.

“Our priority must be stability, not further disruption,” it said.

Barnes was appointed by Seattle's previous mayor, Bruce Harrell, in December 2024 after serving as chief of the Madison, Wisconsin, police department.

When Wilson — a democratic socialist who once supported defunding police — won the mayor's race last year, she kept Barnes on as chief. That was a signal to the city's business establishment and community groups that she did not intend to take a radically different approach to public safety.

“Seattle had been on a positive course on public safety with police hiring trending up and crime trending down,” Jon Scholes, president of the Downtown Seattle Association, said in an emailed statement. “It’s imperative the next chief of police is able to maintain progress that’s been made and instill confidence in our community.”

Barnes faced some criticism for spending time in Chicago, where his family lives. Sgt. Patrick Michaud, a department spokesperson, said Thursday that Barnes has made four trips to Chicago this year and spent in total about 18 days traveling there.

The resignation comes as Seattle heads into another big festival weekend. Seafair Weekend Festival 2026 — a boating event, air show and festival — starts Friday.

The U.S. and Iran each fired barrages of missiles Thursday, as the pattern of back-and-forth strikes took hold again. After a brief respite, the risk of a return to all-out war emerged once more, with the fighting threatening to engulf even more countries. Jordan said Thursday it intercepted Iranian missiles for a second day, while Kuwait said a strike in the northern part of the country killed one person.

Most Americans say the war in Iran has not been worth fighting, and Trump’s approval rating on Iran has fallen slightly since last month, according to a new AP-NORC poll. The results are a stark repudiation of Trump’s approach to the conflict, which has dragged on far longer than he originally predicted.

Here's the Latest:

Body cameras will start being shipped to ICE offices next week, Maine senator says

Republican Sen. Susan Collins said she met Thursday with Immigration and Customs Enforcement for an update after the deadly shooting of a Colombian native in Biddeford, Maine.

Collins says Acting ICE Director David Venturella confirmed that its policy requires at least one ICE officer to wear a body-worn camera when conducting enforcement interactions, including any vehicle stops.

She says that by the end of August, body-worn cameras will be deployed nationwide and worn by all ICE agents in the field.

Collins, who is the chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee, said that Venturella told her that Homeland Security has awarded a contract to purchase additional body-worn cameras, and that they will start being shipped to field offices next week. She said he agreed with her request to prioritize Maine.

Collins helped secure $20 million for the cameras in the department’s funding package Congress approved earlier this year.

Appeals court rejects the administration’s expansion of mandatory detention for immigrants

A federal appeals court says the Trump administration cannot deny immigrants detained inside the United States a chance for release on bond.

The 2-1 decision Thursday by the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals deepens a split between federal appeals courts over the administration’s mandatory detention policy.

Under previous administrations, most noncitizens without a criminal record who were arrested inside the U.S. could seek a bond hearing while their immigration cases were pending. Last July, immigration officials issued guidance expanding mandatory detention to immigrants in the U.S. interior.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement it was confident in its legal position on mandatory detention.

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The Trump administration is ending a Medicare drug subsidy program. Here’s how it could affect costs

Millions of older adults on Medicare prescription drug coverage could face higher monthly costs in 2027.

The Trump administration said this week it has decided to end a temporary subsidy program that helped offset premiums for the past two years.

The program was initially implemented by former President Joe Biden’s administration in 2024 to lower Medicare Part D prescription drug costs in response to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

While federal officials say the financial impact will be minimal, the decision opens the administration to potential political consequences in a high-stakes midterm election year.

Democrats have criticized the move, calling it an attack on healthcare affordability.

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RFK Jr. launches an HHS cooking show

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is known for eating a “carnivore” diet of red meat and fermented foods – but he’s broadening those horizons for a new online cooking show.

He and celebrity chef Andrew Gruel prepared crispy salmon cakes and an arugula, apple and white bean salad in the first episode of “The Real Food Show,” posted Thursday with the branding of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The department says the show will provide examples of nutritious and affordable meals for Americans who want to eat healthier. It comes months after the Trump administration released new dietary guidelines at the start of this year.

Bessent says US expects China to meet rare earth and agriculture commitments

After meeting on Thursday with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on social media that the Trump administration expects Beijing “to fully meet its commitments on rare earths and U.S. agricultural products.” Trade representative Greer also attended, Bessent said.

The meeting between finance and trade officials sets the stage for Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected meeting face to face in September.

Bessent said the group also discussed implementation of the Trade and Investment Boards as a way to build more “balanced, fair, and constructive U.S.-China economic relationship.”

What to know about Trump’s nearly $1.8B fund to compensate allies claiming political targeting

Back in May, the Justice Department announced that allies of the president who believe they have been wrongly investigated and prosecuted could soon have access to a nearly $1.8 billion compensation fund.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement that the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” would represent “a lawful process for victims of lawfare and weaponization to be heard and seek redress.” Blanche’s statement made no mention of how investigations and prosecutions of Trump’s political opponents under his watch have exposed the Justice Department to the same claims of politicized law enforcement that he has said he opposed.

The fund was announced as part of a deal to resolve Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns, but was subsequently scrapped and a federal judge blocked the fund’s creation.

Trump-branded commemorative USA 250 passports to become more widely available

The State Department says its limited-edition Trump-branded commemorative USA 250 passports will soon become available to Americans outside the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Beginning next month, the department’s 27 passport agencies around the nation will start one-day events, offering the so-called “Patriot Passports” that feature a page emblazoned with a stern portrait of Trump. Previously, the commemorative passports were only available at the Washington, D.C., passport office for in-person applicants.

Starting on Aug. 8, passport offices in seven cities including Chicago, New York City and Dallas will offer the Trump passports. More passport offices will be included throughout August. Applicants wanting the special passport must apply to the selected offices in person on the day specified. Those wanting a traditional passport must apply on different days.

A total of 250,000 of the commemorative passports will be available.

Trump wants more military veterans to become commercial truckers

The president hosted an event on the White House campus where he said America’s roads had been “terrorized by unqualified illegal aliens dangerously driving big rigs” and that he would replace these immigrants with “highly qualified American veterans.”

The administration has dubbed the program the “Freedom Haulers Initiative,” under which anyone who has driven a heavy truck for the military would automatically be eligible for a commercial drivers license.

Trump said that 34 states are part of the initiative.

Immigrants account for about 20% of all truck drivers, but all of these non-domiciled licenses for immigrants represent only about 5% of all commercial driver’s licenses, or about 200,000 drivers.

State Department says ‘unfortunate error’ led to badly mislabeled map of Africa at AIDS conference

The State Department is taking full responsibility for a badly mislabeled map of Africa that was presented at a global AIDS conference last week in Brazil.

It said that should not take away from the Trump administration’s commitment to fighting the deadly virus.

“This was an unfortunate error caused by a team member who hastily altered the slide deck immediately before the presentation at the AIDS 2026 Conference,” the department said Thursday after photos of the map were posted online by conference participants.

A photo of the map was shared by AIDS activist Emily Bass in a Substack post on Sunday showing six countries mislabeled. Among them, Nigeria was placed in roughly the same location as Niger; Ivory Coast, placed in southern Africa; Mozambique, placed in the Horn of Africa; and Cameroon, placed in what appeared to be the location of Ghana. The State Department confirmed that six countries were misidentified.

Senate rejects another war powers resolution to halt Iran war

Most Senate Republicans voted against advancing the measure in the Democrats’ latest effort to end Trump’s engagement in military action without congressional approval.

“We were told this president would bring peace and lower prices,” said Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New Year, who sponsored the resolution. “What is President Trump doing? Pouring bills of tax dollars into an open-ended war with Iran.”

The tally was 49-50. Three Republicans, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, joined most Democrats to advance the measure. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania joined Republicans to oppose.

Since the war began earlier this year, House and Senate Democrats have introduced more than a dozen war powers resolutions. None has passed both chambers.

Democratic senators call on Treasury to move forward with new Tubman $20 bill

Ten Democratic senators are calling on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to provide more details about whether a longtime effort to place Harriet Tubman’s likeness on the $20 bill has been canceled or merely delayed.

The senators are following up on comments Bessent made to Spectrum News, saying Treasury was “not at present” planning to put Tubman on the $20 bill.

The senators in their letter are calling on Bessent to immediately reconsider and resume plans to create the new bill. They are also asking for a briefing on the matter. Meanwhile, the senators noted that Treasury has prepared the design for a $250 bill featuring Trump.

The effort to place the 19th-century abolitionist leader on the $20 bill began more than a decade ago.

Trump says he may delay Blanche nomination until dissenting senators leave office

Trump says he may withdraw Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general until Republican senators who are seeking concessions from the top prosecutor leave office next year.

Trump doubled down Thursday on choosing his former personal lawyer as the nation’s top lawman, calling him “a STAR.” He said he’ll keep Blanche as acting attorney general until Republican Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are gone.

Cornyn and Tillis have demanded additional assurances in writing that the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” is dead and have pressed for clarification on the scope of a tax immunity deal Trump secured by suing the Internal Revenue Service. Cornyn has said he wants the administration to modify that piece of the settlement to make clear that it covers only existing audits and does not protect the president from examination of future tax filings.

Trump’s comments came after the Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a planned vote on Thursday to advance Blanche’s nomination.

Senate committee advances nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz to be Trump’s CDC director

A Senate committee on Thursday advanced Dr. Erica Schwartz’s nomination to be director of the nation’s top public health agency, setting aside concerns that she won’t stand up to political meddling.

If confirmed by the full Senate, the 54-year-old would become the 22nd director of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her resume includes medical and law degrees, a stint as deputy surgeon general, and a leadership position with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Schwartz appeared to be on shaky ground after Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and others questioned whether she would be willing to stand up to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. if the health secretary ordered CDC to do something unsupported by science and good public health practice. Cassidy later expressed confidence that “she knows what she’s doing.”

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US-Iran conflict enters new phase as Saudi Arabia helps hit proxies and diplomacy stalls again

The stop-start fighting between the United States and Iran appears to have entered a new phase with Saudi Arabia publicly joining military escalations against Tehran-backed proxies and an already untenable diplomatic effort to end the war faltering once again.

Little is clear about what strategy, if any, American or Iranian officials have for a path forward. The Republican president has vacillated for months between insisting a deal was near to end the war and Tehran’s nuclear program, and using vulgarities and threats to try to get Iran to capitulate.

The stakes for continued U.S. military action have never been higher for Trump and his party as the conflict, unpopular among many Americans, has jolted the world economy months before voters get their say in November. The renewed fighting has killed and injured more American troops and raised concerns about drawing down the stockpiles of key U.S. air defense systems.

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Trump touts his tariffs in Michigan despite rising costs

Flying to a rally at General Motors this week, the president declared that “car companies are doing better than they’ve ever done” thanks to his tariffs, “all because of Trump.”

“It’s amazing what tariffs will do for General Motors,” he said before autographing a white Corvette. “Michigan is thriving,” he told cheering supporters.

That’s not exactly true, according to many metrics. Tariffs have cost businesses in Michigan and across the country billions of dollars while stoking inflation that continues to run hot. Many Americans believe tariffs have pushed prices higher and the war in Iran has increased gasoline prices, hurting consumer confidence in the economy.

There are few places where Trump’s boasts and economic reality are more likely to collide ahead of November’s midterm elections than in battleground Michigan, which holds its primary on Tuesday.

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Opposition to FIFA’s World Cup private equity plan grows

Global opposition is growing to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plan for selling a stake in World Cup revenue to private investors.

The FIFA project would be underwritten by a New York investment vehicle, Thrive Eternal, created by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Infantino has had close ties to Jared Kushner and held secret talks with potential backers in the U.S. about creating the $20 billion FIFA Forward Enterprise subsidiary with $4.2 billion of private equity.

“FIFA’s unilateral actions appear to undermine the very foundations of continental football,” the Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa warned in a letter Thursday to member federations that was seen by The Associated Press.

It circulated as the 55-nation European soccer body UEFA met Thursday to shape a resistance strategy. The 35-member North American soccer body CONCACAF, meanwhile, said it is “deeply concerned by the lack of due process” in Infantino’s project.

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US economy turns in sluggish 1.5% second-quarter growth and inflation remains above Fed target

The U.S. economy expanded at a sluggish 1.5% pace from April through June as rising imports weighed on growth. But consumer spending rose. And the Federal Reserve’s favored measure of inflation grew more slowly last month, by 3.7%, but remained above the central bank’s 2% target.

The Commerce Department reported Thursday that growth in U.S. gross domestic product — the nation’s output of goods and services — decelerated from 2.1% in the first three months of 2026 and came in below economists’ expectations.

The Fed on Wednesday chose to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged for the fifth straight meeting. But three regional Fed presidents dissented, saying they wanted to raise rates to combat elevated inflation.

Higher costs have frustrated Americans ahead of November’s midterm elections, which will determine whether Trump’s Republicans keep full control of Congress.

US filings for jobless benefits rise to 197,000 last week, but layoffs remain historically low

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week but layoffs remain in the historically healthy range of the past few years.

U.S. filings for jobless aid in the week ending July 25 rose by 9,000 to 197,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The previous week’s figure was revised up by 1,000 to 188,000 but remains the lowest in more than 50 years.

Analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet forecast 207,000 new applications.

Weekly filings for unemployment benefits are considered representative of layoffs and are close to a real-time indicator of the health of the U.S. job market.

Urban League report says Trump harms Black Americans’ chances at American Dream

The American Dream may not be dead for many Black Americans, but a National Urban League report warns that it’s further away than at any point since the Civil Rights Movement.

The 50th annual “State of Black America” report released Thursday grimly describes Black Americans ’ economic and political prospects as having worsened due to Trump’s policies. A copy obtained by The Associated Press says all Americans should be concerned.

“While they have targeted and focused on Black Americans, these attacks are going to impact broadly working Americans, poor Americans, aspirational middle-class Americans, and this is what this report points to,” said Marc Morial, the league’s president and CEO.

Morial urged concerned Americans to respond at the ballot box and with their pocketbooks. “We cannot be dejected. We cannot be cynical. We must act,” Morial said.

▶ Read more

Most say it’s important to keep gas prices down: AP-NORC poll

Many Americans continue to be concerned about the pocketbook impact of the Iran war, the new poll shows.

About 7 in 10 U.S. adults — 72% — say it’s “extremely” or “very” important for the U.S. to prevent domestic oil and gas prices from rising, up slightly from 67% in March.

A similar share, 70%, say it’s highly important for the U.S. to reach a ceasefire agreement with Iran.

Americans’ goals for the Iran war may not be fully aligned with Trump, who has repeatedly said the war was launched to keep a nuclear weapon out of Iran’s hands.

While about two-thirds of U.S. adults say it’s “extremely” or “very” important to keep Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon — with Republicans especially likely to say this — Americans are more likely to prioritize low gas prices and a permanent ceasefire with Iran.

About two-thirds say the Iran war is not worth fighting: AP-NORC poll

Most U.S. adults say the war in Iran has not been worth fighting, according to a new AP-NORC poll. About two-thirds of U.S. adults say the war with Iran, which began Feb. 28, has not been worthwhile. That includes the vast majority of Democrats and independents, as well as about 37% of Republicans.

The poll shows little appetite among Americans for a prolonged conflict.

Only about 2 in 10 U.S. adults want to continue military action in Iran, while about 3 in 10 say the U.S. should pause military action and seek a renewed ceasefire through negotiations. About 2 in 10 want to completely stop military action in Iran and roughly one-quarter don’t know enough to say.

Preston Tolth is the only person ever charged and convicted in connection with the 2021 disappearance of Begay, a weaver and grandmother of nine from a remote community on the Navajo Nation who has never been found. He acknowledged stealing her truck, beating her and leaving her on the side of the road.

Her case has become emblematic of the heartache felt across Indian Country when loved ones go missing or are killed. Begay's photo appears at marches. Her name is regularly invoked at rallies calling attention to the crisis.

Phoenix police arrested Tolth, 27, on Tuesday after getting a call about a home break-in. Officers found him about a block away, wearing clothing that matched the description of the suspect and carrying a pocket knife, according to court records.

Tolth was released from federal prison in June, five years to the day Begay vanished and two years earlier than his sentence was scheduled to end. The Bureau of Prisons cited a federal statue that counts time served after the commission of a crime but before sentencing, including on unrelated charges, in releasing him early.

Tolth was sent to a transitional housing facility in Phoenix. Under the terms of his plea agreement in federal court, he was not to commit any additional crimes while on supervised release. He also was barred from possessing dangerous weapons.

He faces a single charge of burglary in Maricopa County. Court records did not have an attorney listed for him, and his public defender in the federal case did not respond to an emailed request for comment Thursday.

Esther Winne, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona, said the office is aware of his arrest.

“There is a process for handling violations,” Winne said in an email Tuesday, declining further comment.

Gerald Foxworth, an employee at Phoenix Oasis where Tolth was staying, said Tolth returned to the facility drunk on July 4 in violation of program rules. Tolth left on his own after refusing to be transported to a medical center, Foxworth said, and the facility informed Tolth's probation officer.

The U.S. Marshals Service had an active warrant out for Tolth’s arrest when he was picked up by Phoenix police.

The Associated Press left phone and email messages with Tolth's probation officer Thursday requesting comment.

Begay's family said they were unaware Tolth left transitional housing. His arrest is the latest frustration in a case they say has offered little in the way of justice or closure. The eldest of Begay's three children, Gerald Begay, said he is relieved no one was harmed in the break-in.

“(Federal officials) made the decision to release this person. Now he’s out here hurting people,” Begay said. “This could have ended far worse.”

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This story is published through the Global Indigenous Reporting Network at The Associated Press.

He just got quite a confidence boost.

Malnati shot a career-best, 9-under 61 to tie a tournament record in the first round of the final Rocket Classic on Thursday, giving him a two-shot lead.

When Malnati stood on the first tee, his caddie suggested leaving the driver in his bag to play it safe and set up a solid start.

Malnati, though, went against the advice and used his driver to put a tee shot in the middle of the fairway that set up his first of seven birdies on the front nine.

“Even in the beginning before I knew it was going to be a special day, I didn’t feel the same level of like anxiety," he said.

With thoughts of a sub-60 round crossing his mind, he made a 55-foot putt for birdie at No. 11 and was nine under through 13 holes before missing some putts down the stretch in a bogey-free round.

Detroit Golf Club underwent a $16 million renovation, including converting a couple of par-5 holes into par 4s and adding a lot of bunkers, in an attempt to restore Donald Ross’ vision for it more than a century ago, while making it more challenging.

“I don’t think I took advantage of a super easy course,” said the 39-year-old Malnati, who has won on the PGA Tour in 2024 and 2015. “I played great.”

He wasn't alone.

Rickie Fowler and Ryan Gerard shot 63s, putting them two shots back and one stroke ahead of Patrick Cantlay and Patrick Fishburn.

Michael Brennan surged up the leaderboard after starting 2 over through four holes with eight straight birdies — one shy of the PGA Tour record. He finished with a 65, putting him four strokes back with a pack of players that includes Keegan Bradley.

Despite significant changes at the course, Malnati and many other players still went low at a tournament that has been a birdie fest since 2019, when a Detroit-based mortgage company ended a decade-long drought in Michigan without a PGA Tour stop that dated to Tiger Woods winning the last Buick Open.

The PGA Tour is moving to a new model for 2028, effectively creating two tours and Detroit organizers are taking an exit. The Rocket Classic wasn't interested in continuing to spend $15 million a year to be part of the second tier and didn't want to double the costs to be part of the elite tier.

“It’s definitely been a bummer to kind of come into this knowing it was the last one,” said Fowler, a Rocket Mortgage spokesman and the tournament's 2023 champion.

Malnati will have to hold off a field that is stronger than usual in Detroit.

Some of the top players in the field, though, did not get off to a good start. Cameron Young, the No. 3 player in the world, shot a 1-under 69 and U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark was 1 over.

The Rocket Classic and next week's Wyndham Championship are the last two tournaments left before the top 70 advances to the FedEx Cup postseason.

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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Whether Hill — the only player in the NFL's Super Bowl era to amass 1,000 or more yards passing, rushing and receiving — continues to play professional football remains to be seen. He did not announce his retirement.

“I’ve taken time this offseason to think carefully about what comes next for my family and me,” Hill said in a social media post Wednesday night. “I still don’t have a clear answer about what the future holds, but I know that returning to New Orleans is not in the cards."

Hill's announcement was largely anticipated; he sold his New Orleans-area home during the offseason and had not signed an extension with the Saints after becoming a free agent in March.

Soon after Hill's post, the Saints posted a highlight video, narrated by record-setting, Hall of Fame-bound quarterback Drew Brees, thanking Hill for his contributions to the franchise.

On the eve of training camp, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said he had spoken to Hill, but wanted to keep those conversations private for the time being. The uncertainty surrounding those conversations lasted little more than a day.

“As training camp begins, I didn’t want my silence to be misinterpreted," Hill said. "As hard as it is to put into words, I wanted to express my gratitude. To the city of New Orleans: thank you.”

Hill's NFL career began as an undrafted free-agent QB with Green Bay during the 2017 offseason. When he was waived at the end of training camp, the Saints, then coached by Sean Payton, claimed him.

Payton, now coaching the Denver Broncos, initially planed to groom Hill as a possible successor to Brees at QB. But not wanting to let the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Hill's athleticism go to waste, the Saints decided to try him out on special teams as a returner, an upback on punts and covering kicks.

After Hill proved effective in those roles, he became a change-of-pace, running QB who also chipped in at running back, tight end and receiver, earning him the moniker of the Saints' “Swiss Army Knife.”

“You didn't know where they were going to line him up,” said Saints linebacker Kaden Ellis, who played against Hill while with Atlanta the past three seasons. “And then, when he gets the ball, it's a whole other issue.”

Saints coach Kellen Moore said Hill's success led other clubs to explore whether they could incorporate a versatile skill player into their offenses in similar ways.

“Everyone for the last few years has been chasing — let's find the next Taysom — and there's really just one Taysom,” Moore said.

While Hill never won a full-time starting QB job, he started nine times because of injuries. The Saints went 7-2 in those games.

Hill now has career statistics of 2,554 yards and 34 touchdowns rushing; 2,426 yards and 12 TDs passing; and 1,034 yards and 11 touchdowns receiving. In 2023, Hill became the first NFL player in half a century to have 10 touchdowns rushing, passing and receiving.

During his final home game for the Saints, Hill surpassed the career 1,000 yard mark as a receiver and also threw a touchdown pass. He waved goodbye to fans as he left the field after the game, saying he wasn't sure if he'd play in the Superdome again.

If he does, it'll be in a different uniform.

“Taysom’s career to this point as a member of the Saints organization has been remarkable in all facets,” Loomis said in a statement. “His intelligence, unique athletic ability, versatility and unselfishness have benefited this team in many facets for the past nine seasons. Additionally, he’s been a great teammate, excellent leader and mentor."

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL

Darnold was asked Thursday if he feels the narratives about him have gone by the wayside. For years, the discourse on Darnold centered around him being a bust, considering his pedigree as a former No. 3 overall pick, and a transient quarterback who hopped from team to team. Darnold’s first year under center for the Seahawks, after all, marked his fifth team in eight seasons.

Despite the scrutiny, Darnold said his confidence in himself has never wavered.

“I don’t allow myself to really pay attention to anything like that,” Darnold said five days into training camp. “If I do catch wind of it, I have my process on how to handle that. Like I said, it’s just about handling my process and doing it my way, so that when I get out there, it’s not about what I’ve done or what I’m going to do, it’s about what I’m doing right now.

“I think if I just continue to have that mindset as we go on, we’ll be just fine.”

What Darnold is more interested in is getting up to speed with the Seahawks’ new offensive scheme.

First-year offensive coordinator Brian Fleury and Darnold have some familiarity with one another, though. Fleury spent the last four years as the 49ers’ tight ends coach, and Darnold was San Francisco’s backup for the 2023 season.

Darnold has enjoyed getting to reconnect with the stoic Fleury, who has been tasked with replacing current Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak.

“Whether it’s a good play or bad play, his mentality never changes out there on the field, which I already knew about, being in San Francisco with him,” Darnold said. “But, he was always very even keel. Now, getting to spend a lot more time with him as the offensive coordinator, it’s fun to be able to watch him work every single day and see his mentality out there.”

Darnold would also like to keep working on his report with wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, who signed a $51 million, three-year contract in March.

Shaheed, who had 59 catches for 687 yards and two touchdowns last season for Seattle and New Orleans, spent a good chunk of the offseason training with Darnold. The two Southern California natives teamed up at Saddleback College in Orange County, which Darnold imagines will only help Shaheed further get up to speed with the Seahawks ahead of his first full season in Seattle.

“He’s a friendly receiver to throw to,” Darnold said. “... I’m looking forward to him continuing to get more reps and build that chemistry so that we can see him more often getting catches and doing his thing at the receiver position.”

Fans will have plenty of chances to get sneak peaks of Darnold’s and Shaheed’s progress on the HBO show “Hard Knocks”. As the quarterback of the reigning Super Bowl champions, Darnold understands he very well may be one of the focal points of the show.

It’s an impending experience Darnold is prepared for ahead of his ninth NFL season. After a second straight Pro Bowl season, Darnold has proven he belongs among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks after a much-criticized beginning to his professional career.

While Darnold isn’t one to reflect on how far he’s come, coach Mike Macdonald is more than willing to shower praise on his even-keeled quarterback as the Seahawks seek to defend their Super Bowl title.

“The thing I appreciate about Sam – and you can’t speak for everybody — but just every rep is a rep,” Macdonald said. “If it’s in the quarterback room and they’re going over the script, he treats that rep the same as he does here, if it’s practiced online or we’re in a game. It’s all the same. That’s the mental approach that we want all of our guys to take.”

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

The recording, released by Mississippi authorities this week, captures a July 4 call to a private marine towing company requesting assistance for a boat that was taking in water off Horn Island, where Wells was last seen.

“Our bilge pump stopped working. We’re sinking. Can y’all please come?” the caller asks, noting that there were about seven people on board. The dispatcher then speaks with a captain for the towing company, who said a relative of the boat owner reported those onboard had solved the issue and "don't need any help right now.”

The distress call was made to Sea Tow, a private company, and released to media outlets by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Law enforcement officials have said they were told by witnesses that Wells was not on the boat when it left the island.

Speaking at the National Urban League Conference on Thursday, the civil rights attorney Ben Crump said Wells' family had retained audio engineering experts to review the recording. The legal team is also calling on prosecutors to include outside authorities in the review of phones belonging to friends who traveled with Wells to the island.

A voicemail left with the Jackson County District Attorney’s office was not returned.

Wells' parents also attended the conference, pleading for anyone with information to come forward. “We will not rest until we get answers," said his mother, Christine Wonsley.

Online speculation and suspicion mount

The teenager's death has touched off rampant speculation, deepened in part by uncertainty about his final hours, distrust of law enforcement and Mississippi’s long history of racist violence.

The teenager, who was Black, had traveled to the uninhabited island with a group of friends from high school, all of whom were white. He did not return with his friends to the mainland that evening. His body was found two days later off the island’s coast.

A day after the discovery, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said Wells’ friends were cooperating with authorities and that investigators did not suspect foul play. The sheriff has released few details since but has said the investigation is ongoing.

An independent autopsy commissioned by Wells’ family was inconclusive about the cause of his death. The official autopsy will remain sealed until a grand jury reviews the evidence, which is a standard practice in Jackson County, according to the local district attorney.

In the absence of new information, social media users have seized on videos and photos shared online. Some have made unsubstantiated claims against Wells’ friends, whose attorneys and family members have since reported death threats and doxing campaigns.

Following the release of the dispatch call this week, online sleuths quickly tracked down some of the people mentioned in the audio.

In a statement Wednesday, the parents of a 21-year-old said their son had been doxed and threatened as a result of “outright fabrications” stemming from the audio.

They said he had boarded the malfunctioning boat to help, then briefly towed it a short distance with his own boat. He has since cooperated with law enforcement, provided names of potential witnesses and allowed authorities to inspect his boat and GPS device, the statement added. An attorney for the family said they had already served one person with a cease-and-desist letter for alleged defamatory claims and planned to serve others this week.

Crump defends the attention on the case

On Thursday, Crump rebuffed criticism that his attention on the case could inspire online targeting of others. He noted that Wells’ parents also have faced online attacks.

“We’re not trying to cast aspersions on anybody, we want the truth,” Crump said. “If it was your child, you’d want the same thing."

The attorney was also joined Thursday by relatives of Tyler Smith and Daniel Erving, two Black 18-year-olds who died in recent months, in circumstances that Crump described as “very similar” to Wells' final hours.

Smith, a recent high school graduate from Lexington, Kentucky, died on July 4 from a gunshot wound that police said was accidental and self-inflicted. His family has disputed the determination. Police said the investigation remains ongoing.

Erving drowned in a Texas lake in April after jumping from a railway bridge with two teenage friends, local authorities said. Earlier this month, the two friends were charged with evidence tampering because they had “failed to report the incident and later discarded items belonging to Daniel,” according to a Dallas police spokesperson.

Relatives of both Erving and Smith said their concerns about the investigations had not been taken seriously by local law enforcement.

“Three 18-year-old Black boys all within three months,” Crump said. “We want answers.”

“I can’t wake them up — I can’t get them up!” he frantically told the officers who, along with firefighters and paramedics, gave jurors firsthand accounts on Thursday of the aftermath.

The murder trial has centered on Clancy’s mental state at the time. Her lawyers do not dispute that she strangled the children with exercise bands. But they say she was in the grip of postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness linked to the stress, sleep deprivation and hormonal changes that follow childbirth.

Prosecutors say Clancy, a former labor and delivery nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, acted intentionally and is criminally responsible for the deaths in January 2023.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org

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The testimony came after jurors spent two days listening to testimony from Patrick Clancy and his anguished 911 call. He was still on the phone when he discovered the bodies of 3-year-old Dawson, 5-year-old Cora, and 8-month-old Callan, minutes after returning home from an errand his wife asked him to run.

Patrick Clancy has said in interviews that he forgives his ex-wife, whom he viewed as ill rather than evil. The trial marks the first time he has seen Lindsay Clancy since the killings.

She remains paralyzed from the waist down after using multiple methods to try to end her life that night. She says a voice told her, “This is your last chance. Kill the children so you can kill yourself,” according to her lawyer.

Officers Stephen Hall and Brian Josephine testified Thursday that they were each dispatched separately to the house in Duxbury, a coastal town south of Boston. Hall said they arrived to find Patrick Clancy yelling for help from behind the home.

Patrick Clancy testified earlier this week that his injured wife told him the kids were in the basement, but she didn't say they were dead.

When the officers followed the sound of his screams downstairs, only 8-month-old Callan had a faint pulse, Josephine testified.

“Based on my training experience from previous incidents, I knew it wasn’t going to be good,” Josephine said. They began rendering aid with help from firefighters.

PJ Hussey, a fire department supervisor, arrived in time to glimpse through a basement window as Patrick Clancy unwrapped an exercise band from his child's neck.

“It turned very chaotic very quickly” as more ambulances rushed to the house, Hussey testified. Duxbury firefighter and paramedic Jennifer Stratton said the infant never regained a pulse.

If convicted of murder, Lindsay Clancy faces life in prison without parole. If found not guilty due to a lack of criminal responsibility, she would be committed to a state mental health facility.

In opening arguments Monday, her attorney said she had bipolar disorder, and that antidepressants prescribed after the birth of her third child worsened her condition.

Patrick Clancy testified about his wife’s deteriorating mental health in the months leading up to the killings. He said she told him about intrusive thoughts of harming the children, as well as thoughts of suicide.

She sought care from experts in postpartum mood disorders and was put on multiple psychiatric medications. When nothing worked, she checked into a psychiatric hospital. She killed the children 19 days after she was discharged.

Clancy and her ex-husband accuse her medical providers of failing to properly diagnose, treat and monitor her, according to lawsuits filed earlier this year.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee and cosponsor of the bill, sent out a social media post that said “The cap is a hard cap. Full stop. That loophole is closed.”

But the refusal by the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference to sign off on changes to the Protect College Sports Act during a frenzied week of negotiating is a sign that they do not agree with Cruz's assessment and would like to see stronger language in the bill.

The Senate broke for the weekend late Thursday without taking action on the bill. It goes on vacation next Friday and the likelihood of the bill reaching a vote before then has grown slim.

One of the key concessions made over the past week was the addition of an up to $27.5 million (up from $25 million) “retention pool" that could be used to keep players on rosters. It would be added to the $21.3 million salary cap already in place to make the new number $48.8 million.

The new cap would then presumably include many of the third-party name, image, likeness deals that circumvent the current cap — many arranged by schools' multimedia rights groups. The bill would restrict future third-party deals to what Cruz called truly “open market” deals.

The Senate negotiators say language in the bill already does that.

“Some commissioners want more: bar any company doing business with a school from signing that school’s players,” Cruz said in his post. “So a QB couldn’t sign with Nike because Nike has a separate contract with his university. That’s not protecting a cap. That’s blocking a kid from selling his own name.”

A letter to the conferences from a key negotiator, obtained by Yahoo Sports, spelled out how the language in the bill deals with the commissioners' concerns.

The letter also addressed concerns that the new salary cap would blow past revenue-sharing amounts established in the House settlement, which dictates the terms of paying players.

“To the extent the current House settlement framework or its implementation treats these payments differently, federal statute, and the rules that are protected by it, trump the settlement,” it said.

The letter did not explain how and plaintiffs' attorney Jeffrey Kessler has said he would need to see the legislation before weighing in on how it impacts the settlement.

The NCAA, which has supported the bill, put out a statement from President Charlie Baker acknowledging the shrinking window to get this done.

“While no bill is perfect, I implore college sports leaders and Senators to support this bill now," Baker said. "It is our best chance to deliver the benefits and level playing field student-athletes deserve while providing the protections institutions need to sustain college athletics long-term.”

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AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports

Lettuce prices rose sharply in the first half of 2026 due to hot weather in Arizona, where about one-third of America’s lettuce is grown. Now, restaurants are dealing with the fallout from a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce that has sickened thousands of Americans.

Yum Brands, the parent company of Taco Bell, said Thursday that Taco Bell's U.S. same-store sales are down 2% so far in the July-September period due to customers' concerns over the outbreak. That compares to a 7% same-store sales increase in the April-June period.

Federal health officials first tied the diarrhea-causing outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. Later, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said customers in Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania were also affected.

Taco Bell removed shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from its U.S. restaurants on July 17. The following day, Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico.

Taco Bell's sales bottomed out the weekend of July 18-19 but have been steadily improving since then, Yum Brands Chief Financial Officer Ranjith Roy said Thursday in a conference call with investors. Over the last four days, Taco Bell's U.S. sales have climbed halfway back to their year-ago level, he said.

Yum Brands CEO Chris Turner said Taco Bell's quick action to contain the issue and its clear communication on social media helped bring diners back. The brand also enticed fans with daily specials like $1 Mexican pizza.

“With respect to the consumer sentiment, we’ve seen real improvement as consumers have understood better the nature of the issue,” Turner said. “They understand that it is not a Taco Bell specific issue.”

Yum Brands shares rose 3.3% Thursday.

Other chains are also feeling some impact from the outbreak even though they haven't been named in government investigations. Chipotle Mexican Grill said Wednesday that it expects its same-store sales to rise only 1% in the July-September period because of lower traffic due to the outbreak. It had previously expected same-store sales to rise 3% in that period.

Foot traffic at Chopt, a salad-focused chain with 105 locations, plunged 24% on July 18 compared to the normal average for a Saturday, according to Placer.ai, a market research company. M Science, another market research firm, found that weekly spending at the salad chain Sweetgreen dropped 10 percentage points compared to last year during the first half of July.

Chopt didn't respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. Sweetgreen, which has 285 U.S. locations, did not confirm a drop in sales and said in a statement that its food hasn’t been connected to the current cyclospora outbreak.

“We follow rigorous food safety standards and can trace our ingredients from restaurant to farm,” the company said.

Cyclospora cases have continued to grow. As of July 27, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it has received reports of 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases. It's investigating multiple clusters, including a new outbreak involving 72 people that was announced last week. As the FDA investigation progresses, officials should get a better understanding of which illnesses are connected and “how complex this outbreak actually has become," said Craig Hedberg, a food safety researcher at the University of Minnesota.

The outbreak came on top of an already difficult year for the lettuce industry and people who love eating salads. The retail price of a pound of iceberg lettuce jumped nearly 20% between January and June of this year, according to government data. Consumers paid an average of 33% more last month for all fresh lettuce compared to a year earlier, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.

Lettuce prices advertised by major grocery stores last week averaged $1.86 for a head of iceberg, 25 cents more than the same week a year earlier, according to the USDA. A head of red leaf lettuce cost 52 cents more at $1.66, and a bunch of romaine had an advertised price of $2.49, which was $1.55 higher, the department reported.

Shoppers caught a break with some types of salad mixes, though, which stores advertised at prices 7 to 24 cents cheaper than a year prior, the USDA said.

Elizabeth Canales, an associate professor of agricultural economics at Mississippi State University, said unusually hot weather in Arizona early in the year caused crops to mature too early. That caused big supply gaps until California production began in late April.

Fuel costs, which increased after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran and Iran blocked most oil tankers from leaving the Persian Gulf, have also been an issue, according to Canales. Lettuce is especially perishable and requires energy for cooling from the time it's picked to the time it's sold, Canales said.

“The cold chain needs to be maintained. Cooling and transporting it is very important,” Canales said.

Lettuce has been linked to multiple food poisoning outbreaks in the past, including two in 2018 involving E. coli linked to romaine lettuce grown in Arizona and California.

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Associated Press Writer Mike Stobbe contributed from New York.

Minnesota IT Services said state officials had yet to identify who was behind the attacks that took place Sunday and Monday. There were no reports that residents had been impacted by the attacks, though one city asked residents to conserve water for a couple hours while they tried to determine what was wrong.

The FBI, which is investigating, has not publicly identified a culprit and a spokesperson declined to say Thursday who the bureau thought might be responsible. The FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and other agencies warned in an advisory last week that Iranian hackers have been targeting water and wastewater systems and the operational controls other critical infrastructure sectors.

Digital warfare has become ingrained in military conflict, and local water plants or healthcare facilities often lack the funds and know-how to install the latest software patches or take other security steps. That has made them a favorite target, both because of the relative ease of penetrating them and because of the panic such disruptions can cause.

Iran has the “geopolitical motivations” and a recent history of targeting water systems, said Cynthia Kaiser, the former deputy assistant director of the FBI's cyber division who has been closely monitoring threats to critical infrastructure from hackers linked to the country.

“I think most credible researchers and responders would be right to treat it like it’s Iran until proven otherwise,” added Kaiser, who is now the senior vice president of Halcyon’s Ransomware Research Center. “When it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's really important to call it out.”

Iran's interest in the operations of water systems inside the U.S. dates back years. In 2016, the Justice Department charged a group of Iranian hackers in connection with a cyberattack targeting a small dam near New York City.

Minnesota IT Services said that as of Thursday, there were no active requests from Minnesota communities for residents to modify usage of their drinking water. The state agency said most of the confirmed attacks involved technology that water systems use to remotely monitor and control equipment. It said that being impacted meant investigators confirmed there was malicious activity involving the system’s technology and didn’t mean every impacted community had their water service disrupted.

The state agency said there are similarities among the incidents, including timing and the types of technology used, but investigators haven’t determined if the same culprit was behind each one.

For a few hours on Monday, the city of Braham asked residents to minimize water use as they tried to determine why the water plant was offline. The city of about 1,700 people, located about 70 miles (113 kilometers) north of Minneapolis, said in a news release that the water plant outage was due to a cyberattack, but it didn't cause any issue with water quality.

The city said the attackers shut down the operating controls that shut down the well and water treatment plant. That left the city for a time only able to provide residents with the water held in the water tower.

In Plymouth, a city of about 80,000 located outside of Minneapolis, officials said on social media that their water infrastructure communications had been restored by Tuesday afternoon following a cyberattack. The city said crews were able to continue operating the system during the outage and it didn't have any impact on water levels or quality.

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said this week at the Big Ten media days event that any proposed scheduling decisions would have to wait until a final decision comes on playoff expansion. The Big Ten is pushing for a 24-team approach to replace the current 12-team format.

That’s fine with many of the conference’s coaches and athletic directors.

“We’ve talked a lot about scheduling in our AD room and with our coaches about what’s coming next and what’s the right way to do things,” Petitti said. “I will tell you that our focus now is seeing clarity around the playoff and access and how that’s going to work before we make the next decision.”

Scheduling moves by other conferences have left the Big Ten as the lone holdout in this regard. The Big Ten has won the last three national championships, and none of those teams — Michigan in 2023, Ohio State in 2024 and Indiana last year — played a nonconference regular-season game against a Power Four program.

In the past, the Big Ten could point to its nine-game conference schedule as a reason it didn't need to force tougher standards in nonconference scheduling since some other Power Four leagues were only playing eight conference games.

That's no longer the case.

The Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference are adopting nine-game league schedules this year, and the Big 12 already was doing so. Those leagues make their teams have at least one nonconference game against a Power Four team or Notre Dame, though some Big 12 teams are using matchups with Washington State or Oregon State to fill the requirement because those games were scheduled before the previous version of the Pac-12 imploded.

Northwestern’s David Braun and Nebraska’s Matt Rhule said they would welcome a similar requirement, as long as the Big Ten gets its wish regarding postseason expansion.

“If we go into a 24-team playoff, it makes total sense,” Rhule said.

While most Big Ten teams regularly schedule at least one nonleague game against a major conference team, there are exceptions.

For example, this is the third straight season Indiana hasn’t played a nonconference regular-season game against a Power Four team. The Hoosiers host North Texas, Howard and Western Kentucky before opening their Big Ten schedule.

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said he could foresee college football eventually making changes that allow for a more uniform scheduling strategy among the leagues.

“We play who’s on the schedule,” Cignetti said. “I suspect down the road something will happen with scheduling, sort of standardizing scheduling. You’ve got two conferences (the Big Ten and SEC) that are head-and-shoulders sort of above the rest right now. I think there will be some standardization."

He said it wouldn't surprise him to see it in two or three years.

Other Big Ten teams not playing nonconference games against Power Four members or Notre Dame this season include Nebraska, Penn State, Southern California and Washington. This season is just the second time since World War II that USC hasn’t faced Notre Dame.

Maryland, Northwestern, Penn State, Rutgers and Washington joined Indiana in not scheduling non-Power Four teams last year. New Penn State coach Matt Campbell was asked this week what he’d think about the Big Ten requiring teams to do so.

“There’s been so much going on in our own world that I don’t even know if I can give you an educated answer to that from my standpoint of it … I still think this landscape is constantly shifting around us,” Campbell said. “I think as we settle in, maybe I’ll have a better answer for that when I know what our landscape is.”

That reflects the general lack of consensus among Big Ten coaches regarding whether teams should be required to include a Power Four program in their nonconference schedules.

“Everybody’s going to look at it differently,” said Minnesota's P.J. Fleck, whose team hosts the SEC's Mississippi State on Sept. 12. “I like it because I think playing a team like that prepares you for Big Ten play way earlier.”

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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

The Seattle-based company said Thursday that sales in its cloud computing unit called AWS rose 37% during the April-June period, faster than the 28% clip in the previous quarter and marking the fastest rate of growth in 18 quarters.

CEO and President Andy Jassy disclosed to investors on the call that Amazon now expects capital spending to total $220 billion, which also includes outlays on robots, semiconductors and satellites. That's up from the $200 billion investment plan that was announced in February and well above the $128 billion in capital spending for all of last year. Jassy cited the higher cost of memory chips as the main reason for the increase.

Jassy told investors that even at the $220 billion level, Amazon will not have enough capacity to meet all of the demand it has this year.

“I believe this dynamic will also be true in 2027 too,” he added. “In fact, the demand we already have for 2028 is striking.”

Still, shares rose more than 9% in after-hours trading.

Investors had been closely watching Amazon’s quarterly earnings to see if the company’s big spending on AI is starting to pay off.

The Seattle-based company offered a cautious sales outlook for the current quarter.

Amazon was among the last of the tech giants to report its earnings results covering the latest three-month period. The reports offer investors a read on AI spending and cloud computing growth across the industry.

Google parent Alphabet reported better-than-expected revenue for the second quarter last week, fueled by an 82% increase in its cloud business. But the stock tumbled as the tech giant increased its full-year forecast for capital expenditures to a range of $195 billion to $205 billion. That’s up from its previous estimate of $180 billion to $190 billion.

Microsoft, which on Wednesday reported stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected, said growth was strong for its Azure cloud business. The company didn’t announce a big increase in how much it plans to spend on AI investments. That helped to boost shares.

Investors are worried that such spending is eating into companies’ cash flows and may not ultimately be worth it if AI doesn’t deliver as much productivity and profits as promised.

In a statement released Thursday, Jassy said AWS is “booming” and noted that its AI and chips businesses each eclipsed run rates of more than $25 billion. He noted that in stores, the company set record delivery speeds for its Prime members in the first half of the year, noting that 40% more items were delivered either same-day or overnight.

“There’s a lot to be excited about, and we have much more coming for customers in the second half of the year and beyond,” he said.

Amazon’s results from the latest quarter underscored that demand keeps growing for Amazon’s services and technology.

In April, Amazon signed big deals with OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta.

Amazon announced in April what it called a “major expansion” of its partnership with ChatGPT maker OpenAI one day after the artificial intelligence company said it was loosening its ties to longtime backer Microsoft.

Like other retailers, however, Amazon is experiencing higher tariff costs because of President Donald Trump’s foreign trade policies. Rising shipping costs as the Iran war affects oil and fuel prices also could cut into the company’s e-commerce revenue.

Meanwhile, Amazon has been speeding up order delivery times through a combination of robotics, AI technology and more efficient warehousing. In fact, speedier delivery helped Amazon dethrone Walmart in February from its status as the nation’s largest company by revenue, according to Fortune, which compiles a ranking of the top 500 U.S. corporations by total revenue for their respective fiscal years.

Amazon announced in May it was rapidly opening small order processing hubs in dozens of U.S. and foreign cities for 30 minute deliveries, catering to people who can’t or don’t want to wait for cough medicine to relieve flu symptoms or tomatoes for tonight’s dinner salad.

The company said Thursday that for the first six months of the year it more than doubled the number of new customers for its online pharmacy service, while same-day prescription deliveries were up nearly five times.

Amazon also pushed up its big four-day sale event known as Prime Day to June from July this year.

Amazon reported net income of $62.65 billion, or $5.75 per share, in the three-month period ended June 30. That compares with $18.16 billion or $1.68 per share, in the year-ago period.

Net sales rose to $200.6 billion from $167.7 billion a year ago.

Analysts were expecting sales of $197.03 billion for the latest quarter.

Amazon said it expects net sales to be in the range of $197 billion to $202 billion. Analysts expect $203.9 billion, according to FactSet.

Dixon was shot outside a home on Susie Street on Monday afternoon. Three other people were also hurt. Friends and family say she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“She’s not here, and she should be here because she spread love and kindness everywhere she went,” said Sean Penna, Dixon’s fiancé.

The two were set to marry in Hawaii and start their next chapter together. Penna said Dixon had endured years of hardship — including foster care, abandonment and physical abuse — and had been coming into her own.

“She just loved everybody. She put everybody before her,” Penna said. “I can’t imagine anybody could say anything negative about her. I mean, she lived on the West Side, so her being over there is not necessarily a suspicious thing.”

Penna said he is still searching for answers about what happened.

“I’m confused about what transpired in this area,” he said.

His mother, Terry Penna, said Dixon went to the home to visit friends she had known for years.

“She was at the wrong place at the wrong time. She went to see some of her friends over there. She’s known them for years,” Terry Penna said. “It’s a shame. She leaves behind children and grandchildren, and she’s way too young to die.”

A pattern of violence at the address

Records obtained by News4JAX show this was not the first time the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office had been called to the Susie Street address for a shooting. JSO responded to a prior shooting at the same address in April — just three months before Monday’s deadly incident.

In total, records show 25 calls for service to the home over the past two years. Many were related to drug activity or domestic disputes.

News4JAX spoke with several people who live near the scene. Due to fear of retaliation, many declined to speak on camera.

JSO has released limited details about what happened. A spokesperson said on the day of the shooting that it was unclear how all parties involved were connected.

The names of the three other victims have not been released. JSO has confirmed their ages as 31, 33, and 69 years old.

As the Dixon family continues to search for answers, they are also preparing to lay Christine to rest. The family is asking for the community’s help with funeral costs through a GoFundMe.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact JSO’s non-emergency line at 904-630-0500 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-866-845-TIPS.

After seven years of saving through her 401(k), an unexpected opportunity allowed her to buy her first home this spring. Even then, she says she never imagined buying a home at her age.

“Insane. Insane, especially at my age,” Gil said. “I don’t feel like many people are here yet, which is sad.”

Her experience is becoming increasingly uncommon.

Click here for more Addressing A4dability coverage.

A Realtor.com analysis found the median age of a first-time homebuyer has climbed to 40, up from 30 in 1990, as rising home prices, larger down payments and higher costs of living make homeownership more difficult for younger Americans.

The report found affordability is no longer just about home prices. It’s about how those prices compare with incomes, how long it takes to save for a down payment and how much longer buyers must wait before they can begin building equity.

Home prices have outpaced incomes

According to Realtor.com, the median U.S. home price has increased from $96,800 in 1990 to $418,000 today, a 332% increase.

During that same period, median household income grew from $31,000 to $85,000, an increase of about 174%.

As a result, the typical home now costs nearly five times a household’s annual income, compared with just over three times annual income in 1990. The price-to-income ratio has increased from 3.1 to 4.9.

Gil said she always expected to buy a home later in life.

“I fully expected to buy a house much later in life when I had settled down a bit,” she said. “Definitely not at 26.”

First-time buyers stretching to qualify

Jason Kindler, president of First Coast Mortgage Funding, said many first-time buyers are finding ways to get into the market with smaller down payments because saving larger amounts has become increasingly difficult.

“What we’re seeing is a huge gap between either someone that’s putting down the 20% and that first-time home buyer,” Kindler said. “First-time homebuyers are either using down payment assistance or they’re putting less than 10% down.”

He said buyers today are taking on significantly more debt than previous generations.

“Our first-time homebuyers are right at about a 49% average debt-to-income ratio,” Kindler said. “Back in 1990, that average was about 30% or 31%. That’s way up.”

Gil purchased her home for $285,000 and put 10% down. Even so, she said she had to bring about $32,000 to the closing table after accounting for taxes and closing costs.

“Closing costs and taxes are so expensive, and I only put 10% down,” she said.

Nationally, Realtor.com found the typical first-time buyer now puts down about $41,800, which is more than five times the typical $8,200 down payment in 1990.

The report also found it now takes an estimated 9.7 years to save for a typical down payment at today’s savings rate. In 1990, it took about 3.2 years.

Young buyers feel priced out

Gil said younger generations are often criticized for not saving enough, but she believes the financial realities they face today are fundamentally different.

“I don’t want to say we work harder, but I think we have to work really hard to make less than what people were making then,” she said. “Everything is more expensive now than it was then.”

When shown that home prices have increased by more than 300% since 1990, Gil said the numbers reflect what many young buyers already feel.

“That’s insane when you look at it that way,” she said. “It’s completely unrealistic for people my age to be able to buy a house at all or even save to buy a house because of the cost of living right now.”

Gil considers herself fortunate to have become a homeowner at 26 but said she doesn’t think it would have been possible without years of saving and the opportunity to use those funds for a down payment.

“I don’t think I would have ever been able to buy this house,” she said. “I was in a super fortunate circumstance.”

Construction crews moved in this week, bringing equipment to the Blanding Boulevard property as the rebuild gets off the ground.

While the inside of the store still bears the scars of last May’s fire, a spokesperson with the location says just getting to this point has been an uphill battle.

Delays tied to permitting, zoning changes and other hurdles slowed the process for months, but those issues have now been cleared and work is moving forward.

For more than 40 years, Hagan Ace Hardware has been more than just a place to pick up tools and supplies; it’s been a cornerstone of the Orange Park community.

Neighboring business owners say they can’t wait to see it return.

“It hit us personally when it caught fire because we know the family. And like I said, we support each other here in Clay. So we’re really excited to see it come back,” said Rebecca Barfield, owner of Be Bella Boutique.

“It was like oh, you got to be kidding me, because we went to Ace Hardware all the time, and we could always depend on it for hurricane season to get the things that we need,” Stevi Smith, owner of Rockin’ It Local said.

“We are very excited to hear that they are going to be opening up and be back in business because Clay County has missed them,” Smith continued.

There is still no official reopening date, but Ace Hardware hopes to welcome customers back sometime next year.

The 33 employees who worked at the Blanding Boulevard location were relocated to other stores following the fire, and many of them are expected to return when the doors reopen.

For continued updates on the project, click here.