Ordinance No. 2026-8239, introduced by City Attorney David Migut, would amend Chapter 20, Section 20-15 of the city’s Code of Ordinances — the section that governs Paws Dog Park — to add new language specifically targeting animal cruelty offenders.

How it started

The proposal came after an incident at an Atlantic Beach dog park was brought to the Jacksonville Beach City Council’s attention during an April council briefing.

Council Member Sandy Golding raised the issue after learning that an alleged animal cruelty offender’s membership at the Atlantic Beach park had been revoked. She then reviewed Jacksonville Beach’s own Code of Ordinances and found there was no provision allowing the city to do the same at Paws Dog Park.

The council reached a consensus directing Migut to draft updated language for the code.

What the ordinance would do

Under the proposed ordinance, the city manager — or a designee — would have the authority to immediately deny, suspend or revoke a person’s membership and park access if that person has been convicted of an animal cruelty offense or is being investigated for one.

The ordinance defines “animal cruelty offense” as any violation of Chapter 828 of Florida Statutes, or any substantially similar offense under the laws of another state or the United States federal government.

The ordinance also outlines a reinstatement process. Anyone whose membership is suspended or revoked could apply in writing to the city manager for reinstatement. If approved, reinstatement would require proof that the person completed an animal cruelty prevention and education course.

Consequences for violations

The proposed ordinance includes an enforcement provision. Any person who enters or remains at Paws Dog Park after their membership or access has been denied, suspended or revoked could be removed and may face arrest or prosecution for criminal trespass.

The Jacksonville Beach City Council is scheduled to hold a first reading of the ordinance on Aug. 3, with a second reading set for Aug. 17. The ordinance would take effect immediately upon adoption.

The schools announced Monday they have agreed to a four-game home-and-home series. Notre Dame will play in Los Angeles on Aug. 31, 2030, and the Trojans will visit South Bend, Indiana, on Aug. 30, 2031. The meetings in 2032 and 2033 will be played in the first three weeks of the season.

The teams met each non-pandemic season from 1946-2025, typically in October or November, in what became known as “the greatest intersectional rivalry in college football." The exception was the 2020 season when most schools played a conference-only schedule.

Negotiations for the continuation of the series became challenging after USC joined the Big Ten in 2024. The Trojans expressed that they did not want to play nonconference games after September. Notre Dame beat the Trojans 34-24 in South Bend last Oct. 18, and the series officially went on hiatus in December when the Irish announced they had filled the last open spot on their 2026 schedule with a game at BYU.

Notre Dame and USC first played in 1926 and the Irish lead the series 53-38-5. The series also was put on hold from 1943-45, during World War II.

The two schools have combined to win 22 national championships and produce 15 Heisman Trophy winners, and the discontinuation prompted consternation on both sides. Navy is the only team Notre Dame has played more than USC, at 98 meetings.

Notre Dame and USC play for the Jeweled Shillelagh Trophy, a tradition which began in 1952. The Jeweled Shillelagh Trophy is presented by the Notre Dame Club of Los Angeles. Notre Dame victories are marked by green-jeweled shamrocks while USC victories are marked by ruby-jeweled Trojan heads.

“USC’s historic rivalry with Notre Dame holds a special place in the history of college football, and we are happy to resume a series that means so much to the entire Trojan Family,” USC athletic director Jen Cohen said. “It remains important for us to play this game early in the season, as it allows us to schedule competitively with our Big Ten peers and takes into account the health and best interests of our student-athletes and program. We are excited for our fans, and we look forward to more memorable matchups and unforgettable games between the Trojans and the Irish.”

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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Licaj was found unresponsive in a retention pond at Coquina Bay Apartments off San Pablo Road on July 29. Bystanders pulled him from the water, but he did not survive.

On Saturday, his sister Blerta Gurguri and close family friend Tammy Wilson spoke with News4JAX at that same pond, throwing flowers into the water as they grieved.

“I had got a call from the homicide unit and they confirmed that was him, and it was terrible news,” Gurguri said, fighting back tears.

The family’s grief runs deep. Gurguri is mourning not only the loss of her brother, but also the loss of her father, who died from colon cancer less than six months ago.

Licaj had recently moved to the United States from Albania on a visa, in part to care for his father in his final months. His family says starting a new life here was his goal — a life they say was cut tragically short.

Those who knew him describe a man defined by his love for the people around him.

“He loved his nephews. He used to play basketball, swim in the pool, take them to the pool. Pick them up from school and from their bus. He always put others before himself,” Gurguri said.

“He was so polite, kind. He was an angel in our house,” she added.

According to the family, Licaj was at the complex that day to celebrate a friend’s birthday near the apartment pool. He later left the gathering because he was not feeling well. The family says he would typically call a relative or friend whenever he needed a ride. That call never came.

“We were looking for him. We looked,” Wilson said. “He’s not that type of person. He always lets you know where he was.”

Gurguri says the friend who was with Licaj that day never contacted the family to let them know he had left or that he was not feeling well.

“They said that he was going home and the pool is right there. Why would they walk this way?” Gurguri said. “Even when he decided to go home, they were supposed to let us know that he is coming home by himself.”

What makes the loss even harder to process is Licaj’s ability to swim, according to his family.

“We have so many questions. We still don’t know,” Gurguri said.

Wilson echoed that sentiment. “I mean, now that I see it, it doesn’t make sense,” she said.

As they wait for answers, the family is also asking the community for support as they prepare for funeral services and currently have a GoFundMe set up to help alleviate funeral costs

“Anyone that can help so we can give our brother the deserved funeral,” Gurguri said. “He will never be forgotten. We will always remember his memories.”

The family says they are in communication with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and are waiting for lab results. News4JAX has requested the full incident report from JSO and will update this story as more information becomes available.

Police Chief Matthew Hicks said Sunday detectives are confident that the gunman, identified as Chad Williams, acted alone in the shooting Saturday at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, a southern Idaho city of about 56,000 people.

He said Williams’ family is cooperating fully with the investigation.

An off-duty state trooper and a civilian fired on the attacker and diverted him from the restaurant, the chief said. Police haven't disclosed their names or those of the victims. Twin Falls spokesperson Josh Palmer said Monday that police are still trying to identify next of kin.

Two of the wounded were treated at a hospital and released, three were listed as stable, and two others were in critical condition, police said Sunday.

An In-N-Out employee was among those killed, the fast-food chain’s owner, Lynsi Snyder, said in a statement. She didn't identify the worker.

The restaurant, which opened July 24 as part of the California chain's Idaho expansion, is in a busy shopping plaza, and hundreds of people were in the area when the shooting happened.

Lane Koehn, 34, said he was at a nearby stoplight when he saw someone with an AR-style rifle emerge from the drive-thru. A man with a pistol started firing at the shooter.

He then saw someone in an In-N-Out uniform drag a person, also wearing a uniform, bleeding from a gunshot wound to her chest across the parking lot. The employee, Koehn and the man with the pistol stayed until paramedics arrived for her.

“She was pretty bad off, but I don’t know. I hope she made it,” Koehn said.

He said the man holding the rifle fired at least three or four rounds, though it wasn't clear if anyone in particular was targeted.

Video taken by a driver from across the street captured a shooter, who appeared to be dressed in black, walking up to a white car carrying a long rifle, opening the driver-side door and popping the trunk. The person then walked to the trunk and reached inside. At that point, the driver who shot the video left quickly, fearing that the man might be getting more weapons.

Nayeli Rodriguez, 40, of Burley, was inside waiting for food with her daughters when she heard shots from the kitchen. An employee said it was a shooting and told people to get down. Rodriguez said an older man tried to protect her and her daughters, and they were among the last to run outside.

“We were trying to get as far as we could and some angels let us in their car,” Rodriguez said via text message. “I left my car there in the parking lot.”

Consumer Reports tested rotisserie chickens from 10 retailers, including Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and several other regional grocery stores.

CR evaluated the chickens for taste and nutrition, and also tested both the packaging and the meat for chemicals associated with plastics, including phthalates and bisphenol A.

In CR’s taste tests, Sam’s Club took the top spot for flavor. Consumer Reports nutritionist Amy Keating says the Sam’s Club chicken was consistent from bird to bird, with moist, juicy meat and a deep roasted flavor.

CONSUMER REPORTS: Is Rotisserie Chicken Healthy? CR Tested 10 Brands to Find the Best

Costco, Stop & Shop, Walmart, Wegmans, and Whole Foods also made Consumer Reports’ “best overall” list.

Consumer Reports also looked at potential chemical exposure from the packaging. Tests did not find PFAS in any of the chicken or packaging. However, CR did find phthalates in every chicken tested except ShopRite.

For most brands, the levels weren’t concerning. But Costco and Walmart had the highest levels, and CR’s experts say adults should have no more than 6 ounces and children no more than about 2 ounces a day of these chickens.

For food safety, Consumer Reports recommends eating rotisserie chicken within two hours of bringing it home or removing it from the plastic packaging and refrigerating it. Do not reheat the chicken in its original container.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. After that, toss them—or freeze the chicken within four days and use it within four months for the best taste and texture.

A rotisserie chicken can still be a convenient dinner option, but Consumer Reports says choosing carefully and handling it safely can help you get the most out of this quick meal solution.

Arraez is hitting an NL-best .324 in a resurgent season after signing a $12 million, one-year deal with San Francisco early in spring training. The 29-year-old has his highest batting average since 2023, and he's played better defense at second base after questions about his glove hindered his market in free agency.

Schwarber is second in the majors with 33 home runs entering Monday yet ranks 31st with 63 RBIs, while Harper has driven in 66. The team's .304 on-base percentage is the second lowest in the majors.

Philly also got reliever Caleb Kilian back from the Giants in the trade for two minor leaguers, and it swung a separate deal for left-handed reliever Brooks Raley with the New York Mets.

The Los Angeles Dodgers woke up already looking like the deadline's biggest winners after adding two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal to a loaded roster Sunday. The Dodgers are chasing a third straight World Series title.

Over in the American League, Tampa Bay beefed up its rotation Sunday by adding right-hander Freddy Peralta while the New York Yankees acquired young slugger Luis García Jr. to give their Aaron Judge-less lineup a little more pop. Also on Sunday, the Chicago Cubs added Kevin Gausman to their rotation in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The trade deadline is Monday at 6 p.m. EDT. Some enticing options still remain, including San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller and Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho.

Other trades of note

— The Seattle Mariners acquired outfielder Taylor Ward from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for minor league right-handers Alex Hoppe, Brock Moore and Harrison Kreiling, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Monday. Ward, 32, is hitting .246 with seven home runs and 30 RBIs in 111 games. He adds to Seattle’s outfield depth and could make impending free agent and All-Star outfielder Randy Arozarena expendable.

— The Blue Jays bolstered their rotation with an eye on 2027 by acquiring right-hander José Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels for three prospects. The 27-year-old is 9-6 with a 3.29 ERA and has a 3.72 ERA over four big league seasons. He's under team control through 2028. Infielder Arjun Nimmala, a 2023 first-round pick, headlined the minor leaguers going to Los Angeles, along with outfielder Eddie Micheletti Jr. and right-hander Angel Rivero.

— The Atlanta Braves acquired veteran left-handed reliever Brent Suter from the Angels for minor league infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. The 36-year-old Suter provides some bullpen depth for the NL East leaders. He was 1-2 with a 4.12 ERA over 63 1/3 innings in 41 appearances for Los Angeles, and threw at least two innings in 18 of those games.

— The Los Angeles Dodgers traded for backup catcher Ben Rortvedt for the second year in a row. This time, the Dodgers got Rortvedt from the New York Mets for right-hander Chayce McDermott. The 28-year-old Rortvedt hasn’t played in the big leagues this season and wasn’t on the Mets’ 40-man roster. The Dodgers acquired Rotvedt from Tampa Bay at last year's deadline. He appeared in 18 regular season games and four playoff games.

— The Chicago White Sox added righty reliever Huascar Brazobán from the Mets for minor league right-handers Gabe Davis and Zach Franklin. The 36-year-old Brazobán is 5-2 with a 2.56 ERA over 46 games this season.

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AP Sports Writer Andrew Destin in Seattle contributed to this story.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said both people had underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by the intestinal illness and dehydration.

The department said it will not be providing additional information about the deaths.

The parasite infects food that has come into contact with human feces, most commonly when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water. When ingested, it causes intestinal illness marked by “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations across five U.S. states as a source of the widespread outbreak.

Overall, cyclospora cases have set a U.S. record. Since May 1, the CDC has received reports of more than 4,100 confirmed cases and is investigating more than 7,400 other likely cases across 41 states. Federal health officials have said other “brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels” could be tied to the outbreak as the investigation continues.

Sunday’s camp coverage

Full interview: Robert Hainsey on the ground game and OL continuity

Full interview: RB Bhayshul Tuten on his comfort in the system and his Madden rating

News4JAGs podcast: Travis Hunter with a huge day at practice

Training camp notebook: Travis Hunter shines on Sunday

Talks between the U.S. and Iran are critical to ending the monthslong conflict and reviving stalled cargo traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway through which about a fifth of all traded oil and natural gas passed before the war.

But Iran’s foreign ministry said it's focused on negotiations with Oman, not the U.S., prompting Trump to criticize the country’s leadership, which has grown increasingly divided over the war’s endgame.

Trump, who has made a habit of threatening strikes on Iran only to dangle the prospect of a last-minute diplomatic reprieve, said Monday that whether “Iran wants to admit it or not, we are, in fact, talking."

Elsewhere, Israel struck the Gaza Strip over the weekend, days after the U.S. and Hamas said a deal was reached for the militant group to disarm, a potential step toward ending the war in Gaza.

Hospitals in Gaza said at least 17 people were killed in the weekend strikes, including children. A strike on a residential apartment in southern Gaza killed three family members, including a 4-year-old child, according to Nasser hospital, where the bodies arrived.

The Israeli military said the strikes targeted militants.

Here is a look at the most important developments Monday in the Middle East.

Trump announces renewed talks

Trump said Sunday that he decided against carrying out major strikes against Iran at the urging of Gulf allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

He said a plan was in place for U.S. forces to carry out “the biggest attack since World War II,” but he decided to give diplomacy more time after hearing from key Gulf leaders and fielding requests from unnamed Iranian officials. He did not provide further details or say who would be involved in the talks.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry maintained that the country was not currently holding negotiations with the United States.

Esmail Baghaei, an agency spokesperson, said Monday that ongoing talks were with Oman, the country on the other side of the strait, and were focused only on establishing a temporary route for safe navigation through the channel.

Nine vessels transited through the strait Sunday, most of them using an Iranian-controlled route, according to trade data and analytics platform Kpler.

Trump voiced frustration at Iran's public posturing.

“Iranian Leadership is unbelievably duplicitous!” the U.S. president vented on Truth Social, his social media platform. “They ask for a meeting, some would say “beg,” talks begin, with more scheduled in the immediate future, and they say, openly and proudly, that they’re not having any discussions, that nothing is being talked about, and they’re only dealing with ‘Oman.’”

Iran's top delegates head to Iraq and Pakistan

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived Monday in Iraq’s holy city of Najaf to participate in the Arbaeen commemorations, an annual pilgrimage for Shiite Muslims, his office said on social media.

Araghchi’s trip comes as Iraq has been walking a tightrope between Iran and the U.S., an act that has only grown more fraught since the U.S. and Israel went to war with Iran in February.

Meanwhile the country's trade minister headed Monday to Pakistan for an official visit expected to focus in part on ways to ease transit bottlenecks and move more Iranian containers through Pakistani ports during the U.S. naval blockade.

Iranian Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad Atabak was scheduled to attend a meeting of the Iran-Pakistan Joint Trade Committee in Islamabad and to meet with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the two-day trip.

Syrian and Iraqi leaders discuss security concerns

Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Iraq’s Kurdish regional president met Monday to discuss ways of improving mutual cooperation and contributing to regional security.

The meeting between al-Sharaa and Nechirvan Barzani came amid regional tensions as Iranian-backed Iraqi militia groups carried out multiple drone strikes targeting American interests across Iraq, including the country’s Kurdish region.

Syrian state media reported last month that authorities at the country’s border with Iraq thwarted an attempt in June to smuggle weapons believed to have been headed to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. Hezbollah denied the charges.

Iran executes 2 men it says spied for Israel

Iran’s judiciary said it executed two men Monday after convicting them of spying for Israel during both last year’s 12-day war and the ongoing conflict.

The judiciary’s Mizan news agency identified the two as Omid Behzad and Pouria Safvat, who were accused of providing military coordinates, images and other intelligence used in attacks on Iranian targets. The agency did not specify where the executions took place.

Last week, Iran publicly hanged two men convicted of killing four police officers during nationwide anti-government protests in January.

Gaza residents swelter in tents

Soaring temperatures in Gaza this summer have turned the makeshift tents sheltering hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians into suffocating ovens. Made of plastic sheets, the shelters trap heat during the day and offer little ventilation, forcing many families to spend hours outside.

The extreme weather compounds an already dire humanitarian crisis. With limited access to clean water, electricity and sanitation, overcrowded camps are grappling with flies, mosquitoes and other insects. Humanitarian agencies such as the Norwegian Refugee Council warn that the conditions heighten the risk of dehydration, heat-related illnesses and the spread of skin infections, diarrheal diseases and other communicable illnesses.

“It’s very hot. We can’t stay inside the tents. Our tent is made of nylon,” said Aida Abu Hadeesha, a woman displaced from the town of Rafah, near the border with Egypt. “There is no breeze, nothing, and our kids are suffering," she said, adding that the stifling heat continues at night. "The flies and the cockroaches attack us.”

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Becatoros reported from Athens, Greece. Associated Press reporters Julia Frankel in Jerusalem, Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.

Head Start, established in the 1960s to help fight poverty, has long been considered by experts to be a gold standard early learning program. Its regulations, which stretch more than 100 pages, outline requirements on everything from child-to-teacher ratios and child health screenings to family engagement.

Trump's Republican administration would replace those regulations with around a dozen pages of rules, leaving most of the specifics up to state and local law, said the people familiar with the deliberations, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss information that was not yet public and because they feared reprisal.

In a post on X on Saturday night, the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees Head Start, said to expect a rule to be published this week. The administration “remains committed to strengthening Head Start by preserving federal investment in the program while advancing reforms that expand access, increase local flexibility, reduce unnecessary administrative burden, and ensure services are delivered effectively to children and families in need," department spokesperson Emily Hilliard said Monday in an email.

The draft rules would require more documentation from parents who are homeless or unemployed, the people familiar with the deliberations told The Associated Press. An early version of the proposal also would have barred parents who are in the United States illegally from enrolling their children, even if the children are U.S. citizens. It's unclear whether those provisions will make the final draft.

Head Start, which operates in all 50 states, has long enjoyed robust bipartisan support. But some prominent conservatives in recent years have called for its elimination, saying the federal government should get out of the education business at every level. Deregulating the program would deliver a win for them and aligns with the Trump administration's goals of scrapping rules it views as onerous or unnecessary.

Head Start is designed to target poverty, experts say

Head Start serves more than half a million low-income babies, toddlers and preschoolers nationwide. For families that qualify, it offers free preschool and screenings to identify developmental delays. It also offers supports for families.

If the changes take effect, they could make Head Start unrecognizable, said Khari Garvin, who ran the Office of Head Start under President Joe Biden, a Democrat.

“We'd have the carcass of Head Start,” Garvin said. “You might have a program that's called Head Start, but in substance it will not be.”

The proposed rules were originally reported in The Bulwark.

Tommy Sheridan, deputy director of the National Head Start Association, said the organization has yet to see the proposed rules. But he said the potential for a massive overhaul has left the organization on edge.

“We're very anxious,” Sheridan said. “When it does come out ... we’ll be ready to fight back where we need to fight back.”

Still, he emphasized that Head Start centers might not be impacted for months, if the rules get on the books at all. Once the proposal is made public, federal law requires the administration to give at least a month for the public to weigh in on it. Then, once finalized, it may take more time for the rules to take effect. There's also the potential for a lawsuit to halt implementation.

Current rules cover dental screenings and staff-to-student ratios

Head Start was created as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty and targets the myriad challenges that low-income households face. It serves children and adults alike, coaching parents on reaching their goals, connecting them with services and even employing them.

Head Start operators, which include school districts and nonprofit organizations, are required to provide medical, dental and vision screenings for children and to monitor them for developmental delays. There's also a curriculum framework and prohibitions on physical and emotional abuse of children.

Many of the features that make Head Start distinct from mainstream preschools are spelled out in 122 pages of performance standards. The Trump administration's proposal would toss most of that rule book and replace it with a much shorter version that eliminates or loosens many requirements, the people familiar with the proposal said. But the proposal also calls for some new regulations, such as requiring all instruction in English.

Requirements around staff-to-student ratios and safety standards would be erased. Operators instead would be instructed to follow local and state laws, which are often far more permissive. And the new proposal also says nothing about suspensions and expulsions, the people said, making it easier for programs to kick out kids with disabilities who are difficult to educate.

Head Start is under threat

Head Start, which has enjoyed robust bipartisan support for decades, has faced several threats since Trump took office last year. Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint authored by the official who is now Trump's budget chief, called for the federal government to get rid of the program altogether. Last year, in a draft budget, the administration proposed exactly that, saying: “The federal government should not be in the business of mandating curriculum, locations, and performance standards for any form of education.” After public outcry, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose department oversees Head Start, told Congress the program's funding was safe.

Funding for the program was disrupted not long after Trump took office, leading some programs to have to shutter temporarily. It was once again halted after a government shutdown in October that led some centers briefly to close their doors.

Earlier this year, Trump officials also erased a Biden-era rule that mandated raises and greater benefits for Head Start employees. When the rule went in to effect in 2024, Head Start teachers, the majority of whom have bachelor's degrees, earned less than $40,000 a year on average.

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Associated Press writer Ali Swenson contributed reporting.

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The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find the AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

The S&P 500 rose 1.3% following its wild July, where it swung up and down as oil prices shot higher because of the war with Iran and other worries. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 533 points, or 1%, as of 12:27 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 2% higher.

Stocks got a lift as the price for a barrel of Brent crude sank 4.7% to $83.83. It dropped after President Donald Trump said over the weekend that he decided to hold off on new strikes against Iran at the urging of allies in the region.

Brent's price careened between $72 and $102 last month as worries rose and fell about when the war with Iran would allow oil tankers to freely exit the Persian Gulf again to deliver crude to customers worldwide. The latest acquiescence by Trump on Iran helped to ease worries about the global flow of crude, and Treasury yields correspondingly fell in the bond market.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury sank to 4.69% from 4.75% late Friday. It, though, remains well above its 3.97% level from before the war with Iran.

Higher yields threaten to undercut prices for stocks and other investments, while slowing the economy by making borrowing more expensive for U.S. households and businesses. The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate has already leaped to its highest level in a year.

Monday's ease in oil prices helped airlines and other companies with big fuel bills lead the market. United Airlines flew 5.4% higher, while American Airlines climbed 5%. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings steamed 4.6% higher.

Tyson Foods rose 2% after the meat company reported a slightly stronger profit for the spring than analysts expected. CEO Donnie King said strength is continuing in the company's chicken business and its prepared foods, which include brands like Jimmy Dean and Hillshire Farm.

It joined a lengthening list of big U.S. companies to deliver a bigger profit for the spring than analysts expected. That's imperative for Wall Street because stock prices tend to follow the path of corporate earnings over the long term, and worries were rising that stock prices may have already shot too high.

Companies in the S&P 500 are on track to deliver earnings per share for the spring that are 47% higher than a year before, according to FactSet, with more than half of the companies having already reported. If that ends up being the case, it would be the strongest growth since the spring of 2021, when the economy was roaring out of the COVID pandemic.

Also offering encouragement for profits was a report on Monday showing that growth for U.S. manufacturing accelerated to its strongest level since 2022.

Keeping Wall Street unsettled, though, were swings for stocks of companies that make computer chips. They've been veering up and down for weeks on worries about whether their surging revenues because of the artificial-intelligence boom are sustainable.

If AI ends up producing less profit and productivity than hoped, Big Tech companies could curtail their spending sprees on data centers that have helped chip stocks soar to tremendous heights.

Micron Technology went from a drop of 6.4% to a gain of 0.7% during Monday's first 90 minutes of trading, for example. It's still up roughly 190% for the year so far.

The manic swings for AI stocks have been most dramatic in South Korea, where the Kospi index is dominated by just two tech titans, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

Seoul’s Kospi fell 5.1% Monday, coming off Friday's 17.9% surge that was its best day in history.

In neighboring Japan, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.9% after the United States and Japan confirmed they had moved together to to prop up the value of the Japanese yen against the dollar. A stronger yen would help to limit inflation in Japan, but it could also potentially hurt Japan’s exporters.

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AP Writers Matt Ott, Elaine Kurtenbach, Mayuko Ono and Mari Yamaguchi contributed to this report.

Frederick Hughes was found fatally shot around 4:30 a.m. Monday morning near the parking lot of a club on Soutel Drive near New Kings Road, his family said.

Hughes’ aunt, Maria Hughes, told News4JAX that she had a bad feeling last night about her nephew going out. She said he typically will call her to let her know he made it home safe.

“I got a call this morning. But it wasn’t a call from him,” said a distraught Maria Hughes, who helped raise her nephew after his mother was killed in 1999. She was also 38 when she died.

Maria said Frederick was parked near the club, where a large crowd was gathered early Monday morning. She said witnesses told them someone down the street just started shooting, and Frederick was hit.

She said people were telling her he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.

“He was a good boy. It’s just too much,” she said. “These young folks got to learn to put these guns down. It’s just too senseless. Life is precious.”

Police have not released any information about the shooter, and they’re asking the public for help to understand what happened Monday morning.

Anyone with information about the deadly shooting is asked to call JSO at 904-630-0500 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

In the meantime, Maria Hughes said she wants to see change in Florida’s gun laws.

“I walk the street, I see young folks toting guns like they’re babies, bigger than them under their clothes. It’s not right. It’s not good,” she said.

She and neighborhood Pastor Sheldon Creighton said they’re tired of the ongoing violence in the area around Soutel Drive and New Kings Road.

“What can we do to clean up this corner, because if it was your child, you would try to find out how we can fix it,” Creighton said. “That’s my question to our City Council people: Where are you? Y’all are talking, but we don’t see nothing. We just hear you talking. … Anything can be fixed if we work at it."

Arraez is batting a National League-best .324 with four homers and 47 RBIs with an .801 OPS. He’s a four-time All-Star and, of importance in the free-swinging Phillies lineup, is a contact hitter who rarely strikes out.

He has struck out just 236 times over his eight-year career.

Arraez has 25 walks to 21 strikeouts this season. The Phillies .304 on-base is second worst in the majors, only ahead of the New York Mets.

The Phillies also acquired right-hander reliever Caleb Kilian in the trade in exchange for minor league right-handed pitchers Ramon Marquez and Marty Gair.

The Giants are 47-65 and have been of baseball’s bigger disappointments.

The Phillies also struck a separate deal for Mets left-hander Brooks Raley in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Luke Gabrysh and minor league outfielder John Spikerman.

Raley has a 5-5 record with a 1.96 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 45 games. His 1.96 ERA is tied for the fourth-lowest mark in the majors among left-handed relievers and 35 appearances this season have been scoreless.

Arraez's arrival for a team that has reached the playoffs four straight years signals a major shift in the defensive core lineup. Second Bryson Stott or third baseman Alex Bohm could shift positions, or possibly one of them could lose their starting spots.

Bohm could be the odd-man out at third since the Phillies could more easily shift Stott to third base. The Phillies could also send first baseman Bryce Harper back to right field and move Bohm to first base.

Bohm could also be traded before the end of Monday's deadline.

Arraez is eligible for free agency at the end of the season, so Harper's move to right field could be a temporary change and one that allows for the Phillies to put out their best offensive lineup.

Harper has played first base since 2023 when he returned from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

The Phillies entered Monday’s game against Washington at 59-53 and hold one of the final NL wild-card spots. They are eight games back of Atlanta in the NL East.

Arreaz led the National League in hits the past two seasons and had signed a $12 million, one-year contract this season with the Giants. He spent his first five major league seasons with the Minnesota Twins before they traded him to the Miami Marlins in January 2023. San Diego acquired him in May 2024.

Harper challenged team president Dave Dombrowski to upgrade the roster, and he came out swinging with deals that — while not at the level of the Dodgers trading for Tarik Skubal — showed the Phillies are serious about staying in the playoff hunt and making a World Series push in October.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

It starts with a grim warning to Tehran that the Republican president is on the cusp of ordering U.S. forces to “obliterate” its power plants or seize key parts of its oil industry if its leaders don't quickly agree to U.S. terms to end the war. It ends with him edging away with a last-minute declaration, sometimes at the behest of Gulf allies, that he's going to give diplomacy more time.

The hardball strategy — one that Trump honed during his years competing in New York’s real estate scene and has employed in politics — aims to create movement in negotiation through pressure and chaos. But the tactic is facing a challenge with an Iranian theocracy that believes it holds a higher threshold for strategic pain than Washington.

While Trump has reveled in the U.S. military decimating layers of Tehran’s leadership and devastating its air force and navy, Iran is betting it can outlast Trump as he faces diminished stockpiles of munitions and the difficulty of executing a war that is unpopular with the American electorate ahead of November’s midterm election.

The latest episode began on Friday when Trump, surrounded by his Cabinet, grimly declared that he was “losing faith” in negotiations with Iran and warned that the U.S. military “ will be hitting them very hard."

Hours later, the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt heightened speculation in Washington — and around the globe — with an ominous statement asserting "Iran will continue to pay until they come to the table in, what President Trump deems, a meaningful way.”

But by late Saturday night, Trump declared on social media that there were signs of progress on reaching an agreement and he was calling off a plan to carry out new, massive strikes for the time being.

The next day Trump emphasized that requests to give diplomacy more time from unnamed Iranian officials as well as leaders from Gulf allies — Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates — were key to his about-face.

“It would have been disastrous for them. And they didn’t want us to do it,” Trump said of Iran as he spoke to reporters on his way back to Washington from a weekend at his New Jersey golf club. “And frankly, Saudi Arabia didn’t want it either. They thought that a deal is imminent.”

On Monday morning, he was back to raising doubts about the prospects of negotiations after the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Tehran announced it is not currently holding negotiations with the United States.

“Iranian Leadership is unbelievably duplicitous!” Trump fumed on his Truth Social platform.

Critics see Trump reaching for a reset button in this pattern

Trump may still come to the conclusion that a massive escalation in the conflict with Iran is necessary.

But critics say his hesitation also might reflect an unspoken understanding inside the administration that U.S. military might alone may not be enough to compel Iran to back down and bring an end to a now monthslong war that Trump had earlier downplayed as a weekslong excursion.

“I think what we’re seeing here is a president who has an approach that’s just rather erratic,” said Sen. Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, on CBS News' “Face the Nation.” “At this point, he's trying to get us back to February. And I think if he could — if he had a big reset button he could hit — he would certainly take that option.”

There have been several moments over the course of the conflict when Trump has demonstrated his proclivity for the bellicose only to back off at the last minute, while declaring his threats spurred progress:

— In early April, the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire in an announcement that came less than two hours before a deadline Trump had set for Tehran to capitulate or face attacks on bridges and power plants — strikes he said would mean “a whole civilization will die.”

— After days of dire threats against Iran, Trump announced on May 18 he was holding off on a major planned military strike because “serious negotiations” were underway, crediting Gulf allies for persuading him to show restraint.

— Then in June, Trump threatened to hit Iran “VERY HARD” and seize Iran’s energy base on Kharg Island to "assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets,” he wrote on social media, only to call off the strikes in a later post after claiming that peace negotiations had progressed with high-level Iranian leaders.

Left unsaid by the president was that such an endeavor would require U.S. troops on the ground in Iran — a risky proposition politically for a president who campaigned on avoiding foreign entanglements and criticized past administrations for getting bogged down in endless wars.

Call with Saudi crown prince affected Trump's decision

With this latest episode, Trump suggested that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman played a particularly important role in him turning away from escalating the fight.

The U.S. president spoke by phone with the de facto leader of the kingdom on Saturday before announcing he was halting strikes that he later boasted would have been one of the biggest U.S. operations since World War II.

The crown prince conveyed that an escalation in fighting could have a severe impact on the global economy if Tehran responded to a new U.S. bombardment by targeting some of the United States’ Gulf allies, according to a person briefed on the call who was not authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity.

Saudi officials, the person added, have underscored in their engagements with the Trump administration that the kingdom is in a good position to defend itself against further potential Iranian strikes — as are fellow energy titans Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — but that Kuwait could be more vulnerable to attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.

As Trump threatens escalation, Republicans face tough polling

Trump has insisted that November’s midterm elections aren't shaping his approach to the conflict that’s spurred unease across the global economy.

But it's certainly on the minds of his fellow Republicans.

About two-thirds of U.S. adults say the war with Iran, which began Feb. 28, has not been worthwhile, according to polling from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research published last week. That includes the vast majority of Democrats and independents, as well as about 37% of Republicans.

One of Trump's most outspoken allies on Capitol Hill suggested on Sunday the administration needs to modulate its approach on Iran.

Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy said on NBC's “Meet the Press” that the debate in Washington has lost perspective on the devastation the U.S. military has inflicted on Iran since the start of the war.

Still, the Republican lawmaker acknowledged that further escalating the conflict could lead to a further surge in already elevated energy prices and “a lot of inflation for the American people.”

Kennedy made the case that tightening sanctions and targeting Iran's nuclear program — rather than escalating the conflict — might be the best bet for the moment.

“They’re all hellish choices,” Kennedy said. “But for the moment I’d maintain the status quo.”

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AP writers Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel and Josh Boak contributed reporting.

According to the ballot question, the proposed changes would conform the charter with current law and present standards of municipal governance, and make changes to the organization, powers, and procedures of city government.

Ballot question:

Shall the Charter of the City of Starke, Florida be amended and restated in its entirety to update its provisions, to conform with current law and present standards of municipal governance, and to incorporate revisions relating to the organization, powers, and procedures of City government, as set forth in the proposed revised Charter available for public inspection?

Yes/No

As county’s sample ballot states the proposed revised charter has been made available for public inspection, we obtained a copy, which you can see below:

Expect numerous showers and thunderstorms today, with rain developing as early as the morning and becoming widespread through the afternoon.

Some locations could pick up between a quarter and a half inch of rain, with locally higher amounts where storms repeatedly move over the same areas.

Despite the clouds and rain, it will remain warm with highs in the upper 80s throughout the course of the afternoon. Southwest winds will be breezy at times, with gusts over 20 mph.

By Tuesday, sunshine returns for part of the day, allowing temperatures to climb back into the lower 90s with heat index values topping 100 degrees before scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms develop.

The rest of the week follows a familiar August pattern, featuring partly sunny skies, highs in the lower 90s, and daily afternoon and evening storms.

Rain chances generally hover around 50 to 60 percent through the weekend, with the greatest coverage during the hottest part of the day before activity tapers off each evening.

The energy grid collapses leave people with fewer options to get by as the U.S. keeps up a pressure campaign against the communist-led government.

Cuba's government was working to restore power after the state-run electric company reported another “total” blackout Sunday night, without specifying the cause. That followed sweeping outages across western Cuba, including the cities of Pinar del Río, Matanzas and Havana.

By Monday, some electricity had been restored in Havana, but much of the Caribbean nation was still disconnected.

Cuba already had been reeling from years of economic and energy crisis, compounded by crumbling infrastructure and migration from the island. Then the U.S. threatened to impose a tariff on any goods from countries that sell or provide it with oil.

Energy authorities reported two nationwide grid collapses in March and three in July, along with several partial outages.

Rolling blackouts now last more than 20 hours a day. Obtaining gas and basic goods have become daylong endeavors. The island's once bustling tourism industry has bottomed out. Hospitals have been left reeling.

Many in Havana struggle to sleep in the summer heat. Some now sleep along Havana's famous boardwalk, the malecón, with the benefit of the sea breeze.

The fires in and around Spokane, the state's second-largest city, burned about 12.5 square miles (about 32 square kilometers) by Monday morning and filled the sky with smoke and haze. They were 0% contained, Courtney James, a spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, said.

The weather forecast for Monday called cooler temperatures and light winds, but no rain.

The wildfires were among dozens across the Western U.S. that stretched the ability of federal, state and local agencies to fight them. At least 390 square miles (1,000 square kilometers) has burned across Washington.

Authorities say no deaths have been reported

An incident commander told local television Monday that no deaths had been reported.

Officials said Sunday that the evacuees in Spokane included patients at its U.S. Veterans Affairs hospital.

Video from the Spokane area showed buildings on fire, black smoke billowing up near neighborhoods, and the smoking ruins of homes, with only chimneys still standing.

“We are not out of danger,” U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell said during a news conference Sunday with federal, state and local officials in Spokane. “The next couple of days will be challenging.”

Investigators had yet to determine how the blazes started.

Fire officials said two drone operators who were not authorized to operate during the wildfires have been cited. There were at least 26 “drone incursions” over the fires on Sunday, they said.

Grassland in flames in parts of Idaho, Oregon and Utah

Spokane was hardly the only place struggling to contain fires.

Crews using bulldozers and helicopters continued for a 10th day to fight a fire that has burned nearly 525 square miles (about 1,360 square kilometers) of grassland in western Idaho and eastern Oregon. The area is home to cattle ranches, and authorities said the fire is threatening more than 600 homes and 800 other structures.

The weather in the area was expected to remain sunny and dry well into the week, with temperatures rising to more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) on Wednesday. Officials say the fire was caused by lightning.

In central Utah, a massive blaze more than doubled in size over the weekend and was nearly 57 square miles (147 square kilometers) by Monday morning. More than 100 cattle have been killed, according to local law enforcement.

Officials called the fire “catastrophic" as heavy winds helped flames jump containment lines.

The fire is moving north toward Fillmore, a town of about 2,600 people and the seat of Millard County. Mandatory evacuations were ordered Sunday evening for the southern portion of Fillmore.

The National Weather Service issued warnings about the air quality across the northwest. It issued red flag fire warnings for parts of Utah and Montana and western Nebraska, and extreme heat warnings for the southern parts of Arizona, California and Nevada and northern Montana.

Spokane sets up shelter for impacted residents

Authorities in Spokane set up a shelter at the city's main convention center. About 400 people were staying there, officials said Sunday.

Spokane Public Schools opened a free emergency drop-in camp for children on Monday. Court trials in Spokane County scheduled for this week were continued to the week of Aug. 10.

Meanwhile, several larger fires continued to burn in less populated areas northwest of Spokane, including one about 80 miles (129 kilometers) from the city that has burned about 210 square miles (544 square kilometers). Another fire in eastern Oregon, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) to the northwest in the Stinkingwater Mountains, has burned about 336 square miles (870 square kilometers).

“The whole northwest is heavily impacted right now,” said Keila Vizcarra, the spokesperson for the federal team from California handling what's been named the Big Grass Fire in western Idaho and eastern Oregon.

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Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Associated Press writer Kathy McCormack contributed from Concord, N.H.

The endorsement from GOP Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis paves the way for the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance Blanche's nomination on Tuesday after the Justice Department and lawmakers reached a deal to formally rescind the $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund" proposed to settle Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.

Cornyn and Tillis had refused to back Blanche's bid for the permanent post without official confirmation killing the fund meant to compensate people who believe they were unfairly prosecuted by the Justice Department. Blanche's written order, issued late Sunday, came after the days of negotiations between the Justice Department and the Republican senators who are leaving Capitol Hill when their terms end in January.

“We want to express our gratitude to Mr. Blanche and his staff for working with us on this, and we look forward to voting to advance his nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee soon," Cornyn, of Texas, and Tillis, of North Carolina, said in a statement.

DOJ order says ‘beyond any doubt’ that fund is dead

Blanche has repeatedly said that the Justice Department was scrapping plans for the fund, which sparked bipartisan outcry over the possibility that violent rioters who attacked police at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, could be considered for payments. But skeptical lawmakers said they were concerned that could be revived without a commitment in writing, especially because Trump has continued to defend the idea.

In his order posted on social media late Sunday, Blanche wrote that the department was confirming "beyond any doubt, that there is no Fund.”

Since the settlement of the president's lawsuit against the IRS was announced, “No Members were appointed; no funds were transferred; no process for receiving claims was established; no claims were paid,” the order said. “This order establishes, beyond any doubt, that there is no Fund.”

Cornyn and Tillis had also pressed the Justice Department to limit the scope of a separate piece of the settlement that provided broad immunity for Trump and members of his family from tax audits.

Under the deal, the Justice Department clarified in writing that the tax audit immunity agreement “applies by its terms only retroactively” to claims open at the time of the settlement and does not protect the president from examination of future tax filings. It also makes clear that only the parties that brought the lawsuit — Trump, two of his sons, and the Trump Organization — are covered by the tax agreement.

Cornyn and Tillis said in their statement that they were “pleased” with the concessions made by Blanche.

“From the outset, we were clear that we needed a written document addressing our concerns on the IRS audit agreement and the anti-weaponization fund that included constraining the scope of audit protection by limiting it to the parties of the Settlement Agreement and legally ending the anti-weaponization fund," they wrote.

Democrats, however, noted that the order rescinding the fund doesn't stop the Trump administration from compensating Jan. 6 rioters through a previously established process that allows people to file claims for damages if they believed they were wronged by the government.

“This supposed ‘deal’ doesn’t prevent payouts to violent insurrectionists in the future,” Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff said in a social media post. Schiff added that it also “leaves in place a tax-immunity deal that could help Trump skip taxes on the $2.3 billion he made last year, and still leaves it vague who and what is covered.”

Cornyn, Tillis echo GOP colleagues' concerns as they b

locked Blanche nomination

Blanche’s nomination was thrown into doubt last week after the Judiciary Committee postponed a vote that had been scheduled for Thursday morning as Tillis and Cornyn said they needed more from the administration before they could provide the necessary votes.

After the Thursday vote was delayed, 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. And on Saturday the president threatened to push forward with the fund if the two Republicans blocked Blanche's nomination.

On Sunday evening, Trump said that people who had faced charges from the Jan. 6, attack on the Capitol and could have benefited from the fund had “their lives destroyed.”

“This would be a reimbursement for the pain that they suffered,” Trump said. “A lot of people like it.”

Blanche, who served as Trump’s defense lawyer in his criminal cases, entered the Justice Department last year as deputy attorney general. He was elevated to the top post after Pam Bondi was fired in April by Trump, who was frustrated by her failure to successfully prosecute his political enemies.

Though Blanche insisted he wasn’t auditioning for the permanent job, he has moved quickly since taking the reins of the department to promote the Trump administration’s agenda and accelerate investigations into the president’s perceived foes.

The government says the company, which manages affiliated provider groups in Florida, Alabama and Colorado, pushed coders and doctors to add diagnosis codes for conditions in Hierarchical Condition Category 55 (drug and alcohol dependence) and HCC 59 (major depressive, bipolar and paranoid disorders) from 2020 to 2023.

Prosecutors allege many of those codes weren’t clinically valid, weren’t supported by medical records and weren’t part of the patients’ care.

The DOJ said Complete Health had contracts that let it receive a share of the money Medicare Advantage plans got from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. That “risk-sharing” setup gave the company a financial incentive to increase patients’ risk scores — and the payments tied to them — by adding diagnosis codes.

Here’s how Medicare Advantage payments work in plain terms: private plans get a fixed monthly amount for each enrollee, but that payment is adjusted based on a risk model that uses diagnoses reported by providers. Sicker patients typically generate higher payments. The government says the added codes raised risk scores and led to bigger payments, some of which were passed on to Complete Health.

U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe said the settlement shows the office remains focused on health care fraud enforcement.

“This settlement sends a strong message to our district, its residents, and medical providers doing business here, that our focus on this vital practice area has not wavered,” he said.

Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division said the agreement reflects the department’s commitment to protect taxpayer money and ensure Medicare payments are based on accurate information. A senior official at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General added that companies that improperly boost profits by reporting bogus conditions will be held responsible.

The settlement resolves a whistleblower suit brought under the False Claims Act by a former risk-adjustment official at VIVA Health. Under that qui tam provision, a private party can sue on behalf of the government and receive a portion of any recovery.

The suit is captioned United States ex rel. Karen Bowers v. Complete Health Partners, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 3:22-cv-463 (M.D. Fla.). Karen Bowers will receive about $2,467,500 as her share of the federal recovery, the Justice Department said.

Kuwaki closed with a 1-under 70 and looked like a winner as she waited nearly 30 minutes in the scoring room. Henseleit, in the final group, holed a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole at Royal Lytham & St. Annes for a 70 to join Kuwaki at 5-under 279.

Henseleit then had the advantage in the playoff when the 23-year-old from Japan was in deep grass short of a bunker and had to lay up short of the green. Kuwaki hit wedge to 3 feet to save par and got another chance when Henseleit missed a 15-foot birdie putt for the win.

The tables turned on the second extra hole. Henseleit's tee shot on the 18th drifted far enough to the right that it was beneath a gorse bush. She did well to get that back to the fairway, and hit wedge to about 12 feet. But her par putt stayed left of the cup, and that left Kuwaki to tap in for par.

“Very happy with how I gave myself the opportunity to win today and how I handled myself. Just got a bit unlucky on the second playoff hole there,” Henseleit said. “I tried really hard and I guess it just wasn’t meant to be today.”

This is the second straight AIG Women's Open title for Japan, following Miyu Yamashita's victory last year at Royal Porthcawl. Kuwaki, often known for her fashion, becomes the fifth player from Japan to have won an LPGA major over the last three years.

“I can’t believe it,” Kuwaki said through a translator and the trophy presentation.

She had planned on going to the LPGA qualifying tournament this fall, but her victory gives her a five-year exemption.

“So I don't have to worry about that anymore,” Kuwaki said.

She had until midnight local time to accept LPGA membership. Because there are only four months left in the season, the LPGA said Kuwaki chose to defer her membership until 2027.

Tough round for Noh

The disappointment belonged to third-placed Yealimi Noh (74), the 25-year-old Californian who began the final round with a three-shot lead until it slowly went away with bogeys. She fell out of a share of the lead with a bogey on the 14th hole. Noh was one shot behind and had two reasonable looks at birdie — with Kuwaki already in the clubhouse at 279 — but failed to convert.

“It stings being one short,” said Noh, who had missed three straight cuts before this week. “I told myself this morning, no matter what happens I'm happy to be in this position again. A couple of weeks ago, I was losing a lot of motivation. This week has helped me feel so much better about my game.”

Haeran Ryu fell short in her bid to become the first player since Inbee Park to win three straight majors in one year. Ryu, who won the KPMG Women's PGA and Evian Championship, was still in the mix on the back nine. She needed birdies and instead closed with two straight bogeys for a 74 to tie for sixth.

Nelly Korda, the No. 1 player in women's golf and winner of the year's first two majors, started eight shots behind and closed with a 68. She was the leader in the clubhouse for the longest time at 2 under until Kuwaki finished.

Korda tied for fourth along with Jeeno Thitikul (73).

Eyes covered

Kuwaki, at No. 46 in the women's world ranking, played bogey-free over the last 13 holes as everyone around her made mistakes. She was in the scoring room after signing and stayed there, even as Henseleit and Noh had birdie chances on the final two holes to force a playoff.

Henseleit delivered with a most unlikely putt, 40 feet across the 18th green. The 27-year-old German raised her right arm as the golf ball still had a few feet to go and punched the air when it dropped for birdie.

It was only the second playoff since the Women’s British Open became a major in 2001.

Kuwaki covered her eyes when she watched the putt go in on TV, then broke into a smile. And moments later, she was in a cart and off to the 18th tee for a playoff and immediately in trouble. Her tee shot stayed short of a bunker but in the slope of thick grass. She smartly tried to get it back in play, and her wedge to 3 feet was as important a shot as any.

It gave her another chance, and the final mistake belonged to Henseleit with the tee shot on the 18th for the second playoff hole.

Kuwaki already has won twice this year and is fourth on the money list on the Japan LPGA, the tour that has produced five recent major champions, including Yamashita, Mao Saigo, Yuka Saso and Ayaka Furue. Kuwaki is now on that list.

“Just to be on a stage like this is just an honor, and every hole I was just focused shot-by-shot and just tried to enjoy it out there as much as I could,” she said.

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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen said during an interview on The Morning Show that the district operates 325 buses but currently has only about 275 drivers, forcing some drivers to run double — or even triple — pickups each morning and afternoon.

About 40 double runs are currently in place across the district’s roughly 3,600 bus stops. Asplen said families should expect some delays, particularly in the first couple of weeks.

“We have the students scheduled to be picked up at certain times, and then we come back to another neighborhood with the same bus and grab another 50, 70 kids, take them to the school as well, and try to get everybody there before school starts,” Asplen explained.

Tracking your bus, staying patient

To help families keep tabs on their bus, the district offers an app called Chipmunk that allows parents to track routes in real time.

Asplen encouraged families to use it and to remain flexible as routes and pick-up times are adjusted.

“Be patient with that,” he said. “That seems to change somewhat because we do change some of our routes to try to be as efficient as possible once we know what the routines look like over the next couple of weeks.”

Asplen said he expects things to settle down within two to three weeks as drivers and students get into a rhythm.

Recruiting drivers with bonuses

To attract new drivers, the district is offering a $5,000 signing bonus.

Asplen also pointed to a community-approved referendum that has helped the district retain current drivers — though ongoing growth continues to strain capacity.

“We have a great signing bonus of $5,000, and then we have the referendum that the community voted upon to retain our bus drivers,” he said. “We have retained them — we just continue growing.”

Enrollment growth slows

After years of roughly 4% to 4.5% annual growth, St. Johns County is seeing that pace ease. Asplen said growth this past year came in around 1.5% and is expected to hold at a similar rate going forward.

“This past year was right around one and a half percent growth, and it looks like we’re going to be right around that again,” he said. “So it would continue to grow, just not as quickly.”

The district opened two new schools this year — one in Silverleaf and one in Nocatee — both of which were planned based on earlier, faster growth projections.

With the slowdown, Asplen said the district does not anticipate building another K-8 or elementary-middle school in the near term, but a new high school in Silverleaf is in the pipeline.

“We are going to need a high school, and we’re going to build a high school in Silverleaf, and that’ll be open in about three years,” Asplen said.

Safety: E-bikes, deputies, emergency buttons

Asplen said the district is continuing to coordinate closely with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office on school safety. Students who ride e-bikes or traditional bikes are required to dismount before entering school property.

“Our students know that they need to disembark from their bike before they actually enter onto school property,” he said.

Sheriff’s deputies assigned to each school have been educating middle schoolers on e-bike safety, a program that began last year. Asplen praised the partnership with Sheriff Rob Hardwick and the department.

“St. Johns County is really the safest county, I think, in the state,” Asplen said. “Sheriff Hardwick and the Sheriff’s Department does such a great job across the district, but also prioritizing our schools.”

The district also continues using an emergency alert button system introduced last year. Each employee carries a small device that, when clicked a certain number of times, immediately dispatches the Sheriff’s Office to the school.

“With everything raining down on the schools, within a minute it seems like they’re just all over the place everywhere,” Asplen said.

Deputies who are parked to write reports or make stops are also being asked to do so in school parking lots to increase visible presence throughout the day.

Asplen’s message to families

With more than 51,000 students returning to class, Asplen’s top ask for families is simple: patience.

“Just be patient with us on that, especially with our school buses over the next two to three weeks,” he said. “Once everybody gets their routines and we work things out, it becomes more efficient, and then we move forward.”

U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney responded to an NCAA request for clarity about her Friday ruling that granted a fifth year to athletes who graduated high school in 2022 and were not included in the new NCAA rule that allows five seasons of eligibility for Division I players.

She said the decision still stands. But the clarification said her ruling had no impact on other NCAA rules, which would include its prohibition on players signing pro contracts, then coming back to college.

The NCAA filed its intention to appeal the case later Sunday night.

The ruling, as first written, had the potential to upend the upcoming college football season, where teams are starting camp planning on the “five for five” rule to take effect beginning next fall.

Extending it to players this fall granted hundreds a chance to return to school. In the direct aftermath of the decision, some media reports were listing players on NFL and CFL rosters who were signaling they’d be open to returning to school.

But that appears to be off the table after Sweeney's clarification that said it was strictly about the players whose eligibility ended last school year. It did not extend beyond that — neither to rules regarding when athletes can enter the transfer portal nor to elements of the landmark House lawsuit settlement, which dictates how many players teams can put on rosters and how much schools can pay them.

The rulings out of U.S. District Court in Denver figures to impact sports differently. Football teams, for instance, have already started practice for this season, while baseball doesn't start for a while.

In making decisions, teams figure to factor the NCAA's appeal of Sweeney's order and whether to risk bringing back players who could then be declared ineligible if her decision is overturned.

NCAA President Charlie Baker issued a statement after Sweeney's initial ruling came out Friday, saying the ruling was potentially chaos-inducing and a reason Congress needs to pass the Protect College Sports Act. That bill, being considered in the Senate, includes lawsuit protection for the NCAA over eligibility rules, the likes of which they are defending in several courts around the country.

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AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports

The order leaves in place a declaration — rejected by a judge as improper self-dealing — giving Trump and his family retroactive immunity for any tax audits.

Trump says new talks to wind down the war in Iran will start Monday afternoon, after announcing he's holding off on another massive wave of strikes. His comments once again brought oil prices down on hopes of reviving shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Immigration remains a stronger issue for Trump than the economy or Iran, according to a new AP-NORC poll, even after three people were killed in encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement last month.

Here is the latest:

Trump calls Iran ‘unbelievably duplicitous’ with regard to peace talks

Trump is venting about the status of peace talks with Iran.

He criticized Iran's leadership for claiming that its meetings with Oman on Monday were focused solely on establishing a temporary route for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

The president previously said he held off on a massive weekend strike against Iran because there was another framework for a ceasefire and the full reopening of the strait to oil and natural gas tankers.

“Iranian Leadership is unbelievably duplicitous!” Trump posted on social media Monday. “They ask for a meeting, some would say “beg,” talks begin, with more scheduled in the immediate future, and they say, openly and proudly, that they’re not having any discussions, that nothing is being talked about, and they’re only dealing with ‘Oman.’”

Trump said whether “Iran wants to admit it or not, we are, in fact, talking” about preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Breakneck pace in immigration courts is driving up deportation orders

The Trump administration is packing immigration courtrooms with speedier hearings to clear a decades-long backlog in asylum claims. New data shows a historic rise in missed court dates and immediate deportation orders as judges struggle to keep up the pace.

Hundreds of immigrants’ cases a day are being assigned to individual judges as the number of “mega” master hearings significantly increase. More than 1,300 were held in June alone, a nearly threefold jump from the previous June, according to Mobile Pathways, a nonprofit that tracks immigration court data.

The data also shows that courts have severely cut preparation time in complex immigration proceedings, so people are missing hearings and being told they’ve abandoned their asylum claims at unprecedented rates.

Those who favor limiting immigration see this as a course-correction for a longstanding problem. But the nonprofit’s chief operating officer says cases are being closed without being heard.

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GOP holdouts say they will vote to advance Blanche’s nomination for attorney general

Two Republican senators who threatened to block acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s bid to lead the Justice Department said Monday that they will vote to advance his nomination, ending an impasse over plans to create a fund to compensate the president’s allies.

The statement from Republican Sen. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis came after Blanche issued an order late Sunday formally rescinding the $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to compensate people who believe they were unfairly prosecuted by the Justice Department.

Cornyn and Tillis had said they would not support Blanche’s nomination without written confirmation that the fund is dead.

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Trump stands to profit off US policy announcements by selling fast access to his social media posts

The president knows the world hangs on his every word. Now he wants you to pay for it.

Trump’s Truth Social business began selling sneak peeks of his social media posts on Saturday, offering early access to market-moving news to Wall Street traders willing to pay up. The move raises the prospect of big profits for Trump’s company, and big questions about insider trading and using public office for private gain.

Similar fast-speed feeds are sold by other social media firms and media providers, but Truth Social doesn’t just distribute the news, it makes it as Trump announces changes on everything from war to central bank leadership to tariffs.

“If this was the CEO of a public company, this would be jail time,” said Irene Aldridge, head of Able Alpha Trading.

Initial sales details may be disclosed when Truth Social’s parent company announces quarterly earnings.

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Democrats’ future is at stake as El-Sayed and Stevens make final push in Michigan

Tuesday’s Senate primary in Michigan between congresswoman Haley Stevens and public health official Abdul El-Sayed is one of the clearest tests yet of where Democratic voters want their party to go.

El-Sayed is a progressive backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders who’s run against much of the Democratic establishment. Stevens is backed by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and has made electability and experience central to her case.

The winner faces Republican Mike Rogers in November for an open seat Democrats likely need to hold to take control of the Senate next year.

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Trump decries negative public polling and claims he’s never been more popular

The U.S. president said on social media that independent surveys showing low approval ratings are false — denying a clear trend of lower support for Trump because of inflation and the Iran war, among other issues.

“My REAL Polling Numbers, not those made up by the Fake News Media, are the best they have ever been,” Trump asserted, providing no data to back up his claim.

The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that just 33% of U.S. adults approve of Trump. That survey from late July also showed a drop since the start of Trump’s second term in adults who “strongly approve” of him.

Contrary to the evidence of multiple surveys, Trump said his popularity is based on his income tax cuts, his job numbers, his efforts to secure the U.S. border with Mexico and his use of American military force in Venezuela and Iran.

Trump going to Los Angeles on Tuesday and speak in Las Vegas on Wednesday

The White House said the president will go to California and Nevada to talk up the economy and border security and slam Democrats ahead of the November elections.

Trump on Tuesday will attend a Republican National Committee dinner at the Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles.

On Wednesday, the president is slated to talk about the economy at Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas.

Falling oil prices help calm Wall Street’s inflation worries, while chip stocks get back to sinking

Oil prices are easing and helping to calm Wall Street’s worries that inflation could potentially get even worse. That has U.S. stock indexes rising early Monday, but several major chip stocks are falling again including Micron and AMD.

The S&P 500 rose 0.4%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 625 points, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2%. The price of a barrel of Brent crude fell 5.1% to $83.42 after Trump said over the weekend he would hold off on ordering new strikes against Iran at the urging of allies in the region. Treasury yields fell.

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Trump overhaul could gut Head Start preschool quality standards

The Trump administration is planning a dramatic overhaul of Head Start that would gut its quality standards, two people familiar with the deliberations said.

Head Start, established in the 1960s to help fight poverty, has long been considered by experts to be a gold standard for early education. It has more than 100 pages of regulations that cover everything from child-to-teacher ratios and child health screenings to family engagement.

The Republicans would replace these with around a dozen pages of rules that leave most specifics to state and local law, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is not yet public and they feared reprisal.

The draft rules would require more documentation from homeless or unemployed parents, and an early version would have barred even the U.S. citizen children of parents who are in the United States illegally.

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US dollar weakens sharply against Japanese yen after Trump intervenes in market

The U.S. dollar weakened sharply against the Japanese yen on Monday after Trump and Japan’s finance minister confirmed that both sides had intervened in markets.

The yen’s prolonged weakness against the dollar has been a source of frustration for Tokyo. Since Japan imports so much of what it consumes, a weak currency pushes prices higher. High oil prices have amplified pressure on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to do more to address the rising cost of living.

Normally, foreign exchange markets determine the relative values of currencies, and officials usually stay mum on any interventions, but Trump confirmed it on Sunday.

A weaker dollar makes U.S.-made goods more competitive. Analysts are describing the intervention as a “low-cost” way for Washington to pay a favor to a key U.S. ally.

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Blanche order keeps Trump’s ‘self-dealing’ immunity for any past tax audits

The document released by Blanche on Sunday night keeps a provision of the IRS settlement that provided broad tax-audit immunity for Trump and family, while limiting its scope.

It clarifies that the immunity “applies by its terms only retroactively” to claims open at the time of the settlement, and does not protect the president from examination of future tax filings.

On Friday, Trump’s attorneys notified a court they would appeal a judge’s scathing ruling that characterized the settlement of the president’s lawsuit against the IRS as an improper exercise in self-dealing.

The judge said that because Trump manipulated the court system by suing an agency he controls, the government cannot claim in official proceedings that the agreement resulted from a legitimate legal process.

Trump says talks on Iran war will begin on Monday after he holds off on ‘massive’ strikes

Trump said new talks to wind down the war in Iran and revive traffic through the Strait of Hormuz will start Monday afternoon, after announcing he is holding off on new massive strikes he had threatened to unleash on the country. Iranian state media, however, quoted the country’s foreign ministry as saying Tehran was not currently holding negotiations with the United States.

Israel struck the Gaza Strip again over the weekend, after the U.S. and Hamas said a deal was reached for the militant group to disarm, a potential step toward ending the war in Gaza that depends on Israel stopping its attacks. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted militant operatives.

Hospitals in Gaza said at least 17 people were killed, including children. A strike on one residential apartment killed three family members including a 4-year-old child, according to Nasser hospital, where the bodies arrived.

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Why immigration remains strong for Trump among Republicans, according to a new AP-NORC poll

Immigration remains a stronger issue for Trump than the economy or Iran, according to a new AP-NORC poll, even after three people were killed in encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in July.

Trump is not getting a glowing endorsement on his immigration approach from Americans overall, the new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found: Only 39% of U.S. adults approve of his performance on immigration, a decline from 49% at the beginning of his second term.

Despite that, about 8 in 10 Republicans continue to approve of how Trump is handling immigration. That’s a slight decline from the beginning of Trump’s second term, when about 9 in 10 Republicans approved, but his support within his base has been mostly stable despite a chaotic year of immigration enforcement actions.

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Iran déjà vu: Trump once again threatens massive escalation against Tehran only to walk back

Trump has played this hand before during the 5-month-old Iran war.

It starts with a grim warning to Tehran that he’s on the cusp of ordering U.S. forces to “obliterate” its power plants or seize key parts of its oil industry if its leaders don’t quickly agree to U.S. terms to end the war. It ends with him edging away with a last-minute declaration, sometimes at the behest of Gulf allies, that he’s going to give diplomacy more time.

The hardball strategy aims to create movement in negotiation through pressure and chaos. But the tactic is facing a challenge with an Iranian theocracy that believes it holds a higher threshold for strategic pain than Washington.

The latest episode began on Friday when Trump grimly declared that he was “losing faith” in negotiations with Iran and warned that the U.S. military “ will be hitting them very hard.”

But by late Saturday night, Trump declared on social media that there were signs of progress on reaching an agreement and so he was calling off a plan to carry out new, massive strikes for the time being.

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Blanche rescinds fund for Trump allies after GOP senators threaten to block his attorney general bid

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche finally put it in writing, issuing a formal order late Sunday terminating Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” to compensate his political allies. The move follows weeks of negotiations with two Republican senators who were blocking his nomination for the permanent job.

A spokeswoman for Texas Sen. John Cornyn confirmed the deal, which comes ahead of a Tuesday confirmation vote for Blanche’s nomination in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The other GOP senator, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, did not have immediate comment.

Blanche said at a June hearing that the Justice Department would not move forward with the fund to compensate those who believe they were unfairly prosecuted, as he faced bipartisan outrage over the possibility that violent rioters who attacked police at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, could be considered for payments. But Cornyn and Tillis, both members of the Judiciary panel, have said they wanted to see the promise in writing before they endorsed Blanche’s nomination — especially as Trump continued to express support for the idea.

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Infantino’s secretive proposal to raise $4.2 billion from investors including the New York investment firm of Joshua Kushner was dropped early Saturday, days after the revelation in media reports provoked a global furor.

UEFA led the backlash and on Thursday its 55 member federations met to agree boycotting all FIFA events and competitions while the proposal was active.

Now lawyers for UEFA have informed FIFA that the European body is “actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints ... arising out of and in connection with the FFE (FIFA Forward Enterprise) plan proposed by FIFA and all related matters.”

The letter dated Friday from the legal firm Dechert in New York was seen Monday by The Associated Press.

The letter named 18 FIFA executives who it said should retain data, documents and electronic messages as potential evidence. They include Infantino, Zurich-based chief finance officer Thomas Peyer and Arsène Wenger, the coaching great who is FIFA's head of global soccer development.

“UEFA puts you on formal notice that any destruction, deletion, alteration, concealment, or loss of relevant materials following receipt of this notice — or following any earlier date on which you were, or reasonably should have been, aware that proceedings were anticipated — may constitute spoliation of evidence,” the letter said.

Europe seeks rival candidate to lead FIFA

The Swedish soccer federation confirmed Monday that UEFA is actively looking "to come up with an alternative candidate” as FIFA president. The next election is scheduled in March.

On Saturday, UEFA signaled it wants to end Infantino’s decade-long presidency, saying he had lost the confidence of world soccer and that “no option should be off the table.”

Hours earlier, Infantino had withdrawn the divisive proposal that offered FIFA’s 211 member federations one-off payments of $20 million each with a mid-September deadline to accept.

The FFE spin-off valued by FIFA at $20 billion would have taken control of the soccer body’s money-making commercial and tournament operations through at least 2038. It promised to more than double development money over that time for the 211 members who already effectively own the Zurich-based not-for-profit governing body.

It was the project of just one man, FIFA’s chief operating officer Kevin Lamour said in a stinging statement Friday to the AP which said staff felt deceived by their boss Infantino.

Legal proceedings are “reasonably anticipated,” UEFA’s lawyer Andrew J. Levander wrote, citing the belief of soccer stakeholders that the plan was “fundamentally incompatible with the proper governance of football.”

Opposition to Infantino

UEFA has been most outspoken against its former employee Infantino while the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, the North and Central American and Caribbean soccer body, also have made strong statements to oppose Infantino’s plan.

Infantino has most support from his traditional base in Africa, while South America’s CONMEBOL is relying on him to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams from 48. That would give more hosting games to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, the home country of CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez.

Infantino's path to stabilizing the presidency he has held for 10 1/2 years was unclear Monday which began in New York with a report he was seeking support from the administration of his close ally U.S. President Donald Trump, possibly in a call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“There are no plans for @SecRubio to speak with Infantino and there is no call this morning,” Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, posted on social media.

A week is a long time in politics

The private equity plan has provoked a stunning turnaround in fortunes for Infantino since it was revealed last Tuesday by The Times of London.

The 56-year-old FIFA leader left New York after the World Cup final two weeks ago seemingly a lock to be re-elected unopposed next March for a fourth and final term in office through 2031.

The spin-off operation could have created a commissioner-like role for him beyond 2031 paying much more than his current $6 million annual salary and bonus deal as president.

FIFA briefed at the World Cup that Infantino had got pledged letters of support from about 200 of the 211 member federations.

Those letters are now likely being withdrawn across Europe with the Wales federation the first to announce its reversal.

The candidate deadline is Nov. 18 for an election exactly four months later in Morocco, one of Infantino's strongest allies and a co-host of the 2030 tournament with Spain and Portugal.

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

Bill targets food deserts, food-insecure communities

The legislation would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish the Fresh Bucks Pilot Program, awarding grants to states to fund the monthly payments. States applying for grants would be required to submit a plan for reaching low-access areas — including through mobile markets, delivery models and partnerships with community organizations or clinics.

Priority would be given to states targeting food-insecure communities, and the USDA would be required to ensure geographic diversity by awarding at least one grant to states in the Pacific Northwest, Northeast, Western, Midwest and Southern regions.

Who qualifies — eligibility requirements

To receive payments, households would need to earn 80% or less of the area median income, as determined by the USDA in consultation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Households already enrolled in SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — would automatically meet the income requirement and could be auto-enrolled with minimal additional paperwork.

The bill defines a household as one or more individuals living together who customarily purchase and prepare food at home. It also includes a special provision for college students under 18, who would be considered part of their parents’ or caregivers’ household for eligibility purposes.

How payments would work

Each eligible household would receive $60 per month, loaded onto an electronic benefits transfer card. Payments could only be spent within a 30-day window and must supplement — not replace — other benefits the household already receives.

Qualifying purchases would include fresh, frozen or dried fruits and vegetables with no added fat, sugar or salt; herbs; and plant starts that grow qualifying foods.

Eligible retailers would include farmers markets, independent grocers, farm stands, supermarkets and any other retailers the USDA deems appropriate.

What states could spend grant money on

States receiving grants could use the funds for administrative costs, including hiring staff, coordinating with community organizations, contracting with electronic benefits transfer card providers and producing culturally relevant, plain-language materials in multiple languages. Funds could also go toward technical and financial assistance for eligible retailers.

Study to track program’s impact

The USDA would be required to study the program’s effectiveness, collecting data from participating states on household demographics, food security levels before and after participation, daily fruit and vegetable consumption and barriers to access — including distance to retailers, transportation constraints and the availability and pricing of qualifying foods.

An initial report to Congress would be due between six months and one year after the bill’s enactment. A final report, due five years after enactment, would include a recommendation on whether to continue or expand the program.

Program set to expire after five years

The Fresh Bucks Pilot Program would terminate five years after the date of enactment unless Congress acts to extend it.

Who introduced the bill

Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington introduced the bill, joined by Reps. Alma Adams, Nanette Barragán, Chris Deluzio, Shomari Figures, Jahana Hayes, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Andrea Salinas, Adam Smith of Washington and Shri Thanedar. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Varsity 4 top 25 player countdown

10. Caleb Mattison

Position/school: RB/Bishop Kenny.

Class: Sr.

Height/weight: 5-10, 200.

Recruiting: Uncommitted.

Why he’s here: A three-star recruit by two of the four major recruiting outlets (247 Sports, Rivals), Mattison has produced from the moment he set foot on Bishop Kenny’s campus. Has rushed for 3,863 yards, 51 TDs in three seasons. Should be able to reach the 5,000-yard career rushing mark, a level reserved for the best backs in area history. Has nearly doubled rushing TD total by the season (from 7 to 16 to 28). Added 225 receiving yards, three TDs. First-team All-News4JAX selection last year and a third-teamer as a sophomore. Kenny will use his skills on defense this year, too.

11. Troy Butler

Position/school: Edge/Raines.

Class: Sr.

Height/weight: 6-2, 250.

Recruiting: Uncommitted.

Why he’s here: A Rivals three-star prospect who comes in ranked as the state’s No. 119 overall player. Had 69 tackles and 25 tackles for loss during the Vikings 14-0 season. Had five tackles, two for loss and a sack in that championship game win, 23-22 over Miami Northwestern. That sack was his 10th of the season. Forced five fumbles and recovered one to earn All-News4JAX first-team honors. Early commitment to Liberty but decommitted.

12. JC Wessel

Position/school: TE/Bolles.

Class: Jr.

Height/weight: 6-6, 227.

Recruiting: Uncommitted.

Why he’s here: A bit of a projection here. Wessel transferred to Bolles from Frederica Academy in Saint Simons Island. Had 18 catches for 338 yards, three touchdowns last year. Made 16 tackles on defense and picked up a sack. Consensus four-star prospect by the major recruiting services. In top seven consensus of national tight end rankings. As Bolles breaks in a largely new offensive line, Wessel will lend some much-needed size and blocking in the ground game. Former first-round pick Hayden Hurst is coaching tight ends at Bolles now, so expect Wessel to take a major step forward at the position.

13. Terrell Pinkney II

Position/school: ATH/Trinity Christian.

Class: Sr.

Height/weight: 6-4, 196.

Recruiting: Committed to USF.

Why he’s here: A three-star prospect by Rivals and 247 Sports, Pinkney’s recruiting picked up major steam after the 2025 season. He’s a safety/linebacker/corner hybrid for the Conquerors but can line up anywhere, even on offense, if needed. Pinkney showcased in a playoff win over University Christian last year that he can play corner very well, too. Pinkney intercepted a pass in the end zone to thwart a UC drive and added a pick-six in that game as well.

14. Zion Green

Position/school: ATH/Raines.

Class: Jr.

Height/weight: 6-4, 170.

Recruiting: Uncommitted.

Why he’s here: A major recruit in the Class of 2028 who has excellent size for a player in the secondary. Likely a cornerback or safety at the next level. He’s an On3 and 247 Sports four-star recruit and a three-star by ESPN and Rivals. Green is a top 160 national recruit by 247 Sports. He was a spot receiver last year and produced. Had just 12 catches for 269 yards and turned four of those grabs into TDs. Had four tackles last year. Really picked up recruiting steam after the Vikings’ 14-0 season that ended with a Class 3A state championship. Will be counted on to deliver far greater on both sides of the ball as a junior.

15. Knox Annis

Position/school: QB/Mandarin.

Class: Jr.

Height/weight: 6-3/210.

Recruiting: Committed to Miami.

Why he’s here: Annis was thrown to the fire as he unexpectedly began his varsity career just six quarters into his freshman season due to an injury to starter Tramell Jones Jr. The results were difficult. But Annis took a greater step forward last season, boosting his completion percentage by nearly 20 points. He’s coming off a 22-TD passing season. This is a huge growing season for Annis. He committed to Miami, and a school like that creates its own set of expectations. But he is poised to take another step in his journey.

16. Marcus Small

Position/school: OL/First Coast.

Class: Sr.

Height/weight: 6-7, 290.

Recruiting: Committed to Syracuse.

Why he’s here: A consensus three-star recruit, Small is ranked between the 51st (ESPN) and 120th (Rivals/On3) player in Florida this year. He’s not only big but he’s very versatile for the Buccaneers and head coach Jarvis Parker. Small can flip to left or right tackle and earned All-Gateway and first-team All-News4JAX honors last year. As Small goes, so will the First Coast offense.

17. Omari Lawson

Position/school: Zarephath Academy.

Class: Jr.

Height/weight: 6-6, 260.

Recruiting: Committed to Syracuse.

Why he’s here: Zarephath is a younger program, so seeing a player listed may be a bit of a shock. But Lawson is a talent who can’t be looked over just because of school size. Power Four programs across the country have zeroed in on Lawson. He’s a four-star prospect at tackle and may wind up being the area’s fifth-best recruit in a blockbuster 2028 class. Come next year, this ranking could seem laughably low.

18. Camden Tietze

Position/school: WR/Bolles.

Class: Sr.

Height/weight: 6-1, 180.

Recruiting: Committed to Marshall.

Why he’s here: A Rivals/On3 three-star prospect who came on strong during his first season with the Bulldogs. Had 35 catches for 689 yards and 11 TDs playing alongside electric playmaker Naeem Burroughs. Will open this season as the No. 1 target for QB Luke Toland. As a sophomore at Ponte Vedra, had 599 yards receiving and seven TDs.

19. Aiden Phifer

Position/school: QB/Nease.

Class: Jr.

Height/weight: 6-0, 190.

Recruiting: Committed to Northwestern.

Why he’s here: Phifer burst on the scene last year by passing for 2,003 yards and 20 TDs. He was a threat to break off a run, too. Phifer scored nine rushing TDs. He did it by going 9-3 against a tough schedule that included powerhouse Buchholz (twice), St. Augustine and Oakleaf. A Rivals/On3 three-star recruit, Phifer should continue to ascend as a dual-threat QB.

19. Julius LaRosa III

Position/school: DL/ University Christian.

Class: Sr.

Height/weight: 6-2, 260.

Recruiting: Committed to NC State.

Why he’s here: A multiyear force on the defensive line for the Christians, he’s got 24 career sacks and 43.5 tackles for loss. Recovered two fumbles and blocked a punt last year. Had 59 tackles last season and is up to 171 for his career. A consensus three-star recruit by the four major recruiting services and a top 140 player in Florida by those outlets.

21. Kindrid Outland

Position/school: DL/Mandarin.

Class: Sr.

Height/weight: 6-2, 270.

Recruiting: Committed to USF.

Why he’s here: He was all over the field last year for the Mustangs, earning a second-team All-News4JAX selection after racking up 62 tackles, 21 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. A three-star recruit by 247 Sports and Rivals/On3, Outland has serious muscle and pocket-busting interior presence.

22. Kyree Wilson

Position/school: ATH/University Christian.

Class: Senior.

Height/weight: 6-0, 190.

Recruiting: Committed to Toledo.

Why he’s here: Wilson has thrived as the No. 1 player at a small school (Christ’s Church) where he racked up 3,019 rushing yards and 32 TDs and added 74 combined tackles during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Wilson, a Rivals three-star prospect, spent his junior year at Mandarin in a two-back system and absolutely scorched teams when given the opportunity (9.1 yards per carry). He’s got 3,807 career rushing yards and 38 rushing TDs, and could join the exclusive 5,000-yard rushing club with a strong season. Factor in his work on defense in the secondary and he’s going to put up numbers all over the field for the Christians.

23. Kash Kolbow

Position/school: S/WR/Nease.

Class: Senior.

Height/weight: 6-1, 180.

Recruiting: Committed to UCF.

Why he’s here: He was a little bit of a do-it-all player on Nease’s defense in 2025. Kolbow had 68 total tackles and a couple of interceptions. He was sticky in coverage (23 passes defensed) and forced two fumbles. With as big graduation losses as the Panthers had on defense, Kolbow’s production is no doubt bound to keep ticking up.

24. King Boylston

Position/school: QB/Ed White.

Class: Sr.

Height/weight: 6-1, 195.

Recruiting: Uncommitted.

Why he’s here: Boylston isn’t rated by any of the major recruiting services, but he’s a player who should see his stock rise over the course of the year. He accounted for 38 TDs last season, passing for 25 and scampering for 13 more. Boylston passed for 2,091 yards and rushed for 712 more to help lead the Commanders to the mantle as the highest-scoring regular season team in state history.

25. Noah Ash

Position/school: Kicker, Ponte Vedra.

Class: Senior.

Height/weight: 5-11, 190.

Recruiting: Committed to Auburn.

Why he’s here: A placekicker among the area’s top players? You got that right. Ash is the area’s best player at his position, and one of the top recruits in the nation. He booted 11 field goals for the state semifinalist Sharks last year and had 74 touchbacks in 85 chances. Depending on the recruiting outlet, Ash ranks between fourth (247 Sports Composite) to sixth (Rivals/On3).

The General Assembly was set to begin debate on a proposed constitutional amendment intended to give Democrats greater latitude to draw congressional maps favoring their party, which currently represents seven of the state's eight House districts. The proposal would have to be approved by voters before lawmakers could begin considering new district lines.

Deep blue Maryland’s move, which the state's minority Republicans have called a blatant power grab, is the latest turn in the national battle over redistricting, which kicked off a year ago and has reshaped the U.S. House map ahead of this year’s midterms.

Democratic state Senate President Bill Ferguson blocked a different redistricting initiative earlier this year that could have put new maps in place before the fall elections, worried the move could backfire upon judicial review. But he has said his views shifted after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act in late April. That decision offered new grounds for Republicans to swiftly reconfigure districts in Southern states with large minority populations that have elected Democrats, moves that Ferguson called “painful” to watch.

“It felt like the unwinding of any type of democratic norms in the blink of an eye,” Ferguson said in an interview.

Deep blue Maryland could gain one seat

Maryland's lone Republican representative in Congress is Rep. Andy Harris, chairperson of the House Freedom Caucus. Harris' 1st District is centered on the mostly rural Eastern Shore, part of a scenic peninsula separated from the rest of the state by the Chesapeake Bay.

In 2021, lawmakers tried to remake the maps in a way that made Harris' district more competitive for a Democrat to win, drawing in communities across the bay. But a judge struck down those districts in 2022, calling them a “product of extreme partisan gerrymandering.”

In light of that decision and in hopes of avoiding future adverse legal rulings, lawmakers will consider legislation to amend the state constitution to make clear that the parameters the judge cited — including that districts be compact in form and have regard given to “natural boundaries” — apply only to General Assembly districts, not congressional ones.

If approved by a three-fifths vote of both chambers, the amendment would go before voters in the Nov. 3 general election. If approved there, lawmakers could revisit the congressional maps for the 2028 election cycle under the constitution’s new guidance.

Ferguson told reporters Monday that future changes to the maps could depend on the outcome of the November midterms.

Republicans say the move sets up a gerrymander

In advance of the special session, Republicans criticized the move by Democrats and raised concerns about limits set on testimony for the special session.

“We are very concerned with the significant limitations on witnesses, and the reality that any bill hearing is obviously intended to be a brief and meaningless formality,” House Minority Leader Jason Buckel said in a statement.

Harris, in an interview, said the “gerrymandering that this constitutional amendment sets up” would break up areas of common interest into districts predominated by urban and suburban areas, disenfranchising rural voters. Such a move would “of course” face a court challenge, he said.

Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat who has expressed frustration over lawmakers' refusal to redistrict earlier this year, cast the move as an urgent necessity in light of Republican moves elsewhere. The proposal currently before lawmakers will ultimately give voters, not “party bosses,” the final say, he said.

“And if the people determine that there’s nothing to do, then there’s nothing to do. But if the people determine that we move, we move,” he said in an interview as he became chair of the National Governors Association.

Redistricting reverberates around the country

Maryland’s special session is part of a new phase in a national redistricting battle that began a year ago, when President Donald Trump urged Republican-led states to redraw congressional districts to help the party hold on to its slim House majority in the midterm elections. Republicans think they could win as many as 16 additional seats from new House maps enacted in eight states — Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Florida, Tennessee, Louisiana and Alabama. Democrats, whose counterattack faced several setbacks, think they could win up to six additional seats from new districts in California and Utah.

Now some states, such as Maryland and New York, are taking steps to redraw congressional districts ahead of the 2028 elections. New York’s Democratic-led Legislature has approved a proposed constitutional amendment to authorize mid-decade redistricting, repeal prohibitions on partisan gerrymandering and make it easier for lawmakers to bypass an independent redistricting commission in the future. The measure needs another round of legislative approval next year before it can appear on a statewide ballot.

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Associated Press reporters David A. Lieb in Jefferson City, Missouri, and Steven Sloan in Oklahoma City contributed to this report.

Meanwhile, Congress has reintroduced legislation that the advocacy group says could reshape the program for decades to come.

Social Security 2100 Act returns to Congress

The Social Security 2100 Act is back on Capitol Hill, offering what supporters say is a sweeping package of long-term improvements for older Americans. The bill would raise benefits by 2%, lift the minimum benefit to 125% of the Federal poverty line, switch the COLA calculation to the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), and update the program’s benefits formula.

To keep the program solvent, the legislation would increase the Social Security payroll tax and extend it to cover income above $400,000 — moves TSCL says would shore up the program’s trust fund for an additional 32 years.

Bill addresses seniors’ top priorities

TSCL says its research has consistently found that large majorities of seniors want Congress to enact a general benefits increase and adopt an inflation index that more accurately reflects their day-to-day costs. It says the 2100 Act would do both.

Among the bill’s provisions, TSCL says the most impactful in the near term would be raising the minimum benefit to 125% of the Federal poverty line. In 2026, the Federal poverty line for a single-person household is $15,650 per year, or $1,304 per month. According to TSCL research, roughly 1 in 10 seniors — approximately 5.6 million people — currently survive on less than $1,000 per month.

TSCL Executive Director Shannon Benton called the legislation the benchmark for what meaningful reform should look like.

“Although the Social Security 2100 Act is unlikely to pass in the current Congress, it should,” Benton said. “The bill is the gold standard for Social Security reform and accomplishes the majority of changes older Americans want to see for the program.”

Benton pointed to rising senior poverty as a driving urgency behind the push for reform.

“The reality is that poverty is increasing rapidly among American seniors, who make up the fastest-growing portion of the homeless population,” she said. “Adjusting the minimum benefit to above the Federal poverty line would almost certainly slow this trend, although more holistic efforts may be required to stop it entirely.”

Window of opportunity — and a gap in relief

Benton also pointed to a narrow legislative window that could make action more likely in the coming years.

“Right now, we have a golden opportunity to act,” she said. “The 2026 Social Security Trustees Report projects that the program’s trust fund will reach insolvency in Q4 2032, forcing an automatic benefits cut. Congress will almost certainly have to pass a bill to address the program’s finances in the next few years, which provides a perfect chance to simultaneously shore up benefits for the next 100 years and continue the program’s legacy.”

Still, TSCL says the bill falls short in one critical area: immediate relief. The organization has long advocated for a one-time $1,400 stimulus payment for all American seniors to offset years of eroding buying power — something the 2100 Act does not include.

A separate measure, the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act, introduced this year, would address that gap more directly. That bill would increase benefits by $200 per month over six months, totaling $1,200.

Passage remains unlikely

Despite broad support from senior advocacy groups, the bill faces steep odds. The Social Security 2100 Act was first introduced in 2017, and the legislative tracking platform GovTrack gives the 2026 version a 0% chance of passing.

Monday's witnesses included emergency room doctors who treated Clancy and two of her children, building on testimony some of their colleagues gave for the prosecution last week.

Witnesses in ensuing days could shed more light on the mental health issues at the heart of the case. Clancy's defense says she was a loving mother who was overmastered by postpartum psychosis, a dangerous psychiatric condition that afflicts a small proportion of women after childbirth and affects their hold on reality.

Prosecutors contend that she acted intentionally and should be held criminally responsible for the deaths of Callan, Dawson and Cora Clancy, who ranged in age from 8 months to five years.

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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.

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Clancy, 35, wept at the defense table as ex-husband Patrick Clancy and other witnesses testified last week about the killings.

He found the children in the basement of the family's home in Duxbury, Massachusetts, and their mother gravely injured in the yard. She had jumped out a second-floor window and remains paralyzed from the waist down.

Dr. Michael Snyder recalled Monday how Cora had no heartbeat and was declared dead soon after arriving at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center-Plymouth. Eight-month-old Callan was “cold on arrival,” “quite limp” and showed signs of brain swelling.

“It was believed he was strangled and, when he arrived at Plymouth, he was in cardiac arrest,” said Dr. Andrew Capraro of Boston Children’s Hospital, where Callan had been transferred. Callan needed a ventilator to help him breathe but did have a heartbeat. He died three days later.

Lindsay Clancy’s lawyers don’t dispute that she killed the children. But in the criminal trial and a medical malpractice lawsuit, her attorneys have said that she had bipolar disorder that wasn’t fully diagnosed until after the killings and that her condition seemed to worsen on an ever-shifting lineup of psychiatric prescriptions, some of them problematic for bipolar patients.

In the three months before the January 2023 killings, various clinicians prescribed Lindsay Clancy a range of antidepressants, sleep aids, an antipsychotic and other medications while she reported increasingly profound insomnia, anxiety, despair and confusion about what was real, according to her lawsuit.

Defendant sought help for postpartum depression

When she sought care at a postpartum depression program in late December 2022, providers noted that her symptoms might be due to medication, according to her lawsuit. It says those clinicians told her to taper off the antipsychotic drug and then discharged her after a day.

Clancy checked herself into a psychiatric hospital that New Year’s Eve and spent several days there. Once home, she resumed appointments with her psychiatrist, who last saw her for 17 minutes on Jan. 23, 2023, according to her lawsuit.

The next day, she believed a commanding voice was telling her to “kill the children so you can kill yourself,” according to her lawyers.

That evening, she asked her husband to run some errands, a request that prosecutors cast as a ploy to get him out of the house. In a rare site visit this past Friday, jurors passed the businesses to which he went, and then they were escorted through the Cape Cod-style home where the Clancys lived.

Father returns home to a shocking scene

In anguished testimony, Patrick Clancy told jurors last week about returning to a horrible scene at that house: a bloodied bedroom, an open window, his wife on the ground below it, the children in the basement, throttled with exercise bands.

“She killed the kids!” he told a 911 dispatcher on a call played in court.

In separate lawsuits, Lindsay and Patrick Clancy allege that various providers failed her and should have recognized she was a risk to herself and the children. The providers, at least those who have responded to date, deny the allegations and dispute that she clearly told them she intended to harm the children.

Prosecutor Shanan Buckingham sought in an opening statement last week to keep jurors' focus on the defendant, not her doctors.

“This is not a public debate about women’s mental health and how the medical system treats women,” Buckingham said.

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.

For most people, mosquito bites are more of a nuisance than a serious health concern. But some individuals develop a stronger allergic reaction known as skeeter syndrome, which can lead to more severe symptoms.

Understanding how mosquito bites affect the body -- and how to recognize skeeter syndrome -- can help you better protect yourself and manage symptoms.

Why do mosquito bites itch?

Female mosquitoes bite humans and animals because they need blood to produce eggs. During their short lifespan of just a few weeks, they require multiple blood meals.

When a mosquito pierces the skin, it injects saliva that contains proteins. These proteins can trigger an allergic reaction in the body.

For most people, this results in a small bump that appears within minutes and causes itching for a day or two.

Skeeter syndrome vs. normal bites

While most mosquito bites typically cause only mild irritation, some people are hypersensitive to the proteins in mosquito saliva.

Skeeter syndrome can cause more intense symptoms, including:

• Severe itching.
• Significant swelling.
• Blistering.
• Soreness beyond the bite area.
• Flu-like symptoms that include fatigue.
• Fever.
• Swollen lymph nodes.

If symptoms become severe or do not improve with home treatment, it’s important to contact your doctor or visit an urgent care center.

In rare cases, mosquito bites can trigger a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms like throat swelling, wheezing, difficulty breathing or fainting after a bite mean you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Severe reactions are more common in children and people with weakened immune systems. Some people might also react more strongly when bitten by a mosquito species they have not encountered before. Skeeter syndrome and anaphylaxis can also happen if you are bitten by many mosquitoes in a short time.

At-home treatments

Even a single mosquito bite can be uncomfortable -- and multiple bites can be unbearable. The following tips can help reduce itching and swelling:

• Wash the bite area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
• Avoid scratching, which can increase the risk of infection.
• To reduce itching, use oatmeal, calamine-based lotions, over-the-counter cortisone or other anti-itch cream.
• Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the bite.
• Consider over-the-counter antihistamines to help reduce the allergic response.

If symptoms persist longer than expected or worsen despite home treatment, contact your health care provider or visit urgent care.

How to prevent skeeter syndrome

The most effective way to prevent skeeter syndrome and mosquito-borne illnesses is to avoid mosquito bites altogether.

If you spend most of your time indoors, make sure window and door screens are properly installed and in good condition.

When heading outside, these strategies can help reduce exposure:

1. Know when mosquitoes are active. Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid conditions and are typically most active from dawn to dusk. However, some species are active in the evening and at night as well.
2. Avoid areas with standing water. Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water, so you’re more likely to encounter them near puddles, ponds, marshes and lakes. Around your home, reduce standing water by emptying items like flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, trash containers, wading pools and clogged gutters.
3. Cover up and treat clothing. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing that covers your arms and legs when outdoors. Dark and bright colors may attract mosquitoes. You can also treat clothing with permethrin, an insecticide that repels and kills mosquitoes and ticks. It is safe for use on clothing and remains effective even after washing. Mosquito netting can provide added protection for babies and small children in strollers.
4. Use repellents as directed. Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains ingredients like DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Always follow label instructions. Always apply as directed, as some repellents are not recommended for children under 3 years old. Avoid applying repellent to your hands, eyes, mouth or broken skin. If you are also using sunscreen, apply it before insect repellent.

Taking these precautions can help reduce the risk of mosquito bites -- and the more serious reactions associated with skeeter syndrome -- so you can safely enjoy time outdoors.

So far we’ve been able to confirm seven adults and one pet are displaced following the fire. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in the fire.

Initial reports say it was only one building at the complex near the intersection of Firestone Road and Wheat Road.

Crews say the fire is contained.

Counties are required to offer early voting Aug. 8-15 but can offer additional days before and after that window (see the schedule by county below). Some counties will offer an additional day of early voting on Sunday, Aug. 16.

Voters can also vote by mail, if they request a mail-in ballot by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6.

Florida is a closed primary state, meaning that in most cases, you must already be registered with a specific party to vote in one of that party’s primary contests.

However, the primary also includes numerous races that will be open to all voters, regardless of party affiliation. That includes school board and judicial contests, as well as races for certain local offices.

In addition, in races where all of the candidates are of one party, with no unaffiliated or write-in candidates, the party primary will be open to all voters, since the primary will decide the office-holder.

To find your sample ballot so you can see what races you’re eligible to vote in, go to your county’s supervisor of elections page (linked below).

Eligible voters can vote at any early voting location within their county. You must bring one or two forms of valid and current identification that include your signature and photo.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Florida Driver License
• Florida ID Card (issued by DHSMV)
• U.S. Passport
• Debit or Credit Card
• Military ID
• Student ID
• Retirement Center ID
• Neighborhood Association ID
• Public Assistance ID
• Veteran Health ID (issued by the US Department of Veterans Affairs)
• Concealed Weapon License (issued pursuant to F.S. 790.06)
• Employee ID card issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the Federal Government, the state, a county, or a municipality.

If you show up without an ID, you can cast a “provisional” ballot, which is then evaluated by a canvassing board that decides if the ballot is eligible.

Each county’s planned early voting dates are listed below. For locations and hours, click the link for each county, or use the map below.

• Alachua County: August 7-15
• Baker County: August 8-15
• Bradford County: August 3-16
• Clay County: August 8-15
• Columbia County: August 8-15
• Duval County: August 7-16
• Flagler County: August 8-15
• Nassau County: August 6-15
• Putnam County: August 3-15
• St. Johns County: August 8-15
• Union County: August 8-15

The decision late Sunday marks a victory for the Trump administration as it races ahead with efforts to build a $46 billion wall along the U.S.-Mexico border from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

The town of Presidio, with a population of about 3,200 people, argued the wall could cause flooding and that the administration isn’t following the law as it rushes forward with its plans. The town’s development district sued earlier this year to stop the department from going forward with construction.

But the judge said in his ruling Sunday that they were unlikely to succeed on the merits of the case.

“For the foregoing reasons, despite the understandable concerns expressed by the plaintiff regarding the harms it and the plaintiff’s residents might sustain by the potential construction of the Smart Wall, the Court is compelled to deny the plaintiff’s motion for a stay,” wrote Judge Reggie B. Walton.

DHS has been charging forward with its wall-building plan with senior administration officials saying a first layer of the structure will be done by next year. In its push, the Secretary of Homeland Security has waived numerous regulations designed to protect the environment, wildlife, archaeological and Native American sites.

But the department has been running into opposition by landowners, environmental groups, Native American tribes and others who argue that the government’s rapid construction endangers environmental and religious sites and a way of life along the border. Opponents also question the urgency to finish the wall when migrant crossings from Mexico are already at extreme lows.

Lawyers for Presidio's development district argued in a court hearing that the government’s plans could compromise the levee system protecting the town from flash flooding and that the government flouted a key act that requires it to seek permission from the Army Corps of Engineers before building on or near the levees.

“We are very disappointed that the court will allow this potentially disastrous construction to continue, but we remain committed to protecting the Big Bend area and those who rely on the threatened levees," said the town's development district in a statement Monday.

Presidio is protected by a series of berms and levees built in the 1970s and 1980s along the Rio Grande and tributaries to combat flooding.

In court documents, Presidio’s development district said Customs and Border Protection plans to “replace the earthen slope of the existing levee with a concrete wall, with 30-foot steel bollard panels installed on top.” The district said it asked the agency for more details but was told they can’t be shared due to “national security.”

The government has argued that there is no final plan for where the border wall will go or how it will be built. And the administration has maintained that it has the authority given to it by Congress to waive a vast swath of regulations to build the wall as it seeks to get the number of people crossing the border every day to zero.

In his ruling, the judge bolstered that argument, saying that it was clear "that Congress did not intend to limit the Secretary of DHS’s waiver authority."

The government is also facing another lawsuit in Texas where an environmental group and a church preservation group have teamed up to oppose DHS’s plans.

Persistent drought and successive extreme heat waves have deprived one of Europe's largest rivers of water, pushing the Danube's levels in Hungary's capital Budapest to around 10 centimeters (4 inches) on Monday, well below the previous all-time low of 33 centimeters (13 inches) set in 2018.

Water levels are not expected to rise on the Danube in the coming days or even weeks as no significant rainfall is forecast, and as a renewed extreme heat wave bears down on the region with daytime highs topping 38 Celsius (100 Fahrenheit), electricity and water use are on the rise.

Hungary's Paks nuclear plant on brink of shutdown

The Danube's record low levels have pushed Hungary's only nuclear power plant, the Soviet-built, four-reactor plant at Paks, to the brink of powering down entirely for the first time in its 44 years in service.

The Paks plant, which uses water from the Danube to cool its reactors, on Monday was producing only 240 megawatts of power rather than the usual 2,000. In video posted to Facebook on Monday, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said engineers had managed to keep the plan’s final operating turbine temporarily running, averting an expected shutdown on the weekend.

“This is very good news, because the complete shutdown of the Paks power plant can still be avoided, at least temporarily, on one of the biggest consumption days,” he said, adding that a full power-down was likely on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The Paks plant, located around 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of Budapest, accounts for nearly half of Hungary’s electricity production and around a third of its consumption. Hungary has relied on regional electricity imports as well as renewable sources to try to make up for the deficit from the Paks plant.

Hungary’s government last week asked major industrial users to curb their electricity consumption and sought voluntary savings from households in order to conserve supply, particularly in peak demand hours between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

It also announced that electric-powered freight trains would not be permitted to run during peak hours beginning on Monday in order to conserve an estimated 70 to 90 megawatt-hours of electricity per day.

While conservation measures were initially voluntary, Magyar’s government on Saturday issued a decree allowing for them to be made mandatory for large industrial or commercial consumers.

He said Monday that the conservation push had resulted in 700 fewer megawatts of electricity being used the previous day, and thanked Hungarians for their efforts.

Serbia and Romania grapple with low Danube levels

Meanwhile, plants in neighboring countries have also seen dramatic drops in power generation, as well as disruptions to shipping and agriculture.

Romania’s military on Monday used 180 kilograms (397 pounds) of explosives to blast rock near the Danube’s Bala Canal in order to redirect water into the river’s main channel and toward the state-owned Cernavoda nuclear power plant.

The Danube's water flow has fallen to 1,500 cubic meters per second in Romania, less than a third of its July average. Authorities have already shut down one reactor unit at the Cernavoda plant, which is operating at about half its normal capacity.

Acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced a nationwide state of alert in the energy sector on Friday, and warned that the Danube’s low water levels threatened the shutdown of Cernavoda’s second reactor. He appealed to citizens to voluntarily limit electricity usage in peak evening hours.

After meeting with major industrial consumers on Monday, Bolojan said carmakers Dacia and Ford had gone into maintenance and halted auto production until Aug. 19, while other companies agreed to reduce their energy usage during peak hours.

In Serbia, record-low Danube levels have pushed the country’s key hydroelectric plant to operate with only 20% of its capacity, prompting Prime Minister Djuro Macut to preside over an emergency meeting on Monday focusing on energy problems.

Macut appealed to residents to “minimize the use of big consumers of electricity in their homes, such as air conditioners.” He described the situation in a statement late on Sunday as “serious and demanding.”

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Associated Press writers Jovana Gec in Belgrade, Serbia, and Stephen McGrath in Leamington Spa, England, contributed to this report.

The 54-year-old Pochettino, who took over the national team in October 2024, led the U.S. to the round of 16 at this year's World Cup, where the tournament co-hosts were eliminated in a 4-1 loss to Belgium.

Still, he helped the seeded U.S. team to a pair of firsts in the expanded 48-nation tournament, clinching advancement from the group stage with a game to spare and winning three games in a single World Cup. The team captivated American fans with excited audiences in stadiums and record television viewers.

“The magic thing that happened during the World Cup, the connection with the people, of course with the whole organization and everything was a key point,” Pochettino said during a Zoom news conference from his home in Barcelona, Spain.

Since reaching the quarterfinals at the 2002 World Cup, the U.S. has lost four round-of-16 games.

“What we learn(ed) is that we can compete, that we have the quality and we have the talent,” Pochettino said. “We were so close. That gap with the best teams in the world is not too big.”

Pochettino said there is potential to make soccer in the U.S. “grow and grow and grow and be one of the important sport(s) in America, like it is in the rest of the world.”

“We have players and organization that can compete with the best organization in the world in that sport,” he said. “We learned that the fans are amazing and when they were so excited to discover a sport that made our fans become crazy, no? The connection was amazing.”

Pochettino views the next cycle as a new start for a program lacking quality depth at goalkeeper and central defender.

“It is going to be important to provide the young kids that we really believe (in) that they have the potential to arrive in 2030, in four years,” he said.

Before taking the U.S. job, Pochettino coached Espanyol (2009-12), Southampton (2013-14), Tottenham (2014-19), Paris Saint-Germain (2021-22) and Chelsea (2023-24).

When Pochettino replaced Gregg Berhalter two years ago, he signed an initial contract through the 2026 World Cup. Pochettino said ahead of the tournament that he had discussed a possible new deal with the USSF. He also said in May that his agent had spoken with AC Milan, a club that then hired Rúben Amorim.

Pochettino, who has homes in Spain and London, said he may move to the U.S. He intends to stay with the American team until 2030 but left himself an out.

“Four years time is a really long period. You never know what can happen in soccer,” he said. “Today people really love you. In eight weeks time, maybe that change(s), that feeling."

He has led the U.S. to 17 wins (including a penalty-kick victory), 13 losses and one draw. Twenty-three of 62 players to appear under Pochettino have accounted for the team’s 57 goals.

“We know we have a lot of work to do to achieve our clear ambitions, including competing to win Men’s World Cups and having soccer become the most played sport in every community,” USSF CEO JT Batson said in a statement.

Hedge fund manager Ken Griffin is again the lead philanthropic funder supporting Pochettino’s contract with additional support by Scott Goodwin, Adam Freede and commercial partners. Pochettino earned just over $5 million in his first seven months as coach, according to the U.S. Soccer Federation tax return.

U.S. coaches have not been successful when they remained for a second World Cup cycle.

After leading the Americans to the 2002 quarterfinals, Bruce Arena was unable to get his team past the group stage in 2006.

Bob Bradley helped the U.S. reach the round of 16 in 2010, then was fired a year later after the team lost the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.

Jurgen Klinsmann took over and in December 2013 was given an extension through the 2018 World Cup. The Americans reached the round of 16 in 2014 but Klinsmann was fired in late 2016 after the U.S. lost its first two games in the final round of qualifying. Arena returned but the U.S. failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Berhalter was hired in late 2018 and led the Americans to the round of 16 in 2022. Given a new contract in 2023, he was fired a year later after the U.S. failed to advance past the group stage at Copa America.

“We are going to demand more from them," he said of the players. “We are not going to be in some situation(s) not flexible like we were because before it was (for) the benefit of players, benefit of structures that were already built. But now it’s about to start the house from zero.”

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Wildfires west of Athens jumped containment lines, a day after a midair collision between two helicopters killed two crew members.

A Greek and a Danish national died and two others were hospitalized in the helicopter collision. All four were private operators chartered by the Greek firefighting service.

In France, firefighters in the region around Bordeaux guarded against potential flare-ups inside a still-burning scar four times the size of Paris.

A prolonged heat wave and lack of rainfall led to the driest July in England and Wales in nearly 200 years of recordkeeping, according to provisional statistics, the U.K.’s weather service said Monday.

All of Wales and more than half of England are officially in drought, the Met Office said. The dry spell was accompanied by sweltering temperatures across much of the U.K., following heat waves in May and June.

Wales tied its record for its warmest mean temperature for July while England and the U.K. recorded their second-warmest July.

Athens area remains at high risk with hundreds evacuated

Strong winds returned to southern Greece late Monday, pushing flames into mountain home clusters, destroying farms and property, and closing a highway.

Areas surrounding Athens remain at high risk through the week with temperatures set to rise further. More than 1,000 people have been evacuated from around the seaside resort of Porto Germeno and other areas west of the capital – including more than 250 rescued by boats from beaches in the area.

“This is a difficult fire that has troubled us,” Fire Service spokesman Yiannis Artopios said, adding that 12 water-dropping planes and 11 helicopters were operating in the area Monday.

The blaze was blamed on a faulty power line from a wind farm and led to the arrests of two contractors on charges of negligent arson.

Despite improved detection methods and expanded cooperation among European Union members, Greece and other countries along Europe's Mediterranean coast suffer devastating wildfires every summer as spells of heat wave temperatures grow longer.

Europe is Earth’s fastest-warming continent, heating at more than twice the global average since the 1980s, according to the European Union’s Copernicus climate service. Rising temperatures and prolonged drought leave vegetation drier and more combustible, allowing fires to spread faster and burn more intensely.

Massive blaze in France contained as evacuees return home

In France, thousands of evacuees were allowed to return home or to holiday accommodation Monday after a massive wildfire remained contained. More than 224,000 people had fled in what officials said was the country’s largest civilian evacuation outside wartime.

The wildfire burned about 420 square kilometers (162 square miles), making it France’s largest wildfire on record. Monday's return includes Cap Ferret peninsula, a tourist hot spot along the Atlantic coast, and Le Porge, the municipality hardest hit by the fire, where 183 homes were destroyed. Campsites remain closed.

A second wildfire in Provence did not flare up overnight, but was still not contained Monday as stronger winds were expected, firefighters and authorities said. About 1,500 firefighters, supported by water-dropping helicopters, continued reinforcing fire lines along the blaze that tore through about 18 square kilometers (7 square miles).

The European Forest Fire Information System said the risk of wildfire remains high across parts of the continent through Aug. 5, including in traditionally cooler northern countries.

Firefighters in the Netherlands were battling a large blaze Monday in a forest in the southern province of Limburg, authorities said, as the country sweltered through another day of hot, dry summer weather. The national railway operator halted trains between two towns in the area due to the fire.

The Dutch air force sent two Chinook helicopters equipped with large water containers to help firefighters tackle the blaze in the Netherlands. Media reported that a campsite in the area was evacuated due to poor air quality caused by a large plume of smoke.

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Corbet reported from Paris. Elena Becatoros in Athens, Thomas Adamson in Paris, Mike Corder in The Hague, Netherlands and Brian Melley in London contributed.

The office replaces the former Kernan location, which closed July 24, and will replace the Hogan branch when that location closes Sept. 2. The St. Johns Square branch offers a larger, modern facility intended to improve convenience and accessibility for customers, the office said.

The full-service branch will provide:

• Driver license and ID card services, including road tests
• Vehicle registration and title services
• Property tax payments
• Local business tax services
• Animal licenses
• Hunting and fishing licenses
• Parking citation payments

“Our new St. Johns Square Branch represents our continued investment in providing exceptional service to the residents of Duval County,” Overton said. “This modern facility gives our customers more space, improved accessibility, and the same outstanding service they have come to expect from our team.”

The branch will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Customers are encouraged to schedule appointments online or use the Tax Collector’s “Join the Line” feature for same-day service; the tool sends text updates so visitors can wait wherever is convenient.

Many services are also available 24 hours a day at www.duvaltc.com. Vehicle registrations can also be renewed at self-service kiosks in select Publix stores around Duval County. For more information, call (904) 255-5700.

Meanwhile, six people were killed by Ukrainian drone debris in Arkhipo-Osipovka, a small town on Russia’s Black Sea coast in the Krasnodar region, regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev said, adding that 40 others were wounded.

Three other people were killed and two were wounded in Ukraine's overnight attack on the illegally annexed Crimea, said the peninsula’s Russian-installed head, Sergei Aksyonov. He gave no details.

Neither side’s claims could be independently verified.

Zelenskyy outlines Ukraine's war strategy

Ukraine’s innovative long-range drone technology developed during the war has enabled Kyiv to sign military cooperation agreements with nine countries, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday.

Under the deals, Ukraine receives long-term funding for its defense industry while partner countries get new defense capabilities, he said, adding that agreements with 15 other countries are being negotiated.

Ukraine is using its long-range strike drones to hit targets deep inside Russia in an effort to push Russian President Vladimir Putin into seeking a peace settlement, Zelenskyy said in a speech to Ukrainian diplomats.

“We will work very hard to make that happen this fall,” he said.

Ukraine wants countries to adopt heavier international sanctions on Moscow, but existing sanctions also need tightening to prevent Russian companies from exploiting loopholes, he said.

Zelenskyy also announced he is appointing Rustem Umerov, who has been involved in U.S. diplomatic efforts to stop the war, as head of the Foreign Intelligence Service.

Russia's glide bombs are big and hard to stop

Russia has used glide bombs against Ukrainian towns and cities since it invaded its neighbor more than four years ago. The Soviet-era bombs are retrofitted with guidance systems and can carry up to 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds) of explosives, leaving huge craters. Ukraine has no effective countermeasures.

The Sunday evening onslaught on Zaporizhzhia killed a 71-year-old woman and wounded 31 people, including a 16-year-old girl, as the glide bombs damaged 22 apartment buildings in four districts of the city, Fedorov said.

While Moscow’s forces have captured the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and hold other parts of the region, its capital city of the same name remains in Ukrainian hands. It is one of the four regions, along with Donetsk, Kherson and Luhansk, that Russia illegally annexed in September 2022 even though its forces do not completely control them.

Other large-scale damage of civilian areas has resulted from Russian ballistic missiles, and late Sunday Zelenskyy made another urgent plea for countries to send Ukraine more U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems.

Only Patriot interceptors can reliably stop ballistic missiles, but they are in short supply due to the Iran war.

“The United States knows what we need. Europe knows what we need. Anti-ballistic missiles must protect people — not sit in stockpiles," Zelenskyy said on social media.

U.S. President Donald Trump last week appeared to back off from his earlier commitment to give Ukraine a license to make Patriots itself. He said Friday that he hasn’t made a final decision.

Zelenskyy has suggested an alternative to Trump whereby Elon Musk allows Ukraine to use Starlink satellites to target ballistic missile launch sites inside Russia. Officials haven't publicly said whether that is being considered.

Russia attacked Ukraine with 181 long-range strike drones overnight from Sunday to Monday, according to the Ukrainian air force. It said air defenses jammed and intercepted 163 drones, but 14 caused damage at 13 locations.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces struck four bulk carriers carrying cargo for the Ukrainian armed forces, including three in waters of the Black Sea and one in the port of Mykolaiv, but provided no further information.

Ukraine's long-range drone strikes cause more damage

Ukrainian drones also struck another major warehouse belonging to Wildberries, Russia’s biggest online shopping company. The strike was part of a campaign that has hit more than a dozen of the retailer’s distribution hubs and severely disrupted its business.

A Wildberries warehouse in the Vladimir region east of Moscow caught fire in the latest attack, the company said Monday. Three people were injured, Vladimir Gov. Alexander Avdeyev said.

Ukrainian drones also struck the Saratov oil refinery in southwestern Russia, Zelenskyy said. Kyiv has repeatedly targeted that refinery, and many others, since last year as it tries to choke fuel supplies to the Russian army and deny Moscow income from oil exports.

Zelenskyy said the Engels military air base near Saratov, the main base for Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers, and other places inside Russia, including fuel storage tanks at the Lyudinovskaya oil depot in Russia’s Kaluga region, were targeted.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Monday reported that its air defenses overnight intercepted 131 Ukrainian drones over a number of Russian regions, as well as Crimea and the Black Sea.

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Follow the AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Sony on Sunday projected that “Spider-Man” would net an estimated $355 million in its first weekend playing in 4,487 theaters, just barely missing the 2019 “Avengers: Endgame” record of $357 million. But the fourth Spider-Man movie starring Tom Holland had a stronger than expected Sunday and ultimately came in ahead.

Tom Rothman, the chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group said in a statement, “records are made to be broken, but we will take great pride in this one, for as long as we hold it.”

Before “Avengers: Endgame,” no movie had opened over $300 million domestically. The previous record holders were “Avengers: Infinity War,” which launched with $257 million in 2018, and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ($247 million in 2015). In December 2021, during the pandemic, the third Holland Spider-Man movie “No Way Home,” earned a place on the list with a $260 million debut on its way to $1.9 billion globally.

The high-earning combination of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey,” which share actors Holland, Zendaya and Jon Bernthal, also propelled a record weekend overall for movie theaters in the U.S. and Canada.

According to Rentrak, the domestic box office overall is up over 15% from last year with over $6.2 billion in ticket sales to date.

Democratic incumbent Kimberly Daniels drew one challenger, Rhian Tutson, also a Democrat. As no other candidates qualified in this race, the August primary will be a Universal Primary Contest, open to all voters in the district.

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

Kimberly Daniels

Occupation: International speaker and author

Age: 65

Family: Four beautiful children

Education: Florida State University, Bachelor’s Degree, Criminology; MA, Christian Education; DCC, Christian Counseling

Political experience: 15 years as an elected official.

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

Affordable housing, job security, and public health and safety.

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

Through experience, results, and passion for my constituents, I have been able to pass bills and raise millions of dollars for my community. I also thank God for the opportunity to visit our prison system and to spearhead services for those incarcerated and their families. My unique background as a war veteran also gives me insight on how to meet the needs of Floridian veterans, who have greatly benefited from disability workshops that I have sponsored with the veterans’ administration.

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

I hope to be remembered as an elected official that my constituents can trust.

Campaign website: (None given)

Campaign social media: (None given)

Rhian Tutson

Occupation: Duval County Public Schools - Investigator

Age: 35

Family: Husband - Kris

Sons - Kennedy (11 years) and Zaccai (2 years)

Daughters - Amaya (15 years) and Zoey (11 months)

Education: Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Political experience: None

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

Public safety reform, affordability, and government accountability. On public safety, I’m bringing 15+ years of frontline experience as a former Florida Highway Patrol Trooper and Traffic Homicide Investigator and DCF Child Protective Investigator — my Come Home Act would end mandatory minimums statewide, eliminate cash bail, and properly staff FHP. On affordability, my Reclaim and Restore Act directs real investment into historically redlined Northside and Westside communities, and my Families First Act tackles childcare costs and paid parental leave. On accountability, I’m pushing the Nothing But the Truth Act to protect educators from misuse of state statutes and the Citizen Legislator Amendment to end career politicians clinging to power instead of serving people.

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

I’ve lived the systems I’m asking to fix from the inside. I’ve investigated child welfare cases, worked traffic fatalities as a state trooper, and now investigate misconduct allegations for Duval County Public Schools — I’m not theorizing about broken systems, I’ve worked inside them and seen exactly where they fail families. I also sit on the Jacksonville Housing and Community Development Commission, so I understand how local and state policy connect on the ground in District 14.

I’m also running this campaign accountable to the people of District 14, not to PAC money. My fundraising is built around “$14 for District 14″ — small, grassroots contributions from the people I’ll actually answer to in Tallahassee. That means my votes won’t be for sale to whoever writes the biggest check. My loyalty is to my constituents, period.

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

Igniting real, lasting change for the people of District 14 — not just passing bills, but rebuilding trust between government and the communities it’s supposed to serve. I’d want to be remembered for proving that someone who spent her career protecting people in crisis could go to Tallahassee and actually deliver for Northside, Westside, and Downtown Jacksonville — safer streets, stronger schools, and a government that finally invests in its people instead of overlooking them.

Campaign website: www.ratutson.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram

News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each party 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

LaShonda “L.J.” Holloway

Occupation: Supreme Court Mediator and Arbitrator

Age: 56

Family: Fourth of six generations in Duval County.

Education: Juris Doctorate-University of Florida Levin College of Law

Post graduate studies at Harvard University School of Public Health (Epidemiology and Biostatistics)

Political experience: (No answer)

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

(No answer)

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

I am the ONLY CANDIDATE who has FEDERAL EXPERIENCE and the work and scope of the U. S. House of Representatives from Member to Constituent Services to make laws and control spending.

I not only worked for Congresswoman Carrie Meek who was on the Appropriations Committee. I also worked for the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency in both the Clinton and Reagan administration(s).

Further, I negotiated the largest deal in history at U. S. Customs (at the time) as an Account Executive at Lexis Nexis and served as a Director in the Executive Office of the Mayor in Washington, D. C. during the Fenty Administration further enhancing my skills and abilities in Government.

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

I hope to be remembered as the Representative who served the will of the PEOPLE and did NOT accept PAC money.

As the Member of Congress who made the lives of Americans better and more affordable for working families.

Campaign website: www.hollowayforcongress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Michael Kirwan

Occupation: Attorney (retired to run)

Age: 63

Family: Married 37 years with two adult sons

Education: Duke University, B.A.

Harvard Law School, J.D.

Political experience: Chairman of the Jacksonville Ethics Commission

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

First is affordability. Far too many families across the district, and across the country, are struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, groceries, healthcare, transportation, and childcare. Rising costs have been driven by inconsistent economic policies, including tariffs that increase prices for consumers, as well as decades of policies that have weakened the middle class and concentrated wealth and political influence in fewer hands. I will fight for policies that lower everyday costs, expand affordable housing, strengthen workers’ bargaining power, support small businesses, and make healthcare more accessible and affordable.

Second is restoring trust in our government. People deserve a government that is transparent, ethical, and accountable. Having helped draft Jacksonville’s ethics code and later serving as chairman of the Jacksonville Ethics Commission, I know that public confidence must be earned. In Congress, I will work to strengthen ethics laws, reduce the influence of special interests, protect voting rights, and ensure the government serves real people rather than powerful insiders.

Third is protecting our freedoms and constitutional rights. That means defending the rule of law, protecting voting rights and civil rights, protecting women’s health and reproductive freedom, safeguarding Social Security and Medicare, supporting public education, and ensuring every American is treated equally under the law. Congress should focus on solving problems and expanding opportunity instead of dividing Americans for political gain.

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

I’ve spent my career solving difficult problems as an attorney, but I’ve also spent decades serving Northeast Florida as a civic leader. I helped draft Jacksonville’s ethics code and later served as chairman of the Jacksonville Ethics Commission, where I worked to make government more transparent, accountable, and worthy of the public’s trust.

My commitment to this community has never been limited to politics. As president of Scenic Jacksonville and a leader in the Riverfront Parks Now coalition, I’ve worked with business leaders, neighborhood organizations, environmental advocates, and local government to improve our community and build consensus around projects that will benefit future generations. Those experiences taught me how to bring people with different viewpoints together to solve real problems.

I’m not running to become a career politician. I’m running because I believe this community deserves experienced, independent leadership focused on results rather than partisan rhetoric. I’ll bring a lifetime of professional experience, civic engagement, and ethical leadership to Congress, and I’ll always put the people of Florida’s Fourth District first.

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

I hope to be remembered as someone who helped restore people’s confidence that our government can work for real people. If I leave office having made life more affordable for working families, strengthened ethical standards in government, protected our democratic institutions and constitutional freedoms, and treated every constituent with honesty, respect, and fairness, I will consider my service a success.

Campaign website: votekirwan.com

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

Brit Robinson

Occupation: I am an interior designer and tailor by trade. The Department of Veterans Affairs hired me in 2024 to be a GS-11 Interior Designer, but with the new Trump administration, my offer was rescinded. I’ve worked since the age of 14 in a variety of fields, including food service, retail, legal & tax services, fine arts and interior design. Now, my only job is to fight for the people of District 4 to ensure the needs and desires of the district are properly represented in Congress, and create the desperately needed changes to make life not just comfortable, but joyful too. The People deserve stability and happiness.

Age: 31

Family: Husband

Education: BA in Textile Arts, Maryland Institute College of Art - focused on garment-making & costuming and earned through my dad’s GI Bill benefits. A lot of my studies were about social justice and advocacy and gave me the foundation of knowledge of the systems of exploitation and cruelty in our country that we desperately need to fix.

Political experience: None.

I got into this race as a military spouse and working-class candidate because I saw a small window of opportunity rapidly closing to protect our communities and resist an authoritarian government. The majority of Americans can’t afford their basic needs while the rich get richer, the Trump administration is dismantling our government for it’s own financial gain, and our Representative, Aaron Bean, is not working for his constituents considering his primary donor is AIPAC, followed by various corporate interests. Our district deserves to have a Representative who prioritizes its people – not greed and foreign interests.

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

1) Free Universal Healthcare - Healthcare is a human right. No one should struggle to see a doctor. We must expand Medicare for All to provide free universal healthcare for all Americans, including dental, hearing & vision care; Protect reproductive freedom & bodily autonomy for all; Expand social programs like SNAP & universal free school meals to ensure healthy food is available for all.

2) Get Money Out of Politics / Hold Trump Administration Accountable - We must work to overturn Citizens United, curbing corporate financial influence in our elections and throughout the government; strengthen anti-corruption laws & ban stock trading for lawmakers; Abolish & prosecute ICE; release the Epstein files; and prosecute all of Trump administration for their crimes.

3) End the Iran War & Israel’s Genocide in Gaza - Reclaim Congress’s power to instigate military action; Reduce military budget, force DOD to pass their audit to limit military industrial complex, & end American imperialism; Stop sending all aid to Israel & label AIPAC as a foreign agent unable to donate in American elections.

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

We need representatives who are not career politicians and will not prioritize corporate interests over constituents. When only 2% of our Representatives in Congress come from working-class backgrounds, it’s time for serious change.

I have the personal experience to have seen both the best and worst part of the American government and its systems. I have experienced firsthand the catastrophic effects of a family member not having health insurance. But I also have utilized socialized programs throughout my life through military family benefits and understand how essential it is to have quality healthcare, education, and housing, and am fighting for everyone to have the same access.

A huge focus of my campaign thus far has been coalition building with people and organizations within Jacksonville, throughout Florida, and across the country. We are stronger together and we can create monumental positive change if we focus on uplifting the voices of the People.

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

That the needs of the People are my sole priority and that I can’t be bought or intimidated to be quiet – even by our own Democratic Party. That I call out all hypocrisy and prejudice, and that I am fully dedicated to improving everyday people’s lives through systemic change.

Campaign website: www.brit4congress.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

Aaron Bean

Occupation: U.S. Representative, Florida Congressional District 4

Age: 59

Family: Wife, Abby, who is a fifth-generation Clay Countian, along with three now-grown sons, and one grandchild with a second grandchild expected in November.

Education: Jacksonville University, B.S. Finance

Political experience: I was elected to Congress on November 8, 2022. Prior to being elected to Congress, I spent 10 years in the Florida Senate after serving eight years in the Florida House of Representatives. Early on, I also served my hometown, while raising a family and running a small business, as a city commissioner and mayor of Fernandina Beach.

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

Inflation and the cost of living; patient access, affordability, and transparency in health care; and securing our borders and keeping our communities safe.

I’ll continue working to lower costs and make life more affordable for American families. That means getting government spending under control, promoting policies that help our economy grow, and making sure Washington lives within its means. We’ve already delivered real relief for working families through the Working Families Tax Cut – the largest tax cut in American history – so workers can keep more of what they earn, including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on Social Security benefits. We also took another important step by passing the Rescissions Act of 2025, which was signed into law and rescinds $9 billion in unnecessary and wasteful federal spending. I’ll continue fighting for commonsense, fiscally responsible policies that strengthen our economy, protect taxpayers, and help ensure every dollar goes further for hardworking Americans.

Our health care system is too costly, too complicated, and too often leaves patients waiting longer and paying more for the care they need. If we’re serious about improving health care, we need to put patients first by expanding access to doctors, increasing price transparency, and making care more affordable. That starts with strengthening our health care workforce by expanding medical residency opportunities so more physicians can serve communities across the country. We also need to do a better job of promoting preventive care, because helping people stay healthy is better for patients and helps lower costs over the long run. I’ll keep fighting for commonsense solutions that improve access to care – like the HSAs For All Act that I introduced to expand access to Health Savings Accounts and give hardworking Americans more control over their healthcare dollars – increase affordability, empower patients with greater transparency, and deliver better outcomes for the American people.

Keeping our border secure is essential to our national security and helps protect communities here at home. I’ll continue working to strengthen border security while ensuring law enforcement has the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. That commitment also extends to the officers who serve in our own communities, as well as their four-legged partners, which is why I introduced the LEO K9 Protection Act to strengthen protections for the police dogs and horses that work alongside law enforcement every day. I’ll also continue fighting for our veterans and ensuring they receive the benefits they’ve earned. Whether it’s supporting those who protect our border, keeping our neighborhoods safe, or standing up for those who have served our nation, I’ll continue fighting for commonsense policies that put the safety and well-being of Americans first.

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

Serving Northeast Florida has always been about people, not politics. I have a servant’s heart, and I believe the best way to represent this community is to show up, listen, and be accessible to the people who sent me to Washington. That’s why I’m constantly meeting with families, small business owners, veterans, law enforcement, seniors, and community leaders to hear what’s on their minds, so that I can take those priorities with me to Congress. My job is to be your voice, to fight for the issues that matter most to Northeast Florida, and to deliver results. I’ll continue working every day to listen, stay engaged, and be a strong voice for the people of Northeast Florida—because serving this community is the greatest honor of my life.

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

I hope I’m remembered as a representative who was present, accessible, and never forgot who I worked for. From day one, my goal has been to listen, stay engaged, and fight for the people of Northeast Florida, regardless of party affiliation. I also hope our office is remembered for providing outstanding constituent service—because helping people navigate the federal government and solve problems is one of the most important parts of this job. Most of all, I hope people remember that when I made a promise, I worked hard to keep it. Whether it’s delivering results on issues like addressing patient access, affordability, and transparency in health care, promoting fiscal responsibility, or strengthening our nation’s security, I’ve always believed that public service is about earning people’s trust through action.

Campaign website: aaronbean.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X

FLORIDA FORWARD CANDIDATE

Mike Sell

Occupation: Mike is a certified operational excellence professional with more than two decades spent fixing complex, broken systems, most of that work inside the U.S. healthcare industry. He built his expertise through rigorous professional certification, earning master’s-level credentials including his Six Sigma Black Belt and Shingo Operational Excellence Assessor designations.

Over his career, Mike has led projects that generated more than a quarter of a billion dollars in documented savings for major organizations in healthcare and human resources. He did it not by cutting services, but by cutting the waste, redundancy, and dysfunction that drain those systems. He has sat at the executive tables where decisions affecting millions of people get made, and he has seen firsthand how complexity gets used to hide fraud, waste, and extraction from the people who can least afford it.

Alongside that work, Mike spent fifteen years building and leading organizations focused on bringing people together and widening opportunity, well before he ever considered public office. He is also the founder of a not-for-profit built on the belief that access to information is a right, and that technology should open doors rather than close them.

Age: 42

Family: Mike is a devoted husband and father. He and his partner have been together for more than two decades and raised three children, now grown and setting out on their own paths. Family is at the center of why he is running. He often says he is doing this for his own kids and for everyone else’s, so the next generation inherits a country that still works for them.

Service runs three generations deep in Mike’s family. His grandfather served 26 years in the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander, completing four submarine tours. His father served 20 years and retired from Naval Air Station Jacksonville as an Instructor Flight Engineer on the P-3 Orion. Both of Mike’s brothers served as well, one as a Marine and one in military law enforcement and security. Mike grew up inside that culture of duty and sacrifice, and it shaped everything he understands about what military families carry and what this country owes the people who serve it.

Education: Mike originally went to school for political science, but he found his real calling in operational excellence, the work of fixing broken systems and making them serve people better. He built master’s-level expertise in that field through rigorous professional certification, earning his Six Sigma Black Belt and Shingo Operational Excellence Assessor credentials, along with years of continuing training in leadership and continuous improvement. In a way, this run for office brings both halves of that path back together.

Political experience: Mike has not held elected office, and he sees that as part of what he offers. His experience is on the organizing side of politics rather than the career-politician side. Over the past year he has helped lead a local Indivisible chapter, where part of his work has been finding and supporting good candidates who will fight for their communities. He has spent two decades in community and civic organizing, building coalitions and bringing people together across differences, and he completed formal training as a community organizer. His approach to politics comes from that grounding: start with the people closest to the problem, listen first, and build the solution around them rather than around the interests already in power.

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

Cost of living. Families here are squeezed by housing, insurance, healthcare, and grocery prices rising faster than paychecks, and homeowner insurance in particular is pricing people out of homes they already own. Mike would fight to raise wages, take on price gouging, and treat the insurance crisis as the federal problem it is.

Healthcare access and cost. Too many families in this district are choosing between a prescription and groceries, and the Northside and Westside carry the highest concentration of uninsured and Medicaid-dependent residents. Mike would fully fund the community health centers that serve as the front door to care, protect Medicaid, and let Medicare negotiate the price of every covered drug.

A government that has stopped listening. This district has changed, and its representation has not kept pace with the people who live here now. Mike takes no corporate money, so he answers to this district and no one else, and he would measure success by whether life actually got better for the people he serves.

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

Mike takes no corporate money and answers to no party machine, so he is free to represent this district and no one else. He brings 20 years of fixing broken systems, the exact skill this job actually requires, and he is demonstrating a new way to run: a fraction of a normal budget, reaching voters directly, proving a qualified person can win without selling access first. Voters get a representative whose time and loyalty already belong to them, not to donors he owes before taking office.

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

Mike hopes to be remembered as someone who helped shift the trajectory of our nation back toward something future generations can be proud of. Not one bill or one term, but a turning point, where we started fixing broken systems instead of managing their decline, and where government began answering to people again instead of money. He wants his kids and everyone else’s to inherit a country that works, and to know it bent back in the right direction because ordinary people decided it had to.

Campaign website: www.mikesell.org

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram

NO PARTY AFFILIATION CANDIDATE

Todd Schaefer

Occupation: Retired USN

Age: 47

Family: Son-24

Education: (No answer)

Political experience: None

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

1. We can argue until we are blue in the face that we need to get money out of politics, but in light of the most recent SCOTUS decision giving more power to donors through parties, that isn’t going to happen overnight. For now we need to get back to the basics and understand that politics IS money, as Congress controls the purse. My bill, the American Prosperity Card Act, will bring transparency back to the creation of money and how we benefit from or pay for it.

2. Housing prices are out of control. The bipartisan housing bill, 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, that is sitting on Trump’s desk is a good step in the right direction, however it still has loopholes so that it just addresses some symptoms of the larger problem. Bean even voted against that mild fix. I’d propose legislation to close the straight line depreciation loophole that landlords use to enjoy tax benefits on appreciating assets. Another angle I’d approach is reigning in the lax lending standards that allow mortgages for investment properties as opposed to small business loans. A small business would kill for a 30yr fixed rate loan. This subsidizes and provides an explicit guarantee which has inflated home prices over decades.

3. We need healthcare reform. Obama ran on a public option and instead we got the ACA. This has put us in a position where health costs can continue to rise and our government is simply forced to continue to raise subsidies to pay for it. The industry understands they can continue to raise costs unimpeded, because it has become political suicide to take away healthcare. Even Republicans agree that a larger healthcare pool reduces risk and therefore costs. The logic of that leads to a national public option, since the largest possible pool is the whole country. Any legislation to continue subsidies has to include language to expand Medicare to a public option.

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

You cannot apply to a party first and then tell voters you are going to serve them. Anyone who doesn’t fall in line in recent years has been cast aside by their party. The Republicans were just as happy to rid themselves of Massie and MTG as the Democrats were to ditch Bush and Bowman in ’24. The SCOTUS ruling this week unleashed the parties in their ability to spend unlimited money for loyalty. That isn’t governance. That is control by two for-profit private corporations that call themselves ‘parties’. I’m running to represent the people of FL-04 first and only.

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

My APCA bill getting passed. We have the tools in place to reverse five decades of failed fiscal policy. We just need the will to utilize them. That will give Americans a little breathing room and clarity on spending so that we can have honest conversations about what we demand of our government. Not big or small, but exactly the size we collectively agree to pay for.

Campaign website: toddforfl4.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X

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.

DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATES

Antonio “Tony” Amaral Jr

Campaign website: votesfortony.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram

This 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.

Jeani Duarte

Occupation: Retired Bakery Owner, Dabbled in Short term and Long term rentals, Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist.

Age: 59

Family: Married to a Retired Marine, Grandma

Education: Some college, Certified through National Academy Of Sports Medicine.

Political experience: Attend City Council meetings and researching the issues.

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

1. Transparency concerning issues and how we got to where we are. Open communication and placing the facts of various issues in front of the electors for proper approvals or denials.

2. Budget, Fiscal Accountability. All Salaries starting at the Top and budgets in every department need reviewing for accountability, cuts or trims to ensure fiscal responsibility. This includes cutting the unapproved portions of the Mayor and Council compensations.

3. Infrastructure must be addressed before any growth can move forward. This includes the Data Center, Westward Expansion, and all other Mass Community Developments. With Full Transparencies. Impact Fees need to be collected up front. The Ad Valorem needs revisited.

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

I am the only candidate that is not compromised. I have no conflicts of interest. I am not a builder nor do I live across the street from the Mayor. I have done the research and found many issues on my own. I have a history of stepping up to the podium to defend the citizens of Palm Coast regardless of the backlash I have received. I stand firm on the issues, I am fully self funded, so I am nobodies puppet.

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

Setting Palm Coast Straight with it’s Budget Accountability, Charter Restoration, Strong, Healthy and Transparent Water Infrastructure, a Stable Community Planning System that includes assets that incorporate Stop and Go Revenue without destroying our natural resources. Plus Transparent, Easy Public Access of Information.

Campaign website: jeani4palmcoast.com

Campaign social media: Facebook

Jimmy Hengy

Occupation: Retired

Age: 64

Family: 5 children and 5 Grandchildren

Education: Right from graduating High School, into 40 years of business development and ownership.

Political experience: 1st time running for office.

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

#1. Our lacking infrastructure from overdevelopment! Putting the breaks on development and redirecting our efforts towards our streets, water, wastewater and storm water capacities. Once our infrastructure is capable, planning new residential developments focused on low density residential communities with abundant green spaces.

#2. Economic Development. Developing an incubator program to nurture upcoming entrepreneurs in mentoring best business practices and helping with startup cost financing. Re enter an EDC division to attract higher paying light industrial manufacturing, focusing on Space Coast opportunities.

#3. Protecting our environment, saving our existing green spaces to protect our abundant wildlife population. Retaining the beauty of Palm Coast that attracted our residents, and future residents, to live here.

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

I am retired from 40 years of business experience. I can devote my total attention to our council in representing the needs of our community. I know how to build teams, develop budgets and work within budget constraints. I have no agenda, I’m not affiliated with any builders, developers or large land owners. I have no political aspirations; if elected, I will serve my term, or at the most, 2 terms in representing the wants and needs of our community, with communication, transparency and fiscal responsibility.

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

That I have helped in preserving the beauty of Palm Coast. That I helped in developing real economic opportunities.

That I helped in creating balanced budgets, reduced debt and helped make our city more affordable for our residence.

Campaign website: www.jimmyhengy.com

Campaign social media: Facebook

DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATES

Dylana “Dee” Galery

Occupation: National Field Support Manager and Residential Instructor at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind

Age: 32

Family: Born at Fort Hood, Texas, into a military family, I moved to Florida at a young age and was raised in Hastings. Palm Coast has been my home for a total of 10 years, and I am proud to be running to serve the community that has given me so much.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of Central Florida. Graduate of the Palm Coast Citizens Academy.

Political experience: This is my first campaign for public office. For about a year, I have followed City Council meetings online, and over the past several months I have attended City Council and Planning Board meetings in person to better understand the issues facing Palm Coast. I have also spent countless hours talking with residents throughout our community to hear their concerns firsthand. I completed the Palm Coast Citizens Academy, earned the Outstanding Senator Award at Stetson University’s Model Senate, and bring professional leadership experience managing multimillion dollar budgets, leading teams, and making fiscally responsible decisions.

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

The biggest issues are infrastructure, responsible growth, and transparency.

First, infrastructure. Our roads, drainage, and utilities need to catch up before we approve more residential growth. I will work to prioritize infrastructure improvements and hold developers accountable for paying their fair share of the costs that growth creates.

Second, responsible growth. Growth should benefit the people who already live here. I will support attracting businesses that create quality jobs while making sure new development matches the capacity of our roads, utilities, and public services.

Finally, transparency. Residents deserve to be part of the conversation before major decisions are made. I will prioritize open communication, community engagement, and making City Hall more accessible so residents always know what is happening and have the opportunity to be heard.

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

I bring real world leadership experience and a fresh perspective. Throughout my career, I have managed people, budgets, and complex projects where every decision affects employees, clients, and the bottom line. I know how to ask questions, bring people together, and make informed decisions instead of rushing to conclusions.

What makes me different is that I genuinely want to hear from residents before decisions are made. I believe the best solutions come from listening, being transparent, and following through. Palm Coast deserves leadership that plans ahead, communicates openly, and always puts residents first.

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

I hope people remember that Palm Coast became stronger because we started planning ahead instead of reacting to problems. I want to be remembered for improving infrastructure, protecting our water, managing growth responsibly, attracting better jobs, and restoring trust in local government. Most of all, I hope people remember that they had a council member who listened, showed up, and followed through.

Campaign website: dylanagalery.com

Campaign social media: Facebook

John Kvederis

Occupation: Junk Removal business owner

Age: 34

Family: Single

Education: High school

Political experience: 1st time running

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

Economic Development & Local Affordability

​The Issue is Inflation, rising property taxes, and the increasing cost of living are putting pressure on local families and small businesses.

​The plan I will advocate for fiscal responsibility by streamlining municipal spending, cutting unnecessary red tape for small business growth, and supporting targeted tax relief initiatives to keep our community affordable for working families and seniors.

Public Safety & Community Infrastructure

​The Issue: Aging infrastructure, traffic congestion, and ensuring public safety departments have adequate resources to serve a growing population.

​Plan: I will prioritize funding for critical road, utility, and drainage projects while ensuring our first responders (police, fire, and EMS) have the modern equipment, competitive compensation, and community support necessary to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Transparency & Local Government Accountability

​The Issue: Voters often feel disconnected from local decision-making and desire more transparency regarding how public funds are spent.

​Plan: I will implement regular town hall meetings, push for fully accessible digital streaming of public workshops/meetings, and mandate clearer reporting on municipal budgets and project timelines so residents always know where their tax dollars go.

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

What sets me apart in this race is my extensive real world experience as a business owner and my executive background in casino financial management.

​Managing complex financial operations in the casino and gaming industry requires strict regulatory compliance, rigorous oversight of multi million dollar budgets, and absolute precision in accounting. I know how to audit operations, eliminate fiscal waste, identify revenue opportunities, and stretch every dollar without sacrificing quality or service.

​Combined with the grit and practical problem solving that comes with owning and operating a business, I bring a level of financial discipline and operational expertise that traditional political candidates simply do not have. I won’t need a learning curve when it comes to analyzing complex public budgets, holding departments accountable, or making smart, business minded decisions for our community.

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

Having grown up in Palm Coast, I want to be remembered as the leader who brought true fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency back to city government.

​Above all, I hope to leave a legacy of solving long overdue infrastructure issues specifically fixing our stormwater management, swales, and drainage systems by prioritizing what we already have before taking on unnecessary new costs. I want residents to remember my tenure as a time when taxpayers finally got a City Council that scrutinized every dollar, protected local property owners, and ensured that government served the community with total transparency and business minded accountability.

Campaign website: votekvederis.com

Campaign social media: Facebook

Ramon Marrero

Occupation: At the moment, I am retired but operating a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, but I come from a Military, law enforcement, and mortgage underwriting background.

Age: 66

Family: I have three daughters and two grandsons. I have 9 siblings, and my mother, who, thank God, is still with us.

Education: BA in Business Administration.

Political experience: None. This is my first time running for a position, but I have 19 years of service to this community, working with other charitable and religious organizations.

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 managing growth, improving infrastructure, and strengthening our local economy. We need to make sure growth pays for itself, invest in roads and utilities before they become problems, and attract businesses that create good-paying jobs. My focus will be on practical solutions that protect our quality of life.

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

I bring real-world leadership from the military, law enforcement, business, and the nonprofit sector. I’ve managed budgets, solved problems, and built consensus. I’ll bring that same practical experience, integrity, and common-sense approach to every decision on the City Council.

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

I want to be remembered for putting Palm Coast first—making smart decisions, improving our infrastructure, protecting our quality of life, and leaving the city stronger and better prepared for the future.

Campaign website: vote4ramon.com

Campaign social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | LinkedIn

Darlene Shelley

Occupation: Retired

Age: 57

Family: Bryan Shelley- Husband of 35 years, daughter Brandy and husband Garret, son Bryan and wife Lauren, and three precious grandchildren ages 11, 3, and 3 and my mom, Mary Alice. Brandy and her family and momma also live in Palm Coast. My mom and dad moved to Palm Coast 30 years ago and visiting them on vacations is how we came to love the beautiful coastal city of Palm Coast. In 2012, we moved here for good.

Education: Associate’s degree in human resource management, Rutgers Garden Certification, multiple Continued Education Certificates.

Political experience: Not a politician

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

Overdevelopment- My solution- Demand infrastructure, compatibility, public benefit, and concurrency are met before approving development proposals.

Water- My solution- Protect wetlands, fragile ecosystems and the environment. Consider capacity limitations, potential for pollution and contamination, and increased flooding possibilities before approving any development project, additional density or added intensity. Ensure wells and aquifer are protected from contamination, depletion, and damage due to development, saltwater intrusion, or wastewater injection.

Affordability and Quality of Life- Local neighbors are being forced to have to move through increases in utility and electric costs, excessive nuisance noise, and increased traffic and safety concerns. My solution- Ensure rule of law is enforced and rules and regulations are upheld. I would strive to bring quality jobs, tax base diversity through light industrial uses that are compatible with surrounding communities and discuss methods for insuring development pays for its infrastructure, traffic prevention, and utility upgrades do not let those cost burdens fall upon the shoulders of the residents.

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

I have over 35 years of experience in leadership, operations management, and delivering results. I am the only candidate in my district race that owns a home and has zero debt. My proven track record of dedication to fiscal responsibility, advocating for the safety, health, and welfare of my Palm Coast family, and working hard to prevent poorly planned overdevelopment in our city speak volumes. My work with Concerned Citizens of Palm Coast, PeaceforPalm.com , and Palm Coast Connect have delivered measurable results in quality of life, health and safety improvements, and in the beautification of the city that we love. More trees and flowers- Hard work and dedication -Less wasteful spending- Better Quality of Life and Increased Home Values, this is how I have achieved my American Dream and with these experiences and attributes I believe can help Palm Coast remain a great city in which to live and work.

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

I would like to be remembered as a local resident who cared enough to step outside my comfort zone to stand up for the things I hold near and dear. These things include the peaceful enjoyment of our homes, our Constitutional Rights, the health and safety of our friends and family, affordability of utility bills for seniors, renters, and homeowners, and most importantly- LISTENING to the residents and taking action to SOLVE the problems they are facing. Not pointing fingers, not saying it is out of my control, not kicking the can down the road, and not saying “Thank you for your comment” and then doing nothing to fix the issue.

Campaign website: darleneforpalmcoast.com

Campaign social media: Facebook

Officers were called around 11:40 p.m. Saturday to Ortega Woods Drive in the Duclay Forest area of the Westside because of reports that someone had been shot.

Officers found three men, ages 18-20, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. All three were taken to local hospitals with injuries that were not life-threatening.

JSO said that around the same time, officers received another call from Ortega Park Boulevard, just a couple of minutes away.

They found the fourth victim, a 17-year-old boy who was treated for a gunshot wound at the scene and released.

Police have not identified a suspect but said they do not believe the four victims knew the shooter.

Anyone with information can call JSO at 904-630-0500, email JSOCRIMETIPS@JAXSHERIFF.ORG or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

Avant Construction Group Inc. of Jacksonville is the contractor for the hotel and restaurant project at 420 N. Julia St. Downtown.

Gateway Jax intends to renovate the long-closed hotel into a 109-unit property that will operate as Hotel Merrydelle to be part of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio.

The city issued a permit June 8 for Gateway Jax to start selective interior demolition in preparation to renovate it.

Avant Construction Group also is the contractor for that $221,000 project to remove unusable interior construction materials in the building in Downtown’s North Core.

Campo Architecture & Interior Design of New Orleans is the architect and interior designer of record for the project. Universal Engineering Sciences in Jacksonville is providing private plan review.

The project description says the hotel was constructed in 1924.

It says the six-story building is composed of ribbed cast-in-place concrete slabs with interior and perimeter cast-in-place columns.

The scope of work says existing interior elements will be removed. Exterior facade materials will be repaired and cleaned, windows will be installed and roofing will be replaced to “core and shell” condition. The stairs and vacant elevator shaft will be undisturbed.

There will be additional demolition required in later phases for structural slab work.

The contractor will coordinate the demolition of heating, ventilation and air conditioning units to maintain the interior temperature and humidity conditions suitable for existing and new building materials.

Click here to read the full story on the Jacksonville Daily Record.

The embassy said “Kyiv terrorists” wanted to “scare the Italians working in Russia and to show them that they too are in the crosshairs and could become the scoundrels' next victims.”

It said the Saturday night attack on the Balzi Rossi restaurant killed five and injured 19, adding that its Italian chef and his staff were unhurt only thanks to a Russian security guard's “vigilance and selfless dedication to his professional duty.”

There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian authorities.

The National Anti-Terrorism Committee, which coordinates various security agencies, initially reported a lower death toll in a statement issued shortly after the attack. It said the bomb killed three people, including a woman who carried the explosive device into the restaurant, a guard who stopped her, and a guest inside. It said 21 others were injured when the bomb detonated near the restaurant's entrance.

The committee didn’t say who was the target or name the mastermind.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Sunday described the bombing as a “brutal terrorist act,” but did not say who was responsible for the blast at the upscale restaurant, which is located on the ground floor of a high-rise apartment building that is one of seven skyscrapers in the city that date to the era of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.

The Russian Foreign Ministry reposted the embassy statement without comment. It did not respond to a request for comment or explain the higher death toll.

Several Russian media outlets claimed the bombing targeted a Russian general who was celebrating his birthday at the restaurant. Some claimed that the general was Col.-Gen. Alexander Chaiko, who led the troops that made a botched attempt to storm the Ukrainian capital in 2022 and recently was appointed the chief of Russia's aerospace forces. The claims could not be independently verified.

The business daily Kommersant reported that the bomb, hidden in a gift box, was probably detonated remotely and the woman carrying it could have been unaware of the content. Kommersant said the bomb contained about 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of explosives and contained metal balls for lethality.

Russia blamed Ukraine for past attacks on military officials

Russian authorities have blamed Kyiv for a series of bombings and other attacks against senior military officials after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Earlier this year, Russia’s Federal Security Service said authorities would tighten security around senior military and government officials following the attacks.

In February, Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alexeyev, ​the deputy head of the GRU ‌military ⁠intelligence service, was shot three times at a Moscow apartment building, but survived. Ukraine denied its involvement.

In December, a car bomb killed Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, in southern Moscow. Ukraine refrained from comment.

In April 2025, another car bomb that Moscow blamed on Kyiv killed Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, a deputy head of the main operational department in Russia’s General Staff. Ukraine didn't claim the attack but hinted at its involvement.

And in December 2024, a bomb hidden in a scooter killed Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, who headed the Russian military’s nuclear, biological and chemical protection forces, one of the few attacks Ukraine openly acknowledged.

Among other prominent victims of bombing attacks in Russia were Daria Dugina, the daughter of influential nationalist thinker Aleksandr Dugin, and Vladlen Tatarsky, a well-known pro-Kremlin military blogger. Kyiv denied involvement in the attack on Dugina, and remained coy about the attack on Tatarsky.

Nadezhdin, 63, shared a video on Telegram, showing him standing in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

“Good news: I'm alive and free. Unfortunately, not in Russia for the time being," he said, adding that he needs “to look around and figure out life going forward.”

In July, a Russian court fined Nadezhdin about $13 for displaying “extremist symbols," charges that he rejected as absurd. The accusations stemmed from a 2023 online video that briefly showed a picture of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, convicted of extremism in a case widely seen as politically motivated.

Earlier that month, Nadezhdin also was designated a “foreign agent" — a label that brings additional government scrutiny as well as stigmatizing connotations in Russia.

That and a fine on an extremism-related charge barred him from running in September’s parliamentary vote, which is expected to be tightly controlled by the Kremlin.

The ruling United Russia party is seeking to preserve its dominance in the lower house of parliament in a race against the Communist Party and a couple of other parties that vote in sync with the Kremlin on key issues. The campaign comes amid signs of growing public fatigue with the war in Ukraine as fuel shortages and economic pain increase, an environment that reduces the authorities' tolerance for even token opposition.

In January 2024, Nadezhdin collected thousands of signatures in his run for president as he openly called for an end to the war in Ukraine. But he was kept off the March 2024 ballot after Russia’s Supreme Court ruled that more than 9,000 signatures submitted by his campaign were invalid — enough to disqualify him. Putin faced only token opposition in the election and easily gained a fifth term.

A veteran politician, Nadezhdin worked in the government in the 1990s when he was an adviser to Sergei Kiriyenko, now a top Putin aide. He also served as a lawmaker and more recently became a member of a municipal council. He was one of the few high-profile Putin critics still living in Russia.

Earlier this year, Nadezhdin declared his bid to run for the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, and vowed to continue his symbolic campaign even after the Justice Ministry branded him with the “foreign agent” designation.

Another blow came when police briefly detained Nadezhdin and charged him with displaying “extremist symbols.” The politician said he was considering a move abroad but was barred from leaving Russia. It wasn't clear from his Monday video statement whether the ban has since been lifted, or if he left the country despite it.

After the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, authorities ramped up their crackdown on dissent and free speech, relentlessly targeting rights organizations, independent media, members of civil society organizations and Kremlin critics. Hundreds of people have been jailed and thousands of others fled the country.

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But the big question remains: Will it really bear fruit?

It’s still dependent on both sides fulfilling their part of the deal to make the phased timetable work.

Jaser AbuMoussa, senior fellow with the Middle East Institute, joined us on The Morning Show to discuss whether the deal is realistic.

Die Pretty is in the business of curating confidence in its clients. MJ is a lash expert and has incredible training programs for individuals looking to learn.

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The congressional primaries will take place using the commonwealth’s existing district boundaries. Voters approved a more Democratic-friendly map in April, but Virginia’s highest court invalidated the new boundaries less than three weeks later.

The failed effort to enact a new Virginia map was in response to a largely successful push by President Donald Trump and state lawmakers in several Republican-controlled states like Texas and Missouri to redraw their congressional maps ahead of schedule and boost their party’s chances of maintaining their fragile U.S. House majority.

Under the current map, Virginia’s most competitive U.S. House seat is likely in the 2nd Congressional District, where a rematch may be in the works between two-term Republican U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans and the Democrat she unseated in 2022, former U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria.

Luria is among four Democrats seeking the nomination, but the retired Navy commander and former House Select Jan. 6 Committee member dwarfs the rest of the combined field in terms of fundraising and available cash as of mid-July. Kiggans, also a former Naval officer, is unopposed in the Republican primary.

A contested primary is also underway in the neighboring 1st Congressional District, where seven Democratic hopefuls are running to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman. That field includes Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor, retired Navy Commander and former corporate government affairs executive Jason Knapp, and attorneys Salaam Bhatti and Mel Tull. Wittman, who is seeking a 10th full term, is unopposed for renomination.

In the 7th Congressional District, which straddles Northern and Central Virginia, freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman faces no primary challengers in his bid for a second term. In November, he’ll face the winner of a three-way primary between Republicans Philip Harding, Doug Ollivant and Rick Smithers.

The Democratic primary in the 5th Congressional District also features a comeback attempt by a former member of Congress. Tom Perriello served one term from 2009 to 2011 in the Charlottesville-area district. If he wins the three-way primary, he would likely face Republican U.S. Rep. John McGuire in a district that Trump won with about 56% of the vote.

Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger has endorsed Luria, Taylor and Perriello in their congressional primaries.

At the top of the ballot, Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner is unopposed in his bid for a fourth term. Running to challenge him in November are Republicans Kim Farington, Bert Mizusawa and David Williams. Warner has held the seat since 2009 and won his last reelection with 56% of the vote.

Here are some of the key facts about the election and data points the AP Decision Team will monitor as the votes are tallied:

When do polls close?

Polls close at 7 p.m. ET.

What’s on the ballot?

The Associated Press will provide vote results and declare winners in contested primaries for the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House and the Arlington County Board.

Who gets to vote?

Any eligible voter may participate in any party’s primary.

How many voters are there?

There were about 6,387,000 registered voters as of March 1. Virginia voters do not register by party.

How many people actually vote?

About 273,000 votes were cast in the last Republican U.S. Senate primary in 2024. That year, the Democratic primaries for the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts had about 23,000 and about 29,000 total votes, respectively, while the Republican primary in the 7th Congressional District had about 36,000 total votes.

How much of the vote is cast early or by absentee ballot?

Advance voting tends to make up a larger share of the vote in Democratic primaries than in Republican primaries. In 2024, about 55% of the vote in the 1st District Democratic primary and about 47% of the 2nd District Democratic primary vote were mail or early in-person votes. In comparison, about 27% of the vote was cast early in person or by mail in the Republican primaries for the U.S. Senate and for the 7th Congressional District.

As of Friday, about 139,000 ballots had been cast in Tuesday’s election, about 84,000 from Democrats and about 55,000 from Republicans.

When are early and absentee votes released?

Virginia counties and independent cities vary in terms of how and when they release results, but the first vote updates of the night tend to include results from all vote types: early in person, mail and in person on Election Day.

Roughly a third of jurisdictions release all or almost all of their early and absentee voting results in their first vote update of the night, often along with results from in-person Election Day voting. Most counties and cities begin releasing at least some results from in-person Election Day voting in the first update and over the course of the night.

Nearly half the jurisdictions release no early or absentee voting results in the first vote update.

How long does vote-counting usually take?

In the 2025 general election for Virginia governor, the AP first reported results at 7:10 p.m. ET, or 10 minutes after polls closed. The last vote update of the night was at 1:52 a.m. ET, with more than 99% of total votes counted.

When will the AP declare a winner?

The AP does not make projections and will declare a winner only when it’s determined there is no scenario that would allow a trailing candidate to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why.

How do recounts work?

Virginia does not conduct automatic recounts. Candidates may request and pay for recounts if the margin between the top two candidates is 1 percentage point or less. No payment is required if the recount results in a margin of less than 0.5 percentage points or if the outcome has changed. The AP may declare a winner in a race that is subject to a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.

Are we there yet?

As of Tuesday, there will be 91 days until the 2026 midterm elections.

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Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2026 election at https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/.

Grande had been due to star alongside her “Wicked” co-star Jonathan Bailey in a production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park With George” at the Barbican theater in 2027.

Empire Street Productions said Sunday that Grande will no longer be part of the London production. A representative for Grande told People magazine that the 33-year-old singer “will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour.”

“She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,” the statement said. A representative for Grande did not offer further comment to The Associated Press.

With Grande’s recent breakup from “Wicked” co-star Ethan Slater, the ongoing tour and last week’s release of the album “Petal,” attention has swelled, fueling rampant speculation online about her health and appearance. Grande has previously expressed discomfort with public discourse around her weight.

“I think we should be gentler and less comfortable commenting on people’s bodies, no matter what,” she said in a 2023 TikTok video.

Late last year, while promoting “Wicked: For Good,” she reshared a 2024 interview in which she said it was uncomfortable having being picked apart for her appearance since she was a teenager. In the December social media post, she called the clip a “loving reminder to all.”

Grande found fame as a child performer on Nickelodeon before releasing her debut album, “Yours Truly,” in 2013. She has won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for a supporting actress Oscar for her role as Glinda in “Wicked.”

Grande's next concert is Monday in Chicago. Her tour is due to wrap up in London on Sept. 1.

“We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support,” Empire Street Productions said. The company said “Sunday in the Park With George” will open next summer as planned, and that casting would be announced “in due course.”

Upcoming events include The Refinery Comedy Show on August 7, the Salt Cave Comedy Show on August 20, and Comedy at Beirut Restaurant with Simon on August 28, with tickets available on Eventbrite.

Viewers can follow @flo.funny on Instagram and Facebook to purchase tickets, stay updated on future events, and learn more about the monthly Bay Street Sports Grill Open Mic, held on the first Wednesday of every month for aspiring and experienced comedians alike.

Founded in 1934 as the first neurosurgical practice in Florida, world-renowned neurosurgeons collaborate to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions of the spine, brain and nervous system.

Multi-disciplinary teams provide advanced, precise and personalized treatments for complex neurological conditions. To learn more on back and neck treatments, go to BaptistJax.com/Back.

Faggart was taken from the jail to the hospital on April 7, 2025, following an incident inside the facility. He died three days later.

Eight corrections officers and one sergeant involved in the incident were reassigned to positions in the courthouse, Records Unit, and Property and Evidence Unit as the investigation continues.

What the lawsuit seeks

The lawsuit, filed against Sheriff T.K. Waters and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, seeks to compel the agency to comply with Florida’s Public Records Act.

According to the family’s attorney, JSO has failed to turn over records related to Faggart’s death — including surveillance video, incident reports, investigative records and other evidence — despite requests made more than a year ago.

The evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Duval County Courthouse.

The family’s attorney told News4JAX that the court will consider testimony and evidence regarding whether the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office improperly withheld public records — meaning records the law requires be made public — and whether those materials must now be released.

Mother vows to keep fighting

Faggart’s mother, Tracey Karpas, has been vocal about the toll the unanswered questions have taken on her.

“I’m still waiting to hear anything about my son, so we’re just praying that we get the rest of the stuff,” Karpas said in April. “I will go to my grave fighting. I will. I don’t think there’s any harder fight.”

The Faggart family said it remains committed to pursuing every legal avenue available to uncover the truth about what happened to Charles and will continue seeking answers, transparency and accountability until justice is achieved.

“Do your job. Do your job. Tell the truth,” Karpas said. “That would be my only message: Tell the truth and do your job.”

Less than 10 miles away, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens was making her own appeal at another Black church, where one of the city’s most prominent pastors made the case for her.

There were fewer than 48 hours left in Michigan’s fiercely contested Democratic Senate primary. And after more than a year spent preaching starkly different visions for their party — with tens of millions of dollars poured into the race and national attention focused on it — both candidates had come to some of the same places looking for the votes to win it.

First, Black churches. Later, union halls. Then rallies surrounded by their core supporters.

Stevens, who has been through several competitive Democratic primaries, has a name for the frenzy of the closing days: “the last word phenomenon.”

“Everyone’s trying to get in their last points,” Stevens said.

Where the candidates chose to make those final points reflected the simple contest underneath all the money and ideological warfare: which one can assemble enough of Michigan’s Democratic coalition to win Tuesday.

The primary has become one of the clearest tests yet of where Democratic voters want their party to go. El-Sayed, a progressive backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and other leaders on the party’s left, has run against much of the Democratic establishment. Stevens, a four-term congresswoman backed by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and many of Michigan’s top Democrats, has made electability and experience central to her case.

The stakes extend well beyond the primary. The nominee will need to bring a fractured Democratic coalition back together to defeat Republican Mike Rogers in November and hold an open seat that is critical to the party’s hopes of taking control of the Senate next year.

Both hopefuls focused on the Detroit area, where Democratic primaries are often decided

Democratic primaries in Michigan have long run through Detroit, where support from the city’s Black voters is often crucial.

El-Sayed’s pitch to those voters Sunday — during stops at three churches — centered on a vision of economic opportunity and equal treatment.

“I believe in the kind of America where no matter where you grow up, the color of your skin, how you pray, you deserve equal rights in this country,” El-Sayed told the congregation at Kingdom Covenant Church.

“You deserve to go to a good school, you deserve to get healthcare, you deserve to graduate and get a good job,” he added.

El-Sayed was joined by Democratic Reps. Summer Lee of Pennsylvania and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, as well as Yusef Jackson, the son of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson who is president of Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Pastor David A. Johnson II said welcoming a political candidate was not something he typically did, but “this particular season, it’s time for us to do something different.”

For Robin Robertson, a 59-year-old Detroit resident, El-Sayed’s visit came just in time. Robertson said she had gone back and forth over whom to support, waiting until the campaign’s final days to decide.

She ultimately settled on El-Sayed, saying Stevens “had a good run.”

“His agenda seems to match more for me the things that we need right now,” Robertson said. “And then, he’s here in my little church. That was confirmation that I’m going to vote for him.”

Stevens, meanwhile, emphasized her longstanding connections to Detroit-area churches.

At a church in Pontiac on Sunday afternoon, Stevens stayed after the service to speak individually with congregants, greeting many like familiar faces.

“I come here year-round. This isn’t just a campaign thing,” Stevens said. “Our churches are places of community refuge, community connection.”

Stevens and her allies have also made a direct appeal to Black voters through advertisements highlighting her ties to former President Barack Obama and her work as chief of staff for his administration’s auto rescue effort from 2009 to 2011.

Her campaign acknowledges that a strong showing among Detroit voters will likely be necessary for her to win Tuesday.

Reggie Williams, a longtime constituent who was supporting Stevens at an Oakland County event Sunday evening, said he continues to back her because she “has always been there for the people.”

“She is out and about in the community, always has boots on the ground,” Williams said.

Stevens, El-Sayed will focus on different parts of Michigan on final day of campaigning

After spending much of Sunday pursuing some of the same Democratic constituencies, El-Sayed and Stevens will take different paths across Michigan for the final full day of the primary.

El-Sayed plans to remain in Detroit, joining canvass launches and trying to turn enthusiasm in the state’s largest city into votes.

“This has been the heart of my public service," El-Sayed said about his decision to end the campaign in Detroit. “We wanted to come back here and demonstrate what this movement is and what it could mean."

Stevens will head west, making stops across West Michigan as she tries to maximize support in a region with Democratic strongholds in cities such as Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.

The divergent schedules reflect the final calculation facing both campaigns after more than a year of campaigning: There are few voters left to persuade, and increasingly the task is making sure the ones already won over actually cast a ballot.

For El-Sayed, that means leaning into a volunteer operation his campaign says has grown to 12,000 people statewide and trying to drive turnout in places such as Detroit. Stevens is relying on the broader institutional support she has accumulated across the state, including endorsements from many of Michigan’s most prominent Democratic officials, such as Sen. Gary Peters and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

By Monday night, there will be no more churches to visit, union halls to address or rallies to hold. The television ads that have blanketed Michigan will have run their course, too.

Then comes what Stevens described as the inevitable other side of the “last word phenomenon.”

“The votes will be counted,” she said. “The election will be had.”

Click here for more Vote 2026 coverage.

Vote-by-mail means a voter receives a ballot by mail or has one picked up for them instead of voting at a polling place during early voting or on Election Day. Any registered voter may request a vote-by-mail ballot; after a general election, voters must submit a new request.

A domestic civilian vote-by-mail ballot is not forwardable by the U.S. Postal Service. If a ballot is returned as undeliverable during any election, the request on file will be canceled. Voters should notify the Supervisor of Elections’ office immediately if their mailing address changes or if they will be out of town so their ballot can be sent to the correct address.

If you plan to mail your ballot back, send it as soon as possible to allow time to correct a missing or mismatched signature. You may also drop off your ballot in person at the elections office during normal hours or at early voting sites during early voting. Ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections’ office by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Aug. 18, to be counted. The office at 105 E. Monroe St. will be open until 7 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information, visit duvalelections.gov or call the Duval County Elections Office at 904-255-VOTE (8683).

Two photographs published with the announcement showed Suu Kyi shaking hands with Arnaud de Baecque, the ICRC’s representative to Myanmar, and meeting with him in a wood-paneled room.

The Presidential Press and Information Bureau, which released the photographs, said the meeting was held Monday morning but did not disclose the location of the meeting or provide details about what was discussed.

The ICRC confirmed in a statement on Monday that one of its delegates visited Suu Kyi under its standards and procedures for visiting people deprived of liberty, and spoke with her in private, but it did not disclose details of the discussion.

The organization said it continues to engage with all relevant actors to maintain and expand its access to places of detention in Myanmar.

Two other photographs showed Suu Kyi cutting a pink birthday cake bearing the inscription, “Happy Birthday Aunty Suu,” suggesting they may have been taken during a celebration for her 81st birthday in June.

In the photos, Suu Kyi appeared relaxed and was smiling. She did not show any obvious signs of ill health, although her physical condition could not be independently assessed from the images.

The release came as calls are growing from other countries, including Myanmar's fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, for access to or engagement with Suu Kyi as part of efforts to resolve the country's political crisis.

Kim Aris, her younger son living in London, and Myanmar democracy activists has been waging an online campaign named to demand evidence his mother is alive and well.

In a statement sent to the AP, Aris welcomed the reported ICRC visit, saying it could mark the first positive development concerning his mother in more than five years.

“This may be a first step, but it must not be the last,” Aris said.

He thanked governments, the international community and supporters for standing with his family and backing his campaign to seek proof of his mother’s well-being, while stressing that he had not yet received independent confirmation of her condition.

He said he hoped the visit would lead to direct family contact and her eventual release together with all political prisoners.

Suu Kyi was detained Feb. 1, 2021, when the army seized power from her elected government. She has not been seen publicly since then, and the last official photo of her released was in April, when she was moved from prison to house arrest and her sentence was reduced as part of a prisoner amnesty for a Buddhist holiday.

The country's military leaders, who have faced sanctions and widespread international isolation since seizing power in 2021, have sought to project a return to normalcy by holding a 2025 election and increased engagement with regional neighbors.

However, critics say the transition to a nominally elected government largely composed of former generals and holdovers from the previous military-led government has done little to change the military’s grip on power.

Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the opposition National Unity Government, said the ICRC’s meeting with Suu Kyi shouldn’t be taken as a real move to address human rights or democracy issues.

“Since, from the outset, a country’s leader was wrongfully arrested and imprisoned by finding faults where there were none, she must be released without any conditions,” he said.

After hearing questions from viewers about where the project stands, News4JAX reporter Briana Brownlee and photojournalist Jesse Hanson reached out to Sporting JAX for an update.

The organization said it has filed permits with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, a review process it expects could take one to two years.

Sporting JAX also said it is preparing to file a Planned Unit Development, or PUD, with the city of Jacksonville. That filing begins the city’s formal planning process, including public hearings where residents will have additional opportunities to provide feedback before any final approvals.

The proposed development includes a 15,000-seat soccer stadium surrounded by restaurants, retail, housing and other mixed-use development near I-295 and Town Center Parkway.

Sporting JAX continues to target a 2028 opening.

RELATED| ‘A soccer stadium is not a good fit’: Neighbors push back as Sporting JAX releases stadium district map

Sporting JAX provided the following statement:

This project is still in its earliest planning stages. Last week’s meetings with HOAs and community members were productive, giving us the opportunity to answer questions, hear feedback, and have an open dialogue. As we move forward, we will continue to provide updates on the project and its benefits. We will also continue working with the City, residents, and stakeholders to deliver a project that benefits the community for generations to come.

The organization also said the planning process is expected to continue into next year and that residents will have additional opportunities to participate as the proposal moves through the city’s review process.

Some neighbors say they still have questions about how the project could affect the surrounding area.

John Kirkland, who has lived in the neighborhood since 2018, said he wants more information before reaching a conclusion.

“What are the boundaries? Where’s the stadium going in? I’ve seen some renderings that there’s going to be a lot of secondary construction around it, some other venues, which is all fine. We want to know where and when,” Kirkland said. “Development’s going to happen in Jacksonville, but we would like to have an honest, open conversation with these developers.”

Katie Hopkins said she was surprised when she learned about the proposal because she believed the property could not be developed. She added that it has caused frustration and shock.

“When we bought this home years ago, we were under the understanding that it was protected wetlands and protected wildlife area, and so we assumed that nothing could be built there. So I think my initial reaction was just frustration, kind of a little bit of shock, and also just immediate thoughts of traffic, noise,” Hopkins said. “St. Johns Bluff that goes into the Town Center is bad already, and we had to fight to get a stoplight out of our neighborhood, and we’re so glad we have that. But now, adding a huge stadium, a huge shopping area, and homes is going to add to that traffic and make it even worse”

Not everyone who lives nearby opposes the proposal.

Clarence Taylor lives near the potential site and believes the development would benefit the area.

“It’s convenient; you don’t have to drive all the way across downtown. It’s something nice for the Southside,” Taylor said.

According to Sporting JAX, the environmental permitting process and city review are among the next major steps before construction could begin.

If the Planned Unit Development application is filed, the proposal would move through Jacksonville’s public planning process, which includes additional review and public hearings where residents can comment before city leaders consider final approvals.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is term-limited, making the race to replace her a top takeover opportunity for Republicans. Although Kansas votes reliably Republican in statewide federal contests, the state also has a 60-year streak of electing governors from the opposite party of their immediate predecessors.

The Republican primary for governor will be the latest test of President Donald Trump’s influence in Republican primaries this year. He has endorsed state Senate President Ty Masterson over former state Rep. Charlotte O’Hara, financial services executive Philip Sarnecki, state Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt and Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab.

The Democratic primary field features state Sens. Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher and Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog.

Sarnecki has outspent the rest of the field, thanks in large part to the $2.5 million he loaned his campaign. His running mate, data analytics firm founder and former Wichita school board member Joy Eakins, also has deep pockets. She loaned her own gubernatorial campaign $1 million before dropping out and joining Sarnecki’s ticket. She has since made a $50,000 contribution to the campaign.

Schwab loaned more than $2.1 million to his campaign and ranked second in overall spending. Masterson was fourth in overall campaign spending, but he outraised Sarnecki and Schwab in donor contributions, excluding candidate loans.

In the Democratic primary, Corson about doubled Holscher and Skoog's combined fundraising and spending. He also has a key endorsement from Kelly.

In the race for U.S. Senate, Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall seeks his party’s nomination for a second term and has Trump’s endorsement. Marshall won his 2020 primary with about 40% of the vote against former Secretary of State and current state Attorney General Kris Kobach.

He faces a quixotic primary challenge from Arch Naramore, who will appear on ballots under his middle name, Pond. Naramore challenged former U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback for the Republican nomination in 2004, receiving 13% of the vote in a head-to-head matchup.

The crowded, 11-candidate field for the Democratic nomination includes former U.S. Department of Agriculture official Christy Davis, Methodist megachurch pastor Adam Hamilton, real estate developer and entrepreneur Erik Murray, state Sen. Patrick Schmidt, retired financial services executive Sandy Spidel Neumann and marketing professional and Afghanistan War veteran Noah Taylor.

Hamilton has outraised the rest of the combined Democratic field.

Republicans have won every U.S. Senate election in Kansas since 1932. No Democrat has ever been elected to the seat Marshall holds since the state first began direct elections of U.S. Senators in 1914.

Voters will also decide a statewide ballot measure that would allow the direct election of state Supreme Court justices and remove the governor's role from the process. Under the current system, a commission of mostly attorneys compiles a list of three finalists to fill a state Supreme Court vacancy, and the governor makes the final choice.

Also on the ballot are contested primaries for U.S. House, secretary of state and state Board of Education. All 125 state House seats are up for election in 2026. Republicans control 70% of seats in the chamber.

Johnson County in the Kansas City suburbs is the most populous county in the state and plays a big role in both statewide Democratic and Republican primaries, as do Wichita-based Sedgwick and Topeka-based Shawnee counties. The state’s two most heavily Democratic counties, Douglas and Wyandotte, tend to be more influential in Democratic primaries than in Republican primaries.

Here are some of the key facts about the election and data points the AP Decision Team will monitor as the votes are tallied:

When do polls close?

Polls close at 7 p.m. local time, which is 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET. Polls in most of the state are in the Central time zone and close at 8 p.m. ET, but some polls are in Mountain time and close at 9 p.m. ET.

What’s on the ballot?

The Associated Press will provide vote results and declare winners in contested primaries for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor, secretary of state, state Board of Education and state House, as well as for a statewide ballot measure.

Who gets to vote?

Voters registered with a political party may vote only in their own party’s primary. In other words, Democrats can’t vote in the Republican primary or vice versa. Independent or unaffiliated voters may participate in either primary if they affiliate with that party at the polls.

How many voters are there?

As of May 1, there were about 2 million registered voters in Kansas, including about 894,000 Republicans, about 495,000 Democrats and about 588,000 voters not affiliated with any party.

How many people actually vote?

About 463,000 Republican primary votes and about 289,000 Democratic primary votes were cast in the 2022 primaries for governor.

How much of the vote is cast early or by absentee ballot?

About 45% of the Democratic primary vote and about 28% of the Republican primary vote in the 2024 state primaries was cast early in-person or by mail.

As of Friday, about 133,000 ballots had already been cast in Tuesday’s election, roughly 62,000 from Republicans and about 60,000 from Democrats.

When are early and absentee votes released?

Kansas counties vary in how they release vote results, but about half release results from mail voting along with in-person Election Day voting over the course of the night.

How long does vote-counting usually take?

In the 2022 Democratic primary for governor, the AP first reported results at 8:24 p.m. ET, or 24 minutes after polls closed in most of the state. The vote count surpassed the halfway mark at about 10:02 p.m. ET. The last vote update of the night was at 3:31 a.m. ET with about 96% of total votes counted.

When will the AP declare a winner?

The AP does not make projections and will declare a winner only when it’s determined there is no scenario that would allow a trailing candidate to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why.

How do recounts work?

There are no automatic recounts in Kansas, but candidates may request and pay for one regardless of the vote margin. If the candidate requesting the recount is declared the winner, then the counties will bear the costs. The AP may declare a winner in a race that is subject to a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.

Are we there yet?

As of Tuesday, there will be 91 days until the 2026 midterm elections.

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Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2026 election at https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/.

Sheriff Michelle Cook is urging parents to sit down with their children before the start of the school year to talk about road safety, particularly when it comes to e-bikes.

“E-bikes are motorized, (so) treat it like a motorized vehicle. If you wouldn’t put your kid behind the wheel of a car, I’d have thought about giving them an e-bike,” Cook said. “And I understand why some kids need the e-bike. They have a long walk to school, or maybe they’re working after school, and the transportation helps get them there quicker. But I don’t want to respond to any calls this year of a kid being injured or killed on an e-bike.”

Deputies will increase traffic enforcement around schools as part of the department’s broader push for student safety. Cook says an e-bike educational safety package will be rolled out once the school year begins.

Recent crashes fuel safety push

The urgency behind the campaign is real. In June, 14-year-old Carson Farias died following an e-bike crash in Clay County, raising safety concerns among residents and drivers.

In March, a 23-year-old woman was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding an e-bike.

Those tragedies reflect a growing national problem. E-bike and scooter accidents rose from roughly 100,000 in 2022 to more than 130,000 in 2024 — a 30% increase in just two years, according to Consumer Shield.

What parents, students need to know

Cook says e-bike riders should follow the same rules of the road as drivers of motor vehicles.

That message is especially important for younger riders who may not fully understand the risks.

Clay County’s first day of school is Tuesday, Aug. 11.

Clay County District Schools has put together a “Back 2 School” resource guide available at Home | Clay County District Schools.

The Slovenian rider’s UAE Team Emirates-XRG team announced its lineup for the three-week race on Monday, confirming Pogačar will take part after claiming a record-equaling fifth Tour de France crown last month.

“It was my first ever Grand Tour back in 2019 and an amazing experience,” Pogačar said. “Spain is a country I love to visit and race in and I think the time is right to go back.”

Exclusive clubs

Pogačar joined Belgian Eddy Merckx, Spaniard Miguel Indurain, and Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault as the only riders with five Tour de France titles to their names.

Unlike male riders including Hinault, Anquetil, Merckx and Jonas Vingegaard, however, Pogacar has not won the Spanish Vuelta for a hat trick of Grand Tours wins.

Pogačar, who won the Giro d’Italia in 2024 by a big margin, is also bidding to become just the fourth male rider to win the Vuelta and Tour de France in the same year after Anquetil, Hinault and Chris Froome.

Spanish Vuelta

The 81st Vuelta starts on Aug. 22 with an individual time trial in Monaco – where Pogačar lives – before making its way through France and Andorra to Spain. It concludes in Granada on Sept. 13 after nearly 3,300 kilometers of racing.

The 27-year-old Pogačar won three stages when he finished third on his last and only appearance so far at the Vuelta.

“Joining Pogačar are João Almeida, Jay Vine, Pavel Sivakov, Pablo Torres, Kevin Vermaerke, Domen Novak and Ivo Oliveira,” UAE Team Emirates-XRG said.

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AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

The small Phoenix Tailings refinery tucked inside an office park in Exeter, New Hampshire, could play a key role in helping America break the chokehold China has on the processing of critical minerals, but it will take 14 to 18 months to build a new factory with a $500 million loan from the Pentagon to drastically expand the company's separation and metallization capacity, a particularly weak stage in the U.S. mines-to-magnets supply chain.

The task that workers carry out in heat-resistant suits and sealed face masks has become more urgent with the war in the Middle East rapidly drawing down munitions because critical minerals are a key ingredient in widely used U.S. weapons systems such as Tomahawk cruise missiles, THAAD interceptors and F-35 fighter jets. While the White House is demanding military contractors speed up weapons production, it’s also imposing even stricter rules banning them from sourcing critical-mineral components from China.

“It will be a tall order and a challenge to replenish these stocks and scale up in the time frame needed to meet defense demand and regulations,” said Anthony Balladon, the chief commercial officer and a co-founder. He said the company is working hard to greatly increase its capacity.

Although the U.S. is quickening its pace to rebuild the domestic supply chain of critical minerals, free of control from its most formidable rival, most new U.S. mines are years away from reality, so extracting some of these hard-to-pronounce elements from existing mine waste can help satisfy the growing demand in the meantime.

Phoenix Tailings

has big plans

As its name indicates, Phoenix Tailings taps tailings, or waste from traditional mining, as well as recycled magnets and disk drives as the raw materials for separation and metallization, the stage at which China has the strongest hold.

To make inroads, the company, based in Woburn, Massachusetts, plans to build a facility to extract and produce critical metals, such as neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, dysprosium, samarium and yttrium, which are needed in defense, aerospace and automotive industries.

“We call it the Freedom facility because, ultimately, the purpose of this is to ensure that the entire Western Hemisphere, the United States and its allies are free of Chinese influence within the rare-earth space,” Balladon said.

On a recent afternoon, two technicians in heat-resistant hazmat suits were operating an apparatus of cylinders, tubes, funnels and control panels set up on a platform with bright yellow railings. A chemical process involving electricity removes oxygen and turns the oxides feed into a grayish metal: neodymium-praseodymium, which can be used to make extremely strong permanent magnets used in fighter jets, missiles, radar systems and drones.

The metals Phoenix Tailings refines and other critical minerals play “an outsized role” in defense systems, Balladon said. A $150 million weapons system won’t work if it's missing critical minerals that may be worth only $20,000 to $30,000, he said.

The U.S. defense sector is particularly reliant on samarium and needs 50 to 100 tons each year, but the U.S. capacity is very limited, he said.

Phoenix Tailings is among the few companies capable of producing the final metal, according to Balladon, but its capacity is only about 200 kilograms (440 pounds) a year. He said the company will scale up to about 5 tons in the next three months but it will be next year or 2028 before it reaches its goal of 120-ton capacity.

Another US magnet maker looks to France

For years, the U.S. magnet maker Arnold Magnetic Technologies relied on China for samarium to produce the extremely strong, stable-in-high-temperature magnet that goes into precision-guided missiles such as the Tomahawks.

That doesn’t work any more. For Arnold, the solution has come from a relic of Europe’s past rare-earth industry — abandoned mined dirt in the French city of La Rochelle.

Solvay, a Belgium-headquartered chemical company, ceased operations to separate and process rare earths from the mined dirt in the 2000s. That was when China was building up most of the world’s processing capacities with a determination to dominate.

Then came April 2025, when China weaponized its near-monopoly by choking the outflow of processed critical materials and forcing the U.S. government to back off in their trade war. It was then that Solvay restarted separating neodymium and praseodymium at the La Rochelle site, and this year it began to separate heavy rare earths such as samarium, dysprosium and terbium, a Solvay spokesperson said.

“This ramp‑up is driven by several factors: rapidly growing demand for permanent magnets, increased geopolitical focus on supply chain security, and strong customer demand in Europe and the United States for more diversified, resilient and traceable sources of supply,” the company spokesperson said.

In Rochester, New York, where Arnold is headquartered, higher costs by Solvay, as compared with China, have not been a deal-breaker, because the samarium-cobalt magnets that it manufactures account for only a small cost in a weapon system, said Matt Blake, chief executive officer of Arnold Magnetic Technologies. “They are not the absolute cost drivers,” he said.

The surge in demand for such magnets has worked in the company’s favor, said Aaron Williams, the company’s chief commercial officer. “From our end, it’s a good opportunistic growth," he said.

But not all metals are equal

Brodie Sutherland, chief executive officer of Patriot Critical Minerals Corp., which seeks to explore and mine tungsten in the U.S., is concerned that the U.S. will not be able to get by without China-sourced tungsten after Jan. 1, 2027, a deadline imposed by the Pentagon.

The U.S. is fully dependent on imports, with China controlling roughly 80% of the global mine supply and an even larger share of downstream processing, Sutherland said.

Efforts to ramp up U.S. production will take years, he said, and in the meantime the Pentagon and its defense contractors will need to rely on existing inventories, expanded recycling and limited non-China sources.

Iran war and Trump's China order create pressure and opportunity

The need to increase production has become more urgent as the war with Iran digs into the U.S. military’s already diminished stockpiles of advanced missile interceptors. This could force the U.S. and its Middle Eastern allies to take more risks to conserve those air defenses, potentially putting American troops at risk, according to an analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.

It also has raised concerns that the U.S. military would have diminished firepower in any potential future conflict with China. CSIS warned in May that it could take at least three years to replenish stockpiles of the Tomahawks, Patriots and THAADs, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptors.

But just last month, Trump, a Republican, complicated the mission by announcing stricter controls on defense contractors sourcing critical materials from China. His executive order also curtails the Pentagon’s waiver authority should a contractor cite “non-availability” of a domestic source. It criticizes defense contractors for failing to prioritize domestic production.

“It is the policy of the United States that not only the finished equipment deployed by our military, but also the critical materials and components necessary to manufacture, maintain, sustain, and repair that equipment, are sourced domestically or from allied nations,” the July 20 order declared.

In a statement, Lockheed Martin said “we continuously assess the global rare earth supply chain to ensure access to critical materials that support our customers’ missions.” Several other major U.S. defense contractors, including Raytheon Technologies and Northrop Grumman, didn’t respond to The Associated Press' requests for comment.

Balladon is confident that U.S. companies and partners can rise to the task. “Ultimately, with the right support and partners across the industry," he said, “we think we can make it happen.”

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Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska.

The Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry was traveling from Indonesia’s second-largest city of Surabaya in East Java to the city of Makassar in South Sulawesi. Initial reports said it was carrying 271 people, including 39 crew members, based on the ship’s manifest, when the fire broke out between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.

However, by Monday officials said many more people were aboard than listed, and the number of people missing was unclear. Officials were relying on reports from families of victims and survivors in an attempt to determine the number of the missing.

It is common in Indonesia for the number of passengers on a boat or ferry to differ from the manifest. Such discrepancies can complicate search and rescue efforts, said Nanang Sigit, the search mission coordinator who also heads the Surabaya Search and Rescue Office.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation. Indonesian navy ships assisted, along with a number of passing vessels, at the scene about 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of Sapudi island in the Sumenep regency.

The vessel was also loaded with 180 vehicles, mostly trucks.

Ahmad Abdul Karim, a survivor, said the fire appeared to have started in a truck on the lower vehicle deck.

“Fanned by the wind, the flames spread extremely quickly,” Karim said, “In less than 30 minutes, everyone had been instructed to move to the bow of the ferry.”

Another passenger, Azhari, said many passengers had just woken up when the fire erupted, apparently from the rear of the ferry.

“The fire spread quickly to the middle of the vessel,” Azhari, who goes by a single name, said in a television interview. “There was no other option for us but to jump into the sea.”

He said passengers were in the sea for about four hours before passing vessels began pulling them to safety.

Television news showed exhausted survivors disembarking from a rescue vessel at a harbor in Surabaya, while rescuers transported bodies to ambulances and grieving relatives waited for information.

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the government would review the performance of the ferry’s operator, Atosim Lampung Pelayaran, after the National Transportation Safety Committee, or KNKT, completes its investigation.

“First we need to determine the cause based on KNKT’s findings,” Purwagandhi said.

The ferry was built in Japan in 1992 and was sold to Indonesia in 2015. With a length of 160 meters (525 feet), it can accommodate 689 passengers and 49 crew, along with up to 181 vehicles.

The Mutiara Sentosa 2 serves the Surabaya-Makassar route, a voyage that typically takes around 40 hours and is primarily used by domestic travelers and cargo transport between the islands of Java and Sulawesi.

Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where ferries are a common method of travel. Disasters occur regularly, with weak safety enforcement often blamed.

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Associated Press journalists Niniek Karmini and Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.

The state is one of the nation’s most competitive electoral battlegrounds, as the last three presidential elections firmly established. In 2026, in addition to the pivotal U.S. Senate contest, Michigan will host fiercely contested races for governor, U.S. House and the state Legislature.

Progressives scored high-profile victories in the past year with the election of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s mayor and several U.S. House primaries where progressive candidates defeated longtime Democratic incumbents. While those contests all were waged on safe, heavily Democratic turf, the race to replace Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters is expected to be a marquee matchup in the November general election, raising the stakes of Tuesday’s Democratic primary between U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and former Detroit public health official Abdul El-Sayed.

Stevens has endorsements from much of the state’s Democratic establishment, including Peters, term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, former U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and state Attorney General Dana Nessel. Her notable out-of-state backers include Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and South Carolina U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, who recently campaigned with Stevens in heavily Democratic Detroit.

El-Sayed has endorsements from prominent progressive leaders including U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and U.S. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.

While El-Sayed has outraised Stevens in the campaign overall, including more than doubling her fundraising haul in the first two weeks of July, the two were on roughly even footing in terms of available cash heading into the final stretch of the primary season. But Stevens has benefitted from heavy spending by outside groups, including a committee affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

The group, the United Democracy Project, has spent more than $30 million since June in support of Stevens and against El-Sayed, according to Federal Election Commission records. AIPAC’s political operation has been active in supporting pro-Israel candidates in primaries this year, but its sizable investment in the Michigan U.S. Senate primary marks a dramatic escalation in the group’s willingness to engage in a single contest.

State Sen. Mallory McMorrow’s July withdrawal from the primary has not added much clarity to the race. She has not endorsed either remaining candidate, and both campaigns are vying for her former supporters. Her name remains on the ballot.

The winner will face former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who is unopposed for the Republican nomination. Rogers ran for the state’s other U.S. Senate seat in 2024 but narrowly lost to Democrat Elissa Slotkin.

Wayne County, home to Detroit, is the state’s most populous county and is a major source of votes in statewide Democratic primaries. Oakland and Macomb counties in the Detroit suburbs and Grand Rapids-based Kent County are key state battlegrounds in both primaries and general elections. Washtenaw County, home of the college town of Ann Arbor where El-Sayed has taught, is heavily Democratic and wields more influence in Democratic primaries than in Republican ones.

In previous establishment-vs.-progressive statewide Democratic primaries, the progressive candidates tend to post their strongest numbers in Washtenaw and Kent counties, regardless of the statewide outcome. Sanders carried both counties decisively in his narrow win over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential primary and placed a close second in both in his 17-point primary loss to Joe Biden in 2020.

Wayne County has the state's highest share of Black residents, at about 37%, according to the U.S. Census. About 8% of Wayne County residents are of Arabic, Middle Eastern or North African descent, the highest share of any county in the nation.

In the 2016 and 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, Wayne delivered for the establishment candidates. Sanders carried almost every county in 2016, but Clinton still almost won based largely on the strength of her showing in Wayne County.

In the race for governor, Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican U.S. Rep. John James are the front-runners in their primaries. Benson faces Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, while James’ lone remaining opponent is wealthy businessman and former 2024 presidential candidate Perry Johnson.

A handful of Michigan congressional districts could decide control of the U.S. House. Among the most competitive is the 7th District which includes Lansing, the state capital. The three-way Democratic primary features former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, community organizer William Lawrence and former Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam. The winner will face freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett.

Competitive primaries are also underway to replace James in the 10th District and Stevens in the 11th District.

In the heavily Democratic 13th District anchored by Detroit, Shri Thanedar faces a tough primary challenge from state Rep. Donavan McKinney, who’s won endorsements from El-Sayed, Sanders, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Tlaib in the neighboring 12th Congressional District and several other of Thanedar’s progressive U.S. House colleagues.

Here are some of the key facts about the election and data points the AP Decision Team will monitor as the votes are tallied:

When do polls close?

Polls close at 8 p.m. local time, which is 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET. Polls in most of the state are in the Eastern time zone and close at 8 p.m. ET, but some polls in the Upper Peninsula along the Wisconsin border are in Central time and close at 9 p.m. ET.

What’s on the ballot?

The Associated Press will provide vote results and declare winners in contested primaries for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor, state Senate and state House.

Who gets to vote?

Any eligible voter may participate in any party’s primary. Michigan does not register voters by party.

How many voters are there?

As of July 6, there were about 8.3 million registered voters in Michigan.

How many people actually vote?

About 934,000 Democratic primary votes and about 880,000 Republican primary votes were cast in the 2024 U.S. Senate primaries.

How much of the vote is cast early or by absentee ballot?

About 63% of the vote in the 2024 state primary was cast early in-person or by mail. Michigan adopted early voting for statewide and federal races after voters approved a 2022 ballot measure expanding voting opportunities.

As of Friday, more than 1 million ballots had already been cast in Tuesday’s election.

When are early and absentee votes released?

Michigan counties vary in terms of when and how they release vote results, but the first vote updates of the night across the state tend to be a mix of results from mail, early in-person and in-person Election Day voting. The most populous counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent, Genesee and Washtenaw counties tend to release relatively few results from any vote type in the their first vote updates.

How long does vote-counting usually take?

In the 2024 Democratic U.S. Senate primary, the AP first reported results at 8:03 p.m. ET, or three minutes after polls closed in most of the state. The vote count surpassed the halfway mark at 12:03 a.m. ET. By 4:12 a.m. ET, about 95% of the vote had been counted.

When will the AP declare a winner?

The AP does not make projections and will declare a winner only when it’s determined there is no scenario that would allow a trailing candidate to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why.

How do recounts work?

Recounts in Michigan are automatic in statewide races if the vote margin is 0.1% or less of the total votes cast. There is no automatic recount in state legislative primaries. Under the state’s 2024 recount law, candidates may request and pay for a recount if they have a “good-faith belief” that there’s a “reasonable chance” they would have won the contest if not for a vote-counting error. The AP may declare a winner in a race that is subject to a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.

Are we there yet?

As of Tuesday, there will be 91 days until the 2026 midterm elections.

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Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2026 election at https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/.

Before late last week, the dollar was trading above 163 yen, touching 40-year highs. After regulators were suspected of stepping in, it fell below 160 yen.

Early Monday, after the official announcement of the intervention, the dollar fell to nearly 155.20 yen. That’s a big drop for the exchange rate. The dollar was trading at 156.70 yen early Monday Eastern time.

Even though it has attracted millions of bargain-hunting tourists, the yen's prolonged weakness against the dollar has been a source of frustration for Tokyo. Since Japan imports so much of what it consumes, a weak currency pushes prices higher. High oil prices have amplified that problem and that's putting pressure on the administration of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to do more to address the rising cost of living.

Joint intervention was needed to stem the yen's decline

Efforts earlier this year to raise the value of the yen against the dollar did little to budge the exchange rate.

Normally foreign exchange markets determine the relative values of currencies, but there are many factors that shape what happens in the markets.

A big gap between interest rates in the U.S. and Japan has led investors to sell yen and buy dollars to take advantage of the higher yields from dollar-denominated assets. Both the Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve kept their interest rates unchanged at meetings last week, maintaining that gap.

So, last week, when the dollar slipped below 160 yen and stayed there, the U.S. side was suspected of lending a hand.

Officials usually stay mum on such actions. But on Sunday, Trump confirmed that the U.S. side had helped, and Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama likewise issued a statement saying the finance ministry had purchased yen in coordination with the U.S. Treasury Department.

“We will not hesitate to conduct further joint intervention,” she said.

Such overt acknowledgment of market intervention is rare, said Neil Newman, managing director and head of strategy at Astris Advisory Japan. He said the last big example was when governments intervened following a massive earthquake and tsunami disaster in northeastern Japan in 2011.

Why the US is helping support the yen

When asked why Washington was helping, Trump said Sunday that “We have a good relationship with Japan. We’re very strong —- very, very strong financially — and they are, you know, they have a weakening yen, and they wanted a little bit of help, and we’re always there for Japan. Japan’s been very good to us, with the exception, of course, of Pearl Harbor.”

Trump said the U.S. got “financial benefit” out of the intervention, calling it a “signal of friendship.”

“It’s also good for the world economy,” he said.

A weaker dollar makes U.S.-made goods more competitive, reducing their costs in yen terms, and might help increase American exports to Japan, Newman said.

“It’s very rare that the Americans will work with the Japanese on this, but there is an alignment of interests here basically between Japan and America,” Newman said.

It was a “low-cost” way for Washington to pay a favor to a key U.S. ally, while also protecting the stability of foreign exchange and bond markets, Shigeto Nagai, head of Japan economics for Oxford Economics, said in a report.

Analysts question if the intervention worked

The latest intervention appears to be having a more durable impact than earlier cases this year, and the yen may have a slightly stronger path for the rest of the year, Nagai said.

But the factors that have contributed to the yen's long-term weakness remain.

Takaichi has pushed to cut Japan's sales tax on food to 1% from 8% and to dramatically increase government spending. Such moves would tend to weaken the yen since it would increase inflation and add to Japan's already massive government debt.

The Bank of Japan has moved slowly to raise its benchmark rate from near zero to the current 1%, its highest level in 31 years but still well below the Federal Reserve' s rate of 3.5%-3.75%.

It likely will continue to slow-walk any changes as it evaluates the impact of the Iran war and other factors on the economy, Nagai said.

Meanwhile, a surge in oil prices because of the war and resulting higher inflation has kept the Fed from cutting rates.

“The yield differential remains wide, Japan’s energy-import burden remains significant, and the Bank of Japan is still moving more slowly than the market would normally require to generate a sustained currency reversal,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary.

___

Kurtenbach reported from Bangkok. AP journalist Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.

The contest, as well as primaries for Missouri’s seven other U.S. House seats, will be the first held since Republican state lawmakers adopted a new congressional map backed by President Donald Trump that was designed to boost their party’s chances of keeping control of the chamber in November’s midterm elections.

In the St. Louis-based 1st Congressional District, freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell seeks a second term. He must first clear a strong primary challenge from his predecessor, former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, who was a member of the group of progressive House members known as The Squad.

Bell defeated Bush in the 2024 primary by nearly 6 percentage points with the help of about $8.6 million in outside spending from the political arm of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, which promotes U.S.-Israel relations. Bush has been a vocal critic of Israel since its response to the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The committee spent about $3.1 million in July against Bush and in support of Bell ahead of Tuesday’s primary.

The district is heavily Democratic. Democratic then-Vice President Kamala Harris received about 78% of the district vote in her unsuccessful 2024 presidential run against Trump.

On the other side of the state, Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver is running for a 12th term on much different turf than the compact, Kansas City-based district he’s represented for more than 20 years. The Republican-controlled state Legislature’s mid-decade redistricting plan carved up heavily Democratic Kansas City among three districts and stretched what remained of Cleaver’s 5th Congressional District eastward to pick up heavily Republican areas. Cleaver is now running in a district that Trump carried with about 58% of the vote, compared with the current 5th District, which supported Harris with about 61% of the vote.

The six Republicans running to challenge Cleaver in November include former Boone County Clerk Taylor Burks, state Sen. Rick Brattin and former law professor Brett Hueffmeier. Burks led the Republican field in fundraising, more than tripling Brattin in both money raised and cash in the bank as of mid-July.

Voters will also decide the fates of four statewide ballot measures, including one that would make it harder to pass citizen-driven proposals to amend the state constitution and another that would eliminate the state income tax.

Amendment 4 would change the vote threshold required to pass voter-initiated ballot measures to amend the state constitution. Currently, only a simple statewide majority is needed to approve a constitutional amendment put on the ballot by voters. If Amendment 4 passes, a voter-initiated proposal would require a vote majority in each of the state’s congressional districts.

Amendment 5 would require the state Legislature to phase out individual income taxes in Missouri and expand sales taxes.

About half of Missouri’s 34 state Senate seats and all 163 state House seats are up for election in 2026. Republicans hold roughly 2-1 ratio majorities in both chambers.

Here are some of the key facts about the election and data points the AP Decision Team will monitor as the votes are tallied:

When do polls close?

Polls close at 7 p.m. CT, which is 8 p.m. ET.

What’s on the ballot?

The Associated Press will provide vote results and declare winners in contested primaries for U.S. House, state auditor, state Senate and state House, as well as in four statewide ballot measures.

Who gets to vote?

Any eligible voter may participate in any party’s primary.

How many voters are there?

As of the 2024 general election, there were 4.4 million registered voters in Missouri.

How many people actually vote?

About 586,000 Republican primary votes and about 322,000 Democratic primary votes were cast in the 2022 primaries for state auditor.

By comparison, about 698,000 Republican votes and about 379,000 Democratic votes were cast in the 2024 primaries for governor.

How much of the vote is cast early or by absentee ballot?

About 12% of the vote in the 2024 state primary was cast early in person or by mail. Missouri does not have a long tradition of pre-Election Day voting. The state began allowing no-excuse early voting in the 2022 general election.

When are early and absentee votes released?

Local election officials tend to release all or almost all results from mail and early in-person voting in the first vote update of the night. In roughly half of Missouri’s counties, they are released along with some results from in-person Election Day voting. But the state’s most populous jurisdictions tend to release very few in-person Election Day results in the first vote update.

How long does vote-counting usually take?

In the 2024 state primaries, the AP first reported results at 8:06 p.m. ET, or six minutes after polls closed. The vote count surpassed the halfway mark at about 10:20 p.m. ET. The last vote update of the night was at 12:26 a.m. ET, with about 99.9% of total votes counted.

When will the AP declare a winner?

The AP does not make projections and will declare a winner only when it’s determined there is no scenario that would allow a trailing candidate to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why.

How do recounts work?

Missouri does not have automatic recounts, but candidates for federal, judicial and state offices, including state Legislature, may request a recount if the margin is less than 0.5% of the vote. Candidates for local offices may request a recount if the margin is less than 1% of the vote. A court may also order a recount as part of an election contest proceeding. The AP may declare a winner in a race that is subject to a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.

Are we there yet?

As of Tuesday, there will be 91 days until the 2026 midterm elections.

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Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2026 election at https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/.

But stuffing your student’s lunchbox or bag with healthy options doesn’t have to break the bank.

We decided to tackle the “Lunchbox Challenge” to feed two teenagers lunch for five days with a target budget of roughly $40 a week for both kids combined — and I was determined to hit it.

For background, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers several meal plan tiers to help families budget for food costs — ranging from low-cost to moderate to liberal.

For this challenge, I went with the moderate plan as a realistic middle ground for most families.

With some quick calculations, we broke it down into two hypotheticals: For our teen girl, the weekly lunch budget comes out to about $17.71. For the boy, it’s $22.04 — bringing the combined total to $39.75 for five days of lunches a week.

So News4JAX photojournalist Cade Westbrook and I went shopping at Winn-Dixie to see if we could realistically feed two teenagers lunch every day of the school week (5 days) for less than $40 — and how much money parents can save if they’re smart about it.

Armed with a list and a pen in hand, I headed into the store feeling every bit like a parent on a mission.

The list included staples like bananas, granola bars, cheese, turkey, carrots, hummus, tortillas, peanut butter and fruit.

Getting the quantities right took some focus.

The first run through checkout didn’t go quite as planned.

At $59.59, I was nearly $20 over the original target. That was including Buy One Get One deals on certain items, plus Winn-Dixie app savings.

I went back through the cart and made some adjustments — trimming items that weren’t essential and rethinking portions to get closer to that goal.

The second trip through checkout told a very different story — $38.81. Two teen lunches for five days for under $40. Done.

But the ingredients are only step one.

I then laid everything out and created an array of school lunch ideas – one of them included a turkey and cheese sandwich with a banana, granola bar, carrots and hummus.

The next day consisted of a banana and peanut butter tortilla with fruits, vegetables and a granola bar. Simple, balanced and well within budget.

Here are some takeaways:

Grocery prices are higher. There’s no doubt about that, so look for deals and cheaper brands and cut back on excess food to save.

We also received savings through the Winn-Dixie app. So make sure you take advantage of the app at your favorite store. That will help cut the cost on the final bill.

Finally, parents, I now understand what you have to go through on a daily basis with your kids. You have my respect!

Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is running for reelection for the 3rd Congressional District seat she first won narrowly in 2022. A former auto shop co-owner, she is the best-known and best-funded of the four Democrats on the ballot. She also faces challenges from three Republicans, including state Senate Minority Leader John Braun, who has a key endorsement from President Donald Trump. The southwest Washington district is expected to be a key U.S. House battleground this fall.

Washington state has a top-two primary system in which all candidates compete on the same ballot and the two highest vote-getters regardless of party advance to the general election.

The 3rd Congressional District borders Oregon to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Trump received 50.3% of the vote from 3rd District voters in 2024, besting the 47% Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris received. Gluesenkamp Perez received 50.1% of the vote in the 2022 general election and about 52% in 2024.

Incumbents are running for reelection in nine of the state’s 10 congressional districts. The exception is the 4th Congressional District, where Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse is retiring after six terms. Newhouse was among 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of his supporters.

Eleven candidates are running to replace him, including Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney and entrepreneur and former NASCAR driver Jerrod Sessler, both Republicans. Trump endorsed McKinney in January on the five-year anniversary of the insurrection. He previously endorsed Sessler’s unsuccessful bid to unseat Newhouse in 2024. Trump received 59% of the 4th District vote in the presidential election that year.

About half of Washington’s 49 state Senate seats and all 98 state House seats are up in 2026. Democrats currently control about 60% of seats in each chamber.

Three of Washington’s nine state Supreme Court justices are on Tuesday’s ballot, including Chief Justice Debra Stephens. A fourth seat is open. Although state Supreme Court seats are nonpartisan, liberals hold a majority and the ideological balance of the court is not at stake.

Here are some of the key facts about the election and data points the AP Decision Team will monitor as the votes are tallied:

When do polls close?

In-person voting centers close at 8 p.m. PT, which is 11 p.m. ET.

What’s on the ballot?

The Associated Press will provide vote results and declare winners in contested primaries for U.S. House, state Senate, state House and state Supreme Court.

Who gets to vote?

Any eligible voter may participate in the state’s top-two primary system.

How many voters are there?

As of July 1, there were about 5.1 million registered voters in Washington.

How many people actually vote?

About 2 million votes were cast in the 2024 all-party primary for governor. That was slightly higher than the roughly 1.9 million votes cast in the 2022 all-party U.S. Senate primary.

How much of the vote is cast early or by absentee ballot?

Washington conducts its elections almost entirely by mail, and very few voters cast their votes in person. In the 2024 state primary, about 58.5% of voters delivered their ballots to a drop box, while about 41.3% sent their ballots through the mail.

As of Thursday, about 699,000 ballots had already been cast in Tuesday’s election.

When are early and absentee votes released?

The first vote updates of the night tend to include mostly results from mail voting with relatively few results from early in-person or in-person Election Day voting. A handful of counties, including two of the more populous in the state, Spokane and Clark, often release the bulk of their absentee results in their first vote update, but most counties roll them out over the course of the night.

How long does vote-counting usually take?

In the 2024 state primary, the AP first reported results at 11:06 p.m. ET, or six minutes after polls closed. The last vote update of the night was at 11:43 p.m. ET, with about 51% of total votes counted. The vote count surpassed the 75% mark on the Thursday following the election at 7:56 p.m. ET and reached about 95% of the total vote six days after the election at 7:24 p.m. ET.

When will the AP declare a winner?

The AP does not make projections and will declare a winner only when it’s determined there is no scenario that would allow a trailing candidate to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why.

How do recounts work?

Machine recounts in Washington state are automatic if the vote margin between the top two candidates is less than 2,000 votes and less than 0.5% of the total votes cast for both candidates. Manual recounts are required for statewide contests if the margin is less than 1,000 votes and less than 0.25% of the total votes cast for both candidates. For all other races, manual recounts are required when the margin is less than 150 votes and less than 0.25% of the total votes cast for both candidates. The AP may declare a winner in a race that is subject to a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.

Are we there yet?

As of Tuesday, there will be 91 days until the 2026 midterm elections.

___

Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2026 election at https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/.

Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home on Musket Drive after receiving a call about gunshots. When they arrived, they found the suspect, Uyleses Servin, who was taken into custody without further incident.

Cecilia Servin, 47, the suspect’s mother, died at the scene. Miguel Servin, 51, the suspect’s father, was treated by paramedics but died at the hospital.

Word of what happened spread quickly after the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office posted about the shooting on Facebook — and for people who live nearby, the news hit close to home.

One woman who lives in the area says she was traveling back from Tampa when her husband called her about the shooting.

“He was like, did you hear what happened? Like, read what I sent you. And I read it, and I was like, where is this? And he’s like, look at the address. And it said Musket Drive. And I was, oh, I knew exactly who it was,” she said. She did not want to be identified on camera.

Neighbors describe the Servin family as kind and friendly — people who made a point to acknowledge those around them.

“When they drive by, they always wave. I mean, I’ve never had any issues with them,” the woman added.

Michael Hottinger, a Putnam County resident who’s been living in the area for over 10 years, said the news left him searching for answers.

“I was surprised. It was a very strange thing to hear. And I really didn’t understand why this happened,” Hottinger said. I was just surprised that we had a killing in our neighborhood."

Investigators say the shooting began as a domestic argument inside the home that later escalated into gun violence. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office closed its Facebook post with a message to the community:

“Please pray for this family as they navigate an unimaginable loss at the hands of another family member.”

In addition to two counts of homicide, Uyleses Servin is charged with two counts of firing into a building or vehicle, three counts of aggravated assault, and one count of child neglect. He was transported to the Putnam County Jail and is being held without bond.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and that no further information will be released this weekend to allow detectives time to conduct interviews and continue their work.

A Ponte Vedra Beach estate recently sold for $20 million, but former owner Rick Sontag isn’t taking home a penny.

Every dollar from the sale is going toward brain tumor research, a cause rooted in one of the most painful chapters of his life.

“It was a no-brainer for me. I mean, what am I going to do with more cash in my pocket when I have a foundation that can use that and help build the resources,” Sontag said.

Sontag spent years building a life in the sprawling oceanfront estate and even longer fighting to save the person he built it with, his wife Susan.

“We started building the house around 1990. Together, we designed it together, we built it together and it was our joint project. We were going to move into our family home. Then in June of 1994, my wife had a stroke and subsequently was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. So that was our welcome home, that new home,” Sontag said.

Doctors gave Susan a life expectancy of about three years.

“That’s what I was told. And I got her into a clinical trial over here at Mayo Clinic. Miraculously wound up living 28. Believe it or not, it was a total miracle,” he said.

After selling his Jacksonville-based aerospace company, Unison, to GE in 2002, Rick and Susan used their success to create The Sontag Foundation.

What started as a personal mission has grown into one of North America’s largest private funders of brain tumor research.

“Since 2014, we are proud to say we have helped over 6,000 patients around the United States find their way to treatment,” Sontag said.

The foundation has invested millions in scientific research while helping patients and caregivers connect with specialists, clinical trials and support through the Brain Tumor Network.

Rick continued researching treatments and helping Susan navigate experimental therapies before her passing in 2022.

“She came out with paper wrapped and in it was this big portrait. It was a portrait of her. She said I want you to remember me, the way I was,” he recalled.

Now the home where their story began is helping write its next chapter.

Instead of benefiting from one of Northeast Florida’s most valuable properties, Sontag turned it into a multi-million-dollar gift, one that will help researchers search for better treatments and hopefully one day, a cure.

For Sontag, the sale isn’t the end of a chapter.

It’s a way to ensure that the home he shared with Susan continues supporting the cause they built together.

To learn more about The Sontag Foundation and the Brain Tumor Network, click here.

The film also made $572 million from over 73,500 screens internationally, with China contributing $121 million alone, adding up to a $927 million worldwide debut that is second only to “Endgame” ($1.2 billion).

Tom Holland’s run as the comic book webslinger has been a mighty one. “No Way Home,” his third standalone Spider-Man movie, made over $1.9 billion worldwide to become the eighth-highest earning movie of all time, not accounting for inflation. It was also the first movie since the beginning of the pandemic to cross the $1 billion mark.

But the triumph of “Brand New Day” also comes on the heels of another major movie featuring Holland and Zendaya: Christopher Nolan’s“The Odyssey,” which slid to second place in its third weekend in theaters with $51 million. Their combined might helped propel the biggest weekend of all time for North American movie theaters, with an estimated $430 million in total ticket sales, according to Rentrak.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” started strong, with a record $168 million opening day from 4,487 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, besting “Avenger: Endgame’s” $157 million Friday. The studio predicted it would lead to a $325 million opening weekend, which would still have beaten the second-place record. It takes the place of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” which opened to $260 million in December 2021. In the realm of best opening weekends in North America, they’re followed by “Avengers: Infinity War” ($257 million in 2018) and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ($247 million in 2015).

Expectations were always high for “Brand New Day,” which was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and cost a reported $225 million to produce, not including marketing expenses. But there were worries it wouldn’t attract the same level of mass audience enthusiasm as its predecessor which integrated past Peter Parker actors Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield into the mix. In reality, interest was higher than ever. “Brand New Day” also received strong reviews from critics and audiences. It currently has a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes; Audiences gave it an “A” CinemaScore and a five-star rating on PostTrak.

Ticket buyers were predominately male (about 61%) and many were on the younger side, with slightly more than half the audience under the age of 25, according to PostTrak exit polls. The biggest group was between the ages of 18 and 24, which made up 36% of the audience; 27% were between the ages of 25 and 34. The box office analytics company EntTelligence estimates that about 24.1 million people attended “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” this weekend.

It’s also the biggest ever opening for Sony Pictures.

Tom Rothman, the Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, praised “the incomparable Tom Holland” in a statement. Rothman famously pushed back the production of the movie to allow Holland to act in “The Odyssey” as well.

Cries about the death of the superhero movie have been looming since “Endgame” with more than a few high-profile flops in the years since, including several from the once-impenetrable Marvel Studios. Still, when they work, they really work, most notably with “No Way Home” and “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which made over $1.3 billion.

Marvel Studios president and ‘Spider-Man’ producer Kevin Feige said in a statement, “This debut reflects the enduring power of Marvel’s characters, and the connection they continue to have with fans around the world — and, as audiences saw, it sets up exciting things to come.”

Producer Amy Pascal added that it “reinforces that moviegoers are hungry for stories that are both spectacular and deeply human.”

This year has also seen a resurgence of moviegoing from younger audiences, who have made hits out of movies like “Obsession,” “Backrooms” and “The Drama,” which also starred Zendaya.

They’re also helping blockbusters soar, and in a business that is partly propelled by momentum, “Spider-Man” had the benefit of coming after “The Odyssey,” which fell only 43% in its third weekend. “The Odyssey” has now earned $395.5 million domestically, bringing its global total to $911.4 million. The film will soon open in South Korea (Aug. 5), China (Aug. 14) and Japan (Sept. 11). Its studio, Universal, also became the first this year to surpass $4 billion globally thanks in part to “Michael,” which it distributed internationally, and “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.”

A slew of animated PG-rated holdovers rounded out the top five: “Toy Story 5” was in third place with $6.3 million, followed by “Minions & Monsters” in fourth and “Moana,” in fifth. And there were bright spots further down the chart as well. In sixth place with $2 million, “Hadestown: The Musical” surpassed “Hamilton” to become the highest grossing live theater capture release ever with a running total of $18.2 million.

Paul Dergarabedian, the head of marketplace trends for Rentrak, said the “Spider-Man” effect could help the summer movie season surpass the $4 billion mark for the first time since the Barbenheimer summer of 2023, and the third-ever billion dollar August.

“This is perhaps the most important summer moviegoing season in the history of the business,” Dergarabedian said. August, he added, "could set up a home stretch of the box office year like no other and one that could push us over that $10 billion mark."

Top 10 movies by domestic box office

With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak:

1. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” $355 million.

2. “The Odyssey,” $51 million.

3. “Toy Story 5,” $6.3 million.

4. “Minions & Monsters,” $5.8 million.

5. “Moana,” $5.3 million.

6. “Hadestown: The Musical,” $2 million.

7. “The Invite,” $1.2 million.

8. “I Want Your Sex,” $600,000.

9. “Young Washington,” $477,727.

10. “Obsession,” $470,000.

Skubal is a free agent after this season, and Detroit is under .500. But even considering all that, trading away the 2024 and 2025 Cy Young Award winner couldn't have been easy. The Tigers will be judged on how the three prospects they acquired — Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith — perform. History shows that it's possible to come out OK when trading a pitcher of Skubal's caliber, but there are plenty of teams who got little in return.

Here are eight other instances when a reigning Cy Young winner was traded before the end of the following season (hat tip to Baseball Reference for the transaction recaps):

— Frank Viola, Minnesota to New York Mets, 1989: Among the players Minnesota received for Viola were Rick Aguilera and Kevin Tapani. The former would save 42 games and the latter would win 16 in 1991, when the Twins won the World Series. Viola wasn't a rental — after finishing the 1989 season in New York, he went 20-8 in 1990 for the Mets. But New York never made the postseason with him.

— David Cone, Kansas City to Toronto to New York Yankees, 1995: Cone was actually traded twice the year after his Cy Young season in Kansas City. Toronto acquired him for Chris Stynes and two players who never made the majors. When the Blue Jays floundered, they dealt Cone — in the final year of his contract — to the Yankees for Marty Janzen and two players who never made the majors.

— Pedro Martinez, Montreal to Boston, 1997: Ouch. Montreal knew what it had in Martinez, but he was entering his walk year so the Expos traded him shortly after the '97 season for Carl Pavano and Tony Armas. Boston was able to keep him long term, and in 1999 and 2000, he turned in one of the best two-year pitching stretches in the live ball era: 23-4 with a 2.07 ERA, followed by 18-6 with a 1.74 ERA.

— Roger Clemens, Toronto to New York Yankees, 1999: New York was coming off a 114-win season and a World Series title when it sent fan favorite David Wells to Toronto along with reliever Graeme Lloyd and infielder Homer Bush. In return, the Yankees landed Clemens, who like Skubal was fresh of two straight Cy Youngs. He added another with New York in 2001 and kept pitching until 2007.

— CC Sabathia, Cleveland to Milwaukee, 2008: Another good comp for Skubal, in that the Brewers got Sabathia as a partial-season rental right before he hit free agency. It was worth it when he went 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA down the stretch to help Milwaukee reach the playoffs for the first time in 26 years. Outfielder Michael Brantley was a player to be named later in the package that went back to Cleveland, and he would become a five-time All-Star.

— Cliff Lee, Cleveland to Philadelphia, 2009: Yes, that's two straight seasons Cleveland traded away the previous year's Cy Young winner — and Lee wasn't even a pending free agent. He helped the Phillies reach the World Series before being re-traded to Seattle. As part of the deal for Lee, Cleveland got Carlos Carrasco, who would pitch there for over a decade.

— R.A. Dickey, New York Mets to Toronto, 2012: The Mets picked the right time to deal Dickey, who won 20 games in 2012 before New York sent him to the Blue Jays in December. Right-hander Noah Syndergaard and catcher Travis d'Arnaud were part of the return, and both were still with New York when the Mets won the pennant in 2015.

— Justin Verlander, New York Mets to Houston, 2023: Verlander is a tricky case since he actually left the Astros as a free agent after winning the Cy Young for them in 2022. Then New York traded him back to Houston in the middle of the 2023 season.

Trivia time

Which 1974 Cy Young winner was able to switch teams for 1975 after an arbitrator declared him a free agent?

Performance of the week

Kyle Freeland threw Colorado's first complete game since 2002 on Sunday in an 8-1 victory over Kansas City. It was Freeland's 251st start and first complete game. Eduardo Rodriguez is now the lone pitcher in major league history with at least 250 starts and no complete games.

Comeback of the week

Two of the craziest comebacks of the season came this week, courtesy of teams trying to stay in the American League wild card race.

Baltimore trailed Detroit 7-0 in the top of the seventh with Skubal on the mound. The Tigers had a 99.4% win probability according to Baseball Savant. The Orioles finally chased Skubal with Leody Taveras' two-out RBI single, and by the time Detroit's bullpen got out of the inning it was 7-5. Baltimore tied it in the eighth, both teams scored twice in the 11th and then the Orioles won 10-9 in 12.

On Thursday, Kansas City led Minnesota 3-0 with two outs and nobody on in the bottom of the ninth. (Win probability: 99.5%.) A hit batter, a single and a walk loaded the bases. Then Kody Clemens hit a grand slam to give the Twins a 4-3 victory.

Trivia answer

Catfish Hunter was freed when arbitrator Peter Seitz concluded Oakland owner Charlie Finley failed to make a payment into a long-term annuity fund as specified in Hunter's contract. Hunter then signed with the Yankees.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

“It makes me more hungry to keep proving I am who I say I am,” said the star running back, who received a three-year extension in May worth $45.75 million. “It’s making me want to do more than I’ve done in the past.”

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield said he feels “disrespected” by the Buccaneers for not getting the contract extension he sought and plans to play out the final season of his three-year, $100 million deal.

Several players know exactly how they feel, entering the season with something to prove because of either signing a big-money deal, looking for another contract, joining a new team, trying to overcome an injury or working to rebound from mediocre play.

A.J. Brown, WR, Patriots

The three-time Pro Bowl pick was traded by Philadelphia to New England in June for a 2028 first-round draft pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder. Brown, who's still only 29, had 339 catches for 5,034 yards receiving with 32 touchdowns in four seasons with the Eagles — a tenure also marked by cryptic social media posts and comments that soured his relationship with the franchise, including quarterback Jalen Hurts. In New England, Brown gets a fresh start with his childhood favorite team.

Jalen Carter, DT, Eagles

The Eagles signed the ninth overall pick in 2023 to a four-year extension that included $106 million guaranteed through the 2031 season. The huge deal makes Carter the league's highest-paid defensive tackle. It also comes after he had just three sacks last year while shoulder injuries limited him to 11 games. Carter said he feels the responsibility of living up to the contract and returning to his game-wrecking level of play.

Keon Coleman, WR, Bills

The 23-year-old wide receiver has the talent to be a star for the Bills' Josh Allen-led offense. But inconsistency and lapses in focus on and off the field have prevented Coleman from reaching that potential. He has been disciplined three times for being late to meetings. After having eight catches for 112 yards in Buffalo's season opener, Coleman had just 30 receptions for 292 yards in 12 other games. He acknowledged in minicamp that this is a “make or break” season.

Breece Hall, RB, Jets

Hall ran for 1,000 yards for the first time in his career last season and also had 350 yards receiving with five overall TDs while playing in 16 games. He was mentioned often in trade rumors last year, but remained with the Jets. With Frank Reich running the offense, Hall should continue to be a do-it-all bell cow out of the backfield with the hope — based on what the Jets paid him — he'll firmly establish himself as one of the league's top running backs.

Baker Mayfield, QB, Buccaneers

The No. 1 overall pick in 2018 by Cleveland revived his career in Tampa Bay after replacing Tom Brady in 2023. Mayfield insists he has shown himself with the Buccaneers to be a franchise quarterback — and wants to be paid as such. In his first two seasons in Tampa Bay, he made the Pro Bowl and led the Buccaneers to NFC South titles. Mayfield got off to another terrific start last season, but fizzled down the stretch with injuries.

Kyler Murray, QB, Vikings

Arizona released Murray in the offseason, a disappointing end to what was a promising beginning for the 2019 top pick. He signed with Minnesota in March for the veteran minimum of $1.3 million, giving the Vikings a veteran to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job. Murray has been productive at his best as a dynamic dual threat. But he has had to deal with injuries and questions about his work ethic, something he'll try to put to rest with the Vikings. But he needs to beat out McCarthy first.

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Falcons

The eighth overall pick in 2024 came to Atlanta as the Falcons' possible quarterback of the future. Injuries and inconsistency have threatened those hopes. Penix opened last season as the starter, was benched late in Week 3 in favor of Kirk Cousins and then tore an ACL in Week 11. He's working his way back from that injury this summer and the Falcons aren't quite sure when he'll be fully ready. Atlanta signed Tua Tagovailoa, who's also currently banged up, in the offseason to compete with Penix.

Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs

The 26-year-old wide receiver, who missed the Chiefs’ voluntary offseason workouts and mandatory minicamp, served a 30-day sentence in a Dallas County jail for violating the terms of his probation, stemming from his role in a car crash that left multiple people injured on a Texas highway. Rice also had surgery to clean debris in his right knee shortly before he was sentenced. When he has played, he has been a productive target for Patrick Mahomes with 156 catches for 1,797 yards and 14 touchdowns. But Rice has also played just 28 games in three seasons because of a suspension and injuries.

C.J. Stroud, QB, Texans

The second overall pick in 2023 had a terrific first season, winning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, leading the Texans to the playoffs, making the Pro Bowl and giving Houston hope its franchise QB was in place. Stroud's last two seasons might have caused some doubt. The Texans have made it to the postseason in each of his three NFL seasons, but Stroud had his worst performance in the divisional round against New England when he threw four first-half interceptions. The Texans exercised the fifth-year option on Stroud’s rookie contract in April and he's eligible for an extension, with talks ongoing.

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jaguars

The 2024 first-rounder set franchise rookie records for catches (87), yards receiving (1,282) and TD receptions (10), quickly emerging as Trevor Lawrence's top target. But Thomas' production nosedived last season with 48 catches for 707 yards and just two TDs. He also tied for second in the NFL with 10 drops. Thomas was impressive during offseason workouts and minicamp, and the hope is being in his second year in Liam Coen's offense will help him more closely resemble the playmaker he was as a rookie.

Deshaun Watson, QB, Browns

Healthy again after tearing an Achilles tendon in 2024 and missing last season after reinjuring it, Watson's competing with Shedeur Sanders for Cleveland's starting job. And this could be the 30-year-old QB's last chance to redeem himself. He has played in just 19 games since being acquired from Houston in 2022 for three first-round picks and then signing a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal. He was suspended by the NFL for the first 11 games that season for his alleged sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. If Watson starts in Week 1 for new coach Todd Monken, it'll be his first game since Week 7 of the 2024 season.

Malik Willis, QB, Dolphins

Tennessee thought Willis could potentially be its franchise QB when it drafted him in the third round in 2022. That never materialized and Willis was traded to Green Bay two years later. He rejuvenated his career last season while filling in for an injured Jordan Love and parlayed that into a three-year, $67.5 million deal with Miami. Willis will be the starter from Week 1, but the Dolphins are putting a lot of faith in a quarterback with only six NFL starts.

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

The “register of economic beneficiaries” was accessed at night from Wednesday into Thursday last week, the government said. It said that the breach was noticed on Thursday, that measures were taken to secure data and the system taken offline.

The government said there were no indications that any data was altered or deleted.

The list of people behind companies, foundations and trusteeships is part of efforts to combat money laundering and terror financing.

Liechtenstein is a nation of 40,000 people between Switzerland and Austria, and the financial industry is central to its economy.

The government set up a crisis unit over the weekend to investigate the attack.

The fires in and around Spokane, the state's second largest city, burned about 8.2 square miles (about 21 square kilometers) over the weekend and were among dozens of wildfires across the Western U.S. that stretched the ability of federal, state and local agencies to fight them.

A total of about 390 square miles (1,000 square kilometers) has burned across the state, and some of the fires, including those in the Spokane area, have not been contained.

No one hurt or unaccounted for — so far

Fire and law enforcement officials said there had been no reports of injuries or people unaccounted for — but they stressed it was early in the response effort.

Officials also said that the evacuees in Spokane included patients at its U.S. Veterans Affairs hospital.

Video from the Spokane area showed buildings on fire, black smoke billowing up near neighborhoods, and the smoking ruins of homes, with only chimneys still standing. Several officials expressed concern that the area does not appear likely to get a break in coming days from the weather, which is expected to remain dry.

“We are not out of danger,” U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell said during a news conference with federal, state and local officials in Spokane. “The next couple of days will be challenging.”

Investigators had yet to determine how the blazes started.

Grassland in flames in parts of Idaho, Oregon and Utah

Spokane was hardly the only place struggling to contain fires.

Crews using bulldozers and helicopters continued for a 10th day to fight a fire that has burned nearly 525 square miles (about 1,360 square kilometers) of grassland in western Idaho and eastern Oregon. The area is home to cattle ranches, and authorities said the fire is threatening more than 600 homes and 800 other structures.

The weather in the area was expected to remain sunny — and dry — well into the week, with temperatures rising to more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) on Wednesday. Officials say the fire was caused by lightning.

In central Utah, a massive blaze more than doubled in size over the weekend, jumping from 16 square miles (about 41 square kilometers) to about 56 square miles (145 square kilometers) by Sunday morning. More than 100 cattle have been killed, according to local law enforcement.

Officials called the fire “catastrophic" as heavy winds helped flames jump containment lines overnight. The fire is moving north toward Fillmore, a town of about 2,600 people and the seat of Millard County. Mandatory evacuations were ordered Sunday evening for the southern portion of Fillmore.

The National Weather Service issued warnings about the air quality across the northwest. It issued red flag fire warnings for parts of Utah and Montana and western Nebraska, and extreme heat warnings for the southern parts of Arizona, California and Nevada and northern Montana.

High winds make it hard to fight fires in Spokane area

While temperatures Sunday in Spokane were forecast to remain below 80 F (27 C), wind gusts from 35 mph (56 kph) to 45 mph (72 kph) had been expected by the afternoon, said Benjamin Cossel, public information officer for the federal response team from California called in Saturday night to deal with the fires.

“We have weather working against us, and we have terrain working against us,” Cossel said.

There were three fires in the Spokane area: the Old Trails Fire, the Fairview Fire and the Meadowview Fire. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency Saturday, and the National Weather Service issued a “particularly dangerous situation” red flag alert for eastern Washington.

Cossel said that as it gets warmer during the day, cool air that's closer to the ground and keeping winds at bay will rise, allowing those winds to move through the area. The Spokane River cuts through the city of about 229,000 people, and there are steep canyons on both sides that channel the wind.

“They push the fire through the canyons, up, up the slopes, and then outside the slopes and around,” he said. “It's very, very hilly, very, very steep slopes, a lot of canyons that create really turbulent, really challenging sort of wind scenarios.”

Spokane sets up shelter for impacted residents

Authorities in Spokane set up a shelter at the city's main convention center. About 400 people were staying there, officials said Sunday.

Spokane County Commissioner Chris Jordan said relatives of his were in an area affected by the fires and that they don't know if their home is still standing. He said he spoke with them as they were leaving the home.

“They’re in their car and all they can see is smoke everywhere, and it was incredibly scary for so many people,” he said during the news conference.

Heather Rosenstrater, president and CEO of Avista Corp., the area's electric and natural gas utility, said about 10,000 people were without power Sunday, down from a peak of 30,000. Avista needs to repair two transmission lines, she said, so it's possible that demand for electricity over the next few days could cause outages.

Meanwhile, several larger fires continued to burn in less populated areas northwest of Spokane, including one about 80 miles (129 kilometers) from the city that has burned about 210 square miles (544 square kilometers). Another fire in eastern Oregon, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) to the northwest in the Stinkingwater Mountains, has burned about 336 square miles (870 square kilometers).

“The whole northwest is heavily impacted right now,” said Keila Vizcarra, the spokesperson for the federal team from California handling what's been named the Big Grass Fire in western Idaho and eastern Oregon.

The remarks by Doron Spielman, spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, were some of the first public comments since U.S. President Donald Trump announced the agreement.

Spielman told The Associated Press that Israel's intelligence assessment is that Hamas remains committed to rebuilding its military rather than genuinely demilitarizing. He said the Israeli military would not withdraw from Gaza — where it controls more than 60% of the territory — before Hamas disarms.

“Our assessment is that if we redeploy before Hamas is truly disarmed, it will quickly expand its presence throughout Gaza, rebuild its terrorist infrastructure, once again threaten Israeli communities, and seek to carry out another Oct. 7-style attack,” he said, referring to the Hamas militant attack on Israel in 2023 that triggered the war in the Gaza Strip.

“Disarming means physically giving up the weapons. Nothing less,” Spielman said.

His comments come days after Hamas said that it would begin disarming as part of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire signed nine months ago to end the nearly three-year-long conflict. It marks a potential breakthrough in ending the conflict, but many hurdles, conditions and long timelines remain.

Hamas says it's agreed to disarm but the process has obstacles

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.

Hamas disarming has been a sticking point and has deadlocked negotiations for months. In announcing the deal on social media on Thursday, Trump said it would be carried out in “carefully structured phases.”

A copy of the agreement obtained and verified by the AP 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 and to dismantle 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, according to the agreement.

The areas Israel controls in Gaza 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.

Israel 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 his far-right coalition partners urging him to keep up the pressure on Hamas and leave forces in Gaza, and opponents accusing him of failing to prevent the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli communities then, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 others hostage. Israel responded with a punishing military offensive that 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.

Israel warns that Hamas is rearming

While Spielman said Israel greatly appreciates Trump’s commitment to its security and to finding a durable resolution, the government's position on disarmament is based on detailed intelligence saying that Hamas continues to rearm, recruit fighters, and rebuild its military capabilities.

The White House did not provide additional comments on Sunday, when asked specifically about Israel’s assessment that Hamas remains committed to rebuilding its military.

U.S. officials, who briefed reporters on the disarmament agreement last week, said that Israel had been consulted at every step of the negotiations and was not being asked to do anything more than what it had committed to as part of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement signed last October.

It's unclear what exactly Israel conveyed to the White House. Two people with knowledge of the deal told the AP that Israel had communicated its issues with it to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who's part of the Trump-led Board of Peace. One of them said that among the points Israel wanted was freedom to conduct military operations in Gaza. They spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

According to another person familiar with the deal, the Israelis raised two other issues: that Qatar and Turkey not be involved in verifying the stages of the agreement, and that Hamas’ weapons be destroyed after confiscation. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Israel continues to strike Gaza

Since the ceasefire was signed last October, Israel has continued striking Gaza, saying it’s targeting Hamas and its infrastructure.

Local Gaza hospitals said at least 17 were killed in the latest Israeli strikes, including children. A strike on a residential apartment in southern Gaza killed three family members, including their 4-year-old child, according to Nasser hospital, where the bodies arrived.

The Israeli military said the strikes had targeted militant operatives.

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Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report.

Over in the American League, Tampa Bay beefed up its rotation by adding right-hander Freddy Peralta while the New York Yankees acquired young slugger Luis García Jr. to give their Aaron Judge-less lineup a little more pop.

The trade deadline is Monday at 6 p.m. EDT and some of the biggest pitching prizes are already off the board. But other enticing options still remain, including San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller, San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez and Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho.

Also on Sunday, the Chicago Cubs added Kevin Gausman to their rotation in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays.

In other recent deals, the surprising Chicago White Sox picked up right-hander Luis Castillo from the Seattle Mariners, and the Atlanta Braves acquired outfielder Lane Thomas from the Kansas City Royals.

Dodgers land Skubal

Skubal is the latest star to join the high-priced roster for the Dodgers that already has big-name players like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Mookie Betts.

If everyone is healthy, he could be part of a rotation with Ohtani, reigning World Series MVP Yamamoto, fellow two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. The Dodgers led the majors with a 3.36 ERA from their starting pitchers going into Sunday's games and now add Skubal to the mix.

“I’m excited to be a Dodger,” an emotional Skubal said on Saturday night. “I’m excited to get down there and meet all those guys and chase three championships in a row. That’s hard to do, so I’m so excited to a part of that. But it’s a lot of different emotions. Definitely kind of a roller coaster a little bit.”

The Tigers received three minor league prospects in right-handers River Ryan and Brady Smith and outfielder Zyhir Hope.

Skubal is 7-5 this season with a 2.79 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 96 2/3 innings. He is 61-42 with a 3.04 ERA over seven seasons, all in Detroit. In two postseasons, Skubal is 2-1 with a 2.04 ERA in six starts.

Mets unload Peralta to Rays

The last-place New York Mets traded Peralta to the Rays for three minor leaguers, outfielder Aidan Smith, infielder Émilien Pitre and right-hander Gary Gill Hill.

Peralta, a two-time All-Star who can become a free agent following the World Series, has been a disappointment with the Mets after they acquired him from Milwaukee in a January trade.

But he could boost the middle of a strong rotation for the pitching-rich Rays, who began the day with the best record in the American League at 65-45 and a 3 1/2-game lead in the AL East over the New York Yankees.

Garcia ‘both sad and happy’ about trade to Yankees

García has spent his entire seven-year career with the Nationals but acknowledged he would be excited to move to the Yankees.

“I mean it’s a mix of both sad and happy,” García said. “There’s a new chapter in my career, so yeah, 50-50 right now.”

He has a career-high 23 homers and 76 RBIs this season and could help a lineup that's been without Judge for more than two months after he suffered a stress fracture in his right ribs.

“He's been a hitter who has really come of age this year,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “One of the best left-vs-right hitters in the National League. We think he fits our ballpark very well and should hopefully give a little jolt to our offense which has obviously scuffled a little over an extended period.”

The Nationals received four right-handed pitchers for Garcia — Jake Bird, Yovanny Cruz, Jack Cebert and Ben Grable.

Bird, 30, has a 5.93 ERA in 30 games with the Yankees this season, all in relief. Cruz, 26, has a 1.69 ERA in four games. Cebert and Grable have spent the full season in the minors.

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AP Baseball Writer Mike Fitzpatrick in New York and AP Sports Writer Josh Dubow in West Sacramento, California, and Charles Odum in Atlanta contributed to this report.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a post on X that throughout her career, Granger "broke barriers for women in public service.” He added that she “was a dear friend who will be greatly missed.”

Granger, who began her career as a high school teacher and a businesswoman, accomplished many firsts as a politician. She was the first woman elected mayor of Fort Worth, Texas, and the first Republican woman to chair one of the most powerful committees in Congress, the House Appropriations Committee.

First elected to the House in 1996, she did not seek reelection in 2024 and experienced worsening “health challenges” in her final months in Congress, according to a statement her office released in December 2024. Granger, who didn’t cast a vote in Washington after July 2024, didn’t specify or elaborate on those health challenges but said in the statement that frequent travel to Washington had become “both difficult and unpredictable" since early September of that year.

Granger graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in 1965 and considered a career in fashion design but followed her mother into teaching. She worked in the Birdville school district for nine years, teaching English literature and journalism, according to a profile compiled for the publication “Women in Congress, 1917-2006.”

A divorce would lead to a career change. To earn more money, Granger worked from home selling insurance. Her mother, Alliene Mullendore, who moved in with Granger after a stroke, helped keep an eye on the kids. Granger eventually built a successful insurance business that she managed for more than two decades.

“I was a high school teacher with three children, a 2-year and 6-month-old twins, and my husband left," Granger told The Hill in a 2008 profile. “It's the reason I talk so much to working mothers ... you just fight your way through the day.”

Granger got her political start serving on Fort Worth's zoning commission and then won office to the city council. She went on to win election as the city's first female mayor, serving from 1991 to 1995.

Granger’s “Code: Blue” programs included citizen patrol initiatives that halved the rampant crime rate and partnerships with the private sector that drew major businesses to the city. Her resuscitation of Fort Worth’s flagging economic fortunes drew national attention.

In 1996, she was recruited by both parties to run for the House under their banner, and she won as a Republican.

Upon entering Congress, she was named to an advisory board that consulted then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich. She also received seats on three committees: Budget, House Oversight, and Transportation and Infrastructure. She resigned those assignments as part of accepting a seat on the Appropriations Committee.

On the committee, she focused on defense spending, including championing the production of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in Fort Worth.

When Republicans took charge of the House in 2023, Granger became the committee's chair, where she sought to enact steeper non-defense spending cuts than the top-line numbers House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Joe Biden agreed to as part of avoiding an economically disastrous government default.

The Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry was traveling from Indonesia's second-largest city of Surabaya in East Java to the city of Makassar in South Sulawesi, with 232 passengers, 39 crew members and 181 vehicles, mostly trucks, and an excavator, when the fire broke out between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. in waters off Sumenep regency, according to Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, or Basarnas.

The ferry operator, PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran, reported the incident to the Surabaya search and rescue office about an hour later, Basarnas said in a statement. It said the company received information from the ferry's captain that the vessel was on fire near the northern tip of Madura island, but contact was later lost.

By 9:45 a.m., authorities determined the ferry was about 19 nautical miles north of Buruan Sapudi island after communicating with the nearby cargo vessel Meratus Project 3, which was unable to approach the burning vessel closely because it was carrying a flammable load.

Footage released by the National Search and Rescue Agency showed thick black smoke billowing from one side of the ferry and spreading across much of the ship while videos circulating on social media and messaging groups showed terrified passengers, mostly wearing life jackets, could be seen clustered on the deck and upper sections of the vessel awaiting rescue, some jumping into the sea as orange flames and black smoke billowed from the burning vessel.

The ferry was reported to be nearly engulfed by flames, with passengers gathered on the bridge and bow. A tugboat and another passing vessel moved in and began evacuating passengers shortly before 10 a.m., the statement said.

By Sunday evening, several nearby vessels managed to rescue 227 passengers and crew and recovered five bodies. At least 39 people remained unaccounted for.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known and remained under investigation.

Ahmad Abdul Karim, one of the survivors, said the fire appeared to have started from a truck on the lower vehicle deck.

“Someone came up from the lower deck and told us there was a fire. When we went down to check, two vehicles were already burning," Karim said, "Fanned by the wind, the flames spread extremely quickly. In less than 30 minutes, everyone had been instructed to move to the bow of the ferry.”

Search and rescue teams dispatched a rescue vessel from Surabaya, although officials estimated it would take about six hours to reach the scene. A rigid inflatable boat from the Sumenep rescue post was sent toward the location but later returned to shore because of rough seas and high waves. The Indonesian Navy also deployed a warship to assist.

The 160 meters (525 feet) long and 25 meters (82 feet) wide ferry was built in Japan in 1992 and operated on the Osaka-Shinmoji route as the “Ferry Osaka” before being sold to Indonesia in 2015. It serves the Surabaya-Makassar route, a voyage that typically takes around 40 hours and is primarily used by domestic travelers and cargo transport between Java and Sulawesi.

Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where ferries are a common method of travel. Disasters occur regularly, with weak safety enforcement often blamed.

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Karmini reported from Jakarta. Associated Press writer Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.

By landing the reigning two-time American League Cy Young winner with time to spare and without sacrificing their pursuit of a third straight World Series title, they reinforced their status as both baseball’s dominant power and public enemy No. 1.

“It just seems like there’s always blowback with us,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday. “People are passionate. We feel good about it. There’s nothing that we did that no one else couldn’t have done.”

In the near term, Skubal’s arrival gives the Dodgers another powerful arm to an already loaded rotation responsible for the lowest WHIP and batting average in the majors. He is scheduled to make his debut on Tuesday at the Chicago Cubs, having gone 7-5 with a 2.79 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 96 2/3 innings over 16 starts for the Detroit Tigers this season.

“We got better,” reliever Edwin Díaz said “We got, like I said, one of the best pitchers in the league, and now we have him as a teammate, so that’s a really good plus for us.”

Having Skubal can allow the Dodgers to be cautious with Shohei Ohtani as he recovers from left knee soreness and a right biceps injury that have kept the two-way superstar from pitching since July 3. Ohtani will resume playing catch sometime during the three-game series against the Cubs, Roberts said, and the Dodgers remain optimistic he will be able to return to the mound this season.

“You can never predict the future, but if you said, ‘Hey, place a bet on it,’ I would be very confident placing it that he will be back pitching,” president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.

In the medium term, Skubal’s presence further strengthens the Dodgers’ already impressive credentials as they push to become the first National League team to three-peat. If healthy, they will be able to choose from an elite group of starters, many with proven playoff success such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Blake Snell.

Skubal brings his own track record, having gone 2-1 with a 2.04 ERA in six playoff starts over the past two postseasons. Friedman described his efforts last fall as “must-see TV.

“I was in awe watching the energy, the dominance he exhibited there, and I can’t wait to see it in Dodger blue,” Friedman said.

Not only did the acquisition further boost their own rotation, it should allow the Dodgers to move other starters into the bullpen, something they did to great effect during the 2025 title run.

“We’re not going to be flippant about this moment in time and how special this group, this era can be in the history of this incredibly storied organization, and we’re going to do everything we can to win the last game of the year,” Friedman said.

In the long term, the Dodgers’ trade for Skubal represents one more salvo in the looming battle over baseball’s finances and competitive balance.

Los Angeles made the trade without giving up any of its most touted prospects in what is regarded among MLB’s top farm systems, which has been a frequent pattern during this run of three titles over the previous six seasons. Those assets have allowed them to consistently upgrade through trades without needing to send established major league contributors back the other way.

Roberts credited the organization’s ability to find and develop talent as being just as important to the Dodgers’ recent success as much as their deep pocketbooks have allowed them to sign the likes of Ohtani to massive contracts.

“I just laud our front office,” Roberts said. “We have to have the players to be able to pull something like this off.”

As long as the current system is in place, the Dodgers will not apologize for their interest to acquire the best players available through whatever means are accessible to them.

“But as we’ve talked about a lot, whenever there’s a star-level player that is available that can really shift championship odds, those are the moments that we’ll be more aggressive,” Friedman said.

Skubal was with the Dodgers in the dugout during a 8-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday night. The team also posted pictures of his new Dodgers' No. 29 jersey and locker and video of Skubal meeting his new teammates on social media.

“Just knowing he's in Dodger blue, it's pretty surreal,” Roberts said after the game. “I don't think I've felt this good after getting swept, so that's a silver lining.”

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

Masataka Yoshida homered and drove in two runs, and Jake Bennett (7-4) allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings to help the Red Sox win their fifth straight game. Boston is 23-3 since July 3.

Emmet Sheehan (4-8) was pulled after allowing five runs in 2 2/3 innings, with the Red Sox pushing across two runs in a 30-pitch first inning.

Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu then clocked Sheehan for back-to-back homers to start the third inning, followed by Yoshida’s solo shot for a 5-3 lead two batters later.

Rafaela went 7 for 14 with four homers and five RBIs in the series. He has an eight-game hitting streak with four straight multi-hit outings.

Jarren Duran picked up Boston’s fourth solo homer in the sixth inning off reliever Kyle Hurt.

The Red Sox added two more runs in the eighth inning on a wild pitch and passed ball.

Andy Pages had three RBIs, but the Dodgers couldn’t follow up any momentum created by their blockbuster trade for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal on Saturday night.

Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing was pulled out of the lineup shortly before the game started because of right arm irritation, with Eliezer Alfonzo taking over behind the plate.

Up next

Red Sox: LHP Patrick Sandoval (0-0, 3.32 ERA) was set to start the opener of a three-game series at home against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.

Dodgers: LHP Justin Wrobleski (11-2, 2.88 ERA) could get the call in the first of three games at the Chicago Cubs on Monday night.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB