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Florida’s public universities are significantly reducing their general education offerings to comply with a new state law championed by Governor Ron DeSantis, which aims to eliminate courses deemed to promote “woke ideologies.”

In response to directives from the Board of Governors, hundreds of courses are being reclassified as electives rather than fulfilling graduation requirements. This shift is causing concern among faculty and students alike, with fears that many classes may eventually be phased out entirely.

The Board of Governors asserts that these changes are in line with legislative intent to review general education offerings, ensuring that they do not include content associated with “identity politics” or unverified theories. Chancellor Ray Rodrigues emphasized that students will not be required to take courses with prohibited content to meet general education requirements.

The sweeping review of course offerings follows a controversial higher education law passed last year that restricts funding related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This law mandates that core general education courses—which are essential for bachelor’s degrees—must not distort historical facts or incorporate identity politics.

As universities navigate this complex landscape, many have started to overhaul their course catalogs. Some courses, such as “Anthropology of Race & Ethnicity” and “Women in Literature,” are among those slated for removal or reclassification, reflecting the law’s intent to target certain academic fields.

Critics, including free speech advocates and faculty members, are alarmed by what they see as state overreach into academic affairs. Katie Blankenship of PEN America warned that such actions could harm both student and faculty retention and diminish the academic reputation of Florida’s institutions.

Despite this, some university leaders support the streamlining of general education courses. Florida Gulf Coast University, for example, is eliminating 40 courses—25% of its offerings—with the belief that fewer, more focused courses could enhance student success.

However, many faculty members express confusion and frustration over the state’s recommendations, which have overridden previously approved courses. At the University of Florida, approximately 700 courses are expected to lose their general education designation, prompting outrage from professors who question the decision-making process.

The ongoing debate has garnered attention from organizations advocating for academic freedom and faculty rights, warning that these curriculum changes could lead to job losses and the closure of programs. Students are also voicing concerns about the limitations on their educational options.

While the Board of Governors maintains that their actions do not infringe upon academic freedom, the situation remains tense as further revisions are anticipated before final approval in January.

Federal employees across the executive branch are grappling with anxiety over the possibility of a second Trump administration, leading many to update their resumes, put off home repairs, and explore opportunities in “safer” agencies.

With former President Donald Trump pledging to dismantle the “deep state,” many civil servants are feeling the heat. His running mate, Ohio Republican Sen. JD Vance, has suggested a sweeping purge of federal employees, which was a hallmark of Trump’s first term. This has left workers particularly unsettled, especially in agencies like the EPA, which have been targeted for scrutiny.

As employees rush to complete Biden’s priorities before a potential regime change, their fears extend into personal finances. One Interior Department employee shared their decision to delay purchasing a new car, stating, “We need all the savings we can get,” reflecting a broader trend of financial caution among federal workers.

Nicole Cantello, president of the American Federation of Government Employees’ Local 704, reported a significant exodus of staff from the EPA to other agencies perceived as more secure, such as the Department of Energy and the Department of Commerce. Employees are concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election and the potential consequences of a Trump victory.

Rep. Gerry Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, acknowledged these fears, highlighting Trump’s past actions that jeopardized the stability of federal jobs. Trump’s promises to relocate or dismiss a substantial number of federal employees further fuel these anxieties.

As the Biden administration approaches its end, employees are working overtime to finalize projects, especially in light of significant funding tied to the Inflation Reduction Act. EPA officials have committed nearly $29.1 billion so far, with concerns that a Trump administration could halt these efforts.

While the prospect of Trump’s return looms large, many employees are focusing on their immediate tasks, hoping to secure the progress made during Biden’s term while preparing for an uncertain political future.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused pressure groups of orchestrating a plot to undermine democracy, following revelations that a bank employee accessed hundreds of private accounts belonging to high-ranking officials and celebrities.

The controversy centers on Vincenzo Coviello, a 52-year-old clerk at Banca Intesa Sanpaolo, who allegedly gained unauthorized access to over 3,500 accounts, breaching privacy laws and posing a threat to national security. Coviello claimed his actions stemmed from “curiosity” and career frustration, asserting he did not document or share the sensitive information he accessed.

Meloni has escalated the situation into a national scandal, suggesting that Coviello’s actions were part of a larger scheme to remove her from power.

What Happened? Coviello reportedly began his illicit activities in February 2022, illegally accessing clients’ accounts nearly 7,000 times. Among his targets were Meloni and key members of her administration, including Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and Senate President Ignazio La Russa.

What Information Was Accessed? Coviello’s position allowed him to view detailed information on clients’ transactions, which could be exploited for personal gain or blackmail. Investigators are exploring whether this information was sold or disseminated through illicit channels.

Is There a Police Investigation? Authorities in Bari have launched an investigation, suspecting Coviello may have had accomplices. He was fired in August after the bank uncovered his activities, and his finances are currently under scrutiny.

Meloni’s Claims Meloni contends that the snooping represents an attempt to destabilize her government, but no evidence has substantiated this claim. She has pointed out that most affected politicians are from her political camp, although reports indicate that Coviello’s inquiries were random and not politically motivated.

This incident is not the first time Meloni has suggested a conspiracy against her administration; earlier this year, unauthorized access to sensitive files involving her and her government members raised alarms about potential threats to democracy.

Israel will consider U.S. perspectives but ultimately prioritize its own national interests when responding to Iranian missile strikes, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

On October 1, Iran launched approximately 200 missiles at Israel, retaliating for the deaths of key figures, including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Netanyahu’s office emphasized that while it values U.S. input, decisions regarding military action will be made independently.

Reports indicate that during a recent call between Netanyahu and President Joe Biden, Netanyahu assured the White House that any Israeli counterstrike would target military sites, avoiding nuclear or energy infrastructure to prevent a wider conflict. This reassurance was viewed positively in Washington.

As Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza—resulting in over 42,000 fatalities—and expands its actions in Lebanon, Biden has expressed opposition to strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities due to potential escalations that could involve the U.S.

In response to heightened tensions, the Pentagon announced the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that any retaliation for the missile attacks would be “deadly, precise, and surprising.”

The potential for an Israeli strike on Iranian oil fields has raised concerns in global oil markets, with Gulf states urging the U.S. to prevent such attacks to protect their own oil facilities from Iranian retaliation.

During a recent rally in Aurora, Colorado, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump called for the death penalty for migrants who kill U.S. citizens or law enforcement officers, intensifying his campaign rhetoric as the November election approaches.

In his Friday night address, Trump reiterated false claims about immigration, portraying the U.S. as facing an “invasion” of migrants. “Now America is known all throughout the world as occupied America,” he declared, tapping into nativist sentiments as he seeks a second term.

Trump outlined aggressive policies he would pursue if re-elected, promising to implement mass deportations. “To everyone here in Colorado and all across our nation, I make this pledge and vow to you: November 5, 2024, will be liberation day in America,” he stated, referencing the upcoming election.

His remarks echoed longstanding efforts to vilify immigrants, particularly as southern border crossings increased under President Biden’s administration. Critics have noted the parallels between Trump’s rhetoric and language historically used by white supremacist groups.

At the Aurora rally, Trump aimed to stoke fears about immigration, often citing the city as an example of migrant-related lawlessness. The narrative has been fueled by misinformation regarding Venezuelan gangs allegedly taking over parts of Aurora—claims local officials have disputed, emphasizing that such fears have been exaggerated.

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, a Republican, clarified on social media that concerns about gang activity have been overstated, highlighting the city’s overall safety. Studies show that undocumented migrants are less likely to be arrested for serious crimes compared to U.S.-born citizens, and crime statistics indicate a drop in major offenses in Aurora.

Despite the facts, Trump vowed to “rescue” cities like Aurora from what he described as an “invasion.” He promised the “largest deportation operation in U.S. history” and pledged to close the borders. Trump further invoked racist stereotypes, suggesting that migrants bring contagious diseases into the country.

In outlining his initial plans upon taking office, Trump announced an “Operation Aurora” to expedite deportations of criminal gangs, utilizing an outdated law allowing for the expulsion of foreigners from nations at war with the U.S. He added, “I’m hereby calling for the death penalty for any migrant that kills an American citizen or a law enforcement officer,” which drew cheers from his audience.

As the election season heats up, Trump’s rhetoric continues to focus on anti-immigrant themes, reminiscent of his 2016 campaign. He has long perpetuated conspiracy theories about former President Obama and made inflammatory statements about Mexican immigrants.

Despite the divisive language, immigration remains a top election issue, prompting Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, to emphasize it in their campaign strategy. They have portrayed Vice President Kamala Harris as a “border czar,” misleadingly claiming she supports “open borders.”

While border crossings did surge under Biden, they have since stabilized. In a recent town hall, Harris defended the administration’s immigration policies, pointing to a bipartisan bill aimed at tightening border restrictions that faced opposition from Trump-aligned Republicans.

Amid these tensions, both Trump and Vance have targeted cities like Aurora and Springfield, Ohio, with alarming narratives about immigration. Recently, they amplified unfounded claims about Haitian migrants, despite local authorities debunking such assertions.

As the election nears, the interplay of immigration issues and campaign rhetoric continues to shape the political landscape in the U.S.

As violence intensifies in the Middle East, Arab voters are expressing significant frustration with Vice President Kamala Harris’s unwavering support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. With the U.S. presidential election just weeks away, analysts warn that these developments could jeopardize the Democratic candidate’s prospects.

Typically, foreign policy is not a top concern for American voters, but the ongoing war in Gaza and Israel’s military campaigns in Lebanon have raised pressing questions about the U.S.’s role. The Biden administration’s steadfast backing of Israel has splintered the Democratic base, particularly alienating Arab American voters.

In a tight race against former President Donald Trump, dissatisfaction with the Biden administration could lead Arab voters in critical states like Michigan to abstain from voting in November. According to Jim Zogby, co-founder of the Arab American Institute, the identification of Arab Americans as Democrats has drastically declined, with party affiliation now nearly even at 38% for both parties.

Zogby attributes this shift to the administration’s support for the Gaza conflict, which has resulted in immense civilian casualties and destruction. He noted, “It’s not that these voters are becoming more conservative; they want to hold this administration accountable for its actions.”

Recent polling data indicates a notable drop in support for Harris among Arab voters, who are now nearly split in their preferences between her and Trump. While Harris initially gained some support, particularly after Biden’s withdrawal from the race, she has not distanced herself from Biden’s policies, including arms transfers to Israel amid escalating violence.

With a significant Arab American population concentrated in swing states, especially Michigan, their voting behavior could prove pivotal. Polling shows that Harris’s lead in Michigan is precariously narrow, and any substantial turnout decline from Arab voters could severely impact her chances.

Despite the complexities within the Arab American community, many voters feel disillusioned with the Democratic Party’s response to the crisis in Gaza. This sentiment has given rise to movements advocating for a more principled stance on foreign policy, which could further complicate the election landscape.

As the election date approaches, the intertwining of foreign conflict and domestic political dynamics poses a challenge for candidates, particularly in how they engage with issues affecting key voter groups.

Former President Donald Trump staged a rally in deep-blue California, a surprising move as he navigates the final stretch of a tight presidential race.

The Saturday night event near the Coachella Valley—famous for its annual music festival—occurred just 22 days before the November 5 election. Typically, this period is reserved for visits to battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Nevada.

Trump’s decision to campaign in California, a Democratic stronghold expected to overwhelmingly support Vice President Kamala Harris, is particularly notable. Harris, who has strong ties to the state as a former attorney general and district attorney of San Francisco, enjoys significant popularity. In the last presidential election, Trump lost California to Democrat Joe Biden by nearly 30 percentage points.

At the rally, Trump claimed, “The radical left Democrats have destroyed this state, but we are going to save it, and we’re going to make it better than ever.” He added, “You definitely had somebody here that was horrible, Kamala. And now she wants to destroy our country.”

He then reiterated familiar talking points, focusing on misleading claims regarding migrant crime, labeling migration as the number-one issue of the election, despite polls indicating that the economy is top-of-mind for most voters.

The visit is viewed as an effort to bolster Republican support in California, particularly in six key House races. Control of both the House and Senate is at stake this election season, and these congressional districts are closely contested between Republicans and Democrats. Winning these races could help Republicans maintain their majority in the House.

By campaigning in California, Trump aims to galvanize his supporters in a state with nearly 40 million residents. Tim Lineberger, a former communications director for Trump’s 2016 campaign, noted, “He’s coming here and activating that.”

The rally may also serve to enhance Trump’s overall vote count. While the U.S. presidential election is decided by the Electoral College, a candidate can lose the popular vote yet still win the presidency, as Trump did in 2016. Having never won the popular vote remains a sore point for him. Former California Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte stated, “I believe Donald Trump is coming to California because he wants to win not only in the Electoral College, but he wants to win the popular vote.”

Trump’s California visit is strategically placed between stops in Nevada and Arizona, both key battlegrounds. In Nevada, he participated in a roundtable with Latino voters, seeking to capitalize on a trend showing Latino men drifting away from Democrats.

Meanwhile, Harris was in North Carolina, focusing on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. She emphasized her commitment to promoting her plan for an “opportunity economy” and engaging with Black community leaders. Harris also took the opportunity to release her health exam results, affirming her fitness for the presidency, contrasting with Trump, who has not disclosed similar information.

Harris criticized Trump’s lack of transparency, suggesting that his team does not want the public to see if he is fit for the presidency. In response, Trump’s campaign maintained that he has voluntarily released updates from his doctors, asserting he is in “perfect and excellent health” and arguing that Harris lacks Trump’s stamina.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has released a letter from her doctor declaring her in “excellent health” and fit for high office, aiming to contrast herself with her opponent, Donald Trump.

In a memo published on Saturday, Dr. Joshua Simmons reported that Harris’s April examination was “unremarkable.” He highlighted her active lifestyle, “very healthy diet,” manageable seasonal allergies, sporadic hives, and moderate alcohol consumption. “In summary, Vice President Harris remains in excellent health. She possesses the physical and mental resilience required to successfully execute the duties of the presidency, including those as chief executive, head of state, and commander in chief,” Simmons wrote.

At 59, Harris is running against 78-year-old Trump in the November election. With the race tightening, her campaign is leveraging the contrast of her relative youth and mental sharpness against Trump’s advanced age and occasional verbal missteps, hoping to persuade undecided voters that she is better suited for office.

Simmons noted that Harris’s allergies are well-managed through a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications. Her sporadic hives, or urticaria, are not linked to specific triggers and respond well to antihistamines. For the past three years, Harris has been undergoing allergen immunotherapy, which has significantly improved her symptoms.

In the backdrop of this disclosure, Trump’s health has come under scrutiny. He previously raised concerns about President Biden’s health during the latter’s re-election campaign. Following Harris’s announcement, attention has shifted to Trump’s own health disclosures, especially as he has released very little information recently, including after a bullet grazed him during an assassination attempt in July.

While Trump released a letter from his physician last November claiming he was in “excellent” health, the letter lacked specific details such as weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels—information that is typically expected in such assessments. Harris’s move to share her medical report appears aimed at highlighting the transparency differences between the two candidates.

Many Florida homeowners are facing catastrophic losses from water damage, with some simply walking away from their properties. Bridgette Bello believed she had taken all necessary precautions against hurricanes, purchasing flood insurance, a separate hurricane policy, and standard homeowners coverage.

However, nearly two weeks after Hurricane Helene struck—and before Hurricane Milton arrived—Bello, 54, describes her situation as an insurance “nightmare,” facing delays and denials on her claims.

“We did everything we were supposed to do,” said Bello, who lives near Madeira Beach outside Tampa. “We protected ourselves and our home.”

In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Florida hurricane victims, even those with insurance, are struggling to recover. The insurance industry is treating the storms as separate events, which complicates claims for those who didn’t document damage from Helene. This means claim denials could increase for victims impacted by both storms.

Reforms intended to draw insurance companies back into Florida’s market have left victims with little legal recourse to contest claim decisions.

“Most people are just trying to maximize their damage estimates and hoping for payouts,” said Rick Tutwiler, president of Tutwiler & Associates. “Many don’t realize the challenges ahead.”

For the majority of affected residents, the financial losses are overwhelming, primarily due to flooding that most homeowners policies don’t cover. According to NBC News, fewer than 25% of residents in the hardest-hit areas had separate flood insurance prior to the storms.

The combination of both storms creates additional complications for those with insurance. The industry classifies Helene as largely a flood-driven event, while Milton involved both wind and rain. Experts warn that property owners lacking flood insurance may find their claims denied, as many policies exclude flood-related damage.

“In situations like this, insurers are likely to deny claims outright if there’s no flood insurance,” said Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders.

The damage from Helene is expected to lead to modest losses for insurers, according to Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute. Determining which storm caused specific damages could be “challenging,” he added.

Adjusters must distinguish between flood damage from Milton and wind-driven rain, and coverage may be denied if damage is linked to pre-existing issues, such as a leaky roof.

Many homeowners facing severe losses due to water damage are opting to walk away. “Most people can’t realistically afford to rebuild,” Friedlander noted.

Patti Drew, 81, from Punta Gorda, experienced flooding from both storms and lacks regular homeowners insurance, a situation shared by about one in six residents in nearby Charlotte County. With a fixed income, her family has set up a GoFundMe to help.

“I’m heartbroken. I don’t know what else to say,” Drew said.

For those like Drew, the only financial assistance available comes from FEMA, which had already issued $344 million in relief to approximately 375,000 households by the time Milton hit.

Even flood insurance policyholders are facing financial challenges. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) only covers losses up to 50% of a property’s deemed value, excluding land. Homeowners must rebuild almost entirely out of pocket beyond that threshold.

Bello and her husband expect no more than $190,000 for repairs to their home, which is worth significantly more based on neighborhood sales. Additionally, the NFIP doesn’t provide funds for temporary housing, forcing them to pay out of pocket for accommodations.

As she returned from Orlando, Bello still didn’t know the full extent of the damage to her home from Milton. She has received about $3,100 from FEMA so far.

Faced with denials, many homeowners consider suing their insurers. However, recent reforms require homeowners to pay out of pocket to initiate legal action, limiting their ability to contest claims.

While the reforms aimed to stabilize the market, experts warn they may also incentivize insurers to deny claims more readily. “There’s strong motivation to find every possible reason to deny a claim,” said Martin Weiss, president of Weiss Ratings.

These circumstances have sparked calls for more comprehensive insurance reforms in Florida, with some officials advocating for changes to how the industry handles hurricane damage.

“I want to work with those affected to drastically change how we do insurance in Florida,” said Broward County Republican state Rep. Chip LaMarca. “We must fix it for every Floridian.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a birthday message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him his “closest comrade” and celebrating their countries’ deepening military alliance. Kim expressed confidence that this alliance would make them “invincible.” Putin, who turned 72, received well-wishes from a few international allies, including Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

Kim reminisced about their meeting in June, where they strengthened their strategic relations and declared their shared commitment to independence and justice. He assured that Pyongyang would always support Moscow and praised Putin’s leadership, wishing him good health.

Putin celebrated his birthday quietly in Moscow, despite public celebrations and messages of support, including one from Russian ideologue Alexander Dugin. The relationship between Kim and Putin has grown stronger since Putin’s visit to North Korea in June, where they signed a mutual defense agreement and discussed military cooperation, particularly in response to Western support for Ukraine