Congressional investigators have urged a criminal inquiry into former Bard College president Leon Botstein after uncovering an email in which he questioned whether a young woman was 'for me, or are you keeping her for yourself.' The revelation prompted Botstein's immediate resignation from all Bard-affiliated roles, including his faculty position and leadership in music programs, after more than five decades at the institution. The college's board chair confirmed the resignation followed a unanimous vote by the executive committee, citing cooperation with the House Judiciary Committee's investigation led by Democrat Jamie Raskin. Botstein maintained his innocence, stating he never authored or sent the email and that allegations against him are false. He argued his resignation protected Bard from distraction, despite asserting no involvement in Jeffrey Epstein's criminal conduct. The email, traced to Botstein's former Bard account, emerged from the Department of Justice's unredacted Epstein files. Lawmakers allege it was sent in May 2014 to Epstein regarding a young woman referred to as Jane Doe, whom they say was groomed by Epstein for sexual exploitation and trafficked across multiple countries. According to the congressional letter, Epstein pressured her to take sex education and massage courses while abusing her, and used his connection to Botstein to suggest she could pursue a musical career. The Democrats' letter demands the Department of Justice and FBI investigate Botstein and potential co-conspirators, noting they had possessed the evidence for at least 18 months without action. Botstein denied sending the email, calling the allegations 'untrue.' Bard College has faced scrutiny since earlier revelations about Botstein's ties to Epstein, including visits to Epstein's island and townhouse between 2012 and 2019. A WilmerHale investigation commissioned by Bard's board confirmed these interactions and found multiple women present during Epstein's visits to Bard. The college had previously stated Botstein could not have known Epstein was a convicted sex offender during their interactions, though he acknowledged frequent contact. Botstein stepped down as president in May following an internal review that concluded his relationship with Epstein 'could have alerted' him to potential risks. The board emphasized that title IX investigations are now handled independently, with no unilateral authority held by the president since 2015. While no criminal charges have been filed against Botstein, the congressional pressure underscores ongoing scrutiny of his conduct.
Congress, the White House, elections, and the policies shaping the country.
A recent audio recording of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has intensified scrutiny over his campaign strategy and the role of national Republican groups in supporting his bid for the U.S. Senate.
The recording, obtained by POLITICO and published on Wednesday, captures Paxton telling donors in a private September meeting that he felt he had limited control over his campaign, stating, "I've never been in a race where I felt less control over the campaign ... it's all coming — you know — from D.C." This admission has sparked internal party tension, particularly as Senate Republicans and external allies have invested significant resources to bolster his candidacy against Democrat James Talarico.
According to multiple sources familiar with the situation, national GOP operatives and super PACs have committed over $200 million to Paxton's campaign, including a $131 million expenditure by the Senate Leadership Fund through October 12. Additional spending from Trump-aligned groups like MAGA Inc. is projected to reach $45 million by the same deadline. Paxton's campaign reported raising $18 million during the third quarter, doubling its previous quarterly total, though specific cash-on-hand figures remain undisclosed.
The audio also revealed Paxton's criticism of external messaging influence, with one Republican involved in the rescue effort noting, "He is welcome to raise his own money and say whatever he wants. In fact, if he did that, he'd probably be winning right now and we wouldn't need to spend all this money." This sentiment reflects broader frustrations within the party about the candidate's reliance on coordinated support, particularly after Paxton's earlier complaints about the financial and logistical burdens of his campaign, including references to the cost of the Iran war and inflation.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other party leaders have emphasized their commitment to supporting Paxton while downplaying the public dispute. The Republican National Committee dismissed the recording as "fake news nonsense," asserting that Paxton's comments were misinterpreted as relating to super PAC coordination rather than broader campaign strategy. Trump, who has traveled to Texas multiple times to rally support, claimed his recent events had "brought a whole new awareness" to Republican prospects, though he avoided direct commentary on Paxton's internal campaign dynamics.
Despite the substantial financial backing, some Republicans have expressed resignation about the race's trajectory. A senior Senate GOP aide stated, "There is only so much we can do," while acknowledging the significant resources already deployed. The situation has also drawn attention to broader strategic considerations, as the Texas Senate race has become a focal point amid expanding competitive races in traditionally Republican states.
The outcome remains uncertain, with one former Trump fundraiser suggesting that the former president's response to a potential loss would depend on post-election media narratives. Trump's allies have indicated they would reassess their involvement based on public perception of the campaign's success or failure.
Paxton's campaign has not responded to requests for comment, though campaign adviser Nick Maddux previously stated that "AG Paxton is thankful for the support and knows how important Texas is to keeping the majority."
The financial and strategic challenges highlighted in the audio underscore the complex interplay between candidate autonomy, party resources, and campaign messaging in modern political races.
A Democratic congressman from Florida has condemned New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his remarks on the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Jewish Democrat representing Parkland, posted on X that Mamdani’s statement amounted to blaming the victims, writing that the mayor effectively said “the Jews who died, sad, but it’s their fault.” Moskowitz added that Mamdani “needs the city’s antisemitism policy for himself,” calling the post “atrocious.”
Mamdani’s anniversary message, published on the third anniversary of the attacks that killed more than 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages, mourned the loss of Israeli lives but devoted the majority of the statement to criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The mayor noted that Israel’s response had killed more than 74,000 Palestinians, including over 21,000 children, and that more than 1,400 Palestinians had died since a ceasefire was declared last year. He cited specific incidents, such as drone strikes on residential buildings and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, to illustrate what he described as ongoing suffering.
Moskowitz, who is Jewish and running for re-election in Florida’s newly drawn 25th Congressional District, where approximately 25% of residents identify as Jewish, framed the dispute as part of a broader political tension. He faces a Republican challenger, Scott Singer, who has accused him of distancing himself from Israel amid shifting Democratic Party dynamics. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a fellow Florida Democrat, echoed Moskowitz’s criticism, stating that “desecrating the memory of murdered, innocent Jews” on the anniversary was “obscene” and that criticism of Israel could be reserved for other days.
Florida activist Fred Guttenberg, a Parkland father who has collaborated with Moskowitz on gun safety legislation, also condemned Mamdani’s statement, comparing it to the dismissive rhetoric used by gun lobbyists after mass shootings. He urged the mayor to “keep your ‘but’ out of this” and described the message as “awful.”
The exchange highlights growing partisan friction over how political figures commemorate the Oct. 7 attacks and frame the subsequent conflict in Gaza, with implications for Jewish communities in both New York and Florida.
The union representing thousands of flight attendants voiced safety concerns on Wednesday regarding President Donald Trump's proposed triumphal arch planned for the final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Sara Nelson, president of the Flight Attendants-CWA union, stated that the 250-foot structure would exacerbate existing safety risks, particularly in light of the January 2025 midair collision over the Potomac River that resulted in 67 fatalities. Nelson emphasized that the airport's airspace is already operating at capacity and questioned the necessity of introducing an additional obstacle. She also warned against converting the arch into a military complex capable of hosting drones, snipers, and ammunition storage, stating that commercial aviation should not be required to navigate such threats during takeoff or landing. The union, which advocates for 55,000 flight attendants across 20 airlines, joined a growing list of critics including veterans' organizations, members of Congress, and architectural experts who have raised objections to the project. While the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts had previously approved the design, a lawsuit filed by three veterans and an architectural historian argues that congressional authorization is required for the memorial. The National Park Service had previously identified potential disruptions to historic sightlines but approved the project regardless. The Federal Aviation Administration had earlier concluded that the structure would not pose a hazard to aircraft, though it recommended marking the top with a non-standard eternal flame and installing floodlights for visibility. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced plans to begin excavation at Memorial Circle in the near future, though the Interior Department has not provided updates on the project's current status. Trump has framed the arch as part of a broader effort to reshape Washington, D.C., including proposals to repurpose the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Critics have expressed concern that the structure could compromise the visual and historical integrity of the nation's capital, while supporters argue it will serve as a tribute to military service. The debate over the arch reflects broader tensions surrounding public infrastructure, national symbolism, and safety protocols in a densely regulated urban airspace.
The Democratic National Committee filed a lawsuit on Wednesday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia alleging that recent television advertisements funded by the federal government violate federal law by using taxpayer money for political promotion. The complaint names President Donald Trump, the White House, the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of Management and Budget as defendants.
According to the filing, the ads — which began airing in September — have cost more than $12 million to run, with $20 million drawn from a Homeland Security appropriation that was originally earmarked for immigration enforcement. The lawsuit claims the advertisements constitute illegal government-sponsored propaganda and seeks a court order to halt further spending of federal funds on similar promotions.
Trump has defended the spots as "positive promotion for our Great U.S.A." but announced on Monday that future ads would be financed through his campaign super PAC, MAGA Inc. The fifth ad in the series, which aired on Tuesday, included a disclaimer stating "paid for by the U.S. Government" and promoted the administration’s actions in Venezuela. When questioned about reimbursing previously spent funds, Trump indicated that the decision would be made at a later time.
DNC Chair Ken Martin issued a statement accusing the administration of misusing public resources in "a last-ditch attempt to save Republicans in November." He argued that Americans should not have their tax dollars used for what he described as illegal political schemes.
Legal scholars have noted that the ads may conflict with a federal statute prohibiting the use of congressionally appropriated funds for publicity or propaganda. The White House has countered that the advertisements function as public service announcements comparable to those issued by previous administrations, though experts have said the current spots differ because they do not promote specific government programs but instead advance a political narrative.
The lawsuit remains pending, and none of the named defendants have publicly responded to requests for comment.
Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers released a campaign advertisement on Wednesday calling for an end to the tariff dispute with Canada, marking a departure from the Trump administration's approach just weeks before the midterm elections.
The ad aligns with a broader Republican effort to protect vulnerable GOP Senate seats amid a challenging political environment. In the spot, Rogers stated that Canada is not a threat to Michigan and emphasized the need to resolve trade tensions to alleviate rising prices.
“Here in Michigan, we know that Canada is not our enemy. We need to end this tariff war now,” Rogers said in the video, which forms part of a coordinated campaign investment supported by the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
He added, “as Michigan’s senator, I’ll bring both parties together to lower your prices.”
Michigan engages in approximately $80 billion in annual trade with Canada, according to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
The advertisement follows another recent campaign spot in which Rogers called for an end to U.S. military involvement in Iran, also without referencing President Donald Trump by name. In both commercials, Rogers cited high consumer costs as a central concern.
Rogers’ stance on trade with Canada has evolved over recent weeks. Last month, he acknowledged that certain tariffs on Canadian goods may be justified, citing long-term damage to Michigan’s manufacturing sector from low-cost foreign imports.
“President Trump is right to put America first — and tariffs are necessary, but are not a one-size-fits-all solution,” Rogers said in a prior press release.
At the same time, he asserted that he could help bring the trade dispute to a close, suggesting he possesses the leverage to de-escalate tensions.
During a White House meeting on Wednesday, Trump addressed Rogers’ shift in tone, downplaying the notion of disagreement. “I viewed him as saying that he thinks Canada should make a deal,” Trump said. “Canada has been ripping off our country for many, many years.”
Neither Rogers’ campaign nor that of his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayet, responded promptly to requests for comment.
The 2026 House map continues to shift toward Republicans, yet Democrats remain optimistic about potential gains. Both parties have highlighted a handful of contests they view as winnable despite being rated as safe seats by most analysts.
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee deputy executive director Will Van Nuys and National Republican Congressional Committee communications director Will Kiley outlined four races they consider vulnerable. Their assessments were based on campaign resources, demographic trends, and candidate viability rather than polling averages.
In Colorado’s 5th District, Republican Representative Jeff Crank secured a 14-point victory in 2024, but Van Nuys noted demographic changes in Colorado Springs, including growth in younger and Hispanic populations, as factors that could make the seat competitive. Trump’s declining popularity in the district was also cited as a potential headwind for Republicans.
Iowa’s 2nd District, held by Republican Representative Ashley Hinson, is open after her bid for the Senate. Van Nuys pointed to economic concerns, including opposition to beef imports and rising fuel costs, alongside strong support for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand, as issues that could benefit a Democratic challenger such as state Representative Lindsay James.
In Kentucky’s 6th District, Democratic Governor Andy Beshear has backed Zach Dembo, a former adviser and federal prosecutor, in his challenge against Republican Representative Andy Barr. Dembo released an internal poll in late September indicating a five-point lead, though no independent verification of the data was provided.
Wisconsin’s 1st District, represented by Republican Representative Bryan Steil, features a general election matchup between Steil and Mitchell Berman, an emergency room nurse. Van Nuys described Berman as a candidate who reflects the district’s blue-collar workforce, contrasting with Steil’s professional background in law and manufacturing.
Republican strategists also identified four districts they believe could flip in their favor. New Mexico’s 2nd District, represented by former Republican Representative Yvette Herrell across four campaigns, now features Greg Cunningham, a Marine veteran and former officer with a focus on outreach to Hispanic voters. Kiley described Cunningham as a candidate capable of expanding the party’s appeal in the district.
In New York’s 3rd District, Republican Mike LiPetri nearly defeated Representative Tom Suozzi in 2024 with limited external support. Following Suozzi’s decision to run for governor, Kiley argued that increased funding from the NRCC and aligned groups could help LiPetri overcome the margin he missed previously.
Arizona’s 1st District saw a competitive primary in which former state Representative Amish Shah defeated the DCCC-backed candidate. Republicans have since nominated Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker and sports commentator, whom Kiley suggested could leverage his public profile to win the seat. Both parties have committed significant resources, with over $31 million combined reported in spending.
In Nevada’s 3rd District, Marty O’Donnell, a composer known for work on the Halo video game series, is self-funding his campaign to challenge Democratic Representative Susie Lee. O’Donnell’s personal investment, along with outside GOP expenditures, has narrowed the financial advantage Democrats previously held in the district.
The identification of these races reflects a broader strategy by both parties to allocate resources toward contests they view as pivotal to their electoral objectives. While neither side has claimed a decisive advantage, the emphasis on under-the-radar races underscores the competitive nature of several House battlegrounds ahead of the 2026 cycle.
Miami residents will decide two separate ballot questions on November 3 that could reshape emergency services infrastructure and waterfront development. One proposal seeks to authorize $450 million in bonds for fire stations and emergency response upgrades, while the other contests a long-term lease for Virginia Key marinas.
The public safety measure, known as Referendum 1, would fund new fire stations and equipment through general obligation bonds. Proponents cite city data showing response times exceeding eight minutes in neighborhoods like South Grove and Shenandoah, with some areas averaging over 10 minutes. Fire Chief Robert Hevia presented this information in May, noting delays in life-threatening emergencies. The bond would be repaid through property taxes without raising the current tax rate, which would remain capped at 0.5935 mills. A May survey by Mayor Eileen Higgins' adviser Christian Ulvert found 67.5% of likely voters supported the measure after learning about aging infrastructure and projected improvements.
Opposition to the marina lease, Referendum 3, centers on a proposed 45-year agreement with Suntex Marinas and RCI Group. The lease would require $80 million in redevelopment and minimum annual payments of $2.2 million plus revenue sharing. Critics highlight a recent Inspector General audit that identified $173,500 in unpaid parking receipts by Suntex, though the company disputes this finding. The lease terms include two 15-year renewal options and rent adjustments tied to market rates.
The lease debate gained momentum after Miami Beach closed portions of its marina this summer due to structural concerns, including exposed reinforcing steel in damaged concrete. City Commissioners approved the measure in June following court rulings that invalidated a previous no-bid agreement. The opposition campaign, led by waterfront business owners including Rickenbacker Marina President Aabad Melwani, argues voters need transparency about long-term commitments. Previous attempts to establish similar leases were rejected by voters in 2021 after similar controversies emerged.
Derrick Jones Jr., a 26-year-old candidate for Seat 1 on the West Park Commission, has received an endorsement from Run for Something, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that supports young, progressive candidates running for state and local office. The endorsement was announced as Jones prepares to face Commissioner Katrina Touchstone in the November 3 election. Amanda Litman, co-founder and president of Run for Something, said the group is backing Jones because he exemplifies the kind of community-focused leadership the organization seeks to promote. "This election is about bringing in a new class of leaders who are focused on delivering real results for their neighbors," Litman said. "We’re proud to back Derrick Jones Jr. as he works to create lasting change for the community."
Jones, who has also been endorsed by former West Park Vice Mayors Tony Dorsett and Brian Johnson, former City Commissioner Marvin Price, and the Broward Young Democrats, said he is "honored" to add Run for Something’s support to his campaign. He said his candidacy is driven by a desire to provide leadership that listens, works hard, and delivers for residents. His platform includes addressing rising costs, strengthening public services, and expanding opportunities for working families, seniors, and young people in West Park.
According to his campaign biography, Jones has worked as an aide to U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson and has experience in county legislative work and community engagement with Feeding South Florida. He is challenging Touchstone, a clinical pharmacist who was elected to the commission in 2022. Touchstone is one of two commissioners currently suing city leaders over alleged restrictions on agenda access and voting procedures. A separate race for Seat 2 between incumbent Commissioner Brandon Smith and Army veteran Jajuan Burton is also on the ballot for the November 3 election.
The 1st District Court of Appeal has ordered the complete expungement of a grand jury report that had scrutinized the Hope Florida Foundation amid allegations of financial misap...
The 1st District Court of Appeal has ordered the complete expungement of a grand jury report that had scrutinized the Hope Florida Foundation amid allegations of financial misappropriation. The court found the grand jury acted beyond its authority by publicly criticizing individuals who were never indicted, and it ruled that the report’s leak violated confidentiality requirements under Florida Statutes section 905.28. The report, which stemmed from a $10 million transfer from Centene’s Medicaid settlement to political committees during the 2024 campaign cycle, had been partially released before the ruling. Evidence presented was deemed insufficient to pursue criminal charges against any party. The decision comes less than four weeks before the general election, removing a potent talking point for Democrats that had been amplified by media coverage. Governor Ron DeSantis and his administration hailed the ruling as a legal affirmation of their position, with Deputy Chief of Staff Jeremy Redfern describing it as a “complete and total victory.” The court emphasized that the funds in question moved directly from Centene to the foundation and never entered state coffers, noting that Florida law permits such third‑party settlements. It also criticized the premature distribution of the sealed presentment to recipients unrelated to the case, stating that this breach of protocol warranted full expungement. The ruling follows a prior partial removal of 112 pages and marks the final step in sealing the document from public records, effectively ending its use in campaign narratives as the election approaches.
The administration announced last week that it will assign its own lawyers to represent unaccompanied migrant children in immigration court, confronting a system in which other administration attorneys seek to deport the same children. Immigration advocates warn that the move creates a conflict of interest and undermines longstanding protections for vulnerable minors.
Previously, nonprofits and legal aid groups provided independent counsel to unaccompanied minors under federal rules designed to safeguard children from trafficking and abuse. The administration terminated the contract with a national network of such organizations earlier this year after they refused to surrender confidential information about their young clients. Ana Raquel Devereaux, an attorney with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, said the lack of independence raises serious concerns about fairness in proceedings that already lack transparency.
The new legal team will operate within the Department of Health and Human Services under a unit called the Unaccompanied Alien Children Legal Representation Division. HHS has not disclosed a timeline for when representation will begin. Federal regulations require that unaccompanied children be assigned lawyers trained to work with minors, given their heightened risk of exploitation. Critics note that immigration judges report to the Department of Justice and prosecutors work for the Department of Homeland Security, further eroding the appearance of independence.
The administration’s shift follows the expiration of the previous contract in July and a series of contractor changes. After a Texas firm with political ties to the administration withdrew, a nonprofit founded by a former ICE agent briefly held the contract before it was suspended amid protests. The government ultimately awarded the work to the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, though recent court filings indicate its lawyers have not actively represented children in court. Advocates say the replacement effort fails to replicate the expertise and child-focused approach of the former network.
Federal officials describe the change as part of an effort to streamline legal support while reuniting children with sponsors. However, immigration attorneys emphasize that rules protecting minors depend on independent representation trained in child welfare. The situation reflects broader tensions over how the administration handles unaccompanied migrant youth, including extended detention periods and past attempts to expedite deportations.
Roxana Avila-Cimpeanu, deputy director of the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, said the dismantling of the previous advocacy network occurred without a viable alternative. "The rules exist to protect children, but they rely on experienced legal representatives trained to work with children," she said. "Instead, the administration has fractured that network with no plan to replace it."
At least six demonstrators interrupted Donald Trump’s campaign rally in San Antonio on Wednesday, forcing the former president to pause his remarks as he urged Texas voters to support Senate candidate Ken Paxton. One protester was escorted out by police after appearing to approach the stage; an older supporter later struck him as he left the venue. Trump briefly stepped away from the microphone before returning to say, “He’s going back home to mom,” and added, “But what he doesn’t know is his mom voted for Trump.”
Supporters in the crowd waved cowboy hats and chanted “USA,” drowning out some of the dissent. The president told protesters to “get the hell out of here,” mocked their appearance, and claimed without evidence that “they’re paid by enemies of our nation.”
During the rally, Trump referenced recent comments in which he suggested Iran could strike Los Angeles or San Diego, drawing condemnation from Democratic leaders. He said, “I said it the other day, let them hit a missile into San Diego or Los Angeles on the way. Let them hit – you want to see a horror show? You want to see problems? Let them hit San Diego. Let them hit Los Angeles and you want to see some bad things happen. You want to see a country that would be in freefall. We’re not going to let that happen. We protect our cities, we protect our country, we’re not letting that happen. And they’d use it, too. They’d use it.”
This marked Trump’s third visit to Texas within a month as Republicans allocate significant resources to races they had previously considered safe ahead of the November midterms. Paxton, the state’s attorney general and a Trump-endorsed candidate, was introduced on stage and thanked the former president for his support. “Mr President, I want to thank you for coming for me, for coming for us, and for coming for Texas,” Paxton said. “We are going to win this race.” Trump described Paxton as “perhaps the greatest attorney general in the United States of America,” and praised his loyalty.
A New York Times/Siena College poll released the previous weekend indicated that Democrat James Talarico led Paxton 51% to 45% among likely voters, signaling a competitive race in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1988. Trump won Texas by nearly 14 percentage points in 2024, but his approval rating has declined; a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday placed his approval at 32%, with registered voters favoring Democrats over Republicans 44%-37%.
Trump’s relationship with Paxton has been intermittently strained. Last week, he referred to Paxton as “a pain in the ass sometimes,” though he did not address a leaked recording in which Paxton criticized the campaign’s handling of Iran-related issues, rising fuel costs, and internal strategy. Instead, the rally focused on attacking Talarico, whom Trump repeatedly called “Tala-freako.” He alleged without evidence that Talarico, a vegan, had recently collapsed after being “forced to eat meat for political reasons and he’s throwing up all over the place.”
The president declared, “The people of Texas are not going to let weak, gutless, self-hating, transgender-promoting freak shows destroy everything that we’ve built.” His appearance was notable for the absence of Governor Greg Abbott, a prominent Trump ally who is engaged in a competitive re-election campaign against Democratic state representative Gina Hinojosa. Abbott instead attended a hospital dedication approximately 330 miles away, a decision Democrats highlighted as a snub.
Republicans have invested over $300 million in Texas elections, according to the Associated Press, as part of a broader 32-day campaign tour that has also included stops in Oklahoma, Alabama, Ohio, and Nebraska.
The Democratic National Committee filed a lawsuit in federal court in Washington, DC, alleging that the Trump administration illegally used taxpayer money to fund advertisements that promote the president’s personal brand. The suit contends that the ads, which include a version of a spot first aired during the 2024 presidential campaign, constitute unlawful government-sponsored propaganda. According to data from the media monitoring firm AdImpact, the advertisements have already cost more than $12 million in public funds. The lawsuit seeks a court order to halt further spending of this nature.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has accumulated dozens of contributions that exceed New York's $9,000 individual donation limit per election, according to campaign finance disclosures reviewed by POLITICO.
The state mandates a $9,000 cap for each election cycle, requiring candidates to refund amounts above that threshold. Blakeman's filings indicate he has not yet returned approximately $360,000 in excess contributions, with over 40 donations recorded since the primary ballot was certified on May 13. Some contributions were made well after the primary election date.
Notable examples include a $15,000 donation from an Eric Sternberg using a Nassau County PO Box in the spring, followed by additional $5,000 and $18,000 contributions from individuals with the same name and address in August and September. Former Republican Representative Nan Hayworth also exceeded the limit by contributing $5,205.08 twice within a two-month period, totaling $10,410.16.
The campaign has attempted to justify these contributions by directing donors to make supplemental payments to cover processing fees. For instance, a $5,000 donation might include a request for an additional $205.08, resulting in a total contribution of $5,205.08. This practice has led to multiple filings of the exact amount of $9,369.14, including one from former Trump administration official Anthony Scaramucci. Campaign finance attorney Ben Kallos noted that while campaigns often seek to have donors absorb processing costs, exceeding contribution limits remains prohibited.
Blakeman's campaign has attributed the discrepancies to technical issues with the state's campaign finance reporting system, stating that the Board of Elections required them to split their most recent report into multiple files due to its size. Democratic co-director Brian Keegan characterized this as a user error rather than a systemic problem.
If all duplicate entries were removed from Blakeman's filings, his total contributions would decrease by $292,000, reducing his reported balance from $114,000 deficit to a lower figure before accounting for the $360,000 in refunds he owes. This financial situation contrasts with his previous reports, which showed fluctuating campaign balances between $4.3 million and $6.1 million after multiple amendments.
Governor Kathy Hochul has also received contributions exceeding the limit, but her campaign has consistently returned surplus funds, such as a $1,000 refund from a $10,000 donation by the New York State Council of Machinists. State Democratic Committee Chair Jay Jacobs has called Blakeman's actions a violation of the law, stating that compliance with campaign finance regulations is essential regardless of political circumstances.
In a recent poll conducted by Marist University, Blakeman trails Governor Hochul by 11 points among likely voters, with 53% supporting Hochul and 42% supporting Blakeman. The survey, conducted from October 1 to 4 with a 3.6 percentage point margin of error, reflects growing concerns about campaign finance practices in the race.
Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he had no direct knowledge of the work performed by two senior campaign aides who had traveled to the Balkans to support a pro-Russia government.
The former president posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, that Chris LaCivita and James Blair were "outside consultants" who were free to take on other clients. He added that he would "ask them" about any conflicts and would terminate their contracts "immediately" if problems emerged.
The remarks followed a New York Times report that the two advisers had visited Republika Srpska, an autonomous region in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to assist the local administration ahead of elections held over the weekend. According to the newspaper, each received payments in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for the assignment.
Both men are listed as contractors for Maga Inc, a political action committee that supports Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. LaCivita, who joined Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign in 2022 after leading a pro‑Trump super PAC called Preserve America, was described by Trump in a 2024 post as "THE BEST" co‑campaign manager alongside Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff. Blair, a former Florida campaign operative for Trump’s 2020 effort and the 2024 campaign’s political director, served briefly as deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs before taking a leave of absence to work for Maga Inc.
In April, Trump praised Blair as "one of the brightest political minds" when announcing his temporary departure from the White House to join the super PAC. Trump said Blair would return to the administration after the midterms.
The distancing statement comes as Maga Inc prepares to increase its spending in next month’s elections. A spokesperson for the group told the New York Times that Blair and LaCivita remained involved in midterm outreach, noting that they "hosted a team call with race captains on Saturday morning to go over recent survey data".
Public polling shows Democrats holding leads in several competitive races, a trend attributed in part to voter dissatisfaction with the economy and cost‑of‑living pressures. At the same time, Maga Inc reported holding more than $415 million in cash on hand at the end of August, and several affiliated super PACs have begun rolling out multimillion‑dollar advertising campaigns.
A British billionaire's association with Jeffrey Epstein has drawn attention to a decades-old allegation involving a woman who said she was abused by the financier in the 1980s. Sir James Goldsmith, a prominent figure in international finance, maintained ties to Hilton Head, South Carolina, a location that has become relevant to the investigation of one of Epstein's accusers. According to court documents, the woman, referred to as Jane Doe 4, claimed she was subjected to abuse by Epstein during that period. Goldsmith's social connections reportedly provided Epstein access to influential circles, a relationship that has been noted in legal filings. The billionaire died in 1997, before Epstein's criminal conduct came under federal scrutiny. Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, had cultivated relationships with wealthy individuals, including members of prominent families, to gain entry into elite social and business networks. His interest in financial and social capital was documented in testimony and legal records. The connection between Goldsmith and Epstein has been cited in discussions about the scope of Epstein's alleged misconduct and the networks he sought to infiltrate. No criminal charges have been brought against Goldsmith's estate or family members in relation to Epstein's case. The details of Jane Doe 4's allegations remain part of ongoing legal proceedings involving Epstein's victims.
Iowa Republican Representative Ashley Hinson addressed millennial savings behavior during a Wednesday Senate campaign debate with Democratic state Representative Josh Turek. When questioned about Social Security solvency, Hinson referenced broader concerns about how young people save, stating the nation needed a "serious conversation" on the topic. She later specified that "millennials are the worst group of savers in the country right now and have the least amount of savings," arguing this warranted inclusion in retirement planning discussions.
Hinson, running in a competitive Iowa race against Turek amid widespread economic pessimism, emphasized she would not support benefit cuts and proposed a bipartisan commission to develop solvency strategies for Social Security. When questioned about her "all options should be on the table" stance, she shifted focus to youth savings, recounting a childhood conversation with her father about financial planning using a ledger book.
Turek countered by advocating for removing the payroll tax cap as the most effective solution, asserting that requiring higher contributions from top earners would significantly strengthen the program's finances. Hinson rejected this approach, framing it as merely "raising taxes" without addressing structural concerns.
A Hinson campaign spokesperson clarified she has "never and will never cut Social Security," while Turek maintained his position that eliminating the tax cap would "move the needle" toward solvency. The exchange highlighted contrasting proposals for addressing the program's long-term financing amid demographic and economic pressures.
A lawsuit involving Florida Congressman Byron Donalds has concluded, but his Republican primary rival David Jolly is continuing to highlight the dispute in public commentary. Jolly's latest gubernatorial campaign advertisement features Collier County School Board member Kelly Mason, who has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with Donalds and his wife Erika over the operations of Mason Classical Academy, a charter school they established. In the 30-second spot, Mason states she knows the Donalds family well, notes Byron Donalds previously served on her school board, and alleges they attempted to intimidate her after she raised concerns about financial practices at the school. She identifies herself as a DeSantis voter supporting Jolly's gubernatorial campaign.
Erika Donalds responded on social media platform X, characterizing Mason as a "disgruntled serial litigant" and accusing Jolly of weaponizing personal disputes for political gain. She wrote, "Manufactured outrage from a manufactured candidate." Mason countered by accusing Erika Donalds of seeking to "swiftly take over" her work and profiting from public education funding, stating, "Keep lining your pockets with taxpayer dollars under the guise of school choice."
The exchange references a public confrontation that occurred in 2022 between Mason and Byron Donalds at a Naples restaurant called Seed to Table. Following that incident, Mason filed a lawsuit related to the altercation but voluntarily withdrew the case last month. Byron Donalds has since criticized Jolly on social media, suggesting the Democrat's willingness to collaborate with party members reflects poorly on his political alignment, posting, "David Jolly and his fellow Democrats are too far-left for Florida."
The dispute underscores broader tensions around charter school oversight and political accountability in Florida's education policy landscape. Meanwhile, separate developments include U.S. Representative Jimmy Patronis warning of post-storm scammers as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches, and coverage of national political topics including military withdrawals, Medicare policy changes, and economic initiatives by the Treasury Department.
Laura, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico living in the San Francisco Bay Area, faced the loss of her Medi-Cal coverage after missing a renewal deadline driven by fears of immigration enforcement. Her experience reflects a broader trend across California and other states as federal and state policy shifts have led to reduced enrollment in Medicaid expansion programs for low-income immigrants. Since January 1, California has denied full Medi-Cal benefits to undocumented adults amid budget constraints and federal Medicaid cuts, with only those enrolled before 2026 allowed to retain coverage if they do not lapse.
Immigration advocates and health researchers note that heightened enforcement actions, including ICE data-sharing agreements and expanded public charge rules, have created a chilling effect, deterring eligible immigrants from accessing or maintaining health coverage. A study by the Latino Policy and Politics Institute at UCLA found that enrollment declines in state-funded programs exceeded patterns explained by deportations alone, attributing much of the drop to fear of detention or data misuse.
State data shows that between May 2025 and March 2026, approximately 244,000 immigrants disenrolled from California’s Medicaid expansion programs, a significant reversal from prior growth trends. Though these individuals represented about 11% of Medi-Cal enrollees as of May 2025, they accounted for roughly one-third of all disenrollments during that period. Advocates say fear of documentation exposure, rather than ineligibility, has been a primary driver of disenrollment.
The impact extends beyond individual patients. Pediatricians and community health providers report increased missed appointments, delayed treatments, and heightened anxiety among immigrant families. Some parents have opted not to renew coverage for U.S.-citizen children, despite continued eligibility, due to uncertainty about data use and enforcement risks. Nonprofits like Mujeres Unidas y Activas have documented cases of families self-deporting or avoiding care altogether, even for chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer.
Federal policy changes, including the reinstated public charge rule, now consider Medicaid use as a factor in green card applications, further complicating access to benefits. While legal challenges continue, advocates warn that ongoing uncertainty will likely exacerbate health disparities. For Laura, the consequences are immediate: her prescriptions are now paid out of pocket, a burden she cannot sustain without stable income. “I don’t know if I’m going to have the same support,” she said. Her story is one of many illustrating how policy shifts and enforcement climates are reshaping access to essential healthcare for vulnerable populations.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of Austin Rogers, a Republican candidate, for Florida's 2nd Congressional District. Moore Hallmark, vice president and managing director of regional government affairs at the Chamber, said the organization was pleased to support Rogers, citing his focus on combating regulatory overreach and promoting policies intended to generate jobs and strengthen communities. The endorsement formed part of a set of at least nine endorsements the Chamber issued during the election cycle. It also extended to U.S. Representative Brian Mast, a Republican from Stuart, who was described by Rodney Davis, head of government affairs for the Chamber, as a "proven fighter" who recognizes free enterprise as a driver of opportunity, wage growth, cost reduction, and community development. Rogers is seeking an open seat in the district, having won a competitive Republican primary in August. He will face Democrat Amanda Marie Green in the November general election. The district has historically favored Republican candidates, with more than 58% of voters supporting former President Donald Trump in 2024 and former Representative Neal Dunn securing nearly 62% of the vote in the previous cycle. Rogers previously served as general counsel to U.S. Senator Rick Scott, a Republican from Naples.
The Trump administration announced it will distribute a one-time $90 payment to roughly 20.8 million Medicare Part B beneficiaries to offset premium costs, though eligibility excludes millions of others enrolled in Medicare Advantage or receiving Medicaid assistance. Payments, funded through the Medicare Improvement Fund established by Congress in 2008, will begin this week with direct deposits for most recipients and paper checks for others, administered by the Treasury Department. Administration officials described the move as empowering seniors to manage their healthcare costs, while critics, including Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, characterized it as a politically motivated gesture ahead of the November midterms rather than a substantive solution to healthcare affordability. The payment, automatic and requiring no application, will not reach approximately 35 million Medicare Advantage enrollees, 12 million low-income beneficiaries, or those receiving premium assistance through Medicaid. The administration encourages eligible individuals to verify their status via Medicare or Social Security hotlines, though experts note the amount may offer limited relief amid broader cost pressures.
The Department of Homeland Security announced a proposed rule on Wednesday that would require U.S. schools to pay a $70,000 fee for each international student applying for optional practical training, the work authorization program that allows foreign graduates to work in the United States after completing their degrees. Schools would also pay a $30,000 fee for each renewal of the authorization.
The change would affect the OPT program, which currently permits students to work for up to one year after graduation, with an additional two-year extension available to certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors. Under the new proposal, institutions would be charged the full fee for every new participant and again for any subsequent renewal.
American colleges and universities have long recruited international students as a source of tuition revenue, and industries such as technology have relied on the program to fill technical positions. Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an organization representing international education, warned that imposing the fee could discourage talented students from studying in the United States. "Driving away the talents, perspectives, and aspirations of international students will only hurt American innovation, economic growth, workforce development, and global leadership," she said in a written statement.
DHS described the fee as a measure to address fraud and abuse within the visa program, which it characterized as a "pipeline for cheap foreign labor." The public will have 60 days to submit comments before the department finalizes the rule, though legal challenges from higher education groups or industry associations could delay implementation.
The proposal forms part of a broader effort by the administration to tighten immigration rules and reshape higher education policy. In the previous year, the administration terminated the legal status of thousands of international students, leading to detentions and deportations. Earlier in the summer, a rule limiting the duration of stay for international students to four years was finalized, though a federal court blocked it from taking effect in September.
Doug Rand, a former senior adviser at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services during the Biden administration, suggested the fee would likely be struck down in court, drawing comparisons to a previously proposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. He argued that "when we educate international students at our universities, and they want to work and apply their talents here after graduating, of course we should embrace them -- not use an exorbitant fee as a pretext to send them packing."
Sarah Spreitzer, vice president of the American Council on Education, noted that international enrollment had declined by 17% in the previous fall, the steepest drop since the pandemic. Some institutions reported reductions of 30% to 40% in new international student numbers. She stated that the proposed fee would not address these challenges and could further deter prospective students.
The OPT program has also faced scrutiny through recent guidance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding curricular practical training, which governs internships and practicums. Legal representatives for several universities have indicated that the administration is attempting to restrict legal employment-based immigration through multiple avenues.
Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kan.
Martin Soto, a Peruvian national seeking asylum, was released from the Elizabeth Detention Center in New Jersey on Tuesday night after serving eight months in custody, including time in solitary confinement. Federal authorities detained Soto in February 2024 while he was purchasing diapers for his two young children. He had no criminal history at the time of arrest.
Soto’s detention stemmed from his involvement in organizing a hunger and labor strike involving more than 300 detained immigrants at the Delaney Hall facility in May 2024. Protesters demanded improved conditions, freedom, due process, and a meeting with the governor. New Jersey officials had previously filed a lawsuit to shut down Delaney Hall, citing concerns about food quality, guard conduct, and medical care.
While Soto was held at Delaney Hall, his wife, Gabriela Soto, led public demonstrations calling for his release. After being transferred to the Elizabeth facility, he remained in custody for an additional four months. According to Gabriela Soto, officials restricted his contact with others out of concern he might initiate further protests.
In August 2024, Soto applied for a U-Visa, a category set aside for crime victims assisting law enforcement. His wife submitted a letter to New Jersey Attorney General Matt Denn requesting certification of his visa application amid an ongoing investigation into alleged abuses at Delaney Hall. The certification was approved recently, as confirmed by independent journalist Kevin Ortega-Rojas.
Soto’s release was publicly announced by Radio Jornalera NJ. New Jersey Democratic representatives Rob Menendez and Analilia Mejía attended the event outside the detention center, where Gabriela Soto was seen reuniting with her husband. The circumstances of his detention and release have drawn attention from immigrant advocacy groups and lawmakers.
President Trump repeatedly asserts that voter fraud is widespread, that noncitizens vote illegally, and that elections are rigged, despite extensive studies refuting these claims. These assertions extend beyond the president to individuals and organizations promoting similar narratives to support voting restrictions that could affect legal voters, particularly voters of color. J. Christian Adams, a former Justice Department trial attorney and member of Trump's Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, leads the Public Interest Legal Foundation, a group advocating stricter voter ID laws and suing jurisdictions to remove voters from rolls. In a recent podcast interview, Adams claimed systemic voter fraud exists before ending the conversation when questioned about evidence. Correspondent Ari Berman noted the absence of substantiated proof for such allegations and examined the motivations behind persistent claims of election fraud. No verified instances of widespread voter fraud have been documented, and investigations continue to find no evidence supporting claims of illegal voting or rigged outcomes.
Florida shows the highest demand for skilled trades workers among all U.S. states and the District of Columbia, according to a national report released September 30 by the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades. The report’s demand-pressure score of 95 out of 100 placed Florida at the top, with Arizona at 93 and Georgia at 80. The index combines projected and recent employment growth, the composition of trade occupations, and wage trends.
The state’s supply-position score was 26, ranking 50th of 51 states and the District of Columbia, ahead of only Maine. This measure tracks the output of training programs, program completion rates, the age of the existing workforce, and migration patterns of tradespeople.
Nationally, the report projects about 1.7 million skilled trades positions will need filling each year through 2035, while training pipelines are producing only 55 workers for every 100 needed. Florida is among nine states flagged for a combination of high demand and low supply, alongside Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
The workforce covered by the report includes more than 1 million Floridians. Between 2019 and 2025, the sector grew by approximately 104,000 workers, an 11% increase that ranked seventh nationally. The state currently has 32 registered apprentices per 1,000 skilled trades workers. Among apprentices who exited programs between fiscal years 2021 and 2024, 38% completed their training, while college-level trade programs reported a 53% completion rate. Nationwide, about half of those who enroll in skilled trades training complete it, though some apprenticeship programs achieve completion rates above 90%.
The report identifies transportation, childcare, and the need to earn income during training as the most common barriers to program completion. Between 2020 and 2024, an average of 25,555 skilled trades workers moved to Florida annually from other states, while 21,580 left, resulting in a net annual gain of 3,975 workers. Only North Carolina and Texas recorded larger net gains. Roughly 8,000 additional workers arrived each year from outside the United States.
Occupations with the greatest filling difficulty in Florida, as measured by the Labor Shortage Index, include industrial and refractory machinery mechanics, tool and die makers, underground mining machine operators, elevator and escalator installers and repairers, precision instrument and equipment repairers, and electricians. Median pay for Florida’s skilled trades workers was $54,700 as of May 2025, ranking 42nd of 51 states. Pay ranged from roughly $38,000 at the 10th percentile to $79,000 at the 90th percentile, representing a 30.5% increase since 2019 before inflation adjustments.
On the same day as the report’s release, the Alliance added 14 new corporate members, including AT&T, Barton Malow, Blackstone, Cintas Corp., DeWalt, Dycom, The Hershey Co., ManpowerGroup, Meta, Microsoft, Milwaukee Tool, Nvidia, Verizon, and Waymo. Ford CEO Jim Farley stated that closing the skilled trades gap requires coordinated action among employers, educators, and policymakers, and that these careers deserve greater respect.
The Alliance also launched America’s Skilled Trades Dashboard, a searchable platform offering detailed state- and occupation-level profiles. Florida’s long-term projections in the dashboard anticipate a 12.3% growth in skilled trades employment from 2024 to 2034, the fourth-fastest rate in the country. — Ed. note: This story was drafted with assistance from AI. Editorial judgment, sourcing, and final review were performed by Peter Schorsch and the Florida Politics editorial team.
The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane watch Wednesday afternoon for parts of the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama and Mississippi as Tropical Storm Isaias gathered strength over the Yucatán Peninsula and headed toward the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters projected the storm would intensify into a hurricane by Thursday, with landfall expected somewhere between the Florida Panhandle and Louisiana by Friday morning. The system, located about 140 miles southeast of Cozumel, carried sustained winds near 45 mph with gusts slightly above 55 mph. Rapid strengthening was anticipated over the next 24 to 48 hours. The hurricane watch extended from the mouth of the Mississippi River eastward to Yankeetown, Florida, covering coastal areas where storm surge of 5 to 7 feet was possible. A storm surge watch was also in effect for portions of the northern Gulf Coast. In response, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 counties on Tuesday, and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia urged residents to finalize preparedness measures, including securing insurance documentation and emergency supplies. The Department of Financial Services announced it would deploy personnel to assist with post-storm recovery and insurance claims. Isaias marked the first storm projected to impact Florida in two years, prompting the agency to conduct hurricane readiness events across coastal communities earlier in the year. Residents were advised to monitor updates as the storm’s trajectory remained uncertain but posed a significant threat of flooding and coastal inundation.