Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, is leading a government accountability initiative through the Florida Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) team, which is conducting a sweeping audit of university research projects and budgets. This comprehensive review targets inefficiencies in public universities and colleges by demanding detailed records spanning six years on staffing, grants, and research activities. The DOGE team is explicitly tasked with identifying unnecessary spending and has even recommended the termination of certain research grants deemed non-essential or unproductive. The audit, initiated under DeSantis' executive order in February 2025, requires institutions to submit extensive documentation, including all grant applications and agreements, research drafts, and full staff accounting with job titles and salary details. This effort reflects a broader strategy to reduce government waste and align university programs with workforce and economic needs, moving away from what the administration views as ideological or nonessential academic pursuits, including diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. supports this review, emphasizing a focus on courses providing foundational knowledge aligned with American principles and career readiness rather than programs perceived as lacking educational value. The DOGE team’s review parallels similar federal audits modeled after Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which has curtailed billions in contracts and significantly cut federal staffing. Overall, the Florida DOGE initiative represents a rigorous attempt to streamline higher education spending and increase accountability, often recommending cuts to research grants and programs judged inefficient or ideologically driven, underlining Governor DeSantis’ commitment to fiscal conservatism and government efficiency across state entities. <br /> <br /> This audit comes amid ongoing political and cultural debates over curriculum content, with the state government aiming to eliminate "waste, bloat," and "campus fiefdoms" associated with diversity and equity, reflecting a broader ideological shift imposed by the administration. The university system’s Board of Governors collaborates closely with the DOGE team to flag programs considered superfluous or misaligned with state priorities, further influencing public higher education direction in Florida.

8/10/2025, 2:05:00 PM

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are employer-offered health benefit accounts that allow employees to set aside pre-tax money for eligible healthcare expenses. For 2025, the annual contribution limit to an FSA is $3,300, up from $3,200 in 2024. These accounts are funded through payroll deductions and can cover a variety of medical costs such as copays, deductibles, prescriptions, and certain over-the-counter items. Employers may also contribute to an employee’s FSA. Additionally, unused FSA funds can be carried over to the next year, up to $660 for 2025, if the plan permits. Participation is optional but generally cannot be changed during the plan year without a qualifying life event like marriage or childbirth. FSAs can help reduce taxable income since contributions are exempt from federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have higher contribution limits than FSAs but require enrollment in a qualifying high-deductible health plan (HDHP). In 2025, HSA contribution limits can reach $4,400 for an individual or $8,750 for families, with an additional $1,000 allowed for people aged 55 and older. Unlike FSAs, HSA funds roll over year to year without limits and can be invested for future healthcare costs. Importantly, once a person enrolls in Medicare, they are no longer eligible to contribute to an HSA. This is a critical consideration for those approaching or on Medicare coverage, as they must stop HSA contributions but can still use existing HSA funds for qualified medical expenses. FSAs do not have this restriction but generally require active employment with an eligible employer to participate. This distinction between FSAs and HSAs is crucial for managing healthcare finances before and after Medicare eligibility.

8/10/2025, 2:04:00 PM

A 30-year-old man named Patrick Joseph White attempted to enter the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta but was stopped by security guards. After failing to gain entry, he drove across the street to a nearby pharmacy, where he opened fire late on Friday afternoon. The shooting caused immediate chaos and fear, prompting lockdowns at both the CDC and the adjacent Emory University campus. White, who lived about 30 miles from the CDC in the Atlanta suburb of Kennesaw, is believed to have acted with a motive related to his anti-vaccine beliefs. Neighbors reported that White had expressed suspicion and anger toward COVID-19 vaccines, believing they had made him sick. The shooting resulted in multiple rounds being fired into the CDC buildings and inside the pharmacy where White was eventually found. Police discovered White on the second floor of the CVS pharmacy with a gunshot wound, and he was later pronounced dead. The incident led to heightened concerns among CDC employees, some of whom expressed feeling vulnerable and targeted during a Zoom call with agency leadership. At least 40 bullet holes were counted across several CDC buildings, underscoring the severity of the attack. Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances and motives behind the shooting. The event has raised alarms about the security of public health institutions and the potential dangers posed by individuals motivated by misinformation and distrust of vaccines, highlighting ongoing societal challenges related to public health and safety. <br /> <br /> The rapid response by security personnel at the CDC headquarters was critical in preventing the shooter from entering the facility. Nevertheless, the violence disrupted a sensitive government agency during a time when public health is a focus worldwide. The incident has sparked calls for increased protection measures and attention to the roots of such extremist actions.

8/10/2025, 2:03:00 PM

Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder are widely recognized and frequently diagnosed mental health issues in the United States. However, borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a less common but significant mental health condition that impacts millions of people nationwide. BPD is characterized by pervasive difficulties in regulating emotions, leading to intense and prolonged emotional reactions that are hard for individuals to manage or stabilize after stressful events. People with BPD often experience patterns of unstable interpersonal relationships, impulsivity, and a distorted self-image. They may have frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, even when it is imagined, and show emotional instability marked by rapid mood swings, feelings of emptiness, and intense anger. These emotional challenges can also result in high-risk behaviors, including self-harm, suicidal threats, substance abuse, and reckless actions. Dissociative feelings and stress-related paranoid thoughts can also occur in more severe cases. The estimated prevalence of BPD in the U.S. varies, with studies suggesting that between 1.4% and 5.9% of the adult population may have the disorder. About 75% of diagnosed individuals are women, although recent research indicates men might be equally affected but often misdiagnosed with other conditions such as PTSD or depression. BPD frequently co-occurs with other psychiatric disorders like mood, substance use, or somatic symptom disorders. Although once considered untreatable, evidence-based therapies such as dialectical behavior therapy and mentalization-based therapy have shown significant effectiveness in managing BPD symptoms, offering hope for recovery and improved quality of life for those affected.<br /><br />BPD typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood and is associated with a history of genetic, environmental, and social risk factors, including childhood trauma or abandonment. Suicide risk is notably higher among individuals with BPD compared to the general population, emphasizing the importance of effective clinical intervention and safety planning.<br /><br />Despite its serious impact, BPD remains less well-known and is often stigmatized, highlighting the need for continued awareness, research, and access to specialized mental health care.

8/10/2025, 2:00:00 PM

Rebecca Moore, Jeff Buckley's ex-girlfriend, has shared intimate details about the rock icon's final days before his tragic death at age 30. Buckley and Moore were close until his untimely passing in 1997, when he accidentally drowned in the Wolf River Harbor, a slack water channel of the Mississippi River in Memphis. Their relationship, which lasted until 1993, profoundly influenced Buckley's music, inspiring much of his acclaimed album Grace and prompting his move to New York. Moore remained one of the few people close to Buckley during his final years. On the night he died, Buckley had gone swimming fully clothed, singing a Led Zeppelin song, when he was swept away by the wake of a passing tugboat. Despite rescue attempts, his body was found days later, and an autopsy confirmed accidental drowning with no drugs or alcohol involved. Buckley’s death was neither mysterious nor suicidal but a heartbreaking accident, as emphasized by those close to him, including Moore. The documentary *It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley* further explores his relationships and complex life, featuring insights from Moore as well as other significant figures. It paints a portrait of an intensely talented but troubled artist whose deep connections with loved ones shaped both his work and ultimately his legacy. Moore’s reflections reveal a deeply human side to Buckley’s final days, blending sorrow, love, and the enduring impact of his art on those who loved him. <br /> <br /> Buckley's legacy continues through his music and the memories shared by those closest to him, highlighting a brilliant but fleeting life cut short too soon.

8/9/2025, 2:02:00 PM

Dental experts generally recommend brushing your teeth **before breakfast** rather than after to protect your oral health. During sleep, bacteria multiply in the mouth, causing plaque buildup and "morning breath." Brushing first thing in the morning removes these harmful bacteria and forms a protective fluoride barrier on your tooth enamel. This barrier helps shield your teeth against acids from breakfast foods, many of which, like citrus fruits and coffee, are acidic and can temporarily weaken enamel.<br /> <br /> Brushing before eating also stimulates saliva production, which aids digestion and helps rinse away lingering bacteria after you eat. This increase in saliva can last several minutes and provides a natural defense for your oral cavity.<br /> <br /> Conversely, brushing immediately after breakfast poses risks because the acids and food particles in your mouth soften enamel temporarily. Brushing while enamel is in this vulnerable state can cause wear and damage to your teeth. Dental experts advise waiting at least 30 to 60 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks to allow your enamel to re-harden before brushing. If you prefer brushing after breakfast, it’s best to delay it accordingly or rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum first to reduce acid levels.<br /> <br /> Overall, brushing teeth *before* breakfast is often considered the wiser routine to maximize enamel protection and improve oral hygiene, while brushing right after eating requires careful timing to avoid damaging your teeth.<br /> <br />

8/9/2025, 2:00:00 PM

Millions of Americans are facing a steep 75% rise in health insurance premiums starting in 2026 due to the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. These subsidies, expanded under the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act through 2025, have made health insurance more affordable by increasing financial assistance and broadening eligibility to middle-income individuals previously priced out of coverage. Without an extension, premiums are expected to surge because healthier, younger enrollees will drop coverage, leaving a sicker risk pool that drives up costs for those remaining insured. This change could cause 4 million people to lose insurance and increase the uninsured population significantly, reversing recent gains in ACA Marketplace enrollment. Insurers are already factoring this subsidy expiration into proposed premium hikes for 2026, which range from 1% to 7% beyond normal increases, with some projections showing an overall median increase of about 18% in premiums.<br /> <br /> Despite this impending burden on millions, Republican lawmakers have approved $378 billion in tax breaks for private aircraft owners. These tax breaks support wealthy individuals who own private jets, a move sharply contrasting with claims from the same lawmakers that health insurance subsidies are an undue taxpayer burden. Critics argue this juxtaposition reveals a political contradiction: while health insurance subsidies that help many low- and middle-income Americans expire, significant government benefits continue for wealthy private aviation interests. This policy choice raises questions about fiscal priorities and equity in taxation and social support programs. The expiration of health subsidies will have widespread consequences for healthcare affordability and access, particularly for vulnerable populations who depend on the ACA Marketplace for coverage.

8/9/2025, 1:34:00 PM

The New York City civil service exam schedule for August is now open, with the application period having started on August 6. These exams offer various government job opportunities across the city, with some positions providing higher salaries than others. Prospective applicants can apply online through the official city websites during the designated application window. The city regularly updates the exam schedule, listing a wide range of job titles from administrative roles to specialized technical positions. Applicants should carefully review the specific exams available, as salary ranges vary significantly depending on the job classification and responsibilities. For instance, some high-demand roles or those requiring specialized skills tend to offer more competitive pay. Candidates interested in these exams need to submit their applications by the deadline stated in each exam announcement. Testing accommodations are also provided for individuals with disabilities, religious observances, pregnancy, or nursing needs, ensuring fair access to all eligible applicants. It is crucial for applicants to monitor official announcements as exam details and deadlines can be amended or cancelled without prior notice. In addition to traditional scheduled exams, some continuous-recruitment opportunities are available, allowing applications at any time. This flexibility can benefit those seeking immediate employment within city government. Overall, the August civil service exam window opens a pathway for New Yorkers seeking stable careers in public service, with a variety of positions catering to different skills and salary expectations. Prospective test-takers should prepare accordingly and apply promptly to maximize their chances. <br /> <br /> The exam schedule and application information can be found via New York City’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services and linked official sources, which provide detailed guides for each exam title and salary. Keeping informed about these schedules is essential for anyone aiming to secure a civil service job in New York City.

8/9/2025, 1:33:00 PM

Maxine Taffetani is the Chief Executive Officer of Healthwatch Milton Keynes, a local organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of patients and improving health and social care services. Healthwatch Milton Keynes is one of 153 local boards across England that are set to be abolished. This significant change is part of the new 10 Year Health Plan for England, which was developed following a national review focused on patient safety and the effectiveness of health service delivery. The 10 Year Health Plan aims to reshape the NHS and related services by streamlining operations, reducing bureaucracy, and enhancing patient outcomes. Abolishing local Healthwatch boards like the one led by Taffetani indicates a move towards more centralized structures, reflecting findings from the review that called for reforms to improve patient safety and service coordination at a national level. Under Maxine Taffetani’s leadership, Healthwatch Milton Keynes has been instrumental in capturing authentic patient experiences to inform local healthcare improvements. The organization has successfully advocated for initiatives such as trauma-informed care training for staff, introduction of peer support workers, and better communication during ward rounds. These advancements show the importance of patient feedback in shaping services to be safer and more supportive. While the 10 Year Health Plan promises greater efficiency, the closure of local boards like Healthwatch Milton Keynes raises questions about how patient voices will be represented in future healthcare decisions and how these changes will impact community-level care engagement. As CEO, Maxine Taffetani’s role underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing national reforms with local patient advocacy. <br /> <br /> Healthwatch Milton Keynes, under Taffetani’s guidance, has also won national recognition for improving patient care, demonstrating how local boards have directly contributed to better health outcomes. The transition reflects a critical phase in England’s healthcare landscape, emphasizing patient safety as a core priority while reconsidering traditional governance models in health and social care.

8/8/2025, 1:11:00 PM

A recent UK government investigation revealed that nearly one in four eyelash serums sold in the UK contain prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) such as isopropyl cloprostenate. These chemicals, less studied than the well-known bimatoprost, have raised safety concerns due to reported side effects including skin darkening, dryness, and hollowing around the eye area. Notably, these adverse effects can occur after just a few weeks of product use. These PGAs are synthetic compounds designed to mimic natural prostaglandins, substances in the body that can encourage eyelash growth by extending the lash follicles' growing phase. While bimatoprost, the most studied PGA, is approved for medical use in conditions like glaucoma, alternative PGAs like isopropyl cloprostenate have less scientific safety data. The investigation's findings highlight that many consumers may be using lash serums containing pharmaceutical-mimicking ingredients without realizing their nature or risks. These products are regulated differently worldwide; for example, Sweden banned PGAs in lash serums in 2013 and Canada prohibits them altogether in cosmetics. In the US, the FDA has long stated that cosmetic products containing these ingredients and making growth claims should be classified as drugs rather than cosmetics. Side effects reported in case studies include hyperpigmentation (skin darkening), irritation, eyelid dryness, and periorbital volume loss, which is a hollowing effect near the eyes. The latter has been linked to prostaglandin use in glaucoma drops and some lash serums as well. Safer alternatives for lash care may include peptides or plant-based ingredients, though their effectiveness lacks robust scientific validation. <br /> <br /> Consumers are advised to carefully check the ingredient lists of eyelash serums; any ingredient ending in “-prost” is a red flag for PGAs. Awareness of these risks is crucial to make informed choices about cosmetic products applied near sensitive eye areas.

8/8/2025, 1:03:00 PM

Zinc is a crucial mineral widely promoted in daily vitamin supplements due to its significant health benefits. It plays vital roles in immune function, growth, wound healing, reproduction, and neurological processes. For years, experts have recommended zinc both to prevent deficiency and to support overall health. Supplementing zinc, especially at doses under 20 mg per day, has been scientifically linked with numerous positive effects such as improvement in depression symptoms, enhanced immune response, and reduced incidence of infections like acute lower respiratory infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia, particularly in children. It also contributes to better sperm quality, higher serum zinc concentration, and increased pregnancy rates in adults. Zinc intake is related to a decreased risk of some cancers, including colorectal and pancreatic cancers, and may influence chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Research also shows zinc’s effectiveness in shortening the duration of common colds when taken as lozenges early in symptom onset. Moreover, in elderly populations with low zinc status, higher zinc supplementation improves immune markers like T-cell numbers. However, supplementation should be tailored since excess zinc intake does not necessarily reduce overall mortality or cure all conditions. It is especially useful for those with dietary restrictions, malabsorption issues, or increased needs, but individuals with adequate zinc intake may not need supplements. Zinc oxide, applied topically, helps prevent skin conditions like diaper rash and sunburn. Overall, zinc remains an essential and multifaceted nutrient, justifying its ongoing presence in daily vitamins and targeted supplements designed to enhance immune function and overall health. <br /> <br /> The balance in zinc intake is critical; while deficiency can lead to weakened immunity, hair loss, and poor wound healing, excess zinc can cause adverse effects. Thus, consulting healthcare providers about zinc use, especially in supplement form, is advisable to ensure appropriate dosage and benefit.

8/8/2025, 1:02:00 PM

Concerns over Luka Dončić's conditioning and eating habits reportedly made Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison hesitant to offer him a lucrative supermax contract extension. This unease ultimately contributed to the Mavericks’ decision to trade the superstar to the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the NBA’s most stunning midseason blockbusters. At the time of the deal, Dončić was a franchise cornerstone, a multiple-time All-NBA First Team and All-Star, who had led Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals and was widely expected to stay long-term. However, persistent issues with Dončić's weight and conditioning reportedly frustrated the Mavericks' front office, as his weight reportedly ballooned to as much as 270 pounds at points during the season. These concerns were linked to injury problems and a perceived lack of discipline with his diet and fitness regimen. This worried the Mavericks enough to not only hesitate on committing significant salary but also to pursue trading him despite his star status. The trade sent Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, creating an unprecedented swap of two reigning All-NBA players midseason. The move united Dončić with LeBron James in Los Angeles, while Davis would attempt to form a new star duo with Kyrie Irving in Dallas. The Mavericks justified the trade by aiming to improve team defense and address the reported conditioning concerns. The blockbuster deal shocked fans and analysts alike, with many viewing it as surprising and lopsided, as Dončić had not requested a trade and was in his prime. Some Mavericks fans protested the decision, calling for changes in management. Intriguingly, Dončić later showcased a physical transformation, demonstrating improved fitness after the Lakers’ playoff exit, indicating the Mavericks’ concerns were not unfounded but possibly premature in forcing such a drastic move. This trade remains one of the most unexpected in recent NBA history, fundamentally reshaping both franchises’ trajectories. <br /><br /> The underlying tension about Dončić's health and commitment to conditioning illustrates how player behavior off the court can impact even elite talent’s standing within a franchise, leading to dramatic realignments in team rosters and league dynamics.

8/8/2025, 12:55:00 PM

The rapid production process of mRNA vaccines is a central reason why vaccine skeptics have long expressed distrust toward this technology. Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines can be developed and manufactured much faster because they use a novel method that instructs cells to produce specific viral proteins, prompting an immune response. This speed, while advantageous in a pandemic, has raised concerns among some about the thoroughness of safety evaluations and long-term effects. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health Secretary, recently criticized mRNA vaccine technology as "troubled," and advocated returning to older "whole-cell" vaccine platforms, which he argued are safer and more broadly protective. His department canceled about $500 million in contracts for mRNA vaccine development projects, citing concerns that mRNA vaccines "fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu." Kennedy announced a shift in focus toward vaccine platforms that are purportedly safer and remain effective as viruses mutate, such as whole-virus vaccines. This stance contradicts the established scientific consensus that mRNA vaccines, while developed rapidly, have demonstrated high efficacy and safety in large clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although rare adverse events such as myocarditis were noted, the overall risk is low and outweighed by protection from severe disease. Experts warn that canceling mRNA programs could weaken pandemic preparedness, as mRNA vaccines are uniquely adaptable and fast to develop compared to traditional vaccines. The decision has sparked concern among public health professionals who view it as a setback in vaccine innovation and emergency responsiveness.<br /><br />The controversy highlights a tension between the unprecedented speed of mRNA vaccine development and the public perception of vaccine safety, influenced strongly by skepticism towards new technology. Kennedy’s comments reflect a broader debate about balancing rapid innovation with cautious evaluation in public health policy.

8/7/2025, 1:22:00 PM

Students will continue to have access to psychiatric services through University Health and Wellbeing during this pause to ensure their mental health needs are met without interruption. This provision is vital as students often face unique and increasing stressors that can significantly affect their well-being and academic success. University Health and Wellbeing is committed to supporting students by maintaining available psychiatric care so they can manage ongoing treatment and access necessary resources even during service pauses. Psychiatric services typically include medication management, psychological assessments, and ongoing care for mental health conditions. Maintaining access allows students to continue treatment plans, including medication prescriptions and consultations, without facing gaps that could adversely impact their mental health. Students already engaged in treatment with university providers or off-campus professionals will still have pathways to receive care, either by continuing with their current provider or through university referrals. Any necessary medication and laboratory costs remain the student's responsibility, but the core psychiatric support stays accessible. This continuation underlines the university's understanding of the importance of mental health in a student's overall well-being and academic performance. It serves as a critical safety net, especially during periods when other campus services might be temporarily paused or limited. By allowing uninterrupted access, the university ensures students are not left vulnerable during these times and reinforces its commitment to a supportive, health-focused campus environment. Maintaining psychiatric services during pauses fosters stability in mental health care, helping students navigate challenges effectively and promoting a healthier, more successful academic experience.<br /> <br />Access to such mental health resources aligns with broader trends in higher education emphasizing 24/7 availability and reducing barriers to care through virtual and in-person services. This approach reflects an increasing recognition nationwide of the prevalence of mental health challenges among college students and the need for comprehensive, ongoing support systems.

8/7/2025, 1:22:00 PM

John Cena has shared a fresh and honest perspective after undergoing a hair transplant in November 2024. In a candid interview featured in this week's cover story, the 48-year-old wrestler-actor opened up about his experience with hair loss, a subject many tend to avoid. Cena revealed that his decision came after WWE fans pointed out his bald spot with signs calling him "The bald John Cena," which ultimately pushed him to explore his options and get the surgery. He admitted he wished he had done it earlier, saying that if there wasn’t so much stigma around hair loss, he would have acted ten years ago. Cena detailed his current hair care routine which includes red-light therapy, minoxidil, vitamins, shampoo, and conditioner, alongside the transplant itself. He described the surgery simply as relocating hair follicles one by one from one part of the scalp to another. This straightforward explanation aims to normalize the procedure and remove shame around it. Cena emphasized that hair loss is a common issue, affecting seven or eight out of ten men, and expressed relief at no longer having to hide his condition. Furthermore, he acknowledged the challenges of being in the public eye where appearance influences confidence and career longevity. Cena said the hair transplant "completely changed the course of my life," boosting his confidence both in wrestling and acting. Despite some criticism, he stated there is no shame in addressing hair loss and encouraged openness about it. This newfound vulnerability marks a significant step for the athlete as he continues toward his farewell WWE tour and eventual retirement at the end of 2025. <br /><br /> Cena’s story sheds light on the pressures male celebrities face regarding appearance and highlights the importance of self-care and acceptance. His openness about hair loss and treatment helps destigmatize a common condition, encouraging more men to embrace proactive solutions without embarrassment.

8/7/2025, 1:19:00 PM