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Florida

Florida A&M football not seeing many positives in turnaround effort

by Emma Walker – News Editor October 13, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

FAMU ‌Football Faces Uphill‍ Battle Despite Homecoming Hopes

TALLAHASSEE,FL – Despite the electric atmosphere expected for Saturday’s homecoming game against ⁣Alcorn State,the Florida A&M Rattlers ‍are grappling with ‌a ‌challenging season turnaround,seeking their first ⁢Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) win. The matchup, scheduled for 4 p.m. at Bragg Memorial Stadium, ‍represents a⁣ critical opportunity⁢ for FAMU to build momentum amidst a season marked by inconsistency.

Head coach Roderick Colzie acknowledges the weight ⁤of expectations surrounding the homecoming contest, stating,‍ “It’s going to be a packed house. Nobody’s‍ going to worry about any records. They’re coming here to make sure that we win.” However, the Rattlers enter the game needing a victory to‍ avoid⁢ further ⁢setbacks in the SWAC‍ standings and to deliver a positive experience for the anticipated large crowd ⁤of fans and⁢ alumni.

The Rattlers’ remaining schedule presents a demanding path. Following the Alcorn State game on Oct. ⁤11, FAMU faces road contests at Southern (Oct.25) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff ⁣(nov. 8), as⁢ well as a home game ⁣against Jackson State (Nov. 1).⁣ The season culminates with the annual Florida Classic ⁣against Bethune-Cookman ⁣on Nov. 22 at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium and a potential makeup⁢ game at mississippi‌ Valley State on ‌Nov.29.

A potential SWAC Championship Game ⁢appearance on Dec. 6 and a ⁢Celebration‍ Bowl berth on Dec. 13‌ remain distant‌ possibilities, contingent‍ on significant improvement⁤ and⁤ consistent wins. Colzie emphasized the importance of focusing on the present, saying, ”All the stuff that happens Monday to Friday, none of that means a whole lot‍ until that game happens on Saturday.So, we’ve got⁤ to make sure we handle business.”

Florida⁤ A&M Football’s Remaining 2025 Schedule:

* Week 8: Saturday, Oct. ‌18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming), 4 p.m., ESPN⁣ Plus
* Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern‌ (SWAC), 5 ⁤p.m., SWAC TV
* ⁢ Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC), 7 p.m., ESPN Network
* Week 11: ‌ Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO
* Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama ⁢A&M (SWAC),3 p.m., SWAC TV
* Week 13: ⁢Saturday,⁣ Nov. 22 ― vs.Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/florida Classic at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium), 3:30 p.m., ESPN Plus
*‍ ⁤ Makeup Game: Saturday, Nov. 29 ― at Mississippi Valley State ⁤(SWAC), 3 p.m., SWAC TV
* Saturday, Dec. 6 ― ⁢SWAC Championship Game (If necessary)
* Saturday, Dec. 13 ― ⁤Celebration Bowl ‍at ⁤Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz ‍Stadium (If Necessary)

October 13, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Kentucky Football: Stoops Buyout Could Cost Wildcats Dearly

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor October 9, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Kentucky Football: Pressure Mounts to Invest Like Indiana‌ Amid Stoops Buyout Concerns

LEXINGTON,‍ KY – As Kentucky football faces a critical juncture with head coach Mark Stoops, the university is increasingly urged to⁣ mirror Indiana’s recent⁢ aggressive investment in‌ its football program, potentially avoiding a⁣ costly and disruptive coaching change. Stoops’⁤ contract, which runs ⁢through ‍2028, includes a significant buyout clause – $37.7 million if terminated after‌ December ⁣1,‍ and $38.8 million‍ if terminated during the season,according to USA TODAY’s coaches salary database.

The financial implications of dismissing Stoops are substantial, but a failure to act decisively could lead to a prolonged period of instability. This situation echoes a recent chance Indiana had to hire Dusty May, the current head basketball coach at Michigan, after the 2023-24 ⁢season. Instead of forcing a ⁤change, Indiana retained Mike Woodson, allowing May to except‌ a position elsewhere. Kentucky now finds itself at a similar‌ crossroads, needing to proactively address ⁢its football leadership.

The parallel to Indiana’s basketball situation highlights the importance of⁤ swift‌ decision-making. Kentucky has ⁤a potential candidate in former linebacker Jon Sumrall, who has achieved success as head coach at Troy and currently at⁢ Tulane. Like May,⁢ Sumrall⁣ is widely considered a rising star unlikely to remain at a mid-major program for long.

Historically, Kentucky ⁤has demonstrated a willingness to invest in football, but now is not the⁤ time for fiscal restraint. A proactive approach, mirroring Indiana’s willingness to invest in⁣ basketball, could secure a promising future for the program and ‍avoid a potentially crippling financial burden.

October 9, 2025 0 comments

Business

Polk Schools Halt Latinos in Action Program Over Federal Concerns

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 8, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Polk County Schools to Phase‍ out Latinos ⁣in Action Program Following Federal ⁢Scrutiny

LAKELAND, FL – Polk County Public Schools will discontinue its ⁤Latinos⁢ in Action (LIA) program by the end of the⁤ fall semester, following a review prompted by the U.S.Department of Education’s increased scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The decision comes as the‌ federal government under President⁣ Donald Trump has taken‍ steps to curtail programs perceived as favoring specific⁣ racial or ‌ethnic groups.

The LIA program, launched in Polk County in 2014, aimed to empower Hispanic students through leadership growth, college readiness, and ⁣community service. It began with a pilot program in five schools and expanded to ⁣17 schools by 2023, serving approximately 2,500‍ students.⁢ The district‍ initially contracted with Latinos in Action, Inc., paying $10,000 ⁢in the first year and $4,000 per participating school in subsequent years to⁤ cover training and technical support. The⁣ contract automatically renewed annually unless canceled by the district.

In 2015, the obama Management⁢ recognized LIA⁢ through the White House Initiative on Excellence in Hispanic Education.

Polk County School Board ⁤Chair William Allen stated that ⁤Superintendent Fred Heid ⁣shared a timeline for phasing out the program, with notices to students’ families⁣ planned for release on October 10th.Allen emphasized the⁣ district’s commitment to continuing leadership opportunities ⁤for students.

“I think it’s ⁢crucial that we continually review ⁣all initiatives,” Allen said. “I think it’s positive that the district’s looking to supplement and‌ replace (it) with the leadership initiative, so there’s no gap in what we’re doing as a district. I think⁤ we’re going to continue to create these inclusive ⁢opportunities for‍ students,especially ⁤as it relates to leadership and service.”

Allen also noted he was unaware of any complaints received regarding the LIA program.

Latinos in Action, Inc. had not responded⁤ to a request for comment as of the afternoon of October 7th.

October 8, 2025 0 comments

News

NHL: Panthers Get New Rings, Continue Rat Tradition

by David Harrison – Chief Editor October 7, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

Panthers Receive Stanley Cup Rings Featuring Diamond-Studded Rats, Celebrate Back-to-Back Championships

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – ⁣ The Florida Panthers were presented with their ‌championship rings in a‍ private ceremony at War Memorial auditorium on Sunday, commemorating their consecutive Stanley Cup⁢ victories in 2024 and 2025. The rings,⁤ crafted in white and yellow gold, prominently‌ feature an engraved rat ‌- a playful nod to the teamS devoted fanbase and ⁢their tradition of⁤ showering ‍the ice with ‍plastic rats after each home win.

The unique design reflects the Panthers’ recent success and the enthusiastic ⁤support of their fans. The⁤ team secured back-to-back Stanley ⁢Cup championships, defeating opponents in the 2024 and 2025 finals. The⁤ rings themselves boast over 450 diamonds and genuine rubies, totaling 16.15 carats of gemstones,‍ alongside diamond-encrusted palm trees representing the team’s Florida home.

Each ring includes⁤ two miniature Stanley Cup trophies, one for each championship year, and displays ⁤the player’s number, the year, and the inscription “BACK TO BACK CHAMPIONS.” The interior of the ring is engraved with the team’s motto:‌ “We Apologize To no One.”

The Panthers will raise their 2025 Stanley Cup championship banner ⁤on Tuesday, Oct. ⁤7, during their home opener against ‌the Chicago Blackhawks at Amerant Bank‌ Arena, possibly prompting⁢ another flurry ⁤of celebratory rats onto the ice.

October 7, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Stardust Racers Reopens After Roller Coaster Death – Orlando

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor October 5, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Epic Universe‘s Stardust Racers Reopens After Fatal Incident, Investigations Conclude Accident

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe welcomed guests back on Saturday evening, following a two-week closure prompted by ‌a tragic death.

On September ⁣17th, 32-year-old kevin Zavala of Kissimmee was discovered unresponsive immediately after disembarking the new attraction. He was transported to a local hospital ⁣where he was later pronounced deceased. An autopsy steadfast ⁣the cause of death to be “multiple‌ blunt impact injuries,” and the incident was officially ruled an accident.

While investigators found no mechanical‌ fault with the ride, the case has raised questions about safety oversight. Universal officials, in a interaction to employees following the incident, stated internal reviews confirmed the roller coaster “functioned as intended” and that all equipment remained “intact” during Zavala’s ride.

However, attorney Ben Crump, representing Zavala’s family, has publicly called for increased governmental scrutiny of Universal’s ride investigations. Crump’s office reported receiving multiple complaints regarding the safety and functionality of the Stardust racers’ restraints, suggesting the tragedy may not have been an ⁤isolated event. “These firsthand accounts confirm that Kevin’s tragedy was not ⁢an isolated incident,” Crump stated.

The Florida Department‌ of Agriculture and Consumer ‌Services (FDACS) conducted⁣ its own independent investigation, concluding on September 22nd with the same findings as Universal Orlando. Investigators from both FDACS and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office were on ⁢site September 19th. FDACS officials praised‌ Universal’s cooperation, noting⁤ the ⁤company “has been extremely cooperative and has complied ⁤with all required notifications.”

Following the investigations, Universal leadership reiterated its commitment to guest safety. In a letter to employees, a company spokesperson stated that the ride had been deemed safe after further review and that operational procedures‌ and signage woudl be updated. These changes will focus on reinforcing existing ride warnings and clarifying physical eligibility requirements for Stardust Racers and other attractions throughout the park.

October 5, 2025 0 comments

World

Ships Discover 1,000 Gold Coins from 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor October 3, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Salvage Team Uncovers Over 1,000 Silver Coins,‌ Gold Artifacts from 1715 Spanish Fleet Wreck

VERO⁢ BEACH, FL – A ⁣salvage company exploring the wreckage of a 1715 Spanish fleet off the⁣ coast of Florida has recovered⁤ more than 1,000 silver coins⁣ and five gold Escudos, along with other rare gold‌ artifacts. ⁤The coins, used as currency in Spanish ⁢colonies in America, were discovered during a dive to the shipwreck site.

“Every coin is part of history, a real‍ bond⁢ with people who live, work, and sail during the ⁣golden age of the Spanish Empire,” said Sal Guttuso, Operational Director of 1715⁣ Fleet-Queens Jewels, in a statement.‌ “Finding 1,000 coins in one discovery⁤ is a rare and remarkable thing.”

the ‍coins are believed to⁣ have originated in the⁤ Spanish colonies of Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia, with‌ some bearing clear mint marks and dates. ‌Their well-preserved condition ⁢suggests they ⁣were part of a collection that quickly became buried ‍when⁢ a ship sank during a storm.

The 1715 Fleet, also known as the plate fleet, consisted of 12 ships departing Cuba on July 24, 1715, bound for Spain. A powerful storm off the Florida coast caused eleven ships to sink, scattering debris across an 80-kilometer area.While some treasure was recovered‌ promptly after the disaster, the ‍majority remained lost for centuries.

“Every finding helps unite the story ⁢of the⁤ 1715 fleet,” Guttuso stated. The recovered⁣ coins will be preserved and displayed at local museums.

Previous explorations of the wreck have yielded important finds, including a rare Spanish coin called the ‘Tricentennial ⁢Royal’ ‍in 2015, along with gold coins and chains valued at nearly USD ⁤$1 million.

In a separate incident, a salvage team led by Eric schmitt from Booty Salvage was found to have withheld 50 coins discovered in the wreck,‌ but most were recovered in 2024⁣ through a joint effort by local authorities ⁣and the FBI.

Rumors persist of further treasures remaining at the site, including jewelry belonging to Philip V’s second wife, such⁤ as a 74-carat emerald ring ⁤and 14-carat pearl earrings.

Florida law prohibits the removal of⁣ artifacts from⁣ the wreck without a permit,and 1715 Fleet-Queens Jewels⁣ holds exclusive diving rights to the ⁤site.

October 3, 2025 0 comments

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