Morning News Brief

NPR | By Steve Inskeep,

Michel Martin

Published September 3, 2026 at 4:03 AM EDT

Exodus of experienced military leadership continues in the Pentagon, Trump touts Venezuela oil deal as critics question legality, the jury is deadlocked in the trial of Lindsay Clancy.

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Arts & Culture

Sarasota Ballet opens season at FSU Performing Arts Center with first of seven programs

Tom Hall

Sarasota Ballet’s season opener features the choreography of Gemma Bond, Sir Frederick Ashton and Dominic Walsh. It is the first of seven programs Sarasota Ballet will perform this year. The Ballet’s 20th season includes 16 ballets, including eight Company premieres such as Gemma Bond’s “Manner.”
Government & Politics

Accountability group asks appeals court to rehear ruling that erased grand jury’s Hope Florida presentment

Florida Center for Government Accountability

The Florida Center for Government Accountability (FLCGA) and its executive director, Michael Barfield, have asked the First District Court of Appeal to reconsider its October 7 decision ordering a Leon County grand jury’s presentment expunged in its entirety. The presentment, filed January 28, 2026, concerned senior state officials and $10 million from the State’s $67 million Medicaid settlement with Centene Corporation that was paid to the Hope Florida Foundation, the direct-support organization of the Department of Children and Families.
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Government & Politics

Trump speaks at FGCU ahead of midterms; many turned away as arena fills

Samuel Brucker, Jennifer Crawford, Michael Braun, Kate Cronin

Those looking to attend a political rally at Florida Gulf Coast University today featuring President Donald Trump started lining up on the campus early. Vehicles were lining up before 6 a.m. along campus streets leading to the Alico Arena rally venue. Many had to leave after the arena filled to capacity.

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