SUMMARY: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has requested an $805 million appropriation from the state legislature for Everglades restoration. He aims to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration to gain more control over U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects, aiming to streamline efforts and reduce bureaucratic delays. Since taking office, he has overseen $6.5 billion in state spending for water flow restoration, alongside over $10.5 billion in federal funding since 2000. The proposed funding includes $670 million for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and initiatives to enhance water quality, building on significant progress in reducing nutrient pollution and increasing water storage capacity.

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SUMMARY: Elon Musk is hosting a live-streamed chat on his platform X with Alice Weidel, a leader of Germany’s far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), ahead of the February 23 election. Musk has expressed strong support for the party, claiming that only the AfD can save Germany. His political involvement raises concerns across Europe about potential election interference, especially with the growing influence of his social media platform. X is under investigation by the European Commission for potentially violating digital regulations, including amplifying harmful content. The AfD, under scrutiny for extremism, has gained popularity amid discontent with the current German government.

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SUMMARY: The City of Fernandina Beach fired its city attorney, Tammi Bach, during a meeting on Tuesday night, with Commissioner Tim Poynter citing a lack of confidence in her and the desire to remove politics from the legal department. Bach, the longest-serving charter officer, did not speak before the vote. Vice Mayor Darron Ayscue was the only commissioner to oppose her firing, comparing the situation to the previous termination of the city manager, Dale Martin, in 2023. Bach will be on administrative leave for 30 days before her official termination. The city faces several ongoing legal battles.

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