SUMMARY: Stephanie Murphy, former U.S. Congresswoman from Winter Park, announced her candidacy for Orange County mayor in 2026, aiming to succeed Mayor Jerry Demings. In a video on X.com, she emphasized smart growth, affordable housing, safe communities, strong schools, and business improvement. Murphy, a Democrat, represented a swing district from 2016 to 2022 and chaired the moderate Blue Dog Democrats. She served on key committees, including those investigating the January 6 Capitol riot, and has a background in national security and business consulting. Murphy, the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, joins a diverse mayoral field including Tiffany Moore Russell, Mayra Uribe, and Chris Messina. The race is nonpartisan.

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SUMMARY: A new app called Get Running Mate, designed to protect female runners from violence, is expanding to Tampa Bay. Created by Dino Lewis, who survived two assaults while running, the app connects women with verified running partners, offering increased safety and peace of mind. Studies show 60% of women have experienced harassment while running, prompting this initiative. Fitness ambassador Katy Butler supports the app, emphasizing its role in helping women focus on their run without fear. The app operates similarly to Uber but matches runners instead of rides. A free run and self-defense class will be held in Saint Pete next week to promote safety.

“Get Running Mate” aims to keep women safe while running outdoors, and it’s being rolled out in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

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SUMMARY: At least 40 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza as international mediators worked to finalize a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal to pause the 21-month conflict, free hostages, and send aid into Gaza. Many Palestinians, displaced and struggling for food and water amid summer heat, express desperate hope for a lasting ceasefire. Israeli strikes targeted militants and weapons across Gaza, while Israel accuses Hamas of hiding among civilians. Israeli PM Netanyahu and U.S. President Trump met to discuss destroying Hamas and regional peace efforts, with negotiations ongoing in Doha. Casualties exceed 57,000 Palestinians since October 2023.

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