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Healthy Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe (Grain-Free)
I’m a fan of all things fall, but pumpkin spice can get old after a while. This delicious, healthy apple crisp recipe features sweet and tart apples, fragrant apple pie spice, and a melt in your mouth crunchy topping. All of the flavors you could want on a cool autumn day.
Most of us grew up with apple pie, apple crisp, and apple cobbler. These classic dishes tasted so good, but they were also absolutely packed with sugar! This updated version still has all the flavors you love about the original apple crisp, but it’s naturally sweetened and grain-free.
The (not so) secret ingredient is my homemade apple pie spice. Once you have a batch mixed up (it’s earned a permanent place in my pantry!), it’s really easy to flavor your apple crisp. Or pancakes, or muffins, or anything else you want to add some delicious fall flavor to.
Healthy Apple Crisp Ingredients
Apple crisp typically has oats, but not always. Sometimes the terms apple crisp and apple crumble are used interchangeably and many of the ingredients overlap. All you really need to know though is that this apple crisp tastes amazing!
Instead of regular flour and oats it uses almond flour and coconut flour. These give the crumble topping a nice crunch without the grains. The toasted pecans also add to the crunchy, nutty flavor. It’s naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and maple syrup, but if you can find maple sugar it really amps up the fall flavor.
How to Make Toasted Pecans
You can use raw pecans, but toasting them really adds another depth of flavor. There are several methods, but I find the stovetop method the easiest. Nuts start to burn quickly once they’re toasted, so be sure to keep a close eye on them!
- Heat a skillet to medium low heat.
- Add the pecans and stir continually until they smell nutty and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Immediately remove pecans from the pan.
And here’s how to make a delicious and healthy apple crisp recipe that’s perfect for company or everyday dessert!
Healthy Apple Crisp
This apple crisp recipe is a healthy twist on the classic comfort food. Made with apple pie spice, it’s as convenient as it is delicious!
- 7 medium sweet-tart apples (fuji, honeycrisp, pink lady, etc.)
- ¼ cup apple cider or juice
- 1 TBSP maple syrup (more if your apples are very tart)
- 1 ½ TBSP lemon juice
- 1 ½ tsp apple pie spice
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 3 TBSP unsalted butter (diced)
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Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 350ºF.
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Peel and core the apples. Cut into thin slices, about ?-inch thick.
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In a large bowl combine the apples, apple cider, maple syrup, lemon juice, apple pie spice, and salt. Stir to coat.
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Spread the apples into a 9-inch round baking dish with 2-inch high sides or an 8×8-inch square pan. Dot with cubed butter.
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Bake until bubbling, about 30–35 minutes. Stir gently.
For the crumble topping
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While the apples bake, prepare the topping. In a bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, nuts, coconut sugar, apple pie spice, and salt.
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Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Crumble topping evenly over the partially baked apples.
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Return to the oven and bake until the topping is deep golden and the apples are bubbling, 40–50 minutes (check after 25 minutes, as ovens vary).
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Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. The topping will crisp as it cools.
Nutrition Facts
Healthy Apple Crisp
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 455
Calories from Fat 270% Daily Value*
Fat 30g46%
Saturated Fat 12g75%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 42mg14%
Sodium 179mg8%
Potassium 294mg8%
Carbohydrates 48g16%
Fiber 9g38%
Sugar 32g36%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 612IU12%
Vitamin C 12mg15%
Calcium 64mg6%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
What are some of your favorite ways to eat apples? Leave a comment and let us know!
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What Brock Purdy’s injuries mean for fantasy football in Week 2
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed on Wednesday that quarterback Brock Purdy is a “long shot” to play in their Week 2 road matchup at the New Orleans Saints this Sunday due to multiple injuries and could potentially miss more time afterwards.
Purdy sustained both a shoulder and toe injuries during the team’s Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks this past weekend and did not practice on Wednesday. The Pro Bowl QB went 26-35 for 277 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the season opener, firing a four-yard strike to tight end Jake Tonges for the go-ahead score with 1:34 remaining in the game.
This injury is yet another blow to the 49ers’ offense, who have been besieged by injuries to star players since last season. Just this week, the team had to place All-Pro tight end George Kittle on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury and now they will be without their starting QB for at least this week.
Purdy was a top-10 quarterback in average draft position heading into the season, so this injury will impact several fantasy managers across multiple platforms. His numbers in 2024 dipped from the year prior when he led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance, but he still finished as a top-15 fantasy QB with 3,864 passing yards, 323 rushing yards, and 25 total touchdowns on the season.
In his absence, backup quarterback Mac Jones will step in as the starter and will get his first taste of action after signing a two-year contract with the team this offseason. The former first-round pick is readily available on waiver wires as he’s rostered in less than 1% of fantasy leagues. However, I imagine Purdy managers already have other viable backup options in place and they can always turn to other QB waiver wire options like Michael Penix Jr. or Geno Smith if they’re in a jam.
With both Purdy and George Kittle down for the week, I expect Shanahan and company to keep things simple by leaning on Christian McCaffrey to carry the offense. I’d also expect a good bulk of Jones’ targets to be lobbed towards the direction of Ricky Pearsall after his breakout performance in Week 1.
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Triple-I Blog | Calls for Insurance-Price Legislation Would Hurt Policyholders, Not Help
Increased legislative involvement in regulating homeowners’ insurance pricing and rates – as recently called for by some officials in Illinois – would hurt insurance affordability in the state, rather than helping consumers as intended, Triple-I says in its latest Issues Brief.
Rising premiums are a national issue. They reflect a combination of costly climate-related weather events, demographic trends, and rising material and labor costs to repair and replace damaged or destroyed property. Average insured catastrophe losses have been increasing for decades, fueled in part by natural disasters and population shifts into high-risk areas. More recently, these and other losses to which the property/casualty insurance industry is vulnerable were exacerbated by inflation related to the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Tariffs and changes in U.S. economic policies have since put even more upward pressure on costs.
These increasing costs – if not addressed – threaten to erode the policyholder surplus insurers are required to keep on hand to pay claims. If surplus falls below a certain level, insurers have no choice but to increase premium rates or adjust their willingness to assume risks in certain areas.
To avoid this, many insurers have filed with state regulators for rate increases – requests that often meet with resistance from consumer advocacy groups and legislators. Illinois would not be the first state to try to ease consumers’ pain by constraining insurers’ ability to accurately set coverage prices to reflect increasing levels of risk and costs.
Practicality, not politics
Such efforts, while perhaps politically popular, confuse one symptom (higher premiums) of a growing risk crisis with its underlying cause (increasing losses and rising costs). Using the blunt instrument of legislation to address the complexities and sensitivities of underwriting and pricing would tend to disrupt the market and further hurt insurance affordability – and, in some areas, availability.
Rather than target insurers with misguided legislation, the brief says, states would be wiser to work with the industry to improve their risk profiles by investing in mitigation and resilience. The brief describes the causes of higher premium rates nationally and in Illinois and how other states have successfully collaborated to address those causes and reduce upward pressure on – and eventually bring down –premium rates.
“Triple-I welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with state policymakers to develop constructive approaches to risk mitigation and resilience that will benefit communities and consumers,” the brief says.
Learn More:
Revealing Hidden Cost to Consumers of Auto Litigation Inflation
Easing Home Upkeep to Control Insurance Costs
Survey: Homeowners See Value of Aerial Imagery for Insurers; Education Key to Comfort Levels
Nonprofit to Rescue NOAA Billion-Dollar Dataset
2025 Cat Losses to Date Are 2nd-Costliest Since Records Have Been Kept
2025 Tornadoes Highlight Convective Storm Losses
Auto Premium Growth Slows as Policyholders Shop Around, Study Says
Litigation Reform Works: Florida Auto Insurance Premium Rates Declining
IoT Solutions Offer Homeowners, Insurers Value — But How Much?
Texas: A Microcosm of U.S. Climate Perils
New Illinois Bills Would Harm — Not Help — Auto Policyholders
Illinois Bill Highlights Need for Education on Risk-Based Pricing of Insurance Coverage
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How to Prove a Will in India? Supreme Court’s 2025 Ruling
Wondering how to prove a Will in India? Supreme Court clarifies that even a registered Will needs witness testimony under Section 68 Evidence Act.
Supreme Court (Sept 2025) in Sanjay Bhardwaj v. Narayanrao Bhardwaj ruled that even a registered Will in India must be proved by an attesting witness under Section 68 of the Evidence Act.
Refer our earlier article on how to write a WILL on your own, “How to write a WILL in India? | Download Sample WILL format“.
How to Prove a Will in India? Supreme Court’s 2025 Ruling
Is a Registered Will Enough?
Imagine this: your father leaves behind a registered Will giving you his property. None of your siblings raise any objection. You walk into court, confident that the Will is enough.
But the judge asks: “Where is the attesting witness?”
Confused? You’re not alone. Many families assume a registered Will is sufficient. But on 6th September 2025, in the case of Sanjay S/o Parmanand Bhardwaj v. Narayanrao S/o Ramkrishna Bhardwaj & Ors., the Supreme Court of India clarified that under Section 68 of the Indian Evidence Act, it is mandatory to call at least one attesting witness to prove a Will—even when no heir disputes it.
This ruling teaches us one thing: paperwork is not proof until backed by witnesses.
Q1: What Is Section 68 of the Indian Evidence Act?
In simple words:
- If a law says a document (like a Will, gift deed, or mortgage) must be signed by witnesses, then in court you must examine at least one attesting witness to confirm it.
- That witness must testify that the testator (the person making the Will) signed it in their presence.
Think of it like a cricket match. The scoreboard (the Will) shows the runs, but the umpire (the witness) must confirm the runs were actually scored. Without the umpire, the scoreboard alone won’t count.
Q2: What Did the Supreme Court Say in This Case?
The case involved two brothers fighting over property.
- Brother 1 (Buyer) claimed he got the property via a registered Will, power of attorney, and sale agreement from their father.
- Brother 2 said he had already received the property years earlier through an oral gift.
When the case reached the Supreme Court, the bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Sandeep Mehta ruled:
Even if Brother 2 was not a “legal heir” directly contesting the Will, Section 68 must still be followed.
A registered Will is not enough. An attesting witness must confirm it in court.The Court stressed: this requirement is mandatory, not optional.
Q3: Why Isn’t Registration of a Will Enough?
Many people think, “If the Will is registered with the sub-registrar, why bother with witnesses?”
Here’s the truth: registration only shows that the document was filed. It doesn’t prove the testator was of sound mind, understood the contents, or signed it voluntarily.
For example:
- Your grandfather signs a Will leaving you his land.
- You register it the next day.
- Ten years later, in court, someone asks: “Was Grandpa healthy? Did he know what he was signing?”
- The registrar won’t answer that. Only a witness who saw him sign can confirm.
That’s why registration alone is never enough.
Q4: What If Witnesses Are Dead or Missing?
Good question! What if both attesting witnesses are no longer alive or can’t be traced?
The law has a backup plan under Section 69 of the Evidence Act:
- You can prove the handwriting of the testator and the attesting witnesses.
- For example, handwriting experts or people familiar with their signatures can testify.
This ensures a Will doesn’t fail just because witnesses are unavailable. But if at least one is alive and reachable, you must call them.
Q5: Can Random People Testify Instead?
No. A bystander saying “I saw Grandpa sign something once” is not enough.
The Supreme Court has already said: only an attesting witness counts. A “stray witness” cannot prove the Will.
So, if the Will lists Witness A and Witness B, then only they (or their handwriting if dead) matter. Nobody else’s testimony will do.
Q6: What If There Are Suspicious Circumstances?
Courts are extra cautious with Wills because they come into effect only after death. Sometimes things look fishy, such as:
- The person benefiting from the Will also drafted it.
- Witnesses don’t know each other.
- The Will excludes natural heirs without explanation.
In such cases, the propounder (the person relying on the Will) must provide stronger proof to clear doubts.
Example: If you’re the only child inheriting everything and you also brought the witnesses, the court may ask more questions before accepting it.
Q7: What Does This Ruling Mean for Families?
This ruling has practical implications for anyone relying on a Will:
- Don’t assume registration is enough. Always plan for witness testimony.
- Keep your witnesses known and available. Avoid picking people who may move away or be unreachable.
- Document properly. If witnesses die, ensure signatures are identifiable for Section 69.
- Be transparent. Courts don’t like hidden hands in Will drafting.
Q8: A Simple Analogy – Cake Baking
Think of proving a Will like baking a cake:
- Registration = baking the cake and showing the recipe.
- Attesting witness testimony = someone tasting the cake and confirming it’s yours.
- Section 69 backup = if no tasters exist, handwriting proof is like showing the oven log and icing pattern.
Without tasters or proof, the judge won’t believe you baked the cake.
Q9: FAQs People Ask About Wills
1. Is a handwritten Will valid?
Yes, if signed by the testator and attested by two witnesses.2. What if the Will is notarized but not registered?
Notarization doesn’t replace witness requirement. Witness testimony is still mandatory.3. Can I be both beneficiary and witness?
No. A beneficiary should not attest the Will. Courts treat that as suspicious.4. Is probate always needed?
In metros like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata—yes. Elsewhere, not always, but proving the Will under Section 68 is still required.Checklist: How to Secure Your Will
- Have at least two independent, trustworthy witnesses.
- Preferably choose witnesses younger than you (so they’re alive later).
- Keep their contact details safe.
- Inform your family about the Will.
- If registering, do it—but don’t rely on registration alone.
- Review and update the Will if needed.
Practical Tips: If You’re Writing a Will Today
- Avoid using close family members as witnesses. Courts may treat it as suspicious.
- Pick witnesses who are likely to remain accessible (friends, colleagues, neighbors).
- If possible, have your Will drafted with professional legal guidance.
- Store the original safely, and tell your executor where it is.
Conclusion: Proof Matters More Than Paper
The Supreme Court’s 2025 ruling in Sanjay Bhardwaj v. Narayanrao Bhardwaj reminds us that a Will is not just about writing—it’s about proving.
Even if no family member contests it, the court will not skip the witness requirement. Section 68 of the Evidence Act makes sure of that.
After a loved one’s death, the last thing families want is another fight in court. This ruling teaches us that a few careful steps today—choosing the right witnesses and preserving their details—can protect your family’s peace tomorrow.
Bring a witness to bring the Will alive.
Quick Takeaways
- A registered Will alone is not enough in India.
- At least one attesting witness must testify in court under Section 68.
- If witnesses are unavailable, Section 69 allows proof through handwriting verification.
- A beneficiary should never act as a witness—it raises suspicion.
- Probate may still be required in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
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SSU 2025 Winners
Our team is continuously impressed by our LSF community. All the women in this community worked their butts off and we’re so proud of each and every one of you! You all finished this 6 week challenge so strong and your transformations, inside and out, were INCREDIBLE!
Thank you for pushing yourselves and our community to be the best we can be!
Time to shoutout our SSU25 winners!
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Shannon Smith (@shannon.lsf)
Total pounds lost: 4
Shannon’s Story:
“I lost an inch and a half on my belly and 2.5 inches right above my hips!
I am so proud of the work I did in this challenge, because I have never been so consistent. This challenge meant more to me, because I made a decision to prioritize my health over everything else.
This meant that I started thyroid medication for the first time, really advocated for myself at the doctor, got super consistent with workouts, and mastered that 80/20 lifestyle that I’ve always wanted. While the scale didn’t show all of my progress, I was amazed to see how quickly I shed inches off of my waist.
I also noticed a wave of confidence come back into my life, and has helped me feel happier out in the world. I started dressing in clothes that I like better and highlighting the parts of my body that I’ve hidden for so long. I also got stronger (went back up to my 15lb dumbbells!) and even want to try the bar at the gym.
I did all of this from home, at the beach, and with my puppy. I’m still going strong, even though being back at school (I’m a teacher) is exhausting. I’m learning how important it is to take care of myself first (through nutrition, workouts, rest, etc) so that I can show up better everywhere else. I loved the HBMP, because it allowed me to eat things that I loved and be flexible when I needed. I’m now going backwards through it.
And most of all, I enjoyed my accountability group because they were the girls that understood more than anyone else in my life what I was going through! It felt so amazing to win the Week 3 award, because it felt like I was being seen for all of my hard work! Thank you for this amazing community, and I’m so excited to keep building on these habits.”
RUNNER UPS
Dara McCann (@dara.lsf)
Total Pounds Lost: 2.8
Dara’s Story:
“This challenge was a special one for me! It marked my one year anniversary of consistent daily movement and focus on nutrition. A lot of milestones, including my 400 day streak and several PRs throughout the Summer Fitness Assessment.
There were days when I didn’t feel like moving my body and faced cravings for pizza and cinnamon rolls, but then I remembered why I’m doing this: to be a strong woman who didn’t shy away for the possibility of more.
I’m so proud of the progress in just these 6 short weeks. While I didn’t lose many pounds, I feel I am starting to gain muscle and see definition.
I’m very thankful for the LSF community and even was week 5 winner – which was such a pleasant surprise! As always, my thanks for yet another fantastic challenge!”
Cambria (@Motivated_mama_lsf)
Total Pounds Lost: 5.4
Cambria’s Story:
“The journey this time around has been more of a long-term goal not just a challenge to challenge focus. January 2025, I started with the goal of losing 20 pounds with the main “Why” being to take care of myself. From my 2025 GOALS Planner: “My most important thing I want to accomplish this year is lose 20 pounds so that I can physically function better and have a better mental state” This challenge helped me drop that final few pounds and I have accomplished my goal of losing 20 pounds this year.
Is this it though? Absolutely not. 2025 is going to continue to be the year of change. I’m in my early 40s and am experiencing the highs and lows of perimenopause. I’m tired of being tired and temperamental. Focusing on mental health, physical wellness and growing in my relationship with Jesus will continue to be central to each day going forward.
I’m feeling better than I have in a while. I have more energy, less moody(most of the time;) and I am hearing the compliments that my husband is giving me. He is always an encourager, but when you don’t feel good about yourself, it’s hard to receive compliments as they were intended. I’m excited to see how God will continue to work in these remaining 4 months of 2025 and I’m looking forward to continuing to show up with LSF to improve my health.”
PINK HEART RECIPIENT
Our Pink Heart Award goes to a member in the #teamLSF community who not only stayed dedicated to their own fitness journey, but was also extremely encouraging of her fellow #teamlsf babes! Every challenge we ask members to submit people who motivated them and was a source of positivity and encouragement throughout the challenge.
Shawn (joyinworkingout)
Encouraged so many women to keep going, gave them daily encouragement, and showed up for herself every day of SSU!!
Community Shoutouts from other LSF Babes
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@allison.fit.lsf : This girl is so sweet and cheered me on along the way!
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@faith&fitness_girl.lsf : she sent DM’s of encouragement and support, she feels like a real friend & i’ve never even met her in person!
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Camila Nakashima (ca_nakashima2) has inspired me so much with her daily walks, workouts and self care! And she has also been a great supporter and encouraged me along the way! 🥰 I love her mindset and how she prioritise her health! – Ellinor
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Florida Declares Victory for Liberty and Parental Rights — Ends School Vaccine Mandates!
Florida has made a bold move that many will hail as a massive win for personal autonomy and parental sovereignty. On September 3, 2025, the state’s Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, joined by Governor Ron DeSantis, unveiled a sweeping decision: Florida will eliminate all vaccine requirements for school attendance, including those for measles, mumps, polio, hepatitis B, chickenpox, and more.
If the plan is fully enacted, by severing the link between enrollment and mandated shots Florida will become the first state in the U.S. to fully cut vaccination out of school entry laws. Ladapo described vaccine mandates as “dripping with disdain and slavery” and rejected the idea that government should have any authority over what enters your body.1
His point was clear: whether you accept vaccines or refuse them, the decision should remain solely yours. “Who am I as a government or anyone else … to tell you what you should put in your body?” he declared. The policy marks a return to informed consent and is a triumph of liberty that restores parental control over children’s health.
Florida Sweeps Away Vaccine Mandates
When Ladapo announced that every school vaccine mandate in the state would be erased, it was a proud proclamation that parents, not bureaucrats, hold the authority over their children’s bodies.2
Generations of mandates are set to fall. Vaccine requirements that have bound families to government dictates for decades are gone. For parents who once feared their children would be barred from school if they resisted, the chains are finally cut. The classroom is no longer contingent on compliance, but open to every child, regardless of parental choice.
• Ladapo speaks directly to parents’ hearts — His words were piercingly personal: “Who am I to tell you what your child should put in [their] body? I don’t have that right.” In that moment, he didn’t sound like a bureaucrat delivering a policy but a man affirming the sacred bond between parent and child. He transformed this shift into something larger than law — a liberation of the family unit from state intrusion.
• Critics cling to fear, but liberation rings louder — Predictably, establishment voices rushed to condemn the decision. Representative Anna Eskamani called it “reckless and dangerous,” while House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell warned of “welcoming back child-killers like polio and measles.” Yet against their warnings of doom, the announcement itself radiated with confidence, optimism, and faith in parents’ capacity to decide wisely without coercion.
• Choice, not compulsion, defines Florida’s stance — Ladapo made it crystal clear: vaccines remain available, but now as a voluntary decision. “You want to put whatever different vaccines in your body, God bless you. I hope you make an informed decision,” he explained.
“You don’t want to put whatever vaccines in your body, God bless you. I hope you make an informed decision. That’s how it should be.” That repetition of blessing underscores the message — families are respected whether they say yes or no. The state no longer polices personal choices.
• Florida builds on a legacy of defiance — In 2022, Ladapo made headlines for recommending against COVID-19 injections for healthy children. That move rattled the medical establishment but positioned Florida as a beacon of resistance. Now, by extending skepticism to every childhood vaccine mandate, Ladapo has cemented his role as a champion of autonomy and a leader unafraid to stand apart.
• Florida’s vision ties into a national movement — DeSantis’ Florida Make America Healthy Again commission connects this repeal to broader reforms advanced by President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Ending mandates is no isolated event — it’s part of a larger push to strip away regulatory control and return power to individuals. Florida isn’t just passing a policy; it’s declaring itself the front line in the fight against medical overreach.
Florida’s Path to Full Repeal Faces Legal Hurdles
Axios Tampa Bay reported that several diseases — polio, diphtheria, measles, whooping cough, mumps, and tetanus — are written directly into statute as required vaccines for children.3 These laws lock in mandates at a legislative level, making them harder to undo with a single administrative action. While most parents didn’t notice this detail, it means that true repeal requires more than a press conference or a department rule — it requires changing the law itself.
• Health officials have added to the list over time — Beyond the statutes, Florida’s Department of Health has layered on additional requirements: chickenpox, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and pneumococcal disease. Here, the rules work differently.
The Department has the power to add vaccines to the list but not to take any away. This one-sided authority is what makes the repeal process tricky. Removing vaccines now demands a two-pronged approach: stripping back the administrative rules and tackling the legislative code.
• DeSantis admits the repeal is a two-step process — He openly acknowledged that some vaccines will require legislative action to remove. Administrative rules handle part of the job, but the laws themselves must be rewritten for the rest. For families, this means the end of mandates won’t happen overnight. It will unfold as lawmakers debate and vote, turning this into a staged liberation rather than an instant one.
• This complexity doesn’t dilute the impact — it amplifies it — The fact that the repeal touches both executive and legislative branches shows how deeply embedded these mandates were in Florida’s system.
Undoing them is no small act of housekeeping; it’s dismantling a framework that has governed families for generations. For parents, it underscores the magnitude of the change — government’s grip on childhood vaccines is being pried loose piece by piece, in a deliberate march toward full autonomy.
• For families, the stakes are both legal and personal — While experts warn of rising disease risks, the legal mechanics reveal something else: the state is willing to take on the hard, layered process of unraveling vaccine laws. That commitment signals to parents that the promise of choice is not symbolic — it’s being fought for in the fine print of statutes and administrative codes.
The machinery of law is being bent toward freedom, and that gives you greater confidence that parental sovereignty is not a passing gesture but a lasting change.
How to Protect Yourself from Vaccine Mandates
Florida’s plan shifts the power back into your hands. That means you have more freedom, but it also means you have more responsibility. If you’re a parent, a grandparent, or simply someone trying to make sense of vaccine risks, the key is to stay informed, evaluate the evidence, and protect your family based on your own values and concerns. Here are steps to protect yourself and your loved ones now that vaccine mandates are being lifted.
1. Question the strength of the evidence — Before you agree to any vaccine, dig into the studies that support its use. Ask whether the research has gaps, errors, or conflicting results. For example, Ladapo has pointed out that COVID-19 injections for children were pushed despite safety concerns. By asking “What does the evidence actually show?” you build confidence in your decision-making.
2. Address the root causes of disease through lifestyle — Mandates force medical solutions without addressing why diseases spread in the first place. Strengthening your child’s immune system through nutrient-rich food, good sleep, exercise, and minimizing toxins reduces risk at the foundation. If you’re already dealing with chronic health issues, focusing on these root causes becomes even more important.
3. Use the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) as a tool — VAERS is a U.S. monitoring system that tracks adverse events after vaccines. It’s been in place since 1990, co-managed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You can review reports on reactions to specific vaccines at OpenVaers.com.4 This gives you access to raw data that helps you weigh the risks for yourself and your family instead of relying solely on headlines.
However, be aware that VAERS is what’s called a passive surveillance system, which means it relies on people — like doctors, nurses, or patients themselves — to take the time to send in a report if they notice a reaction after vaccination. Because it depends on voluntary reporting, many cases never get recorded. That’s why the database only shows part of the real picture, and the number of actual adverse events is likely much higher than what appears in the system.
4. Keep your right to exemptions in mind — In Florida, religious exemptions are simple to obtain — no appointment or questions asked. Until the mandates end, if you feel strongly about protecting your child from unwanted interventions, knowing this process empowers you to act quickly. Even in states with stricter rules, understanding vaccine exemption laws gives you leverage to stand firm in your decisions.
5. Stay informed and trust your instincts — Information is power. Read broadly, ask questions, and don’t let societal pressure push you into decisions that don’t feel right for your family. If you’re unsure, give yourself time. Trusting your instincts while grounding your choices in evidence ensures that you — not the government — remain in charge of your family’s health.
FAQs About Florida’s Decision to End Vaccine Mandates
Q: What did Florida decide about school vaccine mandates?
A: On September 3, 2025, Florida announced it would eliminate all vaccine requirements tied to school attendance, including long-standing mandates for measles, mumps, polio, hepatitis B, chickenpox, and more. If fully enacted, Florida will be the first U.S. state to sever school enrollment from government-mandated vaccinations.
Q: How did Ladapo explain this decision?
A: Ladapo described vaccine mandates as “dripping with disdain and slavery” and emphasized that government has no right to dictate what enters your body or your child’s body. He framed the repeal as a matter of liberty, bodily autonomy, and informed consent, telling families they are free to choose vaccination — or decline it — without government interference.
Q: How do parents currently claim vaccine exemptions in Florida?
A: Parents can obtain a religious exemption by visiting their county health department, with no appointment required and no questions asked. This simple process makes it easy for families who object to vaccines to keep their children in school without facing barriers.
Q: What legal hurdles complicate the repeal?
A: Several vaccines — including polio, measles, and tetanus — are written into Florida law, which means they cannot be removed by administrative action alone. DeSantis acknowledged that a full repeal requires legislative action, making the process a staged dismantling of mandates rather than an immediate wipeout.
Q: What steps can parents take to protect their rights and make informed decisions?
A: Parents are encouraged to:
• Question the strength of vaccine evidence before agreeing to shots.
• Focus on root causes of disease by building immunity through diet, sleep, exercise, and toxin reduction.
• Use VAERS to review data on adverse events.
• Remember exemption rights until mandates are fully repealed.
• Stay informed, ask questions, and trust personal instincts when making decisions for their families.
Test Your Knowledge with Today’s Quiz!
Take today’s quiz to see how much you’ve learned from yesterday’s Mercola.com article.
What makes microplastics especially dangerous once they reach your lungs?
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Four top executives leave USAA
Four senior executives are departing United Services Automobile Association (USAA) as the financial services company undergoes organizational restructuring, the company announced.
The executives leaving include Brandon Carter, president of USAA Life Insurance Co.; Ameesh Vakharia, executive vice president and chief strategy and brand officer; Amala Duggirala, executive vice president and chief information officer; and Tom Troy, executive vice president and chief transformation officer.
USAA described the leadership changes as part of meeting evolving member needs. “Leadership change – to meet the evolving needs of our members and the association – is a natural occurrence in any large, dynamic organization,” the company said in an email statement, as reported by BestWire.
The company did not provide information about potential successors for the departing executives.
New member value organization created
As part of the restructuring, USAA established a “member value organization” primarily led by military veterans “to ensure everything we do begins and ends with the member in mind,” according to the company.
Several functions across USAA are being moved under this new organizational structure. The company stated it maintains “a deep bench of qualified senior leaders,” with some executives being reassigned to different areas within the organization.
USAA membership is restricted to military members, veterans, and their close family members.
The restructuring comes after a year of significant financial growth for USAA. The company’s annual attributable net income in 2024 tripled to $3.89 billion from $1.21 billion in the previous year, driven by revenues increasing more than losses, benefits, and expenses.
Total assets rose to $220.58 billion, primarily due to strong investment performance and increased property/casualty premiums, according to a BestWire report.
USAA ranked as the third-largest homeowners’ multiperil insurer and fifth-largest all-private passenger auto insurer in the United States in 2024, based on direct premiums written, according to BestLink data.
What are your thoughts on the latest announcement? Share your insights in the comments below.
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Are You Paying “Phantom Interest” Because You Chose the Wrong Payoff Strategy?
Image Source: 123rf.com Many borrowers don’t realize they may be paying what’s called “phantom interest.” This hidden cost appears when balances don’t shrink as quickly as they should, even with regular payments. The culprit is often the wrong payoff strategy. Retirees and families alike lose money without understanding why. Here’s how phantom interest drains wallets—and how to fix it.
How Phantom Interest Works
Phantom interest occurs when minimum payments mostly cover interest, not principal. Borrowers believe they’re reducing balances, but barely make progress. Retirees relying on auto-pay often miss this reality. Debt feels endless because it is. The wrong strategy fuels this hidden cost.
Snowball vs. Avalanche Impact
Choosing snowball over avalanche can create phantom interest. Snowball targets small balances first, leaving high-interest accounts untouched longer. Retirees who favor motivation over math pay more overall. Avalanche minimizes interest by tackling the highest rates first. Strategy matters more than speed.
Credit Card Traps That Feed It
Many credit cards allocate payments to lower-interest balances first. High-interest charges continue to accumulate unchecked. Retirees carrying multiple promotional and regular balances face this trap. Phantom interest grows silently in the background. Payment allocation rules aren’t always borrower-friendly.
Loan Structures That Confuse Borrowers
Mortgages and car loans front-load interest in early years. Retirees may pay thousands before touching principal. Without realizing it, they confuse scheduled structure with phantom interest. Understanding amortization prevents frustration. Not all slow progress is a trap—it may be design.
Fixing Phantom Interest for Good
Borrowers must align strategies with math, not habit. Paying extra toward high-interest accounts cuts phantom interest fastest. Retirees should call lenders to confirm payment allocation. Using avalanche methods restores control. Transparency eliminates the phantom.
The Takeaway on Phantom Interest
Phantom interest isn’t imaginary—it’s a real cost from the wrong strategy. Retirees who understand how payments are applied save money and stress. Choosing avalanche over snowball often makes the difference. Hidden interest disappears when math drives decisions. Debt payoff should be transparent, not tricky.
Have you ever realized you were paying phantom interest, and what strategy helped you finally break free?
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
