JUICE - Florida Politics' Juicy Read - 1.29.20 - Nikki Fried vs. Ron DeSantis - Bondi Blacked Out - Dems Want To Take Back SOTUS

JUICE - Florida Politics' Juicy Read - 1.29.20 - Nikki Fried vs. Ron DeSantis - Bondi Blacked Out - Dems Want To Take Back SOTUS

Javier Manjarres
Javier Manjarres
|
January 29, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If y

DeSantis vs. Fried

AG Commissioner Nikki Fried is stepping up her attacks against Gov. Ron DeSantis, this time accusing him of trying to "nullify" the vote that got her elected, and of trying to "gut" her entire Department of Agriculture.

Que!? What1?

Fried accuses DeSantis of “brazenly” attempting to “seize power” by trying to move the Office of Energy away from her Department of Agriculture to the Department of Environmental Protection.

Fried then states that DeSantis “seeks to systematically gut” her department and “nullify” the statewide vote that got her elected in 2018. READ MORE

The Florida Democratic Party also chimed in (naturally)

“This bill is nothing more than a ridiculous partisan power grab. This is not about creating ‘efficiency’ in government, this is the governor consolidating his power," stated Chairwoman Terrie Rizzo.

“Commissioner Nikki Fried has done an excellent job leading the Office of Energy — which has been part of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) for nearly a decade. Under her leadership, the Office of Energy created the Florida Energy and Climate Plan, the state’s first comprehensive energy plan in a decade. 

“If Republicans think that they can get away with such a blatant partisan power grab, they are sorely mistaken. Voters will not soon forget about the Republicans’ irresponsible attempt to play politics with Florida’s energy future.”

 Bondi Blacked Out

Oh and in case you have been living under a rock the last 24 hours, The Floridian's post about Pam Bondi's impeachment argument being blacked out by the three major networks has touched all corners of the nation >>>> READ MORE

 

Visit The Floridian

DeSantis vs. Fried >>> Nikki Fried accuses DeSantis of trying to “gut” her department

“Pam Bondi’s impeachment argument blacked out by 3 major networks by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – In case you were wondering why you didn’t see former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s argument against Joe and Hunter Biden on the three major networks, all you have to know is that ABC, CBS, and NBC did not air her remarks. Bondi stood before the U.S. Senate and made the case against the actions of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden over their dealings with Burisma Holdings in Ukraine, but only Americans watching cable TV were able to watch. Pam Bondi outlined how Hunter Biden sat on the Ukrainian gas company’s board during his father’s term as vice president at the time he was supposed to be handling the U.S.- Ukrainian relations. During Monday’s arguments, White House attorneys divulged the bank statements that showed Hunter Biden having received $3 million over the course of a year and a half. Bondi exposed the Bidens’ alleged corruption in Ukraine, but also brought up Hunter Biden’s from the Bank of China after traveling aboard Air Force Two to China.

“Wasserman-Schultz wants to “take back the Supreme Court by The Floridian’s Daniel Molina – With the announcement that the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, had allowed President Trump to deny green cards to immigrants that may have a higher risk of needing government assisted, Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) slammed the Supreme Court’s decision. Sharing her disagreement on Twitter, the Sunshine State rep. voiced her disapproval, admitting that the ruling “shows how important it is that we take back the Supreme Court.” However, some critics are asking, take it back from whom? The controversial political figure went on to explain that “one vote can determine whether America lives up to the virtues of its founders or caves to the fears of privileged xenophobes,” adding that “America should not be behind a paywall.” Since the announcement, other Democrats have taken to social media to voice their disagreement. Ken Cuccinelli, the acting deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, released a statement discussing the proposed rules and what they would reinforce. Cuccinelli explained that the goal is to reinforce “the ideals of self-sufficiency and personal responsibility, ensuring that immigrants are able to support themselves and become successful here in America.” Stephanie Grisham, the White House Press Secretary, added that “this decision allows the Government to implement regulations effectuating longstanding Federal law that newcomers to this country must be financially self-sufficient and not a ‘public charge’ on our country and its citizens.”

“Buchanan Wants Coronavirus Designated as Public Health Emergency” by The Floridian’s Daniel Molina – With the impending news that the Coronavirus is already affecting multiple Americans domestically, Florida Rep. Vern Buchanan (R) made the call today that the Federal Government should designate it as a public health emergency. By declaring it a public health emergency, Rep. Buchanan expressed that it would allow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to use millions of dollars in federal funding to adequately and effectively combat the outbreak. In his statement, Buchanan commented that “speed is essential in dealing with infectious diseases that threaten all Americans.” In turn, “taking precaution now could save lives later.” So, “that’s why I’m calling on the Department of Health and Human Services to formally declare a public health emergency so our government can respond quickly to contain the threat.” If the emergency is declared, up to $85 million from the CDC’s Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund could be used for the country’s top disease fighters with resources and the flexibility to respond immediately to the growing concern. Elaborating on this, Rep. Buchanan explained that “too much about this outbreak is unknown, and it’s especially troubling to learn that the virus could be transmitted by an infected person even before symptoms appear.” The most recent case was reported in Chicago.

“Trump Unveils ‘Deal of the Century’ for Middle East Peace” by The Floridian’s Mona Salama – President Trump unveiled his long-awaited Middle East peace vision Tuesday, calling for the creation of an independent Palestine state with its capital in East Jerusalem, while recognizing Israeli sovereignty over West Bank settlements. “My vision provides a win win solution for both sides,” Trump said, standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the East Room of the White House. “A realistic two-state solution that resolves the risk of Palestinian statehood to Israel’s security. Crucially, the proposed transition to a two-state solution will prevent no incremental security risk to the state of Israel.” Dubbed by Trump as the “deal of the century,” the plan calls for a two-state solution including the state of Israel and the “future” state of Palestine. It sets a number of benchmarks for Palestinians to reach in order to achieve statehood, including renouncing terrorism, acknowledging Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and halt the activities of militant groups Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas. The plan proposes a two-state solution where Israel would freeze new settlement construction for a period of four years, during which time a comprehensive agreement would be negotiated. It includes a proposal for a tunnel connecting the West Bank to Gaza. “I want this deal to be a great deal for the Palestinians,” Trump said. “Today’s agreement is a historic opportunity for the Palestinians to finally achieve an independent state of their very own. We are asking the Palestinians to meet the challenges of peaceful coexistence. We will also work to create a contiguous territory within the future Palestinian state, for when the conditions for statehood are met, including the firm rejection of terrorism.”

“Amber Alert: 3 women found dead in South Florida, baby missing” by WFLA – Police are searching for a missing baby after three women were found dead Tuesday in a South Florida home, authorities said. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued an Amber Alert for 1-week-old Andrew Caballeiro, who was last seen in the 21900 block of Southwest 187th Avenue in Miami. Investigators believe the newborn infant is with its father, Ernesto Caballeiro, though they weren’t immediately calling the man a suspect in the slayings, Miami-Dade police spokesman Chris Thomas said. Police were searching the southwestern Miami-Dade County neighborhood for the man and baby. Officials didn’t immediately release the names of the victims. They also didn’t say how the women were killed or how they were related to the child. Ernesto Caballeiro may be driving a 2001 white Chevrolet Express with the Florida tag HETY13.

“Florida Senator proposes insulin cap bill that could ease financial strain for people with diabetes” by First Coast News’s Kamrel Eppinger – Eat or pay for your medication. It's a daily decision millions of Americans face as they fight to make ends meet while dealing with an illness. Now there is state legislation that could ease the money strain on people with diabetes who rely on increasingly expensive insulin. Insulin is a prescription drug used to regulate blood sugar for diabetes patients. Senate Bill 116 is aimed at capping the monthly cost for insulin at $100, regardless of the type or how much a patient needs. Earlier this month, it unanimously passed the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. Next, it will head to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. Tampa Senator Janet Cruz introduced the bill. “This bill actually removes the patient from the equation and lets the insurance companies that have the money and the bargaining power fight with the drug manufacturers," Cruz said. "People should not be dying because they can't afford insulin." Colorado and Illinois have already passed similar legislation. It can cost patients hundreds of dollars every month, forcing some to ration the drug --a move that is risky and potentially fatal. Jason Forrester is from Jacksonville and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 14 years old. He relies on two types of insulin to survive. "Do I eat, do I pay rent, do I get insulin?" Forrester said. "You got to have your insulin and that's just the way it is. If you don't have money for insulin you’re not going to last very long." Forrester has insurance, which helps, but said even he constantly struggles to pay more than $100 a month in co-pays.

“7.7 magnitude earthquake off coast of Jamaica, felt in South Florida” by WINK News – A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake has struck south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It was centered 125 kilometers north-northwest of Lucea, Jamaica. It’s not immediately clear if there are damage or injuries. It was centered only about 6 miles beneath the surface of the water. Carol Grantman, along with several other people, said the tremors lasted less than 30 seconds. Grantman lives in Punta Rassa. “After I looked out the window and saw the water was still in the same place,” Grantman said, “then I thought, ‘ok, I’m good here on the couch so I think I’ll just stay here.'” More than 80 miles south, people living in Plantation Island also reported feeling tremors. “The whole cage was like a quivering, shaking, and it was moving a little bit across the floor,” Carol Sykora said. “It was a pretty large birdcage.” The quake was so powerful that some people in Miami say they felt their building shake. “I was sitting at my desk in Aventura, I felt motion similar to feeling light-headed,” said one person who felt his building shake, but didn’t want to be identified. He told CBSMiami.com, “It didn’t stop, and my coworker asked if the building was moving. It lasted for another 20 seconds as we walked toward the stairwell.” There are buildings in downtown Miami being evacuated as well, reportedly due to the buildings shaking from the earthquake.

“‘The starting gun for 2024’: Florida senator drops Iowa bomb on Biden” by POLITICO’s Marc Caputo – Florida’s Republican Sen. Rick Scott inserted himself into the Democratic presidential primary Tuesday by launching an Iowa ad campaign trashing both the impeachment of President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden ahead of the state’s caucuses. But the ad campaign really wasn’t just about the 2020 presidential race or the Feb. 3 caucuses — it’s the starting gun for 2024, when Scott has let it be known he’s interested in running for the White House. “If you put $19,000 in Des Moines on TV, it’s definitely Scott putting a toe in 2024,” said David “DJ” Johnson, a GOP consultant and former executive director of the Republican Party of Florida. “And there’s one thing we know about Scott: after he puts a toe in, then comes the foot. Then comes the whole leg.” Scott’s political advisers and those who know his thinking wouldn’t comment on the record, with one saying the ad campaign — which consists of a 30-second TV commercial and a 2-minute digital spot — speaks for itself. Independently wealthy, Scott made his mark in Florida politics as an outsider businessman who spent at least $149.5 million of his own money to win races for governor and U.S. Senate. Months after first taking office in 2011, he launched a statewide ad campaign announcing his own legislative priorities, a technique he continued to employ through his two terms. In 2018, when he dropped $64 million of his own cash to defeat Sen. Bill Nelson, Scott practiced a far more partisan and sharp-elbowed style of politics, of which the new ad campaign is a continuation.

“Florida bills would allow guns in churches, government meetings” by Associated Press – Gun rights would be expanded at churches and other places of worship and for local government officials in Florida who want to carry firearms at meetings under two bills approved by a House committee Tuesday. Members of the House Criminal Justice Committee cited several shootings around the country as they supported the bills, including one last month in which security volunteer Jack Wilson fatally shot a man who opened fire in a Texas church, killing two. “Every day that this is not the law in Florida is an insult to people of faith who attend church,” said Republican Rep. Anthony Sabatini. “We are probably moments away from the next Jack Wilson story, the next opportunity for someone to stand up in a church and save a life, and the failure of this bill to pass would, I think, encourage such violent acts.” While Florida doesn’t prohibit guns in churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship, many religious organizes worship on properties that also contain schools, ranging from preschools to universities, and guns are banned in those places. The measures were also passed as Florida’s Democrat s call for more gun restrictions two years after a shooting at a Parkland high school left 17 dead. Republicans have largely ignored those calls, while the two bills approved Tuesday received bipartisan support. “I understand that sometimes gun issues are hotly contested in our society, but on this measure here, members, there really should be no contesting this. This is something we all should be voting for, because the truth is that those people who attend churches are in harm’s way,” said Republican Rep. Byron Donalds. Rabbi Zvi Konikov of Satellite Beach strongly urged committee members to support the bill.

 

“Pete Sessions pushes back against Pelosi’s “radical left agenda”” by Hispolitica’s Javier Manjarres – On March 3, Texans will head to the polls in the Lone Star state to cast their votes in contested state and congressional primary races, as well as 2020 Democratic presidential. Former Congressman Pete Sessions (R), who lost his Dallas-area congressional seat to Rep. Collin Allred (D) in 2018, has moved back home to the Waco area and is running to replace retiring Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Flores in Texas’ 17th congressional district. Sessions is in an 11 person primary race but is expected to prevail, possibly winning outright on election night and avoid a run-off election. To win the primary on election night, a candidate must garner 51 percent of the overall vote. Sources close to the Trump campaign tell Hispolitica that the president’s re-election campaign is quietly supporting Sessions campaign, but will wait to see how the primary election plays out. Sessions has been supportive of President Trump since he took office and his Twitter feed reflects that. From ripping his former congressional nemesis, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, over her “radical left agenda” and “delusional” impeachment inquiry, to praising the president for killing Iranian terrorist Soleimani, Sessions is without a doubt, a Trump man.

“Clinton Says She Certainly Feels The ‘Urge’ To Run Against Trump Again” by Hispolitica’s Mona Salama – Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a new interview that she can’t help but feel “the urge” to run against President Trump. Clinton made the comment Monday during a filmed interview with Variety magazine at the Sundance Film Festival after the debut of her four-hour docu-series “Hillary.” During the interview, the reporter asked Clinton if she ever feels “the urge to think: ‘I could beat Donald Trump if I were running.'” “Yeah,” Clinton replied. “I certainly feel the urge because I feel the 2016 election was a really odd time and an odd outcome.” She added, “And the more we learn, the more that seems to be the case. But I’m going to support the people who are running now and do everything I can to help elect the Democratic nominee.” Clinton did not reveal which of the other Democratic candidates she would vote for. “I’m going to vote. I’m going to leave it at that. I’ll definitely vote. I vote every time there’s an election,” she said.” This is not the first time she has hinted to the possibility of taking on Trump again. Back in October, President Trump tweeted that “Crooked Hillary Clinton should enter the race to try and steal it away from Uber Left Elizabeth Warren” she tweeted back: “Don’t tempt me. Do your job.”

“Ted Cruz Blasts Reporter for ‘Attacking a 9-year-old’” by Hispolitica’s Mona Salama – Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) blasted a reporter for playing a “nasty Washington game” after suggesting the Senator’s children should be in prison while posing a question about Hunter Biden. The heated exchanged occurred Monday evening during the dinner break in the Senate impeachment trial. Cruz talking to reporters said the Senate heard “two hours of evidence” that justified the president has the authority to investigate the corruption in the relationship between Hunter Biden and Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma. “The House Managers built their entire case on the proposition that investigating Burisma corruption, that investigating the Bidens for corruption was baseless and a sham,” Cruz said. “That proposition is absurd… we’ve just seen two hours of evidence and, at a minimum, it was not only reasonable and justified, but the president, I think, had an obligation to investigate corruption that potentially extended to the very highest levels of government.” Playboy White House reporter and CNN contributor Brian Karem interjected by stating that the Trump defense team had not pointed to any crimes committed by Biden. “None of the president’s attorneys mentioned one single possible crime,” Karem asked. “Basically, what they said is Hunter Biden got a job, his dad was vice president. If that’s a crime, I mean, shouldn’t half of your children be in prison?” “My children are nine and 11,” Cruz replied, drawing some chuckles from other legislators and reporters. “I’m sorry you want to throw a nine-year-old in prison, but at this point, my third grader plays basketball and softball at her school. So, stop playing that nasty Washington game.”

“Sanders Supporters Slam DNC Chair For Naming Clinton Loyalists to Convention Committees” by Hispolitica’s Mona Salama – Sen. Bernie Sanders(I-VT) supporters and some Democratic National Committee (DNC) members are expressing their anger over DNC Chairman Tom Perez list of appointments for the standing committees that will oversee the rules and party platform at this year’s Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee. Among those on the list is former Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, who was nominated to the Rules Committee. Former Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank, a critic of Sanders, was nominated to be co-chairman of the Rules Committee. Sanders national co-chair Nina Turner blasted the establishment-leaning list, calling it “an embarrassment” and a “slap in the face.” “It’s very disappointing to see Chairman Perez build a list of this magnitude. It also shows a lack of understanding about what the grassroots asked for post the 2016 election,” Turner said in an interview to a progressive channel Status Coup on Monday. “It is an embarrassment. The DNC should be ashamed of itself. It really is a slap in the face to folks who were asking for reform.” Turner pointed back to the 2016 presidential race, when leaked emails showed DNC staff members criticized and mocked Senator Sanders during the primary campaign against Clinton, even though the organization publicly insisted that it was going to remain neutral in the primary. “If the DNC believes that it’s going to get away in 2020 with what it did in 2016, it has another thing coming,” Turner said.

“Trump Unveils ‘Deal of the Century’ for Middle East Peace” by Hispolitica’s Mona Salama – President Trump unveiled his long-awaited Middle East peace vision Tuesday, calling for the creation of an independent Palestine state with its capital in East Jerusalem, while recognizing Israeli sovereignty over West Bank settlements. “My vision provides a win win solution for both sides,” Trump said, standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the East Room of the White House. “A realistic two-state solution that resolves the risk of Palestinian statehood to Israel’s security. Crucially, the proposed transition to a two-state solution will prevent no incremental security risk to the state of Israel.” Dubbed by Trump as the “deal of the century,” the plan calls for a two-state solution including the state of Israel and the “future” state of Palestine. It sets a number of benchmarks for Palestinians to reach in order to achieve statehood, including renouncing terrorism, acknowledging Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and halt the activities of militant groups Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas. The plan proposes a two-state solution where Israel would freeze new settlement construction for a period of four years, during which time a comprehensive agreement would be negotiated. It includes a proposal for a tunnel connecting the West Bank to Gaza. “I want this deal to be a great deal for the Palestinians,” Trump said. “Today’s agreement is a historic opportunity for the Palestinians to finally achieve an independent state of their very own. We are asking the Palestinians to meet the challenges of peaceful coexistence. We will also work to create a contiguous territory within the future Palestinian state, for when the conditions for statehood are met, including the firm rejection of terrorism.”

“Wasserman-Schultz Calls for “Taking Back” Supreme Court” by Hispolitica’s Daniel Molina – With the announcement that the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, had allowed President Trump to deny green cards to immigrants that may have a higher risk of needing government assisted, Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) slammed the Supreme Court’s decision. Sharing her disagreement on Twitter, the Sunshine State rep. voiced her disapproval, admitting that the ruling “shows how important it is that we take back the Supreme Court.” However, some critics are asking, take it back from whom? The controversial political figure went on to explain that “one vote can determine whether America lives up to the virtues of its founders or caves to the fears of privileged xenophobes,” adding that “America should not be behind a paywall.” Since the announcement, other Democrats have taken to social media to voice their disagreement. Ken Cuccinelli, the acting deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, released a statement discussing the proposed rules and what they would reinforce. Cuccinelli explained that the goal is to reinforce “the ideals of self-sufficiency and personal responsibility, ensuring that immigrants are able to support themselves and become successful here in America.” Stephanie Grisham, the White House Press Secretary, added that “this decision allows the Government to implement regulations effectuating longstanding Federal law that newcomers to this country must be financially self-sufficient and not a ‘public charge’ on our country and its citizens.”

“U.S. House committee says Pompeo agrees to testify on Iran, Iraq policy” by Reuters’ Patricia Zengerle – A Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives committee said on Tuesday it had reached an agreement with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to testify at a public hearing on Iran and Iraq policy, after threatening a subpoena over previous refusals to appear.

Representative Eliot Engel, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he spoke to Pompeo on Tuesday and he had agreed to appear at a hearing separate from the committee’s annual budget hearing. Engel, in a statement, said he would announce a date for the hearing soon. Members of Congress - including some of Trump’s fellow Republicans - have been pushing Trump’s administration for more information about the killing by a drone strike in Iraq this month of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani. Lawmakers have also been working to pass war powers legislation that would rein in Trump’s ability to deploy U.S. forces abroad without congressional consent. The foreign affairs panel had tried to schedule at least two public hearings with Pompeo, including one that would have taken place on Wednesday, Jan. 29, but he had declined to appear. [L1N29M161]

“Witness fight threatens quick ending to impeachment trial” by CNN’s Stephen Collinson – Senate Republicans are wrestling with a momentous dilemma over whether to call witnesses in Donald Trump's trial in a closed-door tussle that risks antagonizing the President and fueling Democrat claims of a cover-up. Revelations from former national security adviser John Bolton that could bolster evidence that Trump pressured Ukraine for electoral favors are jolting GOP hopes for an swift impeachment acquittal and may hike the political costs of such a vote.

Most Republican senators are agitating for the chance to vote to clear Trump of impeachable offenses, but a handful of their colleagues are still agonizing, beset by unique political factors or a battle with their consciences. GOP senators met soon after Trump's legal team rested its defense on Tuesday to try to find a way out of a morass. A source in the room said Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told his troops he still did not have sufficient votes to block the Democrats' demand for witnesses. The news was the first sign that the band of Republicans open to hearing from Bolton especially might be larger than the three or so senators who have said all along they are considering such an option -- though who those GOP lawmakers would be remained unclear Tuesday night.

“John Roberts will not be silent Wednesday. But the questions he asks will not be his.” By CNN’s Joan Biskupic – Since the Senate impeachment trial began last week, Chief Justice John Roberts has been mainly out of the camera's line of sight. He has, clerk-like, enforced Senate procedures and kept the clock for the lawyers at the lectern. He has tried to maintain the chamber's decorum, as when he admonished the legal teams against nastiness, citing a 1905 Senate trial precedent against use of the word "pettifogging." He has introduced some levity, as when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wished him happy birthday on Monday and the 65-year-old Roberts responded with: "Well, thank you very much for those kind wishes, and thank you to all the senators for not asking for the yeas and nays." Beginning Wednesday, Roberts will be less lighthearted and far more visible. He will be the voice of senators, with his visage at the center of the screen as he reads their questions. Roberts will pose questions that the senators write on forms to the US House managers and President Donald Trump's lawyers. If he follows the model of Chief Justice William Rehnquist in the 1999 trial of President Bill Clinton, Roberts will state the questions with as little inflection and emotion as possible, reading verbatim from the forms. At the start of each query, Roberts is expected -- per tradition -- to announce which senator has put forward the question.

“US evacuees from China head to California military base as coronavirus outbreak grows” by CNN’s Faith Karimi – A flight carrying about 200 American evacuees is headed to a military base in Southern California after leaving the epicenter of the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China. The flight chartered by the State Department left the Chinese city of Wuhan and touched down late Tuesday night at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Alaska.

After refueling and passenger screenings in Anchorage, it left for the March Air Reserve Base near Riverside, California. In Alaska, officials conducted two additional health screenings after prior ones in China. All passengers were approved to continue on to California by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alaska officials said. In California, they will get more health screenings. "For many of us directly involved, this has been a moving and uplifting experience," said Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska's chief medical officer. "The whole plane erupted in cheers when the crew said, 'Welcome home to the United States.'" The fast-moving coronavirus has killed 132 people and infected nearly 6,000 others in China -- most of them in the hardest-hit city of Wuhan. Five cases of the disease have been confirmed in the United States. The flight was originally planned to land at the Ontario International Airport -- a civilian facility about 35 miles from Los Angeles. It's not immediately clear why the itinerary was changed from the civilian airport to a military base. Curt Hagman, a San Bernardino County commissioner who is on the board of the Ontario airport, said they were informed Tuesday night that the plane would not land there.

“GOP develops aggressive 'Plan B' in impeachment trial, as several Dems appear to support acquittal: source” by Fox News’s Gregg Re – With several Democrats openly floating the possibility they might vote to acquit President Trump, congressional Republicans are planning an aggressive "Plan B" strategy in the event some Republicans break off and demand additional witnesses in the president's impeachment trial, Fox News has learned. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., privately said early Tuesday that he wasn't sure there were enough Republican votes to block more witnesses, given that some moderates in the GOP's 53-47 Senate majority were wavering. Any witness resolution would likely require four Republican defections in the Senate, because in the event of a 50-50 tie, Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts is highly likely to abstain rather than assert his debatable power to cast a tiebreaking vote. Late Tuesday night, a Senate leadership source told Fox News that Republicans were specifically assessing the viability of two alternative options. One plan is to amend any resolution calling for a particular witness to also include a package of witnesses that assuredly wouldn't win enough support in the Senate. For example, if the Democrats seek to call former National Security Advisor John Bolton, Republicans might subpoena Hunter Biden over his lucrative board position in Ukraine, and Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., over his inconsistent statements concerning his panel's contacts with the whistleblower at the center of the impeachment probe.

“Lev Parnas' plan to show up at Trump's Senate impeachment trial prompts even more confusion” by Fox News’s Gregg Re – Lev Parnas, the indicted associate of President Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, has been granted permission to attend the Senate impeachment trial on Wednesday -- but won't be able to attend due to something of a technical snag. No electronic devices are permitted in the Senate even for senators, and U.S. District Court Judge J. Paul Oetken explicitly denied Parnas' request to remove his monitoring device, even as he issued an order allowing Parnas to travel to Washington, D.C. "Although we couldn’t arrange to have Lev Parnas watch the trial with us because his GPS ankle monitor is not allowed, Lev will join us in DC tomorrow to show support for a fair trial, with witnesses & evidence," Parnas' attorney, Joseph Bondy, wrote on Twitter. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., had provided a ticket for Parnas, according to documents Parnas filed with the court. Democrats have said Parnas' explosive accusations against the president should play a larger role in the impeachment trial, and some have floated calling him as a witness. Fox News is told that congressional security officials were unaware of Parnas' plan when the judge's order was issued, and didn't know how to handle Parnas' monitoring device.


 

 

President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump No matter how many witnesses you give the Democrats, no matter how much information is given, like the quickly produced Transcripts, it will NEVER be enough for them. They will always scream UNFAIR. The Impeachment Hoax is just another political CON JOB!

Nancy Pelosi @SpeakerPelosi -The Supreme Court’s decision to grant the Trump Admin more time to advance its cruel & unlawful attacks on immigrants is a serious & troubling departure from long-standing judicial norms.

 

 

 

Rick Scott @SenRickScott -I applaud @POTUS for taking steps to resolving a conflict that has been raging for decades and support our great ally, Israel. The United States will always support those fighting for freedom and democracy, and stand up against those that do not respect human rights.

Marco Rubio @marcorubio - #SenateTrial Day 7:

-Presidents counsel wrapped up defense

-For 8 hours on Wednesday & again Thursday (equally divided between R’s & D’s) Senators can submit written questions to President’s lawyers & House Managers

-On Friday we will vote on whether to call additional witnesses

Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell @RepDMP - #OTD the Wounded Warrior Act was signed into law, ensuring our injured service members get the care they deserve.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz @DWStweets -We can't get 75% of Americans to agree on much of anything, but 3 out of 4 voters agree: the Senate trial needs witnesses. Nobody will get a fair trial unless the jury hears from witnesses firsthand.

Rep. Michael Waltz @RepMichaelWaltz - The #MiddleEastPeacePlan is a bold proposal to a brighter future in the Middle East. Under it, Palestinian President Abbas can move his people towards hope, especially for women and youth. Thank you @realDonaldTrump & @jaredkushner for your leadership on this issue.

Rep Frederica Wilson @RepWilson - 75% is not a figure to be ignored. Americans want and deserve to hear from witnesses. Do the right thing, Senate GOPers. #ForThePeople #DefendOurDemocracy

RepRossSpano @RepRossSpano - Here we go again. While House Democrats are focused on #impeachment, we must turn our attention to passing common sense legislation. The DEA’s temporary ban on #fentanyl expires in nine days. We must do our part to keep our communities safe. #FL15

AG Ashley Moody @AGAshleyMoody - #SuperBowlLIV is only 5 days away! We’re urging everyone in the area to be extra vigilant and look out for signs of #HumanTrafficking—you could save a life!

Jimmy Patronis @JimmyPatronis - Passage of the Consumer Protection Act in committee today marked a huge victory in the fight to protect FL consumers after a disaster. Thank you to @SenTomWright and @ChuckClemons21 Together, we’re committed to empowering consumers.

Commissioner Nikki Fried @NikkiFriedFL- Florida has long needed to seriously address energy policy. Our @FDACS Energy Office has made progress with the first Energy & Climate Plan in years. Now, @GovRonDeSantis wants to take the Energy Office in a power grab — but he has no energy plan & climate isn't his priority.locaust never happens again.

Rob Bradley @Rob_Bradley - Proud to stand with Israel

Shevrin Jones @ShevrinJones- Show respect even to people who don't deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours.

Rep. Bryan Avila @BryanAvilaFL - Many thanks to the Agriculture & Natural Resources Approps Subcommittee for their unanimous support of #HB775, Everglades Protection Area. This bill will ensure that the #Everglades and its numerous rare and endangered species are better protected from further encroachment.

 

 

 

 

Florida man known for viral Easter bunny brawl arrested after hit-and-run, tells cops to ‘Google’ him: police,” by Fox News’ Stephen Sorace – A Florida man, who went viral last year after video captured him in a street brawl with another man while dressed as the Easter bunny, has donned the costume again – this time, in an attempt to avoid a hit-and-run arrest, authorities said.

Antoine McDonald, 21, drove his motorcycle through a stop sign and crashed into a carport, which collapsed and damaged a car before he fled the scene on Jan. 16, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

When deputies responded, a neighbor said he had spotted McDonald limping across the yard, the Orlando Sentinel reported, citing an arrest report. Deputies went to McDonald’s home and saw a gray car leaving the driveway.

Related Posts

Javier Manjarres

Javier Manjarres

Javier Manjarres is a nationally renowned award-winning political journalist and Publisher of Floridianpress.com, Hispolitica.com, shark-tank.com, and Texaspolitics.com He enjoys traveling, playing soccer, mixed martial arts, weight-lifting, swimming, and biking. Javier is also a political consultant and has also authored "BROWN PEOPLE," which is a book about Hispanic Politics. Follow on Twitter: @JavManjarres Email him at Diversenewmedia@gmail.com

Subscribe to the newsletter everyone in Florida is reading.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

Thank you for your interest in receiving the The Floridian newsletter. To subscribe, please submit your email address below.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.