Politics
Amid Growing Challenges, Biden to Hold 1st News Conference
Published
5 years agoon
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden held off on holding his first news conference so he could use it to celebrate passage of a defining legislative achievement, his giant COVID-19 relief package. But he’s sure to be pressed at Thursday’s question-and-answer session about all sorts of other challenges that have cropped up along the way.
A pair of mass shootings, rising international tensions, early signs of intraparty divisions and increasing numbers of migrants crossing the southern border are all confronting a West Wing known for its message discipline.
Biden is the first chief executive in four decades to reach this point in his term without holding a formal question-and-answer session. He’ll meet with reporters for the nationally televised afternoon event in the East Room of the White House.
“It’s an opportunity for him to speak to the American people, obviously directly through the coverage, directly through all of you,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday. “And so I think he’s thinking about what he wants to say, what he wants to convey, where he can provide updates, and, you know, looking forward to the opportunity to engage with a free press.”
While Biden has been on pace with his predecessors in taking questions from the press in other formats, he tends to field just one or two informal inquiries at a time, usually in a hurried setting at the end of an event or in front of a whirring helicopter.
Pressure had mounted on Biden to hold a formal session, which allows reporters to have an extended back-and-forth with the president on the issues of the day. Biden’s conservative critics have pointed to the delay to suggest that Biden was being shielded by his staff.
West Wing aides have dismissed the questions about a news conference as a Washington obsession, pointing to Biden’s high approval ratings while suggesting that the general public is not concerned about the event. The president himself, when asked Wednesday if he were ready for the press conference, joked, “What press conference?”
Behind the scenes, though, aides have taken the event seriously enough to hold a mock session with the president earlier this week. And there is some concern that Biden, a self-proclaimed “gaffe machine,” could go off message and generate a series of unflattering news cycles.
“The press conference serves an important purpose: It presents the press an extended opportunity to hold a leader accountable for decisions,” said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, presidential scholar and professor of communication at the University of Pennsylvania. “A question I ask: What is the public going to learn in this venue that it couldn’t learn elsewhere? And why does it matter? The answer: The president speaks for the nation.”
Biden will stand behind a lectern emblazoned with the presidential seal and point to a surge in vaccine distribution, encouraging signs in the economy and the benefits Americans will receive from the sweeping stimulus package. But plenty of challenges abound.
His appearance will come just a day after he appointed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the government’s response to the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, where the administration faces a growing humanitarian and political challenge that threatens to overshadow Biden’s legislative agenda.
In less than a week, two mass shootings have rattled the nation and pressure has mounted on the White House to back tougher gun measures. The White House has struggled to blunt a nationwide effort by Republican legislatures to tighten election laws. A pair of Democratic senators briefly threatened to hold up the confirmation of Biden appointees due to a lack of Asian-American representation in the Cabinet. And both North Korea and Russia have unleashed provocative actions to test a new commander in chief.
In a sharp contrast with the previous administration, the Biden White House has exerted extreme message discipline, empowering staff to speak but doing so with caution. The new White House team has carefully managed the president’s appearances, which serves Biden’s purposes but denies the media opportunities to directly press him on major policy issues and to engage in the kind of back-and-forth that can draw out information and thoughts that go beyond curated talking points.
Having overcome a childhood stutter and famously long-winded, Biden has long enjoyed interplay with reporters and has defied aides’ requests to ignore questions from the press. He has been prone to gaffes throughout his long political career and, as president, has occasionally struggled with off-the-cuff remarks.
Those are the types of distractions his aides have tried to avoid, and, in a pandemic silver lining, were largely able to dodge during the campaign because the virus kept Biden home for months and limited the potential for public mistakes.
Firmly pledging his belief in freedom of the press, Biden has rebuked his predecessor’s incendiary rhetoric toward the media, including Donald Trump’s references to reporters as “the enemy of the people.” Biden restored the daily press briefing, which had gone extinct under Trump, opening a window into the workings of the White House. And he sat for a national interview with ABC News last week.
Biden has also delivered a series of well-received speeches, including his inaugural address, and has shown that he can effectively communicate beyond news conferences, according to Frank Sesno, former head of George Washington University’s school of media.
“His strongest communication is not extemporaneous. He can ramble or stumble into a famous Biden gaffe,” said Sesno in a recent interview. “But to this point, he and his team have been very disciplined with the message of the day and in hitting the words of the day.”
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Central Florida News
City of Orlando Earns Top-Tier ISO Building Code Effectiveness Rating, Reinforcing Commitment to Safety and Resilience
Published
5 days agoon
August 1, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The City of Orlando has earned a Building Code Effectiveness Grading Scale (BCEGS) rating of 2 from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), marking an improvement from its previous rating of 3 received during the city’s 2023 evaluation.
The improved rating recognizes the city’s continued commitment to enforcing strong building codes that enhance public safety, strengthen disaster resilience and support long-term economic growth.
Orlando Surpasses State Averages
The ISO’s BCEGS program evaluates how effectively local governments adopt and enforce modern building codes for residential and commercial construction. Ratings range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the highest level of building code effectiveness.
Orlando earned a rating of 2 in both the residential and commercial categories, outperforming Florida’s statewide averages.
According to the city:
- Orlando Residential Rating: 2
- Florida Residential Average: 4
- Orlando Commercial Rating: 2
- Florida Commercial Average: 3
The city’s performance also exceeds national ISO averages, reflecting Orlando’s continued investment in building safety and code enforcement.
Mayor Buddy Dyer Praises Permitting Team
Mayor Buddy Dyer credited the city’s Permitting Services Division for the achievement.
“This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting our community through strong building safety standards,” Dyer said. “Our Permitting Services team works every day to ensure that homes, businesses and other structures throughout Orlando are built safely and in accordance with the highest standards.”
Benefits for Residents and Businesses
City officials said a stronger ISO BCEGS rating offers several potential benefits for homeowners, businesses and developers, including:
- Potential reductions in property insurance premiums for qualifying residential and commercial properties.
- Improved disaster preparedness and faster recovery following hurricanes and other natural hazards.
- Greater community resilience through safer, more durable construction.
- Enhanced economic competitiveness by attracting new commercial investment and development.
While insurance savings vary by insurer and policy, many companies consider ISO ratings when assessing property risk.
Comprehensive Evaluation Process
Communities participating in the BCEGS program are evaluated across 27 categories, including:
- Building code adoption
- Code enforcement practices
- Inspection procedures
- Staff qualifications and training
- Administrative processes
- Fire prevention coordination
- Permitting operations
The City of Orlando said the improved rating reflects the collaborative efforts of building inspectors, plans examiners, permitting technicians, fire marshals, code officials and administrative staff who work together to ensure new construction complies with current safety standards.
Investing in Long-Term Resilience
City officials noted that strong building codes not only improve life safety but also reduce property damage during hurricanes and other disasters.
More resilient buildings help stabilize neighborhoods, preserve property values and protect the local tax base that funds essential public services, including:
- Police and fire protection
- Transportation infrastructure
- Parks and recreation
- Public works
- Community services
The improved ISO rating underscores Orlando’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high construction standards while supporting sustainable growth throughout the city.
Central Florida News
Orange County Sheriff’s Office: Teen Arrested on Evidence Tampering Charge in Deadly Old Cheney Highway Shooting
Published
5 days agoon
August 1, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that a teenager has been arrested on an evidence tampering charge as detectives continue investigating the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old girl in east Orange County.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jehovah Jeremiah Mitchell, 19, who was arrested and charged with Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence. Investigators emphasized that the homicide investigation remains active and that no additional charges or details have been released.
Victim Identified
The Sheriff’s Office previously identified the victim as Skyler Ley’Shea Bradford, 17.
Bradford died after being shot on Wednesday, July 29, in the 5500 block of Old Cheney Highway.
Investigation Timeline
According to investigators, deputies responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 4:55 p.m. on July 29.
When deputies arrived, they found Bradford suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.
The Sheriff’s Office said all individuals involved remained at the scene when deputies arrived and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Arrest Announced
On Friday, investigators announced Mitchell’s arrest on a charge of Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence.
Authorities have not released details explaining what evidence was allegedly tampered with or whether additional arrests or charges are anticipated.
Investigation Continues
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Bradford’s death.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has not released information regarding a possible motive, the events leading up to the shooting, or whether the incident may have been accidental or intentional.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips may be eligible for a reward.
What We Know
- Victim: Skyler Ley’Shea Bradford, 17
- Incident Date: July 29, 2026
- Time: Approximately 4:55 p.m.
- Location: 5500 block of Old Cheney Highway, Orange County
- Arrest: Jehovah Jeremiah Mitchell, 19
- Charge: Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence
- Investigation Status: Active and ongoing
- Community Threat: None identified by investigators
Florida
Alex Vindman Calls on Ashley Moody to Support Release of Hope Florida Grand Jury Report
Published
5 days agoon
August 1, 2026
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman renewed criticism of U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody this week, calling on her to publicly support the release of the confidential Hope Florida grand jury report as questions surrounding the state’s controversial Medicaid settlement continue to draw statewide attention.
Vindman made the remarks during a Thursday news conference at the Florida Capitol alongside supporters, including a registered Republican, arguing that Florida voters deserve greater transparency regarding the Hope Florida investigation.
Vindman Launches New Campaign Website
The Vindman campaign also unveiled a new campaign website, MoodyCorruption.com, highlighting Moody’s role in the Hope Florida controversy and encouraging voters to contact public officials in support of releasing the grand jury report.
The campaign said the website was launched following recent reporting by the Miami Herald examining additional connections between Moody’s Senate campaign and the Hope Florida controversy.
Focus on Attorney General’s Role
Vindman criticized Moody’s actions while she served as Florida attorney general, pointing to the Attorney General’s Office’s approval of a $10 million Medicaid settlement transfer that later became the focus of legislative and criminal scrutiny.
According to public reporting, the settlement funds originated from a Medicaid agreement involving Centene Corp. before money was later directed through the Hope Florida Foundation and subsequently distributed to nonprofit organizations that later contributed to political committees. Investigations into the transactions have generated legislative hearings, public records litigation and criminal inquiries.
Vindman argued that the public deserves to know what conclusions, if any, a statewide grand jury reached during its investigation.
“If she has nothing to hide, she should go ahead and call for this release,” Vindman told reporters.
Grand Jury Report Remains Sealed
A central issue in the controversy is whether the final statewide grand jury report should remain confidential.
Court records indicate objections have been filed seeking to prevent or delay public release of the report. The identities of those objecting have not been publicly confirmed through court filings.
A judge is expected to determine whether the report, or portions of it, should become public.
Media Coverage Highlights
Vindman’s news conference received statewide media coverage.
WFSU reported that Vindman focused on CBS News reporting concerning Moody’s role in approving the original settlement agreement while serving as attorney general.
WUSF reported Vindman argued voters should consider the controversy as they evaluate candidates in Florida’s 2026 U.S. Senate race.
CBS Miami highlighted Vindman’s challenge for Moody to publicly support releasing the grand jury findings.
WFLA News Channel 8 reported Moody had been scheduled for an interview but that her campaign later requested to reschedule.
ABC 20 reported ongoing litigation surrounding the confidential grand jury report while covering Vindman’s criticism of Moody.
Spectrum News noted Democrats continue pressing for disclosure of the report, citing public records showing the Attorney General’s Office approved the initial transfer that later became the subject of controversy.
Moody Has Not Publicly Called for Release
As of Friday, Moody had not publicly announced support for releasing the confidential grand jury report.
The report remains under court review, and no final judicial decision has been issued regarding whether it will be released.
Why the Report Matters
Supporters of disclosure argue the public has a right to understand how taxpayer-related Medicaid settlement funds were handled and whether investigators identified misconduct or recommended reforms.
Those opposing disclosure contend grand jury secrecy protects ongoing legal interests and confidential proceedings until a court determines what may legally be released.
The court’s decision could significantly shape public understanding of one of Florida’s highest-profile political controversies as the 2026 U.S. Senate campaign continues.
