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Biden, Dems Prevail as Senate OKs $1.9T Virus Relief Bill

Published

5 years ago

March 6, 2021

In this image from video, the vote total of 50-49 on Senate passage of the COVID-19 relief bill, is displayed on screen in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Saturday, March 6, 2021. (Senate Television via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — An exhausted Senate narrowly approved a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill Saturday as President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies notched a victory they called crucial for hoisting the country out of the pandemic and economic doldrums.

After laboring all night on a mountain of amendments — nearly all from Republicans and rejected — bleary-eyed senators approved the sprawling package on a 50-49 party-line vote. That sets up final congressional approval by the House next week so lawmakers can whisk it to Biden for his signature.

The huge measure — its total spending is nearly one-tenth the size of the entire U.S. economy — is Biden’s biggest early priority. It stands as his formula for addressing the deadly virus and a limping economy, twin crises that have afflicted the country for a year.

“This nation has suffered too much for much too long,” Biden told reporters at the White House after the vote. “And everything in this package is designed to relieve the suffering and to meet the most urgent needs of the nation, and put us in a better position to prevail.”

Saturday’s vote was also a crucial political moment for Biden and Democrats, who need nothing short of party unanimity in a 50-50 Senate they run with Vice President Kamala Harris’ tiebreaking vote. They have a slim 10-vote House edge.

Not a single Republican backed the bill in the Senate or when it initially passed the House, underscoring the barbed partisan environment that’s so far characterizing the early days of Biden’s presidency.

A small but pivotal band of moderate Democrats leveraged changes in the legislation that incensed progressives, not making it any easier for Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to guide the measure through the House. But rejection of their first, signature bill was not an option for Democrats, who face two years of trying to run Congress with virtually no room for error.

“They feel like we do, we have to get this done,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said of the House. He said he’d spoken to Pelosi about the Senate’s changes and added, “It’s not going to be everything everyone wants. No bill is.”

The bill provides direct payments of up to $1,400 for most Americans and extended emergency unemployment benefits. There are vast piles of spending for COVID-19 vaccines and testing, states and cities, schools and ailing industries, along with tax breaks to help lower-earning people, families with children and consumers buying health insurance.

The package faced solid opposition from Republicans, who call it a wasteful spending spree for Democrats’ liberal allies that ignores recent indications that the pandemic and the economy could be turning the corner.

“The Senate has never spent $2 trillion in a more haphazard way,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Of Democrats, he said, “Their top priority wasn’t pandemic relief. It was their Washington wish list.”

The Senate commenced a dreaded “vote-a-thon” — a continuous series of votes on amendments — shortly before midnight Friday, and by its end around noon had dispensed with about three dozen. The Senate had been in session since 9 a.m. EST Friday.

Overnight, the chamber was like an experiment in the best techniques for staying awake. Several lawmakers appeared to rest their eyes or doze at their desks, often burying their faces in their hands. At one point, Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, at 48 one of the younger senators, trotted into the chamber and did a prolonged stretch.

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, missed the votes to attend his father-in-law’s funeral.

The measure follows five earlier ones totaling about $4 trillion that Congress has enacted since last spring and comes amid signs of a potential turnaround.

Vaccine supplies are growing, deaths and caseloads have eased but remain frighteningly high, and hiring was surprisingly strong last month, though the economy remains 10 million jobs smaller than its pre-pandemic levels.

The Senate package was delayed repeatedly as Democrats made eleventh-hour changes aimed at balancing demands by their competing moderate and progressive factions.

Work on the bill ground to a halt Friday after an agreement among Democrats on extending emergency jobless benefits seemed to collapse. Nearly 12 hours later, top Democrats and West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, perhaps the chamber’s most conservative Democrat, said they had a deal, and the Senate approved it on a party-line 50-49 vote.

Under their compromise, $300 weekly emergency unemployment checks — on top of regular state benefits — would be renewed, with a final payment made Sept. 6. There would also be tax breaks on some of those payments, helping people the pandemic abruptly tossed out of jobs and risked tax penalties on the benefits.

The House’s relief bill, largely similar to the Senate’s, provided $400 weekly benefits through August. The current $300 per week payments expire March 14, and Democrats want the bill on Biden’s desk by then to avert a lapse.

Manchin and Republicans have asserted that higher jobless benefits discourage people from returning to work, a rationale most Democrats and many economists reject.

The agreement on jobless benefits wasn’t the only move that showed moderates’ sway.

The Senate voted Friday to eject a House-approved boost in the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, a major defeat for progressives. Eight Democrats opposed the increase, suggesting that Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and other liberals pledging to continue the effort in coming months will face a difficult fight.

Party leaders also agreed to restrict eligibility for the $1,400 stimulus checks that will go to most Americans. That amount would be gradually reduced until, under the Senate bill, it reaches zero for people earning $80,000 and couples making $160,000. Those amounts were higher in the House version.

Many of the rejected GOP amendments were either attempts to force Democrats to cast politically awkward votes or for Republicans to demonstrate their zeal for issues that appeal to their voters.

These included defeated efforts to bar the bill’s education funds from going to schools closed for the pandemic that don’t reopen their doors, or that let transgender students born male to participate in female sports. One amendment would have blocked aid to so-called sanctuary cities, where local authorities balk at helping federal officials round up immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally.

___

Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro and Kevin Freking contributed to this report.

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YouTube Reinstates Florida National News Channel After 3-Year Ban Amid Congressional Pressure

Published

12 minutes ago

November 17, 2025

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — After being silenced for three years and five months, YouTube has officially reinstated the Florida National News (FNN) YouTube channel, marking a major victory for press freedom and independent journalism.

Ban and Removal

In early 2022, YouTube permanently removed the Florida National News YouTube channel for alleged violations of its “misinformation” policy related to COVID-19 and the 2020 presidential election.

The flagged videos came from coverage of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Orlando, where speakers included former President Donald Trump, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, and TV personality Dr. Mehmet Oz.

The removal resulted in the loss of nearly 1,900 videos, deletion of 4,717 subscribers, and the erasure of years of journalistic coverage and digital visibility built since the channel’s launch in 2014.

“Outraged is a light emotion I have towards YouTube when this media outlet was permanently removed for simply reporting on a news event,” said J. Willie David III, president of Florida National News. “Our reporters were doing their jobs. What happened was censorship disguised as content moderation.”

– By Florida National News

By Florida National News

Appeal and Reinstatement

On September 25, 2025, Florida National News filed a formal appeal demanding reinstatement, arguing that the channel had been wrongly penalized for legitimate news reporting.

Shortly afterward, YouTube announced a new policy shift, following a U.S. Senate and House Judiciary Committee investigation into whether major tech platforms, including Alphabet Inc. (YouTube’s parent company), had engaged in political censorship or government-influenced suppression of speech.

According to Business Insider, Alphabet confirmed that YouTube would allow previously banned creators to reapply for reinstatement, acknowledging that earlier enforcement efforts may have “overreached.”

FNN’s reinstatement came as part of this broader change — a turning point in the ongoing debate over social media moderation and free expression.

Harm to the Outlet and Its Reporters

The multi-year ban caused significant harm to FNN’s operations, reporters, and credibility:

Loss of nearly 1,900 videos, erasing years of coverage and community reporting.
Elimination of 4,717 subscribers, severing vital connections with viewers and followers.
Removal from monetization programs, which undermined FNN’s digital revenue and partnerships.
Damage to journalist credibility, as reporters lost access to their published work and public profiles.

David said the ban not only punished his newsroom but also deprived the public of access to unbiased, fact-based journalism.

“This wasn’t just about FNN — it was about silencing independent news voices that didn’t fit a political mold,” he said.

US Congressman Jim Jordan, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee

Policy Shift Under Scrutiny

The reinstatement follows growing political and legal scrutiny of Big Tech’s influence over information flow.

A House Judiciary Committee inquiry revealed communications between government officials and platforms regarding removal of certain online content. In a formal letter, Alphabet admitted such coordination was “unacceptable and wrong” and pledged to restore wrongfully removed accounts.

Observers note that YouTube’s new reinstatement process reflects a larger reckoning within the tech industry — one that balances misinformation prevention with the preservation of press freedom and diverse viewpoints.

Timeline of Events

Date	Event
February – May 2022	YouTube issued 3 violations in 90 days and permanently removes Florida National News channel following CPAC Orlando coverage.
February – Aug. 2022	FNN files multiple appeals, all rejected under YouTube’s misinformation policies.
2023–2024	Growing national debate over tech censorship and free speech reaches Congress.
September 2025	Alphabet submits letter to U.S. House Judiciary Committee admitting prior content removals “went too far.”
September 25, 2025	FNN formally refiles an appeal demanding reinstatement of its YouTube account.
October 2025	YouTube reinstates FNN channel — 3 years, 5 months after its removal.

What’s Next for Florida National News on YouTube

With its channel restored, FNN is launching a renewed digital strategy focused on transparency, engagement, and growth:

Restoring the archive: Re-uploading essential videos and reintroducing popular news segments.
Expanding reach: Leveraging social media platforms to reconnect with former subscribers.
Monetization revival: Relaunching YouTube’s Partner Program to fund newsroom operations.
Compliance and diversity: Ensuring editorial integrity while adapting to evolving platform policies.

“This reinstatement marks not just a return, but a renewal,” David said. “Florida National News is back — stronger, wiser, and more determined to deliver truth-driven journalism that serves the people.”

_________________________________________________________________________________

#FloridaNationalNews #YouTubeReinstatement #MediaFreedom #TechCensorship #FreePress #YouTubePolicyChange #DigitalNews

Business

La’Tonya Stark Named Vice President of Engagement at Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association

Published

12 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Willie David

La'Tonya Stark Vice President of Engagement (Oversees Marketing & Communications, Business Development, Events, Community Relations, Sponsorships & Statistics) for Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News was the first media outlet to learn—during an exclusive one-on-one interview—that La’Tonya Stark has been appointed Vice President of Engagement for the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA), as confirmed by CEO Cliff Long.

In her new role, Stark will oversee all areas of marketing, communications, philanthropy, community outreach, events, and business development for the major real estate trade association. She brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, having served in key roles at major Florida brands including Disney Destinations, Wyndham Worldwide, and Holiday Inn Club Vacations.

Stark also has an extensive military background, serving more than 12 years as a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Central Missouri and later completed her master’s degree in administration with a concentration in human resources at Central Michigan University, according to ORRA’s website.

Florida National News Managing Editor Monica Hoyos secured the impromptu exclusive interview with Stark during ORRA’s annual Veterans Day Celebration held at the organization’s World Headquarters in Orlando.

Stark Expresses Excitement About New Leadership Role

During the interview, Stark shared her enthusiasm about stepping into the Vice President of Engagement role, describing it as an opportunity to expand ORRA’s community impact and member engagement. She also highlighted her passion for leadership development and elevating the real estate industry through strong communications and outreach.

A Veteran’s Story: Service, Leadership, and Style

Stark discussed her career in the U.S. Navy, where she refined her public affairs and leadership expertise. She also noted her love for professional fashion, often being recognized as a trendsetter within the industry.

Florida National News captured WWII veteran Sallie Amato’s speech at ORRA’s Annual Veterans Luncheon, where the organization also wished her a happy 102nd birthday. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News.

ORRA’s Growing Support for Military Members

Stark also spoke about ORRA’s commitment to veterans, including the launch of its annual Veterans Day Celebration and the importance of doing business with ORRA. She encouraged veterans and military-connected professionals to join ORRA’s Military Council, which plays a key role in community service and advocacy.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Business

Avelo Airlines Expands Lakeland Base with Atlanta, Detroit Flights and Second Aircraft

Published

4 days ago

November 12, 2025

Willie David

LAKELAND, Fla. (FNN) – Avelo Airlines is expanding its footprint at Lakeland International Airport (LAL) with the return of nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL), the launch of new spring training flights to Detroit (DTW), and the addition of a second based aircraft to its growing Central Florida hub.

The expansion follows 18 months of successful operations at Lakeland International and reflects strong community support and Avelo’s commitment to offering convenient and affordable air travel for Central Florida passengers.

Avelo’s new service lineup includes:

Detroit (DTW): Begins February 11, 2026, with twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Atlanta (ATL): Begins February 13, 2026, offering five flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

With the addition of these routes, Avelo will now serve 10 nonstop destinations from its Lakeland base.

Flights will be operated with Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, known for their comfort and reliability. Introductory one-way fares start at $34, and tickets are now available for booking at AveloAir.com.

Avelo’s expanded service to Atlanta will provide travelers with greater flexibility and access to key connecting destinations, while the new Detroit route will cater to spring training visitors and those traveling between Florida and the Midwest.