US NATIONAL NEWS

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $60 Million for Emergency Work in Wake of the Collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore

Published

8 months ago

March 28, 2024

WASHINGTON – Within hours of receiving the request, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today announced the immediate availability of $60 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief (ER) funds for the Maryland Department of Transportation to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge after a cargo container ship struck the bridge on March 26. These funds serve as a down payment toward initial costs, and additional Emergency Relief program funding will be made available as work continues.

“No one will ever forget the shocking images of a container vessel striking the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing its collapse and the tragic loss of six people,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The federal emergency funds we’re releasing today will help Maryland begin urgent work, to be followed by further resources as recovery and rebuilding efforts progress. President Biden has been clear: the federal government will do everything it takes to help rebuild the bridge and get the Port of Baltimore back open.”

“We are supporting President Biden’s whole-of-government response to this tragic incident and the federal government is committed to providing all necessary resources to rebuild the bridge,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “The Emergency Relief funding announced today provides an initial down payment of funds to help Maryland manage ongoing disruptions to traffic, supply chains, and daily life, and is the first step in our joint efforts to reconstruct the Francis Scott Key Bridge.”

FHWA’s Emergency Relief program provides funding to States, Territories, Tribes, and Federal Land Management Agencies for highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events. These “quick release” Emergency Relief funds are an initial installment to help restore essential transportation. Additional funds needed for the rebuilding of the bridge will be supported by the Emergency Relief program through nationwide funding allocations. FHWA is also providing technical assistance, conducting site assessments, and administering emergency contracts for the new bridge.

The structure is located in the Baltimore Harbor and Port of Baltimore. Following the incident, the channel has been closed, and all shipping traffic to Seagirt Marine Terminal at the Port of Baltimore has been stopped and diverted elsewhere. The Port of Baltimore is essential to the regional economy and national supply chains, and the I-695 corridor, of which the bridge was a part, provides a vital connection for people and goods traveling along the East Coast. FHWA is actively coordinating with federal, state, and local officials in the region, including the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Transportation Authority, the City of Baltimore, U.S. Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and others to mitigate supply chain impacts, manage traffic, reopen the port, and ultimately rebuild the bridge. The NTSB, an independent agency, is the leading the investigation into the vessel allision and subsequent bridge collapse.

The Governor of Maryland has declared a State of Emergency and FHWA has approved MDOT’s application, making the event eligible for Emergency Relief funding. The funds will be used for eligible costs associated with debris removal, demolition, detours, emergency repairs, and design and reconstruction on I-695 and the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The Maryland Department of Transportation is continuing to conduct necessary emergency operations, such as implementing detours, to maintain traffic as the disaster area is not passable, and to repair applicable sections sufficiently to protect facilities from further damage and clearing the navigable waters to safely reopen operations at the Port of Baltimore.

The FHWA Emergency Relief program complements the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by encouraging agencies to identify and implement measures to incorporate resilience in the design, restoration and repair of damaged infrastructure, in order to better withstand future damage from climate change and future weather events.

More information about FHWA’s Emergency Relief program can be found online at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/programadmin/erelief.cfm

US NATIONAL NEWS

Remembering Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway: A Political Trailblazer for President Trump

Published

5 days ago

December 1, 2024

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — November 25 would have marked the 53rd birthday of Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway, the electrifying internet star and one-half of the conservative duo Diamond and Silk, whose influence helped galvanize President Donald Trump’s campaigns. Tragically, Diamond passed away on January 8, 2023, at the age of 51, leaving behind a legacy as one of Trump’s most loyal and outspoken supporters.

Credit: AP Photo/Chris Seward

Remembering Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway: Celebrating Her Legacy on Her 53rd Birthday

A Star in the Conservative Media Universe

Diamond and her sister, Rochelle “Silk” Richardson, became household names during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Self-proclaimed former Democrats turned Republicans, the sisters used their platform to champion Trump’s policies and engage millions of followers online. Their bold commentary and unapologetic style made them both beloved and controversial figures in conservative media circles.

Diamond’s larger-than-life personality stood out, with her passionate speeches and sharp wit energizing crowds at Trump rallies. One such moment occurred in Melbourne, Florida, on February 18, 2017, where the duo opened for Trump. Florida National News (FNN) captured behind-the-scenes footage and an exclusive interview with Diamond and Silk, showcasing their dedication to the “Make America Great Again” movement.

Diamond of Diamond and Silk: Her Political Impact on President Trump’s Campaigns

Trump’s Tribute to Diamond

Upon Diamond’s unexpected passing, Trump himself shared a heartfelt tribute, describing her as “magnificent” and “beautiful.” He credited her with being a powerhouse who gave her all to the cause, writing, “There was no better TEAM anywhere, or at any time! Diamond’s death was totally unexpected, probably her big and precious HEART just plain gave out.”

A Legacy of Loyalty and Influence

Diamond and Silk were frequent guests at the White House during Trump’s presidency, underscoring their importance in conservative politics. Their YouTube videos and public appearances not only energized Trump’s base but also broadened his appeal to diverse audiences, making the duo pivotal in his messaging strategy.

Their impact extended beyond politics; they symbolized a bold, unfiltered voice in a polarized media landscape, inspiring others to be unapologetically authentic in their beliefs.

Diamond’s 7 Takeaways for Supporters

Passion Leads: Diamond’s speeches showed the power of speaking from the heart.
Consistency is Key: The duo’s dedication over years built a loyal following.
Boldness Pays Off: Their fearless commentary made them trailblazers in the media.
Teamwork Matters: Diamond and Silk’s chemistry amplified their message.
Engage with Your Base: Their direct interaction with followers kept their audience invested.
Adaptability Wins: Moving from YouTube to mainstream platforms, they stayed relevant.
Loyalty Lasts: Their unwavering support for Trump solidified their legacy.

Exclusive: Florida National News Recalls Diamond and Silk’s Role in Trump’s Rise

Credit: Florida Today

Florida National News Exclusive

In FNN’s exclusive interview, Diamond shared her hopes for America, saying, “This country is great because of its people. Our mission is to remind them that their voice matters.” This sentiment resonated deeply with their audience and continues to inspire.

Honoring a Legacy

As we reflect on Diamond’s life, we celebrate a woman whose passion and authenticity left an indelible mark on politics and media. While her presence is missed, her legacy endures.

______________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

US NATIONAL NEWS

Trump-Vance Transition Team Condemns Violent Threats Against Cabinet Nominee

Published

1 week ago

November 28, 2024

FNN NEWS

Trump-Vance Transition Team Condemns Violent Threats Against Cabinet Nominee

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – The Trump-Vance Transition Team has issued a strong condemnation following a series of violent threats directed at President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees. The incidents included bomb threats and “swatting” attacks targeting the nominees and their families.

“Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them. These attacks ranged from bomb threats to ‘swatting.’ In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action,” stated Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the Trump-Vance Transition Team.

The threats come as the Transition Team prepares for the official handover of power and works to finalize Cabinet appointments. Despite these acts of intimidation, the team emphasized its commitment to the nation’s unity and future prosperity.

“President Trump and the Transition are focused on doing the work of uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future. With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us,” Leavitt continued.

Key Points

Multiple violent threats, including bomb threats and swatting, targeted Trump’s Cabinet nominees and appointees.
Law enforcement responded quickly, ensuring the safety of those involved.
The Trump-Vance Transition Team remains committed to its mission of unity and a prosperous future for the nation.
Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called these actions “unAmerican” and vowed they would not deter the team’s efforts.

Impact

These threats underscore the heightened tensions surrounding political transitions and the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring public safety. The Trump-Vance Transition Team’s resolve demonstrates its commitment to a peaceful and focused preparation for the new administration, setting an example for perseverance in the face of adversity.

US NATIONAL NEWS

Trump-Vance Transition Team Signs MOU with Biden White House for Seamless Power Shift

Published

1 week ago

November 27, 2024

Willie David

Trump-Vance Transition Team Signs MOU with Biden White House for Seamless Power Shift

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – The Trump-Vance Transition Team has entered a critical phase in its preparation for President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming administration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with President Joe Biden’s White House. This agreement, a hallmark of orderly presidential transitions, establishes the framework for Trump’s team to integrate seamlessly into federal agencies and departments, ensuring operational readiness on Day 1.

Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff to President-elect Trump, emphasized the importance of this step, stating:
“After completing the selection process of his incoming Cabinet, President-elect Trump is entering the next phase of his administration’s transition. The MOU enables our Cabinet nominees and landing teams to begin critical preparations, ensuring a smooth and effective transition of power.”

Key Highlights from the Transition MOU

Private Funding Commitment: The Trump Transition Team will operate entirely on private funding, eliminating reliance on taxpayer dollars and reflecting President Trump’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Organizational Autonomy: The Transition will not use government-provided buildings, technology, or resources from the General Services Administration (GSA). This independence streamlines processes and reduces bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Built-In Security: The team already has established security and information protections, negating the need for additional oversight.
Ethics Plan Compliance: The Transition’s Ethics Plan, in line with the Transition Enhancement Act, ensures personnel meet ethical standards. This plan will be publicly accessible on the GSA website.
Landing Team Transparency: Landing team members will be disclosed to the Biden Administration for transparency and effective integration.
Donor Transparency: All donors to the Transition will be disclosed to the public, with strict policies against accepting foreign donations.

Impact of the Transition MOU

Operational Readiness: The Trump-Vance Transition Team can immediately deploy landing teams to federal agencies, facilitating a smooth exchange of information and policies.
Cost Savings: By forgoing taxpayer funding and government resources, the Transition demonstrates a commitment to financial efficiency.
Public Trust: Transparent disclosures of donors and personnel aim to maintain public confidence in the Transition’s operations.
Efficient Governance: With streamlined processes and ethical safeguards, the Trump Administration is poised to govern effectively from its first day.