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Diplomat: Bolton cautioned him about Giuliani and Ukraine

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WASHINGTON (AP) — A State Department foreign service officer will tell House impeachment investigators Wednesday former national security adviser John Bolton cautioned him that Rudy Giuliani “was a key voice with the president on Ukraine,” which could complicate U.S. goals in the Eastern European country.

The testimony from Christopher Anderson makes clear that administration officials were concerned about Giuliani’s back-channel involvement in Ukraine policy, and his push for investigations of Democrats, even before the July 25 phone call between President Donald Trump and his Ukraine counterpart at the center of the House impeachment inquiry.

Anderson will describe a June meeting in which he said Bolton expressed support for the administration’s goals of strengthening energy cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine and getting new Ukraine leader, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, to undertake anti-corruption reforms.

“However, he cautioned that Mr. Giuliani was a key voice with the president on Ukraine which could be an obstacle to increased White House engagement,” Anderson will say, according to a copy of his prepared remarks obtained by The Associated Press. Giuliani is Trump’s personal lawyer.

Another foreign service officer set to testify Wednesday, Catherine Croft, will say that during her time at the National Security Council, she received multiple phone calls from lobbyist Robert Livingston telling her that the-then ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, should be fired.

“He characterized Ambassador Yovanovitch as an “Obama holdover” and associated with George Soros. It was not clear to me at the time_or now_at whose direction or at whose expense Mr. Livingston was seeking the removal of Ambassador Yovanovitch,” she will say.

Their testimony follows that of Alexander Vindman, an Army officer with the National Security Council who testified that he twice raised concerns over the administration’s push to have Ukraine investigate Democrats and Joe Biden.

Vindman, a lieutenant colonel who served in Iraq and later as a diplomat, was the first official to testify who actually heard Trump’s July 25 call with Zelenskiy. He reported his concerns to the NSC’s lead counsel.

Vindman also told investigators Tuesday that he tried to change the White House’s rough transcript of the call by filling in at least one of the omitted words, “Burisma,” a reference to the company linked to Biden and his son, according to people familiar with his testimony. But Vindman was unsuccessful.

His concerns, though, were far bigger than the transcript. And lawmakers said his failed effort to edit it didn’t significantly change their understanding of what transpired during Trump’s call that sparked the impeachment inquiry.

Vindman’s arrival in military blue, with medals, created a striking image at the Capitol as the impeachment inquiry reached deeper into the White House. He testified for more than 10 hours.

“I was concerned by the call,” Vindman said, according to prepared remarks . “I did not think it was proper to demand that a foreign government investigate a U.S. citizen, and I was worried about the implications for the U.S. government’s support of Ukraine.”

Vindman, a 20-year military officer, added to the mounting evidence from other witnesses — diplomats, defense and former administration officials — who are corroborating the initial whistleblower’s complaint against Trump and providing new details ahead of a House vote in the impeachment inquiry.

“That’s the story: There’s not like a new headline out of all of these,” said Rep. Tom Malinowski, D-N.J. “Every single witness, from their own vantage point, has corroborated the central facts of the story we’ve heard.”

The inquiry is looking into Trump’s call, in which he asked Zelenskiy for a “favor” — to investigate Democrats — that the Democrats say was a quid pro quo for military aid and could be an impeachable offense.

With the administration directing staff not to appear, Vindman was the first current White House official to testify before the impeachment panels. He was issued a subpoena to appear.

Vindman, who arrived in the United States as a 3-year-old from the former Soviet Union, said that it was his “sacred duty” to defend the United States.

Some Trump allies, looking for ways to discredit Vindman, questioned the colonel’s loyalties because he was born in the region. But the line of attack was rejected by some Republicans, including Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, who said it was “shameful” to criticize his patriotism.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, called the slams on Vindman “absurd, disgusting and way off the mark. This is a decorated American soldier, and he should be given the respect that his service to our country demands.”

The testimony came the day after Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the House would vote on a resolution to set rules for public hearings and a possible vote on articles of impeachment.

Thursday’s vote would be the first on the impeachment inquiry and aims to nullify complaints from Trump and his allies that the process is illegitimate and unfair.

White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said the resolution merely “confirms that House Democrats’ impeachment has been an illegitimate sham from the start as it lacked any proper authorization by a House vote.”

The session Tuesday grew contentious at times as House Republicans continued trying to unmask the still-anonymous whistleblower and call him or her to testify. Vindman said he is not the whistleblower and does not know who it is.

GOP Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio acknowledged Republicans were trying to get Vindman to provide the names of others he spoke to after the July 25 phone call, in an effort to decide whom to call to testify. “He wouldn’t,” Jordan said.

Vindman testified that in spring of this year he became aware of “outside influencers” promoting a “false narrative of Ukraine” that undermined U.S. efforts, a reference in particular to Giuliani.

He first reported his concerns after a July 10 meeting in which U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland stressed the importance of having Ukraine investigate the 2016 election as well as Burisma, a company linked to the family of Biden, a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate.

Vindman says he told Sondland that “his statements were inappropriate, that the request to investigate Biden and his son had nothing to do with national security, and that such investigations were not something the NSC was going to get involved in or push.”

That differs from the account of Sondland, a wealthy businessman who donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration and testified before the impeachment investigators that no one from the NSC “ever expressed any concerns.” Sondland also testified that he did not realize any connection between Biden and Burisma.

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Central Florida News

Affordable Housing, Transportation, and Public Safety Top Orange County’s $8.3B Budget Priorities

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Orange County, Fla. (FNN) – The Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will hold its second public hearing on the proposed $8.3 billion Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 5:01 p.m. in the BCC Chambers at the Orange County Administration Center.

The proposed budget reflects the County’s investment in affordable housing, transportation safety, public safety, parks and recreation, and utilities to support Orange County’s growing population and infrastructure needs.

Housing For All
Orange County continues advancing its commitment to affordable housing. To date, nearly 3,000 affordable housing units have been created. For FY 2025-26, the County has allocated $17.7 million to the affordable housing trust fund as part of its $160 million, ten-year commitment.

Transportation Improvements
The Accelerated Transportation Safety Program completed its first year with more than 60 projects, including 14 miles of new sidewalks, 14 miles of roadway lighting, and safety upgrades across 21.4 miles of roadways. For FY 2025-26, the County has earmarked $23.9 million to continue these improvements, contributing to a larger five-year investment exceeding $100 million.

Public Safety Commitment
Public safety remains a top priority. More than $1 billion has been allocated for FY 2025-26, including $575 million for Fire Rescue, $220 million for Corrections, and $446 million for the Sheriff’s Office. Funding will support staffing, new infrastructure, and the construction of additional fire stations to ensure quick emergency response across the County.

Parks and Recreation
Orange County’s 100+ parks, trails, and recreation sites will benefit from $133 million in FY 2025-26. The funding includes 15 capital improvement projects for construction, renovations, and new amenities designed to enhance residents’ access to safe outdoor spaces.

Utilities and Essential Services
To strengthen critical infrastructure, Orange County Utilities will invest $297.9 million in water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and solid waste services. As an enterprise fund, Utilities operations are supported through customer rates and fees rather than tax dollars.

Residents can review the full budget report for detailed highlights on the FY 2025-2026 County Budget.

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Politics

Congressman Frost, Stephanie Vanos Defend Public Schools in Heated Debate on School Choice and Vouchers

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – U.S. Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs, brought Orange County School Board Member Stephanie Vanos to testify before Congress during a high-profile Oversight subcommittee hearing titled “Opening Doors to Opportunity: The Promise of Expanded School Choice and Alternatives to Four-Year College Degrees.”

The hearing, led by Republicans, sought to highlight private schools and expanded voucher programs, but Frost and Vanos argued these policies come at the expense of public schools and the majority of American students.

Frost Defends Public Schools Against Voucher Expansion
In his opening remarks, Congressman Frost pushed back on the Republican framing of school choice, warning that taxpayer subsidies for private schools weaken public education.

“Every student’s school should set them up for success—whether through college, trade school, apprenticeships, or the workforce,” Frost said. “But in the richest country in the world, we are failing to deliver on that promise. Their so-called solution of taxpayer subsidies for private schools drains resources from the 90% of students who attend public schools.”

Frost shared his own story of attending an underfunded Florida public arts school where teachers invested in him despite challenges. “That path took me all the way to the United States Congress,” he said, underscoring the value of public education.

Vanos Calls Out $3.9 Billion in Diverted Florida Taxpayer Dollars
Orange County School Board Member Stephanie Vanos warned that Florida’s public schools are being shortchanged. She pointed to $3.9 billion in taxpayer funds being diverted into voucher programs with little oversight or accountability.

“Public school families love public school choices, but these choices cannot be sustained with current funding constraints,” Vanos said. “Parents are frustrated when they see billions drained away into a shadow system of unregulated, unaccountable private schools.”

She urged Congress to prioritize investment in schools that are transparent, accountable, and able to serve all children.

Public Schools Under Pressure Amid Funding Cuts
The testimony comes at a critical moment for Florida schools, which face increasing budget cuts and declining student performance in math and reading. Frost and Vanos argued that public schools are the backbone of education, serving the overwhelming majority of families, and that funding must reflect that reality.

“Let’s fund their choice,” Vanos concluded. “Let’s invest in the schools that 90% of American families actually rely on.”

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Central Florida News

Mayor Jerry Demings, a former Sheriff and Police Chief Hints at Florida Governor Run

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File - Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, a former Orange County Sheriff, former Orlando Police Chief, and husband of former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, is signaling interest in a potential run for Florida Governor. As a countywide CEO known for bipartisan appeal, Demings has built his reputation on representing all residents—Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike.

Budget Clash With Florida CFO
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia (R) took direct aim at Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings this week, accusing his administration of “excessive and wasteful” spending. Speaking at a press conference, Ingoglia claimed that Orange County residents are being overtaxed by at least $148 per person and argued the county could “easily” cut nearly $200 million from its $8.2 billion budget.

“Anyone who looks at the numbers can see it,” Ingoglia said. “In just five years, a budget that went from $1.1 billion to $1.6 billion for only 79,000 people—it’s common sense they’re wasting a tremendous amount of money.”

Mayor Demings quickly pushed back against the attack, firing back that Ingoglia should focus on his own office before criticizing Orange County’s finances: “He ought to get his own house in order first before he goes looking in someone else’s house.”


Demings Teases Possible Run for Governor
As Demings nears the end of his final mayoral term, speculation is growing about his political future. During a press conference in Orlando, when asked about a possible gubernatorial run, Demings left the door wide open:
“I’m not saying I’m not going to run. Given all these things that have been happening? I might just do that.”

Crowded Republican Primary Ahead
The Republican primary for governor is expected to be one of Florida’s most contentious in years, with names such as Lt. Gov. Jay Collins (R) and Rep. Byron Donalds (R)—already endorsed by President Donald Trump—likely on the ballot. Governor Ron DeSantis’ role in shaping the party’s direction will also loom large over the contest.

What’s Next for Jerry Demings?
If Mayor Demings officially enters the race, he would join the Democratic primary against former Rep. David Jolly (D). For Democrats, a strong nominee could be key to uniting moderates and progressives in a state that has leaned increasingly Republican in recent cycles.

As a seasoned law enforcement leader and two-term Orange County Mayor, Demings could bring a blend of executive experience, bipartisan appeal, and name recognition to the Democratic ticket. His potential candidacy raises the stakes for Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race, signaling that Democrats may put forward a serious challenge in a state long dominated by Republicans.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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