Politics
Kim Open to Another Summit with Trump, with Conditions
Published
7 years agoon
PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he is open to a third summit with President Donald Trump, but set the year’s end as a deadline for Washington to offer mutually acceptable terms for an agreement to salvage the high-stakes nuclear diplomacy, the North’s state-run media said Saturday.
Kim made the comments during a speech Friday at a session of North Korea’s rubber stamp parliament, which made a slew of personnel changes that bolstered his diplomatic lineup amid stalemated negotiations with the United States. His speech came hours after Trump and visiting South Korean President Moon Jae-in met in Washington and agreed on the importance of nuclear talks with North Korea.
“We of course place importance on resolving problems through dialogue and negotiations. But U.S.-style dialogue of unilaterally pushing its demands doesn’t fit us, and we have no interest in it,” Kim said during the speech.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA, Kim blamed the collapse of his summit with Trump in February on what he described as unilateral demands by the United States, which he said raised questions over whether Washington has genuine willingness to improve relations. But Kim said his personal relationship with Trump remains good and that they could exchange letters at “any time.”
Trump responded to the remarks by saying he agreed with Kim about their relationship, and also expressed a desire for another summit.
“I agree with Kim Jong Un of North Korea that our personal relationship remains very good, perhaps the term excellent would be even more accurate, and that a third Summit would be good in that we fully understand where we each stand,” Trump wrote on Twitter.
“North Korea has tremendous potential for … extraordinary growth, economic success and riches under the leadership of Chairman Kim. I look forward to the day, which could be soon, when Nuclear Weapons and Sanctions can be removed, and then watching North Korea become one of the most successful nations of the World!” he tweeted.
In his speech, Kim repeated earlier claims that North Korea’s crippled economy would persevere through heavy international sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons program and that he wouldn’t “obsess over summitry with the United States out of thirst for sanctions relief.”
The United States has said the summit in Vietnam broke down because of the North’s excessive demands for sanctions relief in return for limited disarmament measures. In their first summit last June in Singapore, Trump and Kim issued a vague statement calling for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula without describing when or how it would occur.
Kim said the United States has been refusing to withdraw what the North perceives as “hostile policies” while sticking to “mistaken judgment that we would succumb to maximum pressure.” He said the North would not compromise on the “fundamental interests of our country and people, even by a speck,” and blamed the United States for arriving in Hanoi with “completely unrealizable plans.”
“If the United States approaches us with the right manner and offers to hold a third North Korea-U.S. leaders’ summit on the condition of finding solutions we could mutually accept, then we do have a willingness to give it one more try,” Kim added. “We will wait with patience until the end of the year for the United States to come up with a courageous decision. But it will clearly be difficult for a good opportunity like last time to come up.”
Kim also during the speech made a nationalistic call for South Korea to support the North’s positions more strongly and criticized Seoul for acting like an “overstepping mediator” between Washington and Pyongyang. Kim held three summits last year with Moon, who lobbied hard to revive the nuclear talks between the United States and North Korea. Following the collapse of the Trump-Kim summit, the North had been urging the South to break away from Washington and proceed with inter-Korean economic projects that are currently held back by U.S.-led sanctions against the North.
“The South should not act as an ‘overstepping mediator’ or a ‘facilitator’ and should rather get its mind straight as a member of the (Korean) nation and boldly speak up for the interest of the nation,” Kim said.
When asked about Kim’s comments, South Korea’s presidential office said Seoul is committed toward keeping the atmosphere of dialogue alive and helping negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang resume at an early date.
On Friday, KCNA reported that Kim was reelected as chairman of the State Affairs Commission, the nation’s most important decision-making body, during a session of the Supreme People’s Assembly that praised his “outstanding ideological and theoretical wisdom and experienced and seasoned leadership.”
Experts say the new appointments may be a sign of Kim’s desire to keep recent months of up-and-down nuclear diplomacy alive rather than returning to the threats and weapons tests that characterized 2017, when many feared war on the Korean Peninsula.
But the lack of substantial disarmament commitments from the North and the deepening impasse in nuclear negotiations have fueled doubts over whether Kim would ever voluntarily relinquish an arsenal he may see as his strongest guarantee of survival.
Some experts say it’s becoming clear the North intends to turn the talks with the United States into a bilateral arms reduction negotiation between two nuclear states, rather than a unilateral process of surrendering its arsenal.
Kim has signed vague statements calling for the “complete denuclearization” of the peninsula in his meetings with Trump and Moon. But North Korea for decades has been pushing a concept of denuclearization that bears no resemblance to the American definition, with Pyongyang vowing to pursue nuclear development until the United States removes its troops and the nuclear umbrella defending South Korea and Japan.
Central Florida News
Former State Senator Victor Torres Files for Newly Created Orange County Commission District 8 Seat
Published
3 days agoon
November 13, 2025By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN ) – According to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website, former Florida State Senator Victor Torres, Jr. has officially filed paperwork to run for the newly created Orange County Commission District 8 seat (11/10/2025) — one of two new districts added as part of the county’s historic expansion of its governing board.
Veteran Lawmaker Eyes County-Level Leadership
At 78 years old, (born July 22, 1947) Torres is making a return to public service at the local level after more than a decade of elected leadership in the Florida Legislature, where he served in both the House of Representatives and the State Senate. Known for his advocacy on transportation, veterans’ affairs, and working-class families, Torres brings extensive legislative experience and name recognition to the race.
The former senator’s entry marks the first high-profile candidacy for the newly formed District 8 seat. However, Torres is expected to face additional challengers, including other prominent community leaders seeking to represent the new commission district.
Early Opponent: Tatiana Fernández
Torres will face Tatiana Fernández, who was the first to file for the race (10/29/2025). Fernández is a political newcomer and former aide to Florida State Representative Daisy Morales. She previously ran an unsuccessful campaign for Florida’s 7th Congressional District, but has remained active in community initiatives and local outreach efforts.
The matchup between Torres and Fernández sets the stage for an engaging race that contrasts legislative experience with fresh perspective in one of Orange County’s fastest-growing regions.
Overview: New Orange County Commission Districts 7 and 8
The Orange County Commission expanded from six to eight districts following population growth revealed in the 2020 U.S. Census and the adoption of new district boundaries. The addition of Districts 7 and 8 aims to ensure more equitable representation for residents across Central Florida’s diverse and expanding communities.
District 7 includes portions of northwest Orange County, designed to represent urban neighborhoods and fast-developing residential zones.
District 8, where Torres has filed to run, covers southern and southeastern Orange County, encompassing areas of rapid growth, economic development, and suburban expansion.
The 2026 local elections will mark the first time voters in these new districts elect their representatives to the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
___________________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida
Sierra Club Florida Leads Statewide Effort to Stop Planned Black Bear Hunt in Tallahassee
Published
3 days agoon
November 12, 2025By
Willie DavidTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Environmental advocates, community leaders, and concerned Floridians are preparing to rally at the Florida State Capitol on Monday, November 17, urging Governor Ron DeSantis to stop the state’s proposed black bear hunt, the first in nearly a decade.
The demonstration, organized by Sierra Club Florida, seeks to protect Florida’s recovering black bear population and raise public awareness about the ecological importance of these native animals. Supporters say the hunt could reverse years of conservation progress and threaten an already vulnerable species.
To encourage participation from across the state, Sierra Club Florida is providing three free round-trip charter buses from key regions, giving residents a chance to unite their voices in defense of Florida’s wildlife.
The “Rally to Stop the Florida Black Bear Hunt” will feature remarks from environmental advocates and coalition leaders, including:
Susannah Randolph, Sierra Club Florida
Katrina Shadix, Bear Warriors United
Adam Sugalski, Bear Defenders
James Scott, Speak Up for Wildlife
Bobbie Lee Davenport, Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida (ECO SWF)
Patti Whitehead, Responsible Growth Management Coalition
WHEN: Monday, November 17 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
WHERE: Florida State Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399
Organizers are calling on Floridians to join the rally, stand in solidarity, and urge state leadership to prioritize science-based wildlife management and the protection of Florida’s black bears for future generations.
Central Florida News
Former State Rep. Daisy Morales Honors Veterans Day, Highlights Legislative Support for Florida’s Heroes
Published
4 days agoon
November 11, 2025ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Hon. Daisy Morales honors Veterans Day with a message of gratitude and legislative impact, which the former Florida state lawmaker shared on her official Facebook page.
In observance of Veterans Day, former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales shared a heartfelt message recognizing the bravery, sacrifice, and service of America’s military veterans and their families. Morales, a proud mother of a U.S. military veteran, emphasized her deep respect for those who have worn the nation’s uniform and her continued commitment to advancing veteran-related policy.
Honoring the Heroes Who Serve
“As a proud mother of a U.S. military veteran and as a former member of the Florida House of Representatives, I hold deep respect and gratitude for the men and women who have served our nation in uniform,” Morales said. “Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to defending our freedoms embody the very best of America.”
Legislative Leadership for Veterans and Military Families
During her first term in the Florida House of Representatives, Morales sponsored and co-sponsored several key pieces of legislation designed to support veterans and their families. Among her most notable contributions was House Bill 45: Educational Opportunities for Disabled Veterans, which became a national model for recognizing and assisting those who have served.
“These efforts reflect my commitment to ensuring that our veterans receive not only our gratitude but also the tangible support they deserve,” Morales added.
A Call to Action for All Floridians
As Veterans Day is commemorated across the state, Morales encourages residents to reflect on the service of veterans and to show appreciation in their communities.
“This Veterans Day, I encourage all Floridians to take a moment to honor our heroes—past and present—and to extend a hand of friendship and community to veterans and military families in your neighborhood. Let us stand united in appreciation and continue working to make Florida the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
— The Honorable Daisy Morales, Former Florida State Representative
Trending
Sports3 days agoUSA U 17 Mens National Team Tops Group At 2025 FIFAf U 17 World Cup Advances To Knockout Stage Against Morocco
Florida3 days agoSierra Club Florida Leads Statewide Effort to Stop Planned Black Bear Hunt in Tallahassee
Central Florida News3 days agoFormer State Senator Victor Torres Files for Newly Created Orange County Commission District 8 Seat
Central Florida News4 days agoFormer State Rep. Daisy Morales Honors Veterans Day, Highlights Legislative Support for Florida’s Heroes
Central Florida News3 days agoOrlando City SC & Orlando Pride Partner with The Ruckus to Host Community Food Drive