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President Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Florida in Wake of Hurricane Milton

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – In a press release, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has declared a major disaster in the State of Florida, authorizing Federal aid to support State, tribal, and local recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton, which began on October 5, 2024. The President’s declaration aims to accelerate relief efforts across the affected areas.

This declaration provides Federal funding to individuals in counties impacted by the storm, which include Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia, along with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida.

Key assistance available includes:

  • Grants for temporary housing and home repairs
  • Low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses
  • Additional programs to help individuals and businesses recover

Additionally, Federal funding will be available for emergency work and hazard mitigation:

  • Assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures for the first 90 days at 100% of eligible costs
  • Funds available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation across the state

FEMA’s John E. Brogan has been appointed to coordinate the Federal recovery operations in the impacted areas. Damage assessments are ongoing, and more counties or additional aid may be announced after assessments are complete.

“We are committed to supporting the State of Florida in recovering from the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Milton,” said a FEMA representative.

Residents and business owners in the designated counties can apply for aid through the following methods:

______________________

J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

Florida

Alan Grayson Returns to Politics, Eyes Cory Mills’ Congressional Seat

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SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Former U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson, one of Florida’s most recognizable Democratic firebrands, has entered the race for Florida’s 7th Congressional District, setting up what could become one of the state’s most closely watched congressional contests of 2026.

Grayson’s late entry adds a high-profile name to the Democratic primary as the party seeks to unseat incumbent U.S. Representative Cory Mills. The race is expected to generate significant political attention and sharp contrasts between Democrats and Republicans heading into the August primary and November general election.

THE RETURN OF A DEMOCRATIC FIREBRAND

Among Democrats, Grayson remains known for his outspoken criticism of Republican leaders and his combative political style. Supporters view him as a proven campaigner and effective debater who built a national profile during his time in Congress.

Grayson was first elected to Congress in 2008, representing Florida’s 8th Congressional District. After serving one term, he was defeated by a Republican challenger in 2010. He returned to Congress in 2012 after winning election in Florida’s 9th Congressional District and served two additional terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

ETHICS QUESTIONS SURROUND INCUMBENT

Mills enters the race while facing ongoing scrutiny related to ethics matters.

The Office of Congressional Ethics previously investigated Mills and reported that government contracts had been awarded to entities owned by Mills since January 2024. In November 2025, the House Ethics Committee established an investigative subcommittee to examine allegations involving potential fraud and two reported incidents involving Mills’ conduct toward women.

Mills has denied wrongdoing.

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY TAKES SHAPE

Grayson joins a Democratic field that includes former Navy nuclear reactor plant supervisor Marialana Kinter and former NASA’s Chief of Staff Bale Dalton.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has identified Florida’s 7th Congressional District as a top target in Democrats’ effort to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives and backed Dalton.

REPUBLICAN CHALLENGERS EMERGE

On the Republican side, former FOX 35 news anchor Ryan Elijah, businesswoman Sarah Ulrich, and self-described “Reagan Republican” Don Johnson are challenging Mills in the Republican primary.

LOOKING AHEAD

With Grayson’s entry, Florida’s 7th Congressional District is poised to become one of the state’s most competitive and closely followed races. The contest now features a well-known Democratic firebrand, an incumbent facing ethics scrutiny, and multiple challengers from both parties seeking to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction and shifting political dynamics.

Florida’s primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.

#AlanGrayson #CoryMills #FL07 #FloridaPolitics #CongressionalRace #Election2026 #Democrats #Republicans #SeminoleCounty #FloridaNationalNews

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Politics

Congressman Maxwell Frost, Sen. Blumenthal Introduce Right to Record Act to Protect First Amendment Rights

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal have introduced the Right to Record Act, federal legislation aimed at protecting Americans’ First Amendment rights to record, observe, and peacefully protest federal law enforcement activities.

The legislation would establish a legal pathway for individuals to sue federal law enforcement officers who violate constitutional rights while citizens are lawfully recording government activity.

According to the bill’s sponsors, the measure is intended to strengthen government transparency and accountability by protecting the public’s ability to document interactions with federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Growing Concerns Over Transparency

The legislation comes amid ongoing protests and demonstrations outside the Delaney Hall detention facility in New Jersey, where advocates, journalists, and community members have reported instances of harassment while attempting to document conditions at the facility.

Supporters of the bill argue that Americans currently face significant legal barriers when seeking accountability for constitutional rights violations committed by individual federal officers.

“The First Amendment protects the rights to assemble, protest, and record government officials in public,” Frost said. “That right has never been more important. Without firsthand recordings, false narratives can become the official story. The Right to Record Act would protect the public’s ability to expose the truth without fear and provide a legal remedy when constitutional rights are violated.”

Strengthening First Amendment Protections

Blumenthal said video recordings have played a critical role in documenting alleged misconduct by government officials and ensuring public accountability.

“The right to bear witness has never been more important,” Blumenthal said. “This legislation strengthens the rights to record, observe, and peacefully protest while creating meaningful enforcement mechanisms for First Amendment protections that are foundational to our democracy.”

Civil Rights Organizations Back Legislation

The bill has received support from civil rights and immigrant advocacy organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Florida Immigration Coalition (FLIC).

Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel for the ACLU, said the ability to observe and document law enforcement activities is essential for government accountability.

“The right to observe and record law enforcement is fundamental to our democracy,” Leventoff said. “Americans cannot hold government accountable if they cannot see for themselves what government officials are doing in their communities.”

Supporters say the legislation would help ensure transparency, deter misconduct, and provide Americans with stronger legal protections when exercising their First Amendment rights.

Key Provisions of the Right to Record Act

  • Protects the right to record federal law enforcement officers performing official duties in public.
  • Protects the rights to observe and peacefully protest government activity.
  • Creates a civil cause of action allowing individuals to sue federal officers who violate these constitutional rights.
  • Strengthens accountability and transparency within federal agencies.
  • Provides legal remedies for Americans whose First Amendment rights are infringed.

The legislation has been introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate and awaits further congressional consideration.

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Sports

GM Brands Dominate Detroit as Cadillac and Corvette Capture IMSA Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic Wins

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DETROIT (FNN SPORTS) — Cadillac and Chevrolet celebrated a historic hometown sweep Saturday as both General Motors brands captured class victories in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic.

Competing in the shadow of General Motors’ Renaissance Center headquarters along the Detroit Riverwalk, the No. 31 Cadillac Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R driven by Jack Aitken and Earl Bamber dominated the 100-minute race to secure the overall victory and Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class win.

In Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims powered the No. 3 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports Corvette Z06 GT3.R to victory, giving Chevrolet a celebrated win on its home turf.

Cadillac Continues Detroit Dominance

The No. 31 Cadillac controlled the race from start to finish, executing a near-flawless performance in front of General Motors executives, employees, and supporters.

The victory marked Cadillac’s fifth IMSA triumph in Detroit, adding to previous wins in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. The result also extended the No. 31 team’s streak to seven consecutive GTP podium finishes.

“To do it here at the home of GM and Cadillac with so many friends and family with us, my team absolutely nailed it,” Aitken said after the race.

The No. 25 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 finished second in class, while the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V-Series.R completed the GTP podium.

Meanwhile, the No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06 earned the IMSA Michelin Sustainability in Racing Award with its fourth-place finish.

Corvette Capitalizes on Late-Race Drama

While Cadillac’s victory was largely under control, the GTD PRO race featured significant late-race drama.

Garcia nearly lost the lead when Jack Hawksworth attempted a pass entering Turn 1 in the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3. Contact between the two cars triggered a penalty against Hawksworth, whose Lexus received a drive-through penalty for incident responsibility.

Despite the pressure, Garcia maintained control on the final restart to secure his first IMSA victory in Detroit and the 32nd IMSA win of his career.

“Super happy to be in victory lane in Chevrolet land,” Garcia said. “I think all the big bosses will be very happy, as we are. It was a fantastic drive by Alex, who put the car on pole and opened a big gap early.”

The late-race chaos opened the door for the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Lamborghini Temerario GT3 driven by Andrea Caldarelli and Sandy Mitchell to earn the new car’s first podium finish in second place.

The No. 65 Ford Mustang GT3 driven by Christopher Mies and Frederic Vervisch rounded out the GTD PRO podium in third.

Championship Battle Tightens Heading to Watkins Glen

Both class winners started from the Motul Pole Award position and successfully converted pole into victory despite two late caution periods that reshuffled the field and intensified competition during the closing laps.

The victory unofficially moves Aitken into the lead of the GTP championship standings, while the No. 4 Corvette pairing of Nicky Catsburg and Tommy Milner maintains the GTD PRO points lead, though by a reduced margin.

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship returns June 28 for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International, one of the premier endurance races on the North American sports car calendar.

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