Politics

Residents of northeast Syria city pelt departing US troops

Published

7 years ago

October 21, 2019

AKCAKALE, Turkey (AP) — Angry over the U.S. withdrawal, residents of a Kurdish-dominated Syrian city hurled potatoes at departing American military vehicles as they drove by on Monday. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said U.S. troops will stay in eastern Syria to protect Kurdish-held oil fields for at least the coming weeks and he was discussing options to keep them there.

“Like rats, America is running away,” one man shouted in Arabic at a convoy of armored vehicles flying American flags passing down an avenue in the northeastern city of Qamishli, according to video by the Kurdish news agency.

The video showed people pelting the vehicles with potatoes and shouting, “No America,” and “America liar,” in English.

Another man shouted obscenities and talked of babies in Kurdish-held areas who have died in the Turkish offensive. One of the vehicles reversed down the street and over a sidewalk as several people walked after it, shaking their fists in the air and shouting insults.

The scene encapsulated the Kurds’ feelings of betrayal and added a new indignity to a U.S. withdrawal that has been rushed and saw several close brushes with Turkish-backed forces. The Kurds were stunned when President Donald Trump two weeks ago abruptly decided to pull U.S. troops out of border areas, abandoning their allied Kurdish-backed fighters ahead of Turkey’s invasion. After the assault began Oct. 9, Trump ordered a general withdrawal from Syria.

At another location, near the town of Tal Tamr, a group of protesters raised banners to departing U.S. troops late Sunday, according to an Associated Press video.

One man blocked the way of a U.S. van with a poster reading: “Thanks for US people, but Trump betrayed us.”

The Kurdish-led force was a key U.S. ally in the long and bloody fight that eventually brought down the Islamic State group’s rule over northeastern and eastern Syria. The U.S. troops near the border were seen by the Kurds as insurance that Turkey would not attack.

After being abandoned by U.S. forces, the Kurds agreed to a cease-fire deal brokered by Washington that requires them to leave a swath of territory along the border, handing it over to Turkish control.

Esper said he is discussing an option that would keep a small residual U.S. military force to secure oil fields in eastern Syria and continue the fight Islamic State militants.

Speaking during a visit to Afghanistan, he said he has not made a final decision on that option and has not yet presented it to Trump. He underscored the importance of protecting the oil fields from IS to ensure the militants don’t profit from them.

He said U.S. troops who are working with Kurdish-led forces to guard the oil fields are still in place. The withdrawal could take weeks, he said, and troops around the town of Kobani on the border with Turkey are the first leaving.

As part of the cease-fire deal, Kurdish forces pulled back Sunday from the border town of Ras al-Ayn, paving the way for Turkish troops to be deployed there. Under the deal, the Kurds are to withdraw from a stretch of territory 120 kilometers (75 miles) along the border and 30 kilometers (19 miles) deep. Qamishli is east of that area.

A senior Kurdish official, Redur Khalil, said Monday his forces are complying with the agreement and are preparing to complete the withdrawal. He called for an international mechanism to protect Kurdish civilians who want to stay in their towns after Kurdish-led fighters leave.

Most Kurdish civilians have fled Ras al-Ayn, fearing killings or repression by Turkish-backed forces. Any still in the territory that the Kurdish fighters are leaving are likely to do the same.

More than 176,000 people have been driven from their homes in the violence. About 70,000 of those are children, the international aid group Save the Children said Monday. It said thousands are taking refuge in schools and abandoned buildings without electricity or in open fields in Kurdish-run areas around northeastern Syria. In the town of Hassakeh, where more than 4,000 are living in schools, the water station was knocked out of commission in the violence, so residents don’t have regular water or sewage services.

“Thousands of children and their families have once again had to leave everything they own to flee conflict and take shelter in unhygienic conditions without the basic necessities,” said Sonia Khush, Save the Children’s Syria response director.

Khalil said Turkey continues to violate the cease-fire, accusing its troops of shelling a village at dawn and seeking to carry out military operations. He criticized the U.S. as guarantor of the cease-fire deal, saying it has not forced Turkey to adhere to it.

“The American guarantor remains weak in its position in deterring the Turkish violations,” he said.

On Monday, Turkey Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu accused the Kurdish-led forces of 30 live fire violations of the 4-day-old truce, including an attack that killed one Turkish soldier. He said Turkey retaliated against these attacks.

Cavusoglu renewed warnings that his country will resume its offensive in northeastern Syria if Kurdish fighters don’t vacate the region before the cease-fire is set to end Tuesday evening.

“If they don’t withdraw, our operation will restart,” Cavusoglu said in Istanbul. He added, however, that Kurdish fighters were complying with the deal and withdrawing.

Turkey says it wants to return Syrian refugees to the evacuated areas. A meeting Tuesday between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to further address arrangements along the Syria-Turkish border.

Central Florida News

City of Orlando Earns Top-Tier ISO Building Code Effectiveness Rating, Reinforcing Commitment to Safety and Resilience

Published

4 days ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The City of Orlando has earned a Building Code Effectiveness Grading Scale (BCEGS) rating of 2 from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), marking an improvement from its previous rating of 3 received during the city’s 2023 evaluation.

The improved rating recognizes the city’s continued commitment to enforcing strong building codes that enhance public safety, strengthen disaster resilience and support long-term economic growth.

Orlando Surpasses State Averages

The ISO’s BCEGS program evaluates how effectively local governments adopt and enforce modern building codes for residential and commercial construction. Ratings range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the highest level of building code effectiveness.

Orlando earned a rating of 2 in both the residential and commercial categories, outperforming Florida’s statewide averages.

According to the city:

Orlando Residential Rating: 2
Florida Residential Average: 4
Orlando Commercial Rating: 2
Florida Commercial Average: 3

The city’s performance also exceeds national ISO averages, reflecting Orlando’s continued investment in building safety and code enforcement.

Mayor Buddy Dyer Praises Permitting Team

Mayor Buddy Dyer credited the city’s Permitting Services Division for the achievement.

“This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting our community through strong building safety standards,” Dyer said. “Our Permitting Services team works every day to ensure that homes, businesses and other structures throughout Orlando are built safely and in accordance with the highest standards.”

Benefits for Residents and Businesses

City officials said a stronger ISO BCEGS rating offers several potential benefits for homeowners, businesses and developers, including:

Potential reductions in property insurance premiums for qualifying residential and commercial properties.
Improved disaster preparedness and faster recovery following hurricanes and other natural hazards.
Greater community resilience through safer, more durable construction.
Enhanced economic competitiveness by attracting new commercial investment and development.

While insurance savings vary by insurer and policy, many companies consider ISO ratings when assessing property risk.

Comprehensive Evaluation Process

Communities participating in the BCEGS program are evaluated across 27 categories, including:

Building code adoption
Code enforcement practices
Inspection procedures
Staff qualifications and training
Administrative processes
Fire prevention coordination
Permitting operations

The City of Orlando said the improved rating reflects the collaborative efforts of building inspectors, plans examiners, permitting technicians, fire marshals, code officials and administrative staff who work together to ensure new construction complies with current safety standards.

Investing in Long-Term Resilience

City officials noted that strong building codes not only improve life safety but also reduce property damage during hurricanes and other disasters.

More resilient buildings help stabilize neighborhoods, preserve property values and protect the local tax base that funds essential public services, including:

Police and fire protection
Transportation infrastructure
Parks and recreation
Public works
Community services

The improved ISO rating underscores Orlando’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high construction standards while supporting sustainable growth throughout the city.

Central Florida News

Orange County Sheriff’s Office: Teen Arrested on Evidence Tampering Charge in Deadly Old Cheney Highway Shooting

Published

4 days ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that a teenager has been arrested on an evidence tampering charge as detectives continue investigating the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old girl in east Orange County.

Authorities identified the suspect as Jehovah Jeremiah Mitchell, 19, who was arrested and charged with Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence. Investigators emphasized that the homicide investigation remains active and that no additional charges or details have been released.

Victim Identified

The Sheriff’s Office previously identified the victim as Skyler Ley’Shea Bradford, 17.

Bradford died after being shot on Wednesday, July 29, in the 5500 block of Old Cheney Highway.

Investigation Timeline

According to investigators, deputies responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 4:55 p.m. on July 29.

When deputies arrived, they found Bradford suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.

The Sheriff’s Office said all individuals involved remained at the scene when deputies arrived and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Arrest Announced

On Friday, investigators announced Mitchell’s arrest on a charge of Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence.

Authorities have not released details explaining what evidence was allegedly tampered with or whether additional arrests or charges are anticipated.

Investigation Continues

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Bradford’s death.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has not released information regarding a possible motive, the events leading up to the shooting, or whether the incident may have been accidental or intentional.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips may be eligible for a reward.

What We Know

Victim: Skyler Ley’Shea Bradford, 17
Incident Date: July 29, 2026
Time: Approximately 4:55 p.m.
Location: 5500 block of Old Cheney Highway, Orange County
Arrest: Jehovah Jeremiah Mitchell, 19
Charge: Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence
Investigation Status: Active and ongoing
Community Threat: None identified by investigators

Florida

Alex Vindman Calls on Ashley Moody to Support Release of Hope Florida Grand Jury Report

Published

4 days ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman renewed criticism of U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody this week, calling on her to publicly support the release of the confidential Hope Florida grand jury report as questions surrounding the state’s controversial Medicaid settlement continue to draw statewide attention.

Vindman made the remarks during a Thursday news conference at the Florida Capitol alongside supporters, including a registered Republican, arguing that Florida voters deserve greater transparency regarding the Hope Florida investigation.

Vindman Launches New Campaign Website

The Vindman campaign also unveiled a new campaign website, MoodyCorruption.com, highlighting Moody’s role in the Hope Florida controversy and encouraging voters to contact public officials in support of releasing the grand jury report.

The campaign said the website was launched following recent reporting by the Miami Herald examining additional connections between Moody’s Senate campaign and the Hope Florida controversy.

Focus on Attorney General’s Role

Vindman criticized Moody’s actions while she served as Florida attorney general, pointing to the Attorney General’s Office’s approval of a $10 million Medicaid settlement transfer that later became the focus of legislative and criminal scrutiny.

According to public reporting, the settlement funds originated from a Medicaid agreement involving Centene Corp. before money was later directed through the Hope Florida Foundation and subsequently distributed to nonprofit organizations that later contributed to political committees. Investigations into the transactions have generated legislative hearings, public records litigation and criminal inquiries.

Vindman argued that the public deserves to know what conclusions, if any, a statewide grand jury reached during its investigation.

“If she has nothing to hide, she should go ahead and call for this release,” Vindman told reporters.

Grand Jury Report Remains Sealed

A central issue in the controversy is whether the final statewide grand jury report should remain confidential.

Court records indicate objections have been filed seeking to prevent or delay public release of the report. The identities of those objecting have not been publicly confirmed through court filings.

A judge is expected to determine whether the report, or portions of it, should become public.

Media Coverage Highlights

Vindman’s news conference received statewide media coverage.

WFSU reported that Vindman focused on CBS News reporting concerning Moody’s role in approving the original settlement agreement while serving as attorney general.

WUSF reported Vindman argued voters should consider the controversy as they evaluate candidates in Florida’s 2026 U.S. Senate race.

CBS Miami highlighted Vindman’s challenge for Moody to publicly support releasing the grand jury findings.

WFLA News Channel 8 reported Moody had been scheduled for an interview but that her campaign later requested to reschedule.

ABC 20 reported ongoing litigation surrounding the confidential grand jury report while covering Vindman’s criticism of Moody.

Spectrum News noted Democrats continue pressing for disclosure of the report, citing public records showing the Attorney General’s Office approved the initial transfer that later became the subject of controversy.

Moody Has Not Publicly Called for Release

As of Friday, Moody had not publicly announced support for releasing the confidential grand jury report.

The report remains under court review, and no final judicial decision has been issued regarding whether it will be released.

Why the Report Matters

Supporters of disclosure argue the public has a right to understand how taxpayer-related Medicaid settlement funds were handled and whether investigators identified misconduct or recommended reforms.

Those opposing disclosure contend grand jury secrecy protects ongoing legal interests and confidential proceedings until a court determines what may legally be released.

The court’s decision could significantly shape public understanding of one of Florida’s highest-profile political controversies as the 2026 U.S. Senate campaign continues.