Politics
Trump threatens shutdown over border security, GOP disagrees
Published
8 years agoon
By
Willie David
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans anxious about keeping control of Congress think it’s a bad idea, but President Donald Trump still says he’s willing to close the government over border security issues, including money he wants to build a promised U.S.-Mexico border wall.
“I would be willing to ‘shut down’ government if the Democrats do not give us the votes for Border Security, which includes the Wall!” Trump tweeted Sunday. “Must get rid of Lottery, Catch & Release etc. and finally go to system of Immigration based on MERIT!”
“We need great people coming into our Country!” Trump said.
Trump returned to the idea after a meeting at the White House last week with House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., where they were said to have agreed on the way forward on government funding for the budget year that starts Oct. 1.
McConnell told a radio interviewer last week that a shutdown so close to the Nov. 6 midterm elections won’t happen. McConnell acknowledged, however, that the border funding issue in particular was unlikely to be resolved before the balloting.
Ryan said on Capitol Hill after the meeting: “The president’s willing to be patient to make sure that we get what we need so that we can get that done.” He added that money for the wall was “not a question of if, it’s a question of when.”
The White House did not immediately respond to request for comment on what may have changed since the meeting.
Trump has pledged to campaign aggressively, starting after Labor Day, to help Republicans retain control of the House and Senate, but GOP lawmakers don’t appear to be rallying to his side on this not-so-new idea.
Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that it would be unhelpful to shut down the government just before elections “so let’s try and avoid it.”
Trump campaigned on the promise of building a wall to deter illegal immigration and making Mexico pay for it. Mexico has refused.
Trump has gotten some wall money from Congress, and likely will get more, though the total is short of the $25 billion he has requested.
He also wants changes to legal immigration, including scrapping a visa lottery program. In addition, Trump wants to end the practice of releasing immigrants caught entering the country illegally on the condition that they show up for court hearings, along with shifting the U.S. immigration system to one based more on individual merit and less on family ties. Democrats and some Republicans have objected to those proposals.
Both chambers will have a short window to act before government funding expires at midnight Sept. 30.
The House is in recess and won’t return until after Labor Day. The Senate will stay in session for most of August, except for a weeklong break scheduled to begin Aug. 6. McConnell canceled most of his chamber’s recess to give senators time to work on the annual spending bills.
Trump would be taking a political risk if he allows most government functions to lapse on Oct. 1 — the first day of the new budget year — roughly a month before the elections, when Republican control of both the House and Senate is at stake.
House Republicans released a spending bill this month that provides $5 billion next year to build Trump’s wall, a plan he supports.
Democrats have long opposed financing Trump’s wall but don’t have enough votes by themselves to block House approval of that amount, but they do have the strength to derail legislation in the closely divided Senate.
The $5 billion is well above the $1.6 billion in the Senate version of a bill funding the Department of Homeland Security. The higher amount matches what Trump has privately sought in conversations with Republican lawmakers, according to a GOP congressional aide who wasn’t authorized to publicly talk about private discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity.
At the White House meeting, Trump, Ryan and McConnell agreed that Congress is on track to enact more than half of federal spending before the new budget year begins Oct. 1, but that DHS funding, including the border wall money, doesn’t have to be settled before then, according to a person familiar with the meeting who was not authorized to discuss it publicly and insisted on condition of anonymity.
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Central Florida News
City of Orlando Earns Top-Tier ISO Building Code Effectiveness Rating, Reinforcing Commitment to Safety and Resilience
Published
5 days agoon
August 1, 2026
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
5 days agoon
August 1, 2026
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
5 days agoon
August 1, 2026
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.
