Good morning! Here is your news briefing for Thursday March 3, 2022
1.) THE DAILY SIGNAL
March 3 2022
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Good morning from Washington, where Russian President Vladimir Putin’s nuclear saber-rattling over Ukraine is raising eyebrows. Heritage Foundation security expert Patty-Jane Geller has answers on that sobering prospect, while her colleague Tom Spoehr looks at how the Russian invasion of Ukraine could end. On the podcast, cardiologist Peter McCullough argues that the government blew an opportunity to develop treatments for COVID-19. Plus: outing a racist school board; a blueprint for fiscal sanity; Virginia eyes an exit from a climate pact; and Sen. Mike Lee explains why economic freedom matters. On this date in 1931, President Herbert Hoover signs a bill making “The Star-Spangled Banner,” with lyrics composed in 1814 by Francis Scott Key, the official national anthem of the United States. |
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2.) THE EPOCH TIMES
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3.) DAYBREAK
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4.) THE SUNBURN
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 3.3.22
Good Thursday morning.
With the legislative budget process doing its annual dance toward resolution, lawmakers have a unique opportunity to save lives and tax dollars in a single positive move. Best of all for legislators, at a time when almost nothing can bridge the political divide, 89% of Florida voters support the idea, according to a recent survey.
The Mary Brogan Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program have been saving lives for over 20 years by providing early detection of these potentially fatal diseases. The five-year survival rate for breast cancers diagnosed early is 99%. However, during the pandemic, screenings have fallen by 87%.
The Mary Brogan Program has been incredibly effective at reaching women whose circumstances make them less likely to get screened, including low-income residents and minority communities. Still, the program can reach only 8% of eligible Floridians at its current funding level.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is pushing the Legislature to increase that funding to $3 million — a fairly small amount by legislative standards, but enough to meaningfully expand the program’s capacity to save lives.
An analysis of the Mary Brogan Program found that every dollar spent on breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic tests results in twice that in cost savings. Lawmakers are now being reminded that every cancer among low-income residents that’s detected and treated early means one less patient who avoids costly later-stage treatments, which are often paid for by taxpayers.
These benefits are not lost on Florida voters. A recent survey found that 89% of them — including more than 4 out of 5 Republicans — support expanding funding for a program that provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings to low-income women.
The program’s patients love it. The voters love it. We’ll find out whether the Legislature shares the feeling in the next week or so.
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Americans for Prosperity-Florida announced Thursday that longtime deputy director is leaving the Sunshine State to run its Mississippi chapter.
Starla Brown has been a part of the AFP-FL team for over eight years, serving as its operations manager and grassroots director before being promoted to the No. 2 spot at the libertarian-conservative advocacy group three years ago.
The promotion sets up a homecoming for Brown, who hails from the Magnolia State. She is set to begin her new job after Florida’s Legislative Session ends.
“In each of her roles, Starla has served our organization and the people of Florida with tireless dedication,” AFP-FL State Director Skylar Zander said. “I’m confident she’ll lead the Mississippi chapter of AFP toward tremendous success, ultimately empowering residents across the state.”
In a news release announcing Brown’s departure, AFP-FL said she “has demonstrated her commitment to advancing policies aimed at breaking down barriers to individual success.”
Zander lauded Brown for her dedication to advancing AFP-FL’s priorities, especially during the numerous Legislative Sessions on the team.
AFP-FL has not yet selected a replacement for Brown and is encouraging persons “interested in advocating for long-term solutions to our state’s and country’s most pressing issues” to apply for the position online.
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Newly rebranded HCA Florida Healthcare shows up ‘every day’ — HCA Florida is launching a statewide advertising campaign to introduce its new branding to patients and communities statewide. The campaign appears across TV, digital, social, radio, print and unique “out of home” placements, and celebrates how HCA Florida colleagues show up for patients every day so they can live life to the fullest. HCA Florida is uniting more than 450 affiliated care sites — including hospitals, physician practices, and other facilities across the state — to create a connected and collaborative health care experience. HCA doctors and colleagues are here when and where you need them throughout Florida — from their family to yours.
For more info, visit the new website here.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@DKThomp: Reviewing the military and economic updates, my biggest concern right now is that (Vladimir) Putin has been so utterly destroyed in the economic/cultural/geopolitical arena that he feels his only means of face-saving redemption is decisive military victory.
—@RyanStyruk: New COVID-19 statistics via @CNN: Omicron peak: 807,849 cases/day Right now: 62,331 cases/day; Omicron peak: 160,113 hospitalizations Right now: 41,944 hospitalizations
—@OKnox: Holy ever-lovin’ …”Data for January was revised higher to show 509,000 jobs were added instead of 301,000 lost as initially reported” ??? That’s not a mild “miss.”
—@JoshuaKarp: Bizarre: Ron DeSantis just attacked France as too weak to fight Putin. Let’s be clear: French weapons are fighting Putin right now in Ukraine. Why does DeSantis take every chance to undermine our allies? Why is it so hard to support Ukraine?
—@NateMonroeTU: people who know DeSantis from his North Florida days understand this well, and it hasn’t changed despite a concerted PR effort to convince people otherwise: he is icy, dour, has zero charisma, makes no effort to form meaningful relationships, and is a wooden public speaker.
—@GovGoneWild: My take: @ArdianZika > @JoeBiden on Ukraine
—@LMower3: The Florida Senate is honoring Sen. @JeffreyBrandes, who is term-limited. A fighter for prison and criminal justice reform, property insurance, and common sense, he’s one of the few Republicans in the Legislature to buck his party up here. An example of the cost of term limits.
—@MDixon55: Spencer Roach on the House floor going to bat for the rights of Alachua County voters one year after passing a bill that overturned Key West voter’s vote, it seems?
—@JakeFlaherty: Seeing as the Florida Legislature is in budget conferencing, do you think maybe there’s some sprinkle money available to fix the god-awful sound that the @floridachannel makes when the mics aren’t in use? I think everyone in the process can get behind this one!
Tweet, tweet:
—@BernieSanders: The 30 Major League Baseball owners are worth over $100 billion. The value of their teams increased by more than $41 billion since they bought them. Mr. Manfred: End the lockout. Negotiate in good faith. Don’t let the greed of baseball owners take away our national pastime.
—@ProfNarcoossee: My prediction is Starcruiser will be visiting Batuu in off-hours in the near future because these guests look SO ANNOYED they have to interact with us in regular clothes. Totally kills the LARPING vibe when you’re at the milk stand with a dude in LA RAMS SUPERBOWL CHAMPS gear
— DAYS UNTIL —
‘The Batman’ premieres — 1; Miami Film Festival begins — 1; the 2022 Players begins — 5; Sarasota County votes to renew the special 1-mill property tax for the school district — 5; House GOP retreat in Ponte Vedra Beach — 20; the third season of ‘Atlanta’ begins — 20; season two of ‘Bridgerton’ begins — 22; The Oscars — 24; ‘Macbeth’ with Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga begin performances on Broadway — 26; Florida Chamber’s 2nd Annual Southeastern Leadership Conference on Safety, Health + Sustainability begins — 27; Grammys rescheduled in Las Vegas — 31; ‘Better Call Saul’ final season begins — 46; Magic Johnson’s Apple TV+ docuseries ‘They Call Me Magic’ begins — 50; 2022 Florida Chamber Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 56; ‘The Godfather’ TV series ‘The Offer’ premieres — 56; 2nd half of ‘Ozark’ final season begins — 57; federal student loan payments will resume — 59; ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ premieres — 64; Florida TaxWatch’s Spring Meeting — 69; ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ starts on Disney+ — 83; ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ premieres — 85; ‘Platinum Jubilee’ for Queen Elizabeth II — 91; California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota hold midterm Primaries — 96; ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ premieres — 128; San Diego Comic-Con 2022 — 141; Michael Mann and Meg Gardiner novel ‘Heat 2’ publishes — 159; ‘The Lord of the Rings’ premieres on Amazon Prime — 183; ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ sequel premieres — 218; ‘Black Panther 2’ premieres — 254; ‘The Flash’ premieres — 257; ‘Avatar 2′ premieres — 289; ‘Captain Marvel 2′ premieres — 3512; ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ premieres — 386; ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ premieres — 512; ‘Dune: Part Two’ premieres — 596; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games — 876.
—TOP STORY —
“Marco Rubio is tweeting through the Russia-Ukraine war — for a reason” via Andrew Desiderio of POLITICO — As Russian troops invaded Ukraine last week, Rubio was live-tweeting what looked like detailed intelligence. The Florida Senator and outspoken national-security hawk is part of the “Gang of Eight”: members of Congress who get access to the most sensitive classified intelligence information. That elite status often prompts lawmakers in the group to clam up during moments of global conflict out of a desire to safeguard sources, methods, and U.S. personnel. Rubio — one of only a few lawmakers who personally tweet from their own accounts — has done precisely the opposite.
“Rubio says to ‘support’ Ukraine ‘as long as they are willing to fight’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Sen. Rubio addressed the war in Ukraine again Tuesday, just minutes after that country’s leader announced a productive conversation with the American President. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy tweeted about a back-and-forth Tuesday with Biden. Asked about what assistance the United States should provide, Rubio urged a continued relationship with a “real, legitimate Ukrainian state,” saying America should “support them” as long as the battle takes. That support can’t amount to an “armed engagement” between the U.S. and Russia, however, as “that would be World War III.” Instead, the U.S. should continue to “supply and equip” Ukraine, Rubio added.
“Ron DeSantis: France probably wouldn’t resist Russian invasion” via Gordon Byrd of WFLA — DeSantis took a swipe at another European country while talking about Ukraine’s resistance to the Russian invasion. Speaking at a news event in Tampa, DeSantis praised the Ukrainians’ fighting spirit and wondered whether other nations could mount the same resistance to the invasion ordered by Putin, and added, “Can you imagine if (Putin) went into France? Would they do anything to put up a fight? Probably not.” French volunteers, including soldiers and doctors, are heading to Ukraine, and France has pledged more than $100 Million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
“‘Reprehensible and indefensible’: Florida House approves resolution condemning Russia invasion of Ukraine” via Kelly Hayes of Florida Politics — The House, led by Speaker Chris Sprowls, unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday morning condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and declaring support for those impacted. Rep. Ardian Zika sponsored the resolution (HR 1597). The measure holds that the Florida House “formally condemns the invasion of Ukraine by President Putin and the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their right to freedom, democracy, and the ability to defend themselves against baseless and tyrannical hostility.” Zika, an immigrant from Kosovo, spoke from personal experience about the threat Ukrainians face against Putin.
“Sarasota Commissioner wants Sarasota to end relationship with Russian sister city” via Athina Morris of WFLA — A City Commissioner is calling on Sarasota to break off its nearly 30-year relationship with its sister city in Russia amid a growing wave of solidarity with Ukraine. Commissioner Hagen Brody said he intends to seek the City Commission’s approval to terminate Sarasota’s relationship with Vladimir, Russia, its sister city since 1994. Vladimir lies on the Klyazma River, about 111 miles northeast of Moscow. It’s one of Russia’s oldest communities, with buildings surviving from the 12th century. It has a population of 346,922. “At some point, a relationship becomes so tortured that blindly continuing those relations is tantamount to condoning the conduct of the government that represents them. I feel we have passed that point,” Brody wrote.
“‘A frightening situation’: South Florida sends supplies, support to Ukrainians” via Julia Bagg of NBC Miami — More supplies were leaving South Florida by air and by sea Monday as support for the war-torn nation continued to grow. Another round of supplies was being boxed up and sent out from the Global Empowerment Mission in Doral. The organization, which responds to global disasters, is still seeking supplies to send. “Vital necessity kits, so anything that you might need, from socks, non-perishable items,” GEM’s Kimberley Bentley said. “Anything that you might need, like when you’ve been walking, and you leave your house with the shirt on your back.” Last week, GEM founder Michael Capponi traveled to Poland, which borders Ukraine to the west, to help distribute supplies on the ground.
“Ukrainian expatriates pray, and on Ash Wednesday Southwest Florida prays with them” via Harriet Howard Heithaus of the Naples Daily News — Peasant shirts threaded with regional embroidery. Hair ribbons in the sky-blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag. T-shirts announcing, “I stand with Ukraine.” The loyalties in the hearts of Ukrainian Americans were visible in their dress Saturday at the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Mission service in Golden Gate. Some people carried in full-size flags. One young woman arrived displaying a parade banner that exhorted “Victory for Ukraine.”
“USF students hold ‘protest for peace’ in solidarity with Ukraine” via Melissa Marino of WFLA — All across the country, people are rallying to show their support for Ukraine. On Wednesday, students gathered on the University of South Florida campus with blue and yellow flags and signs to protest for peace. Many of the students have family in Ukraine right now enduring the Russian attack. “We’re strong and we’re united, and we’re going to stand for our country, for our freedom, and for our rights to be an independent country,” said Daria Konovalova. Konovalova’s parents live right outside of Kyiv. She said she is consumed with worry. She has been watching the news nonstop to inform her family about what is happening.
“Where did the Russian vodka go? Publix removes it from shelves to support Ukraine” via Michelle Marchante of the Miami Herald — Looking for Russian vodka? You won’t find it at Publix. The Florida-based supermarket chain has removed Russian-made vodka from its liquor store shelves in support of Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion. Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous confirmed the decision Wednesday, saying the vodka was no longer on its liquor store shelves. However, not every vodka with a Russian name is made in Russia. For example, Stolichnaya (Stoli), Romanov and Smirnoff are not Russian-made vodkas and will continue to be sold.
“DeSantis says State of the Union illustrated Joe Biden’s ‘problems’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis reserved comment during Biden’s debut State of the Union address, except for tweeting a graphic with an albino alligator and a three-word message: “Let us alone.” But Wednesday, the Governor turned his attention to the Biden oration. Noting he had trouble staying awake at times, DeSantis nonetheless offered a fairly comprehensive and mostly negative review. “The really striking thing is we’ve got a lot of problems in this country,” DeSantis said. The Governor went through a familiar laundry list of critiques, including one about gas prices, in which he described “people chafing at the pump” amid increased costs. DeSantis described Biden’s “misguided” petroleum policies as “bad for consumers” and “also bad for national security.”
DeSantis bemoans inaction on Canadian drug imports — The Governor bashed Biden Wednesday for blocking Florida’s plan to import prescription drugs from Canada. As reported by Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO Florida, the state applied to implement the plan in November 2020 and has so far shelled out $12 million on a contract for warehouses and processing operations. “We’ve gone through this Byzantine process, and we’ve basically sat, and the federal government has done nothing,” DeSantis said. “If they just signed on the dotted line, we have the warehouse ready, and we can start bringing it in.” The Governor’s comments came a day after Biden said in his State of the Union address that he wanted to lower the cost of prescription drugs.
“Despite attempts to block it, Senate prepares abortion ban for final vote this week” via James Call of USA Today Network — Florida Senate Democrats couldn’t stop a proposed ban on abortions in Florida after 15 weeks, but they could make the Republican majority who want one to listen to hours of arguments on why they think it’s a bad idea. On Wednesday, as the Senate prepared the bill (HB 5) for its final legislative vote, Democrats submitted 13 amendments and then spent 4 hours and 25 minutes to explain each one in an exchange that sometimes got personal and testy. All failed. Two hours into debate on those amendments, Senate bill sponsor Kelli Stargel took exception to Democrats’ repeated references to “a fetus.” Stargel told Democrats that, after 15 weeks, the discussion was about “a baby.”
“Annette Taddeo recounts having to end her wanted pregnancy during abortion bill debate” via Anne Geggis of Florida Politics — The debate in the Florida Senate over an abortion bill included Sen. Taddeo describing her own “tough situation” that required a procedure to save her life: an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus. Left untreated, it can cause a life-threatening rupture. “It’s a fetus growing, but it’s not ever going to be a baby that’s going to be born,” Taddeo said, as Sen. Lori Berman held her hand, and she seemed to hesitate to find the words. “I did have to go through the excruciating pain of having to go to the hospital, having to get a procedure, having to get all the things in order,” Taddeo said. During debate, Sen. Tina Polsky noted that she too had suffered the same experience.
“Democrats back House tax cut plan, but wary of Senate talks” via Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics — The House on Wednesday passed HB 7071, a grab-bag of tax cut provisions, including time-limited sales tax exemptions for sports events, back-to-school items, hand tools, diapers and other items. That sets the stage for talks with the Senate on the Legislature’s final tax measure. Although tax cut plans from the GOP-controlled House usually feature large corporate tax cuts that typically draw opposition from some Democrats, this year’s version also included enough measures aimed at consumers to win over all Democrats as the bill passed unanimously. The bill, for example, has a one-year moratorium on sales taxes on diapers.
“House passes data privacy bill for second year amid lobbying ‘onslaught’” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics — For the second year in a row, the House voted to strengthen consumer data privacy in Florida despite the business community’s fears the bill could be financially crippling. The proposal (HB 9) passed via a 103-8 vote Wednesday. It would give consumers the right to determine what information is collected, delete or correct the data, and opt out of selling or sharing that personal information. But the House version, filed by Rep. Fiona McFarland, has drawn resistance from business interests who fear complying with the measure will significantly raise costs on companies, which will trickle down to consumers.
AIF seeks major changes to data privacy bill as it heads to Senate — The House on Wednesday passed a bill (HB 9) that would give consumers more control over how their personal data is shared and sold online. Business groups such as the Associated Industries of Florida have lobbied against the bill, arguing compliance costs would reach the billions. Following the House vote, AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis said the organization supports “regulatory safeguards” but that the bill, as written, “targets legitimate businesses who responsibly use consumer data to the benefit of those consumers.” He added, “This would put a significant financial burden on businesses who are already grappling with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, the implementation of an increase in minimum wage, a broken supply chain, hyperinflation, rising gas prices, and a staffing shortage crisis.”
“VISIT FLORIDA to be extended five years — not eight” via Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics — VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s public-private tourism marketing arm, will get a five-year lease on life after the House on Wednesday passed a bill to extend its authorization in law to Oct. 1, 2028. It’s currently slated to expire on Oct. 1, 2023. The Senate, which had preferred an extension until 2031, will accept that version of the bill when it returns to that chamber, Sen. Ed Hooper said late Wednesday. “Yes, when it comes over, we will take the five years and pass it out,” Hooper said. “I checked with (VISIT FLORIDA CEO Dana) Young and while, obviously, she would’ve preferred eight years, as would I, five is better than one.”
“House votes to establish state officer on sea level rise, shuns toxic politics” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics — A year after lawmakers passed legislation to mitigate rising sea levels, the House has voted to formalize the state’s lead agency and top official on sea-level rise. The House voted 114-1 Wednesday to pass a bill (HB 7053) filed by Coral Gables Republican Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera and backed by House Speaker Sprowls. The measure would codify a Statewide Office of Resiliency within the Governor’s Office and place the Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) as the head of the office. During his first week in office in 2019, DeSantis signed an executive order on the environment that established the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
“Leon superintendent asks lawmakers to reconsider slashing $200M from districts that defied mask order” via Ana Goñi-Lessan of the Tallahassee Democrat — On Tuesday evenings, Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna is usually the one listening to public comment during school board meetings. But this week at the Florida Capitol, he was on the other side of the dais. At a PreK-12 state budget conference meeting, Hanna told lawmakers to reconsider the House’s “Putting Parents First Adjustment,” which would pull $200 million from a dozen counties where school boards defied DeSantis by requiring students and staff to wear masks. “This does nothing but add to the divisiveness that we face, not only in our country but in the state of Florida,” Hanna said.
— BUDGET NOTES —
“Florida hospitals serving poor patients may lose millions in state budget” via Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times — Some of the state hospitals that serve the poorest and sickest patients are likely to see millions in cuts, the Florida senator in charge of crafting the state’s health care budget said Wednesday. Hospitals that take on the largest number of Medicaid patients have received hundreds of millions in extra taxpayer funding for years. For instance, in 2021, the state distributed $309 million to support 28 of those facilities as part of what hospital administrators call the “critical care fund.” Some of the biggest beneficiaries have included Jackson Memorial Hospital, two Broward Health facilities, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg and Tampa General.
“Medicaid rates aren’t the only thing separating chambers on hospital issues” via Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — The House and Senate have differences when it comes to which hospitals should get additional funding outside of Medicaid payments. These are not the only differences between the House and Senate spending plans for the 2022-23 state fiscal year, but they are some of the biggest battles on hospitals outside of Medicaid reimbursement. The Senate wants to spend $20 million in recurring general revenue on the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute for the next 30 years. The money is for the construction and development of Moffitt’s Pasco County life sciences park, a top priority for Senate President Wilton Simpson. However, there is no funding in the House’s proposed budget.
“Budget conference: Lawmakers patch funds for Chris Sprowls-backed workforce grants” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics — Lawmakers have agreed to continue funding the Open Door Grant Program, a piece of House Speaker Sprowls’ workforce package. The Legislature created the grant program as part of a broader workforce package last year with the intent to develop and sustain a demand-driven supply of credentialed workers for high-demand occupations. Career and technical education programs at career centers and schools in the Florida College System may apply for the funds to cover tuition, fees, examination, books, and materials. Students in eligible programs who don’t receive state or federal financial aid can apply for a grant. On Wednesday, Senate education budget negotiators matched the House plan on that and other workforce programs.
“Budget conference: House, Senate lock-in police scholarship funding” via Jason Delgado of Florida Politics — The House and Senate agreed Wednesday to provide $6 million toward scholarships designed to attract candidates into Florida’s law enforcement community. The funding will be split into two scholarships, $1 million to attract out-of-state cops and $5 million to cover the training expenses of select police cadets. DeSantis floated the law enforcement recruitment package in September in rebuke of progressive calls to “defund the police.” “We think that that’s a way to draw good talent from within our own state.” DeSantis explained.
“Budget conference: House, Senate agree on $12.8M for SLERS” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — The first budget offer from Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government match the House with nearly $12.8 million in payments for the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System. According to the offer, released Wednesday morning, the chambers will set aside $6.64 million for the relocation and reconstruction of radio towers, $2.2 million for First Net subscriptions and $1.5 million for staffing and independent verification and validation services, and $1 million for tower repair and replacement. The chambers have also agreed on a handful of smaller items related to SLERS. Notably, the $2.2 million chunk for First Net subscriptions would not go to L3Harris, the company in charge of the rebuild, but instead to AT&T.
“Budget conference: Jacksonville Fire and Rescue ‘wellness center’ finds funding” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Senate and House budget negotiators agreed on an appropriation for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department’s Health and Wellness Center. Sen. Aaron Bean and Rep. Wyman Duggan sought $2.5 million in their respective funding requests. In the end, $1.25 million was the number agreed to by the House State Administration and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government. A local match was contemplated in the funding request of $2.5 million. According to Bean’s funding request, the money will facilitate consolidation and expansion of the health and wellness services needed by these 1,600 first responders.
“Budget conference: House, Senate inch closer on FDACS aircraft replacement” via Jason Delgado of Florida Politics — The House and Senate remain in fiscal negations over a plan to replenish the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) aircraft fleet. The Senate is seeking $26.5 million to replace the department’s four aging helicopters and an airplane used to fight wildfires. The House on Wednesday countered with $16.1 million, a sizable difference of roughly $10 million. The two chambers were previously more than $21.4 million apart. The Agriculture Department has long sought to replace the Vietnam-era fleet, but has struggled to secure funding for it. In years past, the Legislature has instead funded upgrades. Some of the planes date back to the 1960s and 1970s.
“Budget conference: UMiami’s Firefighter Cancer Initiative gets $2 million” via Anne Geggis of Florida Politics — Sylvester Cancer Center’s fight against firefighter cancer is likely to get a $2 million boost from the state. Sylvester’s Firefighter Cancer Initiative was launched in 2015 to address the increased incidence of cancer among those who rush into burning buildings. Research from the CDC shows firefighters are 9% more likely to get cancer than the general population and 14% more likely to die from it. Both the Senate and the House appear to agree it’s worth the cost of trying to put out that malignant conflagration. Sen. Vance Aloupis Jr.’s request for $2 million in nonrecurring funds for the Sylvester Cancer Center will be funded at 100% next year.
“Budget conference: House negates Tampa Bay education program on erased Black cemeteries” via Kelly Hayes of Florida Politics — The House has continued to hold out on an appropriation that would kick-start an education program on local abandoned African American cemeteries in Tampa Bay. In the House’s latest PreK-12 Education budget offer to the Senate, House negotiators excluded the item, despite its presence in the original Senate proposal. Sen. Janet Cruz and Rep. Fentrice Driskell, who championed legislation to address abandoned African American cemeteries, filed the appropriation requests (SF 1469, HB 1134). The pair initially requested $1.2 million for the program, which the Senate halved for $750,000 in its initial budget. The appropriation would establish an education program in Tampa Bay on African American cemeteries.
“There’s money for ‘Casey DeSantis’ cancer research in latest budget offer’ via Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — A bid by Casey DeSantis and Gov. DeSantis to boost spending on cancer research is on the verge of getting approved by House and Senate budget negotiators. But there’s a slight catch. Sen. Bean, the head health care budget writer in the Senate, told his House counterparts on Wednesday that the decision to bump funding on research to $100 million, a $37 million increase over this year, is contingent on naming the overall fund after Casey DeSantis. Casey DeSantis was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and she wrapped up chemotherapy in January.
“Budget conference: Moffitt Cancer Center Partnership School faces $7M funding gap” via Kelly Hayes of Florida Politics — A $7 million state appropriation for the Moffitt Cancer Center Campus in Pasco County is in limbo, with the latest House PreK-12 budget offer excluding the item despite support from the Senate in its original budget. Funding requests (SF 1185, HB 2591) filed by Hooper and Zika seek $7,115,181 from the state for “building a high-tech/innovative public education training facility” on the Moffitt Cancer Center Campus in Pasco County. The state funding would account for the entirety of the project so far.
“Budget conference: House insists on $2.5M for Straz Center and Patel Conservatory expansions” via Kelly Hayes of Florida Politics — The House is insisting on providing $2.5 million to Tampa Bay’s Straz Center and Patel Conservatory, presented in its latest PreK-12 budget offer, despite exclusion from the Senate’s original budget. The appropriation would be used for the conservatory’s master plan expansion, detailed in funding requests (SF 2161, HB 2463) filed by Sen. Danny Burgess and Rep. Jackie Toledo. The requests initially ask for $5 million, an amount halved by the Senate proposal. The funding would be used to support the nonprofit’s master plan expansion that would create new indoor and outdoor spaces for growing programs and attendance, as well as increased economic impact.
“Budget conference: Shark research funds shake out” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — On Wednesday night, the House Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations and Senate Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations committees found accord on money going to shark research in Northeast Florida. The House agreed with the most recent Senate offer for $1 million for the OCEARCH Mayport Research and Operations Center project, somewhat short of the $7 million that sponsor Burgess requested. The multipurpose facility for OCEARCH is to include a new quick-response vessel for marine research and animal rescue. Private and municipal sources are expected to backfill the shortfall in the state request.
“House passes anti-human trafficking legislation, sending measure to Senate” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics — The House has passed the “Human Trafficking Reduction Act,” an effort to crack down on prostitution and human trafficking in Florida. The legislation bans hourly rates at hotels, motels and vacation rentals and raises the first-time penalty for those paying for sex from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. Lawmakers intend the changes to decrease the market for human trafficking by lessening the number of people looking to purchase that type of sex work. Rep. Jackie Toledo and the House amended her proposal (HB 1439) onto a separate bill (SB 772) from Sen. Keith Perry that senators passed earlier this month. On Wednesday, the House voted 114-1 to pass the Senate bill, which must return to the Senate next.
“House passes ‘free kill’ bill that revamps state’s wrongful death laws” via Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — In a show of bipartisan support, the House passed a bill that would allow, for the first time in 30 years, the parents of single, childless adult children to recover noneconomic damages in medical malpractice claims. Sponsored by Rep. Spencer Roach, HB 6011 passed by a 102-13 vote and was sent to the Senate for consideration. The legislation would attempt to change a complex and complicated portion of Florida law regarding wrongful death that Roach alleges sets up a “Kevorkian-like” incentive for physicians who have committed malpractice to allow a patient to die during surgery rather than to save them.
“House passes foreign contribution ban, other ballot initiative changes” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics — The House has voted to limit donations around ballot initiatives, including banning foreign contributions. Federal law already prohibits donations from foreigners and foreign entities to elections. However, the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) issued a decision in November that opened the door to foreign donations for state ballot initiatives. The bill (HB 921), passed 77-39 on Wednesday, would ban contributions from foreign governments, foreign political parties, foreign businesses, and foreign citizens, as well as people who aren’t U.S. citizens and not granted permanent residence. That doesn’t include dual citizens. That provision received the support of Democrats. But many in the minority party opposed the restrictions on out-of-state entities within the bill.
“House passes residential picketing bill despite warnings of racial implications” via Jason Delgado of Florida Politics — The House passed a bill Wednesday that would prohibit residential protests, despite Democratic lawmakers warning the bill will disproportionately impact minority communities. The bill (HB 1571) seeks to ban residential protests that “harass” or “disturb” a person within their home. It also aims to amplify penalties against violators. Under the bill, a violation is a second-degree misdemeanor and carries penalties including 60 days in jail, a $500 fine and six months’ probation. Police, though, must first warn an individual of a potential violation. The House passed the bill on a 76-41 vote. Rep. Randy Maggard is the bill sponsor.
“House votes to address ‘invasion’ of pop-up events” via Jason Delgado of Florida Politics — The House passed a bill Wednesday that would crack down on the rise of rowdy pop-up events in Florida. The proposal (HB 1435) would empower local sheriffs and leaders to respond more effectively to large, unpermitted gatherings. Rep. Tom Leek is the bill sponsor. The House passed the bill on a 90-26 vote without debate. “We need modern laws to deal with a modern problem and how pop-up events and these invasions are coming in and shutting down our towns,” Leek said. Under the bill, a Sheriff may designate a “special event zone” if a gathering is promoted on social media, attended by more than 50 individuals and disrupting street traffic.
House OKs bill extending juvenile lockup limit — The House passed a bill (HB 7029) that would allow judges to keep juveniles in jail longer while they await trial. Stephany Matat of POLITICO Florida reported that the measure would require judges to sign off every 21 days for youths who have not yet been convicted of crimes to remain in custody. Currently, juveniles may be held for up to 21 days pre-trial, and judges can sign off a nine-day extension. The bill passed along party lines, with Democrats blasting the bill and characterizing it as opening the door to “jailing children in perpetuity.” The bill now heads to the Senate.
“Bill creating harassment-free zone around police dies for second consecutive year” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — For the second consecutive year, a bill to create a harassment-free zone around law enforcement officers has died. The bill (HB 11) aimed to target those who approach police with the intent to disrupt an officer’s duties after being warned to remain at a distance. A person would risk being arrested if he or she approached an officer to harass or provoke a physical response. Rep. Alex Rizo filed the measure on July 19. Senate President Pro Tempore Aaron Bean, carried the bill’s Senate companion (SB 1872). Despite Bean’s pull in the Senate and the fact that HB 11 was the first bill filed in the 2022 Legislative Session, neither version received a single committee hearing in either chamber.
“Legislature passes beach smoking bill, but critics say cigar carveout makes future hazy” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Will Florida communities finally get to snuff out beach smoking? The Florida Legislature on Wednesday passed a bill (HB 105) to empower cities and counties to regulate cigarettes in parks, including beaches. But a dust-up over cigars ignited controversy on the Senate floor and nearly snuffed the bill out. Sen. Joe Gruters presented the legislation and has run into resistance through the years from colleagues who represent communities with identities closely associated with cigars. Gruters agreed to an amendment that said beaches could restrict cigarettes, which leave behind plastic cigarette filters, as well as plastic-tipped cigars, which do the same. But it made clear governments could not restrict tobacco products that do not leave behind any nonbiodegradable remnants.
— MORE TALLY —
“Church and state come together as faithful line up for Ash Wednesday at Florida Capitol” via the Tallahassee Democrat — During the yearly legislative session, church and state briefly mix in the Florida Capitol as people stop in the rotunda to receive ashes on their foreheads for Ash Wednesday. Lawmakers, lobbyists and visitors paused to receive ashes from clergy members, including the Rev. Abi Moon, Interim Rector for St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tallahassee.
“Bill permitting development on manatees’ food source stalls in Legislature” via Fresh Take Florida — Environmental advocates are encouraged that a bill to open Florida’s seagrass beds to development, which could be devastating for the dwindling manatee population, has only a slim chance of passing the Legislature this Session. “We would be destroying what little seagrass we have left in the state,” said David Cullen, a lobbyist for Sierra Club Florida. The original version of a bill by Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez would have permitted development on the beds, while also allowing seagrass mitigation banks. Environmentalists oppose development because they argue it will further deplete the manatees’ food source, while some experts believe that mitigation of seagrass works only under limited conditions. Lawmakers recently removed both the development and mitigation provisions from the proposal.
“Legislature finalizes increased penalties for evidence tampering” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The decision was made to pass the House version of the legislation, approved last week by a 111-1 vote. That was substituted for SB 796, the identical Sen. Jennifer Bradley bill. After the substitution, the Senate passed the House bill by a 39-0 vote. HB 287, introduced by Rep. Sam Garrison, would make tampering with or fabricating evidence a second-degree felony if done in a criminal trial, proceeding, or investigation relating to capital felonies. If the bill is signed into law, it will take effect on Oct. 1. This legislation could bring a significant change to criminal investigations in capital felony cases.
‘Miya’s Law’ unanimously passes Senate — The Senate voted unanimously in favor of a bill to improve tenant safety in apartment buildings by requiring background screenings for employees. The bill (SB 898) would require background checks to include a national screening of criminal history records and sexual predator and sexual offender registries. It would also allow a landlord to disqualify individuals with criminal records from employment. The bill is named “Miya’s Law” after Miya Marcano, who was killed last year. Investigators suspect a maintenance worker committed the murder. “I am looking forward to seeing a similar outcome on the bill from my colleagues in the House. The passage of this bill would represent a major win for the safety of all tenants. We should all feel safe and secure in our homes,” said Sen. Linda Stewart, the bill’s sponsor.
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“Mandatory lessons on Communism’s tragedies earn unanimous Senate approval” via Anne Geggis of Florida Politics — A bill that proposes public school students learn about the suffering inflicted by communism received unanimous approval from the Senate Wednesday. The legislation (CS/HB 395) will next head to the desk of DeSantis to await his signature. Sen. Manny Diaz introduced the Senate version (SB 268) but switched to Wednesday’s “identical” House version. If the Governor approves, he and succeeding Governors will declare Nov. 7 “Victims of Communism Day.” That is the anniversary of when Vladimir Lenin stormed the Russian capital to overthrow the government, thus igniting a worldwide movement. Diaz said it would “honor the more than 100 million victims of communist regimes across the world.”
“Bill undoing last year’s public notices deal passes House” via Tristan Wood of Florida Politics — The House passed a bill Wednesday that would roll back last year’s deal on legal notices, sending the matter to the Senate. HB 7049, sponsored by Rep. Randy Fine, passed the House 78-39. The legislation would give governmental agencies the option to publish legal notices on a publicly accessible website of a county the notice takes place in instead of in a print newspaper. The bill alters legislation passed last year. Last year’s bill removed a long-standing rule requiring notices to exclusively appear in subscription-rich newspapers and allowed notices to be published online in addition to a local newspaper. The 2021 bill sought to remove the newspaper requirement altogether.
“Bill letting voters change Alachua County Commission format passes House” via Tristan Wood of Florida Politics — Legislation allowing voters to decide whether to amend Alachua County’s charter to change who their county commissioners represent passed the House floor Wednesday. HB 1493, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Clemons, passed 80-35 largely along party lines. The bill places a ballot initiative in front of Alachua County voters in 2022 to change the county’s five commissioners from at-large seats to single-member districts. Instead of representing the whole district, each Commissioner would only represent voters within the boundaries of their district. If the bill passes the Senate and voters back the change, Republicans could have a shot at getting representation on the Commission, which hasn’t happened in decades.
— EVEN MORE TALLY —
“Why Disney won’t say much about Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill” via Kim Masters of The Hollywood Reporter — On Feb. 25, the day that the Florida House of Representatives passed the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill, former Disney chair and CEO Bob Iger tweeted his support of Biden’s statement labeling it a “hateful bill.” CEO Bob Chapek is busy putting his own stamp on Disney company culture, and clearly, he will be less willing to wade into advocacy than Iger. For example, a knowledgeable source says Chapek balked at a proposal to weigh in on voting rights. Chapek appears to want to handle specific controversial topics through internal dialogue.
“House GOP leadership turns to familiar think tank to justify new election fraud force” via Jeffrey Schweers of USA Today Network — When the future Speaker of the House needed to justify a new statewide election-crimes squad, he turned to the work of a Washington based conservative think tank. A list of voter fraud cases in Florida used by Rep. Daniel Perez to argue his case to spend $3.7 million on the new squad came from the Heritage Foundation, which promotes stricter voting regulations, among other conservative priorities. The same data was used by former President Donald Trump’s “Advisory Commission on Election Integrity” to back up claims of widespread voter fraud and push for restrictions on voting access.
“South Florida prosecutors push Legislature for attorney pay. Call it ‘public safety’ issue” via Charles Rabin of the Miami Herald — South Florida prosecutors in Miami tried applying some last-minute pressure on state lawmakers to increase the pay of staff attorneys, saying Wednesday that they were woefully underpaid, leaving in droves and that shortages and turnover were “endangering the public safety.” In the past year, the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office has lost nine of its 15 assistant state attorneys, forcing remaining staff to double caseloads. Palm Beach County has lost about 80% of its applicants. And in Miami-Dade County, the largest office in South Florida, 80 employees have resigned. The Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, where lawyers tend to represent the neediest of clients, has lost 62 attorneys in the past year.
“As nursing home staffing bill advances through Legislature, AARP Florida considers veto campaign” via Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — A compromise between the nursing home industry and the state’s trial attorneys over nursing home legislation is inching closer to passage after a Senate panel on Tuesday gave the green light to SB 804. But a statewide advocacy group is gearing up to have DeSantis veto the measure. Before passing the bill by a 12-4 vote, the Senate Rules Committee added amendments offered by bill sponsor Sen. Ben Albritton that brought the bill closer in line to its House companion (HB 1239). As amended, SB 804 now precludes nursing homes that don’t meet minimum staffing hours from accepting new residents.
“‘Rape loophole’: Bill raising penalty for sexual assault against intoxicated victims dying in Legislature” via Fresh Take Florida — A bill with bipartisan support aimed at protecting college students by increasing penalties against those who sexually assault intoxicated victims is dying as Florida’s Legislative Session begins to wind down. The measure would have raised the penalty for raping a woman who had become drunk at a bar while celebrating with friends, for example, to the same level as the punishment for someone who secretly slipped a drug into a victim’s drink and then attacked her: a first-degree felony with up to a 30-year prison sentence. Currently, assaulting someone who is intoxicated of their own accord is considered a lesser offense, a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Supporters of changing the bill say the fact that the two crimes are treated differently is a “rape loophole” in Florida law.
“Three Surfside-inspired bills die after scant committee engagement” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — In the aftermath of the Champlain Towers South condo collapse in Surfside last summer that left 98 dead, Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez set her sights on sponsoring 2022 legislation that would safeguard residents from ever enduring another similar tragedy. Now 51 days into Session, when most committees can’t meet without special approval from Senate President Simpson, Rodriguez likely will have to wait until 2023 to see through three Surfside-inspired bills she backed this year. Only one of the bills reached a committee hearing in the Senate: SB 394, which would have changed the process through which people can become condo association board directors.
“Eleven Democrat gun control bills die without a committee hearing” via Tristan Wood of Florida Politics — Eleven pieces of gun control-related legislation backed by Democratic lawmakers have not been taken up by a single committee this Legislative Session. With committee meetings concluded except for special meetings permitted by chamber leadership, the bills are officially dead in the water. This Session, all of the bills looking to tighten existing restrictions or ban certain products and practices were filed by Democrats. They needed approval from Republican committee chairs and leadership who have signaled support for relaxing gun control regulation, not strengthening it. Sen. Gary Farmer Jr., who has backed gun control legislation since he joined the Senate six years ago, was a sponsor on four of the 11 bills. Sen. Tina Polsky also backed four bills.
“Legislature again ignores proposal to delete dead law banning same-sex marriage” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — The Legislature has again refused to consider measures that would erase from state statutes an unusable law barring recognition of marriage between people of the same sex. This Session, Sen. Tina Polksy and Rep. Michele Rayner carried bills this year (SB 168; HB 6015) calling for such action, with co-sponsorship support from Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book and Rep. Anna Eskamani. Democratic lawmakers have sought for years to overturn the law, which has existed a defunct totem of discrimination since 2015, when the Florida Supreme Court, and then the U.S. Supreme Court, legalized same-sex marriage.
“Legislation permanently allowing medical marijuana telehealth consultation goes up in smoke” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Twin bills making permanent pandemic-era rules that made it easier for medical marijuana patients to renew their use registry cards have gone to pot, to put it bluntly. Joint legislation (SB 164 and HB 333) by Sen. Jeff Brandes and Rep. Jayer Williamson, both Republicans, aimed to change current statutes governing Florida’s medical marijuana program. Under the proposed change, patients would still have to receive an in-person consultation with a physician before receiving their medical marijuana certification. From then on, keeping it would be anything but high maintenance.
“Florida Dental Association has Session worth smiling about” via Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — The Florida Dental Association is having a good Session. Lawmakers have agreed to spend $1.773 million for the dental loan repayment program and an initiative called Florida’s Donated Dental Services, which is $1 million more than what the organization originally asked for. The decision to fund the loan repayment program comes on the heels of the apparent agreement to keep Medicaid dental services in a separately procured Medicaid managed care program. The association initially requested $773,000 for the loan repayment program that aims to bring dentists to medically underserved and designated rural areas.
— The Senate convenes for a floor Session, 10 a.m., Senate Chamber.
— The House convenes for a floor Session, 10 a.m., House Chamber.
— The Senate Special Order Calendar Group meets 15 minutes after the floor Session, Room 401 of the Senate Office Building.
Assignment editors — Abortion advocates and community members, including speakers from Planned Parenthood, the League of Women Voters, and the National Organization for Women will hold a candlelight vigil to mark and reflect upon the passage of H.B. 5, a 15-week abortion ban, 7 p.m., in front of the Old Capitol Building. RSVP with Damien Filer, dfiler@50plus1.com, (850) 212-1858.
—GOV CLUB MENU —
Cauliflower and herbed goat cheese soup with Brussels sprouts; garden salad with dressings; marinated artichokes and hearts of palm salad; corn and black bean salad; Caprese wraps; beef tips with green peppercorn sauce; baked spaghetti squash casserole; broccoli; blend of wild rice; bread pudding with bourbon sauce for dessert.
— STATEWIDE —
“DeSantis announces $20M funding for cybersecurity education in Florida” via Sam Sachs of WFLA — DeSantis spoke at USF’s Sam and Martha Gibbons Alumni Center, discussing cybersecurity. The event began with signage for a “Workforce Education Cybersecurity.” The Governor announced a $20 million program to create cybersecurity opportunities through the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida. “One of the things we’ve tried to do since I became Governor was increase Florida’s competitiveness in terms of workforce education,” DeSantis said. The Governor said there were a lot of opportunities for students in Florida, particularly with cybersecurity, and core technical programs. DeSantis said the state has worked on getting more cyber-IT computer science educational opportunities in K through 12 schools.
“Urban search and rescue task forces honored for Surfside condo collapse response” via NBC Miami — Members of Florida’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 and 2 were recognized Tuesday for their dedication and bravery while responding to last year’s condominium collapse in Surfside. Each member received a challenge coin at a ceremony at the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Training Facility in Doral to commemorate the work they did following the June 24 collapse of the 12-story Champlain Towers South condo. “I know that I saw the work of God when hundreds of urban search and rescue teams showed up, working on this mound of rubble, fighting to ensure there were any signs of life,” State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said. Since the collapse, which killed 98 people, task force members like Frank Garcia said they still struggle with what they saw.
“Judge in ‘ghost’ candidate case to decide whether to release bank records” via Annie Martin of the Orlando Sentinel — The judge overseeing the criminal case against former state lawmaker Frank Artiles said Wednesday she plans to privately review bank records from one of the dark money nonprofits at the center of Florida’s “ghost” candidate scandal before deciding if they should be made public. The records would identify donors to Let’s Preserve the American Dream, which provided funding used for ads promoting Artiles’ friend, Alex Rodriguez, and two other candidates who ran as independents for highly contested Florida Senate seats but did no campaigning of their own.
“First students outside Florida to save thousands with in-state tuition under new grandparents law” via Fresh Take Florida — For the first time, out-of-state applicants to universities across Florida are finding out whether they will be among 350 students who will save tens of thousands of dollars with in-state tuition under a new law rewarding them as grandchildren of residents here. The tuition discounts are the result of a law DeSantis signed last summer. Waiving out-of-state tuition at some universities for grandchildren could save families tens of thousands of dollars over four years. At the University of Florida, the difference between out-of-state and in-state tuition is $22,278 each year.
“Florida approves 24-hour-a-day alligator hunting” via David Fleshler of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — A 24-hour-a-day alligator hunt won preliminary approval from the Florida wildlife commission Wednesday, in the latest expansion of hunting on an animal that used to be on the endangered species list. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted to extend the hours during hunting season on public lands from 17 to 24 hours. Although airboat tour operators and meat processors had previously expressed concerns about the proposal, no one spoke against it at Wednesday’s meeting. Several hunters said they supported it, saying they welcomed the flexibility to hunt during the day that the additional hours would give them.
“Florida man believed to be violent fugitive from Costa Rica resigns City Council seat after shoplifting accusation” via Daniel Figueroa of Florida Politics — Victor Barbosa announced his resignation in a cryptic letter posted the day after he was accused of shoplifting from, and trespassed in, a local Walmart. He will also withdraw from his re-election bid. “I, Victor Barbosa fear for my life. I repeat I fear for my life. All I wanted to do was help small businesses, fight corruption, and be the voice of the people of the community. I now understand why Council Member Howell resigned,” Barbosa wrote. Barbosa did not elaborate on why he feared for his life and declined an opportunity to comment Wednesday. He did, however, deny he shoplifted to the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
—2022 —
“Kat Cammack wants investigation of Val Demings mail sent far outside CD 10” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Cammack said Congress should take a closer look where U.S. Rep. Demings sends her official mail. Cammack, who serves as the ranking Republican on the House Communications Standards Commission, sent a letter seeking an investigation. Cammack notes that violates House rules. The complaint from Americans For Public Trust included a piece of mail that went to an address in Stuart, far south of Demings’ Orlando area constituency. That the mail went out after Demings filed to challenge Rubio, marking her first run for statewide office, makes any publicity outside her House constituency all the more suspicious, the complaint suggests.
“Aramis Ayala files for Attorney General race, ends stalled congressional campaign” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Ayala has filed to run for Attorney General, the first big-name Democrat to enter that race. In doing so, Ayala is bailing on a congressional campaign that has stalled for her in Florida’s 10th Congressional District. Her once high-profile congressional bid had slipped into also-ran status, when three other Democrats grabbed more spotlight, money and momentum for that open seat in Orange County. Before she began her congressional run last spring, Ayala explored a possible run for the U.S. Senate. Now the once-controversial State Attorney wants to take on Ashley Moody. There is another Democrat running, Fort Lauderdale lawyer Jim Lewis, but his campaign hasn’t shown much activity since he filed in October.
“EMILY’s List endorses Michele Rayner for CD 13” via Kelly Hayes of Florida Politics — EMILY’s List, the largest national resource for women in politics, is backing state Rep. Rayner in her campaign for Florida’s 13th Congressional District. The organization works to elect Democratic women who support abortion rights, offering support with more than 5 million members. EMILY’s List applauded Rayner for her service as a public defender and her work in her own law firm, where she advocates for civil rights. The group also noted Rayner’s vocal opposition to Florida’s controversial parental rights legislation governing schools, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by opponents.
Olysha Magruder files for HD 22 — Gainesville Democrat Magruder filed to run for the new House District 22 on Tuesday. Her campaign was launched with a one-minute video focused on her upbringing and personal experiences. It also touches on Magruder’s 2018 run for Senate District 8, when her campaign was boosted by a GOP-backed dark money scheme similar to the efforts undertaken in the 2020 election that led to the arrest of former Sen. Artiles. “I have suffered the consequences of corruption,” she said while showing a headline that reads “GOP tied to ‘dark money’ in Senate D-8 race.” Magruder’s campaign said it is “focused on stopping Republicans’ attacks on democracy, on improving the public school system, and getting rid of political corruption.”
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“Apopka Commissioner Doug Bankson files to run in new HD 39” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics — Bankson has filed to run in the new House District 39, making him the first Republican in the race. Bankson, who has spent six years on the Apopka City Council including a term as Vice Mayor, is the founder and senior pastor of Victory Church World Outreach Center. He filed Thursday for a district that would be Apopka-centered, as based on the redistricting map approved by the House. The new HD 39 also includes other parts of northwestern Orange County and western Seminole County, with parts of the cities of Winter Garden, Altamonte Springs and Longwood, plus the agricultural-rich Zellwood area and the parks and nature preserves clustered around Wekiva Springs.
“Tiffany Esposito launches campaign in open HD 77” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A prominent Lee County Chamber leader will run for state House in a newly drawn open district. Esposito, president and CEO of SWFL Inc., will run in proposed House District 77. The San Carlos Park Republican has been active in South Lee business groups for years, regularly appearing on “40 under 40” lists for local media and the Association of Chamber Executives. She launched her campaign on Thursday. Esposito aligned her political platform closely with that of Ron DeSantis, who is seeking re-election this year. “Florida has become the beacon of freedom in America, and I intend to build upon that foundation,” she said.
“Palm Beach House candidate switching from House District 86 to newly redrawn district” via Anne Geggis of Florida Politics — Katherine Waldron was the first Democrat to file to run for the House seat Democrat Rep. Matt Willhite is vacating and now the current Port of Palm Beach Commissioner is announcing a move to represent the newly drawn House District 93. She announced her intention to represent HD 93 instead of Willhite’s House District 86 on Wednesday. Willhite is running for a seat on the Palm Beach County Commission. The new district is an open seat, the news release says. Voters in that district went for Biden over Trump in 2020 by more than 10 points.
— CORONA FLORIDA —
“Calling it ‘COVID theater’ DeSantis asks high school students to remove masks at event” via Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Irked by the sight of high school students wearing masks at his news conference, DeSantis encouraged them to remove the facial coverings, calling their use “COVID theater.” “You do not have to wear those masks,” DeSantis said in video. “Please take them off. Honestly, it’s not doing anything. We’ve gotta stop with this COVID theater. So, if you wanna wear it, fine, but this is ridiculous.” The Hillsborough County School District said the students were from Middleton High School. “As always, our students should be valued and celebrated,” Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Addison Davis said.
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“Florida could soon allow nursing home visits — even during a pandemic.” via Hannah Critchfield and Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times — House Bill 987 and Senate Bill 988, backed by DeSantis, establish broad protections for nursing home and hospital visitors. The bills would prohibit the facilities from requiring any vaccinations for visitors, a move that is consistent with federal guidelines related to the current pandemic. They would require facilities to establish policies that allow family members to touch the loved ones they’re visiting. The House version would make providers recognize an “essential caregiver” for a patient or resident, who would be eligible to visit for at least two hours every day. That’s not in the Senate bill. Some differences are yet to be worked out between the bills. Under both measures, family members would be allowed to visit their loved ones in the following circumstances.
“School superintendent who defied DeSantis on COVID-19 masks is ousted” via The Associated Press — A Florida school superintendent who defied DeSantis on pandemic masks for students has been fired by the local school board. The 3-2 vote to terminate the contract of Carlee Simon came late Tuesday night by the Alachua County School Board. A key vote for termination was that of board member Mildred Russell, who was appointed in August by DeSantis to replace a member who did not live within her district. In a statement before the vote, Simon called it retribution for her stance against DeSantis and his opposition to mask mandates in Florida schools.
“Florida and New York share an interstate, but their COVID-19 cultures are worlds apart” via Florida Trend — Faced with the same pandemic — with remarkably similar but no less tragic death tolls (as of Feb. 21, Florida at 68,955; New York at 66,466, out of total populations of 21.78 million in Florida and 20.21 million in New York) — the two states have chosen strikingly different paths forward. Our contrasting COVID-19 cultures impact everything from whether we don masks to how — or even if — we dine out.
— CORONA NATION —
“COVID-19 still threatens millions of Americans. Why are we so eager to move on?” via Victoria Knight of Kaiser Health News — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a strict definition of who is considered moderately or severely immunocompromised, such as cancer patients undergoing active treatment and organ transplant recipients. Still, millions of other people are living with chronic illnesses or disabilities that also make them especially susceptible to the disease. Though vulnerability differs based on each person and their health condition — and can depend on circumstances — catching COVID-19 is a risk they cannot take.
“Free COVID-19 tests, on-the-spot treatment coming to pharmacies, Biden says” via Francesca Chambers of the Miami Herald — Americans will soon be able to get tested and treated for COVID-19 in the same location, Biden said Tuesday, as he previewed new steps his administration is taking to end the global coronavirus pandemic. Later this month, individuals who test positive at participating pharmacies and community health centers across the country will be eligible for free antiviral pills. “People can get tested in the pharmacy, and if they prove positive, receive the antiviral pills on the spot at no cost,” Biden announced at his State of the Union speech. The administration also plans to send antiviral pills to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
“In symbolic vote, Senate rejects vaccine mandate for health workers” via Emily Cochrane of The New York Times — The Senate voted on Wednesday to roll back Biden’s vaccine mandate for health care workers at federally funded facilities, in a symbolic move orchestrated by Republicans who are pushing to weaponize pandemic precautions against Democrats in this year’s midterm congressional elections. In a vote forced by Republicans, the measure passed 49 to 44 along party lines, after six Democratic absences left the majority party short of the votes needed to defeat it. The measure is all but certain to die in the Democratic-controlled House; even if it cleared that chamber, the White House said on Wednesday that Biden would veto it.
“U.S. government agencies start dropping mask requirements” via David Shepardson and Idrees Ali of Reuters — The U.S. Defense and Justice departments are no longer requiring masks be worn indoors at Washington-area facilities, they said on Wednesday, following the latest COVID-19 guidance from the CDC. Other agencies are expected to follow suit this week. The change affects about 20,000 military and civilian employees at the Pentagon. The Justice Department said masks are no longer required at its operated buildings in Washington and will implement new workplace policies, “including a phased increase in on-site presence, over the next two months.
— CORONA ECONOMICS —
“February consumer sentiment slides to lowest reading in a decade” via Perry Leibovitz of UF News — Consumer sentiment in Florida slipped for a second consecutive month in February to 68.4, down 1.1 points from a revised figure of 69.5 in January and reached its lowest level in the last 10 years. Among the five components that make up the index, one increased and four decreased. Floridians’ opinions about their personal finances now compared with a year ago decreased 1.5 points from 65.1 to 63.6. Similarly, opinions as to whether this is a good time to buy a major household item like an appliance dropped 3 points from 57.3 to 54.3, the largest decline in this month’s reading.
— MORE CORONA —
“COVID-19 cases, deaths continue to fall globally, WHO reports” via The Associated Press — The number of new coronavirus cases reported globally dropped by 16% last week, marking a monthlong decline in COVID-19 infections. In its weekly report, the U.N. health agency also said that deaths fell by 10%, continuing a drop in fatalities first seen last week. WHO said there were more than 10 million new cases and about 60,000 deaths globally. The Western Pacific was the only region where COVID-19 increased, with about a third more infections than the previous week. Deaths rose by 22% in the Western Pacific and about 4% in the Middle East, while declining everywhere else. WHO said the omicron variant remains overwhelmingly dominant worldwide; among virus sequences shared with the world’s largest publicly accessible database, more than 99.5% were omicron while only 0.3% were delta.
“Spring Break travel is back, and so are high prices: ‘Like bears coming out of hibernation’” via Hugo Martín of The Los Angeles Times — As COVID-19 cases drop, mask protocols ease and more Americans venture out to beaches, theme parks and other tourist destinations, travel is bouncing back to levels not seen since the pandemic took hold, industry experts say. The bad news: Airfares and gasoline prices are also reaching highs not seen in years. Eric Oh, a freelance writer, is already feeling the pinch. He’s paying about $600 for a round-trip flight to Orlando, about $200 more than he paid a few months ago for a similar flight. “It both surprised me and made me a little upset,” Oh said of the increase.
— PRESIDENTIAL —
“Biden seizes the center” via David A. Graham of The Atlantic — If it’s not quite morning in America, Biden tried to persuade Americans during his first State of the Union address, we might be starting to see glimmers of the dawn. “There’s something happening in America,” Biden said tonight. “Just look around and you’ll see an amazing story.” That message is a tough sell. To make the case, he tacked toward the middle, with a few pointed detours, delivering a speech that hews closer to the “popularist” movement in the Democratic Party than to its more progressive contingent. Biden didn’t embrace Republican positions, but he emphasized areas where bipartisanship already exists.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Rick Scott dodges questions about Mitch McConnell, DeSantis” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Scott walked out of a news conference Tuesday as McConnell denounced his “11-point plan to “rescue America.” Scott didn’t clear matters up Wednesday, despite having an opportunity to do so on national television. On the Fox Business Channel, Scott sidestepped numerous questions about “splitting the party,” including whether he fronted the plan at the behest of Trump. “We’ve got to turn around this country,” Scott said, not responding to the McConnell critique, preferring instead to attack the “woke left” for having “taken over this country.” Stuart Varney asked why Scott put out the plan when McConnell didn’t want it out, wondering if Scott was siding with Trump over McConnell. Again, Scott dodged. “I’m with the voters on this,” he said.
“Democrats introduce bill to restart Cuban family reunification program” via Syra Ortiz-Blanes and Nora Gámez Torres of the Miami Herald — A bill filed by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and New Jersey Rep. Albio Sires would resume the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program, which allows eligible Cuban Americans to bring loved ones to the United States while they wait for their visas. “The Cuban people live under a brutal authoritarian regime, with little control over their fate,” Wasserman Schultz said in a statement, “so we must do all we can to offer them a path to expeditiously and legally immigrate to the United States.” The Democrats’ initiative comes as the U.S. is expected to announce as soon as Thursday an increase in consular staffing at its embassy in Havana to help address the yearslong visa backlog.
“Matt Gaetz casts lone GOP vote against opening oil production, including in Gulf of Mexico” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — As the U.S. seeks alternative sources to Russian oil, congressional Republicans on Tuesday pushed legislation aimed at boosting domestic drilling. Every Republican in the House on Tuesday voted for the American Energy Independence from Russia Act, except one. Rep. Gaetz cast the sole GOP vote against the bill, which would have reauthorized construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and ratcheted up allowable natural gas production. While Gaetz said he supports many of those steps, he could not vote for legislation that also could open the Gulf of Mexico to more drilling. The bill failed in a 221-202 vote.
— CRISIS —
“Jan. 6 committee says Donald Trump violated multiple laws in effort to overturn election” via Kyle Cheney and Nicholas Wu of POLITICO — The Jan. 6 select committee says its evidence has shown that then-President Trump and his campaign tried to illegally obstruct Congress’ counting of electoral votes and “engaged in a criminal conspiracy to defraud the United States.” In a major release of its findings, filed in federal court late Wednesday, the committee suggested that its evidence supported findings that Trump himself violated multiple laws by attempting to prevent Congress from certifying his defeat. “The Select Committee also has a good-faith basis for concluding that the President and members of his Campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy to defraud the United States,” the committee wrote in a filing submitted in U.S. District Court in the Central District of California.
— EPILOGUE TRUMP —
“John Bolton says Trump ‘barely knew where Ukraine was’ and complained about his own administration’s sanctions against Russia” via Jake Lahut and John Haltiwanger of Business Insider — Bolton, the U.S.’s former national security adviser, criticized Trump, his old boss, over his administration’s legacy in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. When the host depicted the Trump administration’s approach as “pretty tough on Russia, in a lot of ways,” Bolton disagreed. The former Trump national security adviser said the 45th president “did not” handle Russia better than Biden, as Schmitt said, and listed a series of qualms he had about how Trump dealt with Putin.
“Trump’s Truth Social bomb” via Dan Primack of Axios — Trump is blowing the launch of his new social media company, via a series of unforced errors. The SPAC that agreed to take Truth Social public is valued at over $3.5 billion. At some point, investors will begin paying attention. Truth Social spent much of February in private beta with invited users, saying its public unveil would be Feb. 21 (Presidents Day, natch). The launch itself was buzzy, with Truth Social shooting to the top of Apple’s App Store (there isn’t yet an Android or web version).
— LOCAL NOTES —
“Doug Underhill loses last attempt to block release of public records” via Jim Little of the Pensacola News Journal — Underhill lost another attempt to block the release of additional public records from his Facebook account after a federal judge upheld a ruling that his messages about county issues are public record. U.S. District Judge Casey Rodgers issued an order on Tuesday upholding a magistrate judge’s recommendation from October that Underhill must turn over all remaining Facebook messages. Underhill had sought to block additional releases of more messages after the court forced him to turn over 12,000 pages last year. Rodgers gave Underhill seven days to turn over the remaining public records.
“Duval School Board approves taking property tax increase to voters. Here’s what you need to know” via Emily Bloch of The Florida Times-Union — Duval County voters will get to decide on a property tax increase later this year. Tuesday evening, the School Board voted 6-1 in favor of a resolution asking voters to approve a 1 mill property tax increase that would fund higher teacher salaries and improved athletics and arts programs at schools. “The vote tonight does not raise anybody’s taxes,” Board member Lori Hershey said. “It allows us to ask City Hall to put it on the ballot for the voters to decide. I believe the community deserves to answer that question.”
“How do you spell election success? N-P-A” via Chris Hand on Medium — No Party Affiliation (NPA) voters and other voters who have declined to affiliate with the Democratic or Republican parties comprise a major segment of the electorate. Registered NPA and other non-major party voters made up 29% of the Florida voting population. The City of Jacksonville voting system maximizes opportunities for NPA participation. In our unitary model, all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation. Unless any candidate receives a majority in the first election, the top two finishers advance to a second election. This system means NPA voters have the right to cast ballots in every election for Mayor, City Council, Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, and Clerk of Courts.
“Contract spat leads Miami Downtown Development Authority’s longtime PR firm to walk” via Joey Flechas of the Miami Herald — After 13 years together, the public agency created to promote Downtown Miami and the public relations firm paid to promote its efforts are breaking up. And the split isn’t exactly amicable. Once the firm’s current contract expires on April 30, Schwartz Media Strategies will walk away from a bid to win a six-figure contract to represent the tax-funded Downtown Development Authority. Principals Tadd Schwartz and Aaron Gordon confirmed the split in a letter sent Tuesday to Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes, who serves as DDA chair.
“Mark Rosenberg told FIU staffer he harassed she was a ‘princess’ and would divorce his wife, report says” via Jimena Tavel of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — More than a month after Rosenberg abruptly resigned as president of Florida International University after allegations surfaced that he had made unwanted advances to a woman in his office, an investigation concluded he “acted in a manner that was unprofessional and that he crossed appropriate boundaries in his behavior toward and interactions with a female subordinate.” Rosenberg asked the female staffer, whom the report didn’t name because she asked to remain anonymous, to discuss a “life update” in October 2021, according to the report.
“Group of five foreign nationals released after entering Key West Navy base” via David Goodhue of the Miami Herald — A group of five “foreign nationals” was briefly detained after entering the Truman Annex of Naval Air Station Key West early Wednesday morning. Federal agents initially suspected they were trespassing on the base, but they released them by noon after being unable to reach that conclusion, Navy spokeswoman Danette Baso Silvers said. They were interviewed by agents with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and each of them was issued a federal magistrate summons, which means they either pay a $250 fine or argue their case in court, Baso Silvers said. The government is not releasing their nationalities, but Silvers said everyone in the group is in the country legally. They do not live in Key West.
“Senior ‘skip day’ turns trashy as students leave garbage behind at South Pointe Beach” via Martin Vassolo of the Miami Herald — Red plastic cups, liquor bottles and heaps of garbage were dumped across three blocks of shoreline Tuesday in South Beach after high school students said their classmates made a mess during an annual senior “skip day.” Videos and photos posted on social media showed garbage being swept into the ocean and covering a large stretch of sand at South Pointe Beach. Volunteers spent hours cleaning up the garbage, and some students who attended chastised their classmates for trashing the environment and their high school tradition. “Every tide that came in was taking out the trash,” said Sophie Ringel, founder of Clean Miami Beach, a group that organizes beach cleanups.
“Florida family sues SeaWorld, saying security didn’t help after assault at Orlando park” via Katie Rice of the Orlando Sentinel — A Nassau County, Florida, family is suing SeaWorld for more than $100,000 after claiming they were assaulted by another group of guests last May and that security staff at the Orlando park did not help prevent it or assist them properly afterward. In a lawsuit filed in Orange County circuit court on Feb. 1, Aimee, Michael and Connor Johnson, along with Holly Witt on behalf of a child, allege they were seriously injured because SeaWorld security was lacking. The plaintiffs say they were followed by a group of teenagers after confronting them for acting aggressively in line for a ride, and they could not find security staff before the youth attacked them.
— TOP OPINION —
“In rant against students wearing masks, DeSantis channels his inner Karen” via the Miami Herald editorial board — DeSantis had a Karen moment. The Governor on Wednesday was supposed to make a run-of-the-mill announcement at the University of South Florida about state investments in cybersecurity workforce education. A group of high school students stood in the back wearing masks. The Governor was triggered. As he walked to the podium, DeSantis stopped, faced the students — and ranted. He did everything but demand to “speak to the manager.” How dare those youngsters ruin the Governor’s photo opp by wearing pieces of cloth or surgical fabric over their noses and mouths? After DeSantis’ outburst, some of the students obliged and removed their masks with embarrassed smiles.
— OPINIONS —
“Florida politicians fond of berating China, Venezuela are softer spoken on Russia” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — We’ve got a lot of ground to cover today, including legislators trying to give more money to tourism, the state offering a new sky-high-priced lottery ticket and what Orange County should look for in its new school superintendent. Two years ago, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Patronis viewed China as such a threat to the world, he launched an investigation into 100,000 Florida businesses to see if any were owned by the “Communist Party of China.” In a written statement, Patronis said: “I think war is different. People dying is different.” He then went on to blame Biden. The logic there was … interesting. When the stakes are more serious, you take less action.
“Ukraine vs. Russia — Here’s how Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his country win” via Michael Waltz for Florida Politics — America is on the verge of losing a second democratic partner to the iron fist of authoritarianism, just six months after the fall of Kabul. The strong resolve and resistance of the Ukrainian people have thus far withstood the onslaught of Putin’s armed battalions. We must unite our NATO and other European partners around the policy of continuing to support Ukraine’s defenders. We must continue the flow of food, medical supplies, small armaments, stinger missiles, night vision, secure communications, body armor, and deployable radar systems to stall Russian armor in the cities and cut off their supply lines.
“Senators, it’s time to add some 305 to the U.S. Supreme Court” via David Oscar Markus of the Miami Herald — No Floridian has ever been appointed to the Supreme Court. Even though Florida has the third most electoral votes in the country, we have been shut out on the highest court in the land. It’s time to change that. This is a wonderful opportunity for Florida’s two Senators to get behind the first Florida-reared nominee, Ketanji Brown Jackson. Miami is absolutely bursting with pride, and U.S. Sens. Rubio and Scott should embrace this nominee. Jackson went to Miami Palmetto High School, where she was a rock-star national debate champion. Her parents started their careers as public-school teachers. While Jackson was in preschool, her father went to law school.
“The confidence of Scott” via Michael McKenna of The Washington Times — Representative government is pretty simple. Candidates explain to voters what they will try to do once in office. Voters decide whether they think those things are good or bad and proceed accordingly. It has been pretty much the same since the Romans first came up with the crazy notion that political power draws its legitimacy from the informed consent of citizens. Therefore, Sen. Scott must have been surprised when his relatively short, straightforward and fairly anodyne set of ideas about what he might try to accomplish if the Senate Republicans wound up in the majority drew immediate hostility from various Republicans in the Senate.
“DeSantis blames Biden for just about everything” via the Tampa Bay Times editorial board — The free world’s support of Ukraine in the immediate face of a Russian onslaught has been nothing short of inspiring and historic. In only days since Russia attacked, the West has authorized more than $850 million in military assistance to Ukraine. Poland and other border states have rushed to welcome more than a half-million refugees. The U.S., Europe and its allies have imposed the worst financial sanctions Russia has ever seen. DeSantis couldn’t get through a half-hour news conference about sidewalks and sewers Monday without detouring through a spiel on the crisis in Ukraine, which he (predictably) traced to Biden’s “weakness” and “lack of leadership.”
“‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill is just the GOP’s latest attack on teachers” via Joe Henderson of Florida Politics — While the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill inexorably moves through the Legislature, there’s one big thing the Republican Thought Police still don’t get. People don’t choose to be gay. They are gay because they’re born that way. A teacher can’t talk them into it, and their parents can’t talk them out of it. Yet, HB 1557 would allow parents to sue their school system if the son or daughter hears something in class their parents decide is not “age or developmentally appropriate.” Rep. Joe Harding, who sponsored the bill, told the Tallahassee Democrat it “empowers parents to be engaged in their children’s lives.”
“Legislature violates First Amendment with its proposed picketing ban” via Francesca Menes for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — All Floridians want to live in healthy and safe communities, no matter what we look like or where we come from. But on the heels of America’s summer of reckoning with racial justice, DeSantis and his enablers in the Florida Legislature passed a law, known as HB 1, silencing Black-led protests rather than listening to the anger and frustration of our communities. This slate of legislation continues to chip away at our rights and our freedoms. HB 11 intimidates witnesses who document incidents of police use of excessive force. Two other bills are moving quickly and would take another sledgehammer to our right to assemble.
“Helping the helpers: Behavioral health providers need more from state budget” via Melanie Brown-Woofter for the Tallahassee Democrat — Families, including children and adults of all ages, are struggling with anxiety, depression and drug use. Community mental health and substance use providers are experiencing daily pressure to provide more services and must receive an increase in Medicaid funding to meet this new demand. Behavioral health providers received minimal COVID-19 relief as they were only able to access 3% of the $500 million in federal Health and Human Services provider relief funds that came into Florida. Of the other COVID-19-related Medicaid funding opportunities, behavioral health providers had limited or no eligibility to participate.
“Robin Safley: Helping Florida’s farmers helps all of us” via Florida Politics — By making a strategic investment in Feeding Florida — the state’s largest network of food banks — we not only ensure that Floridians in need will continue to receive high-quality fresh-from-Florida food, but that our state remains a leading producer of local fruits and vegetables. Here’s how the budget request, if granted, will work … Our funding request — now in both budgets — will be used to support our state’s local farmers by offsetting what is known as “pick and pack out” fees. These costs are needed to pick, pack and transport grown produce that might otherwise remain unharvested. If ever an investment was a win-win-win, this is it.
“Stephen Shelley: Farm Share needs support from Legislature to continue serving Florida’s hardworking families” via Florida Politics — Currently, one-third of employed Florida households live below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and are considered Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE) households. A typical family of four can no longer survive on an annual household income of $50,000 to $60,000, especially in Florida’s major metropolitan areas. Farm Share has become the lifeline for these ALICE households, helping to put life-sustaining food on their tables free of charge so that they can instead focus on paying rent, utilities, child care and transportation expenses. Without proper nutrition, these households’ health, ability to work, and their children’s ability to learn will be stunted resulting in an inability to break the cycle of poverty and escape being food insecure.
— TODAY’S SUNRISE —
Gov. DeSantis scolds some high schoolers for wearing masks at his news conference. The mic was on. Twitter and TikTok ran with it.
Also, on today’s Sunrise:
— The Governor also went on record against Putin on the invasion of Ukraine. But blamed Biden for emboldening Putin. And, the Governor dissed France?
— Democratic amendments to the 15-week abortion bill go nowhere.
— The AARP plans to lobby the Governor for a veto of nursing home bills that cut Certified Nursing Assistant hours.
And, farewells from departing Reps. and Senators give a glimpse into the minds of legislators.
To listen, click on the image below:
— ALOE —
“Robert Pattinson’s Batman is wonderfully grim” via David Sims of The Atlantic — The best on-screen Batmen have always understood the value of a good frown. Over the many cinematic iterations of the comic-book hero, one thing has remained consistent in his portrayal: His menacing cowl leaves the bottom half of his face exposed. The actors who did the most with the role in years past (think Michael Keaton and Christian Bale) made full use of their mouths, pouting with all their might. But the quivering lips of Pattinson, the latest star to don the mask for Matt Reeves’s The Batman, might have them beat — never have I seen the Dark Knight grimace with such fervent intensity.
“Zoë Kravitz gets ‘Batman’ support from Jason Momoa and Channing Tatum” via Lisa Respers France of CNN — Kravitz got some support from two important men in her life. On Monday, her stepfather, Momoa, posted photos of him and her reported boyfriend, Tatum, as they headed to the premiere of her new film, “The Batman,” on his verified Instagram account. “Finally @thebatman premiere.” Momoa, who in January announced that he and Kravitz’s mother Lisa Bonet were splitting after 16 years together, wrote that he was “beyond proud” of his stepdaughter. Kravitz portrays Selina Kyle aka Catwoman in the new film. She and Tatum, who is playing a tech billionaire in her forthcoming directorial debut, sparked speculation that they were a couple last year.
“Why it’ll cost extra to see ‘The Batman’ at AMC theaters” via Ryan Faughnder of The Los Angeles Times — AMC Theatres has started to charge higher prices for Hollywood’s most popular films, including this weekend’s release of Warner Bros.’ “The Batman,” as the world’s largest cinema chain looks to get more bang from the biggest blockbusters. Chief Executive Adam Aron told investors that the company is bringing variable pricing to its theaters, an idea that U.S. movie houses have long resisted other than with matinees and other exceptions. Aron said during a conference call that prices for “The Batman” this weekend is “slightly higher” than the prices the company is charging for other movies playing in the same theaters at the same time. This comes after the company previously raised prices at some of its theaters for weekend showtimes above weekday screenings, which tend to get lower traffic.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating today is Rep. Fentrice Driskell, Bradley Bean, Lisa Kauffman, and Sean Stafford.
___
Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Renzo Downey, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
5.) MORNING BREW
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13.) AXIOS
Axios AM
Hello, Thursday. Smart Brevity™ count: 1,499 words … 5½ mins. Edited by Noah Bressner.
⚡ Situational awareness: The House’s Jan. 6 committee says in court documents that former President Trump “may have engaged in criminal acts” to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Keep reading … 221-page filing.
Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios
Giant global businesses in every sector are abandoning Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
- Why it matters: In addition to condemning the invasion, the companies see an impossible environment — from worker safety … to the logistics of getting supplies … financial and sales disruption … and the complexity of complying with sanctions, Axios’ Hope King writes.
State of play: Financial sanctions have isolated Russia from the rest of the world. Businesses operating in Russia have an increasingly limited ability to collect revenue or pay workers and suppliers.
- Economic sanctions, including export controls, have curtailed imports.
- Some workers are being moved out of Russia.
- Restricted airspace and travel are preventing companies from getting the equipment they need to continue to operate.
Between the lines: Some companies that have very little physical presence in Russia — including many in tech, retail and media — are limiting how products are used in the country or have pulled them.
Flashback: Since the Soviet Union’s collapse three decades ago, Russia had been seen as an emerging market with long-term growth potential.
In the seven days since the invasion began:
- Boeing suspended major operations in Moscow, as well as maintenance and technical support for Russian airlines.
- Shell will sever ties with Russian gas giant Gazprom and end its roughly $1 billion financing of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
- Exxon Mobil says it will exit Russia oil and gas operations valued at more than $4 billion and cease new investment.
- GM, which sells only about 3,000 cars a year in Russia, says it will suspend exporting vehicles.
- Ford suspended operations.
- BMW stopped shipments and will stop production in Russia.
- VW paused delivery of Audis already in Russia so it can adjust car prices to reflect the decline in value of the ruble.
- Harley-Davidson suspended shipments to Russia.
- Adidas suspended its partnership with the Russian Football Union.
- Nike ceased online sales because it can’t guarantee delivery.
- FedEx and UPS suspended shipments.
- Yoox Net-A-Porter Group and Farfetch, luxury e-commerce platforms, are suspending deliveries in Russia.
- Apple paused product sales and limited services (including Apple Pay), on top of ceasing exports to Russia and restricting features in Apple Maps in Ukraine to safeguard civilian safety.
- Dell stopped selling products.
- Walt Disney is pausing film debuts in Russia. Warner Bros., Sony, Paramount and Universal say they won’t release films in the country.
Bulletin: Russia’s foreign minister says Moscow is ready for peace talks but will continue destroying Ukraine’s military infrastructure.
- Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia has no thoughts of nuclear war, Reuters reports.
More than 1 million people have fled Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, the UN refugee agency told AP.
- That amounts to more than 2% of Ukraine’s population being forced out of the country in less than a week.
Go deeper: Axios Ukraine dashboard.
The U.S. ranks 38th in the world on the 2022 SDG Gender Index, which tracks the empowerment of women and girls across a variety of metrics — from health to education to workplace rights, Axios’ Emily Peck writes.
- The report relies on pre-COVID data. Its authors warn the picture is even worse today.
The report found that wealthier nations tend to rank higher for gender equality. But the U.S. ranks closer to less-wealthy nations like South Korea and Costa Rica.
🔮 What’s next: March is Women’s History Month. Expect a raft of data and information on women’s economic standing.
COVID case rates continued a steep decline over the past two weeks, Axios’ Tina Reed and Kavya Beheraj report.
- The lowest rates were in Nebraska (6 cases per 100,000 people), followed by Delaware and Maryland (9 per 100,000).
- Montana and Alaska had the highest rates (49 per 100,000 and 47 per 100,000, respectively).
Nevada was the only state where cases rose over the last two weeks.
- Kentucky saw the greatest drop.
Kenneth M. Duberstein — final White House chief of staff to President Ronald Reagan and one of Washington’s most connected people — died Wednesday at 77, his wife, Jackie Fain Duberstein, tells me.
- Ken had been ill and retired recently from his firm, The Duberstein Group, which will continue with his younger partners. He died at Sibley Memorial Hospital in D.C.
Duberstein, a consultant to “The West Wing,” was a gregarious presence at Washington parties, in network greenrooms and in New York boardrooms — forever beloved by the press for all the leaking he did during the Reagan years.
- When he and Jackie were married in 2003, the officiant was Supreme Court Justice David Souter. Duberstein had been the sherpa for Souter’s confirmation. The music? Marvin Hamlisch.
- I was always struck by the fact that he loved being Ken Duberstein. When I told Jackie that last night, she said: “He did!”
Under Reagan, Duberstein also was deputy chief of staff and was head of legislative affairs. He had been Boeing’s longest-serving lead director, had been on other corporate boards, including Travelers, and was a leader at Harvard’s Institute of Politics.
- He was still on the Brookings board, was an honorary trustee of the Kennedy Center and was an emeritus trustee of his alma mater, Franklin & Marshall College, in Pennsylvania.
With a flair her husband would relish, Jackie Fain Duberstein plans a funeral at Washington Hebrew Congregation, with elder statesmen as speakers.
- “If you don’t grab the moment,” she told me, “you lose the moment.”
Melinda French Gates talks with Gayle King on “CBS Mornings” about her divorce from Bill Gates, who admitted an affair:
I certainly believe in forgiveness. So I thought we had worked through some of that. …
There just came a point in time where there was enough there that I realized it just wasn’t healthy, and I couldn’t trust what we had.
In the interview airing this morning, French Gates says she had “a lot of tears for many days — I mean, days where I’m literally laying on the floor on the carpet … and days I certainly was angry.”
- “I do feel like I’m turning a page,” she said. “I’m actually really excited about what’s to come and life ahead for me.”
Cover: Penguin Press
Mark Leibovich — author of the bestselling “This Town,” about Beltway rituals — will be out July 12 with a new vivisection, “Thank You for Your Servitude: Donald Trump’s Washington and the Price of Submission.”
- Why it matters: Leibovich told me this is about people who allowed Trump to happen — “Republican collaborators who helped and enabled and rehabilitated him despite profound misgivings about his character and where he was leading their party, their country and themselves.”
Leibovich — who left The New York Times for The Atlantic, where he starts in April — tells me: “I set out to write a sequel to ‘This Town,’ but for the Trump years. It didn’t take long to realize that this was a … different and scarier story than the ‘This Town’ of a decade ago.”
- “It is about the dirt that Trump tracked in during his Washington residency, the people he broke, the weakness he seized upon and the party he came to own.”
Originally, the title was going to be something like “Trumptown.”
- But Leibo said he found “the most compelling part of this story has been about the servitude and submission of the Trump era GOP: the people … Trump brought to heel, and who were willing to do what it took to make themselves ‘relevant’ in this dark carnival.”
When I asked Leibo if D.C. is back, he replied: “‘This Town’ never left. It’s a living, breathing mutating organism — like a virus.”
38.2 million people watched President Biden’s State of the Union address on TV Tuesday evening, up 42% from his speech to a joint session of Congress last April, Axios’ Sara Fischer writes from Nielsen data.
Tuesday’s address was carried across 16 U.S. broadcast and cable networks, in English and some in Spanish.
- Fox News drew the biggest audience numbers of all networks, with 7.2 viewers between 9:09 and 10:10 p.m. ET, followed on cable by CNN with 4.8 million and MSNBC with 4.1 million.
- ABC led the broadcast networks with 6.3 million viewers, followed CBS with 4.9 million and NBC with 4.7 million.
The context: More people tuned in last night than they did for the last four years of the Obama administration.
- But Biden’s speech drew far fewer viewers than former President Trump’s 2018 State of the Union, watched by 45.5 million people.
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17.) THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
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20.) CHICAGO TRIBUNE
21.) CHICAGO SUNTIMES
22.) THE HILL MORNING REPORT
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23.) THE HILL 12:30 REPORT
24.) ROLL CALL
Morning Headlines
President Joe Biden’s remarks on Ukraine drew perhaps the most bipartisan applause during his State of the Union address. But the unity was illusory. Republicans pressed the case Wednesday that they are more interested than Democrats in quickly providing new weapons to Ukraine and in imposing punishing new sanctions on Russia. Read more…
We all know Congress can’t get much done. It’s always deadlocked, gridlocked, locked in a partisan fight, each party ready to lock horns to block the other side from destroying America. But what if all that’s just a story we tell ourselves to make sense of politicians’ incessant bickering and a steady stream of negative headlines? Read more…
Ketanji Brown Jackson takes historic first steps toward Supreme Court
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson met with key senators Wednesday, the first of what could be dozens of short face-to-face, get-to-know-you meetings ahead of her confirmation hearing, which Senate Judiciary Chair Richard J. Durbin announced will take place the week of March 21. Read more…
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A balancing act that’s worth it
OPINION — Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson will more than live up to the expectations many Americans are placing on her shoulders. A lot of pressure? Yes. But this accomplished Black woman, relatable to many walking that same tightrope, is used to it. Read more…
Pandemic relief, disaster aid strain omnibus spending talks
Omnibus spending negotiations remained fraught Wednesday amid disputes over including emergency COVID-19 relief and disaster aid. And with other hang-ups over the 12 annual appropriations bills, lawmakers questioned whether it would all get done before March 11, when stopgap funding expires. Read more…
Texas Rep. Van Taylor admits affair, ends reelection campaign
A day after being forced into a runoff, Texas GOP Rep. Van Taylor ended his campaign for reelection Wednesday and admitted he had an extramarital affair. “About a year ago, I made a horrible mistake that has caused deep hurt and pain among those I love most in this world,” the two-term Republican said in an email to supporters. Read more…
Biden’s State of the Union: a swing and a miss
OPINION — Based on Tuesday’s address, one might think Joe Biden is enjoying a positive job approval and an electorate that thinks the U.S. is on the right track. Neither is true. Biden didn’t take on Vladimir Putin directly or take the country in a new direction. He swung and missed. Read more…
Parties clash over unionizing Hill staff at House hearing
House Administration Chair Zoe Lofgren led a hearing Wednesday on finalizing implementation of a law that would allow congressional staffers to unionize. It also happened to be among the first measures she ever voted for. Read more…
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25.) POLITICO PLAYBOOK
POLITICO Playbook: How gas prices could crush Biden and the Democrats
DRIVING THE DAY
POLICY PALOOZA DU JOUR: RUSSIAN OIL — President JOE BIDEN’s conservative critics — from Fox News to Capitol Hill Republicans — have slammed the administration for exempting Russian oil from the raft of financial sanctions aimed at the Kremlin.
They’ve argued two main things:
1. With Russia’s economy so reliant on the energy sector, the U.S. should target that nation’s energy exports in order to be effective.
2. Biden should simultaneously green-light domestic energy production to offset any oil shortages — a policy the GOP has been pushing for years and that is, in many ways, antithetical to the administration’s climate goals.
But now, calls to ban Russian oil are gaining bipartisan traction on Capitol Hill. And with the blessing of President VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, Ukrainian officials are privately pleading with the Biden administration to cut Russian oil and gas off completely: Otherwise, they say, President VLADIMIR PUTIN still has a lifeline.
The issue is creating a dammed-if-he-does, damned-if-he-doesn’t situation for Biden. Here’s why:
— If he does block Russian oil, skyrocketing gas prices will go even higher. On Wednesday, crude oil prices reached their highest level in more than a decade, which will further inflate the cost of gasoline, already averaging $3.60 a gallon nationally. While Russian oil and gas makes up a tiny fraction of U.S. energy supply, choking off its energy products will likely send prices soaring even more.
That’s the last thing Biden wants, as inflation is already dragging down his poll numbers. It’s why he used his State of the Union to announce that the U.S. and other countries would release 60 million barrels of oil from reserves. It’s why desperate Hill Democrats looking toward the midterms are floating the idea of a gas tax holiday.
— If he doesn’t block Russian oil and gas imports, Biden opens himself to allegations that he’s giving Putin precious breathing room. And the GOP is itching to pounce.
Case in point: Today, Republican Study Committee Chair JIM BANKS (R-Ind.) will circulate a memo to House Republicans blasting what he’s calling Biden’s “assault on domestic energy producers.” From the memo: “Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine is an energy war. And, thanks to Joe Biden, America is unprepared to fight it. We are energy vulnerable.” First look at the memo here
IT’S NOT JUST THE FAR RIGHT, THOUGH …
— In the center: Sens. LISA MURKOWSKI (R-Alaska) and JOE MANCHIN (D-W.Va.), who hail from energy-producing states, are unveiling a bill to ban Russian oil imports. A draft one-pager of their coming proposal states that such imports put U.S. “national security at risk and [support] Putin’s ability to stay in power.”
In an interview that just posted this morning, Murkowski told our Joshua Siegel that blocking Russian oil was worth the “hurt” of higher gas prices: “We are going to see price increases. Nobody wants to see that. And this is going to hurt. But we all need to recognize Europe is in the midst of a war with Russia now. Innocent people are dying, children are dying. We have not been in as volatile a situation as anytime in my life.”
— On the left: Sen. ED MARKEY (D-Mass.), a leading progressive voice on climate change and the Senate sponsor of the Green New Deal, has drafted his own bill banning Russian oil. “This is our moment to have a strong bipartisan response to say, ‘We don’t need your oil anymore than we need your caviar,’” Markey told Josh.
SOME FACTS TO KEEP IN MIND AS THIS DEBATE PLAYS OUT:
- There’s a difference between banning Russian oil in the U.S. and sanctioning those products. The latter would dictate that no country that partners with the U.S. could buy Russian, either. The administration says that’s problematic for Europe, which relies heavily on Russia’s supply. Few lawmakers are advocating for going this far, though that is starting to change as the situation in Ukraine spirals.
- While Biden on Wednesday said nothing is off the table, the administration has privately argued that cutting off Russian imports to the U.S. alone won’t do much to hurt Moscow; it only constituted about 10% of the nation’s total exports at the end of last year.
- Republicans like to claim that Biden’s clean energy policies bolster Putin by not investing in domestic oil production. Here’s the reality: “The Interior Department processed more oil and gas drilling permits during Biden’s first year in office than three of the four years of the Trump administration,” our Ben Lefebvre and Zack Colman report. And even though the administration paused new oil and gas lease sales on federal lands, many of the administration’s “green” policies have been stalled.
- Even if Biden does ban Russian imports, it’s unclear whether he would open up new lands for drilling. That’s a separate issue — one that would infuriate his own party. However, if he bans Russian oil, and gas prices hike further, pressure to act will certainly increase.
- The issue is making Republicans salivate, no matter how it ends up. Either they get to paint Biden as unwilling to go all out to punish Putin, or he takes the bait and gas prices jump before the midterms, which they’ll of course blame him for also..
Good Thursday morning. Thanks for reading Playbook. Drop us a line: Rachael Bade, Eugene Daniels, Ryan Lizza.
SIREN: 1/6 COMMITTEE ALLEGES ‘CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY’ BY TRUMP — The House select committee on Jan. 6 said “its evidence has shown that [former President DONALD] TRUMP and his campaign tried to illegally obstruct Congress’ counting of electoral votes and ‘engaged in a criminal conspiracy to defraud the U.S.,’” our Kyle Cheney and Nicholas Wu report. “The committee suggested its evidence supported findings that Trump himself violated multiple laws by attempting to prevent Congress from certifying his defeat.” The committee’s latest filing
The committee’s findings will surely increase pressure on A.G. MERRICK GARLAND, who some Democrats have accused of dragging his feet when it comes to investigating potential crimes committed by the former president and his advisers stemming from the insurrection.
BIDEN’S THURSDAY:
— 9 a.m.: The president will hold a secure video call with Australia PM SCOTT MORRISON, India PM NARENDRA MODI and Japan PM KISHIDA FUMIO to discuss the war in Ukraine and its implications for the Indo-Pacific region.
— 11:15 a.m.: Biden will receive the President’s Daily Brief.
— 2 p.m.: Biden will hold a Cabinet meeting, with VP KAMALA HARRIS also attending.
— 5 p.m.: Biden will sign the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act into law. Biden and Harris will speak, with Garland and Labor Secretary MARTY WALSH also attending.
Press secretary JEN PSAKI will brief at 1 p.m.
THE SENATE is in. Fed Chair JEROME POWELL will testify before the Banking Committee at 10 a.m. The FERC chair and commissioners will testify before the Energy and Natural Resources Committee at 10 a.m.
THE HOUSE will meet at 9 a.m. to take up the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, with last votes at 3 p.m. Speaker NANCY PELOSI will hold her weekly press conference at 10:45 a.m.
PHOTO OF THE DAY
PLAYBOOK READS
WAR IN UKRAINE
DAY EIGHT …
— The city of Kherson has fallen. “Its mayor, IGOR KOLYKHAEV, said Russian troops had forced their way into the city council building and imposed a curfew on residents,” according to the BBC. “Mr. Kolykhaev called on residents to follow conditions set by Russian forces in order to ‘keep the Ukrainian flag flying,’” including a curfew, not gathering in large groups and “allowing only cars carrying food, medicine and other supplies to enter the city.”
NYT: “The week-old Russian invasion appeared to be making its biggest gains in the south, with the capture of Kherson potentially clearing the way for a bid to seize Ukraine’s entire Black Sea coast, which would cut off the country from world shipping. Russian forces surrounded another key port city, Mariupol, whose fall would enable two flanks of Russian and Russian-backed fighters to trap Ukraine’s forces in the southeast.”
— Kyiv remained under Ukrainian control.
WSJ: “The large Russian force moving from Belarus northwest of Kyiv was held and repelled by Ukrainian forces in towns like Bucha, where the central street was littered with burned-out Russian military vehicles. On Wednesday, units of Ukrainian troops cautiously walked on the rubble of a blown-up bridge on a main road from Kyiv as they headed toward Bucha, carrying sniper rifles, heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.”
— Kharkiv continued to suffer heavy shelling.
BBC: “Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, came under a fierce aerial assault. Its mayor told the BBC shelling and cruise missile strikes were hitting residential areas and inflicting heavy civilian casualties. And in the southern port of Mariupol, hundreds are feared dead following hours of sustained shelling.”
CNN: “Russian attacks on Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region killed 34 civilians and injured 285 more in the 24 hours to Thursday morning, according to emergency services.”
— The U.S. sent “hundreds of Stinger anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine for the first time over the last few days, including over 200 on Monday,” officials tell CNN’s Kylie Atwood and Zachary Cohen.
— A million Ukrainians have fled the country, according to FILIPPO GRANDI, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.
— The International Criminal Court will “immediately proceed with active investigations” into “allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed” in Ukraine, according to ICC chief prosecutor KARIM A. A. KHAN.
— 141 out of 193 nations backed a U.N. General Assembly resolution demanding that Russia “immediately end its invasion of Ukraine and unconditionally withdraw all its military forces.” Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, Russia, and Syria voted against the resolution. 35 countries abstained.
— Peace talks will resume today, per CNN.
CONGRESS
MANCHIN COUNTERS ON BBB — Hours after Biden floated a scaled-back version of his now-dead social-spending package, Manchin sounded more optimistic about a reconciliation Take Two than we’ve heard in a while. Burgess Everett and Nicholas Wu report that Manchin wants to start with revenue savings from prescription drug pricing reform and rolling back the 2017 Trump tax cuts.
The revenue raised would be divided “evenly between reducing the federal deficit and inflation, on the one hand, and enacting new climate and social programs, on the other.”
THE WHITE HOUSE
BIDEN’S POST-SOTU CHALLENGE — On the heels of his first State of the Union address, Biden is risking “a revolt from key voices across his party’s sprawling coalition,” AP’s Steve Peoples, Alan Fram and Farnoush Amiri write. “He glossed over concerns about voting rights and spent little time heralding his historic decision to nominate the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. … The calculated messages, threaded through one of the most important speeches of Biden’s young presidency, marked a clear effort to reset the political climate for Democrats. … But Biden’s effort to stabilize the party could alienate the coalition of Black people, young people, progressives and independents who delivered him the presidency in 2020 and will be needed again this year.”
JUDICIARY SQUARE
WHAT THE RIGHT IS LISTENING TO — Following a meeting with Biden’s Supreme Court Judge nominee, KETANJI BROWN JACKSON, Senate Minority Leader MITCH MCCONNELL said on GUY BENSON’s podcast that he asked Jackson if she could affirm RUTH BADER GINSBURG and STEPHEN BREYER’s stance against court packing. Said McConnell: “I didn’t get an answer to that, but I’m sure she’ll be asked that again in her hearings before the Judiciary Committee.” The full clip
— Meanwhile, Jackson also met with Sens. DICK DURBIN (D-Ill.) and CHUCK GRASSLEY (R-Iowa) on Wednesday. NYT’s Carl Hulse has the debrief. ICYMI: “If all goes according to plan, the schedule will allow for a full Senate vote on the nomination before a two-week recess scheduled to begin on April 8.”
ALL POLITICS
TEXAS PRIMARY LATEST — Whichever Democrat wins the fiercely contested South Texas primary between HENRY CUELLAR and JESSICA CISNEROS, Republicans see it as a prime opportunity to capitalize on their growing appeal to Latino voters and flip a seat that has never elected a GOP member, Sarah Ferris and Ally Mutnick report from Laredo, Texas.
CRAZIEST STORY OF THE DAY — “Rep. Van Taylor apologizes for affair with ‘ISIS bride,’ abruptly drops reelection bid,” by Dallas Morning News’ Todd Gillman
TRUMP CARDS
TRUMP BORDER WALL BREACHED 3,000+ TIMES — The new “border wall” barriers built by the Trump administration have been breached by smugglers 3,272 times over the past three years, according to unpublished Customs and Border Protection records obtained by WaPo’s Nick Miroff.
PLAYBOOKERS
IN MEMORIAM — Ken Duberstein, former Reagan White House chief of staff and chair/CEO of the Duberstein Group, has died at 77. From the Duberstein Group announcement: “While he had a knack (some might call it a reputation) for being the last one to enter the room, Ken was guaranteed to be the first one to fill it with laughter. He was somehow both larger than life and invariably authentic. Regardless of how, when, and where Ken entered your life, you undoubtedly came away a bit happier, a bit lighter, a bit more thankful. We certainly have.”
Ron DeSantis pressured students appearing at an event with him to take off their masks.
Tim Kaine, who believes he has long Covid and introduced legislation Wednesday to study the issue, said, “It feels like all my nerves have had like five cups of coffee.”
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has a diabolical job opening for a director of internet strategy. The pay: $6,666.66 per month.
Howard Fineman recalled being taken into KGB custody in Ukraine in 1970.
LEDE OF THE DAY — Courtesy of Alex Thompson and Max Tani: “Last Friday at a voluntary all-hands meeting within the White House science office, chief of staff Marc Aidinoff and the temporary director of the office Alondra Nelson told staffers they needed to stop recording internal meetings. We’ve obtained a recording of that meeting.” Read and subscribe to West Wing Playbook here
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is creating a new #JustSayNo 2.0 Nancy Reagan Scholarship Competition to award college scholarships to students who “stand strong against today’s drug pressures.”
SPOTTED at St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill for Ash Wednesday: Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) sitting together, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Samuel Alito.
OUT AND ABOUT — Niki Christoff’s crypto and web3 gathering, co-hosted with Boys Club, drew 40 women in tech to Toolbox for a crash course on web3 and a fireside chat with Evin McMullen on digital identity in the metaverse Wednesday night. SPOTTED: Amanda Anderson, Courtney Robinson, Ashley Scott, Lee Dunn, Sasha Moss, Tiffany Moore, Lauren Culbertson, Julie Stitzel, Robin Reck, Lauren Belive, Sheila Warren, Cathy Merrill Williams, Brittany Bramell, Niloo Razi Howe and Amena Ross.
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — Deanna Williams is now an SVP in Precision’s comms practice. She most recently consulted for various agencies, and is a Marriott alum.
MEDIA MOVES — Tim Murtaugh is now a columnist for The Washington Times, writing biweekly about the media, Big Tech and politics. He was comms director for the Trump reelect and has his own firm, Line Drive Public Affairs. … Mary Margaret Olohan is now a reporter for The Daily Wire. She previously was a reporter for the Heritage Foundation’s Daily Signal.
TRANSITIONS — Missy Jenkins is joining The Assistance Fund as VP of external affairs. She previously was founder of Belleaire Consulting, and is a Newt Gingrich alum. … Marlon Bateman is now executive adviser to the office of the Utah A.G. He is a Trump State Department, Hoover Institution and RNC alum.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: NRCC Chair Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) … Reps. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) (6-0), Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) … Ira Glass … Alex Smith … George Little (5-0), celebrating in Miami … RGA’s Jesse Hunt … Dan Conston … Marc Short … Susan Zirinsky (7-0) … Mayer Brown’s Andrew Olmem … Tim Morrison … Elaina Plott … Alexa Henning … WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom … Ron Chernow … Peter Mirijanian … Carlton Carroll … America First Policy Institute’s Steve Smith … Hadar Arazi … Cameron French … Michael Remez … POLITICO’s Lily Mihalik Bhandari and Bryan Jablonski Plescia … Jason Dick … Patrick Gavin … Amanda Crane … Laura Engquist of Rep. Troy Balderson’s (R-Ohio) office … Spencer Hurwitz … John Roscoe … Cecilie Combs … Tyler Ann McGuffee … Jason Gerson … Scott Pollard … Hannah Blatt … Ghada Alkiek … Charles Cote … Jasen Castillo … Mike Yelovich … Ajay Kuntamukkala … former Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.)
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26.) AMERICAN MINUTE
Ancient Israel inspired Right of “the PEOPLE” to Keep & Bear Arms -“To make yourself powerless is to invite an attack!” – American Minute with Bill Federer
27.) CAFFEINATED THOUGHTS
28.) CONSERVATIVE DAILY NEWS
29.) PJ MEDIA
30.) WHITE HOUSE DOSSIER
31.) THE DISPATCH
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The Morning Dispatch: Russia Shells Civilian Infrastructure
Plus: The January 6 committee says it has evidence Donald Trump may have committed crimes in his attempt to overturn the 2020 election.
The Dispatch Staff |
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Happy Thursday to everyone except MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Quick Hits: Today’s Top Stories
- The Biden administration announced another tranche of sanctions on Wednesday that includes export controls targeting Russian oil refining, full blocking sanctions on 22 Russian defense entities, and restrictions on Belarus’ ability to import technological goods. The Justice Department also announced the launch of “Task Force KleptoCapture,” an interagency effort aimed at enforcing the United States’ sanctions.
- Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters Wednesday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin decided to postpone a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile test scheduled for this week to demonstrate the U.S. has “no intention of engaging in any actions that can be misunderstood or misconstrued.” Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered nuclear forces into “special combat readiness” earlier this week, and the country conducted nuclear submarine drills on Tuesday.
- The January 6 Select Committee alleged in a court filing on Wednesday it has evidence that former President Donald Trump and his allies “may have engaged in criminal and/or fraudulent acts” as part of their efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, including obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 increased about 1.8 percent on Wednesday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told the House Financial Services Committee he plans to propose raising interest rates 0.25 percentage points—not 0.5 percentage points—at the Fed’s policy meeting in two weeks. “We’re going to avoid adding uncertainty to what is already an extraordinarily challenging and uncertain moment,” Powell said.
- The European Union’s statistics agency reported Wednesday Eurozone year-over-year inflation hit 5.8 percent in February, up from 5.1 percent in January and the highest rate on record.
- U.S. Attorney John Lausch announced the indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan on Wednesday. Madigan—a Democratic who held the role of Speaker for nearly 40 years—was charged with 22 counts of racketeering and bribery for his role in a corruption scandal involving ComEd, the state’s largest electric utility.
- Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin announced Wednesday Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings will begin on Monday, March 21. Jackson began meeting with senators—including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell—yesterday.
Damage Mounts in Nonstop Shelling of Ukraine
When we last wrote to you about the situation in Ukraine on Tuesday, John Spencer, chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, told us that—although Russia’s military strategy to date had been flawed and Ukrainian forces were putting up a good fight—the violence in the conflict was about to “significantly increase.” As badly as we wanted him to be wrong, he wasn’t.
Amid reports of food and fuel shortages, Russian ground forces in Ukraine haven’t made much headway in the past two days. “There essentially has been no appreciable movement closer to [Kyiv] than what we briefed a couple of days ago,” a senior U.S. Defense Department official told reporters on Wednesday. “They appear to be stalled outside of [Chernihiv and Kharkiv] as well, and they are clearly meeting with resistance.”
Russian airstrikes, however, continue apace—and may even be accelerating in frequency. The Pentagon estimates Russian forces have launched 70 missiles in Ukraine over the past 48 hours, and on-the-ground sources indicate more and more of these projectiles are landing in residential and civilian areas.
“In Kyiv, we’ve observed, certainly as you have all observed, an increase in missiles and artillery targeting the city,” the defense official said. “This increasing aggressiveness in terms of just the iron that they’re lobbing into the city certainly aligns with open-sourced reporting that the [Russian] Ministry of Defense has decided to become much more aggressive with its targeting in Kyiv to include infrastructure right there inside the city. We’re actually seeing sort of similar situations bear out in and around Chernihiv to the north and Kharkiv to the northeast. Both cities are continuingly under assault.”
January 6 Committee: Trump May Have Committed Crimes
The January 6 Select Committee filed court documents Wednesday asserting former President Donald Trump may have committed crimes in connection with his attempts to remain in office after losing the 2020 presidential election. The filing—part of the committee’s effort to obtain documents from John Eastman, a law professor and Claremont Institute scholar who helped concoct an unconstitutional scheme to delay certification of the election results—urges a federal judge to review communications between Trump and Eastman and deny Eastman’s claims of attorney-client privilege.
Eastman has invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate himself in refusing to answer questions from the Committee. In seeking these communications, the Committee is arguing that they are not protected by attorney client privilege on several grounds. They argue that Eastman didn’t have an attorney/client relationship with Trump, or that if he did, that privilege was vitiated by the crime/fraud exception to the attorney client privilege.
Just as a search warrant requires an officer to swear that there is a fair probability that the search would produce evidence of a crime, in this case the committee must show that it has provided the judge “a factual basis adequate to support a good faith belief” that these communications would show that Mr. Trump committed a crime and that he relied on Eastman’s legal advice to aid his criminal efforts.
Worth Your Time
- Vladimir Putin wants the West to believe he’s open to using nuclear weapons. President Biden says not to worry. “The Russian invasion of Ukraine has politicians and policymakers talking about something that would have been almost unimaginable as recently as a month ago: the specter that a ground war in Eastern Europe could escalate into a nuclear conflict,” writes Eric Felten at RealClearPolitics. “Russian strongman Vladimir Putin has created an urgent need for what had seemed to be a dusty relic—a strategy for what to do with nuclear weapons. It’s possible the answer may be found in a short policy paper that helped John F. Kennedy blunt Russian ambitions in 1961 when Nikita Khrushchev tested the new American president by threatening to make good on his demand that West Berlin be handed over to the Soviets.” Kennedy advisers would later say the two-page paper, written by Thomas Schelling, made a “deep impression” on Kennedy and shaped his response to the crisis.
- Russia House—a D.C. restaurant—was targeted by vandals last week who smashed windows, broke a door, and tagged walls with anti-Russian rhetoric. The restaurant’s owners are American and Lithuanian. But even if they weren’t, Christian Britschgi notes for Reason, it’s vital we distinguish Russian people from Vladimir Putin’s autocratic regime. “What’s so concerning about the ever-widening cultural boycott of Russia and Russians,” he writes, “is that it’s punishing people with little connection to and no influence over the Russian government and its war in Ukraine. That probably won’t change the course of Russia’s war against Ukraine—and when the war does end, the world will have a lot fewer cultural ties to sustain whatever fragile peace emerges.”
- As if on cue, Politico’s Nahal Toosi is out with an article detailing the Biden administration’s efforts—both overt and covert—to drive a wedge between Putin and the Russian people. “Russia’s pro-democracy movement is weaker than it’s been in the past. Putin has killed, imprisoned or pushed into exile many of the most skilled Russians willing to stand up to him, including [Alexei] Navalny. And U.S. officials are unwilling to say much about what covert methods they are using to weaken Putin’s grasp on power, especially when it comes to the oligarchs,” she writes. Former U.S. officials, however, say such moments are ripe for a country like the United States to penetrate Putin’s inner circle as well as to recruit informants from within Russia’s bureaucracy. ‘There are doubtless prominent elites who will have little stomach for the moral or financial bankruptcy of the Kremlin’s moves here,’ said Gavin Wilde, a former National Security Council official who dealt with Russia. He agreed that the ‘nameless rank-and-file are probably ripe for recruitment,’ but said it might be hard for U.S. officials to reach them given restraints the Kremlin is reported to have put on their travel.”
Presented Without Comment
Julian Borger @julianborger
A thumping defeat for Russia at the UN General Assembly https://t.co/LVMoucUoyk
Also Presented Without Comment
The Russian campaign to “denazify” Ukraine just hit a Holocaust memorial https://t.co/ONsaewdRJ2
Dmytro Kuleba @DmytroKuleba
Kyiv TV tower, which has just been hit by a Russian missile, is situated on the territory of Babyn Yar. On September 29-30, 1941, Nazis killed over 33 thousand Jews here. 80 years later, Russian Nazis strike this same land to exterminate Ukrainians. Evil and barbaric.
Toeing the Company Line
- Georgetown professor of international affairs Paul Miller joined Jonah on The Remnant yesterday for a conversation about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the difference between patriotism and nationalism. Has Putin always been this crazy? How should America be preparing itself for a new Cold War?
- On Wednesday’s Dispatch Podcast, Steve spoke with Sen. Ben Sasse about President Biden’s State of the Union address and what else the United States should be doing to help Ukraine. Then, former GOP Rep. Barbara Comstock dropped by for a conversation about the future of the Republican Party.
- Jonah has some gripes with the State of the Union. Joe Biden’s, yes, but also the entire concept of the address. “It’s way too monarchical, promoting the presidency above Congress, at least symbolically,” he writes in Wednesday’s G-File (🔒). “Remember, the State of the Union was intended to be a mandatory performance update from essentially an underling.”
- In this week’s Capitolism (🔒), Scott pulls together some of his early observations on the economic impact of Russia and Ukraine. “There’s a lot more to the situation than just these bilateral trade and capital flows [between the U.S. and Russia],” he notes. But Russia and Ukraine are major energy and grain exporters, and, “though most of these supplies go to places other than the United States, global commodities markets are—well—global, meaning that real or anticipated reductions in supplies of these commodities in one place can lead to higher prices in others.”
- Spoiler alert: Not everything President Biden said in his State of the Union address was 100 percent truthful. Alec and Khaya break it all down in their latest Fact Check.
Reporting by Declan Garvey (@declanpgarvey), Charlotte Lawson (@lawsonreports), and Steve Hayes (@stephenfhayes).
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32.) LEGAL INSURRECTION
33.) THE DAILY WIRE
03.03.2022 By Ben Johnson The good news is Democratic politicians have begun worrying that their “Defund the Police” policies, which coincided with a massive spike in violent crime nationwide, have created “a suicide pact.” The bad news is their apparent shift stems from a concern that they have committed political suicide, not a realization that their actions needlessly cost American lives.
By Amanda Prestigiacomo
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34.) DESERET NEWS
35.) BRIGHT
36.) AMERICAN THINKER
37.) LARRY J. SABATO’S CRYSTAL BALL
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KEY POINTS FROM THIS ARTICLE— North Carolina and Pennsylvania are 2 closely-divided states where the redistricting process this cycle ultimately fell to Democratic-controlled state courts. — Democrats seem likely to gain at least 1 seat out of North Carolina, although the relatively favorable map that they got will only be in place for the 2022 election cycle. — As we expected, a GOP-held seat was eliminated as Pennsylvania’s delegation was forced to downsize, but some of its Democratic members, particularly in the eastern part of the state, will have their work cut out for them. New maps in 2 competitive statesNorth Carolina and Pennsylvania are 2 of the handful of most competitive states in the nation. Each has a high-profile open-seat Senate race this year and were roughly mirror opposites for president in 2020, with Joe Biden winning Pennsylvania by about 1.2 points and Donald Trump winning North Carolina by about 1.4 points. Following court intervention in each state, both states finalized their congressional maps last week (barring U.S. Supreme Court intervention, which Republicans in both states are seeking). The new political geography of each of these states merits a close look. North Carolina settles on a (pretty fair) 2-year mapIn the Old North State, debates over 3 topics seem to persist: college basketball, barbecue sauce, and redistricting. While the last item may, admittedly, not be the most enjoyable of the trio, North Carolina is truly in a category of its own — it is the only state that used 3 sets of congressional maps in both the 1990s and 2010s. True to that history, the post-2020 redistricting round was not easy. Ahead of the line-drawing session, legislators from the GOP majority cleverly announced that they wouldn’t consider racial or partisan data when mapping the districts. This may have given the mappers a veneer of impartiality, but it is not hard to memorize the state’s basic voting patterns. Sure enough, Republicans passed a map that gave Democrats only 3 solid seats on a 14-seat map. As a result, the state Supreme Court, which has a narrow Democratic majority, reversed a ruling from a 3-judge lower court panel and overturned the original plan. The higher court’s justification was that Democrats were too disadvantaged. In response to the court ruling, legislative Republicans submitted a map that was more proportional — it included 6 Biden-won seats — but several of the districts were bizarrely shaped. The state Supreme Court went with its own plan, which was drawn by special masters. In the 2020 presidential election, both major party nominees would have carried 7 seats, although it will be easier for Republicans to win a majority of the delegation — this seems an accurate reflection of the state as a whole. Republicans are hoping the U.S. Supreme Court will get involved, but in the meantime, we are assuming the state court’s map stands. Some good news for Republicans, though, is that the court-drawn map will only be in place for a single cycle. Republicans have a fair chance at flipping the state Supreme Court this year, so they may benefit from more favorable circumstances after the 2022 elections and be able to re-impose their preferred partisan gerrymander. Map 1: 2022 North Carolina districts by 2020 voteFirst, we’ll start by getting the Safe districts out of the way. Reps. Deborah Ross (D, NC-2) and Alma Adams (D, NC-12) retain districts in the Raleigh and Charlotte areas, respectively, that each gave the leading candidates on the 2020 Democratic ticket about 65% of the vote. Similarly, District 4, which includes the university cities of Durham and Chapel Hill, is the bluest district in the state — it is an open seat, and retiring Rep. David Price’s (D, NC-4) successor will almost certainly be chosen in the Democratic primary. On the Republican side, districts 3 and 7 take up much of the state’s coastline and are Safe Republican. A decade ago, had this iteration of NC-7 been drawn, it would have been a gift to then-Rep. Mike McIntyre, one of the most conservative Democrats in the House. But several factors have worked to push NC-7 out of reach for Democrats. One factor is that the district includes the state’s fastest-growing county, Brunswick: it got that distinction, in large part, by attracting retirees, who have pushed the area rightward. Another change is that some of McIntyre’s most loyal constituents — the Lumbee Indians of Robeson County (in the bad Democratic year of 2010, he earned over 80% in some Lumbee-heavy precincts) — have since become Republican voters. Robeson County’s current representative — Republican Dan Bishop — has been given a seat that, while secure for his party, is mostly new to him. Under the outgoing map, the territory between the Charlotte and Fayetteville metros was split horizontally between the districts 8 and 9 — that split is now more a vertical arrangement. Bishop’s current NC-9 begins in an upscale part of Charlotte (where he lives) and runs along the South Carolina border down to Robeson County. Though the seat was slightly altered for 2020, Bishop won the seat in a rare do-over election in 2019. With his old seat essentially split in half, Bishop announced that he’d switch to the 8th District. While he currently represents the most populous county there, Union, 60% of the district is new to him. In northwestern North Carolina, Rep. Virginia Foxx’s (R, NC-5) district is similar to what she currently has. NC-5 includes Forsyth County (Winston-Salem) and all of Boone (home to Appalachian State), but the area in between will routinely give Republicans over three-quarters of the vote — on balance, Trump was around 60% both times there. District 10, which is just to the south of NC-5 and takes in the northern and western reaches of the Charlotte area, is even redder — it is the only district in the state where Biden took under 30% of the votes in 2020. Assuming they are reelected, Foxx and Rep. Patrick McHenry (R, NC-10), who were both elected in 2004, will be the most senior members of the Tar Heel delegation. At the state’s western extreme, NC-11 is a Trump +10 seat with a controversial incumbent. Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R, NC-11) is an outspoken member of his party’s far-right wing, and his antics have drawn criticism from both the left and right. While the Republican-passed map kept his current district essentially unchanged, Cawthorn, in something of a surprise move, announced that he’d switch districts — his intention seemed to be to deny state House Speaker Tim Moore (R) a spot in Congress. But with the court-drawn map, switching seats would make little sense: Foxx and McHenry represent the only 2 adjacent districts. So he’s staying put in NC-11. Not too surprisingly, Cawthorn has drawn several GOP opponents. State Sen. Chuck Edwards, the only state legislator who has filed for a promotion, is running as a conservative, but one who will keep more of a parochial focus than the incumbent has. In what’s made for an awkward situation, after Cawthorn announced his now-scuttled plans to leave the district, he endorsed local GOP chairwoman Michele Woodhouse. But even with Cawthorn staying put, Woodhouse has still filed to run. Democrats have several candidates in their primary, but this seat will be a tough lift for any nominee. Now, let’s look at the districts that the Crystal Ball considers to be at least somewhat competitive. Since 1992, the 1st District has been based in northeastern North Carolina, an area which is home to a sizable Black population. Unlike the other Democratic-leaning districts on the map, which center on large metro areas, NC-1 has a rural flavor and is not dominated by a single city. Historically, this has been solid Democratic territory — 3 of the state’s 4 most recent Democratic governors, including current Gov. Roy Cooper, were raised within the boundaries of the new 1st — but the district, which favored Biden by only 53%-46%, has become more competitive. Visually, the center of the district is a handful of rural counties that span from the Roanoke Rapids area to the coast. In 2020, current Rep. G. K. Butterfield (D, NC-1), who has held this seat for almost 20 years, actually performed slightly worse in this part of the district than he did during the red wave of 2010. Shortly after the legislature passed its original plan, which made his district even more rural and competitive, Butterfield announced his retirement. If that plan had stood, we would probably be calling this seat a Toss-up. But we are instead rating the open NC-1 as Leans Democratic. A switch of only 2 counties explains this rating. Originally, the legislature kept basically all of Wayne County (Goldsboro) in the seat — a relatively large county, by the standards of eastern North Carolina, it is an inelastic Trump +12 county. The court-ordered NC-1 eschews Wayne County and adds most of Pitt County (Greenville). Biden carried NC-1’s portion of Pitt County by 14 points, which was actually a bit better than Barack Obama’s showing there in 2008. Within the new 1st, Republicans usually carry a few less populous eastern counties, but Franklin County, just north of Raleigh, has become a key part of their coalition in the district. With demographics similar to the state as a whole, it voted for John McCain by less than 1 point in 2008 — but by 2020, Trump earned 56% there. Why the change? Part of the answer may be that most of its growth has occurred in the southern part of the district, which bumps up against Raleigh’s Wake County. In short, it is voting more like an exurb. Like Brunswick County in NC-7, it is a reminder that population growth has not been a total net plus for state Democrats. Still, we have been hard-pressed to find a recent statewide Democratic nominee who hasn’t carried the new NC-1. Popular Republican state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, who won by nearly 8 points in 2020 (a landslide by state standards), lost the district by about 2 points. Democrats have a few prominent candidates. State Sen. Don Davis is from the Greenville area, while former state Sen. Erica Smith represented a rural district. Smith ran in the 2020 primary for U.S. Senate, and was originally a candidate for that office again, but has dropped down. On the GOP side, Butterfield’s 2020 opponent — Sandy Smith, who ran as a strident Trump Republican — is running again, although she may face a crowded primary. Unlike some of the lower-numbered districts in the state, which have long been associated with certain regions (NC-7, for instance, has been in the southeast since the 1930s), NC-13 has had a shifting identity since it first re-appeared after the 2000 census (North Carolina had a 13th seat for a few decades in the early 1800s). For the first decade of the 2000s, it was a blue seat that hugged the Virginia border and included pockets of Raleigh and Greensboro. Then, it was redrawn for 2012 as a mildly red Raleigh-area seat. It was reincarnated as similarly red Piedmont seat for 2018, before it was made even more Republican in 2020. Under the court’s plan, NC-13 moved back to the Raleigh area, and is, politically, an evenly-divided seat. While the 2nd District includes much of the state capital city, the 13th takes in all or parts of fast-growing communities like Cary, Apex, and Garner. Johnston County, the only whole county within the district, provides a solid foundation for Republicans. Though the new 13th is often a close district, over time, it has been moving more Democratic. As North Carolina voted red in 2020, the 13th went blue, but back in 2008, that positioning was reversed. According to our calculations, as Obama carried the state, he would have lost the new version of NC-13 by about 440 votes — this would have made it the third-closest McCain-won district in the nation, after the 2008 versions of PA-3 and NV-2. Map 2 illustrates the shifts in NC-13 since then. Map 2: 2008 to 2020 in new NC-13The Democratic field so far includes state Sen. Wiley Nickel, who was the first Democrat to announce a run in NC-4 when Price retired, but the 13th has some overlap with his current state Senate district. Former state Sen. Sam Searcy, who is from Wake County, is also considering a run. While the marginal nature of the district may make it hard for Democrats to replicate Biden’s 2020 showing — especially in an environment like this — we’re starting it off as a Toss-up. Just west of NC-13, NC-9 is a Republican-leaning district that we are keeping on the edge of the playing field. Five-term Rep. Richard Hudson (R, NC-8) is running here — though his home city of Concord wound up over in NC-12, Hudson has represented about 70% of the new 9th at some point or another over the last decade. Democrats have a credible candidate in state Sen. Ben Clark, who has represented the Fayetteville area since 2012, but the district supported Trump 53%-45%. Simply put, NC-9 is not as red as the adjacent 7th or 8th districts, but it is still a reach for Democrats. The red anchor for Republicans in NC-9 is Randolph County, which makes up 19% of the district. Originally settled by Quakers in the 1700s, this square-shaped county gave Trump almost 80% of the vote, and a 41,276 raw vote margin, his second highest in the state. In 2008, McCain “only” got about 70% there, so Randolph County is a good illustration that Trump’s gains in already-deep red areas helped him carry the state. Biden carried the rest of the district by about 5 points. One of the biggest losers under the map that legislative Republicans passed was first-term Rep. Kathy Manning (D, NC-6), who currently represents a tidy district in the Triad. Under the GOP-drawn plan, Guilford County (Greensboro) was cracked among 3 red districts. Under this plan, Manning retains all of Guilford County, but trades out much of her Forsyth County (Winston-Salem) holdings for redder turf along the Virginia border. As a result, Biden’s margin in the district is halved, going from 24 percentage points to 12. The new NC-6 is still a largely favorable arrangement for Manning, but if a Republican can energize voters in Rockingham County, and keep the Democratic margins down in Guilford County, this could be a Republican target in a wave year — we’ll call it Likely Democratic for now. Over the last year or so, something that was very much on the minds of North Carolina politicos was where the state’s newly-awarded 14th District would appear. Under the court’s plan, the inaugural NC-14 will be a Charlotte-area seat. Within Mecklenburg County, the 14th District includes all of the upscale “Wedge” — the nickname that political enthusiasts have given the formerly-Republican southern suburbs of the city — and it goes west to include the Charlotte Douglas airport. Further west, the 14th also includes most of exurban Gaston County, although Mecklenburg County makes up close to 75% of the district. A decade ago, Bishop (who lives in the Wedge), could have just stayed put: the 14th would have given Obama less than 52% in 2008, so it would have been manageable for a Republican running in a Democratic midterm year. But while Gaston County has remained politically consistent since 2008, Biden took Obama’s 56%-43% showing in the Mecklenburg County part up to 64%-34%. Overall, Biden took 57% in NC-14, which actually makes it bluer than Manning’s NC-6. Democrats also have a strong recruit in state Sen. Jeff Jackson, who was initially running for Senate but dropped out in December. Jackson is well-known in the area, and is close to a prohibitive favorite in the primary. For the general, we’re starting NC-14 as Likely Democratic. Pennsylvania’s 2018 map carries on (but with 1 less seat)Redistricting in Pennsylvania fell to the state Supreme Court after Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA) and a Republican legislature couldn’t agree on a plan. The court ordered a redraw of a Republican gerrymander in 2018. Four years later, and after reviewing several submissions, it should not be surprising that the court picked a plan that is similar to the map it imposed a few years ago. Like North Carolina, the Pennsylvania court is in Democratic hands. One key difference, though, was that while the former was tasked with adding a new district, the latter had to eliminate one. As the Crystal Ball noted in our redistricting preview, much of central Pennsylvania has seen sluggish, or even negative, population growth over the last decade — so it seemed likely a seat there would be eliminated. Sure enough, on Monday, Rep. Fred Keller (R, PA-12) announced his retirement. Keller’s seat, based in the north-central part of the state, was partitioned among 3 other solidly red districts (PA-9, PA-13, and PA-15). Map 3 shows the new Pennsylvania districts colored by the 2020 presidential vote. The filing deadline for Pennsylvania is coming up soon, on March 15, so there may be some new candidacies that emerge between then and now, but here’s how we’re initially rating the new districts. Map 3: 2022 Pennsylvania districts by 2020 voteBucks County’s proclivity for ticket-splitting was on full display in 2020: Trump took 47% in the district while Fitzpatrick took 57%. Though Fitzpatrick may have another underwhelming primary showing — he was renominated with less than 70% of the vote in both 2018 and 2020, and has some intraparty opposition this time — we view the general election as Likely Republican. Districts 2 and 3 are both located within Philadelphia proper and are the safest Democratic seats on the map. Districts 4 and 5 are less blue, but should reelect their Democratic incumbents, Madeleine Dean and Mary Gay Scanlon, respectively, without much fanfare. District 4 centers on Montgomery County but reaches north into Berks County, which makes for an interesting contrast. At its southern end, PA-4 includes Gladwyne, a community closer in to Philadelphia that was named the 6th richest ZIP code in America in 2018, but its Berks portion has more of a small town feel — when districts need to pick up population, such curious pairings are sometimes inevitable. Though it takes parts of Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, PA-5 is still primarily a Delaware County seat. District 6 may be the least changed district on the map: its Bucks County portion adds about 12,000 residents from the Reading area, but it is otherwise a district dominated by Chester County. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan won the seat by 18 points in 2018, and held on by 12 points in 2020. That was still comfortable, but it was 3 percentage points less than Biden’s margin in the district. While it may be encouraging for Republicans that Houlahan, as an incumbent, underperformed Biden, in 2018, Democrats flipped 5 state House seats in Chester County and retained them all in 2020 — a sign that the area’s newfound Democratic allegiance is holding. We’ll call PA-6 Likely Democratic to start. While Democrats are relatively secure in the Philadelphia area, the turf just to the north is a different story. Of the 4 Democratic women in the Pennsylvania delegation who were first elected in 2018, Rep. Susan Wild (D, PA-7) is the most vulnerable. Her district is based in the Lehigh Valley, which tends to mirror the state as a whole. Lehigh (Allentown) and Northampton (Bethlehem) counties, together, make up 90% of the district. For the other 10%, Wild traded out blue parts of Monroe County (namely around Stroudsburg) for Carbon County, one of the state’s erstwhile swingy counties that is solid red today. With the changes in PA-7, Biden would have only carried the new district by half a percentage point. In 2020, if Wild kept her same performance in Lehigh and Northampton counties but matched Biden in the new parts of the district, she would have lost by about 1,800 votes. Her 2020 opponent, Lisa Scheller, is running again and has racked up endorsements from several Republicans in the delegation, although she may not monopolize the primary. We are starting this race out as a Toss-up. One key constituency in this race could be the area’s Hispanic community. Allentown, the largest city in the district, is now majority Hispanic by composition: since 2010, the Hispanic share of the city has risen from 43% to 54%. While we have often discussed Trump’s gains with minorities in the context of Sun Belt states, similar shifts showed up in the northeast. As Map 4 shows, while Biden flipped the district, he performed 7 percentage points worse than Hillary Clinton in Allentown (the pink on the 3rd image next to the “Lehigh” label). Had he matched Clinton there, Biden would have carried the district by almost 1.5% instead of half a point — that doesn’t sound like much, but in a district split this evenly, every vote counts. Map 4: 2016 to 2020 swing in new PA-7Considering the changes between districts 7 and 8, the court gave Cartwright some help — but perhaps not enough for him to actually win — at the expense of Wild, who could not afford to lose too many blue precincts. From a purely partisan perspective, some Democrats may have preferred to see Wild’s seat strengthened but Cartwright’s weakened — that way, it would be more likely they’d come out of this cycle with at least 1 of those seats. Instead, Republicans have a decent shot at claiming both, although in a favorable Democratic cycle, both could feasibly go blue later in the decade even if Democrats lose them this year. Moving into south-central Pennsylvania, the duo of PA-10 and PA-11 is largely unchanged. The current configuration of PA-10 was new for 2018: it takes in Harrisburg’s Dauphin County, its neighboring communities that are across the Susquehanna River in Cumberland County, and reaches south to grab half of York County — each county makes up almost exactly one-third of PA-10’s population. Trump carried the 10th 53%-43% in 2016, but that showing fell to 51%-47% in 2020. The good news for Rep. Scott Perry (R, PA-10), who faced close races in 2018 and 2020, is that he can breathe a bit easier this year. His 2020 opponent, former state Auditor Eugene DePasquale, announced he’d pass on a rematch. Though Perry is perhaps a bit too conservative for the area — within the ranks of the House Freedom Caucus, of which he is a member, he holds a relatively marginal district — this is looking very much like a reach pickup opportunity for Democrats. We’re starting it as Likely Republican. Though it takes in the other half of York County, the focal point of PA-11 is Lancaster County, which now has well over a half a million residents. This is a safe seat for Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R, PA-11), but it may have some longer-term potential for Democrats. One of the most historically GOP counties in the state (it was the home of the famous Radical Republican Thaddeus Stevens), recent Republican presidential nominees have carried Lancaster County by 10%-20%, instead of the 30-point blowouts George W. Bush posted there. If Democrats have some quibbles about how the Lehigh Valley was drawn, they should have nothing but praise for how the court handled the Pittsburgh area. Allegheny County, which contains Pittsburgh proper, will see open-seat contests for both its districts this year. PA-12, which includes all of the city itself, is the successor to the district from which longtime Rep. Mike Doyle is retiring — it was previously labeled “PA-18,” but the state now only has 17 seats. Rep. Conor Lamb (D, PA-17) is running for Senate and leaves behind a district that contains the area’s northern suburbs. PA-17, which is a Trump-to-Biden district under the current map, is the more marginal of the duo. Rather than expanding outwards into redder turf, which seemed like a distinct possibility, PA-17 takes in about 50,000 more residents of Allegheny County (mostly from cities just south of Penn Hills). Importantly, PA-17’s new constituents broke 72%-27% for Biden — this pushes Biden’s margin in the new seat up to 6 points, and it would have even narrowly favored Clinton in 2016. As an open seat in a (likely) red-tinged year, though, we’re calling this a Toss-up. PA-12 is a few notches less blue than the old PA-18, as it is now pushed out to Westmoreland County, but it went for Biden and Clinton by about 20 points apiece. Finally, districts 14 and 16, which touch the state’s western border, may have been competitive at some points in the early 2000s, but should easily stay in GOP hands this year. ConclusionDemocrats have continued to benefit from state judicial intervention against Republican gerrymandering in North Carolina, although that backstop may disappear in 2022, opening the door to a reinvigorated Republican gerrymander in 2024 and beyond. Keep this in the back of your minds when assessing the overall redistricting picture and the eventual 2022 results — the GOP may have some unrealized redistricting gains in North Carolina that they could cash in for 2024. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania — which has divided government — has what seems like a fair map imposed by the court, but one on which Republicans should very credibly target 3 marginal seats held by Democrats (PA-7, PA-8, and PA-17). In that, it’s similar to Michigan, where a new independent redistricting commission drew what also seems like a fair map where Republicans may benefit in the short term. Overall, 44 of the 50 states now have maps in place. Currently, Democrats hold a 199-169 U.S. House edge in these states. Based on our ratings of the new districts in these states, 183 are rated at least leaning Democratic, 163 at least leaning Republican, and 22 as Toss-ups. So Republicans are “down” 6 seats and Democrats are down 16, although many Toss-ups would have had the same ratings had there been no redistricting this year. We are still waiting on House maps in Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Read the fine printLearn more about the Crystal Ball and find out how to contact us here. Sign up to receive Crystal Ball e-mails like this one delivered straight to your inbox. Use caution with Sabato’s Crystal Ball, and remember: “He who lives by the Crystal Ball ends up eating ground glass!” |
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38.) THE BLAZE
39.) THE FEDERALIST
40.) REUTERS
41.) FIRST RIGHT
March 3rd, 2022
03/03/2022 05:17 CDT
BIDEN’S FAILED ENERGY POLICY DIRECTLY RESULTING IN RISING GAS PRICES; FLYNN TIRED OF ATTACKS FROM THE LEFT
TODAY’S TOP TEN
BIDEN AND DEMOCRATS OWN HIGH GAS PRICES
BIDEN PLOWS FORWARD ON FAILED ENERGY policies that weaken our national security and raise prices. The Federalist.
- Here comes $7-a-gallon gasoline? The Last Refuge.
GENERAL FLYNN LASHES OUT AT LATEST left-wing attack on him. The Western Journal.
BIDEN’S DISINGENUOUS SUPPORT for police ripped by Black Lives Matter and other leftists. TheBlaze.
GEORGIA ELECTIONS CHIEF VOWS to “follow the money” in ballot harvesting probe. Just the News.
TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL’S RACE HEADS to run-off between Ken Paxton and George P. Bush. Breitbart.
17 ABSURD LIES BIDEN TOLD DURING his State of the Unions speech. The Federalist.
PSAKI INADVERTENTLY MAKES THE CASE that Trump is making: Putin only attacks when Democrats are in charge. Legal Insurrection.
THE LIBERAL “THE DAILY SHOW” deletes tweet mockingly comparing Biden to drained iPhone battery. Fox News.
BEN SHAPIRO’S STATE OF THE UNION rebuttal draws more than one million views. Daily Wire.
LONGTIME DEMOCRAT POWER BROKER in Illinois indicted by feds. Associated Press.
If you’d like to share First Right with a friend, text FIRSTRIGHT (all caps, no spaces) to 30161
COMMENTARY WORTH READING
- How the FDA botched COVID and children. Vinay Prasad.
- The moral atrocity of “top surgery.” Miriam Grossman.
- America’s weakness leads to war. Jim Hanson.
VIDEO WORTH WATCHING
- Karl Rove: Biden’s biggest SOTU mistake. Fox News.
- Reporter asks Biden about abortion and Catholicism. Townhall.
- DeSantis tells college students to take off their masks, they are “not doing anything.” Real Clear Politics.
LATEST FIRST RIGHT PODCAST
- An interview with noted pollster Robert Cahaly. Rumble.
OFFBEAT BEAT
- How Churchill’s speech changed the world. CFR.
TWEETS OF NOTE
- (@JohnRatcliffe) A State of the Union speech that did not mention China a single time tells Americans that the Biden administration is not serious about the greatest national security threat to our country. Tweet.
- (@kylenabecker) Don’t be fooled. Democrats have no intention of letting the masks go. They are giving Americans “permission” to take a break. Vanquish them from office in November. Tweet.
MOST CLICKED ITEM YESTERDAY
- RETIRED JUSTICE PROBING WISCONSIN ELECTIONS urges Legislature to consider decertifying 2020 election, pointing to irregularities. Just the News.
BONGINO REPORT TOP HEADLINE AT TIME OF EMAIL
- Records: Black Lives Matter’s Financial Scandal May Be Significantly Worse Than We Thought BONGINO REPORT.
42.) ARRA NEWS SERVICE
43.) REDSTATE
44.) WORLD NET DAILY
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45.) MSNBC
46.) BIZPAC REVIEW
47.) ABC
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48.) NBC MORNING RUNDOWN
49.) NBC FIRST READ
50.) CBS
51.) REASON
52.) MANHATTAN INSTITUTE
53.) LOUDER WITH CROWDER
54.) TOWNHALL
55.) REALCLEARPOLITICS MORNING NOTE
56.) REALCLEARPOLITICS TODAY
57.) CENTER FOR SECURITY POLICY
58.) BERNARD GOLDBERG
59.) SARA A. CARTER
60.) TWITCHY
61.) HOT AIR
62.) 1440 DAILY DIGEST
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63.) AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMIC RESEARCH
64.) NATIONAL REVIEW
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66.) RASMUSSEN REPORTS
67.) ZEROHEDGE
68.) GATEWAY PUNDIT
69.) FRONTPAGE MAG
70.) HOOVER INSTITUTE
71.) DAILY INTELLIGENCE BRIEF
72.) FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION
73.) POPULIST PRESS
This should immediately disqualify her from nomination!
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TOP STORIES:
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Biden’s SCOTUS Pick BUSTED In Hillary Clinton Scandal!
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Republicans Shocked By What Biden Just Announced…
- Biden Caught On Screen In LIVE News Report About Heinous Crime
- Huge Victory For Trump — He’s The UNDEFEATED Reigning Champ
- Republicans Get Devastating News From PA Supreme Court
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Republicans Get Devastating News From PA Supreme Court
- Elon Musk Hits Biden Hard After State Of The Union Car Comment
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BREAKING: WISCONSIN SPECIAL COUNSEL DROPS BOMB — LOCK THEM UP!
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‘It’s a State of the Union miracle!’ Ted Cruz mocks Biden
- CHAOS In Russia As They Have Been Blacklisted
- Biden Busted Plagiarizing Trump In SOTU Speech
- Major Blow Just Dealt To Pelosi — No Coming Back After This
- Biden Invites Child He Victimized to SOTU Address
- Bombshell Voter Fraud Information Drops From Wisconsin
- Jim Jordan Calls for Investigation Into Nancy Pelosi
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IN DEPTH…
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- Justice Department Launches Team to Sanction Russian Oligarchs New
- Feds to Spend $500K Promoting Blogging in Random Central Asian Country New
- PolitiFact Faceplants With Hilariously Bad “Fact Check” of Maria Bartiromo New
- Trump-Endorsed Candidates on Fire in TX GOP Primaries New
- BIG-TIME BLUNDER: Biden Confuses Ukraine and Iran During SOTU 1 hour ago
- Biden Follows Suit, Bans Russian Flights from U.S. Airspace 1 hour ago
- Oil Prices Jump to Highest Since 2011 3 hours ago
- China won’t back global sanctions against Russia, says Beijing’s top banker 3 hours ago
- Joe Manchin sits with Republicans during State of the Union 3 hours ago
- PROGRESSIVES RAGE OVER ONE THING BIDEN CALLED FOR IN SOTU ADDRESS 4 hours ago
- Schumer Stood Up At Wrong Time 4 hours ago
- Russian attacks on US banks 4 hours ago
- Biden calls to secure border 4 hours ago
- US to send Stingers to Ukraine 4 hours ago
- Why Aren’t Russia’s Bombers Attacking?? 4 hours ago
- EU Could Give Jets to Ukraine 4 hours ago
- What Ukraine War Means for Balkans 4 hours ago
- Putin’s Nuclear Firepower Demonstration 4 hours ago
- Ukraine ‘Go f–k yourself’ road signs 4 hours ago
- Unvetted Afghan ‘terrorists’ let into US 4 hours ago
- Facebook, YouTube, TikTok Block Russia 4 hours ago
- Putin Wants to Revive ‘Empire of Fear’ 4 hours ago
- SF DA on rampant theft: ‘It’s not me’ 4 hours ago
- Brazil’s Bolsonaro Claims Neutrality 4 hours ago
- Turkey Denies Uyghurs 4 hours ago
- Ukrainian brewery joins war effort 4 hours ago
- China We regret this invasion … maybe+ 4 hours ago
- Russian troops stalled 4 hours ago
- Rural populations decline 4 hours ago
- AL man ordered to return ‘LGB’ license plate 4 hours ago
- NYT: Democrats See Biden Dragging Their Campaigns Down and One Has a Monstrously Stupid Take on It 4 hours ago
- Yes, Russia could use nuclear weapons 4 hours ago
- Biden Rejects Reality — Putin Rolls into Ukraine 4 hours ago
- Hillary Clinton Wants Trump, Americans ‘Called Out’ For ‘Providing Aid And Comfort To Putin’ 4 hours ago
- The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., And Sony Will Not Release New Movies In Russia, Don’t Say Anything About China 4 hours ago
- Putin-Linked Lobbyist Donated Over $500K to Democrats, Earned Cash from Russian State Investment Fund. 4 hours ago
- Wisconsin voting probe chief urges Legislature to consider decertifying 2020 election 4 hours ago
- Kevin Costner Teams with FOX Nation for Yellowstone Tribute 4 hours ago
- Why Larry David’s HBO doc was shockingly canceled day before premiere 4 hours ago
- ‘1883’ Producer David Glasser Discusses The Future Of The Series, Says He’s Excited ‘For The Year Ahead’ 4 hours ago
- MLB will cancel some games after players, league fail to reach deal 4 hours ago
- Russia’s Sberbank Collapses 95% on London Stock Exchange 4 hours ago
- We’re Not Gonna Take It! Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider ‘Absolutely’ Supports Ukrainians Using Band’s Hit Rock Anthem 4 hours ago
- REPORT: The Packers And Rodgers Are Working On A Deal For Him If He Wants To Remain With Green Bay 4 hours ago
- Elizabeth Holmes’ co-defendant ‘Sunny’ Balwani to face trial this month 4 hours ago
- Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina refuses to play Russian opponent 4 hours ago
- US soccer games moving to WarnerMedia in $200 million deal 4 hours ago
- Broncos GM Vows To Be ‘Aggressive’ In Pursuit For Quarterback 4 hours ago
- National Hockey League Suspends Russian Partnership 4 hours ago
- Wisconsin special counsel bombshell: 91 nursing homes had 95–100% voter turnout in 2020 4 hours ago
- Two dozen states oppose Biden ban on moving liquefied natural gas by train 4 hours ago
- BIDEN: ‘I’ve Ordered More Pills Than Anyone in the World Has’ 5 hours ago
- U.S. Petroleum Imports from Russia Set a Record in Biden’s First Year 5 hours ago
- Russia’s ‘Fortress Economy’ Will Be Hit Hard by SWIFT Sanctions 5 hours ago
- Kamala Harris roasted for ‘Ukraine is a country’ explanation of Russia’s invasion 5 hours ago
- Biden refers to Ukrainians as ‘Iranian people’ in State of the Union gaffe 5 hours ago
- Ill-timed Biden graphic appears for TV report on elderly man accused of inappropriately touching young girl 5 hours ago
- French minister declares “total economic war” on Russia to “cause the collapse of the Russian economy” 5 hours ago
- USA, Britain believe Ukraine war could last 10–20 years! 5 hours ago
- No Drones? 5 hours ago
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TOP STORIES:
-
Republicans Get Devastating News From PA Supreme Court
- Elon Musk Hits Biden Hard After State Of The Union Car Comment
-
BREAKING: WISCONSIN SPECIAL COUNSEL DROPS BOMB — LOCK THEM UP!
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‘It’s a State of the Union miracle!’ Ted Cruz mocks Biden
- CHAOS In Russia As They Have Been Blacklisted
- Biden Busted Plagiarizing Trump In SOTU Speech
- Major Blow Just Dealt To Pelosi — No Coming Back After This
- Biden Invites Child He Victimized to SOTU Address
- Bombshell Voter Fraud Information Drops From Wisconsin
- Jim Jordan Calls for Investigation Into Nancy Pelosi
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IN DEPTH…
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- Justice Department Launches Team to Sanction Russian Oligarchs New
- Feds to Spend $500K Promoting Blogging in Random Central Asian Country New
- PolitiFact Faceplants With Hilariously Bad “Fact Check” of Maria Bartiromo New
- Trump-Endorsed Candidates on Fire in TX GOP Primaries New
- BIG-TIME BLUNDER: Biden Confuses Ukraine and Iran During SOTU 1 hour ago
- Biden Follows Suit, Bans Russian Flights from U.S. Airspace 1 hour ago
- Oil Prices Jump to Highest Since 2011 3 hours ago
- China won’t back global sanctions against Russia, says Beijing’s top banker 3 hours ago
- Joe Manchin sits with Republicans during State of the Union 3 hours ago
- PROGRESSIVES RAGE OVER ONE THING BIDEN CALLED FOR IN SOTU ADDRESS 4 hours ago
- Schumer Stood Up At Wrong Time 4 hours ago
- Russian attacks on US banks 4 hours ago
- Biden calls to secure border 4 hours ago
- US to send Stingers to Ukraine 4 hours ago
- Why Aren’t Russia’s Bombers Attacking?? 4 hours ago
- EU Could Give Jets to Ukraine 4 hours ago
- What Ukraine War Means for Balkans 4 hours ago
- Putin’s Nuclear Firepower Demonstration 4 hours ago
- Ukraine ‘Go f–k yourself’ road signs 4 hours ago
- Unvetted Afghan ‘terrorists’ let into US 4 hours ago
- Facebook, YouTube, TikTok Block Russia 4 hours ago
- Putin Wants to Revive ‘Empire of Fear’ 4 hours ago
- SF DA on rampant theft: ‘It’s not me’ 4 hours ago
- Brazil’s Bolsonaro Claims Neutrality 4 hours ago
- Turkey Denies Uyghurs 4 hours ago
- Ukrainian brewery joins war effort 4 hours ago
- China We regret this invasion … maybe+ 4 hours ago
- Russian troops stalled 4 hours ago
- Rural populations decline 4 hours ago
- AL man ordered to return ‘LGB’ license plate 4 hours ago
- NYT: Democrats See Biden Dragging Their Campaigns Down and One Has a Monstrously Stupid Take on It 4 hours ago
- Yes, Russia could use nuclear weapons 4 hours ago
- Biden Rejects Reality — Putin Rolls into Ukraine 4 hours ago
- Hillary Clinton Wants Trump, Americans ‘Called Out’ For ‘Providing Aid And Comfort To Putin’ 4 hours ago
- The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., And Sony Will Not Release New Movies In Russia, Don’t Say Anything About China 4 hours ago
- Putin-Linked Lobbyist Donated Over $500K to Democrats, Earned Cash from Russian State Investment Fund. 4 hours ago
- Wisconsin voting probe chief urges Legislature to consider decertifying 2020 election 4 hours ago
- Kevin Costner Teams with FOX Nation for Yellowstone Tribute 4 hours ago
- Why Larry David’s HBO doc was shockingly canceled day before premiere 4 hours ago
- ‘1883’ Producer David Glasser Discusses The Future Of The Series, Says He’s Excited ‘For The Year Ahead’ 4 hours ago
- MLB will cancel some games after players, league fail to reach deal 4 hours ago
- Russia’s Sberbank Collapses 95% on London Stock Exchange 4 hours ago
- We’re Not Gonna Take It! Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider ‘Absolutely’ Supports Ukrainians Using Band’s Hit Rock Anthem 4 hours ago
- REPORT: The Packers And Rodgers Are Working On A Deal For Him If He Wants To Remain With Green Bay 4 hours ago
- Elizabeth Holmes’ co-defendant ‘Sunny’ Balwani to face trial this month 4 hours ago
- Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina refuses to play Russian opponent 4 hours ago
- US soccer games moving to WarnerMedia in $200 million deal 4 hours ago
- Broncos GM Vows To Be ‘Aggressive’ In Pursuit For Quarterback 4 hours ago
- National Hockey League Suspends Russian Partnership 4 hours ago
- Wisconsin special counsel bombshell: 91 nursing homes had 95–100% voter turnout in 2020 4 hours ago
- Two dozen states oppose Biden ban on moving liquefied natural gas by train 4 hours ago
- BIDEN: ‘I’ve Ordered More Pills Than Anyone in the World Has’ 5 hours ago
- U.S. Petroleum Imports from Russia Set a Record in Biden’s First Year 5 hours ago
- Russia’s ‘Fortress Economy’ Will Be Hit Hard by SWIFT Sanctions 5 hours ago
- Kamala Harris roasted for ‘Ukraine is a country’ explanation of Russia’s invasion 5 hours ago
- Biden refers to Ukrainians as ‘Iranian people’ in State of the Union gaffe 5 hours ago
- Ill-timed Biden graphic appears for TV report on elderly man accused of inappropriately touching young girl 5 hours ago
- French minister declares “total economic war” on Russia to “cause the collapse of the Russian economy” 5 hours ago
- USA, Britain believe Ukraine war could last 10–20 years! 5 hours ago
- No Drones? 5 hours ago
|
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79.) POLITICHICKS
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81.) THE WESTERN JOURNAL
82.) CNN
Thursday 03.03.22 The fallout from the war in Ukraine is extending to outer space. Russia’s space agency is refusing to launch a batch of internet satellites for a London-based startup as a form of retaliation against UK sanctions. Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On With Your Day. Residents in Zhytomyr remove debris of a residential building destroyed by shelling as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. Ukraine
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced more than one million refugees to flee the country, according to the United Nations, as fierce fighting continues into its second week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pleading for international assistance as Russian troops step up their offensive by bombarding residential areas. Russian strikes hit at least three schools and damaged a cathedral and shops yesterday in Ukraine’s second-biggest city, Kharkiv, according to videos and photos posted to social media, geolocated and verified by CNN. In the port city of Mariupol, residents are without electricity and water, according to the mayor. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands said yesterday it would launch a war crime investigation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Follow CNN’s full coverage of Russia’s attack on Ukraine here. Capitol riot
Former President Donald Trump and a right-wing lawyer were part of a “criminal conspiracy” to overturn the 2020 presidential election, the House select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot alleged in a court filing yesterday. The 61-page filing is part of an attempt to gain access to emails from lawyer John Eastman, who the committee says helped Trump orchestrate the plot. House members have also signaled they may make a criminal referral to the Justice Department about Trump, depending on their findings. To date, no top advisers around Trump have been charged for crimes related to the attack on the US Capitol. However, the Justice Department has charged more than 750 people who participated in the pro-Trump riot, which interrupted Congress from its session certifying the election. Coronavirus
The White House has unveiled a new plan to move America to a new stage of the pandemic where Covid-19 “does not disrupt our daily lives.” The National Covid-19 Preparedness Plan, which will require additional funding from Congress, focuses on increased spending for Covid-19 treatments, preparing for new variants, and keeping schools and businesses open. The plan notably includes a new “Test to Treat” initiative that would enable Americans to get tested for Covid-19 at a pharmacy and receive free antiviral pills “on the spot” if they test positive. The CDC announced recently that nearly 70% of the US population resides in areas where masks are no longer required. Some people in these areas, however, are staying masked out of personal preference, experts say. NRA
In a legal win for the National Rifle Association, a judge has blocked the New York attorney general’s attempt to dissolve the organization — but has allowed her suit against it to move forward. The judge denied the attorney general’s claim to dissolve the NRA, stating in part that the attorney general’s office had failed to prove that the alleged mismanagement of the organization’s funds has created public harm. He also said dissolving the NRA could impact the free speech rights of its members. In a statement yesterday, NRA President Charles Cotton called the decision a “resounding win” for the organization and its 5 million members. New York Attorney General Letitia James’ suit against the NRA will move forward, though — and James said the decision affirmed her office’s right to pursue its claims that “fraud, abuse, and greed permeate through the NRA and its senior leadership.” TikTok
A group of state attorneys general announced an investigation into TikTok’s impact on the mental health of young Americans. The probe zeroes in on the social media platform’s engagement techniques to determine whether any of its practices may run afoul of state consumer protection laws, according to announcements by the states. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong cited “reckless viral challenges” on TikTok as a major source of concern. TikTok said that it limits its features by age, provides tools and resources to parents, and designs its policies with the well-being of young people in mind. This comes after a November 2021 announcement of a similar multi-state investigation into Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. Sponsor Content by SmartAsset This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people retire more comfortably. With more than 110 million Americans over age 50, it’s no wonder people are taking notice. Learn more.
Brought to you by Vault by CNN Drop 13: New Pope Vault by CNN is a series of limited edition collectible NFTs commemorating pivotal moments in history. March 13, 2013: Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas. Beginning his papacy at 76 years old, he named himself Pope Francis to honor St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most revered figures in the Church and the founder of the Franciscan Order. People are talking about these. Read up. Join in. An NFT of Ukraine’s flag has raised more than $6.7 million for the country’s defenses Cryptocurrency donations are pouring in as thousands of users – and celebrities – bid for a share of the digital image.
Burned cargo ship carrying luxury cars has now sunk Thousands of vehicles from brands including Porsche, Bentley and Lamborghini are now on the bottom of the ocean… yikes.
Amazon is closing all of its physical bookstores First, Amazon shuttered the doors of traditional bookstores worldwide. Then it opened its own. Now, they’re closing them all.
Sportswear brand Fila is opening a hotel in Shanghai Luxury hotels are collaborating with popular brands to create the ultimate customer experience.
Western Australia opens its borders after 697 days One of the world’s longest border closures ends today! 0.17 That was the blood alcohol level of a JetBlue pilot who was “removed from his duties” yesterday after failing a Breathalyzer test before a flight at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. James Clifton, 52, was passing through security when a TSA agent raised concerns that he may have been impaired. The blood alcohol limit for pilots is 0.04, according to the FAA, meaning the pilot’s blood alcohol level was more than four times the legal limit per FAA regulations. Clifton later admitted to having 5-6 drinks “the night before at dinner,” according to a police report. No matter how far we come, we get reminded that it’s not enough.
— Serena Williams, calling out The New York Times yesterday after the paper published an article about her venture fund but used a photo of her sister, Venus. The Times apologized on Twitter saying, “this was our mistake” and confirmed a correction will appear in today’s paper. Let’s take a trip! Sponsor Content by LendingTree Savvy Homeowners Are Accessing Their Equity By Doing This Check out this best-in-class way to find out the value of your home.
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96.) CIVIL DEADLINE
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97.) US NEWS & WORLD REPORT
98.) NEWSMAX
99.) MARK LEVIN
March 2, 2022
On Wednesday’s Mark Levin Show, Putin has a pack of ruthless hounds that boost his libido, and he criticizes those whose pets are not as manly as his. Some who’ve met him feel Putin’s mad dog behavior is detached from reality and shows where his mental health is. Then, oil prices continue to rise but President Biden is too scared to react boldly and increase American oil while cutting off all Russian oil. Biden shows weakness instead of deterrence. Weakness isn’t respected by authoritarians like Putin. Biden’s rhetoric will not save a single Ukrainian life. Russia isn’t losing anything by delaying their war, this is how they fight and they’re doing what they do. Putin will not stop at Ukraine and will go after the Baltic states next. Afterward, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas calls in and explains that Biden has been favorable to Russia and detrimental to America since his first day in office when he put a stop to the Keystone XL pipeline. Cruz added that Biden halted the aide to Ukraine twice last year in an effort to negotiate with Putin.
THIS IS FROM:
American Spectator
Mad Dog Putin
The Blaze
A whopping 70% of US adults believe US troops should get involved if Russia invades a NATO member
Radio Free Europe
UN Approves Resolution Deploring Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine
Mirror
Russian troops ‘in disarray and crying’ as some mutiny on warship, reports claim
Army Times
Amid fears of Russian air dominance, US to send anti-aircraft Stingers to Ukraine
Rumble
Kamala Refuses To Answer If U.S Will Cut Off Russian Oil & Gas
NY Sun
To Re-Enter Iran Deal, Biden Is Preparing To Pay Up to $11 Billion in Ransom for Four Hostages
The Post Millennial
Freedom Convoy organizer Tamara Lich SHACKLED in court
Common Cause
PA Supreme Court Rules that Act 77 will remain in effect as it considers challenge to mail voting law
Just The News
Georgia elections chief vows to ‘follow the money’ in harvesting probe, prosecute if warranted
Rumble
Sen McConnell: I’ll Be Majority Leader If GOP Wins Majority in 2022
The podcast for this show can be streamed or downloaded from the Audio Rewind page.
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100.) WOLF DAILY
101.) THE GELLER REPORT
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102.) CNS
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104.) INDEPENDENT SENTINEL
Independent Sentinel
DNC Chair wants to know if Rep. Boebert is potty trained. We want to know if Nancy graduated Kindergarten yet. TV Mayor Adams can now say subway crime is up 200% in a week. It must be some kind of record. Canada’s Freedom Convoy organizer, an Indigenous Grandma was brought into the bail hearing in LITERAL SHACKLES. Good analysis of the Russia-Ukraine situation. Open borders are flourishing as Russia talks of nuclear war. Do you feel safe yet?
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105.) DC CLOTHESLINE
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106.) ARTICLE V LEGISLATORS’ CAUCUS
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109.) STARS & STRIPES
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110.) RIGHT & FREE
111.) UNITED VOICE
[JUST IN] – Famous Singer JOINS UKRAINE – Sends Out Blistering Message! Holy cow! >> |
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BREAKING: Russia Finally PUNISHED In The Air It’s about time! >> |
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