NBA Finals, Jan. 6 hearing lead ABC to ratings win
The two games of the Golden State-Boston NBA Finals series last week both exceeded 10 million viewers, Nielsen said. For the week, ABC averaged 4.1 million viewers in prime time. ABC's “World News Tonight” won the evening news ratings race with an average of 7 million viewers. Jan. 6 Committee Hearing, ABC, 5.22 million. Jan. 6 Committee Hearing, CBS, 3.49 million.
wftv.comJan. 6 panel: Trump ex-campaign manager no longer testifying
Lawmakers hope to show that Trump's effort to overturn Joe Biden's election victory posed a grave threat to democracy. He is likely to face questions about what those in Trump's inner circle were telling the president about the election results. Among them is the former U.S. attorney in Atlanta, BJay Pak, who abruptly resigned after Trump pressured Georgia state officials to overturn his presidential defeat. But Trump pursued his false claims about the election and beckoned supporters to Washington on Jan. 6 to overturn Biden's victory as Congress was set to certify the Electoral College results. Stepien was subpoenaed, and Trump spokesman Taylor Budowich suggested that the committee’s decision to call him was politically motivated.
wftv.com1/6 panel to hear Trump campaign manager, probe election lie
The 1/6 panel resumes its hearings Monday with live witnesses, including Trump's campaign manager, Bill Stepien, as committee members say they have uncovered enough evidence for the Justice Department to consider an unprecedented criminal indictment against the former president. Stepien, a longtime Trump ally, is likely to face questions about what those in Trump's inner circle were telling the president as the election results rolled in. He is now a top campaign adviser to the Trump-endorsed House candidate, Harriet Hageman, who is challenging Cheney in the Wyoming Republican primary election. In addition to Stepien, the committee is also set to hear testimony from Chris Stirewalt, a former Fox News political editor who had a front-row seat to election night coverage. A Trump spokesman, Taylor Budowich, suggested that the committee’s decision to call Stepien was politically motivated.
wftv.com1/6 panel: Told repeatedly he lost, Trump refused to go
The scale and virulence of that scheme began to take shape under the glare of the House hearing investigating 1/6. The House panel investigating the 1/6 attack on the Capitol is prepared next week to reveal more details and testimony about its assessment that Trump was made well aware of his election loss. In a previously unseen video clip, the panel played a remark from former Attorney General Bill Barr, who testified that he told Trump the claims of a rigged election were "bull——." One rioter after another told the committee they came to the Capitol because Trump asked them to. In wrenching testimony U.S. Capitol Police officer Caroline Edwards told the panel that she slipped in other people’s blood as rioters pushed past her into the Capitol.
wftv.comA harrowing American moment, repackaged for prime time
Presented in prime time and carefully calibrated for a TV-viewing audience (itself increasingly an anachronism), the debut of the Jan. 6 hearings was, in essence, a summer rerun. Those are not often words you hear about a committee hearing. And now this is behind the scenes in `American Politics: The Sport,'" said John Baick, a historian at Western New England University. "I don't think anyone's going to remember where they were when they watched the Capitol investigations." ___Ted Anthony, director of new storytelling and newsroom innovation at The Associated Press, has written about American culture since 1990.
wftv.comA harrowing American moment, repackaged for prime time
Presented in prime time and carefully calibrated for a TV-viewing audience (itself increasingly an anachronism), the debut of the Jan. 6 hearings was, in essence, a summer rerun. Those are not often words you hear about a committee hearing. And now this is behind the scenes in `American Politics: The Sport,'" said John Baick, a historian at Western New England University. "I don't think anyone's going to remember where they were when they watched the Capitol investigations." ___Ted Anthony, director of new storytelling and newsroom innovation at The Associated Press, has written about American culture since 1990.
wftv.comJan. 6 committee's members are on diverging political paths
Capitol Riot Investigation Lawmakers This combination of photos shows the members of the House select committee tasked with investigating the Jan. 6, attack. The 74-year-old lawmaker was sitting in the upper House gallery on Jan. 6, watching rioters' attempts to break through the doors. In the months that have followed, even as some of his more outspoken counterparts have appeared on television to repeatedly criticize Trump, Thompson has mostly steered clear of the spectacle. Speaker Nancy Pelosi recruited her and fellow censured Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger to be the sole GOP members of the panel. She said making the Capitol safer is not a substitute for determining what led to the attack on Jan. 6, 2021.
wftv.comFlorida’s 15-week abortion ban moves forward
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s plan to follow Mississippi and ban virtually all abortions after 15-weeks took another step forward on Wednesday with the Senate Committee on Health Policy approving SB146 on a party-line vote. But opponents, including a majority of members on the committee, dismissed the need for such an exception. The Senate bill is identical to the HB5 the House’s 125-week abortion ban, which has also been quickly advancing through the committee process. Both bills mirror Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban which is being reviewed by the US Supreme Court. “When Roe v. Wade was decided almost half a century ago, scientific knowledge of fetal development was very limited.
wftv.comRep. Stephanie Murphy requests Fort Benning be renamed in honor of Sgt. Alwyn Cashe
Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy penned a letter on Wednesday requesting that Fort Benning be renamed in honor of late Army Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe. Cashe, a native of Oviedo, posthumously received the Medal of Honor last December for actions taken in Iraq on Oct. 17, 2005. Cashe retrieved six soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter from the burning vehicle, receiving burns on nearly 72% of his body. Alwyn Cashe with Medal of HonorIn her letter, Murphy said she wants Cashe’s name to be considered by the naming commission as it weighs renaming options for at least nine Army installations, including Fort Benning. Last year, Murphy said the naming commission solicited name recommendations from the general public, receiving over 34,000 submissions, including submissions of Cashe’s name.
wftv.comRep. Murphy discusses Biden’s plan for next Supreme Court nomination
ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9 spoke one-on-one with Rep. Stephanie Murphy, who represents downtown Orlando and Seminole County. READ: Biden: Ready for ‘long overdue’ pick of Black female justiceShe reflected on President Joe Biden’s pledge to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court. And I’ve always said that in the halls of government, we should reflect the great diversity of this country,” Murphy said. “And it would be great to see a historic, qualified Black woman sit on the Supreme Court.”Murphy, a Democrat, said she’s confident her Senate colleagues will approve of whoever Biden chooses. “I would encourage the state to deploy the resources that the federal government has already given them to help people who are in need today,” Murphy said.
wftv.comGovernor’s office releases proposed congressional redistricting map
The governor’s office released a proposed congressional redistricting map on Sunday. In Central Florida, the proposed map shows significant changes in Rep. Michael Waltz’ district, Rep. Val Demings’ district and Rep. Stephanie Murphy’s district. READ: 2022 Girl Scout cookies hit the streetsCurrent plan:Florida Redistricting Current Florida Redistricting plan. (Florida Redistricting)New proposed plan:Florida Redistricting New Florida Redistricting plan (Florida Redistricting)The proposed map could be voted on as early as next week. READ: Coronavirus: Mark Milley, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, tests positive for COVID-19Click here to view an interactive version of the proposed map.
wftv.comFlorida Democratic Rep. Murphy won't seek reelection
Election 2022-Florida-Murphy Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., speaks before the House select committee in Washington, July 27, 2021. Murphy on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021 announced she will not seek reelection next year. The Florida Democrat, a leader of the centrist Blue Dog Coalition and member of the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, said she is retiring from Congress to spend more time with her family. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool via AP) (Chip Somodevilla)ORLANDO, Fla. — (AP) — U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy on Monday announced she will not seek reelection next year. Murphy was widely believed to be considering a challenge to U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio but said she would not seek the post when U.S. Rep. Val Demings, another Florida Democrat, launched her own bid earlier this year.
wftv.comDemocratic rising star Rep. Stephanie Murphy won't run in 2022
Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.) announced Monday she won't run for a fourth term in 2022.Why it matters: Murphy, 43, is by far the youngest of more than a dozen House Democrats who are retiring without immediate plans to run for another office. The development, first reported by Politico, comes as Democrats face a historical disadvantage in keeping the House.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeMurphy holds several significant posts a
news.yahoo.com‘Not an easy decision’: Stephanie Murphy says she won’t seek reelection
WINTER PARK, Fla. — U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy announced that she will not seek reelection for a fourth term. Murphy is currently representing Florida’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. “I strongly believe in a citizen Congress, where ordinary citizens run for office in search of duty and service, not in search of a career. And I never intended my time in Congress to become a career,” Murphy said in an announcement video. Public service is not without personal sacrifice.
wftv.comFlorida House's proposed redistricting map would 'nuke' Rep. Stephanie Murphy's district in aggressive gerrymander
After the Florida Senate tweaked its proposed new congressional maps, the House on Monday rolled out its first efforts for the once-a-decade redistricting process. Like...
orlandoweekly.comMedical nonprofit catering to Central Florida LGBTQ+ community seeking mammogram machine
ORLANDO, Fla. — Mammograms save lives, but not every woman has access to them, and the reasons why vary greatly. A Central Florida medical nonprofit is working to fill those gaps in health care, hoping Congress will help them provide the critical screenings. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<26Health offers full medical services to people who can’t afford them, but one service the system is missing is a mammogram machine. Thousands of patients from the LGBTQ+ community and beyond have received medical care and wraparound services from 26Health. “I think it’s really important as well that an organization like this, that reaches out and doesn’t just provide physical health services, but also provides mental health services and wraparound services, has the equipment that they need to serve our community,” Murphy said.
wftv.comFlorida crime rate sees modest gain, but still way down over past decade
Florida’s crime rate saw a very modest increase compared to other states last year, according to FBI statistics, putting a positive note on the Sunshine State one day after the agency sounded the alarm about the nation’s growing homicide rate. The state’s overall crime rate was 378 cases per 100,000 people in 2019. There was no apparent pattern to which states saw increases in crime and which saw decreases last year. Pennsylvania’s overall crime rate increased more than the national average. What you need to knowAccording to FBI statistics, reports of hate crimes against Asians rose 70% between 2019 and 2020.
wftv.comStephanie Murphy: Q&A with one of Congress’ most influential politicians this week
Central Florida’s Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D) usually prefers to work on legislation instead of being at the center of media attention. Finally, a defense spending bill is making its way through the process, backed by Murphy. I’m really excited about what’s in the infrastructure bill that was negotiated in a bipartisan way and passed out of the Senate. Papantonis:What is the defense bill that you’re working on, and what makes it different than ones passed in prior years? My expectation is that it will pass in a bipartisan way.
wftv.comHouse Democrat to vote against advancing $3.5 trillion spending package without text
Centrist Democrat Stephanie Murphy said Thursday she is prepared to vote against the Democratic $3.5 trillion infrastructure and social spending legislation at the committee level, citing a lack of details and clarity about funding.
news.yahoo.comHouse Democrats strike deal to advance infrastructure, voting rights proposals
After hours of infighting, House Democrats on Tuesday struck a deal that would approve their $3.5 trillion budget resolution, set up floor action on the bipartisan infrastructure bill by Sept. 27 and advance voting rights legislation.Why it matters: The deal is key to advancing Democrats' top three priorities — all of which are expected to receive little to no House Republican support. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Between the lines: This comes after
news.yahoo.comRep. Stephanie Murphy says officers at the Capitol on Jan. 6 saved her life: 'Your actions had a profound impact on me'
In an emotional speech Tuesday, Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., credited police officers for allowing her to escape unharmed from the Capitol on Jan. 6 amid a riot by Trump supporters.
news.yahoo.comA look at 8 lawmakers appointed to probe Jan. 6 attack
A look at eight lawmakers who have been appointed to the committee so far:REP. BENNIE THOMPSON, D-MISS. Thompson is chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and will be leading the Jan. 6 select committee. He expressed dismay on Twitter that only two House Republicans voted for the select committee: “An attack on the Capitol. “Those who are responsible for the attack need to be held accountable and this select committee will fulfill that responsibility in a professional, expeditious, and non-partisan manner." After her appointment to the select committee, she recalled that her family fled Vietnam when she was a baby.
wftv.comA look at 8 lawmakers appointed to probe Jan. 6 attack
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is acting swiftly to launch a new investigation of the violent Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, choosing a diverse slate of eight lawmakers — one from the opposing party — to serve on a select committee with subpoena power. Republicans have the chance to recommend five additional members, but it's unclear whether they will do so. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who could be called to testify about a conversation with former President Donald Trump as the attack unfolded, has not committed to any appointments.
news.yahoo.comCongress designating Pulse massacre site a national memorial
Nightclub Shooting Florida House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is joined by members after signing a bill to create the National Pulse Memorial to honor the victims of the 2016 mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, June 16, 2021. From left are Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., Speaker Pelosi, Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. Scott Applewhite) (J. Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON — (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for stronger gun safety measures Wednesday as she marked Congress' passage of legislation designating the site of the deadliest attack on the LGBTQ community in American history as a national memorial. The bill creates the National Pulse Memorial at the site of the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The site will not be part of the National Park System and the measure forbids federal money from being spent on it.
wftv.comVictims of Pulse nightclub massacre remembered 5 years later
Nightclub Shooting Florida A visitor looks over a display with the photos and names of the 49 victims that died at the Pulse nightclub memorial Friday, June 11, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. Saturday will mark the fifth anniversary of the mass shooting at the site. City of Orlando officials say more than 600 places of worship worldwide tolled their bells 49 times to honor each victim who died in the Pulse Nightclub shooting. The First United Methodist Church of Orlando gathered loved ones and community members and read the victims’ names. “This work is a constant reminder that the shooting at Pulse was not an aberration. The site has been turned into an interim memorial lined with photos of the victims and rainbow-colored flowers and mementos.
wftv.comSenate votes to make Pulse a national memorial
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Senate has voted to make Pulse nightclub in Orlando a national memorial just days ahead of the five-year mark of the massacre that left 49 people dead. pic.twitter.com/kyAGdni1HX — Rep. Darren Soto (@RepDarrenSoto) June 9, 2021The bill was spearheaded by Rep. Darren Soto, Rep. Val Demings and Rep. Stephanie Murphy. READ: Photographer shares dozens of new images taken at Pulse, aftermathThe Senate has voted to designate the #PulseNationalMemorial. The memorial will serve as a national symbol of hope, love, and unity. #ForThe49 pic.twitter.com/5TcHq2ijVz — Rep. Val Demings (@RepValDemings) June 9, 2021READ: Exhibit marking 5 years since Pulse shooting open at Orange County Regional History Center“The memorial will serve as a national symbol of hope, love, and unity,” Demings said via Twitter.
wftv.comRep. Stephanie Murphy drops challenge against Marco Rubio for Senate
Democratic Rep. Stephanie Murphy said Monday she is dropping her previously planned bid to unseat Republican Sen. Marco Rubio next year, Politico reports.Driving the news: The decision comes after Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.) — who was on Biden's shortlist for vice president — announced last week she plans to run for Rubio's seat, rather than pursue a run for governor.Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.What she's saying: “The reality is that Marco Rubio will not be an easy opponent especially if it’s on the heels of a bruising primary where Democrats spend millions attacking each other instead of using those millions to build the infrastructure we desperately need to win,” Murphy said in a written statement, per Politico. She plans to seek re-election to the House next year. Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free.
news.yahoo.comDemocratic options in 2022 run through I-4
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The last time Florida Democrats held the governor’s mansion was in the late 1990s. The last time Florida Democrats won a U.S. Senate race was in 2012. With two marquee statewide races on the ballot in 2022, Florida Democrats are looking to reverse their fortunes. “It’s unclear how those seats will be affected, the Crist seat, the Murphy seat the Demings seat because Republicans control redistricting,” says Hanley. Meanwhile Congresswoman Val Demings is expected to jump in the U.S. Senate race to face Marco Rubio.
wftv.comAnyone 40+ can get vaccinated at Orange County Convention Center
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Anyone 40 and older is now eligible to get the coronavirus vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center. Ron DeSantis will prevent Orange County from making the move. County officials said crews can administer 3,100 COVID-19 doses a day at the convention center. Orange County officials said 57% of people 60 and older in Orange County have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The county also offers free transportation for anyone 60 and older with a scheduled appointment to the Orange County Convention Center and the FEMA site at the west campus of Valencia College.
Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy announces that Sanford's True Health are joining in on federal COVID-19 vaccination efforts
"The COVID-19 crisis has disproportionately affected communities of color and underserved populations," Murphy said in the press release, "and this funding will help our hardest-hit communities recover quickly from the pandemic." True Health is based in Sanford, and has clinic locations across Central Florida. True Health Chief Executive Officer Janelle Dunn said they serve large uninsured and underserved populations. "True Health providers and staff were able to ease patients' fears with education and a smooth vaccination process," Dunn said in a press statement. "Murphy says the federal health center program is "essential to increase vaccine accessibility and keep Central Florida safe at this critical time.
orlandoweekly.comTune in to virtual conversation with Black leaders of Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. – Black History Month celebrations continue this year despite the pandemic and if anything are more accessible as events have moved online. On Monday, Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.) will host a discussion online about some of the most urgent issues impacting the Black community including COVID-19, social justice, jobs and affordable housing. [TRENDING: Car flies off I-4 in Orlando | Meet bone cancer survivor who will be youngest American in space | United engine blows apart during flight]Joining Murphy during the Facebook live will be several Central Florida community leaders and officials. The virtual panel includes Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins, chief medical officer of True Health Dr. Karenna Senors, Rev. The discussion is open to all and starts at 7 p.m. on Facebook.
Stephanie Murphy announces new legislation barring QAnon adherents from holding federal security clearances
click image Photo courtesy Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy/FacebookDarren Soto, Stephanie Murphy, Val Demings, Jerry Demings (l-r)U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Winter Park, is introducing legislation to bar QAnon conspiracy theory adherents from obtaining or holding on to federal security clearances.QAnon ride-or-dies are having a tough week. Their entire world came crashing around them Great Pumpkin -style when Donald Trump did not, in fact, lead the arrests of every single Democratic attendee at Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday. ("We all got played," wailed one unfortunate . )And now Murphy, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a former national security specialist at the Department of Defense, is making moves on a bill, the Security Clearance Improvement Act of 2021, that would prevent QAnon true believers, or anyone who participated in the unsuccessful Jan. 6 insurrection in Washington, D.C., from receiving or holding on to federal security clearance.An individual must possess this clearance status in order to qualify for a national security position or to access classified information. This proposed Act would add new questions to existing — and exhaustive — background check paperwork seeking to root out QAnon enthusiasts or participants in the Jan. 6 violence in D.C.“Any individual who participated in the assault on the Capitol or who is a member of the conspiracy movement QAnon should be required to disclose this fact when applying to obtain or maintain a federal security clearance,” said Murphy, in a press statement.
orlandoweekly.comFlorida lawmakers attend presidential inauguration
With a significantly smaller crowd for Wednesday’s presidential inauguration, lawmakers from the Sunshine State will still represent Florida at the historic event. I will be attending the inauguration of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris today. 3:15 p.m. | Biden, Dr. Biden, Harris and Emhoff receive a presidential escort to the White House. 8:48 p.m. | Biden, Dr. Biden, Harris and Emhoff attend “Celebrating America” program. 9:55 p.m. | President Biden and Dr. Biden appear on the Blue Room Balcony.
Central Florida lawmakers to attend Presidential inauguration
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The inaugural audience will be a lot smaller this year, but some Central Florida lawmakers will be in attendance. As members of the 117th Congress, Democrat Representatives Darren Soto, Stephanie Murphy, and Val Demings are expected to be in attendance. Congressman Darren Soto of Kissimmee said the nation’s Capitol was secure on the eve of the inauguration of the 46th president. [TRENDING: Fla. leads nation in cases with new COVID variant | 12-year-old Orlando girl still missing | Biden inauguration will be different]“The Capitol is very secure. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said that he will be attending the inauguration as a guest of his wife, Congresswoman Val Demings.
Here’s how Central Florida lawmakers voted on President Trump’s impeachment
President Donald Trump became the first president to be impeached twice on Wednesday. Murphy noted 10 republicans voted to impeach Trump in the House vote. Waltz voted to not impeach President Trump. The charge states President Trump endangered the security of the United States and the institutions of Government. It will take a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate to convict President Trump.
Is there enough time to impeach President Trump?
Pressure from top Democrat leaders calling for the president to be removed from office increased on Thursday. Pollical expert Jim Clark said that there’s essentially no time for the impeachment process before the president’s term is over. “There were some harrowing hours of being locked down and trying to find safety and security,” Murphy said. “I know that the conversations are ongoing right now and I am open to hearing how leadership thinks that we could progress.”Following the riot on Capitol Hill, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on Vice President Mike Pence to involve the 25th amendment to remove President Trump from office. Rep. Murphy also said that given how long it took to impeach the president the first time, it doesn’t seem logistically possible to complete the process prior to January 20, 2021
Florida lawmakers weigh in on Capitol coup
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 6, 2021I want to wish every Hispanic family in FL & around the world a very happy #ThreeKingsDay! — Rep. Stephanie Murphy (@RepStephMurphy) January 6, 2021I was in the House Chamber. — Rep. Stephanie Murphy (@RepStephMurphy) January 6, 2021Sen. Rick Scott has not commented. Earlier today, Scott said he would "likely" vote against Biden electors Rep. Val Demings, characteristically, ripped into it:Rep. Stephanie Murphy was terse.Rep. Darren Soto:At 3:47 p.m., Sen. Scott has now commented:At 4:45 p.m., DeSantis tweeted a statement:At 5:28 p.m., Rep. Murphy tweeted:
orlandoweekly.comPresident signs law to posthumously award Oviedo soldier for burning vehicle rescue in Iraq
OVIEDO, Fla. – A soldier from Oviedo who died from injuries he suffered while trying to save his fellow soldiers from a burning vehicle in Iraq is one step closer to being posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism. 8276, a bill introduced by Rep. Stephanie Murphy (R-Fla.) to recognize Army Sgt. Since the bill has now been signed, the Department of Defense can recommend that Trump formally award the medal to Cashe. “America can never fully repay the ultimate debt paid by our heroes like Alwyn Cashe—but what we can do is honor them for their sacrifices. “I’m very optimistic the Department of Defense will recommend this award.
Democrat Stephanie Murphy re-elected in US House District 7 race
Democratic incumbent Stephanie Murphy has been declared the winner of the U.S. House District 7 race. [LIVE RACE RESULTS: Scroll to bottom of story to see all race returns]RACE DETAILS BELOWFlorida’s 7th Congressional District includes portions of Orange and Seminole counties. Incumbent Stephanie Murphy currently holds the seat for U.S. House District 7 and defeated two challengers who were seeking to replace her in the November election. Stephanie Murphy (D)Congresswoman Murphy first assumed office in 2017. William R. Garlington (NPA)According to his campaign website, Garlington is a businessman, entrepreneur, author, public speaker and educator.
UPDATES: President Trump, Joe Biden fight for Florida
The Latest: Gimenez wins House seat over Mucarsel-PowellRepublican Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez has won a Florida seat in the U.S. House, defeating a single-term Democrat. The 41-year-old Democrat easily defeated Republican H. Wayne Clark in the heavily Democratic county. _____8:17 p.m.Republican Kat Cammack has won Florida’s U.S. House seat held by her former boss, retiring Florida Republican Rep. Ted Yoho. _____7:22 p.m.Republican state Rep. Byron Donalds has been elected to the U.S. House seat now held by Florida Republican Francis Rooney. “I feel he’s just more level-headed.”______7 a.m.Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden have campaigned heavily in Florida, each hoping to win the prized battleground state’s 29 electoral votes.
Trump wins Florida; voters raise minimum wage to $15
— District 3: Republican Kat Cammack has won Florida’s U.S. House seat held by her former boss, retiring Florida Republican Rep. Ted Yoho. He defeated Democrat Donna Deegan, a former television news anchor who has worked to raise money for breast cancer research and to help patients. — District 15: Republican Scott Franklin has won Florida Rep. Ross Spano’s seat in the U.S. House. Deutch was first elected in 2010 and represents a firmly Democratic district that includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. A supermajority of Florida voters approved the amendment to the Florida Constitution that will raise Florida’s minimum wage from the current $8.56 an hour to $15 an hour by 2026.
Election 2020: Democrat Stephanie Murphy will return to Washington, D.C., representing Florida's District 7
click to enlarge Photo courtesy Stephanie Murphy campaignU.S. Rep. Stephanie MurphyStephanie Murphy, Democrat of Winter Park, has fought off two challengers to retain her Congressional seat. This will be Murphy's third term in the U.S. House of Representatives.With all precincts reporting, Murphy received 91,718 votes, or 61.24%, over Republican Leo Valentin and NPA William Garlington.Murphy serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and subcommittees on trade and worker and family support. We are going to fight for a more secure future, free from the pandemic and free from gun violence. And we are going to work tirelessly so that every family has a fair shot and an equal opportunity to get ahead. But we can only do these things if we come together not as Democrats, Republicans, or Independents, but if we come together as Americans."
orlandoweekly.comMeet the candidates: Here’s who’s running for Seminole County tax collector
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – It’ll be up to Seminole County voters to determine who will be the new tax collector after the man formerly in the position resigned amid his arrest on federal charges. Instead, voters will choose between Lynn Moira Dictor and Jeff “J.R.” Kroll, who beat Republican challenger Brian Beute during the August primary election. Here’s how to track your ballot]Whoever is elected to serve as Seminole County tax collector will be responsible for overseeing the office that issues driver’s licenses, decides how tax dollars will be invested back into the community and provides concealed weapons permits. Dictor would like to pivot from her role as radio personality to Seminole County tax collector in order to bring more transparency to the office. Jeff “J.R.” KrollJ.R. Kroll wrote that he was motivated to run for tax collector after “discovering the mismanagement of tax payers' money under the most recent administration.” He boasts two decades of business management experience that includes running his family business and becoming a top-selling realtor in the Orlando-area market.
Meet the candidates: Here’s who’s running for US House District 7
Incumbent Stephanie Murphy currently holds the seat for U.S. House District 7 but is facing two challengers seeking to replace her in the November election. Stephanie Murphy (D)Congresswoman Murphy first assumed office in 2017. Before becoming a congresswoman, she served in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense and was a businesswoman and instructor. On his campaign website, he explains where he stands on key issues like border security and immigration, education and health care. Click here or visit ClickOrlando.com/results2020 to learn more about what you can expect to see on your ballot.
Orlando Weekly Voting Guide 2020: Meet the incumbents and challengers in Florida's U.S. Congressional Districts 7, 8, 9 and 10
click to enlarge Photo courtesy office of Val DemingsCongressional District 10Includes west Orange County. But instead, we think you can make your own mind up — so we've listed a little information about each candidate, along with links to their websites. Senators who serve six-year terms, but neither Sen. Marco Rubio nor Sen. Rick Scott are up for re-election in 2020. "Occupation: Doctor of radiologySupport for President Trump, "whether it's lowering our taxes, strong national security or working to stop illegal immigration, gun rights, stand with law enforcement and strive to advocate, pro-life. "Occupation: Engineer and scientistVeteran and "Second Amendment Democrat"Supports universal healthcare, more COVID stimulus, abortion rights, term limits"The right to possess firearms should not be removed, but it needs to be regulated.
orlandoweekly.comDemocrats to redraft coronavirus relief bill but keep $1,200 direct payments
WASHINGTON – House Democrats are going back to the drawing board on a huge COVID-19 relief bill, paring back the measure in an attempt to jump-start negotiations with the Trump administration. The Democratic-controlled chamber could also pass the $2.4 trillion measure next week if talks fall through to demonstrate that the party isn't giving up on passing virus relief before the election. The chamber passed a $3.4 trillion rescue measure in May but Republicans dismissed the measure as bloated and unrealistic. Even as Democrats cut their ambitions back by $1 trillion or so, Senate Republicans have focused on a much smaller rescue package in the $650 billion to $1 trillion range. Thursday's developments come as moderate “front line" Democrats in competitive reelection races have been pressing leaders like Pelosi to become more flexible.
Retired Orange County school teacher says she’s still waiting for coronavirus stimulus check
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Jan McClure has spent the past five months waiting for a stimulus check that was supposed to be deposited into her bank account on May 6. The retired Orange County high school English teacher and her husband received a letter signed by the president that confirmed the economic stimulus funds had been deposited, but as of Tuesday, the funds were missing. “We didn’t see it.”In late June the IRS had distributed approximately 160 million impact payments totaling $270 billion, dating back to April. The IRS confirms missing payments will be mailed to those affected to their home address. For more information on finding your missing stimulus check, click here.
Meet the candidates: Here are the Republicans running for US House District 7
Floridas primary election is Aug. 18 and News 6 wants to help you get to know the candidates of the U.S. House District 7 race before you cast your vote. Lets get to know more about the candidates voters can expect to see on their ballots. Click here to learn more about Gobles campaign for U.S. House District 7. Click or tap here to learn more about Valentns career and election campaign. Learn more about Zhaos career and election campaign here.
Florida passes bill to designate Pulse as a national memorial site
ORLANDO, Fla. A bill was passed Friday by the Florida House of Representatives that would designate the site of the Pulse nightclub shooting as a national memorial site. Rep. Stephanie Murphy spoke on the House floor in support of the bill she spearheaded along with Reps. Darren Soto and Val Demings. We owe it to the families and loved ones of the victims to honor their memories by dedicating a national memorial at Pulse. By taking this important step, we are telling the world that we will fight to ensure no community will ever go through something like this again.NEWS: Our bill to make #Pulse a national memorial just passed the House. The bill allows the site to become a part of the National Park System but will allow the OnePulse Foundation to retain control of its construction.
Democrat lawmakers in Florida discuss racial inequalities in America
The Florida Democratic Party held a virtual meeting on Thursday evening to talk about racial injustice in America. Democratic members of the U.S. Congress from Florida all spoke about how best to use the momentum built up from protests during the past several weeks. Murphy went on to say that systemic racism goes beyond the criminal justice system, mentioning unequal access to healthcare and education. "If we are going to heal as a country, it's got to start with us first, strongly stating what we believe. Several members of congress also mentioned the importance to pass legislation for police reform.
With storms in May, Florida lawmaker wants a longer hurricane season
ORLANDO, Fla. – Even though the six-month Atlantic hurricane season lasts as long as a typical Major League Baseball season, a Florida congresswoman thinks it needs to be longer. In 2020, three tropical storms — Arthur, Bertha and Cristobal — formed in mid-May and the beginning of June, she said. There has been only one named hurricane before June since the satellite era started in 1966 — Hurricane Alma in 1970. “I don’t think there is any reason to lengthen the hurricane season, since we haven’t had a hurricane in May in 50 years," Klotzbach said in an email. “Hurricane season was also never intended to include ... all of the activity, just the majority of it," said McNoldy, who works for the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science.
With storms in May, lawmaker wants a longer hurricane season
ORLANDO, Fla. – Even though the six-month Atlantic hurricane season lasts as long as a typical Major League Baseball season, a Florida congresswoman thinks it needs to be longer. In 2020, three tropical storms — Arthur, Bertha and Cristobal — formed in mid-May and the beginning of June, she said. There has been only one named hurricane before June since the satellite era started in 1966 — Hurricane Alma in 1970. “I don’t think there is any reason to lengthen the hurricane season, since we haven’t had a hurricane in May in 50 years," Klotzbach said in an email. “Hurricane season was also never intended to include ... all of the activity, just the majority of it," said McNoldy, who works for the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science.
Florida representatives push to make Pulse nightclub a National Memorial Site
ORLANDO, Fla. – Democratic Rep. Darren Soto, of Florida, announced Friday that he is submitting legislation to establish the Pulse nightclub as a federally recognized National Memorial Site. The legislation was a combined effort between Soto, along with Florida Representatives Stephanie Murphy and Val Demings. The bill will be brought to the House floor for a vote by the end of June, according to a news release. “I am pleased to announce that Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has committed to bringing our bill to the House Floor for a vote before the end of June. According to a new release, the legislation passed by unanimous consent on March 11 in the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Florida representative gathering experiences with state’s troubled unemployment system
ORLANDO, Fla. – If you are unemployed due to the coronavirus pandemic and have yet to see payments from Florida unemployment benefits, you’re not alone. Over the past three weeks, more than 472,000 claims have been filed, and U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.) wants to hear from Floridians about their experiences with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the agency that handles the state’s unemployment claims. Murphy launched a survey this week to gather data on the state’s program, more than a month after residents began reporting issues filing for unemployment or getting through to the call center. According to Murphy, in the last 10 years the U.S. Department of Labor provided $1.6 billion to Florida to administer the program. Last week, Murphy called for an independent federal investigation of Florida’s unemployment compensation program in a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor.
US Rep. Murphy talks coronavirus pandemic while self-quarantining
ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy is self-quarantining after she said she came in contact with a member of Congress who tested positive for the coronavirus. Murphy, who represents Orange and Seminole counties, said she is focusing on helping workers, families, sick people and small businesses during the pandemic. Regarding the lack of food and supplies on store shelves, Murphy said hoarding is causing the shortages. My statement on self-quarantine: pic.twitter.com/Sbwo4rpA2d — Rep. Stephanie Murphy (@RepStephMurphy) March 19, 2020Murphy added that she is working with the Trump administration to keep the U.S. borders open to trade. "Making sure that we maintain our ability to access our food supply, but I do agree that the hoarding behavior is what is creating this appearance of shortages," Murphy said.