News from the South - Florida News Feed
After Trump and Congress spending cuts, public media stations wait on money for emergency alerts
SUMMARY: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which managed $136 million in federal grants for the Next Generation Warning System (NGWS) to upgrade emergency alert systems in underserved areas, is shutting down on September 30 after losing congressional funding. This threatens dozens of projects aimed at improving public media stations’ ability to deliver crucial alerts during disasters, especially in rural areas with poor cell service. Stations like KSUT and KVPR have halted upgrades due to suspended funds and halted FEMA spending. FEMA has recently opened limited NGWS grants directly to states but hasn’t clarified distribution of existing funds, leaving emergency alert resilience at risk amid growing climate hazards.
The post After Trump and Congress spending cuts, public media stations wait on money for emergency alerts appeared first on www.clickorlando.com
News from the South - Florida News Feed
“By the Grace of God, I’m still here:” Seminole man survives lightning strike outside pizza shop
SUMMARY: Travis Kurtz, a Seminole man and property manager, survived a lightning strike outside Rizzo’s pizzeria during a typical rainy day. The lightning hit unexpectedly, leaving him convulsing and in severe pain with a heart rate of 1,265 beats per minute. Pizza shop owner Mark Rizzo quickly responded, calling 911 and helping Kurtz, who spent several days hospitalized. Though Kurtz faces memory loss and motor skill challenges, he is grateful to be alive, supported by his girlfriend and community. A fundraiser and GoFundMe have been organized to assist with his recovery, urging Floridians to avoid going out in the rain during storms.
Florida man survives lightning strike outside Seminole pizza shop; credits stranger and girlfriend for saving his life. Now, he’s sharing his story — and warning others.
News from the South - Florida News Feed
Some FEMA staff call out Trump cuts in public letter of dissent
SUMMARY: Over 180 current and former FEMA employees issued a rare letter warning that severe budget cuts and mismanagement risk a disaster akin to Hurricane Katrina. The letter, marking the 20th anniversary of Katrina, criticizes recent policies, including restrictive spending approvals and staff reassignments to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which undermine FEMA’s disaster response capacity. It highlights leadership turmoil, with frequent firings and inexperienced acting chiefs, and calls for FEMA to become an independent, cabinet-level agency. Signatories fear retaliation under the current administration’s suppressive climate. Similar dissent has emerged at other federal agencies, emphasizing widespread concern about government emergency readiness.
The post Some FEMA staff call out Trump cuts in public letter of dissent appeared first on www.news4jax.com
News from the South - Florida News Feed
President Trump expands cities targeted for possible military deployment
SUMMARY: President Trump is expanding his anti-crime efforts to cities beyond Washington, D.C., citing recent crime reductions there due to National Guard deployments and federal police oversight. He mentioned Chicago and New York as potential next targets, though local leaders have been critical. Unlike D.C., where the federal government can intervene directly, Trump lacks similar authority in other cities, making the nature of future actions unclear. The debate over crime strategies remains divided between strict enforcement and social support approaches. Additionally, Trump is set to meet South Korea’s president to discuss trade and national security, including U.S. troop roles in the region.
President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened to expand his military deployments to more Democratic-led cities. Last week …
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