Capital News

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Kivi - In a stirring address, Ukrainian leaders have reinforced the need for international allies to maintain a steadfast commitment to principles in supporting Ukraine, as it defends against Russian aggression. "The first thing dictators attack is that – principles," emphasized Ukraine’s spokesperson in a recent speech, drawing a parallel between the erosion of principles by dictators and the growing influence of “Putin's” around the globe, who suppress domestic values through propaganda and repression. As Russia persists in its attempts to justify breaches of international law, Ukraine calls on global powers to stand firm in defense of international norms.     The spokesperson warned that Russian leadership is attempting to persuade the world that compromise on core values is viable in exchange for stability. Still, history has shown that such concessions rarely yield lasting peace. “Whenever such deals were made, the threat returned ...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Lewiston, ME — One year ago, in the quiet community of Lewiston, Maine, an act of tragic violence shattered the lives of many, leaving 18 people dead and injuring 13 others on a chilling autumn night. Doug and I, along with all of Maine, remember those lives lost and stand in solidarity with their families and survivors who continue to bear the weight of that harrowing evening at a beloved local restaurant and a popular bowling alley.     The last twelve months have been a testament to Lewiston's strength, resilience, and unity. While the pain and trauma caused by gun violence remain a profound challenge, the people of Lewiston have shown their commitment to preventing such devastation from recurring. Their courage and resolve serve as a stark reminder to the nation of the ongoing epidemic of gun violence and the toll it takes on communities across America.     Responding to this national crisis has taken on new urgency, and ...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News October 16, 2024 Washington, DC - In a critical conversation today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. reached out to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to reaffirm the United States' unwavering support in the face of Russian aggression. The two leaders discussed the latest developments in U.S. security assistance and strategies to bolster Ukraine’s defenses as the conflict continues. During the call, President Biden highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance security assistance to Ukraine throughout the remainder of his term. He announced a significant $425 million security assistance package aimed at addressing Ukraine’s pressing defense needs. This package includes advanced air defense capabilities, air-to-ground munitions, armored vehicles, and other vital military supplies. In the coming months, the United States plans to deliver a comprehensive array of additional capabilities to Ukraine, including hundreds of air defense interceptors, tact...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News LOS ANGELES – In a significant move aimed at enhancing the city’s infrastructure, Mayor Karen Bass has signed an executive directive focused on improving Los Angeles’ streets, parks, and overall service delivery. This initiative aims to address long-standing infrastructure needs and will lay the groundwork for a comprehensive long-term investment strategy that benefits the region for generations.     Mayor Bass emphasized the importance of this directive in her statement, declaring, “This executive directive will create a path for delivering much-needed improvements to our streets, parks, and public spaces in communities throughout Los Angeles.” She outlined plans for a multi-year investment strategy that will coordinate infrastructure improvements, ensuring that Los Angeles is prepared to host major international events in the coming years, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.     The directive mandates the fo...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis visited the Betmar Acres Mobile Home Park in Zephyrhills and Hillsborough County today, where he announced a series of emergency preparedness initiatives aimed at improving Florida's response to natural disasters. The governor was joined by key state officials, including Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) Executive Director Dave Kerner, Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo, and Major General John D. Haas, Adjutant General of Florida.     During the visit, Governor DeSantis outlined efforts to enhance emergency management systems, improve communication between agencies, and bolster volunteer engagement. These steps come in the wake of recent severe weather events that impacted various parts of the state, underlining the need for rapid, coordinated responses to protect Floridians, especiall...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Washington, DC - The Biden-Harris Administration continues to spearhead recovery and relief efforts across the Southeast and Appalachia following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Nearly 8,000 federal personnel remain deployed, working closely with state and local authorities to assist survivors and rebuild the affected regions.     Under the direction of President Biden, the federal government has allocated more than $1.8 billion in disaster recovery aid. This funding includes assistance for individuals—covering temporary housing, essential supplies like food and baby formula—and public assistance to states for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the restoration of infrastructure such as roads, schools, and bridges.     In North Carolina alone, more than $100 million has been approved to aid over 77,000 survivors. This is part of a broader commitment that also includes $600 million awarde...

 By Charles Hawes Capital News Kyiv – In a detailed briefing today, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi provided an extensive update on Ukraine’s ongoing defense operations, with a particular focus on the Pokrovsk direction. As Ukraine presses forward, the Kursk operation continues to hold strategic significance, with future actions in this foothold already under careful consideration by military leadership.     President Zelensky convened a high-level meeting with his Staff to address critical issues facing Ukraine as the war grinds into the fall and winter months. Among the most pressing topics were the intelligence reports presented by the Foreign Intelligence Service and the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, which revealed the latest Russian strategies for the upcoming cold season. These reports, Zelensky noted, were detailed and comprehensive, painting a stark picture of Russia’s ongoing efforts to prolong the conflict.     One particularly alarming aspect of the...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Washington, DC - Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared a major disaster in the State of Florida due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton, which began on October 5, 2024. This declaration enables Federal assistance to support State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the hardest-hit areas.     Federal aid will be available to individuals in the counties of Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia, as well as the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Assistance may include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans to help cover uninsured property losses. Additionally, there are various programs in place to assist individuals an...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News Washington, D.C., October 10, 2024 — President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., held a telephone conversation today with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, reaffirming the longstanding strength of the U.S.-German alliance and expressing his commitment to ongoing cooperation on pressing global issues.     In the call, President Biden emphasized the critical role the United States and Germany play as partners in addressing the current geopolitical challenges, including their shared support for Ukraine in its continued defense against Russian aggression. The leaders discussed the importance of maintaining unified Western support for Ukraine as it navigates the ongoing conflict and seeks to preserve its sovereignty.     President Biden highlighted the enduring nature of the U.S.-German relationship, underpinned by shared democratic values and mutual strategic interests. “Our bond is stronger than ever,” Biden stated, noting the vital collaborat...

  By Charles Hawes, Capital News      Telavi Israel - In a remarkable operation led by the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) and coordinated with the U.S. Embassy in Israel, a 21-year-old Yazidi woman, Fawzia Amin Sido, has been freed from nearly a decade of captivity. Trafficked at the age of 11 by ISIS terrorists and held by a Hamas-affiliated militant in the Gaza Strip, Fawzia's ordeal came to an end this week, offering a rare moment of hope amid the ongoing conflict. Fawzia's tragic story began when ISIS forces abducted her during their brutal campaign against the Yazidi minority in Iraq. The terrorist group, notorious for its systemic kidnapping of Yazidi women and children, trafficked her to the Gaza Strip, where she was held in captivity by a militant with ties to both Hamas and ISIS.     Her captor was reportedly killed during the ongoing Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military campaign known as "Swords of Iron." Taking...