President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are visiting Florida to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Idalia and meet with first responders, federal personnel, and local officials. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has voiced concerns with the president's "security apparatus" disrupting recovery efforts, and the visit is reminiscent of then-Governor Chris Christie's embrace of then-President Barack Obama during Superstorm Sandy. It is yet to be seen how the President's visit will affect the 2024 presidential race.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will not meet with President Joe Biden when he visits the state this weekend to survey the damage from Hurricane Idalia. Sparky Abrandt, 78, is one of the lucky few whose home has survived the storm, and the Governor's office has said that they are committed to ensuring that the affected communities receive the resources they need to recover. It is unclear whether DeSantis will join the President on the trip.
The Republican Party of Nevada has announced that they will be holding a caucus on February 8th to determine the state's presidential primary winner, causing a clash between the 2024 presidential campaigns and party leaders. In response, a super PAC supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' presidential run has suspended its door knocking outreach in Nevada and three other Super Tuesday states. This adjustment is a reminder of the outsized role the PAC has played in DeSantis' campaign, and it is unclear how this decision will affect the outcome of the election.
Dominic Pezzola, a Proud Boy member, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday for his involvement in the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. He was found guilty of obstruction of an official proceeding and destruction of government property, and was acquitted of a charge of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. His sentence serves as a warning to those who participated in the attack that they will be held accountable for their actions.
Judge Scott McAfee has ruled that the proceedings in the case of former President Donald Trump's election interference in Georgia will be livestreamed on the court's YouTube channel, allowing the public to watch the trial online. Media members will be allowed to use their computers and phones inside the courtroom, but will not be allowed to record the trial. The case is expected to be heard in the coming weeks, with an unknown timeline for a verdict.
Two leaders of the Proud Boys street gang, Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl, were sentenced to 17 and 15 years in prison respectively in federal court on Thursday for their roles in the violent plot to overturn the 2020 election. Prosecutors had sought 20 years in prison for both men, but the sentences were roughly half of what was requested. A third Proud Boy is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday morning.
Hurricane Idalia has caused immense destruction in Florida and other East Coast states, with an estimated $12-20 billion in damage and lost economic activity. President Biden has declared a major disaster and will be visiting the state to view the devastation firsthand. Homeowners are now turning to their insurance policies for help in the aftermath of the storm.
The White House has prepared for a potential Republican impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, with a war room of two dozen lawyers, legislative aides and communications staffers. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been medically cleared to resume his duties, and the White House has expressed that they will present the inquiry as an evidence-free partisan sham. They are prepared to vigorously push back against the inquiry.