SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Park Service have approved a plan to prohibit commercial air tours over Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona. The ban, effective in 180 days, will cover the park and a half-mile radius outside its boundary. This decision aims to protect the cultural and spiritual significance of the area to the Navajo Nation. Canyon de Chelly, known for its striking sandstone cliffs and prehistoric rock art, is one of the most visited national monuments. The move is part of broader efforts to regulate air tours at national parks, addressing safety and environmental concerns.

Read the full article

The post Canyon de Chelly in Arizona will become latest national park unit to ban commercial air tours appeared first on www.news4jax.com

SUMMARY: Fort Lauderdale has completed a crucial pump project to combat flooding in the River Oaks and Edgewood neighborhoods. The new stormwater systems, inaugurated on Friday, aim to protect properties from future storms following the devastating floods of 2023. The project features two pump stations with six pumps, costing over $10 million and finished 18 months ahead of schedule. Mayor Dean Trantalis highlighted past infrastructure shortcomings and emphasized the necessity of such investments, which are part of a larger $50 million effort to enhance stormwater systems amid climate change concerns. Community representatives expressed ongoing struggles with flooding challenges.

Read the full article

The post Fort Lauderdale unveils new pump system built in wake of devastating 2023 floods appeared first on www.local10.com

SUMMARY: President Biden is set to achieve his 235th judicial confirmation, surpassing Trump’s total, as Democrats focus on diversifying the federal courts. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has scheduled votes for two California district judges, with the first confirmation equalizing Trump’s count. Biden’s appointees include a significant number of women, people of color, and public defenders, enhancing the judiciary’s diversity. Despite fewer circuit court and Supreme Court appointments compared to Trump, Democrats emphasize the importance of diverse backgrounds in improving judicial decision-making. Republicans, critical of Biden’s choices, aim to reclaim judicial influence as they anticipate a new Senate majority.

Read the full article

The post Senate set to approve 235th judge of Biden’s term, beating Trump’s tally appeared first on www.local10.com