Politics

1 day ago

High security, heavy traffic: Doral braces for international summit

President Donald Trump is hosting leaders from Latin America at his Doral golf club over the weekend to talk crime and cartel crackdowns.

2 days ago

Trump: Cuba ‘is going to fall pretty soon,’ assigns Rubio to negotiate deal

President Donald Trump said Friday that Cuba “is going to fall pretty soon” and announced he is assigning Secretary of State Marco Rubio to negotiate a deal aimed at regime change on the island.

2 days ago

Shield of the Americas: What we know about the summit in Doral this weekend & Noem’s new title

Doral Mayor Christi Fraga said she first learned about Saturday’s “The Shield of the Americas” summit while in Washington D.C. a few weeks back.

3 days ago

Florida House passes sweeping HOA reform bill, but Senate fate looks bleak

If you’ve ever battled your homeowners association, Florida lawmakers say help could be on the way.

A water park in your neighborhood? Tallahassee takes aim at Miami-Dade development rules

At commission chambers across cities and counties, residents with a view on high profile development projects will often show up to be heard.

Rubio: U.S. struck Iran preemptively to limit casualties

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to speak Monday afternoon on the US-Israeli joint attack on Iran that occurred this past weekend.

South Florida police departments, lawmakers react after US, Israel launch major attack on Iran

As tensions escalated in the Middle East after the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, South Florida officials moved quickly to reassure residents and visitors of their safety.

Florida lawmakers tackle AI data centers, penny shortage

Two bills passed unanimously by the Florida Senate Thursday that would regulate massive data centers that are coming to Florida — and deal with a possible penny shortage.

Miami commissioners discuss moving city elections to boost voter turnout

Thursday brought a major milestone for a citizen-led ballot initiative that, if approved by voters, would bring big changes to the Miami City Commission and the timing of municipal elections.

Florida lawmakers pass ‘election integrity’ bill

Florida lawmakers passed what they call an “election integrity” bill on Wednesday.

WATCH: President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address

President Donald Trump has delivered the State of the Union. Now the challenge for him is to make that message stick.

Ex-Plantation mayor pleads no contest to criminal charges

Former Plantation Mayor Lynn Stoner has pleaded no contest to three criminal charges in a public corruption case tied to her time in office.

Florida Senate unanimously passes ‘Teddy Bridgewater bill’

The Florida Senate unanimously passed the so-called “Teddy Bridgewater bill” on Thursday.

In Sweetwater, Florida AG defends $100K part-time UF professor job: ‘Not just some guest lecturer’

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier was in Sweetwater on Thursday to announce a new “Public Integrity Unit” focused on fighting corruption, but his news conference was overshadowed by questions about his part-time teaching job at the University of Florida’s law school.

Miami-Dade commissioners vote to push decision on UDB to meeting in March

Miami-Dade County commissioners did not make a decision regarding their Urban Development Boundary on Wednesday.

NMB commissioners vote to send scathing report on mayor to state investigators

The North Miami Beach City Commission held a vote during a meeting on Tuesday night.

Florida City residents elect Charlotte Thompson as mayor

Residents in Florida City elected a new mayor on Tuesday.

Hillary Clinton criticizes Republicans ahead of Epstein testimony

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is criticizing Republicans ahead of her upcoming testimony in Congress’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

Officials, activists urge Miami-Dade commissioners to reverse course on UDB decision

There was a show of political force, conservation and unity outside the Stephen P. Clark Government Center in Downtown Miami on Tuesday.

Local lawmakers urge Trump administration to review business licenses of those sending items to Cuba

Federal leaders, including some from South Florida, are now calling on the Trump administration to review the licenses of businesses who ship items to Cuba.

Luther ‘Uncle Luke’ Campbell announces plans for Congressional run during appearance on TWISF

Election season is underway and some South Florida races are already stealing the spotlight.

Coral Gables commissioners uphold decision to develop historic garden

Coral Gables resident Bonnie Bolton has been advocating for years to save a historic garden in the city.

Miami-Dade County gearing up for massive $927M public transportation project

If you’re sick of being stuck in traffic every day, Miami-Dade County is coming up with another option.

Army vet Alex Vindman kicks off Senate run at event in Sunrise

Decorated U.S. Army veteran Alex Vindman is launching a different kind of career in service, hoping to unseat U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody in November.

Republicans promote election bill; Democrats call it voter suppression

Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill are pushing a sweeping election reform measure they say would prevent non-citizens from voting, while Democrats argue the proposal would instead make it harder for eligible Americans to cast ballots.

Critic of Miami Beach mayor speaks at commission meeting after police visit over Facebook comment

A Miami Beach Commission meeting took a tense turn during the public comment period on Thursday.

Vance visits Venetian Islands for private fundraiser

A large motorcade traversed the Venetian Causeway on Wednesday as Vice President JD Vance visited South Florida.

‘Who is here illegally?’: Miami activists document ICE encounters amid immigrant rights concerns

Parishioners from Gesu Catholic Church joined college students and members of a local activist group in downtown Miami to document encounters between ICE agents and migrants.

Florida City mayoral election will head to runoff

Tuesday was election day in Florida City.

Luther Campbell leaves high school coaching gig for potential congressional run

Music legend and local football coach Luther Campbell, also known as Uncle Luke, may be eyeing a new kind of stage.

Florida lawmakers weigh 8 competing plans to significantly slash property taxes

Affordability is one of the biggest issues for Florida voters. In Tallahassee, lawmakers have taken a major step forward with plans to lower homeowners’ property taxes ― and the public will have the final vote.

Rubio urges Haiti’s prime minister to stay in office amid rising gang violence

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday said he called Haiti’s Prime Minister, Alix Fils-Aimé, to emphasize that he should continue as the country’s prime minister to combat gangs and stabilize the island.

Citing affordability crisis, Angie Nixon launches bid for U.S. Senate

State Rep. Angie Nixon is launching a bid for the U.S. Senate, setting up another Democratic challenge to Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, Florida’s former attorney general who was appointed to the seat by Gov. Ron DeSantis and carries the endorsement of President Donald Trump.

Democrats oppose DHS funding bill over ICE enforcement tactics

House Democrats are attempting to use Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s budget to push for new restrictions on the agency, as Republicans move forward with a Homeland Security funding bill.

Republican Moody hopes to lock down Senate seat; Dems think ‘Trump fatigue’ could upend race

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody is on the campaign trail as she hopes to retain her seat in a November special election.

Gimenez calls Machado ‘undisputed leader of Venezuela’ during her visit to Washington

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was in the halls of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, alongside South Florida Congressmen Mario Diaz Balart and Carlos Gimenez.

From property taxes to guns, Albritton outlines where Florida Senate stands

As Florida lawmakers gavel in the 2026 legislative session, Senate President Ben Albritton says he’s entering the year optimistic. That’s even as deep divisions persist between the House, Senate, and Gov. Ron DeSantis over property taxes, redistricting, and other high-stakes issues.

Florida House votes to roll back gun purchase age to 18, despite plea from Parkland lawmaker

The Florida House of Representatives voted 74-37 Thursday to roll back a part of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas gun safety law and lower the age to buy a gun back to 18.

Florida abortion battle reopens: Lawmakers push limits beyond 6-week ban

About a year and a half since Florida lawmakers passed the six-week abortion limit ― the strictest abortion law in state history ― lawmakers want to take restrictions even further.

DeSantis holds final State of the State address as legislative session kicks off

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins joins 2026 governor Republican primary against Trump-backed candidate

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced Monday that he’s running for governor in 2026, hoping to take over for term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Bryan Calvo, 28, sworn in as Hialeah’s youngest-ever mayor

Before a packed house of dignitaries, current and former local leaders and Hialeah residents, the city swore in its new mayor.

From taxes to insurance: What’s at stake during Florida’s 2026 legislative session

Lawmakers are set to meet at the State Capitol in Tallahassee on Tuesday to begin the annual scramble: two months of making brand new laws and fixing some old ones.

Florida lawmakers move to lower long gun purchase age back to 18; Parkland families split

Florida lawmakers are moving to lower the age to buy a long gun back to 18 as they prepare to enter the 2026 session. The move rolls back a law passed in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy in Parkland.

Fort Lauderdale commission discusses using drone shows to replace traditional fireworks

Cities across the country are now opting to replace or supplement events where they typically have fireworks shows with drones.

Hegseth and Rubio to brief Congress on Venezuela plans

Congressional leaders are expecting to hear more about the U.S. government’s plans for the future of Venezuela, as top officials from President Donald Trump’s administration head to Capitol Hill to brief select lawmakers Monday evening.

DeSantis touts Florida immigration arrests as Democrats warn of unchecked power

Florida’s aggressive immigration enforcement strategy is back in the spotlight. That’s as Gov. Ron DeSantis and fellow Republicans tout what they call historic results — and Democrats warn the effort relies on unchecked executive power, costly detention facilities, and limited oversight.

Local 10 gets inside look as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visits South Florida synagogue

Local 10 News got an inside look Wednesday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a rare South Florida visit at the Shul of Bal Harbour in Surfside amid tight security and large crowds.

New CEO, new strategy, same question: Should Florida keep Visit Florida?

As lawmakers return to Tallahassee next month, Visit Florida may once again face scrutiny over whether the state’s tourism bureau is still worth its roughly $80 million annual price tag.

How to view Jeffrey Epstein files released so far by US Department of Justice

The Justice Department released thousands of files Friday about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, but the incomplete document dump did not break significant ground about the long-running criminal investigations of the financier or his ties to wealthy and powerful individuals.

US jobless claim applications fell by 13,000 last week as layoffs remain low

U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell by 13,000 last week, remaining in the same historically healthy range of the past few years even as concerns grow about the health of the labor market.

Florida-style ‘Halo Act’ heads to Capitol Hill amid ICE enforcement tensions

A Florida law designed to keep people at a distance from first responders is heading to Washington and reopening a familiar debate over public safety and First Amendment rights.

‘CEO-style’ leadership: Kevin Steele launches challenge to Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia

Florida’s affordability debate is now spilling into the Republican primary for chief financial officer. State Rep. Kevin Steele is mounting a challenge against Gov. Ron DeSantis–backed incumbent CFO Blaise Ingoglia.

After FSU tragedy, Florida weighs armed campus staff, new safety standards

Florida lawmakers might be moving toward a major expansion of the state’s controversial Guardian Program, extending it to public colleges and universities. That’s in the wake of April’s deadly shooting at Florida State University.

Sen. Cruz threatens another shutdown unless restrictions on military flights are approved

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz threatened Monday to hold up funding to keep the federal government open after the end of January if reforms don’t pass by then to tighten up the rules on military flights and help prevent deadly crashes like the collision between an airliner and an Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., that killed 67.

US officials say Washington has agreed to give Ukraine security guarantees in peace talks

The U.S. has agreed to provide unspecified security guarantees to Ukraine as part of a peace deal to end Russia’s nearly four-year war, and more talks are likely this weekend, U.S. officials said Monday following the latest discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin.

This Week in South Florida: Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler

Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler spoke to Local 10’s Glenna Milberg on This Week in South Florida Sunday about the controversial rate hike from Power and Light, which is set to take effect despite widespread public opposition.

Commander in charge of US military operations in the Caribbean retires after 37 years of service

Admiral Alvin Holsey, a 37-year Navy veteran, retired Thursday from his post as commander of U.S. Southern Command, one year into his tenure and two years ahead of schedule.

The Senate voted down dueling health proposals. Here’s what’s at stake for Americans

When senators voted on rival health bills Thursday, they had two chances to address expiring COVID-era subsidies that will result in millions of Americans saddled with higher insurance costs in the new year.

‘Skyrocketing costs’: Florida’s 2026 session set for major affordability showdown

The Senate voted down dueling health proposals. Here’s what’s at stake for Americans

Lawmakers split as ACA tax credit deadline nears

Lawmakers in Washington remain split on how to address rising health care costs, with a major deadline looming at the end of the year.

Backfill or backfire? DeSantis’ plan to replace local tax dollars draws debate

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is pitching a $117 billion state budget for the next fiscal year, about $2 billion more than the current, $114.8 billion. Speaking in Orlando on Wednesday, he said his final spending blueprint has record reserves, new investments in education, transportation, and public safety— plus a plan to support rural areas impacted by property tax cuts.

Federal Reserve cuts key rate but signals higher bar for future reductions

The Federal Reserve reduced its key interest rate by a quarter-point for the third time in a row Wednesday but signaled that it may leave rates unchanged in the coming months, a move that could attract ire from President Donald Trump, who has demanded steep reductions to borrowing costs.

After historic victory, Miami Mayor-elect Eileen Higgins promises better government, end to drama

Miami Mayor-elect Eileen Higgins held a news conference on Wednesday morning following her 18-point victory in Tuesday’s runoff election, in which she proclaimed that “residents decided to embark upon a different direction.”

South Florida lawmaker files sweeping HOA reform bill after months of homeowner protests

Florida’s long-simmering fight over homeowners associations is hitting a turning point. A sweeping reform bill was officially filed this week, answering months of growing calls from residents and protestors who say the system is broken.

Florida Senate poised as decider on next session’s biggest battles

Florida’s Senate President says he’s in no rush to blow up the state’s tax code, gun laws or political map, but if any of the governor’s (or House’s) big priorities are going to happen next year, they’ll have to get past his chamber first.

‘Miami’s become the center of the political universe’: Mayoral race attracts national attention

The officially nonpartisan runoff race for Miami mayor has attracted national attention from the two major political parties in the final hours before voters head to the polls on Tuesday morning.

From chatbots to deepfakes: Florida considers wide-ranging AI protections

Florida lawmakers are turning their full attention to artificial intelligence next week, launching an unprecedented “AI Week” at the Capitol as both parties brace for the technology’s sweeping impact on education, insurance, energy and public safety.

Florida House moves ahead with redistricting review as Senate, governor signal delay

Florida’s mid-decade redistricting battle officially began Thursday, but the House’s first meeting on the issue ended almost as quickly as it started. It lasted less than half an hour and sparking immediate backlash from voting-rights advocates who traveled from across the state to weigh in.

New photos give inside look at Epstein’s island estate

A new trove of files are giving a look inside the private island estate of infamous sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

Groups decry Florida redistricting efforts: ‘A power grab’

Voting rights groups packed the Florida Capitol on Tuesday, warning that state leaders are rushing into an unprecedented mid-decade redistricting effort.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick surrenders, appears in court after federal indictment

U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Florida, appeared in a Miami federal courtroom on Tuesday, nearly a week after she was indicted on accusations that she stole $5 million in disaster relief funds.

Several airlines suspend flights to Venezuela following FAA warning

To get from Miami to Venezuela, you have had to connect somewhere else, but now several major airlines have suspended operations into the South American country as tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela continues to rise.

State approves FPL’s biggest rate hike in history

The Florida Public Service Commission wrapped up a meeting late Thursday morning where commissioners voted in favor of a rate increase for Florida Power and Light.

Trump administration proposes 50-year mortgages to tackle housing affordability crisis

The Trump administration is proposing a plan to offer 50-year mortgages.

Broward commissioners shelve ‘Lauderdale County’ rebrand proposal

The push to re-brand Broward County as Lauderdale County was met mostly with opposition on Thursday by commissioners.

President Trump signs government funding bill, ending shutdown after a record 43-day disruption

President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill Wednesday night, ending a record 43-day shutdown that caused financial stress for federal workers who went without paychecks, stranded scores of travelers at airports and generated long lines at some food banks.

Judge rules former Miami commissioner will remain on ballot

The two top vote-getters in a city of Miami commission seat election will indeed head to a runoff.

Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds receives endorsement from Ted Cruz at Miami-Dade Lincoln Day Dinner

Top Republican leaders met at the 2025 Miami-Dade Lincoln Day Dinner, including Rep. Byron Donalds and Sen. Ted Cruz.

Miami voters sent ex-commissioner to runoff ― but suit claims they also voted to disqualify him

On Nov. 4, Miami residents cast their ballots for who they felt should be the city’s next District 3 commissioner.

Transition tension: Hialeah mayor bars staff from talking to mayor-elect

The current mayor of Hialeah and the man who will replace her are currently at odds over the transition of power.

Senate approves bill to end the shutdown, sending it to the House

The Senate passed legislation Monday to reopen the government, bringing the longest shutdown in history closer to an end as a small group of Democrats ratified a deal with Republicans despite searing criticism from within their party.

Newly elected Hialeah mayor ready to start working for his city

A new era is set to begin in Hialeah after the city elected Bryan Calvo as its next mayor.

Pennsylvania reelects Supreme Court justices, extending a Democratic majority on its highest court

All three of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices who sought reelection Tuesday will get another term, ensuring Democratic jurists keep their majority on the presidential battleground state’s highest court — one at the center of pivotal fights over voting rights, redistricting and elections.

Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayor’s race, capping a stunning ascent

Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City on Tuesday, capping a stunning ascent for the 34-year-old state lawmaker, who was set to become the city’s most liberal mayor in generations.

Democrat Mikie Sherrill elected governor of New Jersey, defeating opponent who aligned with Trump

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill on Tuesday was elected governor of New Jersey, shoring up Democratic control of a state that has been reliably blue in presidential and Senate contests but had shown signs of shifting rightward in recent years.

Abigail Spanberger elected Virginia governor in a historic first that boosts Democrats ahead of 2026

Democrat Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governor’s race Tuesday, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to give Democrats a key victory heading into the 2026 midterm elections and make history as the first-ever woman to lead the commonwealth.

VIEW RESULTS: Hialeah residents elect Bryan Calvo as next mayor

Voters took to the polls on Tuesday in Hialeah and cast their ballots for a new mayor.

Judge rules to temporarily stop transfer of Miami Dade College land for Trump library

A judge has filed a temporary injunction in the case against the transfer of land to build the Trump Presidential Library next to the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami.

‘Bloated’ budget in Miami? Mayoral candidates, city officials respond to state CFO’s comments

In a news conference Thursday that felt more like a stump speech for an upcoming 2026 constitutional amendment, Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia advocated for the elimination of property taxes.

US strikes two more alleged drug-carrying boats, this time in the Pacific Ocean

The U.S. military on Wednesday launched its ninth strike against an alleged drug-carrying vessel, killing three people in the eastern Pacific Ocean, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, expanding the Trump administration’s campaign against drug trafficking in South America.