Politics

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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.

1 day ago

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.

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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.

Miami Beach mayoral race heats up as Meiner, Rosen Gonzalez tout records and visions for city

Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner and Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez are facing off in a heated mayoral race, each touting their record on crime, homelessness and the city’s economic future ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

‘No Kings’ protests return to South Florida as activists rally against Trump administration

Organizers are calling it a national day of peaceful mobilization as “No Kings” protests return to South Florida this weekend, with demonstrators expected to gather in cities across Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties.

It’s not just Emilio Gonzalez ― Carollo staffers also removed signs for 2 other mayoral rivals

Two more candidates for Miami mayor say their campaign signs have also been removed by city staff working for Commissioner Joe Carollo, who’s also running for the office.

‘This has to stop’: Rival accuses Carollo of having city staffers remove campaign signs

A pair that tussled during public meetings is now sparring over a campaign sign incident just weeks before Election Day, as both run for mayor of Miami.

Gov. Ron DeSantis makes special announcement in West Palm Beach

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to make an announcement in West Palm Beach on Wednesday.

Miami, Fort Lauderdale airports won’t play new Kristi Noem video blaming Democrats for government shutdown

The sights and sounds of air travel are familiar in airports across the country.

Miami Beach honors victims, hostages 2 years after Hamas attack in Israel

Tuesday marks two years since the Hamas attack in Israel that killed nearly 1,200 people and left hundreds more held hostage.

Local 10 to host live interviews with Miami mayoral candidates

Local 10 will be conducting a series of live interviews with candidates running for Miami mayor this month, giving viewers a chance to hear directly from those seeking the city’s top office.

Florida councilman facing pressure to resign after anti-Indian social media posts

A city councilman in Palm Bay, Florida is facing backlash after he was accused of attacking Indian Americans on social media.

Florida CFO puts Broward budget on blast: ‘Government is just going wild with our tax dollars’

Florida’s chief financial officer put Broward County’s budget on blast Tuesday, accusing local leaders of wasting taxpayer dollars.

Trump announces plan to lower drug costs in Oval Office address

President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks from the Oval Office at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Trump to put import taxes on pharmaceutical drugs, kitchen cabinets, furniture and heavy trucks

President Donald Trump is putting import taxes of 100% on pharmaceutical drugs, 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, 30% on upholstered furniture and 25% on heavy trucks starting on Oct. 1.

Ex-FBI Director James Comey charged with making false statement, obstruction, AP source says

James Comey was charged Thursday with making a false statement and obstruction in a criminal case filed days after President Donald Trump appeared to urge his attorney general to prosecute the former FBI director and other perceived political enemies.

Florida Cabinet to vote on Trump presidential library at Miami Dade College

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said the state Cabinet will vote next week on dedicating land at Miami Dade College to house the Presidential Library of Donald Trump.

Transit fares, property taxes stay flat as commissioners pass Miami-Dade budget

After a marathon commission meeting stretching from Thursday night into Friday morning, Miami-Dade County approved its $12.9 billion budget for the next fiscal year.

Broward leaders respond to DeSantis’ comments about county budget

This week, the Broward County Commission approved a $1.7 billion property tax budget, with a small reduction in the county’s millage rate.

FBI’s Kash Patel hints that Miami could see federal law enforcement surge

FBI Director Kash Patel is hinting that Miami could be one of the cities to see a surge in federal law enforcement as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on crime.

Little daylight between US and Israel evident as Rubio and Netanyahu meet

Israel and the United States showed a unified front on Monday in the face of growing international anger over Israel’s airstrikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar and its intensifying bombardment of Gaza City.

Lawmaker calls for hard line at ‘Save Cuba’ event: ‘I want all travel to Cuba to stop today’

Members of Congress stood alongside dignitaries from across the globe Saturday, calling it a pivotal moment in Cuba’s economic crisis as conditions on the island continue to deteriorate.

South Florida leaders call for Palmetto Bay councilman’s resignation after Charlie Kirk post

South Florida leaders gathered to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk, just days after the 31-year-old was killed in what authorities are calling a political assassination.

Florida bill filed for 2026 legislative session to change state bird

The new legislative session for Florida lawmakers begins in October, but the first policy bill of the 2026 session has been filed, pushing to change the state bird.

Residents voice opinions after Lauderdale-by-the-Sea commissioner proposes adding Donald Trump’s name to street sign

The debate about adding President Donald J. Trump’s name to a Lauderdale by the Sea street went deep into the night.

Tech titan toys run for Miami mayor: ‘Put me on stage,’ he says, ‘and it will be game over’

The co-founder of a Miami-based software company may be running for mayor.

This Week in South Florida Full Episode: September 7, 2025

On the latest episode of “This Week in South Florida” host Glenna Milberg welcomes Florida’s Executive Director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management Kevin Guthrie, Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Paul Renner and Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia.

This Week in South Florida: Alina Garcia

Miami-Dade County elected a Supervisor of Elections for the first time in recent history, and she will oversee her first big general election in November.

This Week in South Florida: Paul Renner

The race for Florida governor became bigger and more interesting last week as former House Speaker Paul Renner is in, setting up a Republican primary with President Trump-backed Byron Donalds.

This Week in South Florida: Kevin Guthrie

There were two major moves last week in the state’s effort to advance the Trump administration’s mass deportation plan.

G20 Summit coming to Miami ‘generationally important for the city’, says mayor

Earlier this week President Trump announced that the 2026 G20 Summit would be held in Miami.

US strike on Venezuelan boat sparks debate over drug policy, sovereignty

A U.S. strike against an alleged drug-carrying boat leaving Venezuela is drawing mixed reactions across the hemisphere, raising questions about sovereignty, security and the Trump administration’s broader policy toward the region.

Examining Trump administration motives behind recent actions against Venezuela

To understand what the president described as a “kinetic strike” against an alleged drug-carrying boat leaving Venezuela, look back to an executive order signed on his first day of office, designating cartels as terrorist organizations.

Judge to soon decide whether ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees were unlawfully kept from attorneys

While the operation of the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center in the Everglades appears to be over, a judge will soon decide whether the detainees who were kept there were unlawfully kept from their attorneys.

This Week in South Florida: Shevrin Jones

Several South Florida cities are facing deadlines to remove the rainbow crosswalks to comply with new state directives.

This Week in South Florida: Alexandra Davis

Broward County leaders received an earful last week from people who live near North Perry Airport, afraid of when and where the next plane will crash.

This Week in South Florida: Mario Diaz-Balart

U.S. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart represents a large part of Miami-Dade County, including the area where ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is located in the Everglades.

Fort Lauderdale residents, visitors rally to defend rainbow crosswalks amid state order

Dozens of supporters gathered Saturday along Fort Lauderdale Beach to protest a state order requiring the removal of rainbow-painted crosswalks, saying the decision unfairly targets the LGBTQ+ community.

‘A cause worth fighting for’: Fort Lauderdale standing against removing Pride crosswalks

Fort Lauderdale is holding firm in protecting its rainbow crosswalks amid a state directive to remove them across Florida.

Fort Lauderdale commissioners vote to keep crosswalk art, fight state demands for removal

Despite the threats of potential funding cuts, the city of Fort Lauderdale will be keeping their art installation crosswalks in place.

DeSantis holds firm on FDOT’s decision to remove all crosswalk art in Florida

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made his thoughts quite clear when speaking on the issue of rainbow crosswalks being removed across the state.

Push for transparency continues as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ fights to stay operational

It is not just immigrants, but public information that also appears to be detained within the tents of Alligator Alcatraz.

This Week in South Florida Full Episode: August 24, 2025

On the latest episode of “This Week in South Florida” host Glenna Milberg welcomes attorney Tania Galloni, attorney Bradley Marshall, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority Executive Director Dave Dech, and activists Dallas Perdue and Bubba Trahan.

This Week in South Florida: Dallas Perdew and Bubba Trahan

There was road rage over the rainbow last week as the Florida Department of Transportation moved with uncharacteristic speed to paint over at least one rainbow crosswalk honoring victims of the mass murder at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

This Week in South Florida: Dave Dech

Despite a record ridership, the Florida Department of Transportation slashed funding for Tri-Rail this year, setting up a scramble for options at the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority’s meeting Friday.

This Week in South Florida: Bradley Marshall

Florida Power and Light responded to universal fury over its request to raise rates to unprecedented levels by agreeing to a negotiated settlement for less.

This Week in South Florida: Taina Galloni

The most controversial and challenged detention center in recent history, the one they call ‘Alligator Alcatraz’, has now been ordered to wind down operations in the next 60 days.

Miami Beach commissioners push back after letter from state orders removal of rainbow crosswalk

The state of Florida recently sent a noncompliance letter to the city of Miami Beach, taking aim at the rainbow crosswalk at Ocean Avenue and 12th Street.

This Week in South Florida Full Episode: Aug. 17, 2025

On the latest episode of “This Week in South Florida” host Glenna Milberg welcomes the American Civil Liberties Union’s Eunice Cho, the League of Women Voters’ Jessica Lowe-Minor, Key West Commissioner Sam Kaufman and Metro-Dade Firefighters’ Union President William McAllister.