Miami Herald

The Florida DOT plans to divert $197 million in federal grant money intended for electric car chargers toward building an 'Aerial Highway Network' and testing flying car technology. This plan, detailed in a nine-page report, has been criticized by experts as a possible misappropriation of funds meant for expanding everyday EV charging infrastructure.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the closure of the Everglades immigration detention center 'Alligator Alcatraz,' claiming it fulfilled its temporary purpose. Critics argue the facility, which cost $3,571 per detainee daily, was the most expensive detention center in U.S. history, funded by over $1 billion in taxpayer dollars through no-bid contracts and emergency fund misappropriation. The project faced accusations of diverting resources from essential programs and violating state laws.

A handyman was re-sentenced to death for the 2005 murder of a La Carreta waitress after his initial death sentence was overturned. The Miami-Dade County judge followed a jury's recommendation to send Rafael Andres back to death row.

Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero is no longer a candidate for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools superintendent position, as the Miami-Dade school board narrowed its pool to six semifinalists. Marrero stated he remains committed to Denver and highlighted his focus on equity and support for Black, Latino, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ students, noting potential misalignment with conservative ideologies in certain regions.

Tom Llamas, now anchor of NBC Nightly News, rose from an unpaid intern at age 15 to a prominent news figure, emphasizing continuous growth and improvement in journalism. He reports globally, interviews high-profile figures, and prioritizes adapting to a fragmented media landscape.

Fidelity Investments opened a brokerage account for Jeffrey Epstein in mid-April 2019, which received over $5 million before being closed in late May 2019, weeks before Epstein's arrest on sex trafficking charges. The account details were revealed through a document briefly published by the United States Justice Department, which later removed it.

U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson announced she will not run for re-election in 2025, citing strategic considerations related to Florida’s new congressional map. Wilson, who has represented parts of North Miami-Dade and south Broward since 2010, previously served in the Florida House, Florida Senate, and Miami-Dade School Board. Democratic State Sen. Shevrin Jones and GOP Rep. Carlos Giménez praised her legislative work.

Florida Democrat Frederica Wilson, a 16-year Capitol Hill veteran, will not seek reelection in November, becoming the 30th House Democrat from the 119th Congress to leave the 120th. She is expected to announce her retirement formally in her South Florida district.

Rep. Frederica Wilson confirmed her retirement from Congress after initially denying reports. She cited strategic reasons for her delayed public announcement and mentioned divine guidance in her decision. Local officials like State Sen. Shevrin Jones and Miami Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert are potential successors.

Alexandra Glorioso, a state government reporter at the Miami Herald, has joined a joint investigative unit with ProPublica. She previously reported on the DeSantis administration's transfer of $10 million in public funds to a foundation led by the governor's wife.

A Miami Herald poll reveals that 68% of Cubans and Cuban Americans in South Florida disapprove of the Trump administration's deportation policies targeting undocumented Cuban nationals. The survey highlights growing dissatisfaction among these communities with the administration's approach to migrant deportations from the Caribbean.