Florida

Prosecutors in Florida are seeking the death penalty for Shahidul Islam, a deported Bangladeshi national indicted in the first-degree murder of his sister-in-law, Monica Islam, who was found dead with a gunshot wound after disappearing on May 2, 2025. Islam, who had been deported three times, fled to New York City after the killing and was later extradited to Lake County for prosecution.

The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has requested exemptions for Haitian healthcare workers with temporary protected status (TPS) amid a Supreme Court ruling that ended deportation protections and work permits for Haitians and Syrians. The decision could impact up to 35,000 healthcare workers in Florida, straining nursing home staffing and resident care.

House GOP leaders are holding a vote to make daylight saving time permanent via the Sunshine Protection Act to address a revolt led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. The bill is a priority for Florida Republicans and President Donald Trump, but its inclusion in a transportation bill faces challenges due to opposition from agriculture-heavy states.

Democratic Socialist candidates have recently won Democratic primaries in New York, Pennsylvania, and Colorado, with Melat Kiros defeating an incumbent in Colorado. Oliver Larkin, a former union organizer and DSA member, is challenging Jared Moskowitz in Florida's Congressional District 25 primary, advocating policies like Medicare for All and $25 minimum wage. Larkin supports suspending U.S. military aid to Israel and backing H.R. 3565 to restrict weapon exports to Israel.

Wealthy Americans are leaving high-tax states like New York City, resulting in a $922 million loss in adjusted gross income for Manhattan between 2022 and 2023. IRS data shows significant outflows from New York and California counties, with many taxpayers relocating to lower-tax states such as Florida and Texas, impacting state finances and political dynamics ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Wealthy Americans are leaving high-tax states like New York City, resulting in a $922 million loss in adjusted gross income for Manhattan between 2022 and 2023. IRS data shows significant tax filer outflows in New York and California counties, with many relocating to lower-tax states such as Florida and Texas.

A Florida airport and a Tennessee bridge are renamed after Donald J. Trump. New signs were installed at the French Broad River in Dandridge, Tennessee, and on the main entrance ramp to the airport in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Gary Edward Glowacz, a Florida man, was arrested for the 1987 murder of Melissa Ellison after contacting police claiming to have information about the case. The arrest, made nearly four decades after the killing, was celebrated by officials as a breakthrough in a cold case.

A 2-year-old girl in Florida died after a babysitter left her in a hot car for three hours. The National Weather Service warns that children left in hot vehicles can die within 10 minutes.

The name change of an airport associated with Trump has sparked backlash in Florida. The decision to rename the airport is facing criticism from local residents and officials.

US forecasters predict El Niño could be among the strongest ever recorded. A satellite image shows Hurricane Milton progressing before its expected landfall in Florida in the Gulf of Mexico.

Florida's high SNAP error rate could cost the state up to $1 billion, with Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried alleging the errors are intentional to limit program participation. USDA data shows Florida's 12.97% error rate exceeds the national average, potentially requiring state contributions to the federal food program for the first time.

A judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville's eligibility to run for Alabama governor, citing jurisdictional limits. The lawsuit claimed Tuberville did not meet Alabama's seven-year residency requirement, but the judge ruled she could not decide the matter before the general election. Tuberville's campaign and attorney praised the decision, while the plaintiffs' lawyer plans to appeal, alleging Tuberville resides in Florida.

A Florida mayor gave an arrogant response when asked about illegally driving a police car with flashing blue lights.

A major Saharan dust outbreak is affecting the Atlantic, with dust reaching South Florida and moving into the Gulf and Texas. The dust impacts hurricane season, marine ecosystems, and air quality, particularly for vulnerable populations. Florida experienced its lowest dust levels since 2002 before this event, which is now reaching record concentrations this week.

The new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit has left microschool leaders uncertain about eligibility, as the Treasury Department's guidance clarifies that scholarships apply to public, private, or religious schools. States like Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee plan to participate, but microschools operating outside traditional private school sectors face ambiguity.

Palm Beach International Airport has been renamed Donald J. Trump International Airport, though its airport code will remain unchanged for 40 days.

U.S. states are divided in their tax revenue sources, with 27 states relying heavily on sales and consumption taxes in 2025, while 21 depend more on income taxes. States like Texas and Florida, which lack income taxes, generate most revenue through consumption-based taxes, whereas states such as California and New York rely on income and corporate taxes. This shift may disproportionately affect lower-income households and exacerbate racial inequalities.

A 62-year-old man, Randy McAllister, has been charged with the 1985 murder of auto parts salesman John Christopher Warren in Ohio. Evidence recovered behind a Cracker Barrel in Georgia and Warren's stolen vehicle found in Florida helped identify McAllister, who was on the run since the crime.

A 62-year-old man was charged with the 1985 murder of auto parts salesman John Christopher Warren in Ohio after evidence recovered behind a Cracker Barrel in Georgia and his stolen vehicle found in Florida were linked to the case. Randy McAllister, who was on the run since 1985, faces charges of aggravated murder and murder.

An 11-year-old boy lost his right hand in an alligator attack while fishing with his father in Marion County, Florida. The father intervened to free his son, and the family is now focusing on recovery, considering prosthetic options. The responsible alligator was captured and killed.

President Donald Trump must decide by July 11, 2026, whether to sign or veto a bipartisan housing bill aimed at lowering costs. If unsigned, the bill becomes law automatically under the Constitution's 10-day rule. Trump has refused to sign it to pressure the Senate on an unrelated election security measure.

An 11-year-old boy, Brodie Dituri, lost his hand in an alligator attack. His father shared the son's reaction to the incident, and Brodie is now afraid of Florida.

A Florida public official left a 5-year-old boy in a car for eight hours, and a police officer failed to attend a related court hearing. The incident highlights neglect and procedural failures in official and law enforcement responsibilities.

Consumer Reports found Uber and Lyft charge different prices for the same ride to nearby users, with examples showing up to a $30 discrepancy. The investigation also raised concerns about fictitious discounts and fare-sharing practices, while companies denied pricing based on rider identity. States like Maryland and Connecticut have started restricting 'surveillance pricing' practices.

An appeals court ruled that Florida's Stop WOKE Act violates the First Amendment, marking a significant legal challenge to the state's workplace discrimination law.

A Florida police officer attacked an elderly man at a restaurant after his wife denied his sexual advances, according to authorities. The incident occurred following the officer's unwanted advances toward the man's wife.

A federal judge in Florida ordered the Department of Homeland Security to restore access for four states to a federal citizenship database, allowing state officials to conduct bulk searches for voter eligibility checks.

An appeals court ruled part of Florida’s 'Stop WOKE' Act illegal. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the law to limit teaching about race, gender and other topics.

Erick Garcia, 22, admitted to luring 19-year-old Carlos Guillen for a meetup in October 2022, which escalated into a robbery and murder before Garcia fled to Florida. Prosecutors described the incident as a 'vicious' robbery gone wrong.

A Trump-appointed judge ruled against Ron DeSantis' 'Stop WOKE Act,' leaving Florida’s college speech limits blocked as a Supreme Court appeal looms.

A federal appeals court struck down a key portion of Florida's Stop Woke Act, ruling that the law's restrictions on college professors discussing race and gender concepts violate the US Constitution's first amendment. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 decision, found the law's higher education provisions unconstitutional, marking another legal challenge for Governor Ron DeSantis's policies.

Andrew Demetric Gillum was arrested on drug charges after police found methamphetamine and marijuana during a traffic stop. He was the Democratic nominee in the 2018 Florida gubernatorial election and served as mayor of Tallahassee from 2014 to 2018.

Andrew Gillum, a Florida gubernatorial candidate in 2018, was arrested in Alabama on drug possession charges after police found methamphetamines, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle. He was released after posting bail.

Texas lawmakers are considering banning foreign nationals from using Texas surrogates, citing concerns over birthright citizenship and immigration. The Texas GOP has included this in its platform, while surrogacy experts warn it could lead to broader restrictions. Florida has passed a similar law, and Congress is considering the SAFE Kids Act.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recalled frozen GreenWise Organic Blueberries due to possible E. coli contamination. The product was sold at Publix stores in eight states, and consumers are advised not to consume it due to 12 confirmed cases of illness linked to the contamination.

An adult son received fraudulent emails in the user's name confirming an Old Navy order and Afterpay account. The user is concerned about potential identity theft and is considering a credit freeze. Afterpay confirmed no SSN was provided, but the user suspects their SSN may be compromised.

Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries sold in eight Southern U.S. states are being recalled due to potential E. coli O145 contamination. The recall, initiated by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. and Publix, follows 12 confirmed cases of illness linked to the product.

A Florida man pulled a pistol on teenagers who mistakenly fired a water pellet gun at his car. A Port St. Lucie police officer questioned the man's decision to point a gun at the teens.

A 31-year-old Sacramento woman was killed by an alligator in Florida during a hike with her boyfriend. Her family described the incident as a 'completely bizarre accident.' The attack occurred on June 28 at Little Big Econ State Forest near Orlando.