Police said neighbors of Tyrone James Causey, 79, became “increasingly concerned and frustrated with his continued behavior,” which included a call to authorities the day before about the same problem.

Investigators said Causey, who court records show lives in the 2400 block of Van Buren Street, regularly walked around the common areas of the apartment complex and made “lewd gestures,” like “thrusting his penis” at a woman’s doorbell camera.

Hollywood Police Department Officer Savannah Hutcheson wrote that she went to Causey’s door to speak with him, and he answered wearing a “G-string thong.”

Hutcheson wrote that the bethonged senior told her that he has “a right to walk around naked under Florida Statute 800.001″ and that it is “only illegal in parks, not in public.”

The officer wrote that she explained to him that it is, in fact, illegal “to walk around in public exposing himself.”

Police said he explained that he walks around naked “because he is allowed to and that he did not know he was being filmed.”

Hutcheson wrote that Causey later put on lipstick in front of her and told her to “jump rope for me, baby doll.”

Authorities said they found five neighbors who had seen Causey expose himself, leading to his arrest on five indecent exposure charges.

Those charges were initially felonies for a second or subsequent offense, based on a 1987 indecent exposure arrest and a citation from the prior police call on Thursday, but Broward court records indicate that a judge only found probable cause for standard misdemeanor charges.

Causey was no longer listed in Broward jail records as of Friday afternoon.

But similar pressure campaigns do not equal similar results, experts say, even if President Donald Trump has often warned that "Cuba is next.”

“President Trump viewed the Venezuelan intervention as a fantastic success,” said Brian Finucane, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group and a former State Department lawyer. “And he’s sought to replicate the Venezuela model elsewhere, including in Iran. But obviously, Cuba, like Iran, is a very different country than Venezuela."

If the U.S. were to depose Cuba's leadership, there is no obvious successor who would work with the Trump administration, Finucane said. That is unlike Venezuela, where the U.S. captured leader Nicolás Maduro in January and his second in command, Delcy Rodríguez, stepped in with U.S. approval and remains in power.

Cuban officials, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, say “there is no Delcy in Cuba.”

The number of American forces in the Caribbean Sea now is also smaller and far less foreboding than the massive military buildup off Venezuela's coast in the months ahead of Maduro's ouster, Finucane said. Plus, an indictment against a 94-year-old former Cuban leader — Raúl Castro — is less impactful than charging Venezuela's sitting president with drug trafficking and using that to justify his capture.

Here are some of the similarities and differences between the U.S. pressure campaigns against Venezuela and Cuba:

Trump has threatened military action

Like other conflicts, Trump began to lay the groundwork for U.S. intervention in Venezuela — and the possibility for Cuba — with escalating threats months before military action took place.

He has warned the leaders of the Caribbean countries to either get in line or face American might. Weeks before the audacious military operation that plucked Maduro from power, Trump stood with his top national security advisers in Florida and made what would be one of his last public threats to the autocratic leader.

“If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’ll ever be able to play tough,” Trump said in December. Just after Maduro was whisked to the U.S. to face trial, Trump shifted his focus to other countries in the region, namely Cuba, as being next on his list.

“Cuba is ready to fall. Cuba looks like it’s ready to fall. I don’t know if they’re going to hold out,” he told reporters on Jan. 5.

He went on to threaten tariffs on any country that sells or supplies oil to Cuba and said the U.S. might have “the honor of taking Cuba” following military operations in Venezuela and Iran.

On Thursday, he repeated his threats, calling Cuba “a failed country.”

“Other presidents have looked at this for 50, 60 years, doing something,” Trump said. “And, it looks like I’ll be the one that does it."

US squeezes countries with oil embargoes

U.S. oil embargoes on Cuba and Venezuela have been designed to have the same impact: Putting intense pressure on ruling elites — but push diametrically opposite means to achieve those goals.

With Venezuela, the Trump administration was targeting the country's oil exports, aiming to starve the Maduro government of revenue. After Maduro’s ouster, the focus shifted to denying Venezuela the ability to export oil to certain countries — primarily Cuba, from which it did not receive cash payments — and forcing it to agree to U.S. conditions for such shipments.

Much of Venezuela’s crude is now or will soon be sent through U.S. refineries.

With Cuba, the embargo is aimed at starving the energy-strapped country of oil imports, although the U.S. has allowed some limited shipments to arrive on the island, which recently declared it had run out of reserves. The oil embargo, an extension of the broader U.S. blockade on Cuba in place for decades, has made it far more difficult for the government to provide electricity and gasoline to its citizens.

The measures could go too far, Finucane said, and prompt many Cubans to head 90 miles north for Florida in makeshift boats as many did in the 1990s.

“President Trump especially cares about immigration. And if they push too hard on Cuba and destabilize the island, there’s the possibility of some kind of a refugee crisis,” he said.

US brings charges against figures in power

The Justice Department had charged Maduro with narco-terrorism conspiracy and other counts during Trump's first term in 2020.

The case was used to justify capturing Maduro, who is now in New York awaiting trial and has pleaded not guilty. The move changed Venezuela's relationship with the United States, which has allowed the sale of previously sanctioned Venezuelan oil to U.S. companies and on global markets, a massive shift after largely blocking dealings with Venezuela’s government and its oil sector for years.

The immediate aim of the indictment against Castro over the 1996 shootdown of civilian planes flown by Miami-based exiles is to take another step up the ladder of escalation in the Trump administration's pressure campaign, said William LeoGrande, a professor specializing in Latin American politics at American University in Washington.

But he said that capturing Castro following charges that include murder and destruction of an airplane would not change the operations of the Cuban government.

Castro “still has influence and the leadership seeks his opinion on major decisions, but he is not running the government on a day-to-day basis,” LeoGrande said.

Building up a US military footprint in the region

In the months before Maduro was captured, the U.S. dispatched a fleet of warships to the waters near Venezuela in what became its largest military buildup in Latin America in generations.

The nation's most advanced warship, the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, was notably rerouted from Europe to join in the operation. Three amphibious assault ships carried an expeditionary unit of Marines as well as helicopters and Osprey aircraft.

U.S. forces spent months attacking small boats accused of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean — and still are carrying out those strikes — while fighter jets flew over the Gulf of Venezuela.

The actual mission to capture Maduro involved more than 150 aircraft launched across the Western Hemisphere.

The U.S. military now has a smaller force in the Caribbean Sea, which still includes two amphibious assault ships with Marines onboard. It touted the arrival of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and accompanying warships on the same day the charges against Castro were announced this week.

But the Nimitz is on its last ever tour, taking part in maritime exercises in the region, before being decommissioned.

“They're very different situations, and it's very difficult to see similar outcomes," Finucane said. “A snatch-and-grab raid against Raúl Castro or someone who's actually in a leadership position doesn't seem like it's going to have the same outcome in Cuba as in Venezuela.”

___

Associated Press writer Andrea Rodríguez in Havana contributed to this report.

El Airbus A330-200 luce en su cola los colores celeste y blanco de la camiseta argentina sobre los que está escrito el número 10 en alusión al capitán de la selección Lionel Messi. Tiene además pintada la “C” de capitán en cada motor y las tres estrellas doradas alusivas a las copas mundiales ganadas por Argentina en su fuselaje inferior.

La aeronave será el transporte aéreo oficial de la albiceleste durante el Mundial que se disputará desde el 11 de junio en México, Estados Unidos y Canadá.

Pablo Da Grava, jefe de turno del hangar 5 de Aerolíneas Argentinas, dijo a periodistas que el diseño busca hacer hincapié “en el número 10, que tanto representa para todos los argentinos”. Además de ser la de Messi, la “10” fue la camiseta utilizada por el fallecido astro Diego Maradona durante la Copa de 1986 que ganó Argentina.

Para el Mundial de Qatar en 2022 la selección también usó un Airbus de Aerolíneas, lo que hace suponer que busca mantener la “cábala” para repetir el éxito que tuvo en ese certamen.

Fendrich, a regular at Roland Garros and all the tennis majors since 2002, died Thursday, less than three months after being diagnosed with cancer.

The news elicited a social media outpouring that included a Friday morning post from Nadal, whose record 14 French Open victories were chronicled in rich and colorful detail by Fendrich. “Tennis loses one of its great journalists,” Nadal said.

Gauff, whose title last year at Roland Garros was her second major singles championship, opened her pre-tournament news conference with a shout-out to Fendrich, the award-winning writer who spent 24 of his 33 years with AP on the tennis beat.

“I just wanted to start this off just recognizing a deep loss that I think we all have experienced as a community with Howard,” Gauff said. “He was someone I always enjoyed having conversations with. One of my favorite faces to see in the room.”

Fendrich died Thursday at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He was diagnosed with cancer in February shortly after returning from Milan, where he covered his 11th Olympics. He was 55.

The Women’s Tennis Association wrote a tribute to Fendrich, recalling that “His classic opening before a question, ‘soooo, I’m curious ...’ always set a comfortable tone of kindness in interviews.”

The fifth-ranked Pegula, a member of the WTA Players’ Council, sent her condolences.

“Howard was one of the most respected journalists in our sport and someone players trusted because he always approached his work with honesty, professionalism and fairness,” she said.

Roger Federer, Billie Jean King and Patrick McEnroe, a former player and the current president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, were among those who honored Fendrich on Thursday.

Other tributes streamed in from Fendrich’s press box colleagues. Washington-based Adam Kilgore called him “the best person to see at a game, in a press room, at a dinner after an event.” They also came from across Fendrich’s home base, where, when not covering tennis, he was a regular in press boxes at Commanders, Nationals and Capitals games.

“His contributions to and impact on sports journalism extend far beyond that of the Nationals press box,” the baseball team said. “He will be dearly missed.”

Fendrich was based in Washington and the city’s football and hockey teams — the Commanders and Capitals — also extended their condolences.

Fendrich is survived by his wife, Rosanna Maietta; his mother, Renée; his brother, Alex; and two sons, Stefano and Jordan.

___

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Friction has grown between Congress and the Trump administration in recent weeks as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle push for updates on what has happened with $400 million in Ukraine aid and $200 million more for defense programs in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The money was allocated by Congress last year. Even Republican lawmakers have aired their frustration as President Donald Trump's administration disengages with Ukraine and other European allies.

“Ukraine has persistently and bravely repelled a four-year Russian onslaught, but its military needs and deserves continued American support,” said Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin and Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley in the joint letter.

Republican Sens. Kevin Cramer and Thom Tillis and Democratic Sens. Michael Bennet and Catherine Cortez Masto also signed onto the letter.

During a congressional hearing over three weeks ago, Hegseth had told lawmakers that the Ukraine funding had been “released” and a spending plan would soon be sent to lawmakers. But the senators say the Pentagon failed to meet the promised May 15 deadline for that plan.

“Any further delays — particularly as the Department reportedly plans troubling U.S. troops withdrawals from the region — risks our ability to adequately deter Russia,” the senators said.

The letter was the latest sign of Senate Republican frustration with the Trump administration after a week in which the president endorsed the primary challenger to Texas Sen. John Cornyn, angering many.

In a back-and-forth with the president on social media Friday, Tillis blamed Trump's advisors for a list of policies he says are hurting the GOP politically, including, “Firing our very best generals and not holding Putin accountable for his systematic kidnapping, rape, torture, and murder of Ukrainian civilians.”

Several Republicans have also taken issue with Hegseth's firing of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George last month. George had pushed to reconfigure the Army's battlefield strategy to incorporate drone warfare and had worked with Ukraine's military to learn from its experience.

In the House, a Democratic-backed proposal to impose sweeping sanctions on Russia and send $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine has gained momentum as well. While that aid package is unlikely to become law, it’s helping fuel a renewed push among lawmakers for supporting Ukraine’s war effort.

The $400 million in security aid for Ukraine is relatively small compared to the multi-billion dollar aid packages that Congress initially approved in the months and years immediately following Russia's invasion, but for lawmakers, the provision has also taken on significance as a sign of their continued support.

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The suspect was identified in an arrest report from the Miami Police Department obtained by Local 10 News on Friday as 26-year-old Joseph Nelson Saroza.

According to the report, the scheme unfolded between February and March 2026 and involved fraudulent apartment rental listings posted on Facebook Marketplace.

Investigators said Saroza communicated with victims by text message and FaceTime, and allegedly sent them fake lease agreements.

They said he often posed as a property owner or manager under the name “Bryan Rodriguez” and provided video walkthroughs of apartments to make the listings appear legitimate. After receiving money, he would allegedly block victims and stop responding, according to investigators.

The report states that in one case, a victim sent $2,000 in online deposits after being shown a video tour and a fabricated lease for an Edgewater apartment in the 400 block of Northeast 29th Street.

Police said when that victim attempted to move in, Saroza delayed the date multiple times because of a “plumbing issue,” before cutting off contact.

They said other victims reported similar experiences, including in-person walkthroughs, signed fake agreements, and payments made through Zelle ranging in the thousands of dollars.

One victim later learned from building management that the suspect had no connection to the property, according to investigators.

Investigators said multiple victims were later able to identify Saroza through photo lineups and provided detectives with messages, screenshots and copies of the fake leases.

Miami police confirmed Saroza was arrested Thursday.

Jail records show he is facing six counts of third-degree grand theft and one count of organized fraud involving $20,000 or more but less than $50,000.

As of Friday, he was being held on a $22,500 bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted in this case is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.

Un hombre de Miami está acusado de operar una estafa de alquileres de apartamentos durante varios meses a través de Facebook Marketplace que, según la policía, afectó a múltiples víctimas y robó miles de dólares en depósitos.

El sospechoso fue identificado en un informe de arresto del Departamento de Policía de Miami obtenido por Local 10 News el viernes como Joseph Nelson Saroza, de 26 años.

Según el informe, el esquema ocurrió entre febrero y marzo de 2026 e involucró anuncios fraudulentos de alquileres de apartamentos publicados en Facebook Marketplace.

Los investigadores dijeron que Saroza se comunicaba con las víctimas mediante mensajes de texto y FaceTime, y presuntamente les enviaba contratos de arrendamiento falsos.

Indicaron que frecuentemente se hacía pasar por propietario o administrador bajo el nombre de “Bryan Rodriguez” y proporcionaba recorridos en video de apartamentos para hacer que los anuncios parecieran legítimos. Según los investigadores, después de recibir el dinero, bloqueaba a las víctimas y dejaba de responder.

El informe señala que en un caso, una víctima envió $2,000 USD en depósitos en línea después de recibir un recorrido en video y un contrato falso para un apartamento en Edgewater, en la cuadra 400 de Northeast 29th Street.

La policía indicó que cuando la víctima intentó mudarse, Saroza retrasó la fecha varias veces debido a un “problema de plomería” antes de cortar toda comunicación.

Indicaron que otras víctimas reportaron experiencias similares, incluyendo recorridos en persona, contratos falsos firmados y pagos realizados a través de Zelle por miles de dólares.

Según los investigadores, una víctima descubrió posteriormente a través de la administración del edificio que el sospechoso no tenía ninguna relación con la propiedad.

Los investigadores dijeron que múltiples víctimas pudieron identificar posteriormente a Saroza mediante ruedas fotográficas y proporcionaron a los detectives mensajes, capturas de pantalla y copias de los contratos falsos.

La policía de Miami confirmó que Saroza fue arrestado el jueves.

Los registros de la cárcel muestran que enfrenta seis cargos de robo mayor en tercer grado y un cargo de fraude organizado por entre $20,000 USD y $50,000 USD.

Hasta el viernes, permanecía detenido con una fianza de $22,500 USD en el Centro Correccional Turner Guilford Knight.

Cualquier persona que crea haber sido víctima en este caso debe llamar a Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers al 305-471-8477.

Busch died Thursday at age 41. No cause of death has been given, though his family said earlier he had been hospitalized with a “severe illness” three days before he was to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Busch was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte, several people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because details have not been disclosed by Busch’s team or family.

During the emergency call placed late that afternoon from the General Motors training facility, an unidentified caller calmly told the dispatch: “I’ve got an individual that’s shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he’s going to pass out, and he’s producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood.”

Busch was lying on the bathroom floor inside the complex and told dispatch “He is awake," the caller said, according to audio provided by the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office.

The man then gave directions on where emergency responders should go and asked that they turn off any sirens upon arrival.

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Judge, who was born into slavery on George Washington’s plantation, was 22 years old when she slipped away from the president’s official residence in Philadelphia on May 21, 1796. She hid on a boat that carried her to New Hampshire, where she later married and had three children.

May 21st has been officially declared Ona Judge Day in Philadelphia, where a rally took place Thursday at the President’s House site, a target of the Trump administration’s efforts to remove information it deems “disparaging” to Americans from federal properties. Participants chanted “Tell the truth! Restore our history!” after hearing from those involved in fighting to restore exhibits about Judge and other people enslaved at the site.

The panels were abruptly removed in January following an executive order from President Donald Trump. Some of the exhibits were restored following a judge’s order, but the work has been halted while the administration appeals.

A panel featuring Judge is among those that have been rehung, and she is further memorialized in a series of bronze footprints embedded in the sidewalk symbolizing how she escaped to freedom.

“We remember her courage, her passion, her determination, that we make sure that in no way, shape or form she is ever forgotten," said Cindy Bass, a member of the Philadelphia City Council. “Each one, teach one. Everyone, tell someone.”

Dawn Chavous, a volunteer for the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, said it's important to acknowledge the contributions of all people who shaped the country.

“You can’t love America without knowing the good, the bad and the ugly,” she said. “Slavery was part of our American story, and that is not something that we should hide or run away from.”

In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a 13-by-25-foot mural depicting Judge is being unveiled Saturday on the side of a building owned by the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. The organization has featured her story for years with tours and other educational programs.

“At a time when stories of struggle and freedom are being erased, New Hampshire is choosing something different: to make the quest for freedom visible, permanent, and undeniable,” the organization said in announcing the mural project.

____

Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire.

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But recent inspections uncovered troubling conditions, including unsafe food temperatures, contaminated surfaces, mold-like buildup, sanitation concerns, and employee hygiene violations at restaurants that racked up 30 or more violations during a single inspection.

Below are the restaurants that landed on this week’s Dirty 30 list.

Inspection reports detailed a wide range of issues, from food stored at unsafe temperatures and cross-contamination risks to dirty equipment and food exposed to contamination. While some problems were corrected during the inspection, large numbers of violations during a single visit can point to broader issues with daily kitchen operations and food safety practices.

DO BETTER!

*THE NEWS CAFE AT OH MEXICO TACO SHOP

804 OCEAN DRIVE

MIAMI BEACH

INSPECTION DATE 5/14

35 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Accumulation of debris on exterior of ware washing machine.”

“Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.”

“Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.”

“Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner.”

“Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.”

“Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area.”

“Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink.”

“Equipment in poor repair.”

“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.”

“Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust.”

“Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.”

“Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.”

“Insect control device installed over food preparation area.”

“No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.”

“Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover.”

“Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures.”

“Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses.”

“Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual ware washing.”

“Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours.”

“Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours.”

“Displayed food not properly protected from contamination.”

“Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use.”

“Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction.”

“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.”

“Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled.”

“Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb.”

“Clam/mussel/oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment.”

“Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served.”

“Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening.”

“Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection.”

“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.”

“No soap provided at handwash sink.”

“Raw or undercooked oysters offered and establishment has no consumer advisory sign provided on wall, menu, placard, table tent or by any other written means.”

“Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.”

“Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone.”

**THE GARDEN HOUSE RESTAURANT

710 WASHINGTON AVE.

MIAMI BEACH

INSPECTION DATE 5/11

36 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Accumulation of surface rust substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin that is in the kitchen.”

“Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed for unisex bathroom.”

“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled vents and accumulation of rust around piping above ware-wash and kitchen area.”

“Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed 10 packets of white fish completely thawed inside ROPE bag inside prep count cooling unit. A stop sale was issued.”

“Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed broken for handwashing sink in the kitchen.”

“Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed unsealed concrete current license not displayed on site.”

“Dish machine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dish machine is functioning properly. Per operator currently not working.”

“Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting food pans and deli containers on a shelving unit near ice machine.”

“Equipment in poor repair. Observed in poor repair multiple door gaskets for reach in coolers.” Repeat Violation

“Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water around 3 compartment sink area.”

“Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed for both freezer chests.”

“Interior of ice machine/bin with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed for ice machine in kitchen.”

“Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed missing for three dumpsters.”

“No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.”

“No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in RICE near ice machine.”

“No copy of latest inspection report available. Observed no copy on site. Confirmed with operator, must be available upon request by a customer.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled multiple door gaskets for reach in coolers.”

“Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled interior and door interiors of reach in coolers in kitchen area.”

“Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed for reach on coolers in the kitchen.”

“Stored food not covered. Observed empanadas not covered inside ice chest in the kitchen.”

“Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, ware washing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete floor at ware washing area.”

“Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed stored on prep counters in the kitchen.” Repeat Violation

“Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed multiple squeeze bottles with no label found in the kitchen.”

“Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed soiled floors around dishwashing area and around where cleaning supplies are stored.”

“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed a carton of raw shelled eggs over cut lettuce inside the reach in cooler across from ice machine in kitchen.”

“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 10 packets of white fish completely thawed inside ROP bag inside prep count cooling unit.”

“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked pork (51F - Cold Holding); bacon (57F - Cold Holding); chorizos (58F - Cold Holding).”

“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked pork (51F - Cold Holding); bacon (57F - Cold Holding); chorizos (58F - Cold Holding). A stop sale was issued.” Repeat Violation

“Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Missing vacuum breaker for hose bib with a hose connection, located at dumpster area.”

“Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed vacuum breaker in disrepair at mop sink.” Repeat Violation

**HAVANA BEACH

740 OCEAN DRIVE

MIAMI BEACH

INSPECTION DATE 5/12

39 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Accumulation of debris inside ware washing machine. Observed soiled with accumulation black grime along the frame.”

“Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed for customer and employee bathroom in the restaurant.”

“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed soiled door handle of walk in cooler, handle of panini machine.” Repeat Violation

“Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed three unsecured in dry storage area.”

“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed in ware washing, prep, kitchen area.” Repeat Violation

“Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Observed spatulas wedged between 3CS and wall.”

“Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observe one bag of completely thawed mahi mahi in ROP, inside walk in cooler. A stop sale was issued.”

“Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed missing for prep sink, and 3CS.”

“Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.”

“Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed male employee drinking coffee in the kitchen at prep table.”

“Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed on shelves in ware washing area.”

“Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken door gaskets of reach in coolers in the kitchen area.”

“Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken tiles in food prep, kitchen ware washing area.”

“Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed for ice chest in kitchen.”

“In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensil in standing water 89°F, at the stove.”

“Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled the interior and exterior of the microwave.”

“Missing drain plug at dumpster.”

“No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.” Repeat Violation

“No copy of latest inspection report available. Explained to operator require to be available upon customer request.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled door gaskets of walk in cooler, all reach in coolers in the kitchen, fans and vent in the kitchen area including one above prep table.”

“Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed for reach in coolers in the kitchen.”

“Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observe for all under counter reach in coolers, and upright RIC used for fruit in the kitchen area.”

“Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed straws not individually wrapped at stored on bar counter, which can be easily attainable by a customer.” Repeat Violation

“Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside walk in cooler and freezer.”

“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed soiled walls behind shelves housing clean food equipment in ware washing area and around kitchen area near HWS.” Repeat Violation

“Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed in the kitchen.”

“Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed no labels on containers containing dry items, in the dry storage area. Also observed food pans in the stove with dry items not identified by a label.”

“Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed soiled floors in ware washing and kitchen area.”

“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observe one bag of completely thawed mahi mahi in ROP bag, inside walk in cooler.”

“Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone. Observed fire extinguisher located at staircase to kitchen.”

**TRIBUTE TO TOBACCO ROAD BY KUSH

650 S. MIAMI AVE

MIAMI

INSPECTION DATE 5/11

33 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed above the 3 compartment sink.”

“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed AC cover with accumulated dust at the walk in cooler.”

“Covered waste receptacle not provided in women’s bathroom.”

“Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.”

“Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Observed an opened employee drink on top of the dishwasher area.”

“Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed a cell phone stored on preparation table in the kitchen area.”

“Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a watch while engaged in food preparation.”

“Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed utensil not properly air-dried - wet nesting.” Repeat Violation

“Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets torn at the cook line.”

“Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.”

“Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed behind the ice machine.”

“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed at the front counter.”

“Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed floor tile missing grout at the kitchen area.”

“Food stored on floor. Observed several buckets with food stored on the floor of the walk in cooler.” Repeat Violation

“In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on the oven door handle.”

“In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water at 80°F at the cook line.”

“No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed at the reach in cooler in the cook line.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled and also hood filter soiled.” Repeat Violation

“Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed at the front counter.”

“Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed dew clothes stored on preparation tables.”

“Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bins with sugar and flour not identified in the kitchen area.”

“Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands.”

“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored above bucket with mayo inside the walk in cooler.”

“Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed bbq chicken inside the reach in cooler date marked on 5/7. Stop sale was issued.” Repeat Violation

“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed bbq chicken inside the reach in cooler date marked on 5/7. Stop sale was issued. Repeat Violation.”

“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed burgers (49 F - Cold Holding) inside the reach in cooler at cook line. As per OIC food was placed less than 2 hours ago. Employee placed food inside the walk in cooler.”

“Certified food manager unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Employee did not know how to check the sanitizer of the dishwasher machine.”

“Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by the inability to answer basic food safety questions. Employee did not know how to check the sanitizer of the dishwasher machine.”

“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled.”

“Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed above trash bin stored in front of the hand wash sink in the cook line.”

“No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at the front counter.”

“No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at the front counter.”

“Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. Observed a metal brush on the cook line.”

**TUTTO PIZZA & PASTA

328 CRANDON BLVD.

KEY BISCAYNE

INSPECTION DATE 5/13

33 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.”

“Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.”

“Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or ware washing areas.”

“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.”

“Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash.”

“Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package.”

“Covered waste receptacle not provided in women’s bathroom.”

“Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.”

“Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food.”

“Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.”

“Equipment in poor repair.”

“Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken.”

“Food stored on floor.”

“Hole in or other damage to wall.”

“In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.”

“In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.”

“Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink.”

“Stored food not covered.”

“Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, ware washing area or bathroom.”

“Utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up.”

“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.”

“Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name.”

“No proof of parasite destruction or aquaculture documentation for cold smoked salmon served raw or undercooked. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded.”

“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition.”

“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.”

“Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed.”

“Employee has not received adequate training related to their assigned duties as evidenced by lack of general knowledge in performing their assigned duties.”

“Food-contact surface soiled with old food debris.”

“Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory.”

“No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment ware washing machine or wiping cloths.”

“Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained.”

“Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.”

Sin embargo, inspecciones recientes revelaron condiciones preocupantes, como temperaturas inadecuadas de los alimentos, superficies contaminadas, acumulación de moho, problemas de higiene y violaciones de las normas de higiene de los empleados en restaurantes que acumularon 30 o más infracciones durante una sola inspección.

A continuación se muestran los restaurantes que figuran en la lista “Dirty 30” de esta semana.

Los informes de inspección detallaron una amplia gama de problemas, desde alimentos almacenados a temperaturas inadecuadas y riesgos de contaminación cruzada hasta equipos sucios y alimentos expuestos a la contaminación. Si bien algunos problemas se corrigieron durante la inspección, la gran cantidad de infracciones detectadas en una sola visita puede indicar problemas más generales en las operaciones diarias de la cocina y en las prácticas de seguridad alimentaria.

¡HAZLO MEJOR!

*EL CAFÉ DE NOTICIAS EN LA TAQUERÍA OH MEXICO

804 OCEAN DRIVE

Playa de Miami

FECHA DE INSPECCIÓN 14/5

Se detectaron 35 infracciones.

“Acumulación de residuos en el exterior de la lavadora de vajilla.”

“Recipiente u otro tipo de bol sin asa que se utiliza para servir comida.”

“Los tanques de dióxido de carbono/helio no están debidamente asegurados.”

“Vasos, tazas, cuencos, platos, ollas y sartenes limpios, que no se guarden boca abajo ni protegidos.”

“No se muestra la licencia actual del hotel o restaurante.”

“Empleado comiendo en una zona de preparación de alimentos u otra zona restringida.”

“Los equipos y utensilios no se lavaron, enjuagaron ni desinfectaron en el orden correcto en el fregadero de tres compartimentos.”

“Equipo en mal estado.”

“El suelo está sucio/tiene acumulación de residuos.”

“Alimentos almacenados en un lugar expuesto a salpicaduras/polvo.”

“Acumulación de hielo en el congelador vertical y/o en el congelador industrial.”

“El mango de la pala para hielo está en contacto con el hielo.”

“Dispositivo de control de insectos instalado sobre la zona de preparación de alimentos.”

“Se ha colocado un cartel que indica que no se debe lavar las manos en el lavamanos utilizado por los empleados de la cocina.”

“Superficie que no entra en contacto con alimentos, sucia de grasa, restos de comida, suciedad, lodo o polvo.”

“Papel de aluminio roto/desgastado usado como cubierta para estantes.”

“Componentes, accesorios o elementos de construcción sucios.”

“No guardar el paño húmedo en solución desinfectante entre usos.”

“El desinfectante de cloro no tiene la concentración mínima adecuada para el lavado manual de vajilla.”

“Los alimentos cocinados/calentados requieren control de tiempo/temperatura para garantizar su seguridad, siempre que no se enfríen de 135 grados Fahrenheit a 41 grados Fahrenheit en un plazo de 6 horas.”

“Los alimentos cocinados/calentados requieren control de tiempo/temperatura para garantizar su seguridad, sin enfriarlos de 135 grados Fahrenheit a 70 grados Fahrenheit en dos horas y de 135 grados Fahrenheit a 41 grados Fahrenheit en seis horas.”

“Los alimentos expuestos no estaban debidamente protegidos contra la contaminación.”

“Las superficies en contacto con alimentos no se desinfectan después de la limpieza, antes de su uso.”

“El pescado no exento que se ofrece crudo o poco cocido no ha sido sometido a la destrucción adecuada de parásitos.”

“Alimentos animales crudos almacenados encima de alimentos listos para el consumo o que no se han separado adecuadamente de ellos.”

“Guantes de un solo uso que no se cambian según sea necesario después de cambiar de tarea o cuando están dañados o sucios.”

“Falta el interruptor de vacío en la llave de paso de la manguera o en el accesorio/divisor añadido a la llave de paso.”

“Las etiquetas de las almejas, mejillones y ostras no se conservan en orden cronológico según la última fecha en que se sirvieron en el establecimiento.”

“Las etiquetas de almejas/mejillones/ostras no indican la fecha de último consumo.”

“Alimentos procesados ​​comercialmente, listos para el consumo, que requieren control de tiempo/temperatura para su seguridad, que se abrieron y se mantuvieron durante más de 24 horas sin la fecha de apertura debidamente marcada.”

“Los alimentos se enfriaron mediante un método no aprobado, como lo demuestra la velocidad de enfriamiento insuficiente durante el momento de la inspección.”

“Superficie en contacto con alimentos sucia con restos de comida, una sustancia similar al moho o una sustancia viscosa.”

“No hay jabón en el lavamanos.”

“Se ofrecen ostras crudas o poco cocidas y el establecimiento no cuenta con ningún aviso para el consumidor en la pared, el menú, el cartel, el letrero de la mesa ni por ningún otro medio escrito.”

“Frasco pulverizador que contiene una sustancia tóxica no etiquetada.”

“El manómetro del extintor portátil está en la zona roja.”

**EL RESTAURANTE CASA DEL JARDÍN**

710 WASHINGTON AVE.

Playa de Miami

FECHA DE INSPECCIÓN 5/11

Se detectaron 36 infracciones.

“Acumulación de óxido superficial en el interior de la máquina/contenedor de hielo que se encuentra en la cocina.”

“El baño ubicado dentro del establecimiento no está completamente cerrado con puertas que se cierran automáticamente y ajustan herméticamente. Se observó que era un baño unisex.”

“Techo/baldosas/rejillas de ventilación sucias con restos de comida acumulados, grasa, polvo o una sustancia similar al moho. Se observaron rejillas de ventilación sucias y acumulación de óxido alrededor de las tuberías sobre el área de lavado de vajilla y la cocina.”

Pescado envasado comercialmente con oxígeno reducido, con una etiqueta que indica que debe permanecer congelado hasta su consumo, ya no estaba congelado y no se había retirado del envase. Se observaron 10 paquetes de pescado blanco completamente descongelados dentro de una bolsa ROPE en la unidad de refrigeración de preparación. Se emitió una orden de cese de venta.

“La moldura de remate en la unión del suelo y la pared está rota o falta. Se observó que estaba rota en el lavamanos de la cocina.”

“No se exhibe la licencia vigente del hotel y restaurante. Se observó concreto sin sellar y la licencia vigente no está exhibida en el lugar.”

“El lavavajillas no lava ni enjuaga correctamente. Es necesario lavar, enjuagar y desinfectar toda la vajilla, el equipo y los utensilios en el fregadero de tres compartimentos hasta que el lavavajillas funcione correctamente. Según el operador, actualmente no está funcionando.”

“Equipos y utensilios no secados al aire adecuadamente: acumulación de humedad. Se observaron recipientes de comida y envases de charcutería húmedos apilados en una estantería cerca de la máquina de hielo.”

“Equipo en mal estado. Se observaron juntas de puertas en mal estado en varios refrigeradores.” Infracción reiterada

“Zonas del suelo cubiertas de agua estancada. Se observó agua estancada alrededor del fregadero de tres compartimentos.”

“Acumulación de hielo en el congelador vertical y/o en el congelador industrial. Observado en ambos tipos de congeladores.”

“Interior de la máquina/contenedor de hielo con óxido que ha corroído la superficie. Observado en la máquina de hielo de la cocina.”

“Falta el tapón de drenaje en el contenedor de basura. Se observó que faltaba en tres contenedores.”

“No hay cartel de advertencia sobre la maniobra de Heimlich/asfixia.”

“No se observó ningún termómetro de temperatura ambiente en un lugar visible de la unidad de almacenamiento. Tampoco se observó ningún termómetro ambiental en el recipiente RICE cerca de la máquina de hielo.”

“No se dispone de copia del último informe de inspección. No se observó ninguna copia en el lugar. Confirmado con el operador, debe estar disponible a solicitud del cliente.”

“Superficie que no entra en contacto con alimentos sucia con grasa, restos de comida, suciedad, lodo o polvo. Se observaron varias juntas de las puertas de los refrigeradores sucias.”

“El interior y los estantes del refrigerador presentan acumulación de residuos de suciedad. Se observó suciedad en el interior y en las puertas de los refrigeradores en el área de la cocina.”

“Estantes de refrigeradores empotrados con óxido que ha corroído la superficie. Observado en refrigeradores empotrados en la cocina.”

“Alimentos almacenados sin tapar. Se observaron empanadas sin tapar dentro de la nevera portátil en la cocina.”

“Piso de concreto sin sellar en área de preparación de alimentos, almacenamiento de alimentos, área de lavado de utensilios o baño. Se observó un piso de concreto sin sellar en el área de lavado de utensilios.”

“Los paños de limpieza húmedos no se guardan en solución desinfectante entre usos. Se observaron almacenados sobre las encimeras de preparación en la cocina.” Infracción reiterada

“Se encontraron envases de alimentos usados, retirados de sus recipientes originales, sin identificar por su nombre común. También se observaron varias botellas exprimibles sin etiqueta en la cocina.”

“Pisos/alfombras desgastados, rotos y/o sucios. Se observaron pisos sucios alrededor del área de lavado de platos y alrededor de donde se almacenan los productos de limpieza.”

“Alimentos crudos de origen animal almacenados encima de alimentos listos para el consumo o sin la separación adecuada de estos. Se observó una caja de huevos crudos con cáscara sobre lechuga cortada dentro del refrigerador ubicado frente a la máquina de hielo en la cocina.”

Se emitió una orden de cese de venta debido a que los alimentos no se encontraban en condiciones higiénicas ni adecuadas. Se observaron 10 paquetes de pescado blanco completamente descongelados dentro de una bolsa ROP en la unidad de refrigeración de preparación y conteo.

Se emitió una orden de cese de venta por incumplimiento del control de tiempo/temperatura en alimentos inocuos debido a un manejo inadecuado de la temperatura. Se observó carne de cerdo cocida (51 °F - Conservación en frío); tocino (57 °F - Conservación en frío); chorizos (58 °F - Conservación en frío).

“Control de tiempo/temperatura para la seguridad alimentaria: alimentos refrigerados a más de 5 °C (41 °F). Se observó carne de cerdo cocida (11 °C - Refrigeración); tocino (14 °C - Refrigeración); chorizos (14 °C - Refrigeración). Se emitió una orden de cese de venta.” Infracción reiterada

Falta el interruptor de vacío en la llave de paso o en el adaptador/divisor añadido a la llave de paso. Falta el interruptor de vacío en la llave de paso con conexión para manguera, ubicada en la zona del contenedor de basura.

Falta el interruptor de vacío en el grifo del fregadero para fregonas o en el accesorio/divisor añadido al grifo del fregadero para fregonas. Se observó que el interruptor de vacío del fregadero para fregonas estaba en mal estado. Infracción reiterada.

**PLAYA DE LA HABANA

740 OCEAN DRIVE

Playa de Miami

FECHA DE INSPECCIÓN 5/12

Se detectaron 39 infracciones.

“Acumulación de residuos en el interior de la lavadora de vajilla. Se observa suciedad acumulada con mugre negra a lo largo del marco.”

“El baño ubicado dentro del establecimiento no está completamente cerrado con puertas que se cierran automáticamente y ajustan herméticamente. Se observó que el baño era utilizado tanto por clientes como por empleados del restaurante.”

Acumulación de restos de comida/suciedad en las manijas de las puertas de los equipos. Se observó la manija sucia de la cámara frigorífica y de la máquina de paninis. Infracción reiterada.

“Los tanques de dióxido de carbono/helio no estaban debidamente asegurados. Se observaron tres sin asegurar en el área de almacenamiento en seco.”

Techo/baldosas/rejillas de ventilación sucias con restos de comida acumulados, grasa, polvo o una sustancia similar al moho. Observado en el área de lavado de vajilla, preparación y cocina. Infracción reiterada.

“Utensilios limpios almacenados entre el equipo y la pared. Se observaron espátulas atascadas entre el 3CS y la pared.”

Pescado procesado comercialmente y envasado en atmósfera reducida, con una etiqueta que indica que debe permanecer congelado hasta su consumo, ya no está congelado y no ha sido retirado del envase. Se observa una bolsa de mahi mahi completamente descongelado en atmósfera reducida, dentro de una cámara frigorífica. Se ha emitido una orden de cese de venta.

“La moldura de remate en la unión del piso y la pared está rota o falta. Se observó que faltaba en el fregadero auxiliar y en el fregadero 3CS.”

“La tabla de cortar tiene marcas de cortes y ya no se puede limpiar.”

“Empleado comiendo en una zona de preparación de alimentos u otra área restringida. Se observó a un empleado varón bebiendo café en la cocina, en la mesa de preparación.”

“Equipos y utensilios no secados correctamente al aire: apilados húmedos. Observado en los estantes del área de lavado de vajilla.”

“El equipo está en mal estado. Se observaron juntas de las puertas de los refrigeradores en el área de la cocina rotas.”

“Faltan baldosas en el suelo o están en mal estado. Se observaron baldosas rotas en la zona de preparación de alimentos y en el área de lavado de utensilios de cocina.”

“Acumulación de hielo en el congelador vertical y/o en el congelador industrial. Observado en la nevera de hielo de la cocina.”

“Utensilio en uso almacenado en agua estancada a menos de 135 grados Fahrenheit. Se observó un utensilio en agua estancada a 89 °F, junto a la estufa.”

“El interior del horno/microondas presenta acumulación de una sustancia negra/grasa/restos de comida. Se observó suciedad tanto en el interior como en el exterior del microondas.”

“Falta el tapón de drenaje en el contenedor de basura.”

“No hay cartel de maniobra de Heimlich/asfixia”. Infracción reiterada.

“No se dispone de copia del último informe de inspección. Se le explicó al operador que debe estar disponible a petición del cliente.”

Superficies que no entran en contacto con alimentos sucias con grasa, restos de comida, suciedad, lodo o polvo. Se observaron juntas de las puertas sucias en la cámara frigorífica, en todos los refrigeradores de acceso frontal de la cocina, en los ventiladores y en la ventilación del área de la cocina, incluyendo uno encima de la mesa de preparación.

“El interior y los estantes del refrigerador presentan acumulación de residuos de suciedad. Observado en refrigeradores de la cocina.”

“Los estantes de los refrigeradores empotrados presentan óxido que ha corroído la superficie. Revise todos los refrigeradores empotrados bajo mostrador y los refrigeradores verticales utilizados para la fruta en el área de la cocina.”

“Las pajitas proporcionadas para el autoservicio del cliente no estaban envueltas individualmente ni en un dispensador autorizado. Se observaron pajitas sin envolver individualmente almacenadas en el mostrador de la barra, al alcance de los clientes.” Infracción reiterada

“Estantes de la cámara frigorífica/congelador con óxido que ha corroído la superficie. Observado en el interior de la cámara frigorífica y el congelador.”

Pared sucia con grasa acumulada, restos de comida y/o polvo. Se observaron paredes sucias detrás de los estantes que albergan utensilios de cocina limpios en el área de lavado de vajilla y alrededor del área de la cocina cerca del sistema de agua caliente sanitaria. Infracción reiterada.

“Los paños húmedos utilizados para limpiar derrames ocasionales en superficies de equipos que entran en contacto con alimentos y en superficies que no lo hacen no estaban limpios. Observado en la cocina.”

“Se observaron recipientes de alimentos usados, retirados de sus envases originales, sin identificar por su nombre común. En el área de almacenamiento de alimentos secos, no se observaron etiquetas en los recipientes que contenían alimentos secos. Asimismo, se observaron sartenes en la estufa con alimentos secos sin etiquetar.”

“Pisos/alfombras desgastados, rotos y/o sucios. Se observaron pisos sucios en el área de lavado de vajilla y en la cocina.”

Se ha emitido una orden de cese de venta debido a que el alimento no se encuentra en condiciones higiénicas ni adecuadas. Se observa una bolsa de mahi mahi completamente descongelado en una bolsa ROP dentro de la cámara frigorífica.

“El indicador del extintor portátil se encuentra en la zona roja. Se observó un extintor ubicado en la escalera que conduce a la cocina.”

**HOMENAJE A TOBACCO ROAD POR KUSH

650 S. MIAMI AVE

MIAMI

FECHA DE INSPECCIÓN 5/11

Se detectaron 33 infracciones.

“El techo/las baldosas del techo presentan daños o están en mal estado. Observado encima del fregadero de tres compartimentos.”

“Techo/baldosas/rejillas de ventilación sucias con restos de comida acumulados, grasa, polvo o una sustancia similar al moho. Se observó la cubierta del aire acondicionado con polvo acumulado en la cámara frigorífica.”

“No se ha proporcionado un contenedor de basura con tapa en el baño de mujeres.”

“No se muestra la licencia actual del hotel o restaurante.”

“Un empleado bebía de un recipiente abierto en una zona de preparación de alimentos/lavadero de vajilla. El recipiente no tenía un mecanismo dispensador que impidiera el contacto de las manos con la zona de contacto con los labios. Se observó una bebida abierta del empleado sobre la zona del lavavajillas.”

“Objetos personales de los empleados almacenados en o sobre un área de preparación de alimentos, alimentos, equipos y utensilios limpios, o artículos de un solo uso. Se observó un teléfono celular sobre una mesa de preparación en el área de la cocina.”

“Se observó a un empleado usando joyas distintas a un simple anillo en las manos o brazos mientras preparaba alimentos. También se observó a un empleado usando un reloj mientras realizaba la preparación de alimentos.”

“Equipo y utensilios no secados correctamente al aire: anidamiento húmedo. Utensilio observado no secado correctamente al aire: anidamiento húmedo.” Infracción reiterada

“El equipo está en mal estado. Se observaron juntas de la puerta del refrigerador rotas en la línea de cocción.”

“La puerta exterior tiene una abertura en el umbral que da al exterior.”

“Zona(s) del suelo cubiertas de agua estancada. Observado detrás de la máquina de hielo.”

“El suelo está sucio/tiene acumulación de residuos. Se observó en el mostrador de recepción.”

“Los suelos no están diseñados para ser fáciles de limpiar. Se observó que faltaba lechada en las baldosas del suelo de la zona de la cocina.”

“Alimentos almacenados en el suelo. Se observaron varios cubos con alimentos almacenados en el suelo de la cámara frigorífica.” Infracción reiterada

“Pinzas en uso guardadas en la manija de la puerta del equipo entre usos. Se observaron pinzas guardadas en la manija de la puerta del horno.”

“Utensilios en uso almacenados en agua estancada a menos de 135 grados Fahrenheit. Se observaron utensilios en agua estancada a 80 °F en la línea de cocción.”

“No se encontró ningún termómetro de temperatura ambiente en un lugar visible de la unidad de almacenamiento. Se observó en el refrigerador vertical de la línea de cocción.”

Superficie que no entra en contacto con alimentos sucia con grasa, restos de comida, suciedad, lodo o polvo. Se observaron juntas de la puerta del refrigerador sucias y también el filtro de la campana extractora sucio. Infracción reiterada.

“Las pajitas que se ofrecían para el autoservicio de los clientes no estaban envueltas individualmente ni en un dispensador autorizado. Observado en el mostrador principal.”

“Los paños húmedos no se guardaban en solución desinfectante entre usos. Se observaron paños empapados en rocío sobre las mesas de preparación.”

“Se observaron recipientes de alimentos retirados de sus envases originales sin identificar por su nombre común. También se observaron contenedores con azúcar y harina sin identificar en el área de la cocina.”

“El empleado tocó una superficie sucia y luego preparó alimentos, manipuló equipos o utensilios limpios o tocó artículos desechables sin envolver sin lavarse las manos.”

“Alimentos crudos de origen animal almacenados encima de alimentos listos para el consumo o sin la separación adecuada de estos. Se observaron huevos crudos con cáscara almacenados encima de un cubo con mayonesa dentro de la cámara frigorífica.”

“Alimento listo para consumir, que requiere control de tiempo/temperatura para su seguridad, con fecha de caducidad superior a 7 días después de su apertura/preparación. Se observó pollo a la barbacoa en el refrigerador con fecha de caducidad del 5/7. Se emitió una orden de cese de venta.” Infracción reiterada

Se emitió una orden de cese de venta debido a que los alimentos no se encontraban en condiciones higiénicas ni adecuadas. Se observó pollo a la barbacoa en el refrigerador con fecha de caducidad del 5/7. Se emitió una orden de cese de venta. Infracción reiterada.

“Control de tiempo/temperatura para garantizar la seguridad de los alimentos refrigerados a más de 41 grados Fahrenheit. Se observaron hamburguesas (49 °F - Refrigeración) dentro del refrigerador vertical en la línea de cocina. Según el oficial a cargo, los alimentos se colocaron hace menos de 2 horas. El empleado colocó los alimentos dentro de la cámara frigorífica.”

“El encargado de alimentos certificado no pudo responder preguntas básicas sobre el Código Alimentario relativas al funcionamiento seguro del establecimiento. El empleado no sabía cómo comprobar el desinfectante del lavavajillas.”

“El empleado no ha recibido la capacitación adecuada para sus funciones, como lo demuestra su incapacidad para responder preguntas básicas sobre seguridad alimentaria. El empleado desconocía cómo comprobar el desinfectante del lavavajillas.”

“Superficie en contacto con alimentos sucia con restos de comida, una sustancia parecida al moho o una sustancia viscosa. Se observó que el abrelatas estaba sucio.”

“El lavamanos no está siempre accesible para los empleados. Se observó encima del contenedor de basura situado frente al lavamanos en la zona de cocción.”

“No se proporcionan toallas de papel ni secadores de manos mecánicos en el lavamanos. Observado en el mostrador de recepción.”

“No hay jabón en el lavamanos. Lo observé en el mostrador de recepción.”

“Se utilizó un cepillo para untar no apto para uso alimentario. Se observó un cepillo de metal en la línea de cocción.”

**TODO PIZZA Y PASTA

328 CRANDON BLVD.

KEY BISCAYNE

FECHA DE INSPECCIÓN 13/5

Se detectaron 33 infracciones.

“El baño, ubicado dentro del establecimiento, no está completamente cerrado con puertas que se cierran automáticamente y ajustan herméticamente.”

“Recipiente u otro tipo de bol sin asa que se utiliza para servir comida.”

“El techo no es liso, no es absorbente y se limpia fácilmente en áreas de preparación de alimentos, almacenamiento de alimentos o lavado de utensilios.”

“Techo/baldosas/rejillas de ventilación sucias con restos de comida acumulados, grasa, polvo o una sustancia similar al moho.”

“Los equipos, la vajilla y los utensilios limpios se almacenan junto al fregadero para lavarse las manos o preparar alimentos, donde pueden estar expuestos a salpicaduras.”

“Pescado envasado comercialmente con oxígeno reducido, que lleva una etiqueta que indica que debe permanecer congelado hasta el momento de su consumo, pero que ya no está congelado y no se ha retirado del envase con oxígeno reducido.”

“No se ha proporcionado un contenedor de basura con tapa en el baño de mujeres.”

“La tabla de cortar tiene marcas de cortes y ya no se puede limpiar.”

“Empleado que lleva joyas distintas a un simple anillo en las manos o brazos mientras prepara alimentos.”

“Equipos y utensilios que no se secaron correctamente al aire: nidos húmedos.”

“Equipo en mal estado.”

“El recipiente para almacenar alimentos o la tapa del recipiente están agrietados o rotos.”

“Alimentos almacenados en el suelo.”

“Agujero u otro daño en la pared.”

“Cuchillo/s en uso almacenados en las grietas entre las piezas del equipo.”

“Las pinzas en uso se guardan en la manija de la puerta del equipo entre usos.”

“Superficie que no entra en contacto con alimentos, sucia de grasa, restos de comida, suciedad, lodo o polvo.”

“Agua estancada o agua que drena muy lentamente en el lavamanos, el fregadero de tres compartimentos o el fregadero para fregar.”

“Alimentos almacenados no cubiertos.”

“Piso de concreto sin sellar en áreas de preparación de alimentos, almacenamiento de alimentos, lavado de utensilios o baños.”

“Los utensilios deben guardarse en posición vertical con la superficie en contacto con los alimentos hacia arriba.”

“Pared sucia con grasa acumulada, restos de comida y/o polvo.”

“Envases de alimentos utilizados para su procesamiento, retirados del envase original, no identificados por su nombre común.”

“No se requiere comprobante de eliminación de parásitos ni documentación de acuicultura para el salmón ahumado en frío que se sirva crudo o poco cocido. El pescado debe estar completamente cocido o desecharse.”

“Se ha emitido una orden de cese de venta debido a que el alimento no se encuentra en condiciones saludables ni en buen estado.”

“Control de tiempo/temperatura para garantizar la seguridad de los alimentos refrigerados a una temperatura superior a 41 grados Fahrenheit.”

“La solución desinfectante para paños de limpieza supera la concentración máxima permitida.”

“El empleado no ha recibido la formación adecuada relacionada con las funciones que se le han asignado, como lo demuestra su falta de conocimientos generales para el desempeño de dichas funciones.”

“Superficie en contacto con alimentos sucia con restos de comida vieja.”

“El menú no especifica qué platos contienen alimentos de origen animal crudos o poco cocidos, según lo estipulado en la advertencia al consumidor.”

“No se proporciona ningún kit de prueba química al usar desinfectante en lavadoras de vajilla de tres compartimentos o paños de limpieza.”

“La formación requerida para los empleados la imparte un programa de formación de empleados de terceros, y el operador no puede proporcionar el certificado original de los empleados formados.”

“Frasco pulverizador que contiene una sustancia tóxica no etiquetada.”

In her resignation letter, which she posted on social media, Gabbard said she told Trump she would leave office on June 30. She said her husband had recently been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer and “faces major challenges in the coming weeks and months.”

“At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle,” she wrote in the letter, which was earlier reported by Fox News.

Trump, in his own social media post announcing her resignation, said “Tulsi has done an incredible job, and we will miss her.” He said her principal deputy, Aaron Lukas, will serve as acting director of national intelligence.

During Trump’s first term, Lukas was as an intelligence aide to the acting director of national intelligence, Ric Grenell, in 2020. A former policy analyst at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, he also served as deputy senior director for Europe and Russia at the National Security Council in the final year of Trump’s previous administration.

There had been rumblings that Gabbard would split with Trump after the president's decision to strike Iran, which caused some division within his administration. Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation in March, saying he “cannot in good conscience” back the war.

Gabbard, a veteran and former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, built her political name on her opposition to foreign wars. This put her in an awkward position when the U.S. joined Israel in launching attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.

During a congressional hearing in March, her measured comments were notable for their careful non-endorsement of Trump’s decision to strike Iran. She repeatedly dodged questions about whether the White House had been warned of potential fallout from the conflict, including Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Gabbard said in written remarks to the Senate Intelligence Committee that there had been no effort by Iran to rebuild its nuclear capability after U.S. attacks last year “obliterated” its nuclear program. That statement contradicted Trump, who has repeatedly asserted that the war was necessary to head off an imminent threat from the Islamic Republic.

This created several awkward exchanges with lawmakers who asked Gabbard for her opinion on the threat posed by Iran as the nation’s top intelligence official. She repeatedly said it was Trump’s decision to strike, not hers.

“It is not the intelligence community’s responsibility to determine what is and is not an imminent threat,” she said.

Gabbard’s departure follows Trump having ousted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in late March, in the midst of mounting criticism over her leadership of the department — including the handling of the administration’s immigration crackdown and disaster response.

The second Cabinet member to leave was Attorney General Pam Bondi, in response to growing frustration over the Justice Department’s handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. And Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned in April, after being the target of various misconduct investigations.

A surprising choice for the job

A veteran but without any intelligence experience, Gabbard was a surprising choice to head the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies. She ran for president in 2020 on a progressive platform and her opposition to U.S. involvement in foreign military conflicts.

Citing her military experience, she argued that U.S. wars in the Middle East had destabilized the region, made the U.S. less safe and cost thousands of American lives. Gabbard later dropped out of the race and endorsed the ultimate winner, President Joe Biden.

Two years later she left the Democratic Party to become an independent, saying her old party was dominated by an “elitist cabal of warmongers” and “woke” ideologues. She subsequently campaigned for several high-profile Republicans and became a contributor to Fox News.

She later endorsed Trump, who also was a strong critic of past U.S. wars in the Middle East and campaigned on a pledge to avoid unnecessary wars and nation-building overseas.

Iran caused early tensions

But friction with the president started soon after he began his second term and tapped Gabbard to lead ODNI, which was set up after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to improve coordination between the nation’s intelligence agencies.

Shortly after taking on the job, Gabbard testified before lawmakers that there was no intelligence suggesting Iran was seeking to develop nuclear weapons. After Trump launched attacks on Iranian nuclear sites in June he said Gabbard was wrong and that he didn’t care what she said.

She appeared to be back in Trump’s good graces when she took a lead role in Trump’s effort to relitigate his 2020 election loss to Biden, whom Gabbard had endorsed. She appeared at an FBI search of election offices in Fulton County, Georgia, even though her office was created to focus on foreign espionage, not state elections.

Earlier this week, however, she testified to lawmakers during an annual threats hearing that last year’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites had “obliterated” their nuclear program and that there had been no subsequent effort to rebuild.

The statement seemed to complicate Trump’s repeated assertions that Iran posed an imminent threat and created several awkward exchanges with lawmakers who asked Gabbard for her opinion on Iran’s threat as the nation’s top intelligence official. She repeatedly said that it was Trump’s decision to strike, not hers.

“It is not the intelligence community’s responsibility to determine what is and is not an imminent threat,” she said at one of this week’s hearings.

Gabbard wrought big changes in one year

Gabbard vowed to eliminate what she said was the politicization of intelligence by government insiders. But she quickly used her office to support some of Trump’s most partisan of arguments — that he won the 2020 election.

She also worked to undermine the results of earlier investigations into Trump’s ties to Russia.

In her year on the job, Gabbard oversaw a sharp reduction in the intelligence workforce, as well as the creation of a new task force that she charged with considering big changes to the intelligence service.

Earlier this year an intelligence sector whistleblower filed a complaint that Gabbard was withholding intelligence for political reasons, a complaint that prompted calls from Democrats for Gabbard’s resignation.

Gabbard, 44, was born in the U.S. territory of American Samoa, raised in Hawaii and spent a year of her childhood in the Philippines. She was first elected as a 21-year-old to Hawaii’s House of Representatives but had to leave after one term when her National Guard unit deployed to Iraq.

As the first Hindu member of the House, Gabbard was sworn into office with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, the Hindu devotional work. She was also the first American Samoan elected to Congress.

During her four House terms she became known for speaking out against her party’s leadership. Her early support for Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ 2016 Democratic presidential primary run made her a popular figure in progressive politics nationally.

La representante federal Debbie Wasserman Schultz, quien representa el Distrito Congresional 23, anunció el viernes que buscará el escaño del Distrito 20 tras la reciente redistribución de distritos electorales.

En un comunicado, su oficina anunció que planea ayudar a ofrecer más apoyo a las familias que enfrentan altos precios de gasolina, vivienda y alimentos en el condado Broward.

“He luchado por la gente del condado Broward toda mi vida adulta, y siempre han podido contar conmigo para ofrecer resultados para nuestra comunidad”, dijo Wasserman Schultz en un comunicado. “Y he librado estas batallas cuando nuestros valores estaban en juego, mientras criaba una familia, vencía el cáncer y respondía al llamado del presidente Barack Obama para liderar nuestro partido nacional”.

La mayoría republicana en la Legislatura de Florida aprobó el mapa de redistribución de distritos propuesto por el gobernador Ron DeSantis, el cual es objeto de varias demandas que lo impugnan por supuestamente violar la Constitución estatal.

El Distrito 20 ha permanecido vacante desde que Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick renunció el 21 de abril.

DeSantis promulgó el nuevo mapa el 4 de mayo, y este modificó cinco áreas clave para los demócratas en Florida, incluyendo el Distrito 23.

Elijah Manley, un demócrata que compite en las primarias del Distrito 20, reaccionó rápidamente con críticas.

“DWS es todo lo que está mal con el establishment demócrata … Espero retirarla de la vida pública”, escribió Manley en X tras el anuncio.

Publicación relacionada en redes sociales

One of Wasserman Schultz’s opponents in the FL-20 Dem primary is jumping on the attack. Elijah Manley is accusing her of jumping ship to what has been a black represented district after her own was carved up in the state’s new congressional map. @WPLGLocal10 https://t.co/iO87ihcSgh pic.twitter.com/m6RiUHh54m

— Ross Ketschke (@rossk_news) May 22, 2026

Gráfico interactivo: Nuevo mapa de redistribución de distritos electorales

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In a statement, her office announced she plans to help deliver the most for families struggling with high gas, housing, and grocery prices in Broward County.

“I’ve fought for the people of Broward County my whole adult life, and you’ve always been able to count on me to deliver results for our community,” Wasserman Schultz said in a statement. “And I’ve waged these battles when our values were on the line, all while still raising a family, beating cancer, and answering President Barack Obama’s call to lead our national party.”

The Republican majority in the Florida legislature approved Gov. Ron DeSantis’s proposed redistricting map, which is the subject of several lawsuits contesting it as a violation of the state’s constitution.

District 20 has been vacant since Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned on April 21.

DeSantis signed the new map into law on May 4, and it changed five key areas for Democrats in Florida, including District 23.

Elijah Manley, a Democrat who is running in the District 20 primary, quickly jumped on the attack.

“DWS is everything that’s wrong with the Democratic establishment ... I look forward to retiring her from public office,” Manley wrote on X after her announcement.

Related social media post

One of Wasserman Schultz’s opponents in the FL-20 Dem primary is jumping on the attack. Elijah Manley is accusing her of jumping ship to what has been a black represented district after her own was carved up in the state’s new congressional map. @WPLGLocal10 https://t.co/iO87ihcSgh pic.twitter.com/m6RiUHh54m

— Ross Ketschke (@rossk_news) May 22, 2026

Interactive graphic: New redistricting map

Trump spent months criticizing Warsh's predecessor, Jerome Powell, for being reluctant to cut interests rates, with the Republican president arguing that lower borrowing costs would provide an economic boost. By taking the unusual step of holding the ceremony in the East Room and not the Fed, Trump made clear his pleasure that Warsh is now in charge.

The war with Iran has caused gas prices to spike, unsettled financial markets and driven inflation concerns across the economy. Those developments have led to recent doubts about whether Warsh might heed Trump's calls and push the Fed to lower rates.

Still, Trump said he had faith that Warsh would prioritize a strong economy.

“Thankfully, unlike some of his predecessors, Kevin understands that when the economy is booming, it is, that’s a good thing,” the president said. Trump said it was not necessary "to go crazy. Just let it go. We want it to boom.”

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas administered the oath of office. Also on hand were House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Justice Brett Kavanaugh, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Cabinet members.

“I expect he will go down as one of the truly great chairmen of the Federal Reserve that we’ve ever had,” Trump said of Warsh.

Republican President Ronald Reagan swore in Alan Greenspan as Fed chair at the White House in 1987. Republican President George W. Bush attended the 2006 ceremony at central bank headquarters when Ben Bernanke became chair.

But having the event at the White House raises more questions about the Fed's independence at a time when Trump has constantly sought to bend the independent central bank to his will.

Trump's Department of Justice began an investigation into Powell and the Fed’s extensive building renovations. That drew backlash from lawmakers and the department scrapped the investigation. The Fed’s internal watchdog is now handling the matter. Powell’s term as chair ended last week, though he has opted to remain on the Fed board for now.

Trump made a point of saying during his remarks, “Honestly, I really mean this. This is not said in any other way: I want Kevin to be totally independent.”

“I want him to be independent and just do a great job,” Trump said. “Don’t look at me, don’t look at anybody. Just do your own thing.”

In the next breath, however, Trump said that “in the eyes of many, the Fed has lost its way in recent years” under his predecessor, Democratic President Joe Biden. Trump also suggested that Warsh is looking to lead policies that promote “positive economic growth” and that doing so did not have to mean higher inflation.

Trump also noted that the stock market had risen Friday. "That means they like you,” he said of Warsh.

Warsh once harshly criticized Fed’s policies, including its low interest rate policies coming out of the coronavirus pandemic, which he says contributed to the largest U.S. inflation spike in four decades in 2021-2022. More recently, he has sometimes echoed Trump’s demands for lower rates.

Warsh says productivity gains from artificial intelligence will help the economy grow more quickly without spurring inflation, enabling the Fed to reduce borrowing costs. Many Fed officials, however, disagree that AI’s development will support rate cuts, especially because the technology has also been blamed for large-scale layoffs in the computer sector and other parts of the economy.

On Friday, Warsh promised “to lead a reform oriented Federal Reserve, learning from past successes and mistakes, both escaping static frameworks and models and upholding clear standards of integrity and performance."

He told Trump that he believes “these years can bring unmatched prosperity that will raise living standards for Americans from all walks of life. And the Fed has something to do with it.”

Warsh further noted that the Fed's mandate “is to promote price stability and maximum employment. When we pursue those aims with wisdom and clarity, independence and resolve, inflation can be lower; growth, stronger; real take home pay, higher and America can more prosperous."

As he left the ceremony, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced Trump's message, predicting to reporters that Warsh will "do the right thing for inflation and growth.”

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Miami police arrested Poor, 40, of Coral Springs, on three felony charges on Thursday.

According to an arrest report from the Miami Police Department, Poor was the paymaster at Miami Back & Neck Specialists, located at 4770 Biscayne Blvd. in the city’s Bay Point neighborhood.

Authorities said the orthopedic surgeon who owns the clinic filed a police report in June 2024 after the new payroll manager discovered the fraud.

Poor, according to the report, “had been altering her own payroll data, including modifying her salary and issuing unauthorized bonuses to herself without the (doctor’s) knowledge or authorization.”

Investigators said when setting up the company account with payroll processor ADP, she misrepresented herself as its owner, granting herself “full administrative and supervisory access over payroll functions, including employee salaries, bonus creation, payment approvals and account-level permissions.”

Authorities said from September 2021 to January 2024, Poor bumped up her biweekly salary by $1,720 and gave herself bonuses up to $25,000 at a time, taking $1,092,692. They said she also made $411,737 in unauthorized personal purchases on a company credit card.

According to the report, MPD detectives drove up to Broward County on Thursday to take the New Jersey-born Poor into custody at her home.

Poor, facing charges of first-degree grand theft, organized scheme to defraud and credit card fraud, was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $35,000 bond as of Friday afternoon.

La policía indicó que una mujer identificada como Rachel Lynne Poor supuestamente se enriqueció robando más de $1 millón USD del consultorio médico en Miami donde trabajaba como gerente de nómina. Sin embargo, dijeron que su reemplazo descubrió las irregularidades.

La policía de Miami arrestó el jueves a Poor, de 40 años y residente de Coral Springs, por tres cargos graves.

Según un informe de arresto del Departamento de Policía de Miami, Poor era la encargada de nómina en Miami Back & Neck Specialists, ubicado en 4770 Biscayne Blvd. en el vecindario Bay Point de la ciudad.

Las autoridades dijeron que el cirujano ortopédico propietario de la clínica presentó un informe policial en junio de 2024 después de que la nueva gerente de nómina descubriera el fraude.

Según el informe, Poor “había estado alterando sus propios datos de nómina, incluyendo la modificación de su salario y emitiéndose bonos no autorizados sin el conocimiento o autorización” del médico.

Los investigadores dijeron que al establecer la cuenta de la empresa con el procesador de nómina ADP, ella se presentó falsamente como propietaria del negocio, otorgándose “acceso administrativo y de supervisión total sobre las funciones de nómina, incluyendo salarios de empleados, creación de bonos, aprobación de pagos y permisos a nivel de cuenta”.

Las autoridades dijeron que entre septiembre de 2021 y enero de 2024, Poor aumentó su salario quincenal en $1,720 USD y se otorgó bonos de hasta $25,000 USD a la vez, apropiándose de $1,092,692 USD. También indicaron que realizó $411,737 USD en compras personales no autorizadas con una tarjeta de crédito de la empresa.

Según el informe, detectives del Departamento de Policía de Miami viajaron al condado Broward el jueves para arrestar a Poor en su vivienda.

Poor, quien enfrenta cargos de robo mayor en primer grado, esquema organizado para defraudar y fraude con tarjeta de crédito, permanecía detenida en el Centro Correccional Turner Guilford Knight con una fianza de $35,000 USD hasta la tarde del viernes.

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She’s expected to head to a foster parent.

“I hadn’t been able to see her walk yet and I can’t believe she’s walking,” Cindy Mucciaccio with iHeart Animal Rescue said.

It’s not clear how long she had been on her own after being found abandoned behind a Walgreens on Broward Boulevard, but she suffered serious health complications.

The search for whoever neglected “Miracle” continued Friday.

Fort Lauderdale police said they have canvassed the area seeking surveillance video.

Anyone with information is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.

Se espera que sea entregada a una familia de acogida.

“Aún no la había podido ver caminar y no puedo creer que esté caminando”, dijo Cindy Mucciaccio, de iHeart Animal Rescue.

No está claro cuánto tiempo estuvo sola después de ser encontrada abandonada detrás de una Walgreens en Broward Boulevard, pero sufrió graves complicaciones de salud.

La búsqueda de quien descuidó a “Miracle” continuó el viernes.

La policía de Fort Lauderdale indicó que ha recorrido el área en busca de videos de vigilancia.

Cualquier persona con información debe llamar a Broward Crime Stoppers al 954-493-8477.

El ejército indicó en la red social X que ingresarán a la zona más de 500 soldados y apoyo aéreo para acompañar a las comunidades y evitar que la situación se agrave.

El ministro de Defensa, Pedro Sánchez Suárez, junto a la cúpula militar y de policía adelantaron una reunión extraordinaria para definir las acciones a seguir.

Sánchez dio a la prensa un balance preliminar de al menos siete personas muertas y más de 110 heridos, la mayoría por armas de fuego. “Esta cifra puede ascender; la confirmación que tenemos es una mujer y seis hombres" los fallecidos, explicó.

Los enfrentamientos se registraron en una zona rural del departamento de Cauca entre los pueblos indígenas Misak y Nasa, que reclaman como propio el mismo territorio.

La estatal Agencia Nacional de Tierras indicó en un comunicado que desde abril, cuando se agudizaron las tensiones, han participado en espacios de diálogo y trabajo técnico con esas comunidades para “brindar claridad sobre los límites territoriales de los dos pueblos” y los instaron a continuar dialogando.

A fines de abril el pueblo Misak había realizado una movilización en Bogotá para pedir la atención del gobierno sobre el conflicto.

La Oficina en Colombia del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos hizo la víspera un llamado a la calma a las comunidades y pidió a las autoridades investigar y sancionar a quienes habrían provocado la muerte o heridas a varias personas.

“Nuestros militares van a acompañar a la población y a protegerla no solamente del enfrentamiento sino también de otros actores criminales que podrían estar detrás de acciones contra nuestros pueblos indígenas”, aseguró Sánchez en un video difundido a la prensa.

En la zona tienen presencia grupos armados ilegales como las disidencias de las antiguas Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), que no se acogieron al acuerdo de paz firmado hace una década con el Estado.

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The “Teddy Bridgewater Act” makes it legal for high school coaches to use up to $15,000 of their own money to support student-athletes, including paying for meals and transportation such as rides.

The measure follows Bridgewater’s departure from Miami Northwestern Senior High School after he acknowledged providing meals and Uber rides to players he coached. Bridgewater is now back in the NFL after signing with the Detroit Lions back in March.

DeSantis also signed a second bill aimed at expanding compensation options for high school coaches. The law allows school districts to approve booster clubs that use voluntary donations to help pay coaches.

In addition, the legislation tightens transfer rules for student-athletes.

Both laws take effect July 1.

Según un informe de arresto de la Oficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade, Maria Del Carmen Fontaine-Uliver, de 33 años, fue detenida tras una investigación encubierta relacionada con acusaciones de operaciones ilegales de odontología que se llevaban a cabo en una vivienda.

La investigación comenzó después de que el Departamento de Salud de Florida recibiera una denuncia anónima alegando que un hombre identificado como Rolando Quintana Garcia practicaba odontología sin licencia desde su casa ubicada en la cuadra 2400 de Northwest 90th Street.

Los detectives indicaron que posteriormente encontraron un negocio registrado a nombre de Quintana Garcia bajo el nombre Smiles Everywhere LLC, el cual figuraba como activo en los registros de Sunbiz hasta marzo de 2025. Los registros supuestamente identificaban a Quintana Garcia como agente registrado y a Fontaine-Uliver como gerente del negocio.

Los investigadores dijeron que descubrieron que Fontaine-Uliver sí posee una licencia activa de radiógrafa dental en Florida, lo que le permite tomar radiografías dentales bajo la supervisión de un dentista con licencia. Sin embargo, según el Departamento de Salud, no tiene licencia para realizar procedimientos dentales de manera independiente.

Las autoridades también confirmaron que Quintana Garcia no posee licencia para practicar odontología en Florida.

Durante la investigación, detectives encubiertos encontraron una cuenta de Instagram asociada con Smiles Everywhere y posteriormente se comunicaron con Quintana Garcia a través de WhatsApp para solicitar una consulta de carillas dentales, según el informe.

Los detectives dijeron que Quintana Garcia programó una cita para dos detectives encubiertos para el jueves.

Cuando los detectives llegaron a la vivienda, fueron dirigidos a una sala de espera adyacente a lo que los investigadores describieron como un consultorio dental, indicaron las autoridades.

Según el informe de arresto, los detectives observaron a Fontaine-Uliver realizando activamente trabajo dental a una paciente sentada en una silla dental reclinable. Los agentes dijeron que ella le indicó a la paciente que le avisara si sentía dolor o incomodidad para administrarle anestesia.

En ese momento, los investigadores intervinieron y detuvieron a Fontaine-Uliver, señala el informe de arresto.

Después de ser informada de sus derechos Miranda en español, Fontaine-Uliver aceptó hablar con los detectives sin la presencia de un abogado, según el informe.

Supuestamente le dijo a los investigadores que tiene licencia en Cuba, pero no en Estados Unidos, y admitió que estaba realizando un procedimiento de corona dental a la paciente.

Posteriormente, los detectives realizaron un registro de la vivienda después de que Fontaine-Uliver firmara un formulario de consentimiento de registro, indica el informe.

Durante el registro, las autoridades dijeron que encontraron lo que parecía ser un consultorio dental completamente operativo, incluyendo seis frascos de Xylocaine, un anestésico local utilizado en procedimientos dentales.

Los investigadores señalaron que Fontaine-Uliver no tiene licencia para poseer ni administrar el medicamento. Los frascos fueron confiscados como evidencia.

Fontaine-Uliver fue arrestada y trasladada al Centro Correccional Turner Guilford Knight.

Enfrenta cargos de practicar odontología sin licencia y posesión de medicamentos recetados con intención de venderlos o distribuirlos.

Hasta la mañana del viernes, Fontaine-Uliver permanecía detenida en TGK, donde su fianza figuraba como “pendiente por establecerse”.

No está claro si Quintana Garcia también enfrentará cargos en el caso.

Entre los asistentes estaban su hija, Mariela Castro, y su nieto, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro. Canciones de salsa con fuertes letras anti Trump resonaban por toda la ciudad vieja.

“¿Quiénes se creen ellos para juzgar a Raúl?”, preguntó Gerardo Hernández mientras la multitud aplaudía.

Es uno de cinco cubanos acusados de espionaje que fue encarcelado y posteriormente liberado por Estados Unidos en 2014.

“Para Estados Unidos, la ley es un traje hecho a la medida”, dijo antes de levantar el puño al aire mientras se escuchaba un grito de “¡Viva Raúl!”.

La multitud respondió a su llamado: “¡Patria o muerte, venceremos!”.

El presidente Donald Trump dijo el jueves que anteriores presidentes estadounidenses han considerado intervenir en Cuba durante décadas, pero “parece que yo seré quien lo haga”.

Sin embargo, un día antes sugirió lo contrario, afirmando que no era necesaria una mayor escalada después de que fiscales federales anunciaran cargos criminales contra Castro por el derribo en 1996 de avionetas civiles pilotadas por exiliados con base en Miami.

El secretario de Estado Marco Rubio dijo por separado a periodistas que la administración Trump quiere resolver las diferencias con Cuba de manera pacífica, pero duda que Estados Unidos pueda alcanzar una solución diplomática con el gobierno actual de la isla.

La acusación contra Castro ha llevado a muchos a creer que la administración sigue el mismo manual que utilizó cuando expulsó al líder venezolano Nicolás Maduro.

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Attendees included his daughter, Mariela Castro, and his grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro. Salsa songs with biting anti-Trump lyrics were booming across the old city.

“Who do they think they are to judge Raúl?” Gerardo Hernández asked as the crowd cheered.

He’s one of five Cubans accused of being a spy who was imprisoned and later released by the U.S. in 2014.

“For the United States, the law is a tailor-made suit,” he said before punching the air with this fist, to a shout of “Viva Raúl!”

The crowd responded to his call: “Homeland or death, we will vanquish!”

President Donald Trump on Thursday said past U.S. presidents have mulled intervening in Cuba for decades, but “it looks like I’ll be the one that does it.”

He’d suggested the opposite a day earlier, however, saying further escalation isn’t necessary after federal prosecutors announced criminal charges against Castro in the 1996 downing of civilian planes flown by Miami-based exiles.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters separately that the Trump administration wants to resolve differences with Cuba peacefully, but is doubtful the U.S. can reach a diplomatic resolution with the island’s current government.

The Castro indictment has led many to believe that the administration is following the same playbook it did when it ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

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According to an arrest report from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, Maria Del Carmen Fontaine-Uliver, 33, was taken into custody following an undercover investigation tied to allegations of illegal dentistry operations that were occurring at a home.

The investigation began after the Florida Department of Health received an anonymous complaint alleging that a man named Rolando Quintana Garcia was practicing dentistry without a license from his home located in the 2400 block of Northwest 90th Street.

Detectives said they later found a business registered to Quintana Garcia under the name Smiles Everywhere LLC, which was listed as active in Sunbiz records as of March 2025. The records reportedly identified Quintana Garcia as the registered agent and Fontaine-Uliver as the business manager.

Investigators said they learned that Fontaine-Uliver does hold an active dental radiographer license in Florida, which allows her to take dental X-rays under the supervision of a licensed dentist. However, according to the Department of Health, she is not licensed to perform dental procedures independently.

Authorities also confirmed that Quintana Garcia does not possess a license to practice dentistry in Florida.

During the investigation, undercover detectives found an Instagram account associated with Smiles Everywhere and later communicated with Quintana Garcia through WhatsApp to request a consultation for veneers, according to the report.

Detectives said Quintana Garcia scheduled an appointment for two undercover detectives for Thursday.

When the detectives arrived at the home, they were directed to a waiting room adjacent to what investigators described as a dental office setup, authorities said.

According to the arrest report, the detectives observed Fontaine-Uliver actively performing dental work on a patient seated in a reclining dental chair. Deputies said she told the patient to notify her if she experienced pain or discomfort so an anesthetic could be administered.

At that point, investigators moved in and detained Fontaine-Uliver, the arrest report states.

After being advised of her Miranda rights in Spanish, Fontaine-Uliver agreed to speak with detectives without an attorney present, according to the report.

She reportedly told investigators that she is licensed in Cuba but not in the United States and admitted she had been performing a dental crown procedure on the patient.

Detectives later conducted a search of the residence after Fontaine-Uliver signed a consent-to-search form, the report states.

During the search, authorities said they found what appeared to be a fully operational dental office, including six vials of Xylocaine, a local anesthetic used in dental procedures.

Investigators noted Fontaine-Uliver is not licensed to possess or administer the medication. The vials were seized as evidence.

Fontaine-Uliver was arrested and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

She faces charges of practicing dentistry without a license and possessing prescription drugs with the intent to sell or deliver.

Neighbors told Local 10’s Isabella Martin that they had no idea this was happening at the home.

They said Fontaine-Uliver had lived at the house for about a year.

As of Friday morning, Fontaine-Uliver remained held at TGK on a $3,500 bond.

It’s unclear whether Quintana Garcia will also face charges in the case.

The quirky tradition on the Cannes beachfront was a celebratory affair, packed with journalists, dog lovers and, of course, plenty of dogs. The sound of barking was interspersed with the clink of wine glasses as eager pups posed for the cameras and socialized with their canine pals. It was bone appetit for the animal guests as they were served gourmet doggie snacks and look-alike local pooches stood in for their famous peers to collect awards.

Screening in the Directors' Fortnight sidebar, “La Perra” (Spanish for female dog) follows a solitary woman and her bond with an abandoned puppy, Yuri — named after the famous Mexican pop star.

When director, Dominga Sotomayor, collected the coveted dog collar, she explained that she rescued two very special dogs to play Yuri, from puppy to adulthood.

“Yuri and little Tormenta who played the little Yuri, they are both rescue and they are both happy in their new houses. They were not trained so it was really wild to work with them.”

Speaking after the ceremony Sotomayor said she wanted to make a film where dogs are not just useful for the story but are like characters themselves.

“I think both dogs were the heart of the film so I am very happy with this prize," she said.

Both the ceremony’s top awards went to films directed by women — and also to female dog characters. The Grand Jury prize was awarded to Lola, the border terrier cross who appears in the British movie “I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning.”

“I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning” also picked up the Directors' Fortnight audience award Thursday. The film follows a group of friends who grew up together in the same building complex, on the cusp of turning 30, facing adulthood and unfulfilled dreams. Director Clio Barnard showed up for doggie celebrations.

After the ceremony she honored Lola's professionalism.

“I loved working with her, and I would love to work with her again," Barnard said.

The Palm Dog Award was founded in 2001 by film journalist Toby Rose with a mission to give equal celebration to canines at Cannes as their human co-stars. Former winners include Messi from “Anatomy of a Fall,” Brandy from “Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood” and Uggie from “The Artist.”

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For more coverage of the Cannes Film Festival, visit https://apnews.com/hub/cannes-film-festival.

El gobernador de Florida, Ron DeSantis, firmó el viernes un par de proyectos de ley que modifican las reglas que rigen los deportes de escuelas secundarias, incluyendo legislación inspirada en el ex entrenador de fútbol americano de Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Teddy Bridgewater.

La “Ley Teddy Bridgewater” legaliza que entrenadores de escuelas secundarias utilicen hasta $15,000 USD de su propio dinero para apoyar a estudiantes atletas, incluyendo el pago de comidas y transporte como viajes.

La medida surge tras la salida de Bridgewater de Miami Northwestern Senior High School después de que reconociera haber proporcionado comidas y viajes en Uber a jugadores que entrenaba. Bridgewater ahora está de regreso en la NFL tras firmar con los Detroit Lions en marzo.

DeSantis también firmó una segunda ley destinada a ampliar las opciones de compensación para entrenadores de escuelas secundarias. La ley permite que los distritos escolares aprueben clubes de apoyo que utilicen donaciones voluntarias para ayudar a pagar a los entrenadores.

Además, la legislación endurece las reglas de transferencia para estudiantes atletas.

Ambas leyes entrarán en vigor el 1 de julio.

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Authorities said deputies tracked the vehicle down and a Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy tried to pull the suspects over, but they refused to stop and eventually crashed into a fence in the 4700 block of Southwest 31st Drive in West Park.

Deputies said the two suspects bailed, but were later taken into custody after law enforcement set up a perimeter.

Nadia Williams, the victim, described what happened in a parking lot off Ives Dairy Road.

“I hopped out of my car, trying to grab some household items and when I hopped out ― the kids ― they hopped in the car,“ Williams said. ”I just called the police. I had the tracking app on my phone, so I wasn’t too worried about like chasing them or pursuing them.”

Williams said her car is now likely a total loss.

“I kind of wish the police did not pursue them in like a high-speed chase, since we already (were) tracking it,” she said. “They could have waited till it, like, came to a stop, but things happened and now the car is gone.”

Authorities have not identified the suspects.

Smiling in spite of her sudden predicament, Williams concluded, “What a Friday morning.”

Una mujer dijo que estaba a punto de entrar a comprar en una tienda de descuento en el condado Miami-Dade cuando dos sospechosos se subieron a su SUV Mercedes-Benz y huyeron, para luego chocar el vehículo contra una vivienda al norte de la línea del condado la mañana del viernes.

Las autoridades indicaron que agentes rastrearon el vehículo y que un agente de la Oficina del Sheriff de Broward intentó detener a los sospechosos, pero estos se negaron a parar y finalmente chocaron contra una cerca en la cuadra 4700 de Southwest 31st Drive en West Park.

Los agentes dijeron que los dos sospechosos huyeron del lugar, pero posteriormente fueron detenidos después de que las autoridades establecieron un perímetro.

Nadia Williams, la víctima, describió lo ocurrido en un estacionamiento cerca de Ives Dairy Road.

“Me bajé de mi carro tratando de comprar algunos artículos para el hogar y cuando me bajé, los muchachos se subieron al carro”, dijo Williams. “Simplemente llamé a la policía. Tenía la aplicación de rastreo en mi teléfono, así que no estaba demasiado preocupada por perseguirlos”.

Williams dijo que su vehículo probablemente quedó como pérdida total.

“Desearía que la policía no los hubiera perseguido en una persecución a alta velocidad, ya que ya lo estábamos rastreando”, dijo. “Podrían haber esperado hasta que se detuviera, pero las cosas pasaron y ahora el carro se perdió”.

Las autoridades no han identificado a los sospechosos.

Sonriendo a pesar de su repentina situación, Williams concluyó: “Qué manera de comenzar un viernes por la mañana”.

En un guiño a un sector que es una de las principales fuentes de divisas y es afín a sus políticas neoliberales, Milei informó el jueves por la noche que la reducción de las retenciones al trigo y la cebada a partir de junio será de dos puntos porcentuales al pasar de 7,5% a 5,5%.

Además, señaló que desde enero de 2027 y según los resultados de la recaudación tributaria, el gobierno reducirá entre 0,25% y 0,5% por mes y hasta 2028 la carga impositiva sobre la soja —el producto estrella del agro— que es de 24%. Argentina es el mayor exportador mundial de aceite y harina de la oleaginosa.

El titular de Confederaciones Rurales Argentinas, Carlos Horacio Castagnani, dijo el viernes que el anuncio es positivo porque “supone bajar costos, ir devolviendo la rentabilidad que precisa el productor”.

Pero acotó a medios de prensa que los impuestos aplicados a ese y otros cultivos, como el girasol y el maíz, tienen que ir disminuyendo hasta llegar a cero. “Debemos ser uno los pocos países en el mundo con retenciones y realmente le han hecho mucho daño a uno de los principales sectores de la economía”, agregó.

Otros referentes del campo como Nicolás Pino, presidente la Sociedad Rural Argentina, manifestaron la misma opinión.

Pino dijo que el sector no esperaba este anuncio de Milei y elogió al mandatario por ir cumpliendo la promesa realizada en campaña de desmantelar los impuestos.

Milei señaló durante su anuncio de la víspera que la rebaja a la soja se hará "de manera continuada hasta el año 2028 si nosotros reelegimos” en alusión a las elecciones generales del próximo año en las que su gestión será puesta bajo escrutinio.

El mandatario afirmó que el sector agroexportador “es un tractor que va para adelante” y la meta "es sacarle del camino cualquier estorbo que haya puesto la política”.

En julio de 2025 Milei había anunciado otra serie de rebajas a los gravámenes aplicados a la soja, trigo y girasol, y a la carne aviar y vacuna.

La Bolsa de Comercio de Rosario, epicentro del comercio de granos de Argentina, elevó este mes a 36.111 millones de dólares su proyección de liquidación de divisas del agro para 2026 tras revisar las estimaciones de producción y exportación de soja y maíz para la actual campaña. De concretarse, sería uno de los más altos niveles de ingresos en dólares en los últimos 16 años.

La entidad indicó en un informe que un incremento en las estimaciones de volumen exportable junto con precios internacionales al alza “deja la previsión de ingreso de dólares 800 millones por encima de lo previsto en abril”.

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At Jet Ski FL and EZ Raider in Fort Lauderdale, workers are used to helping people safely head out on the water.

“It takes someone special to manage this dock and help protect the waterways,” said Jon Rosen, owner of Jet Ski FL.

But Thursday afternoon, the emergency no one expected came with four legs.

“Me and my boss, Jon -- we were at the boat ramp,” said Travis Howe. “We were launching some Jet Ski. I got a call from a customer that there was a dog in the water.”

Howe said the dog had been struggling for several minutes and was unable to make it back to shore. Time was running out.

“Jump on the Jet Ski, run over straight to them, rescue the dog,” Howe said.

Video shows Howe and an exhausted German Shepherd sharing a Jet Ski after the dog was pulled from the water.

“When I found it, there was a coconut in his mouth,” Howe said. “He was gasping for breath. I pull him up and he was just resting right on me.”

People on shore applauded the rescue.

“People on the side, they were clapping and stuff,” Howe said. “They were thankful for that because no one could get in the water to get it out.”

Rosen said Howe earned a new nickname after the rescue: “Super Trav.”

For Howe, helping animals is simply second nature.

“If I see anything -- if I see a cat, an iguana -- I see it struggling, I’m going to take it out of the water and put it up on land, to be honest with you,” Howe said with a laugh.

With the help of another boat company, the Jet Ski FL team was eventually able to track down the dog’s owner. They believe the dog jumped into the water while chasing after a coconut.

It took some time for the owner to realize the dog was gone, but everyone was happy to be reunited.

En Jet Ski FL y EZ Raider en Fort Lauderdale, los trabajadores están acostumbrados a ayudar a las personas a salir al agua de manera segura.

“Se necesita alguien especial para manejar este muelle y ayudar a proteger las vías acuáticas”, dijo Jon Rosen, propietario de Jet Ski FL.

Pero la emergencia que nadie esperaba el jueves por la tarde llegó con cuatro patas.

“Mi jefe Jon y yo estábamos en la rampa para botes”, dijo Travis Howe. “Estábamos lanzando algunas motos acuáticas. Recibí una llamada de un cliente diciendo que había un perro en el agua”.

Howe dijo que el perro había estado luchando durante varios minutos y no podía regresar a la orilla. El tiempo se estaba agotando.

“Me subí a la moto acuática, fui directo hacia ellos y rescaté al perro”, dijo Howe.

Un video muestra a Howe y a un pastor alemán exhausto compartiendo una moto acuática después de que el perro fue sacado del agua.

“Cuando lo encontré, tenía un coco en la boca”, dijo Howe. “Estaba jadeando por respirar. Lo subí y simplemente se quedó descansando sobre mí”.

Personas en la orilla aplaudieron el rescate.

“La gente al lado estaba aplaudiendo y todo eso”, dijo Howe. “Estaban agradecidos porque nadie podía meterse al agua para sacarlo”.

Rosen dijo que Howe ganó un nuevo apodo después del rescate: “Super Trav”.

Para Howe, ayudar a los animales es simplemente algo natural.

“Si veo cualquier cosa, si veo un gato, una iguana, y veo que está luchando, voy a sacarlo del agua y ponerlo en tierra, honestamente”, dijo Howe entre risas.

Con la ayuda de otra compañía de botes, el equipo de Jet Ski FL finalmente pudo localizar al dueño del perro. Creen que el perro saltó al agua mientras perseguía un coco.

Tomó algo de tiempo para que el dueño se diera cuenta de que el perro había desaparecido, pero todos estaban felices de reencontrarse.

The red carpet at Cannes is one of the most famous fashion showcases in the world. Unlike events such as the Oscars ceremony or Met Gala, the display goes on for more than a week.

That gives both celebrities and their stylists lots of opportunities to pull luxe looks together, on top of plenty of daytime casual couture for Cannes photocalls.

Here's a look at the couture highlights — and lessons on what not to wear — from the festival this year:

Gowns bring drama and volume

While voluminous gowns were frowned on by festival organizers — see also barely-there dresses — that didn’t stop structural elegance from making an appearance.

Eschewing slinky silhouettes were Cate Blanchett who popped up her frilly collar on a Louis Vuitton gown, and Sharon Stone who swept along the red carpet in an oversized creation by Sophie Couture.

Joan Collins also brought drama with a gown by Stéphane Rolland that orbited her like a delicate origami flower.

Stunning outside the Palais, but not great for anyone sitting behind them in the cinema, who wants to see the screen.

NSFW: Not suitable for walking

For those not careful, the outfits may impress when standing still in the mirror — but fail once the wearer starts moving.

Seen this year: Guests tripping over, being reduced to a crawl or going up the Palais' 24 steps sideways, making the wrong impression on the Croisette crowd.

Some victims of their fashion were caught out by a dress train that's too tight around the knees, heels that were too high, and flying fabric strands tying one up at the first hint of a breeze.

Demi Moore's seemingly bottomless wardrobe

The biggest selection of styles come from the never-ending wardrobes of the jury members, who attend daily premieres to watch the movies.

This year the panel, lead by Park Chan-wook, included Demi Moore, Ruth Negga, Chloé Zhao, Stellan Skarsgård, Laura Wandel, Diego Céspedes, Isaach De Bankolé and Paul Laverty.

Moore, in particular, switched up styles with off-the-shoulder lavender Gucci, a body-hugging gown by Jacquemus, a dramatic shaggy fur from Gucci’s Resort 2027 collection, and a huge hot-pink gown by avant-garde fashion label Matières Fécales.

Honorable mentions

Chefs' kisses go to Colman Domingo, who wore a caped, twinkly purple Valentino shirt; Blanchett in backless floral Givenchy, complete with tassels; Isabelle Huppert in a delicate fanned out, bright red Gucci gown; Ruth Negga in black and white tuxedo tailoring; and vintage lover Dita von Teese channeling Old Hollywood in Tamara Ralph Couture.

El accidente ocurrió en el complejo de apartamentos Sunrise Lakes Phase 2, ubicado en la cuadra 3000 de Sunrise Lakes Drive, donde el conductor de un Hyundai gris atravesó la puerta principal de una unidad.

Una vecina y una trabajadora de salud en la escena le dijeron a Jackie Pascale, de Local 10, que una mujer de 99 años vive en el apartamento y recibe asistencia de cuidadores de salud.

Indicaron que una cuidadora estaba llegando para cambiar turno cuando, por razones desconocidas, el vehículo atravesó la parte frontal de la unidad en lugar de estacionarse en el lote.

La adulta mayor, la cuidadora que conducía y otra cuidadora que estaba dentro del apartamento en ese momento fueron trasladadas al hospital, según una vecina.

Posteriormente, familiares de la inquilina llegaron a la escena mientras los equipos cubrían con tablas el apartamento dañado y colocaban una calcomanía de “edificio inseguro” en la ventana frontal de la unidad.

Las autoridades aún no han divulgado detalles sobre la gravedad de las lesiones ni qué causó el accidente. La investigación continúa en curso.

There was nothing to laugh about Thursday night early in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, when Hart missed three 3-pointers to continue a postseason shooting slump. His frustration was evident as he slammed the ball down a few times, and he wondered why what he was doing in practice wasn't showing up in the games.

“I’m just like, bro, it’s not translating right now,” Hart said, once he finished chewing a slice from the box of pizza he carried to his postgame news conference.

His teammates — particularly the ones who were also his teammates at Villanova — knew eventually it would.

“I know we joke around a lot about his practice habits, but he does work hard,” Jalen Brunson said.

Hart broke out with five 3-pointers and scored a playoff career-high 26 points as the Knicks pulled away for a 109-93 victory over Cleveland to move two wins from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. He exited to a standing ovation, two nights after he was on the bench for nearly all of New York's comeback from a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

Even with everything he does for the Knicks, it was hard to keep Hart on the court at that time. The Cavaliers, like a number of NBA teams, view the forward's outside shooting as one of the weaknesses in a potent lineup headlined by All-Stars Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, and assign their center to cover him. He realizes he will have room to shoot from outside, because opponents want him to.

Knowing that, Hart worked extra hard on his shot fundamentals leading into Game 2.

“When you have guys that are gamers, they do stuff that people don’t think that they can do at any time,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “And he knows the work that he puts in, we know the work that he puts in, and his confidence is not going to waver. He's going to put pressure on himself to take that next one and make that next one.”

Hart was shooting only 26.7% behind the arc in the playoffs going into the game, so sagging off him is statistically a sound strategy — except Hart is not a player to be judged solely by the numbers.

“I’m never a huge analytics guy," Hart said. “At a certain point they’re a lamppost to a drunk person. You can lean on them, but it won’t get you home.”

As Towns, seated next to him at the podium, removed his sunglasses to stare at Hart in bemusement, Hart explained that the quote belonged to Jay Wright, his coach at Villanova.

Hart, a couple years older than Brunson and Mikal Bridges, was the scorer late in his career with the Wildcats. After they won the 2016 NCAA championship, he averaged a career-high 18.7 points and shot 40.4% behind the arc and was the Big East player of the year as a senior.

Brunson is the dominant scorer now, while Hart's value to the Knicks is for the many other things he does. He's taken a large role in the defending of Cavs All-Star Donovan Mitchell, and his defensive rebounding, while standing only 6-foot-4, allows the Knicks to push the ball up the court quickly in transition.

“He’s the perfect example for any basketball player who wants to learn how to truly impact the winning of a team and he does that at the highest level,” Towns said. “What he does not only talentwise but mentally for our team, when he goes out there, he’s hustling, he’s playing that hard, you feel like you’ve got to match his intensity.”

And on nights like Thursday, Hart can punish teams that dare him to shoot. Just like he did two years ago in the first round, when he made the series-clinching 3-pointer against Philadelphia in Game 6.

So Brunson, who had a playoff career-high 14 assists in Game 2, will keep looking for him.

“I mean, I’m really not trying to look for him. He just happens to be open, so I give him the ball,” Brunson said, with a smirk that resembled his sidekick. “I have the utmost confidence in him, watching the things he does and after practice with his routine and everything. He works hard.”

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

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Sunrise police said the crash happened at the Sunrise Lakes Phase 2 apartment complex in the 8500 block of Sunrise Lakes Boulevard, where the driver of a gray Hyundai crashed through the front door of a unit just before 8:30 a.m.

They said the woman drove over a parking stump and struck the apartment unit.

Investigators confirmed that no injuries were reported, but the driver was transported to a hospital as a precaution.

A neighbor and a health care worker at the scene told Local 10’s Jackie Pascale that a 99-year-old woman lives in the apartment and receives assistance from two female health aides.

They said one aide was arriving to switch shifts when, for unknown reasons, the car went through the front of the unit instead of parking in the lot.

Neighbor Sonya Linton told Pascale that she heard a “big boom” when the driver slammed into the home.

“I just hope they’re OK,” Linton said. “I hope the building is safe.”

Family members of the senior tenant later arrived at the scene as crews boarded up the damaged apartment and placed an “unsafe building” sticker on the unit’s front window.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

Editor’s note: A neighbor initially told Local 10 News that three people were hospitalized in the crash, but Sunrise police later confirmed that the driver was the only person transported to the hospital as a precaution. This story has since been corrected.

Harvell was driving a family vehicle, just as he had countless times before.

This set of wheels, though, topped out at around 25 mph (40 kph).

Harvell and dozens of his fellow seniors eschewed their cars and trucks and arrived in tractors, ATVs, golf carts and more.

It was all part of Tractor Day, a celebration that dates back to the 1980s at the school in Carleton, Michigan, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) south of Detroit. Most students arrived by 7:30 a.m., but the fun was to continue throughout the day with games, music and lunch catered by a local restaurant.

The annual event is not only a fun going-away celebration for seniors but also serves to honor the area’s agricultural heritage.

“We’re just a farm school,” Harvell said. “It’s a tradition. Everyone’s done it before us. We just carry it on.”

The fourth-generation farmer on Friday was behind the wheel of a Case 305 Magnum, the same tractor used to till the soil where he and his family grow soybeans and corn. And the one his older brother drove to Tractor Day three years ago.

Myah Hoppert arrived bright and early in a John Deere 8300 that could practically drive itself to school at this point. The same tractor carried Hoppert’s two sisters and eight of their cousins to Airport High during past Tractor Days.

“Last day with all my friends,” said Hoppert, who plans to study nursing at Monroe County Community College next year.

Friday was “one final hurrah,” said Austin Neddo, who may hold the distinction of having the most vintage ride. He arrived in a restored 1940 Farmall A, a tractor once owned by Neddo's great-great-grandfather.

As class treasurer, Jocelyn Kleman helped organize Friday’s festivities, which she described as “our last recess.” She expected that 150 of the roughly 180 seniors were taking part in Tractor Day.

Kleman and two friends rode in on an off-road vehicle known as a “side-by-side.” She had looked forward to this day for four years, after, like other Airport students, only being able to watch the end-of-year revelry through classroom windows.

“You could just see how much fun the seniors are having,” said Kleman, who plans to attend Michigan State University in the fall. “What a nostalgic event this really is.

“And how much the seniors look forward to it each year.”

A su vez, la ministra de Salud, Marcela Flores, informó que un menor de 12 años falleció porque no pudo ser auxiliado a causa de los bloqueos.

Los venezolanos son el grupo más numeroso. Familias con menores y adultos mayores permanecen en terminales de transporte y reciben asistencia humanitaria en la ciudad Oruro, en el occidente boliviano. Los colombianos están en tránsito hacia la frontera con Perú, explicó a The Associated Press Juan Arroyo, delegado de la defensoría en esa ciudad.

“No pueden continuar viaje, al no tener papeles regresaban por tierra. Los colombianos dicen tener papeles y están en mejor situación”, precisó Arroyo.

El presidente Rodrigo Paz enfrenta las más duras protestas desde que asumió el poder en noviembre. Los manifestantes exigen su renuncia ante la falta de respuestas a la crisis económica y la escasez de alimentos y combustible. El anuncio de Paz de que hará ajustes en su gabinete para incorporar a sectores sociales no contribuyó a reducir el conflicto. Mediadores como la Iglesia católica y el Defensor del Pueblo buscan acercar a las partes.

Analistas coinciden en que el gobierno apuesta al desgaste de los movilizados y que la chispa que encendió el estallido fue la importación de gasolina de mala calidad que afectó a vehículos del transporte público, que emplea a buena parte de los trabajadores informales que equivalen al 85% de la fuerza laboral.

El viernes se observaba menos tensión en La Paz, la capital política del país y epicentro de las protestas. Los cortes en los accesos a la ciudad la han dejado con escasos alimentos, precios disparados, poco combustible y hospitales con reservas mínimas de oxígeno.

En paralelo, organizaciones ciudadanas protagonizan marchas para rechazar los bloqueos y piden medidas firmes al gobierno, que ha descartado utilizar la fuerza para despejar los cortes, dijo el ministro de Gobierno, Marco Antonio Oviedo.

Vecinos han salido a “desbloquear” las calles en la ciudad vecina de El Alto que el viernes registraba menos cortes que en días pasados, informó el comandante de la policía Fernando Rojas.

Miles de camiones y vehículos siguen varados en las carreteras y las pérdidas suman más de 600 millones de dólares, según la Cámara Nacional de Industrias.

Paz ha recibido amplio apoyo internacional y ayuda humanitaria de Argentina y Chile.

...........

La periodista de AP Nayara Batschke colaboró en esta nota desde Santiago de Chile.

The guidelines, posted online earlier this month before former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned, will allow companies to launch certain nicotine-based products before they've been fully vetted by regulators.

Some FDA officials tasked with enforcing vaping regulations were not consulted on the changes and only learned of them the night before the document was published, according to two staffers who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential agency matters. The document's sudden appearance sparked internal confusion about how the policy came about and who authorized it, the staffers said.

In recent days, agency officials have convened hourslong meetings grappling with how to implement the six-page memo, which breaks with longstanding FDA policy requiring scientific verification of health benefits for smokers before any new products are introduced.

It’s highly unusual for the FDA to draft new policies without input from the staffers who oversee them.

“It begs the question of whether the true subject matter experts may have actually opposed this policy and were ordered to do it anyway,” said Mitch Zeller, who retired as FDA’s tobacco director in 2022. “And that goes to the ability of the public to have trust and faith in institutions like FDA.”

The vaping guidelines bypassed a federally required period that allows for public comment and revisions. Instead, the FDA published the finalized policy after months of complaints about Makary from industry lobbyists close to the White House. He resigned from the agency last week.

A Health and Human Services spokesperson did not address the origins of the guidance in a written statement.

“This approach strengthens protections against youth nicotine addiction while supporting evidence-based alternatives for adult smokers seeking to move away from combustible tobacco products,” Andrew Nixon said in a statement.

Messages seeking comment from Makary were not immediately returned Friday.

FDA eyes new approach to vaping flavors

Most health researchers agree that e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than traditional cigarettes, and the products have been promoted in the U.K. and other European countries as an alternative for smokers.

In the U.S., the FDA has struggled to police the market for over a decade. The agency has authorized vaping products from five companies while rejecting millions of other applications, mainly due to the presence of fruit, candy and other sweet flavors that were deemed appealing to kids. And yet, unauthorized vapes are widely available.

But recent changes in Washington and across the U.S. reflect a shifting landscape.

Underage vaping among U.S. teenagers has fallen to its lowest level in more than 10 years, following the disruptions of the pandemic and new state and federal restrictions.

President Donald Trump came to power last year after vowing to “save” the vaping industry. Major tobacco companies, such as Reynolds American and Altria, have contributed millions to political action committees supporting Trump and other administration priorities, including Trump's inauguration and his proposed White House ballroom.

Despite the influence campaign, vaping issues took a backseat at FDA under Makary. On rare occasions when Makary addressed e-cigarettes, he voiced skepticism about the data showing declining underage use.

Even as FDA staffers were poised to shift course on flavors, Makary and other agency leaders intervened.

In February, one of Makary’s deputies blocked an FDA decision that would have authorized the first fruit-flavored vapes, according to internal memos later released by the agency. FDA reviewers had determined the products were unlikely to be used by children when combined with digital age-verification technology.

The mango- and blueberry-flavored products were finally OK’d during Makary’s last full week heading the FDA, just days before the agency posted the new guidelines allowing unauthorized nicotine products.

Under the guidance, the FDA is supposed to publish a list of e-cigarettes and pouches that are not yet authorized but will be subject to “enforcement discretion,” meaning they can be sold without regulators targeting them for removal. While there is no public list of products that might qualify, the policy is expected to allow for new flavors that had previously been blocked by regulators.

“What we’re seeing is a broader opening up and responsiveness to flavored products by the agency both in terms of a stronger appetite for authorization but also less appetite to take enforcement action against flavored products,” said Brian King, former FDA tobacco director now with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

US stores are already packed with illegal flavored vapes

While FDA’s new approach breaks with precedent, it may have little impact on the flavors already available at gas stations, vape shops and convenience stores.

The U.S. market has been flooded for years by unauthorized vapes containing mango, gummy bear, strawberry and dozens of other flavors.

These disposable e-cigarettes filled the vacuum left by Juul when it pulled its high-nicotine flavored products from the market, after they became ubiquitous in U.S. schools beginning around 2017. Currently the company only sells FDA-authorized e-cigarettes in tobacco and menthol flavors.

Juul and other companies now see the chance to directly compete with disposable Chinese vapes, which by some estimates account for 80% of U.S. sales.

“The choice we face is not whether flavored vaping products should be sold in the U.S. They already are,” said Robyn Gougelet, a Juul vice president. “The choice is whether those products should be regulated and responsibly marketed — or illegal, untested, and smuggled into the country.”

Rather than targeting flavors, the FDA said its new enforcement approach will target vapes with specific youth-appealing features, such as designs that resemble children’s toys.

“The reality is they’re just deluged by illegal products coming across the border,” said Jonathan Foulds, a tobacco-addiction specialist at Penn State University. “So they’re making it clear what should be common sense: ‘We’re going to focus on the worst actors.’”

New policy may create winners and losers among vaping firms

It’s far from clear whether FDA’s new approach will be embraced by the vaping industry at large, which includes multinational tobacco companies alongside hundreds of smaller companies selling imported devices from China.

As written, the guidance suggests only e-cigarettes that are under “scientific review” will qualify to launch without FDA authorization. Only a small number of applications typically reach that stage, which requires detailed health data on smokers who switch to the new product, King noted.

“This is certainly going to benefit the larger tobacco companies, which have the resources to get far enough into the application review process and thus won’t be prioritized for enforcement," King said.

Lobbyists for smaller companies say it’s too early to tell whether the policy will be help or hinder their clients, but they fear being left behind.

“The big companies would love nothing more than to see their largest swath of competitors out of the marketplace,” said Tony Abboud of the Vapor Technology Association.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

La policía indicó que Devon Jenkins fue visto por última vez alrededor de las 10 p.m. cerca de la cuadra 7700 de Northwest Fifth Street.

Indicaron que Jenkins mide 5 pies y 7 pulgadas, pesa aproximadamente 140 libras y tiene cabello negro y ojos marrones.

Fue visto por última vez usando una camiseta blanca sin mangas, pantalones cortos azul marino con la palabra “Navy”, medias blancas y sandalias negras.

Cualquier persona que vea a Jenkins o tenga información sobre su paradero debe llamar al Departamento de Policía de Plantation al 954-797-2100.

Leer en español

Police said Devon Jenkins was last seen around 10 p.m. near the 7700 block of Northwest Fifth Street.

They said Jenkins is 5 feet, 7 inches tall weighs about 140 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a white tank top, navy blue shorts with the word “Navy” on them, white socks and black slides.

Anyone who sees Jenkins or knows about his whereabouts is urged to call the Plantation Police Department at 954-797-2100.

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The show, which runs from noon to 5 p.m., includes U.S. military fighter jets’ flyovers and high-speed boats’ performances.

The events after the show include drone shows, fireworks, 3-D projection mapping, and live music performances.

Admission is free. For more information, visit this page.

El espectáculo, que se llevará a cabo desde el mediodía hasta las 5 p.m., incluye sobrevuelos de aviones de combate militares estadounidenses y exhibiciones de lanchas de alta velocidad.

Los eventos posteriores al espectáculo incluyen shows de drones, fuegos artificiales, proyecciones 3D y presentaciones musicales en vivo.

La entrada es gratuita. Para más información, visite esta página.

From the eight senators to their staff and military liaison officers, the group will be entirely women as they pay diplomatic visits to government officials in four Arctic nations, witness the challenges for militaries in the region and visit a Norwegian archipelago so remote they will need escorts to avoid run-ins with polar bears.

“I want them to experience, first of all, the awesomeness of the Arctic," said Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who is leading the trip alongside Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The trip was born out of both senator's work to stabilize relations with U.S. allies in North America and northern Europe at a time when President Donald Trump has taken an aggressive, go-it-alone stance in the region. Just this week, the Pentagon announced that the U.S. would pause participation on a joint board with Canada for continental defense that dates back to World War II.

Murkowski and Shaheen said that is the wrong approach in an Arctic region that has increasing strategic value and unique challenges.

“We will reassure our allies that we recognize and appreciate the importance of our allies and partners in the Arctic as in so many other areas,” Shaheen told The Associated Press, adding that she expected the group to discuss “what more we can do as members of Congress to support those relationships.”

The group is split evenly between Democrats and Republicans, with Sens. Cindy Hyde Smith, Katie Britt and Cynthia Lummis making up the Republican side, and Sens. Maggie Hassan, Kirsten Gillibrand and Catherine Cortez Masto from the Democrats. Departing Friday, they will visit Arctic or sub-Arctic regions in Canada, Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark, Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago that is one of the northernmost inhabited areas on earth, and Iceland.

Understanding the Arctic

Murkowski and Shaheen said they want the group to come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Arctic communities that are experiencing the effects of climate change, as well as the unique challenges of conducting military operations in the region.

“It’s to understand what it means to go into a remote, isolated community that has no access by road,” Murkowski said, adding that the group would see how military sites need airplane hangars because aircraft cannot be kept outside overnight in the Arctic cold.

NATO has recently tried to foster cooperation in the High North through a series of joint military exercises, especially as nations like China and Russia increase their activities there.

As climate change thins the Arctic ice, it could potentially create a northwest passage for international trade as well as reignite competition with Russia, China and other countries over access to the region’s mineral resources. The region is also host to a number of undersea cable projects that hold strategic value.

The group will also visit Indigenous communities that have lived in the region for generations and understand the environment. Murkowski said she hopes the senators come away from the trip “excited and intrigued and hopefully inspired.”

As Trump threatened to take Greenland earlier this year, Shaheen and Murkowski also teamed up to push for legislation that would prevent the U.S. from attacking any fellow NATO member. They are among the lawmakers pushing to include language in this year's defense legislation that would prevent the Trump administration from withdrawing military commitments to NATO allies.

Shaheen said, “I also want to know if there are policy directives that we should be thinking about. And it will be great to have a strong bipartisan group there to discuss what we might want to do when we get back.”

How an all-women trip will be different

For some of the nations the group will be visiting, a high representation of women is nothing new. Iceland's parliamentary body is comprised of roughly 46% women, one of the top ranking countries globally for female political representation.

Shaheen said that research suggests that “when women are the negotiating table, that agreements that are made have a much better chance of lasting for a longer period of time.”

She added that data shows that representation of women in government leads to more stable societies, as well as investments back into their communities.

“There are very real reasons why we need to make sure that women are at the table,” she added.

Severe thunderstorms with large hail and gusty winds were possible Friday in Texas and other parts of the Southern and Central Plains, the National Weather Service said.

Forecasters warned of possible flash flooding along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana on Saturday, when rain and thunderstorms were expected across much of the central and eastern U.S.

The Waymo vehicle got stuck during a downpour in Atlanta on Wednesday that flooded streets and even part of a downtown highway. The vehicle was not occupied and was later recovered, the company said in a statement. At least one other Waymo vehicle was waylaid during the storm.

Waymo serves only the city of Atlanta in Georgia, and services several cities in Texas.

The company paused service in Texas “out of an abundance of caution for the forecasted severe weather,” the statement said.

But the eyebrow-raising move — the latest in his push to prove his loyalty to Trump — has agitated the same Republican lawmakers if he is nominated for the permanent job.

Blanche insists he’s not auditioning for the job of attorney general. But a succession of splashy steps the Justice Department has taken under his watch since he took the position on an acting basis last month, including an indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, has left no doubt about the impression he’s hoping to make on the president who appointed him.

The fund in particular has put Blanche at the center of a Republican firestorm at a time when he aims to establish himself as the perfect person for the job for the remainder of Trump’s term. And it sharpened concerns from Democrats and other Blanche critics that he has not shed his mantle as the president’s personal attorney.

“So the nation’s top law enforcement official is asking for a slush fund to pay people who assault cops? Utterly stupid, morally wrong — Take your pick,” Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the former majority leader, said in a statement.

From Trump's former lawyer to the Justice Department's top job

A former federal prosecutor in New York, Blanche came to public prominence for his lead role on Trump's defense team, including during the Republican's hush money trial in New York. That perch afforded him, he has said, a firsthand look at what he contends was the weaponization of the criminal justice system against Trump.

He was brought into the Justice Department as deputy attorney general, the No. 2 job, then was elevated last month after Trump ousted Pam Bondi.

Now he finds himself the latest Trump-appointed attorney general to simultaneously confront expectations from subordinates to uphold institutional norms and demands from the president to do his bidding.

Trump's first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, was forced out after the 2018 midterms after infuriating the president over his recusal from an investigation into ties between Russia and the 2016 presidential campaign. Another, William Barr, resigned after their relationship fizzled over Barr's refusal to back Trump's baseless claims of massive election fraud. Bondi was removed after struggling to bring successful prosecutions against Trump's political opponents.

Blanche has moved to advance Trump's interests

Two weeks after becoming acting attorney general, Blanche announced the appointment of Joseph diGenova, an 81-year-old former Justice Department prosecutor from the Reagan administration, to a special position inside the department. He'll oversee a Florida-based investigation into whether former law enforcement and intelligence officials conspired over the last decade to undermine Trump.

“At some point, at the right time, that will be made public and the American people will see exactly what happened to this administration and President Trump over the past decade," Blanche told Fox News.

Prior government reviews of the FBI's Trump-Russia investigation, a centerpiece of the current conspiracy investigation, have failed to produce criminal charges against senior officials or evidence of criminal conduct by them. It's not clear what, if any, new information the continuing investigation has developed.

The Justice Department also last month obtained an indictment charging Comey, a Trump foe whose prosecution the president has long called for, with threatening Trump through a social media photo of seashells in the numerical arrangement of “86 47" — a case legal experts say will be challenging for prosecutors. Comey has said he wouldn't be surprised if the Justice Department pursues additional indictments.

In other moves, Blanche announced an indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit that has been the target of conservative outrage, with misleading donors about its activities, and has publicly defended a Justice Department crackdown on leaks to the news media, including subpoenas to reporters.

The $1.8 billion fund sparks Republican resistance

Arguably the most audacious demonstration of loyalty to Trump came this week when the Justice Department announced the creation of a $1.776 billion fund to compensate people who feel they've been unjustly investigated and prosecuted, coupled with a guarantee of immunity from tax audits for Trump and his eldest sons.

As Republican concerns grew, Blanche held a tense meeting with GOP lawmakers Thursday. Shortly afterward, Senate Republicans abruptly left Washington without voting on a roughly $70 billion bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies.

Blanche, who defended the fund at a congressional hearing this week, has said anyone who believes they've been persecuted can apply for compensation regardless of political affiliation. But the fund has been widely understood as a boon to Trump allies investigated during the Biden administration.

“It’s pretty clear that he’s not the attorney general for the United States as much as he's the attorney general for President Trump,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor and senior Justice Department official in the 1980s. He said Blanche would get an A+ if report cards were issued for fealty to Trump.

David Laufman, a former chief of staff to the deputy attorney general in President George W. Bush's administration, said that rather than protecting the Justice Department's independence, Blanche has been a “willing and ardent accomplice for carrying out any partisan or corrupt scheme the White House may devise.”

Blanche says he feels no pressure to please Trump

Blanche’s supporters dismiss the suggestion he is trying to curry favor with Trump to secure the permanent job.

“What he is doing is he is seeking justice based on facts and the law,” said Jay Town, who served as a U.S. attorney in Alabama during the first Trump administration. “And I don’t think that will ever change about him, whether he is the attorney general going forward or doesn’t spend another day in the administration. He is an honorable man and anybody that knows him knows that to be true.”

Blanche also says he is not angling to keep his job or feeling pressure to placate Trump.

He has told reporters he would be honored to be nominated but, "if he chooses to nominate somebody else and asks me to go do something else, I will say, ‘Thank you very much. I love you, sir.’ I don’t have any goals or aspirations beyond that.”

In recent days, he's functioned as the fund's public face and most visible defender, a role consistent with his comfort in the spotlight. He sometimes holds multiple press conferences a week and grants interviews to a variety of news outlets, a contrast to Bondi, who largely stuck to Fox News appearances.

His defenders say his experience as a federal prosecutor has made him a more sophisticated communicator for the department than Bondi, but his statements have at times invited backlash, including his refusal to rule out that violent Jan. 6 rioters could be eligible for payouts.

Though Blanche will appoint the five commissioners tasked with processing claims, his precise role in the fund’s implementation is unclear. He told CNN it was developed through negotiations with Trump’s private lawyers, not him.

For some Democrats, that's a difference without a distinction.

“Mr. Attorney General, you are acting today like the president's personal attorney," Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, told Blanche during a combative exchange in the Senate hearing, "and that's the whole problem."

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For students, families, and colleagues at Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School, that teacher is Joyce Del Campo-Aguila.

After receiving dozens of nominations from across the community, Local 10’s Good News South Florida selected Del Campo-Aguila as its first-ever Teacher of the Year, recognizing not only her decades of dedication in education, but also the extraordinary compassion she has shown beyond the classroom.

The surprise announcement came during a school morning as Del Campo-Aguila prepared her fourth-grade students for testing.

“Hi, Ms. Aguila,” Local 10 Community Relations Director Mayte Padron said as she entered the classroom with a camera crew.

Moments later, the longtime educator learned she had been chosen for the honor, surrounded by cheering colleagues and emotional hugs.

“Oh, you got me good, babe!” Del Campo-Aguila laughed after the surprise reveal.

Del Campo-Aguila has spent more than 30 years serving students in South Florida. Over the course of her career, she has worked not only as a classroom teacher, but also as a principal and assistant principal before ultimately returning to teaching full time.

“To think that the first year I started teaching, those kids are about 40 years old now,” she said. “So I can be their grandkids’ teacher, but it feels like every day is a new day.”

Her peers describe her as both inspiring and endlessly giving.

“She’s an inspiration. She’s giving,” one colleague said.

But it was Del Campo-Aguila’s actions outside the classroom that deeply moved the community member who nominated her: her husband, Orlando Aguila.

The couple, who have been together since high school, have shared more than three decades of marriage.

“He’s a funny guy. He makes me laugh after 32 years,” Del Campo-Aguila said.

Last year, their bond was tested when Orlando was diagnosed with kidney disease. Without hesitation, Del Campo-Aguila stepped forward to donate one of her kidneys to save his life.

“I just wanted that done as soon as possible so his quality of life would improve right away — and our quality of life as a family,” she said.

Orlando calls his wife his “superwoman.”

“I call her my superwoman who gave me my super kidney,” he said.

Their children, Annabella and Aidan, say the selfless act demonstrated the depth of their mother’s love.

“The fact that she did that just shows us so much love, for both of us, and for my dad,” Annabella said.

“My dad would have done the same thing if it was the other way around,” Aidan added. “I am blessed that I have both of them in my life.”

As part of the recognition, Publix Community Relations Manager Robyn Hankerson Printemps presented Del Campo-Aguila with a $1,000 Publix gift card and a celebratory cake.

“You see the passion not only for her students but also for her family,” Hankerson Printemps said during the presentation.

For Del Campo-Aguila, however, the greatest reward appears to be the people whose lives she continues to touch — both in school and at home.

This Mother’s Day marked six months since the kidney transplant, and the Aguila family says they are especially looking forward to celebrating Father’s Day together this year.

And while Del Campo-Aguila has certainly earned high marks for altruism, she also gets recognition for athleticism: she has already completed two 5K races this year, placing in the top three of her age category in both events.

For her students, her family, and her community, Del Campo-Aguila is more than a teacher — she’s a lesson in compassion, resilience, and love.

• To donate: If you’d like to make a monetary donation toward a Good News South Florida story or project, click here. Local 10 has established the Local 10 Fund with The Miami Foundation and 100% of your donation will go toward the cause you designate in the “additional information” box.
• To volunteer or submit a story idea: If you’d like to volunteer for a Good News South Florida project or would like to submit a story for consideration, email goodnews@local10.com.

Good News South Florida airs Fridays on the Local 10 morning news at 10 a.m. It will encore Fridays at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings, beginning at 6 a.m.

“I have to go. Sorry. I’ll see you guys later,” Gauff said as she got up and walked out.

That was about as serious as the protest from top-10 players got at Roland Garros as interactions with reporters were limited to 15 minutes on Friday.

The players announced the limitation due to their displeasure about not getting a bigger share of tournament revenues at the clay-court Grand Slam, where play starts on Sunday. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka had even discussed a boycott.

“It shows a lot of us are all on the same page and have kind of a collective action other than just having conversations,” Gauff said. “This is the first real point of action we have done.”

Players have criticized French Open organizers for reducing the players’ share of revenue to under 15% — compared to 22% at regular ATP and WTA Tour events.

Djokovic cites LIV Golf example

The only player who came near to approaching 15 minutes in the question and answer sessions was record 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who clocked in at 14 minutes, 48 seconds.

But Djokovic, who was celebrating his 39th birthday, said he wasn’t officially taking part in the protest. He still voiced an opinion on the subject, though, pointing to the schism between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

“Golf is a good example of a professional individual global sport that has been through and is still going through very challenging times in terms of the governance and splitting tours and players," Djokovic said. “Let’s try to be a bit more united and have a unifying voice into finding a better structure and better future for our sport."

Larry Scott organizing the players

Larry Scott, the former WTA CEO and ex-commissioner of the Pac-10 collegiate sports conference, has been advising the players.

Fifth-ranked Jessica Pegula said the players with Scott’s help needed to find “a middle ground of what we can do together that’s feasible the week before a Slam.

“If you try to talk about more extreme circumstances then all of a sudden people aren’t on board, you can’t get anything to happen."

Roland Garros organizers increased the prize money by about 10%, after the U.S. Open last year raised their’s by 20% and this year’s Australian Open by 16%.

The entire French Open pot was 61.7 million euros ($72 million), up 5.3 million euros from last year. But the players claimed their share of Roland Garros revenue declined from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% projected in 2026.

Kostyuk, French players not protesting

Marta Kostyuk, who enters Roland Garros on an 11-match winning streak after clay-court titles in Rouen, France, and Madrid, wasn’t part of the protest.

“I didn’t decide not to participate. I was just never asked to be in the discussion,” the 15th-ranked Kostyuk said. “I’m still not a top 10 player, so that’s probably the reason. … I’m very happy to be part of the conversation and discussion. I always have something to say.”

Corentin Moutet, a 32nd-ranked Frenchman known for his unconventional style of play, declared he was “not part of any movement.

“It's an individual sport. If there was actually a movement, we would have known of it earlier,” Moutet said. “We all have our own interests, and my interest at the moment is to play better. … Sports has to be put before everything else.”

Other French players also stayed out of the protest. Although host France doesn’t have any top 10 players, Arthur Fils at No. 19 is the top-ranked Frenchman and Lois Boisson, a semifinalist last year, is the top Frenchwoman at No. 50.

___

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Para estudiantes, familias y colegas de la Escuela Primaria Charter de Pembroke Pines, esa maestra es Joyce Del Campo-Aguila.

Después de recibir decenas de nominaciones de toda la comunidad, Good News South Florida de Local 10 seleccionó a Del Campo-Aguila como su primera Maestra del Año, reconociendo no solo sus décadas de dedicación a la educación, sino también la extraordinaria compasión que ha demostrado fuera del salón de clases.

El anuncio sorpresa ocurrió durante una mañana escolar mientras Del Campo-Aguila preparaba a sus estudiantes de cuarto grado para exámenes.

“Hola, Ms. Aguila”, dijo la directora de Relaciones Comunitarias de Local 10, Mayte Padron, al entrar al salón con un equipo de cámaras.

Momentos después, la veterana educadora descubrió que había sido seleccionada para el reconocimiento, rodeada de colegas celebrando y abrazos emotivos.

“¡Oh, sí que me sorprendieron, cariño!”, dijo Del Campo-Aguila entre risas tras la sorpresa.

Del Campo-Aguila ha dedicado más de 30 años al servicio de estudiantes en el sur de Florida. A lo largo de su carrera, trabajó no solo como maestra de salón, sino también como directora y subdirectora antes de regresar finalmente a enseñar a tiempo completo.

“Pensar que el primer año que comencé a enseñar, esos niños ahora tienen como 40 años”, dijo. “Así que podría ser maestra de sus nietos, pero siento que cada día es un nuevo día”.

Sus colegas la describen como una persona inspiradora y sumamente generosa.

“Es una inspiración. Es generosa”, dijo una colega.

Pero fueron las acciones de Del Campo-Aguila fuera del salón de clases las que conmovieron profundamente al miembro de la comunidad que la nominó: su esposo, Orlando Aguila.

La pareja, que está junta desde la escuela secundaria, ha compartido más de tres décadas de matrimonio.

“Es un hombre divertido. Me hace reír después de 32 años”, dijo Del Campo-Aguila.

El año pasado, su relación fue puesta a prueba cuando Orlando fue diagnosticado con enfermedad renal. Sin dudarlo, Del Campo-Aguila decidió donar uno de sus riñones para salvarle la vida.

“Solo quería que eso se hiciera lo antes posible para que su calidad de vida mejorara de inmediato y también nuestra calidad de vida como familia”, dijo.

Orlando llama a su esposa su “supermujer”.

“La llamo mi supermujer que me dio mi superriñón”, dijo.

Sus hijos, Annabella y Aidan, dijeron que el acto desinteresado demostró la profundidad del amor de su madre.

“El hecho de que hiciera eso nos demuestra muchísimo amor, tanto a nosotros como a mi papá”, dijo Annabella.

“Mi papá habría hecho lo mismo si hubiera sido al revés”, agregó Aidan. “Soy bendecido de tener a ambos en mi vida”.

Como parte del reconocimiento, la gerente de Relaciones Comunitarias de Publix, Robyn Hankerson Printemps, le entregó a Del Campo-Aguila una tarjeta de regalo de Publix de $1,000 USD y un pastel de celebración.

“Se puede ver la pasión no solo por sus estudiantes, sino también por su familia”, dijo Hankerson Printemps durante la presentación.

Sin embargo, para Del Campo-Aguila, la mayor recompensa parece ser las personas cuyas vidas continúa tocando, tanto en la escuela como en el hogar.

Este Día de las Madres marcó seis meses desde el trasplante de riñón, y la familia Aguila dijo que espera especialmente celebrar junta el Día de los Padres este año.

Y aunque Del Campo-Aguila ciertamente ha recibido altas calificaciones por su altruismo, también recibe reconocimiento por su atletismo: ya completó dos carreras 5K este año, ubicándose entre las tres primeras de su categoría de edad en ambos eventos.

Para sus estudiantes, su familia y su comunidad, Del Campo-Aguila es más que una maestra: es una lección de compasión, resiliencia y amor.

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Good News South Florida se transmite los viernes en las noticias matutinas de Local 10 a las 10 a.m. Tendrá retransmisiones los viernes a las 3:30 p.m. y los domingos por la mañana, comenzando a las 6 a.m.

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Homeland Security Investigations agents said Migui Li, 28, of Levittown, New York, and Ziyu Zhao, 20, of Flushing, New York, were members of a “transnational criminal organization” and personally responsible for about $94,000 in losses to Target stores in the Southeast, including stores in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

According to a federal criminal complaint, the “post-purchase markdown” scheme has cost Target $4.6 million since 2022.

Agents said members of the group “employed a social engineering tactic where they would purchase high-value electronics at actual retail price” and then would manipulate the HTML code on Target’s website “to make the same item they purchased appear to be for sale at a significant discount” on their devices.

They would then ask customer service staff for a price match and be given gift cards with the difference, authorities said. They would then repeat the process by buying new merchandise with the fraudulently-obtained gift cards.

The ill-gotten electronics would then be shipped to China.

Federal agents said they identified Li and Zhao as part of the organization and said they were back in South Florida, engaging in more than $3,000 in fraudulent transactions on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Authorities said they surveilled the pair at a hotel in Dania Beach as Li put two packages in their rental car. The two then drove to a FedEx store in Hollywood, according to the complaint.

After the two arrived there, agents said they saw Li take out the two packages and then saw “Target shopping bags with additional merchandise” in the car.

Li left the packages with FedEx for overseas shipment, destined for Hong Kong, authorities said.

Authorities said they approached Li and Zhao before they could leave the store. The two, they said, “consented to a search of the parcels, which contained packaged electronics, including Polaroid cameras, film, Nintendo Switches and other items.”

According to the complaint, both admitted they were paid to buy electronics in the U.S. and send them to China via Hong Kong.

Li said he used the Chinese application WeChat, “where he received the gift card serial numbers he utilized.“

“When asked about changing the advertised price of certain items, he either claimed he didn’t understand the question or refused to answer,” the complaint states.

The complaint states that Zhao was “more forthcoming,” admitting to changing advertised prices.

Agents arrested both on charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

As of Friday morning, records show both were being held by the Broward Sheriff’s Office on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service at the former agency’s Paul Rein Detention Facility in Pompano Beach.

Agentes federales arrestaron el miércoles en Hollywood a dos ciudadanos chinos, acusándolos de formar parte de un esquema internacional de fraude de reembolsos que le ha costado millones de dólares a la cadena Target en los últimos años.

Agentes de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional indicaron que Migui Li, de 28 años y residente de Levittown, Nueva York, y Ziyu Zhao, de 20 años y residente de Flushing, Nueva York, eran miembros de una “organización criminal transnacional” y personalmente responsables de aproximadamente $94,000 USD en pérdidas para tiendas Target en el sureste del país, incluyendo tiendas en los condados Miami-Dade y Broward.

Según una denuncia criminal federal, el esquema de “reducción de precio posterior a la compra” le ha costado a Target $4.6 millones USD desde 2022.

Los agentes dijeron que miembros del grupo “empleaban una táctica de ingeniería social en la que compraban productos electrónicos de alto valor al precio real de venta” y luego manipulaban el código HTML en el sitio web de Target “para hacer que el mismo artículo que compraron pareciera estar en venta con un descuento significativo” en sus dispositivos.

Luego solicitaban al personal de servicio al cliente una igualación de precio y recibían tarjetas de regalo con la diferencia, indicaron las autoridades. Posteriormente repetían el proceso comprando nueva mercancía con las tarjetas de regalo obtenidas fraudulentamente.

Los productos electrónicos obtenidos ilícitamente eran enviados a China.

Agentes federales dijeron que identificaron a Li y Zhao como parte de la organización y señalaron que estaban nuevamente en el sur de Florida, realizando más de $3,000 USD en transacciones fraudulentas el martes y miércoles.

Las autoridades dijeron que vigilaron a la pareja en un hotel en Dania Beach mientras Li colocaba dos paquetes en el auto alquilado. Luego, ambos condujeron hasta una tienda FedEx en Hollywood, según la denuncia.

Después de que ambos llegaron al lugar, los agentes dijeron que vieron a Li sacar los dos paquetes y también observaron “bolsas de compras de Target con mercancía adicional” dentro del vehículo.

Las autoridades indicaron que Li dejó los paquetes en FedEx para envío internacional con destino a Hong Kong.

Las autoridades dijeron que se acercaron a Li y Zhao antes de que pudieran salir de la tienda. Según dijeron, ambos “consintieron una inspección de los paquetes, los cuales contenían productos electrónicos empacados, incluyendo cámaras Polaroid, rollos fotográficos, consolas Nintendo Switch y otros artículos”.

Según la denuncia, ambos admitieron que les pagaban por comprar productos electrónicos en Estados Unidos y enviarlos a China a través de Hong Kong.

Li dijo que utilizaba la aplicación china WeChat, “donde recibía los números de serie de las tarjetas de regalo que utilizaba”.

“Cuando se le preguntó sobre el cambio del precio anunciado de ciertos artículos, afirmó que no entendía la pregunta o se negó a responder”, indica la denuncia.

La denuncia señala que Zhao fue “más abierto”, admitiendo haber cambiado los precios anunciados.

Los agentes arrestaron a ambos bajo cargos de conspiración para cometer fraude postal y electrónico.

Hasta la mañana del viernes, los registros muestran que ambos permanecían detenidos por la Oficina del Sheriff de Broward en nombre del Servicio de Alguaciles de Estados Unidos en el Centro de Detención Paul Rein, en Pompano Beach.

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It comes as the new Education Recovery Scorecard — a collaboration between researchers at Harvard University and Stanford University — found that Florida ranks 35th out of 35 states in reading recovery between 2022 and 2025.

At the same time, educators and arts advocates in Miami-Dade are pushing for increased investment in arts programs they say help boost attendance, literacy and overall student performance.

At the Marshall L. Davis Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center in Miami Gardens, local arts organizations gathered to celebrate the expansion of Arts Access Miami into Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Central District.

A recent Arts Access Miami impact study found students participating in arts programs saw higher attendance rates and measurable improvements in math and English scores.

“We are giving opportunities to students across our county to find the room where they belong because when that happens it absolutely changes their lives,” said Jamie Sutta of Vocal Youth Miami.

Zach Larmer, the CEO of Young Musicians Unite, said arts education plays a key role in motivating students to attend school and stay engaged in the classroom.

“At first it might not look like they’re connected, but every student needs a reason to get up in the morning to be motivated and to make it to the classroom,” Larmer said. “If learning is going to happen, then you have to be there.”

Chad Bernstein, CEO and co-founder of Guitars Over Guns, said arts programs help students find a sense of identity and belonging.

“I think the arts gives us the opportunity to have students create those spaces and find themselves in those spaces,” Bernstein said.

Researchers found Florida students are performing about half a grade level below their 2022 reading levels. The report also found chronic absenteeism remains nearly nine percentage points above pre-pandemic levels statewide.

In South Florida, researchers found Broward County Public Schools is performing somewhat better than the state average in reading recovery, while Miami-Dade County Public Schools is tracking closer to statewide trends.

In math, however, both Miami-Dade and Broward students outperformed the statewide average in recovery gains.

Steve Gallon III, who represents District 1 on the Miami-Dade School Board, said the report highlights the long-term impacts of the pandemic and years of underinvestment in literacy programs.

“I think anytime you get a report that’s this serious, it gives us an opportunity to see not only where we stand as a state but where we stand for our students to compete at the national and quite frankly global level,” Gallon said.

Gallon also pointed to Florida’s education spending levels, noting the state has ranked 50th in average teacher pay for three straight years and 41st in per-student spending, according to the National Education Association rankings.

At the same time, Florida lawmakers are negotiating the state’s next education budget during the legislative session. Senate budget documents show lawmakers are proposing a roughly 1.75% increase in education funding, which Gallon argued does not keep pace with inflation.

“We’re not going to continue to be able to support our teachers, support our employees and quite frankly compete with the challenges that we face in terms of affordability,” Gallon said.

He also raised concerns about what he described as declining investment in early childhood education and public schools overall.

According to the Florida Policy Institute, Florida’s overall 2025-26 education budget decreased by 1.3% to $31.5 billion, with early learning programs seeing the largest proportional cuts.

“We need to make an intentional investment in early childhood programs,” Gallon said. “Reading is the foundation.”

Despite the concerns, Gallon said research continues to show arts education can play a meaningful role in student success.

“It is very, very clear that research demonstrates that art education stimulates learning, it stimulates literacy, and it stimulates the overall well-being of children,” he said.

Miami-Dade Public Schools released a statement saying the district is outperforming the state and comparable urban districts in both math and reading recovery and said preliminary testing data shows “continued academic momentum.”

According to the Education Scorecard, Florida ranked 24th in math recovery nationwide, while both Miami-Dade and Broward counties exceeded the statewide average in math improvement since 2022.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Education described the “Education Scorecard” comparisons as “arbitrary.”

Researchers behind the scorecard said on their website that “similar districts” are selected based on district characteristics averaged from 2022 to 2025 using data from the Stanford Education Data Archive, or SEDA, including:

• Average enrollment in grades 3 through 8
• Percentage of students receiving federally subsidized lunches
• Racial and ethnic demographics within the district
• Percentages of students attending urban, suburban and town schools
• Average socioeconomic status of families in the district

Researchers said socioeconomic status was measured using a composite index that included:

• Median family income
• Percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Unemployment rates
• Household poverty rates
• SNAP benefit participation
• Percentage of households with children led by a single mother

The Florida Department of Education spokesperson also said “the number of students performing on grade level has significantly increased, with nearly 115,000 more students on grade level in English language arts and 100,000 more in math compared to prior years,” but did not provide the source data or methodology used to support the statement.

The spokesperson also told Local 10 News that, in the department’s view, the “Education Scorecard” “does not take into account that Florida actually outperformed the nation and ranked in the top 10 in Grade 4 reading performance in 2024,” but did not cite a source for that claim.

It remains unclear who determined that Florida “outperformed the nation” and ranked in the top 10 for fourth-grade reading performance in 2024, or how that conclusion was measured, because those details were not included in the statement.

Local 10 News has asked the department to provide links to the findings and the assessment methodology referenced in the statement. If those materials are provided, they will be shared with readers.

Read the budget comparison in the documents below for a better understanding of the Conference Committee between the House Higher Education Budget Subcommittee and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education and the Education Scorecard.

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Kiryl Pazniak, 49, has been in custody since his arrest in September on extremism charges, accusations widely used by authorities to stifle critical voices. Pazniak, who hosted a popular show on YouTube, faces a prison sentence of up to seven years if convicted.

Pazniak's 20-year-old daughter also has been arrested on extremism charges. Both have been named political prisoners by human rights defenders.

Pazniak's ex-wife Elena said that he was suffering from pneumonia and COVID-19, and was placed earlier this month in a prison hospital in grave condition. She argued that he hadn't been given proper medical treatment and his life was in jeopardy.

Belarusian authorities didn’t immediately comment on Pazniak’s condition or accusations that he wasn’t being provided with adequate medical care.

“Freedom of speech in Belarus has a specific price, and today 21 journalists behind bars, including Pazniak, are paying for it with their health and ruined lives,” said Andrei Bastunets, head of the Belarusian Association of Journalists. “Belarus has already become a black hole of Europe and leads the continent in the number of arrested journalists.”

Belarus' authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, has governed the nation of 9.5 million with an iron fist for more than three decades, and the country has been sanctioned repeatedly by Western nations — both for its crackdown on human rights and for allowing Moscow to use its territory in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, 2022.

Lukashenko's government was challenged after a 2020 presidential election, when hundreds of thousands took to the streets to protest a vote they viewed as rigged. In an ensuing crackdown, tens of thousands were detained, with many beaten by police. Prominent opposition figures fled the country or were imprisoned.

Since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, Lukashenko has released hundreds of political prisoners as part of American-brokered deals that lifted some U.S. sanctions, part of the isolated leader’s efforts to improve ties with the West.

Human rights groups say, however, that Belarusian authorities have continued their crackdown on dissent. Belarus still has 841 political prisoners, according to the Viasna human rights center.

Según funcionarios de Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, el incendio fue reportado en la cuadra 12200 de Northwest 17th Place.

El incendio ya fue extinguido.

La causa del incendio continúa bajo investigación.

No se divulgaron de inmediato otros detalles.

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Lynn My Le, 26, was initially charged with second-degree attempted murder, but records show she was convicted of aggravated battery resulting in bodily harm.

According to an arrest report from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the attack occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 26, 2025, at a home in the 21100 block of Southwest 92nd Avenue in Cutler Bay.

Deputies said the victim was sleeping in the living room of the home when she woke up and saw her sister going through her cellphone.

The victim asked Le why she was going through her phone and grabbed it from Le’s hand, at which time Le armed herself with a black knife, the report stated.

According to the report, the victim ran toward the front door, and Le ran after her before stabbing the teen about four times in the back.

Deputies said the victim collapsed to the floor and Le continued to stab her sister about six more times throughout her body.

According to the report, the victim pleaded for her life, at which time Le stopped stabbing her, leaving her sister wounded on the floor.

Deputies said the victim was stabbed about 10 times, but survived her injuries.

Lynn My Le, de 26 años, fue acusada inicialmente de intento de asesinato en segundo grado, pero los registros muestran que fue condenada por agresión agravada causando daño corporal.

Según un informe de arresto de la Oficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade, el ataque ocurrió alrededor de las 3:30 p.m. del 26 de octubre de 2025 en una vivienda ubicada en la cuadra 21100 de Southwest 92nd Avenue en Cutler Bay.

Los agentes indicaron que la víctima estaba durmiendo en la sala de la vivienda cuando despertó y vio a su hermana revisando su teléfono celular.

La víctima le preguntó a Le por qué estaba revisando su teléfono y se lo arrebató de las manos, momento en el que Le se armó con un cuchillo negro, señala el informe.

Según el informe, la víctima corrió hacia la puerta principal y Le corrió detrás de ella antes de apuñalar a la adolescente unas cuatro veces en la espalda.

Los agentes dijeron que la víctima colapsó al suelo y Le continuó apuñalando a su hermana unas seis veces más en distintas partes del cuerpo.

Según el informe, la víctima suplicó por su vida, momento en el que Le dejó de apuñalarla, dejando a su hermana herida en el suelo.

Los agentes indicaron que la víctima fue apuñalada unas 10 veces, pero sobrevivió a sus heridas.

A letter to Everlane employees from CEO Alfred Chang confirming the deal was obtained by The Associated Press on Friday.

Everlane, based in San Francisco, didn't disclose a purchase price. Shein declined to comment. Everlane's majority owner L Catterton couldn't be immediately reached for comment.

Everlane was founded in 2011 by Michael Preysman and Jesse Farmer with a mission to produce eco friendly and affordable clothing. The company publicized regular audits of its pay and working conditions, as well as the brand's environmental impact. The online retailer opened its first physical store in 2017.

But the company in recent years has been embroiled in controversies surrounding treatment of its workers, according to media reports.

Everlane, which was joined by other eco-friendly brands like Allbirds, also found that offering a more transparent look at its factories wasn't enough for consumers, according to independent retail analyst Bruce Winder. Winder said shoppers were also seeking more affordable prices, and “the novelty wore off.” He cited Allbirds. After sales of the once highly popular shoe tumbled, it rebranded itself “NewBird AI,” and is now focused on artificial intelligence and cloud-computing services.

L Catterton began acquiring significant stakes in Everlane in September 2020. becoming its majority owner. It also owns a significant stake in brands Boll & Branch, Etro and Birkenstock.

Preysman officially stepped down in 2022.

The online retailer Shein was founded in China in 2012 and become extremely popular with teens and young shoppers with $15 trendy dresses and sandals, A majority of items are mass produced and stitched together by workers in a web of factories in China. It has moved its headquarters in Singapore.

“Like many brands, we’ve faced increasing pressure in a rapidly changing retail landscape,” Chang wrote in the letter. “This partnership allows us to remain independent, and gives us the stability and resources to make a larger impact, without compromising on the quality and standards that make Everlane, Everlane.”

Chang, who became CEO in 2024, wrote that the deal will enable the business to invest more in its product, innovation and staff. He emphasized that Everlane will remain an independent brand, staying true to its “sustainability” commitments.

Chang said he will continue as CEO and its leadership will remain in place.

The takeover bid arrives at a time when Everlane is struggling. Sales are down and debt has mounted, according to Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail. The company needs new ownership to survive, and Shein can provide that financial stability, he said.

Shein can establish a presence outside of fast fashion through Everlane, Saunders said, as growth within the industry becomes more difficult. Tariffs and other trade restrictions under the Trump administration have upended imports of the inexpensive clothing that dominates fast fashion.

Winder noted that Shein also has an opportunity to redefine its brand by creating a portfolio of eco-friendly brands like Everlane.

But Everlane and Shein are an odd couple, analysts noted.

Shein is unlikely to completely retool Everlane's supply network, Saunders said, but even being associated with the Shein group may be “somewhat jarring for core Everlane customers. ”

“Ultimately, the deal likely saves Everlane,” he said. “But that salvation comes at a price.”

Chang seemed to allude in his memo to some of the negative responses on social media when rumors of the deal were swirling, stating that the “past week has been a hard one. Seeing our company in the media, and in that light, was painful.”

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According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials, the fire was reported in the 12200 block of Northwest 17^th Place.

The fire has since been extinguished. A couple was homeless, but not injured, according to firefighters.

Several neighbors had to evacuate to avoid the smoke. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

“They said: Just make sure you’re the most honest, unique fifth cowboy right that anyone’s ever seen,” Dern recalls.

Dern had to play the long game. But for the actor, an avid marathon runner who used to jog from his Malibu home to set, acting has always been an endurance sport.

Dern, who turns 90 next month, came to the Cannes Film Festival this week to take a well-deserved bow.

“Dernsie: The Amazing Life of Bruce Dern,” a documentary about his long-distance career, premiered on Thursday at the festival.

“I see a journey, a long uninterrupted journey,” Dern said in an interview alongside his daughter, Laura. “A bunch of folks got together and said: ‘Bruce Dern could play.’ That’s all I wanted.”

Cannes, like most things for Dern, holds plenty of stories. He first came here, he says, with Alfred Hitchcock for “Marnie.” In 2013, he won best actor in Cannes for one of his few leading performances, in “Nebraska,” directed by Alexander Payne.

Along the way, Laura Dern has often been there. As a child, Hitchcock gave her a mini director’s chair to sit in. On “Nebraska,” Laura — who starred in Payne’s first feature, “Citizen Ruth” — for a week rode in the trailing van with Payne. She’s currently in the south of France to shoot the fourth season of “The White Lotus,” but she was eager to join for her dad’s moment in Cannes and help him down the red carpet.

“What I loved about witnessing dad’s career is when I was a little kid, people would come up to me and say, ‘Boy, do I love to hate your dad,’” she said. “That was a common quote, which meant they had fallen in love with this character even though he shot John Wayne or the various things he was up to.”

“Blew up the Super Bowl,” says her father, grinning.

A character actor villain

Dern has done some terrible things on screen. He’s hit Barbara Stanwyck (“The Big Valley”). He’s lynched Clint Eastwood (“Hang ’Em High”). He killed John Wayne (“The Cowboys”), an offense some never forgave him for.

In 1977’s “Black Sunday,” Dern played a disturbed Vietnam veteran pilot who tries to blow up the Super Bowl with a blimp full of explosives. Such exploits, and the live-wire intensity that Dern brought to them, made him idolized by filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino. In the documentary, he calls Dern “one of the finest and most entertaining examples of great American acting.”

That unpredictability also makes Dern a hold-onto-your-seat interview. He has stories to tell, and likes telling them. Tangents come like haymakers. That made for a particular challenge for “Dernsie” director Mike Mendez. He and Dern began just talking over breakfasts at IHOP. For the documentary, he tried to recreate that experience while vainly attempting to keep Dern on subject.

“I would try,” sighs Mendez. “But as anybody who’s ever spoken to him or interviewed him, he’s like a wild bull. You can feed him a question and his mind is just going to go wherever it’s going to go.”

Talking in Cannes, Dern’s free-flowing topics included Hitchcock’s treatment of Tippi Hedren, his friendship with Jack Nicholson (“He was ahead of us all”), what Stanwyck said to him after slapping him (“She said, ‘I’m not going to even ask you if I hurt you’”), a jogging route to Santa Barbara and a near word-for-word recital of the climactic scene of “Nebraska.”

Improvising the ‘Dernsies’

But a through line to “Dernsie” is its title’s meaning. Throughout his career, Dern was known for his off-the-cuff improvisations that jolted scenes into life. The term he credits to Nicholson, who liked a finger snap Dern added during the making of Nicholson’s 1971 film, “Drive, He Said.”

“He said, ‘I want to say something. That little snap of the fingers that he just did? He’s been doing that s--- for 10 years and no one ever gave him a chance to film that. That’s a Dernsie,” Dern says.

During a scene with Brad Pitt in “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood,” Dern added a line — “You did something today that really touched me. You came to see me” — that he says came out of how he felt to be a part of the movie.

“And afterward Brad had tears in his eyes and picked me up like a little baby and carried me around the set,” says Dern, laughing.

“I don’t rehearse it,’ he explains. “Once the switch is on, you’re going. The Dernsies, I don’t know what they’re going to be. I take from everything that’s going on around, even if it has nothing to do with it.”

These aren’t just the reminiscences of a retired actor, either. Dern still very much has the mindset of a working actor. He plans to keep going until he drops. It’s an attitude that Laura’s mother, Diane Ladd, who died last year, also shared.

“We read so much about longevity,” she says. “Now the studies are showing that a purpose driven life, more than a Mediterranean diet, more than all the different things people debate, is in fact the greatest act of longevity. My parents both said to me that they would act until they go. My dad is determined to be a lifelong artist.”

Aside from this accolade for “Nebraska” in Cannes, Dern has been nominated twice for an Academy Award. He co-starred in “The Trip,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Coming Home,” “The ’Burbs” and “The Hateful Eight.” He’s amassed more than 150 credits.

Not bad for “the fifth cowboy from the right.”

Trump dijo que otros presidentes de Estados Unidos habían considerado intervenir en Cuba durante décadas.

“Parece que yo seré quien lo haga”, dijo Trump. “Así que estaría feliz de hacerlo”.

También el jueves, diplomáticos de Rusia y China expresaron su apoyo al gobierno cubano y su oposición a las sanciones de Estados Unidos.

“China apoya firmemente a Cuba en la defensa de su soberanía nacional y dignidad nacional y se opone a la interferencia externa”, dijo a reporteros Guo Jiakun, portavoz del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de China.

Maria Zakharova, portavoz del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Rusia, también habló con reporteros el jueves.

“Reafirmamos nuestra plena solidaridad con Cuba”, dijo Zakharova a reporteros y escribió en X.

Después de que el ejército de Estados Unidos capturó a Nicolás Maduro, quien también contaba con el respaldo de China y Rusia, Trump desplegó al secretario de Estado de Estados Unidos, Marco Rubio, para sostener conversaciones con funcionarios venezolanos y cubanos y cortar el flujo de petróleo venezolano hacia Cuba.

Trump también impuso sanciones a cualquier país que entregue petróleo a Cuba, excepto un barco ruso que brindó un alivio temporal.

El miércoles, antes de que el Departamento de Justicia de Estados Unidos anunciara la acusación formal contra Raúl Castro y cinco pilotos militares cubanos, el Comando Sur de Estados Unidos dio la bienvenida al grupo de ataque del portaaviones Nimitz al Caribe.

“El presidente siempre tiene la opción de hacer lo que sea necesario para apoyar y proteger el interés nacional”, dijo Rubio el jueves.

El presidente cubano Miguel Díaz-Canel publicó recientemente una declaración advirtiendo sobre un “baño de sangre” si ocurre una intervención militar de Estados Unidos y describió a Castro como “un héroe”.

NOTICIAS RELACIONADAS

• Rubio afirma que la probabilidad de un acuerdo entre Estados Unidos y Cuba “no es alta”.
• Activistas cubanos prodemocracia se reúnen en Miami-Dade tras la acusación formal contra Raúl Castro.
• El Comando Sur de los Estados Unidos da la bienvenida al grupo de ataque del portaaviones Nimitz al Caribe.
• Activistas cubanos prodemocracia se reúnen en Miami-Dade tras la acusación formal contra Raúl Castro.
• Estados Unidos acusa a Raúl Castro por el derribo fatal de los aviones de Hermanos al Rescate en 1996.
• Vea los discursos durante el anuncio de la acusación contra Raúl Castro en la Torre de la Libertad.
• Exiliados cubanos en la Torre de la Libertad reaccionan a la acusación contra Raúl Castro.
• Los exiliados cubanos en el Café Versailles de Miami reaccionan a la noticia de la acusación contra Raúl Castro: “Todos a favor “.
• Legisladores republicanos de Florida reaccionan a la acusación contra Raúl Castro.
• El presidente cubano Miguel Díaz-Canel reacciona a la acusación de Raúl Castro

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U.S.-Cuba conflicts are not new for the country’s southern-most city. The laid-back island made of coral rock was the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis front-line military outpost.

Barbed wire lined the beaches. The U.S. Army took over the 1920 Casa Marina hotel. President John F. Kennedy was in Key West to inspect the HAWK anti-aircraft missile sites.

“The federal government actually armed local law enforcement with heavy military weapons,” said Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay, who has more than three decades in law enforcement.

Some tourists in Key West said they were concerned. U.S. President Donald Trump stands firm on his new policy with Cuba. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to the communist island as a national security threat. Raúl Castro is a wanted man.

The U.S. Southern Command welcomed aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, the embarked Carrier Air Wing 17, USS Gridley, and USNS Patuxent on Wednesday to the Caribbean.

The U.S. Naval Air Station Key West on Boca Chica Key is just about four miles east of the central business district of Key West.

“Our installations remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our U.S. service members, civilians, contractors, and their families,“ a spokesperson for the U.S. Navy Southeast said in a statement on Thursday.

Ramsay said he too was vigilant. He urged calm on Sunday after Axios reported that Cuba had acquired more than 300 military drones and Cuban officials were discussing plans to hit U.S. targets.

U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez warned Cuba had suicide drones from Iran. CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban officials on May 14 in Havana and delivered a warning.

The U.S. Navy reported there was an exercise with “unmanned systems and artificial intelligence” in late April in Key West. Earlier this month, SOUTHCOM shared images of exercises in Key West with “semi-autonomous” drones.

Autonomous and unmanned forces:@NAVSOUS4THFLT's #FLEX2026 exercise in Key West, Florida, last week advanced SOUTHCOM objectives to leverage cutting-edge technology to support the National Defense Strategy.

The exercise formed the foundation of the newly established SOUTHCOM… pic.twitter.com/30q8i7I0eb

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) May 8, 2026

Next-generation capabilities:@NAVSOUS4THFLT's #FLEX2026 exercise in Key West, Florida, is advancing SOUTHCOM objectives to embrace autonomous, semi-autonomous, and unmanned platforms and systems to counter threats and challenges in the region.

These successes are forming the… pic.twitter.com/gNp4TyAqMP

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) April 28, 2026

Ramsay said he hasn’t seen or received reports of any recent activity in Monroe County that concerns him, but he knows what to look for.

“We would probably see an increase in jets at Naval Air Station Key West,” Ramsay said. “We have seen no increase in ground, air, or sea assets.”

Related reports

• Trump stands firm on Cuba after Russia and China express support
• U.S. Southern Command welcomes Nimitz carrier strike group to Caribbean
• Cuban pro-democracy activists meet in Miami-Dade after Raúl Castro’s indictment
• U.S. indicts Raúl Castro over 1996 fatal shootdown of Brothers to the Rescue planes
• Watch the speeches during Raul Castro indictment announcement at Freedom Tower
• Cuban exiles at Freedom Tower react to Raúl Castro indictment
• Cuban exiles at Miami’s Cafe Versailles react to Raul Castro indictment news: ‘All for it’
• Republican lawmakers from Florida react to Raúl Castro’s indictment
• Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel reacts to Raúl Castro’s indictment

Los conflictos entre Estados Unidos y Cuba no son nuevos para la ciudad más al sur del país. La relajada isla de roca coralina fue la primera línea militar durante la Crisis de los Misiles en Cuba de 1962.

Alambre de púas cubría las playas. El Ejército de Estados Unidos tomó control del hotel Casa Marina, construido en 1920. El presidente John F. Kennedy estuvo en Key West para inspeccionar los sitios de misiles antiaéreos HAWK.

“El gobierno federal realmente armó a las fuerzas del orden locales con armas militares pesadas”, dijo el sheriff del condado Monroe, Rick Ramsay, quien tiene más de tres décadas en las fuerzas del orden.

Algunos turistas en Key West dijeron estar preocupados. El presidente Donald Trump se mantiene firme en su nueva política hacia Cuba. El secretario de Estado Marco Rubio se refirió a la isla comunista como una amenaza a la seguridad nacional. Raúl Castro es un hombre buscado.

El Comando Sur de Estados Unidos dio la bienvenida el miércoles al portaaviones USS Nimitz, al Carrier Air Wing 17, al USS Gridley y al USNS Patuxent en el Caribe.

La Estación Aérea Naval de Estados Unidos en Key West, ubicada en Boca Chica Key, está aproximadamente a cuatro millas al este del distrito comercial central de Key West.

“Nuestras instalaciones permanecen vigilantes y tomarán las acciones apropiadas para garantizar la seguridad de nuestros miembros del servicio militar estadounidense, civiles, contratistas y sus familias”, indicó un portavoz de la Marina del Sureste de Estados Unidos en un comunicado el jueves.

Ramsay dijo que él también permanecía vigilante. El domingo pidió calma después de que Axios reportara que Cuba había adquirido más de 300 drones militares y que funcionarios cubanos discutían planes para atacar objetivos estadounidenses.

El representante federal Carlos Giménez advirtió que Cuba tenía drones suicidas provenientes de Irán. El director de la CIA, John Ratcliffe, se reunió con funcionarios cubanos el 14 de mayo en La Habana y emitió una advertencia.

La Marina de Estados Unidos informó que hubo un ejercicio con “sistemas no tripulados e inteligencia artificial” a finales de abril en Key West. A principios de este mes, SOUTHCOM compartió imágenes de ejercicios en Key West con drones “semiautónomos”.

Autonomous and unmanned forces:@NAVSOUS4THFLT's #FLEX2026 exercise in Key West, Florida, last week advanced SOUTHCOM objectives to leverage cutting-edge technology to support the National Defense Strategy.

The exercise formed the foundation of the newly established SOUTHCOM… pic.twitter.com/30q8i7I0eb

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) May 8, 2026

Next-generation capabilities:@NAVSOUS4THFLT's #FLEX2026 exercise in Key West, Florida, is advancing SOUTHCOM objectives to embrace autonomous, semi-autonomous, and unmanned platforms and systems to counter threats and challenges in the region.

These successes are forming the… pic.twitter.com/gNp4TyAqMP

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) April 28, 2026

Informes relacionados

• Trump se mantiene firme respecto a Cuba después de que Rusia y China expresaran su apoyo.
• El Comando Sur de los Estados Unidos da la bienvenida al grupo de ataque del portaaviones Nimitz al Caribe.
• Activistas cubanos prodemocracia se reúnen en Miami-Dade tras la acusación formal contra Raúl Castro.
• Estados Unidos acusa a Raúl Castro por el derribo fatal de los aviones de Hermanos al Rescate en 1996.
• Vea los discursos durante el anuncio de la acusación contra Raúl Castro en la Torre de la Libertad.
• Exiliados cubanos en la Torre de la Libertad reaccionan a la acusación contra Raúl Castro.
• Los exiliados cubanos en el Café Versailles de Miami reaccionan a la noticia de la acusación contra Raúl Castro: “Todos a favor “.
• Legisladores republicanos de Florida reaccionan a la acusación contra Raúl Castro.
• El presidente cubano Miguel Díaz-Canel reacciona a la acusación de Raúl Castro

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According to Fort Lauderdale police, the accident happened around 11 p.m. near the 400 block of Southwest Third Avenue.

Authorities said officers and fire rescue personnel responded to the scene, where they located the man, who was pronounced dead after his body was recovered from the water. The man has not yet been identified.

Police on Friday morning said traffic was also temporarily disrupted near Broward Boulevard, Sunrise Boulevard and Flagler Drive. They urged drivers to seek alternate routes, including in the areas of Davie Boulevard and Oakland Park Boulevard.

No other details about the investigation were immediately released.

Según la policía de Fort Lauderdale, el accidente ocurrió alrededor de las 11 p.m. cerca de la cuadra 400 de Southwest Third Avenue.

Las autoridades indicaron que agentes y personal de rescate de bomberos respondieron a la escena, donde localizaron al hombre, quien fue declarado muerto después de que su cuerpo fuera recuperado del agua. El hombre aún no ha sido identificado.

La policía indicó el viernes por la mañana que el tráfico también fue interrumpido temporalmente cerca de Broward Boulevard, Sunrise Boulevard y Flagler Drive. Instaron a los conductores a buscar rutas alternas, incluyendo las áreas de Davie Boulevard y Oakland Park Boulevard.

No se divulgaron de inmediato otros detalles sobre la investigación.

The protesters gathered to oppose legislation passed in February on the legal status of missing persons that critics say allows courts to declare missing Ukrainian military personnel legally dead before their fate has been fully confirmed.

“Today all the families came out so that the missing are not equated with the dead,” said Mariana Yatselenko, 27, who took part in the Kyiv march.

More than 90,000 people are listed as missing in Ukraine’s unified registry of persons who disappeared under special circumstances, according to Artur Dobrosierdov, the country’s commissioner for missing persons.

The missing date back to 2014

Neither Russia nor Ukraine publish regular casualty numbers in the war, although analysts estimate hundreds of thousands of casualties in the fighting.

The Ukrainian register covers people who went missing during combat, as a result of armed aggression or in occupied territories, mostly after Russia’s all-out invasion began on Feb. 24, 2022. But some cases date back to 2014, when Russian soldiers invaded the Crimean Peninsula and pro-Russia forces started fighting in eastern Ukraine.

The registry began operating in May 2023, and at that point, information about both military personnel and civilians from previous years was entered into it.

Similar demonstrations have been held previously over the issue.

Russia says Ukraine struck a dorm, killing 4

Ukrainian drones hit a college dormitory building in Starobilsk, a city in Ukraine’s Russia-occupied Luhansk region, killing six people and wounding 39 others, Russian President Vladimir Putin said. He added that another 15 remain missing as emergency workers are clearing the debris.

Speaking at a meeting with war veterans in Moscow, Putin denounced the attack on the dormitory as a “crime” and ordered the military to submit its proposals for retaliation. He noted that there were no military or law enforcement facilities near the college.

Ukrainian officials made no immediate comment on the attack.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Friday said that it intercepted 217 Ukrainian drones over multiple Russian regions, including the Moscow region and St. Petersburg, the country’s second-largest city.

For the fourth time this month Ukraine struck Russia’s Yaroslavl oil refinery, around 700 kilometers (440 miles) from the border, in an overnight operation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday.

Ukraine has been pounding Russian oil facilities in an effort to deny Moscow funding for its invasion.

U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to stop the fighting have brought no significant results and recently appeared to peter out.

“They were not fruitful, unfortunately,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said of negotiations over the past year with Russia and Ukraine.

No talks are happening now, he said during a trip to Sweden, although they could resume if Washington sees an opportunity for progress.

Russian barrages as Ukraine makes battlefield gains

Ukraine’s air force said that it shot down or jammed 115 of 124 Russian drones that were launched overnight, in regular bombardments of civilian areas that in recent months have escalated.

Russian attacks across the northern Sumy region wounded 11 people, including a child, the National Police said. Also, a Russian drone killed a man in the city of Kherson in southern Ukraine, according to the region’s military administration chief.

The number of Ukrainian civilian casualties verified by the United Nations increased by 21% in the first four months of this year, compared with the same period last year, with 815 civilians killed and 4,174 wounded.

In Washington, the Trump administration approved a modest $108 million arms sale to Ukraine that will help the country sustain its midrange air defense missile system.

The U.S. State Department announced the sale of ground-to-air Hawk missile components, spare parts and logistic support late Thursday. Under U.S. President Donald Trump, Washington has slashed military support for Ukraine.

On the battlefield, Ukrainian counterattacks have driven the Russian army out of more than 400 square kilometers (150 square miles) of southern Ukraine since the end of last year, Western analysts say.

Those successes are attributed to Ukraine’s increasingly homegrown drone and missile technology, as well as Russian forces being denied access to Starlink satellite services used to steer drones toward targets.

Ukraine keeps a wary eye on Belarus

Zelenskyy said that Russia could be planning new attacks on northern Ukraine, launched from Belarus.

Moscow “is eager to draw (Belarus) deeper into this war,” Zelenskyy said on social media, warning that “there will be consequences” for the Belarusian government, if it provides a platform for strikes on Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha alerted allies at a NATO meeting in Sweden about what Ukrainian intelligence services say are growing threats from Belarus. Sybiha urged partners to take unspecified deterrence measures against Minsk.

Russia and Belarus held joint nuclear exercises earlier this week.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, underscored “Russia’s ability to leverage Belarus for future Russian military operations and Russia’s deepening de facto control over Belarus.”

___

Matthew Lee in Washington, and Barry Hatton in Lisbon, Portugal, contributed to this report.

___

Follow the AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

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According to Pembroke Park police, officers responded to the store located at 3900 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd. in reference to a burglary in progress.

Police said they were told a Black male wearing all black clothing, a ski mask and long black socks was using a crowbar to try to break into the business.

But police said the man was unsuccessful and was not able to get inside.

He was last seen jumping the rear fence behind the business and heading east on foot, authorities said.

The Hallandale Beach Police Department’s K-9 Unit and BSO’s Aviation Unit responded to assist Pembroke Park police, but the man was not located.

Anyone with information about his identity is asked to call the Pembroke Park Police Department or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.

La policía busca a un hombre que, según dijeron las autoridades, intentó irrumpir durante la noche en una tienda de humo en Pembroke Park.

Según la policía de Pembroke Park, los agentes respondieron al negocio ubicado en 3900 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd. en referencia a un robo en progreso.

La policía indicó que les informaron que un hombre negro vestido completamente de negro, con máscara de esquí y medias largas negras, utilizaba una palanca para intentar irrumpir en el negocio.

Sin embargo, la policía dijo que el hombre no tuvo éxito y no logró entrar.

Las autoridades indicaron que fue visto por última vez saltando la cerca trasera detrás del negocio y huyendo a pie hacia el este.

La Unidad K-9 del Departamento de Policía de Hallandale Beach y la Unidad de Aviación de la BSO respondieron para asistir a la policía de Pembroke Park, pero el hombre no fue localizado.

Cualquier persona con información sobre su identidad debe llamar al Departamento de Policía de Pembroke Park o a Broward Crime Stoppers al 954-493-8477.

This pattern will continue into early next week but a change is expected mid-week. A strong river of moisture will move in from the Caribbean with the threat for heavy rainfall the second half of next week. We can pin down the details as we get closer.

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Torrey Holston, 26, and Jose Garcia Romero, 27, are accused of killing Coral Springs firefighter Christopher Randazzo in 2019.

Attorneys delivered closing arguments in the case on Thursday morning.

The prosecution highlighted the night Randazzo, 39, was murdered while going out in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

Police say Holston and Garcia Romero, then 19 and 20 respectively, robbed Randazzo of his phone, $55 and sneakers before shooting him in the head when he didn’t give them his phone password.

During their murder trial, an eyewitness testified it was Holston who shot the victim in the head when he was down on the ground.

Holston’s lawyer told jurors to pay attention to the evidence, and lack of evidence.

The two did not testify in their own defense.

Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty, but the two defendants are facing mandatory life sentences if they are convicted.

Torrey Holston, de 26 años, y Jose Garcia Romero, de 27, están acusados de asesinar al bombero de Coral Springs Christopher Randazzo en 2019.

Los abogados presentaron sus argumentos finales en el caso el jueves por la mañana.

La fiscalía destacó la noche en que Randazzo, de 39 años, fue asesinado mientras salía en Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

La policía indicó que Holston y Garcia Romero, entonces de 19 y 20 años respectivamente, robaron a Randazzo su teléfono, $55 USD y sus tenis antes de dispararle en la cabeza cuando no les dio la contraseña de su teléfono.

Durante el juicio por asesinato, un testigo presencial declaró que fue Holston quien le disparó a la víctima en la cabeza cuando estaba en el suelo.

El abogado de Holston le dijo al jurado que prestara atención a la evidencia y a la falta de evidencia.

Los dos no testificaron en su propia defensa.

Los fiscales no están solicitando la pena de muerte, pero los dos acusados enfrentan sentencias obligatorias de cadena perpetua si son declarados culpables.

El convenio, que amplía el tratado de libre comercio vigente desde hace dos décadas, será suscrito por la mandataria mexicana Claudia Sheinbaum y la presidenta de la Comisión Europea, Ursula Von der Leyen, durante una cumbre bilateral que se realiza el viernes en el palacio de gobierno mexicano. En el evento también participa el jefe del Consejo Europeo, António Costa.

Antes del inicio de la reunión Sheinbaum la relación que la UE ha desarrollado con México y agradeció el reconocimiento al trabajo de su gobierno.

La mandataria mexicana aseguró que el acuerdo abrirá “otros horizontes” a las empresas mexicanas que se han visto golpeadas en los últimos años por las políticas proteccionistas de Washington.

Sin embargo, Sheinbaum afirmó que para su gobierno la prioridad sigue siendo el tratado comercial de México con Estados Unidos y Canadá (T-MEC), que será sujeto a una revisión a partir de julio.

De igual forma para los 27 países que integran el bloque europeo, Estados Unidos continúa siendo su prioridad pese a los vaivenes de las relaciones comerciales.

Esta semana legisladores y Estados miembros de la UE llegaron a un acuerdo para aplicar un pacto comercial firmado en agosto pasado con Washington. La decisión se dio en medio de las amenazas de Trump que anunció que si la ratificación del tratado no se daba antes del 4 de julio impondría nuevos aranceles sobre los automóviles y camiones europeos.

El acuerdo contempla un tope arancelario de 15% sobre la mayoría de las importaciones europeas, mientras los aranceles sobre los productos industriales de Estados Unidos se reducirían a cero.

Relación renovada

Sobre el impacto que generará el acuerdo entre México y la UE, empresarios y especialistas estiman que los efectos comenzarán a sentirse en el primer año con la reducción de aranceles en más de 90% del comercio, nuevos proyectos en minerales críticos, mayor inversión europea y un impulso a sectores como la agroindustria, manufactura, energía, farmacéutica y servicios digitales.

Entre los productos agrícolas mexicanos que podrían verse beneficiados por el convenio están el plátano, el café, la miel, el azúcar, los espárragos, los tomates en conserva y el limón.

En la actualidad la UE es el tercer socio comercial de México después de Estados Unidos y China, y el segundo mayor mercado de exportación.

El gobierno de Sheinbaum se ha fijado como meta elevar las exportaciones hacia Europa en cuatro años para llevarlas de 23.800 millones de dólares a 32.100 millones de dólares.

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One of the co-defendants named in Castro’s sweeping federal indictment has accepted a plea deal in a separate case he is charged in, Local 10 News learned Friday.

Court records show pilot Luis Raul Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez is currently in custody in central Florida and will be sentenced next Thursday in Jacksonville.

According to the New York Times, he pleaded guilty in January to immigration fraud charges.

The latest legal movement comes as the United States increases its posture in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the USS Nimitz, one of the largest and most powerful warships in the world.

The aircraft carrier — equipped with fighter jets, advanced weapons systems and extensive military technology — has recently sailed into the Caribbean at a time when the Trump administration appears to be taking a harder line against the Cuban government.

“Our preference is always a diplomatic solution, always, and a negotiated agreement,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday during remarks on the growing tensions.

At the same time, federal authorities in Miami on Thursday announced the arrest of Adys Lastres Morera, the sister of a top official connected to GAESA, the powerful military-run Cuban business conglomerate founded by Castro.

In a post on X, Rubio blamed GAESA for contributing to Cuba’s severe economic crisis, accusing the organization of controlling as much as 70% of the island’s economy while funneling billions in illicit funds and diverting humanitarian aid intended for the Cuban people.

Authorities say Morera was living and working in South Florida, primarily involved in real estate transactions allegedly tied to illicit cash flow from Cuba. Officials also allege she was in the United States illegally. She remains in ICE custody.

Her arrest came just one day after federal prosecutors unveiled an indictment against the 94-year-old Castro in connection with the deaths of four men with ties to South Florida.

The developments have sparked renewed conversations within South Florida’s Cuban exile community, where many are closely following the escalating tensions between Washington and Havana.

“Everything over there is super corrupt,” said Samantha Leyva, a South Florida resident with family still living in Cuba.

Leyva said she views the recent actions by the U.S. government as a significant turning point.

“I think it’s a really, really big step and a great step to finally having my island free,” she said. “I want to go back and see my family.”

Concerns are also growing over reports that Cuba has acquired hundreds of strike drones and that Russia has pledged support to the Cuban government if the United States were to take military action against the island.

President Donald Trump suggested the current moment could lead to major political change in Cuba.

“They want to invest in their country, see if they can bring it back,” Trump said. “Other presidents have looked at this for 50 or 60 years, and it looks like I’ll be the one that does it.”

Still, some analysts believe meaningful change in Cuba may not happen without direct intervention.

“They are not going to flee,” FIU Cuban Research Institute Interim Director Sebastian A. Arcos said of Cuba’s leadership. “They are not going to be part of a dismantling of a regime that they have been putting together for the last 70 years.”

Despite the uncertainty, some Cuban Americans remain hopeful.

“You feel like freedom is close?” Local 10’s Terrell Forney asked Leyva.

“I do,” she responded. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday issued its seasonal outlook for the Atlantic, giving a 55% chance of a below-average season. The agency forecasts eight to 14 named storms, with three to six of them becoming strong enough to hit hurricane status and one to three of those intensifying to major hurricanes.

A normal hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven of them becoming hurricanes and three of them reaching major hurricane level, which is more than 110 mph (177 kph).

Eighteen other groups, private and academic, have also forecast what they think the season will be like and most of them also call for a below average summer and fall. Those other forecasts average a dozen named storms, only five becoming hurricanes and two of those being major ones. Those forecasts also call for the Accumulated Cyclone Energy index, which takes into account strength and duration of storms, to be 80% of normal.

Colorado State University, which pioneered the science of hurricane seasonal forecasting in 1984, is predicting the lowest overall activity since 2015, which was the strongest El Nino in the last 75 years. And that forecast is likely to be revised to even lower numbers in June, said Colorado State’s hurricane expert Phil Klotzbach.

This is after nine of the last 10 Atlantic hurricane seasons have been above normal or even hyperactive, Klotzbach said. Last year started slow, but then had a burst, producing a near-record total of three Category 5 hurricanes, including Melissa which devastated Jamaica and Cuba, said Suzana Camargo, a climate scientist and tropical weather expert at Columbia University.

Inflation-adjusted damage across the globe from tropical cyclones has increased from an average of $11.4 billion a year in the 1980s to $109.7 billion a year over the past 10 years, with three-quarters of the damage done in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, according to insurance giant Munich Re.

Hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones are the same weather event, with the different names being used in different parts of the world.

“We should expect a less active year than certainly what we’ve seen recently, and perhaps significantly so below average,” said University at Albany atmospheric scientist Kristen Corbosiero. “But again, it only takes one to cause real devastation and destruction in the mainland U.S. or even in Hawaii.”

El Nino decapitates Atlantic storms

It’s mostly because of “the elephant in the room” which is an El Nino, Camargo said.

An El Nino is the natural and cyclic warming of parts of the central Pacific that warps weather patterns around the globe, especially during winter. Scientists for decades have found a correlation between an El Nino and below average Atlantic hurricane activity and stronger and more storms in the central and eastern Pacific. This year many forecasts are calling for a strong, superstrong or even record setting intense El Nino. During a La Nina, the cool flip side of El Nino, the Atlantic is generally busier with stronger storms.

There’s a 98% chance that there will be an El Nino this summer and an 80% chance it will be moderate or strong, NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs said Thursday.

Atlantic hurricane seasons when an El Nino reaches strong or very strong status have two-thirds the named storms and half the hurricanes of the 1991-2020 average, according to an Associated Press analysis of storm and El Nino statistics.

El Ninos fight Atlantic storm formation in several ways, especially with cross winds about 1 mile to 7 miles (1.5 to 11 kilometers) above the surface “which can basically blow apart the thunderstorms that make up” a hurricane, Corbosiero said.

“A stronger than normal wind shear tends to tilt storms as they try to develop,” said University at Albany atmospheric scientist Brian Tang. “It pushes dry air into storms. And prevents storms from developing in the first place. And if they do develop, it also prevents them from intensifying.”

El Nino reduces the number and intensity of weaker storms, but once a storm hits hurricane status with 74 mph winds, “they can be kind of like a self-feeding entity” and are less prone to being dampened by El Nino’s wind shear, said Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane season forecaster with NOAA’s National Weather Service.

Forecasts for peak hurricane season show strong wind shear from the west in the main development region for the largest and long-lasting hurricanes that come off of Africa and develop as they head west over the Atlantic, Klotzbach said. Fewer of these type storms happen during El Ninos.

In the 15 strongest El Nino years since 1950, 37 named storms, 11 hurricanes and three major hurricanes made landfall on the continental United States, but in the 15 coldest La Nina years 61 named storms, 31 hurricanes and 10 major hurricanes hit America’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts, according to Klotzbach. He said El Nino shrinks the number of hits on the Atlantic coast, but has less of an influence on the number of Gulf coast landfalls.

In addition to El Nino, dry conditions in Africa and water in the Atlantic being only slightly warmer than normal contribute to the forecast of a weaker season, Rosencrans said.

Opposite effect in the Pacific

El Ninos and La Ninas have the opposite effect on storms in the central and eastern Pacific as they do in the Atlantic, so experts are expecting a busier season in those regions. Jacobs said there’s a 70% chance that the eastern Pacific will have an above normal season.

NOAA forecasts 15 to 22 named storms in the Pacific with nine to 14 becoming hurricanes and five to nine of those being major hurricanes. Average is 15 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Rosencrans said the main area of central Pacific storm development shifts closer to Hawaii during El Ninos.

Eastern Pacific storms near Baja Mexico tend to “go west, affect the fishies and little else,” Corbosiero said. But at times they can turn east or north and cause massive damage as in Hurricane Otis in 2023 that smashed into Mexico, or 1992’s Hurricane Lester, which caused heavy rains in the U.S. Southwest, she said.

Hawaii is a small island chain in a big ocean that can be threatened. In 1992, an El Nino year when there were few Atlantic storms (though Miami was devastated by Hurricane Andrew ), Hawaii was hit by Hurricane Iniki.

Further west toward Asia and India, “your odds of any storm forming becoming a super typhoon go up significantly in El Nino,” Klotzbach said.

The eastern Pacific hurricane season started May 15 and the Atlantic season begins June 1 and both end November 30.

El Ninos can also make hurricane season longer, said John Bravender, a weather service meteorologist in Honolulu. “With the warmer waters across the area, not only can hurricanes maintain their strength at higher latitudes, but also longer through the year,” he said.

The state is preparing for hurricanes just as parts of Hawaii are still reeling from recent back-to-back storms that caused catastrophic flooding, Gov. Josh Green said.

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Associated Press writer Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Uno de los coacusados nombrados en la amplia acusación federal contra Castro aceptó un acuerdo de culpabilidad en un caso separado en el que está acusado, informó Local 10 News el viernes.

Los registros judiciales muestran que el piloto Luis Raul Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez se encuentra actualmente bajo custodia en el centro de Florida y será sentenciado el próximo jueves en Jacksonville.

Según The New York Times, se declaró culpable en enero de cargos de fraude migratorio.

El más reciente movimiento legal ocurre mientras Estados Unidos aumenta su presencia en el Caribe, incluyendo el despliegue del USS Nimitz, uno de los buques de guerra más grandes y poderosos del mundo.

El portaaviones — equipado con aviones de combate, sistemas avanzados de armas y amplia tecnología militar — navegó recientemente hacia el Caribe en momentos en que la administración Trump parece adoptar una postura más dura contra el gobierno cubano.

“Nuestra preferencia siempre es una solución diplomática, siempre, y un acuerdo negociado”, dijo el secretario de Estado Marco Rubio el jueves durante declaraciones sobre las crecientes tensiones.

Al mismo tiempo, las autoridades federales en Miami anunciaron el jueves el arresto de Adys Lastres Morera, hermana de un alto funcionario vinculado a GAESA, el poderoso conglomerado empresarial cubano administrado por militares y fundado por Castro.

En una publicación en X, Rubio culpó a GAESA de contribuir a la severa crisis económica de Cuba, acusando a la organización de controlar hasta el 70% de la economía de la isla mientras canaliza miles de millones en fondos ilícitos y desvía ayuda humanitaria destinada al pueblo cubano.

Las autoridades indican que Morera vivía y trabajaba en el sur de Florida, principalmente involucrada en transacciones inmobiliarias presuntamente vinculadas al flujo ilícito de dinero desde Cuba. Los funcionarios también alegan que se encontraba ilegalmente en Estados Unidos. Permanece bajo custodia de ICE.

Su arresto ocurrió apenas un día después de que fiscales federales revelaran una acusación contra Castro, de 94 años, en relación con las muertes de cuatro hombres con vínculos con el sur de Florida.

Los acontecimientos han provocado nuevas conversaciones dentro de la comunidad cubana en el exilio del sur de Florida, donde muchos siguen de cerca las crecientes tensiones entre Washington y La Habana.

“Todo allá es súper corrupto”, dijo Samantha Leyva, residente del sur de Florida con familiares que aún viven en Cuba.

Leyva dijo que considera las recientes acciones del gobierno estadounidense como un punto de inflexión significativo.

“Creo que es un paso realmente, realmente grande y un gran paso para finalmente tener mi isla libre”, dijo. “Quiero regresar y ver a mi familia”.

También aumentan las preocupaciones por informes de que Cuba ha adquirido cientos de drones de ataque y que Rusia prometió apoyar al gobierno cubano si Estados Unidos tomara acciones militares contra la isla.

El presidente Donald Trump sugirió que el momento actual podría conducir a un cambio político importante en Cuba.

“Quieren invertir en su país, ver si pueden recuperarlo”, dijo Trump. “Otros presidentes han analizado esto durante 50 o 60 años, y parece que yo seré quien lo logre”.

Aun así, algunos analistas creen que un cambio significativo en Cuba podría no ocurrir sin intervención directa.

“No van a huir”, dijo Sebastian A. Arcos, director interino del Instituto de Investigación Cubana de FIU, sobre el liderazgo cubano. “No van a formar parte del desmantelamiento de un régimen que han estado construyendo durante los últimos 70 años”.

A pesar de la incertidumbre, algunos cubanoamericanos mantienen la esperanza.

“¿Sientes que la libertad está cerca?”, le preguntó Terrell Forney, de Local 10, a Leyva.

“Sí”, respondió ella. “Mantengo los dedos cruzados”.

EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said that higher energy prices are primarily responsible for driving inflation to a forecast 3.1% for this year and 2.4% for 2027. That’s significantly higher than the earlier forecast for this year of 1.9%.

“We expect that this energy inflation will gradually also trickle down to different sectors of the economy,” Dombrovskis said after a meeting of the 21-member eurozone's finance ministers, who make up the Eurogroup.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said that even if the conflict in the Middle East ended now, “lagging effects” would keep the prices of goods elevated.

“And it’s probably a fact that price levels will be higher at the end of this crisis, when we see the end of the crisis,” Lagarde said.

She said that the ECB would take “all the necessary measures” to keep price stability at 2% by paying close attention to the aftereffects of the initial economic shock brought on by the energy price hike. She also pointed to how much oil the EU holds in reserve to meet possible demand.

Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis said that for the EU, an end to the crisis would mean a return to free navigation without the imposition of any tolls through the Strait of Hormuz, from which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes.

Pierrakakis affirmed that economic growth within the eurozone would reach 0.9% this year and 1.2% in 2027, lower than the previous forecast, “but clearly far from a recession scenario.”

Although higher inflation projections have led to predictions that the ECB would raise its interest rate benchmarks to combat inflation, Lagarde didn’t offer any indication of how the bank would act.

“We will continue to follow a data-dependent and meeting-by-meeting approach in order to determine the most appropriate monetary policy stance in order to deliver on our 2% medium-term target,” Lagarde said.

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At a recent commission meeting, Miami Beach leaders approved the new “End Resident Tows Program,” which changes how parking enforcement will work for residents with permitted vehicles.

“Our residents deserve the benefit of the doubt, a courtesy warning before we take the extreme measure of towing their vehicles,” said Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez.

Starting July 1, residents with permitted vehicles will be allowed up to three parking citations and text message warnings for most parking violations, including yellow curb violations, no parking anytime areas and authorized vehicles only zones.

Drivers will then have 24 hours to move their vehicles. A fourth violation, however, will result in the vehicle being towed.

“As residents, people who contribute to this city, this beach, pay taxes here, we deserve so. So thank you very much commission,” said Miami Beach resident Frank Delour.

Delour, a 20-year Miami Beach resident, said he has experienced similar situations before — frustrations that were famously captured in the mid-2000s reality show “South Beach Tow.”

According to city officials, nearly 1,200 resident vehicles have been towed so far this year. Under the new initiative, officials estimate more than 60% of those resident tows could have been avoided.

“Let’s be clear, if you’re parked in a handicap space, fire hydrant, in a school zone, you will still get towed,” Fernandez said.

Commissioners also approved new universal loading zone hours. Loading zones will now be enforced from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

As for the citations, drivers can expect to pay about $40.

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According to an arrest report from the South Miami Police Department, the victim told police that just after leaving the gym last Friday, she immediately noticed that she was being followed by a gray Tesla Model Y.

“The vehicle continued following the victim southbound on S. Dixie Highway while the driver attempted to gain her attention,” a police officer wrote in the arrest report.

The driver, later identified by police as Rogerio Miranda De Souza, of Pinecrest, was also “brake checking” her “in a manner that could have caused a collision,” the report stated.

Police said the victim was stopped near the intersection of South Dixie Highway and Southwest 70th Street when Miranda De Souza drove extremely close to the driver’s side of her vehicle, at which time she noticed his pants were lowered, exposing his genitals, and he was stroking his penis while making direct eye contact with her.

The victim provided detectives with the vehicle’s license plate number and a physical description of the suspect.

Police said she later identified Miranda De Souza in a photo lineup.

He was arrested Wednesday on a charge of indecent exposure.

As of Thursday afternoon, Miranda De Souza was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $1,000 bond.

“Investigators have since learned that a neighboring law enforcement agency is conducting a separate investigation involving the same subject under similar circumstances,” a news release from SMPD stated. “Based on the ongoing investigation and the similarities between the incidents, detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not yet reported their encounters to law enforcement.”

Miranda De Souza appeared in bond court Thursday, where a judge ordered that he stay away from the victim in the case.

“Judge, he’s gainfully employed -- lives with his wife and family. He’s no risk of not showing up in court,” his attorney told the judge.

Miranda De Souza bonded out of jail Thursday night.

His attorney told Local 10 News in a statement Thursday that it’s too early to say anything about his client other than, “Mr. Miranda De Souza enjoys the presumption of innocence as does every person charged with a crime in this country.”

Anyone with information about this investigation, or who believes they may have been victimized by Miranda De Souza is asked to call the South Miami Police Department or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.

The hirings were announced Friday and complete the league’s round of GM additions for each of its four new franchises, which will begin play next season.

The 38-year-old Duggan spent the past five years in a player development role in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils. She brings high-profile name recognition and experience to the PWHL’s fifth Canadian-based franchise.

She had already been working with the PWHL as a special consultant for the hockey operations department. Before her retirement in 2020, Duggan was a founding member of the PWHPA, which was made up of a group of players who helped establish the PWHL three years ago.

“Meghan has been an effective leader at every stage of her career, and she is a rising star in the front office ranks,” said PWHL executive VP of hockey operations Jayna Hefford, who oversaw the hiring process.

Ryan first in PWHL to have both roles

Ryan, meantime, leaves Toronto after coaching the team in its first three seasons to become the PWHL’s first to handle both coaching and GM duties. The move continues an offseason of transition for Ryan. He previously said he’s stepping down after a six-year stint as head coach the Canadian national women’s team.

The 54-year-old Ryan coached Canada to a gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and won silver at the Milan Cortina Games in February.

“Expansion creates a rare opportunity to shape everything with intention, from the standards and culture, to the people and connection to the community,” Ryan said. “We want to build a team that plays with purpose, represents the Bay Area with pride, and helps continue to grow women’s hockey on the West Coast.”

The four new franchises grow the PWHL to 12 teams for next season, doubling the league’s size since it began play in 2024. The league also added teams in Detroit and Las Vegas.

Among Duggan and Ryan’s immediate responsibilities are hiring their staff, including a coach in Hamilton, while also filling out their rosters. The league’s expansion signing process is set to begin in two weeks, followed by the draft on June 17.

Duggan's international success

Duggan is from Danvers, Massachusetts, and won Olympic silver medals in 2010 and 2014 before winning gold in at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, with her serving as team captain. She also won seven gold medals and one silver in eight world championship appearances.

Despite her U.S. roots, Duggan has Canadian connections. She’s married to former Team Canada rival Gillian Apps, who is from the Toronto area, about an hour’s drive east of Hamilton.

“This league represents the future of women’s professional sports. And the opportunity to help build a team, culture, and identity from the ground up is a privilege,” Duggan said. “Hamilton is a passionate sports city with a rich hockey tradition, and my goal is to create an environment where players can thrive and compete for a championship.”

Duggan played at Wisconsin, where she won the 2011 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award as women’s college hockey’s MVP following her senior season with the Badgers.

Ryan brings a wealth of hockey front office and coaching experience to the PWHL’s first team in California. He was the PWHL’s first coach of the year in 2024, and has a career record of 52-32-10.

Under Ryan, the Sceptres lost in the semifinal round of the playoffs in their first two seasons, and finished fifth this year after being eliminated on the final day of the regular season. In Toronto, he worked with GM Gina Kingsbury, who held the same role with Team Canada.

Ryan is credited for helping turn around a Canadian national team program that hit its low in winning bronze at the 2019 world championships. In the five following world tournament appearances under Ryan, Canada won three gold medals and two silvers.

Ryan is from Nova Scotia, and worked in several GM and coaching jobs in the men’s Junior A Maritime Hockey League. He then made the switch in becoming head coach of the Dalhousie University women’s team from 2020-23.

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AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey

The gathering focused on thoughtful conversations surrounding mental health in the culture.

With May marking Mental Health Awareness Month, some of the most influential voices in the culture came together to discuss how people can be more diligent about their own mental health.

Local 10’s Jason Carter was at the event. You can see his full report at the top of this page.

At first, one of the calls sounds almost forgettable.

“You’re a laugh and a joke,” a caller said in a voicemail -- the kind of call many people would likely delete and move on from.

But then the messages grow darker, with hate pouring through the speaker word-by-word.

“You’re not a (bleep) American at all -- you’re the Hitler -- heil Hitler -- that’s what you are,” the same caller said.

Other messages called for violence against Jewish people, including the congressman from Florida.

“Well, if it’s more civilian deaths, well, if it’s Israel civilians, yeah sure... how about 9 million of them. Trains are boarding to Germany, charters available upon request,” one voicemail said.

Moskowitz admitted he is concerned for the safety of his family. He noted children are involved, not just political heavyweights in Washington.

The Florida chapter of the Anti-Defamation League told Local 10 News that this kind of hate speech can lead to violence and is not always careless or reckless conversation.

Sometimes a voice is just a voice. Other times, a voice sounds like trouble before trouble arrives.

Moskowitz said 24-hour-a-day security is what he needs to help keep an eye on his family.

Capitol Police are investigating.

That’s something Captain Giancarlo Polanco and his crew with the City of Miami Fire Rescue know all too well.

From medical emergencies to boating accidents and rescues, the team aboard the city’s fire boat responds to some of the most dangerous situations on South Florida waterways — often racing through crowded channels where there are no roads, only waves.

“We’re basically a fire truck and a rescue truck on water,” Polanco said.

As Memorial Day weekend approaches and thousands of boaters prepare to head out across Biscayne Bay and nearby waterways, firefighters expect an increase in marine traffic — and with it, more emergencies.

“When it happens out here, it’s a traumatic cause or highly traumatic,” Polanco said.

Unlike emergency crews on land, marine firefighters face a unique set of obstacles when responding to calls. Navigating changing weather conditions, heavy boat traffic, and open water can slow response times and complicate rescues.

Polanco says one challenge is that many people operating boats may have little or no formal boating experience.

“Gen X and, I think, above -- basically if you have enough money, you can buy a boat,” he said. “You got to understand that even if you know what you’re doing, others may not know what they’re doing.”

Onboard the fire boat, the crew carries extensive rescue and medical equipment designed to handle emergencies far from shore. Supplies include medications for cardiac emergencies, IV fluids, oxygen masks and trauma equipment.

“We have medicine for your heart, we have medicine to speed up your heart, slow down your heart, masks, IVs for dehydration, any kind of blood loss,” Polanco explained.

Still, he says preparation by boaters themselves can make all the difference.

“The best way to give us your location when you get into an emergency is to make sure that you have a GPS,” Polanco said. “If you have a GPS, we can go directly to you.”

He also encourages boaters to check weather conditions before heading out, plan their routes ahead of time, and ensure life jackets and safety equipment are onboard and accessible.

Simple precautions, Polanco says, can help prevent a fun day on the water from turning into a dangerous situation.

As South Florida gears up for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year, Miami Fire Rescue crews say they’ll be ready and prepared to respond when help is needed most.

The World Health Organization said that the outbreak now poses a “very high" risk for Congo — up from a previous categorization of “high” — but that the risk of the disease spreading globally remains low.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said 82 cases and seven deaths have been confirmed in Congo, but that the outbreak is believed to be “much larger."

There is no available vaccine for the Bundibugyo virus, which spread undetected for weeks in Congo's Ituri Province following the first known death while authorities tested for another, more common, Ebola virus and came up negative. There are now 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths, though more are expected as surveillance expands.

“We are trying to catch up,” Congo Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner told the AP. “It is a race against the clock."

Efforts ramping up in Ituri Province

Supplies were being rushed to Ituri in the northeastern corner of the country, where nearly a million people have been displaced by armed conflicts over mineral resources. Ramping up contact tracing is a priority, Kayikwamba Wagner said.

In the provincial capital of Bunia, AP reporters saw empty emergency treatment centers, and doctors in the nearby town of Bambu using expired medical masks while tending to suspected Ebola patients.

The provincial government said Friday it was temporarily banning wakes and gatherings of more than 50 people. It said funerals must be conducted in strict compliance with health protocols. The authorities also required journalists to obtain a permit to report on the outbreak, impeding their work.

Illness spreads in rebel-held areas

The illness also has been reported in two Congolese provinces to the south of Ituri — North Kivu and South Kivu, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group controls many key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, where the rebels reported two cases.

The group said Friday it was creating a crisis team to fight the outbreak.

Kayikwamba Wagner said having the illness in rebel-held areas was alarming because “M23 is, despite whatever ambitions they may have, thoroughly ill equipped" to fight the disease.

She said the Congo government and rebels were not communicating on the outbreak.

Response clashes with local customs

The efforts of health officials and aid groups have met with pushback from communities due to misinformation or situations where medical policy has clashed with local customs such as burial rites.

On Thursday, an Ebola treatment center in Rwampara was set on fire by youths who were angered when they were blocked from retrieving the body of a friend who apparently had died of Ebola, according to witnesses and police.

The dangerous work of burying suspected victims is being managed wherever possible by authorities, because the bodies can be highly contagious and lead to further spread when they are prepared for burial or when people gather for funerals.

Julienne Lusenge, president of Women’s Solidarity for Inclusive Peace and Development, a local aid group, said the population’s anger is mostly due to misinformation. “We have lived through years and years of conflict and hardship so rumors spread easily,” she said.

She said some churches have told their congregations the outbreak is fake and that divine protection makes medical care unnecessary.

Grief and the lack of a proper goodbye

In the Ituri province mining town of Mongbwalu where the outbreak is believed to have originated, Lokana Moro Faustin lost his 16-year-old daughter to the disease and bemoaned the fact that he was not able to give her a proper goodbye because of Ebola restrictions.

“At first, we thought it was malaria. But then came vomiting, a high fever, nosebleeds, and bloody diarrhea,” he said, grief-stricken.

The teenager died on May 15 and her body was taken from the hospital by specialized teams and taken directly to the cemetery for a secure burial. Faustin was not able to say goodbye because he was in self-isolation, and it pained him to have his daughter buried by people who were not family.

In Bunia, coffin workshop manager Christian Djakisa said demand has soared since the outbreak began. “We're here every hour making coffins,” he said.

Aid is being flown in, but front line staff lacks resources

The United Nations said Friday it released $60 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund to accelerate the response in Congo and in the region.

The U.S. has pledged $23 million in funding to bolster the response in Congo and Uganda, and said it would also fund the establishment of up to 50 Ebola treatment clinics in the affected regions.

Lusenge said her group’s small hospital near in Bunia lacks basic protective equipment, exposing nurses and doctors to possible infection, she said. “We only have hand sanitizer and a few masks for the nurses, but we need much more than that," Lusenge said.

The outbreak is bigger than official figures show, WHO says

Both the WHO and Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe the outbreak is larger than the cases reported so far.

The region’s already-weak health infrastructure and surveillance capacity has been further weakened by international aid cuts, experts say. The International Rescue Committee said it had to stop its surveillance activities in three out of five areas in Ituri over the last year because of funding cuts.

Armed conflict in the region further complicates efforts to handle the crisis. To get from Bunia to Mongbwalu, aid groups have to brace for potential attacks from armed groups.

“The outbreak can still be contained but the window for action is narrow,” Gabriela Arenas from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said Friday.

——

Pronczuk reported from Dakar, Senegal. Associated Press writers Jamey Keaten in Geneva; Constant Same Bagalwa in Bunia, Congo; Jean Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo; Mark Banchereau and Wilson McMakin in Dakar, Senegal contributed to this report.

——

For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Trump is heading to a toss-up congressional district in New York to test his midterm message on the economy, even as voters largely disapprove of his stewardship of it. The focus of the event is to promote the tax law Trump signed last year, particularly the quadrupling of the deduction for state and local taxes, which is critical in a high-tax state like New York.

Trump on Thursday said the U.S. will send an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, stirring confusion following weeks of changing statements from Trump and his administration about reducing — not increasing — the American military footprint in Europe. And in Sweden, Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced NATO allies confused by contradictory administration statements.

The Latest:

Trump says he’s skipping his son’s weekend wedding

The president wrote on social media that he “very much wanted to be” at the wedding of his son Don Jr., but “circumstances pertaining to Government, and my love for the United States of America, do not allow me to do so.”

“I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important period of time,” Trump wrote.

The president had originally been scheduled to spend the weekend at his estate in Bedminster, New Jersey, and was not scheduled to head to the Bahamas, where the wedding is reportedly taking place.

His post came a day after Trump told reporters that his son would “like me to go” and “I’m going to try and make it.”

But he also added, “This is not good timing for me. I have a thing called Iran and other things.”

Senate Democrat says Gabbard replacement needs to restore trust in top intelligence post

Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate’s Intelligence committee, said that with Gabbard’s departure, her successor should help restore the reputation of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Warner said that “at a time when the boundaries between verified intelligence and politically convenient claims have too often been blurred...the next DNI must be committed to restoring trust in the office, protecting the integrity of our intelligence, and ensuring our nation’s intelligence professionals can speak truth to power, without fear or interference” in a statement released shortly after Gabbard’s resignation became public.

Last summer, Gabbard revoked the security clearances of dozens of U.S. officials who she said had engaged in the “politicization or weaponization of intelligence” to advance personal or partisan goals, failing to safeguard classified information, failing to “adhere to professional analytic tradecraft standards” and other unspecified “detrimental” conduct in a memo released at the time.

Trump says Gabbard did ‘a great job’ in the post she’s leaving

In a social media post, the president wrote that Gabbard was “unfortunately” leaving his administration at the end of June.

“Her wonderful husband, Abraham, has been recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, and she, rightfully, wants to be with him,” Trump wrote.

He added, “Tulsi has done an incredible job, and we will miss her,” and that Gabbard’s “highly respected Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Aaron Lukas, will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence.”

Tulsi Gabbard resigns as director of national intelligence, citing her husband’s health

Gabbard has resigned as Trump’s director of national intelligence, saying she needed to step away as her husband battles cancer.

She is the fourth Cabinet official to depart during Trump’s second term. In her resignation letter, which she posted on the social platform X, she wrote: “Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026. My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer.”

There had been rumblings that Gabbard would split with Trump after he decided to strike Iran, which caused some division within his administration. Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation in March, saying he “cannot in good conscience” support the war.

Gabbard, a veteran and former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii known for opposing foreign wars, faced an awkward moment when the U.S. joined Israel’s attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.

▶ Read more

Senate Republican chairman urges Trump to resume Iran war

Sen. Roger Wicker, the GOP chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is telling Trump not to settle for a peace deal with Iran.

In a statement, Wicker says the president “is being ill advised to pursue a deal that would not be worth the paper it is written on.”

“Our commander-in-chief needs to allow America’s skilled armed forces to finish the destruction of Iran’s conventional military capabilities and reopen the strait,” he added.

Wicker’s statement stands in contrast to the position of a small but crucial number of Republicans who are calling on Trump to end a war that he started without congressional approval.

GOP leaders in both chambers have struggled this week to find the votes necessary to defeat war powers resolutions brought by Democrats that would compel Trump to end the war. A handful of Republicans have switched their votes to try to end the war.

Warsh bri

efly nods to the issue of independence

Warsh, in his remarks, said he saw former Fed chair Alan Greenspan as a model for the role, explaining that the Fed can help with the nation’s prosperity.

“Our mandate at the Fed is to promote price stability and maximum employment. When we pursue those aims with wisdom and clarity, independence and resolve — inflation can be lower; growth, stronger; real take-home pay, higher,” Warsh said.

America’s central bank has a new chairman

Kevin Warsh has been sworn in as Fed chair by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Warsh said it was an honor to be sworn in by his “esteemed friend,” Thomas. He explained Kavanaugh’s presence by telling the audience the two of them had worked at the White House earlier in their careers.

He’s also talking about former Fed chair Alan Greenspan, calling him an idol.

Greenspan was sworn in at the White House by President Ronald Reagan.

Warsh said that, like Greenspan, he intends to fill the role of Fed chair “with energy and purpose.”

Trump says he wants new Fed chair to be ‘totally independent’

“I really mean this. This is not said in any other way,” Trump said. “I want Kevin to be totally independent. I want him to be independent and just do a great job.”

“Don’t look at me, don’t look at anybody. Just do your own thing and do a great job, okay?” he added.

The pressure Trump placed on outgoing Fed chair Jay Powell to lower interest rates raised questions about the independence of the Federal Reserve.

Trump hosts swearing-in ceremony for Kevin Warsh as new Fed chair

The East Room was packed for the ceremony, which usually is held at the Federal Reserve Building.

Among those attending are Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council and at one point a top contender to succeed Jay Powell as Fed chair, until Trump decided he wanted to keep Hassett at the White House.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence will deliver the oath. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was also present, as were members of Trump’s Cabinet, other top Trump administration officials, and current and former members of Congress.

Trump opened with praise for Warsh, predicting that he “will go down as one of the truly great chairmen of the Federal Reserve.”

“I think he’s got abilities that very few people have,” Trump said.

Blanche thrust into Republican firestorm over $1.8B fund

When Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed off on a nearly $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate Trump’s allies for alleged political prosecution, he may have pleased his boss. But the eyebrow-raising move — has agitated the same Republican lawmakers he would need to secure the permanent job.

Blanche insists he’s not auditioning for the job of attorney general. But a succession of splashy steps taken under his watch at the Justice Department, including an indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, have left no doubt that he’s trying to prove his loyalty to the president.

The fund in particular has put Blanche at the center of a Republican firestorm just when he aims to establish himself as the perfect person for the job for the remainder of Trump’s term. Read more

Buoyed by Trump, Paxton makes final pitch in Texas against Sen. Cornyn

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is riding high ahead of his Republican primary runoff against Sen. John Cornyn, now that he has the president’s backing.

“I don’t know if y’all noticed this, but Donald Trump endorsed me,” Paxton told a small rally in a town outside Austin, inciting whoops and applause.

The senate race in Texas has drawn gobs of money and attention, including from Trump, who continues encouraging voters to boot any politician who displeases him.

Paxton has been turning his focus to state Rep. James Talarico, opening his latest event with attacks on the Democratic nominee, a sign of his confidence heading into Tuesday.

▶ Read more:

Judges in Maine and Wisconsin reject DOJ efforts to obtain voter rolls

Democrats are cheering rulings by federal judges in Maine and Wisconsin that dismissed Justice Department demands for detailed voter registration information.

The DOJ has sued at least 30 states and the District of Columbia seeking to force the release of voter information including dates of birth, addresses, driver’s license numbers and partial Social Security numbers. Thursday’s defeats follow similar rulings in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon and Rhode Island, In Georgia, a judge dismissed a DOJ lawsuit filed in the wrong city, prompting the Trump administration to refile elsewhere.

Bianca Shaw, state director of Common Cause Wisconsin, said the decision protects voters “from an unauthorized national database that would have been a goldmine for hackers and a tool for intimidation.”

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat and Trump opponent who is running for governor, said the ruling affirms that states run elections.

Trump IRS immunity shocks experts, who warn of undermining trust in tax system

Trump has a reputation for slashing his taxes using techniques that some experts find aggressive. Now the Justice Department has told the president he doesn’t have to worry about being called out on it.

In an extraordinary decision this week, the IRS is suspending probes into his past returns to settle a lawsuit that Trump brought against the agency he ultimately runs. Trump says tax authorities targeted him politically — a claim for which he has given no proof — and that he was right to seek a remedy.

Law experts say the move is unprecedented and unfair.

“This is giving the president and his affiliates completely different set of rules than everyday taxpayers,” said Brandon DeBot, policy director at New York University’s Tax Law Center.

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Rubio says an Iranian tolling system can’t happen. Iran says it already has

“Iran is trying to create a tolling system,” Rubio said. “That’s just not acceptable. It can’t happen. If that were to happen in the Straits of Hormuz, it will happen in five other places around the world.”

Iran’s official Mizan news agency reported that 35 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy in the previous 24 hours.

Without specifying the nationalities of the vessels, Mizan quoted the Revolutionary Guard navy as saying that the oil tankers, container ships and other commercial ships transited the strait after obtaining permission and in coordination with, and under the protection of, the Revolutionary Guard navy.

Iran has demanded the right to collect the tolls as a precondition for reopening the waterway vital to world oil supplies.

Rubio says US remains ready to resume Russia-Ukraine peace efforts

The Trump administration remains ready to resume mediation efforts that have been stalled for some time, Rubio said.

With concerns high in Europe, particularly in the Baltic states, that the administration’s interest in ending the conflict is waning, Rubio told reporters that the U.S. still believes the “the war can only end with a negotiated settlement. It will not end with a military victory by one side or the other.”

Previous rounds of talks were unfortunately “not fruitful,” Rubio said, but “if we see an opportunity to pull together talks that are productive, not counterproductive, and that have the chance to be fruitful, we’re prepared to play that role.”

Rubio: ‘Someone’s going to have to do something about’ Hormuz

The secretary of state said he and other foreign ministers discussed the issue of reopening the critical waterway, and that he reiterated the need for a “Plan B” if a deal isn’t reached between Washington and Tehran.

“Someone’s going to have to do something about it, okay?” Rubio said. “They’re not just going to voluntarily reopen the straits in that scenario.”

Rubio said he received lots of “nods” from European allies when he brought it up Friday. In the same breath, Rubio confirmed what Iranian officials had been saying, that progress is being made in the negotiations.

“I wouldn’t exaggerate it and I wouldn’t diminish it,” he said. “But there’s more work to be done.”

Rubio says US force posture in Europe will eventually be reduced

Rubio says America’s NATO allies understand that eventually there will be a reduction in the U.S. troop presence in Europe as the Trump administration evaluates its force posture globally.

“I think there’s a broad recognition that there are going to be eventually less U.S. troops in Europe than there has historically been for a variety of reasons,” Rubio told reporters.

NATO allies have been confused by contradictory statements coming from Trump and his top aides, including an announcement last week that troop levels would be reduced in Poland that Trump appeared to reverse on Thursday. A previously announced troop reduction in Germany appears to be going ahead but Rubio noted that the Germans “didn’t freak out about it” because it brought the numbers back to where they were three years ago.

Marco Rubio meets NATO allies with demands to increase defense capabilities

The U.S. secretary of state has met with his NATO foreign minister counterparts in Sweden and reiterated U.S. demands for Europe and Canada to increase their defense spending and military industrial capabilities.

In meetings with his colleagues in Helsingborg on Friday, Rubio said the U.S. remains committed to NATO but said the force posture of American troops in Europe is contingent on what allies contribute. The alliance has been jolted by Trump’s abrupt decisions on troop deployments.

Trump has expressed strong dissatisfaction with some allies and their reluctance or refusal to assist in the war with Iran. Rubio said the president’s views and “frankly, disappointment at some of our NATO Allies and their response to our operations in the Middle East, they are well documented” and need to be addressed by NATO leaders at their summit in Turkey in July.

Trump and the Republican party are now exposed in new ways

While the president’s handpicked candidates are winning GOP primaries, many are untested heading into general elections this fall. Trump’s own approval rating sits at a low point, and he’s spending his political capital, alienating would-be allies and threatening to detail GOP priorities.

Trump’s announcement of nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund for people he believes were wrongly prosecuted blindsided senators already fuming over his push for $1 billion to provide security for his new White House ballroom. The audacity of the arrangement proved too toxic for the Senate to bear.

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina called it “stupid on stilts” and a “payout for punks.”

“So the nation’s top law enforcement official is asking for a slush fund to pay people who assault cops? Utterly stupid, morally wrong — Take your pick,” said Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the former majority leader.

The GOP’s top priority is now in shambles

Voting on a roughly $70 billion budget package that would fuel Trump’s immigration and deportation operations for the remainder of his presidential term, into 2029, was postponed until Congress resumes next month. That blows Trump’s June 1 deadline to have it on his desk.

Trump shrugged when asked during an Oval Office event if he was losing control of the Senate.

“I really don’t know,” the president said.

And it wasn’t just the Senate. For the first time this year, enough Republican House members broke ranks to signal support for a war powers resolution from Democrats that’s designed to halt Trump’s military action in Iran. House Speaker Mike Johnson postponed the voting to avoid confronting the president.

The day has arrived. The Senate said No

Trump’s political revenge tour met its potential match this week as angry Republican senators, pushed to a breaking point by his seemingly insatiable and outlandish demands — particularly a $1.776 billion fund for Jan. 6 rioters and others he believes were wrongly prosecuted — did the unthinkable.

They simply refused, closed up shop, and went home.

The moment was as rare as it was daring, a sudden flex from the Congress that has become a shell of its former self as a coequal branch, the Republican majority almost always more willing to accommodate the Republican president than to confront him.

▶ Read more:

Rubio says US force posture in Europe will eventually be reduced

Rubio says America’s NATO allies understand that eventually there will be a reduction in the U.S. troop presence in Europe as the Trump administration evaluates its force posture globally.

“I think there’s a broad recognition that there are going to be eventually less U.S. troops in Europe than there has historically been for a variety of reasons,” Rubio told reporters.

NATO allies have been confused by contradictory statements coming from Trump and his top aides, including an announcement last week that troop levels would be reduced in Poland that Trump appeared to reverse on Thursday. A previously announced troop reduction in Germany appears to be going ahead but Rubio noted that the Germans “didn’t freak out about it” because it brought the numbers back to where they were three years ago.

Marco Rubio meets NATO allies with demands to increase defense capabilities

The U.S. secretary of state has met with his NATO foreign minister counterparts in Sweden and reiterated U.S. demands for Europe and Canada to increase their defense spending and military industrial capabilities.

In meetings with his colleagues in Helsingborg on Friday, Rubio said the U.S. remains committed to NATO but said the force posture of American troops in Europe is contingent on what allies contribute. The alliance has been jolted by Trump’s abrupt decisions on troop deployments.

Trump has expressed strong dissatisfaction with some allies and their reluctance or refusal to assist in the war with Iran. Rubio said the president’s views and “frankly, disappointment at some of our NATO Allies and their response to our operations in the Middle East, they are well documented” and need to be addressed by NATO leaders at their summit in Turkey in July.

A festive crowd taunts Trump in Havana

“Who do they think they are to judge Raúl?” Gerardo Hernández asked as the crowd cheered. He’s one of five Cubans accused of being a spy who was imprisoned and later released by the U.S. in 2014.

“For the United States, the law is a tailor-made suit,” he said before punching the air with this fist, to a shout of “Viva Raúl!”

The crowd responded to his call: “Homeland or death, we will vanquish!”

Thousands of people have crowded along Havana’s famed seawall to decry the U.S. indictment. Attendees include daughter, Mariela Castro, and his grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro. Salsa songs with biting anti-Trump lyrics are booming across the old city.

The federal lawsuit filed Thursday says the rule finalized by the VA on Dec. 31 takes away limited abortion access that was “crucial for the health, autonomy, and equality of veterans and their family members.”

Attorneys for the group Minority Veterans of America want the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to throw out the rule. They say the VA adopted the change without citing medical evidence or other justifications, violating the Administrative Procedures Act that governs federal rulemaking.

The VA did not include abortion in its coverage until 2022. President Joe Biden’s administration added it months after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and states' abortion bans began taking effect.

Abortion access the VA provided under Biden was limited, applying only in cases when a pregnant woman’s life or health was at risk, or in cases of rape or incest.

The Biden change allowed the VA to provide abortion even in states where it was banned. And it brought the VA’s coverage into line with other federal healthcare plans — including Medicaid and TriCare coverage for active military members and their families — that allowed limited abortion access.

The VA announced its proposal to undo those changes last August, a few months after President Donald Trump returned to the White House.

The VA had said it will still provide abortions in cases where a pregnant woman's life is threatened. That's something state laws allow, even in places where bans are in place.

However, the VA no longer allows exceptions for abortions in cases of rape, incest or to protect a pregnant woman's health. Abortion counseling is also no longer allowed.

A VA spokesperson declined to comment, noting the agency typically doesn't comment on pending litigation.

Minority Veterans of America says it represents more than 3,600 members across the U.S.

“Our community includes veterans with complex medical histories, those who have experienced pregnancy complications, and survivors of sexual violence and trauma, all of whom need access to abortion care and counseling to protect their health," Lindsay Church, the group's executive director, said in a statement.

In publishing its final rule in December, the VA said it was restoring the agency's longstanding position that abortions were not “needed” under federal law and that “this determination did not prohibit providing life-saving care to pregnant veterans.”

The lawsuit says one of Minority Veteran of America's members is a military veteran who just learned she was pregnant in early May. She suffers from chronic pain that has been exacerbated by the pregnancy, placing her health “at substantial risk,” says the lawsuit, which withheld the woman's name to protect her privacy.

The lawsuit says the VA won't allow the unnamed veteran to receive an abortion “even if her health is at risk, unless a provider determines an abortion is necessary to save her life.”

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Bynum reported from Savannah, Georgia.

Alexandros Giotopoulos, the 82-year-old convicted leader of the armed group November 17, was released Thursday from a prison in Athens.

A judicial panel approved his conditional release on grounds of advanced age, deteriorating health and good behavior during his incarceration.

But the decision has triggered renewed scrutiny. A prosecutor at Greece’s Supreme Court is reviewing the ruling and could seek to challenge it.

The group killed a CIA station chief

November 17 evaded authorities for more than 25 years while carrying out bombings, assassinations and bank robberies. The group’s first recorded attack was the 1975 fatal shooting in Athens of Richard Welch, the CIA station chief in Greece.

The organization’s strict secrecy unraveled after a botched bombing in 2002 left one member seriously injured, leading investigators to uncover the group’s operations and membership.

Giotopoulos, who was born in Paris and lived for years under an assumed identity, was serving 17 life sentences plus 25 years. He was convicted in 2003, with the verdict upheld on appeal in 2007, for orchestrating multiple murders, bombings and robberies, as well as participation in a criminal organization.

He has denied all charges, insisting that co-defendants were pressured by authorities into making false accusations against him in exchange for reduced sentences.

Leader took university courses in prison

Authorities considering his release noted that Giotopoulos completed university correspondence courses while in prison and complied with the terms of furloughs granted to him in recent years.

November 17 was named after the day in 1973 when a student uprising against the military dictatorship that ruled Greece at the time was crushed in a bloody crackdown by the police and army that caused multiple deaths.

The group has claimed responsibility for attacks targeting industrialists, diplomats and senior judges, including the killings of two Turkish Embassy staff members and Stephen Saunders, the British defense attache in Athens, in 2000.

Three of the 15 original November 17 members convicted in the case remain in prison.

___

Kantouris reported from Thessaloniki, Greece

President Donald Trump’s political revenge tour met its potential match this week as angry, upset Republican senators, pushed to a breaking point by his seemingly insatiable and outlandish demands — particularly a $1.776 billion fund for Jan. 6 rioters and others he believes were wrongly prosecuted — did the unthinkable.

They simply refused, closed up shop, and went home.

The moment was as rare as it was daring, a sudden flex from the Congress that has become a shell of its former self as a coequal branch, the Republican majority almost always more willing to accommodate the Republican president than to confront him.

The result left in shambles, for now, the GOP's top priority of passing a roughly $70 billion budget package that would fuel Trump’s immigration and deportation operations for the remainder of his presidential term, into 2029. The voting was postponed until Congress resumes next month, blowing Trump's June 1 deadline to have it on his desk.

Trump, asked during an event at the Oval Office if he was losing control of the Senate, shrugged.

“I really don't know,” the president said.

It all caps a bruising week after the president swept midterm primary elections, taking down one Republican after another — Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana and Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky, and endorsing the challenger to Sen. John Cornyn in Texas — turning the might of his Make America Great Again movement against those who have stuck to their own views, rather than yield to his.

And it wasn’t just the Senate. In the Republican-led House, for the first time this year, enough GOP lawmakers broke ranks to signal support for a war powers resolution from Democrats designed to halt Trump’s military action in Iran. House Speaker Mike Johnson postponed voting until he could ensure an outcome that avoids confronting the president.

The endgame leaves Trump and the party exposed in new ways.

While the president is winning with his handpicked candidates, many are untested heading into general elections this fall. Trump's own approval rating sits at a low point, and he is spending his political capital, alienating his would-be allies and threatening to derail GOP priorities as they try to persuade voters to keep them in office.

Anger in the Senate over Trump's ‘payout for punks’

Trump's announcement of nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund for those the president believes were wrongly prosecuted came with little warning, and less support, blindsiding senators already fuming over his push for $1 billion to provide security for his new White House ballroom.

The audacity of the arrangement — Trump negotiating a settlement to his own lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service that would set up the compensation fund for those perceived to be wrongly prosecuted — proved too toxic for the Senate to bear.

“Under what circumstances would it ever make sense to provide restitution for people who were either pled guilty or were found guilty in a court of law?” steamed Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.

Tillis derided the White House move as “stupid on stilts” and a “payout for punks.” Trump fired back Friday morning, accusing Tillis of “screwing the Republican Party” in a lengthy social media post.

GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the former majority leader, who tends to keep his own counsel, issued his own a statement in the aftermath.

“So the nation’s top law enforcement official is asking for a slush fund to pay people who assault cops? Utterly stupid, morally wrong — Take your pick,” McConnell said.

The political calculations were becoming apparent: The more Trump bullies and badgers the Congress, the more they are left questioning what they have to gain, or lose, from trying to appease him, especially for those already heading for the exits.

“I think it’s hard to divorce anything that happens here from what’s happening in the political atmosphere around us,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche met for hours behind closed doors with senators over the compensation fund, but left without a resolution.

Afterward, Thune said the discussion likely left the administration’s team with “an appreciation for the depth of feeling on the issue.”

Trump's victories come at a cost

While Trump-backed candidates defeated Republican incumbents in the House and Senate this week, showing his command of the party faithful, some in Congress saw the defeats of their colleagues differently.

“You don’t want to have a totally loyal party that’s in the minority. And that's maybe where we’re headed,” said Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, who is retiring at the end of his term.

It began Saturday, when Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump in his Senate impeachment trial after Jan. 6, lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger in Louisiana. He returned to Washington days later noticeably more eager to criticize Trump — and more willing to vote against him.

“Congress should hold the executive branch accountable,” Cassidy said Monday. A day later, he joined Democrats in voting to rein in the war in Iran.

Then came Trump’s endorsement of Ken Paxton over Cornyn in Texas, a move many Republicans viewed as both personal and politically reckless. Trump said Cornyn “was not supportive of me when times were tough.”

“There’s a lot of folks in our conference that are disappointed because we appreciate working with John Cornyn,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D.

Others worried the divisive Texas primary could jeopardize a seat Republicans cannot afford to lose.

“He made the wrong pick,” Tillis said. “It’s going to be a lot more expensive to hold that seat.”

Frustration extends beyond the Senate

In the House there were also signs of Republican discontent.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., joined Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi in introducing legislation that would block taxpayer dollars from being used for Trump’s proposed “anti-weaponization” compensation fund.

Fitzpatrick also drew Trump’s ire after the president complained publicly that the congressman “likes voting against Trump” and warned, “You know what happens with that?”

But Fitzpatrick insisted the backlash inside the party was driven by policy concerns, not political fear.

“People have the right to free speech in this country,” Fitzpatrick said. “But what we do here is all about policy.”

At the same time, Fitzpatrick and Republican Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett were expected to side with Democrats in voting for the war powers resolution to rein in Trump’s military campaign in Iran.

GOP leaders pulled the measure at the last minute when it became clear Republicans lacked the votes to defeat it.

Bacon, who spent some 30 years on active duty in the Air Force, said he believed much of the Republican pushback to the war could be resolved if Trump consulted Congress more.

“You sit down with somebody, and work with them instead of threatening, bully and yelling,” said Bacon. “It don’t work.”

“I don’t know if y'all noticed this, but Donald Trump endorsed me,” Paxton told a small rally in a town outside Austin, inciting whoops and applause from the crowd.

Tuesday's election has drawn national attention and gobs of money. It also has become the latest campaign in which Trump is encouraging voters to oust a politician who has displeased him and elect a challenger more aligned with the president. That effort has been largely successful for Trump. Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky lost in the GOP primary to Ed Gallrein, Trump's handpicked candidate. Trump also has succeeded in defeating incumbents in Louisiana and Indiana.

Paxton has been turning his focus to the Democratic nominee, state Rep. James Talarico. Paxton opened his event Thursday with attacks on Talarico, a sign of his confidence heading into the runoff.

Paxton then gave a biography of his political life and tried hammering home the reason he says he should be the nominee: his history of lawsuits defending conservative values. It is the type of resume that endears Paxton to the “Make America Great Again” faithful, some of his supporters said.

“He’s a fighter, he’s a person of action, he’s proven that as attorney general,” said Jeffrey Sonnier, 72, who attended the rally and echoed the sentiment of many supporters at the event.

As for Cornyn, said Sonnier, “he’s inactive for five years and digs out to become a supposed active Republican MAGA person every six years.”

Who is closer to Trump?

Paxton’s campaign said Thursday that it's pulling negative ads against Cornyn. Instead, starting after Trump's Tuesday endorsement, the campaign and a super political action committee that supports his candidacy began airing separate ads promoting Trump's favor.

Cornyn’s campaign and groups supporting him, however, were outspending the pro-Paxton groups 3-to-1 and had reprised an ad they began airing last year noting Cornyn’s support for Trump’s agenda and featuring video clips of Trump praising Cornyn.

“He's called me a friend, and that's no surprise because I've supported him and his policies, you may have seen a commercial or two to that effect, 99.3% of the time,” said Cornyn in a video posted to X from a recent event.

Cornyn has also long worked to shift the race to focus not on fidelity to the president but on character.

The campaign has leaned heavily into messaging about Paxton's past, which includes an alleged affair and an impeachment for corruption in which Paxton was acquitted.

If Paxton is the nominee, that will be litigated in a general election against Talarico, where voters will be less “willing to overlook all the corruption, the self-dealing and the scandals,” Cornyn argued at a recent campaign event. “Ken Paxton would hand it to (Democrats) on a silver platter.”

Paxton supporters at his Thursday rally shrugged off the accusations.

“He’s had his flaws, but so have we; we all make mistakes,” said Daniel Vega, 18, adding, “He’s repented, let’s move on.”

A contest where spending reached beyond $100 million

Through this week, Cornyn’s campaign and groups supporting it will have spent roughly $90 million in advertising, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact. That includes more than $20 million since the March 3 primary election.

Paxton’s campaign and the single super PAC have combined to spend roughly $10.5 million on advertising, with roughly $6.1 million since that contest.

The ads have flooded voters.

“The commercials are leading me against Paxton, that he might be a little crooked,” said Gail Licea, 74, a retired registered nurse, who attended a Cornyn event before Trump’s endorsement. Then again, she said, “I’ve been led to believe that sometimes John Cornyn doesn’t back President Donald Trump, and that concerns me.”

The advertising has been so concentrated, it was unclear how much the late pivot by the groups would affect Tuesday’s outcome, said Wayne Hamilton, former executive director of the Texas Republican Party.

“There is so much noise out there right now,” said Hamilton, who is an adviser to Gov. Greg Abbott and is unaffiliated with either of the Senate candidates. “I don’t know how any one message is going to break through.”

Rubio spoke days after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was holding off on a military strike against the Islamic Republic because “serious negotiations” were underway. Trump has been threatening for weeks that the ceasefire reached in mid-April could end if Iran does not make a deal, with shifting parameters for striking such an agreement.

The secretary of state made the comment ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg, Sweden, where the military alliance discussed what role it could play in helping police the Strait of Hormuz once the war is over.

Rubio said he did not want to exaggerate the progress, saying there had been “a little bit of movement and that's good.” He said the conversations were ongoing. In recent weeks there have been repeated claims of progress, but a deal has stayed out of reach.

Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for Tehran and then backed off. But he’s also previously indicated he would hold off on military action to allow talks to continue, only to turn around and launch strikes. That happened at the war’s outset, when he ordered strikes in late February shortly after indicating he would let talks play out.

The president said he called off attacks on Iran this week at the request of allies in the Middle East, including the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan's army chief arrives in Iran for third round of talks

In a renewed push for a peace agreement, Pakistan's top army officer arrived Friday in Tehran for talks with Iranian leaders, Pakistani officials and the military confirmed. It's the third round of meetings between Pakistani and Iranian officials in recent days.

Field Marshal Asim Munir will be joined by Pakistan’s interior minister, who has already met with Iranian leaders in Tehran twice this week. Pakistan has sought a deal between Iran and the U.S. since Munir facilitated face-to-face talks between the two countries in Islamabad last month.

Still, major sticking points remain.

Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the shipment of oil, gas, fertilizer and other petroleum products. The U.S. is blockading Iranian ports and has redirected 94 commercial vessels and disabled four others from mid-April through Thursday, U.S. Central Command said in a social media post.

At the NATO meeting in Sweden, Rubio said he discussed reopening the strait with other foreign ministers. He said there needs to be a “plan B” if Washington and Tehran fail to reach a deal.

“Someone’s going to have to do something about it, OK?” Rubio said, insisting that Iran was not going to “voluntarily reopen” the strait.

The U.S. and Israel have said Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. While regional officials have said Iran offered some nuclear concessions, Trump has said he wants to remove highly enriched uranium from the country and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Trump's war pause sparks tension with Netanyahu

Trump's decision to give more peace talks a chance sparked tension with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

An official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media said Thursday that Trump and Netanyahu had a “dramatic” phone conversation Tuesday about the status of the Iranian negotiations and that Israel is angry with Trump’s efforts to strike a deal with Iran.

The White House declined to comment on the substance or tenor of the call. Trump told reporters after the conversation that Netanyahu “will do whatever I want him to do.”

The comments are some of the first public signs of daylight between the leaders since they launched the war.

Officials say Saudi Arabia and the UAE separately struck Iran

Two regional officials and a Western diplomat told The Associated Press that Saudi Arabia and the UAE separately launched multiple attacks on Iran and Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Iraq during the war. An Israeli military officer with knowledge of the situation also confirmed that the UAE proactively struck Iran at least once.

All of them spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information.

The regional officials said the strikes on Iran targeted military facilities, including missile and drone launchers.

One of the regional officials said strikes by Saudi Arabia targeted hideouts of Iraqi militias, mainly Kataib Hezbollah, after Riyadh assessed that most of the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia came from neighboring Iraq. He said Saudi Arabia has repeatedly briefed Baghdad about the Iraqi-originated attacks before deciding to strike.

The Western diplomat and one of the regional officials said the UAE had pushed for a collective military response from the Gulf Arab countries since the onset of the war.

Asked for comment, the UAE referred to a May 16 statement that "all measures undertaken by the UAE have been within the framework of defensive actions aimed at protecting its sovereignty, civilians, and vital infrastructure.” Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Iran has not publicly addressed being targeted by the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

___

Magdy reported from Cairo, Egypt, and Ahmed reported from Islamabad. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel; Geir Moulson in Berlin; Aamer Madhani in Washington; Farnoush Amiri in New York; and Russ Bynum in Savannah, Georgia, contributed to this report.

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“Pop Air: Art is Inflatable” recently opened at the Balloon Museum inside the Mana Wynwood Convention Center, featuring 18 large-scale rooms designed by international artists from Europe, Australia and the Americas.

The exhibit encourages guests to interact directly with the artwork through touch, sound and movement.

“As you enter, you can express yourself differently, so you can touch some artwork, and you can play with some of them,” project manager Sofia Saleri said.

Saleri said one installation allows visitors to trigger sounds and music through physical interaction.

“It has 12 different installations, so when you touch them or hug them as well, they start playing, so you become the director of the music,” she said.

The traveling exhibit blends contemporary art with inflatable structures, ball pits and sensory experiences aimed at visitors of all ages.

“So this place is huge actually,” Saleri said. “We have 18 rooms, from international artists from all over the world. We have some artists from Europe, Australia, and some from America.”

Organizers said the concept draws inspiration from the universal familiarity of balloons and their connection to childhood celebrations.

“So the balloon was our first idea. When you go to a kid’s birthday party, it’s the first thing you see,” Saleri said. “It’s something you see every day as a child. And you tend to think of a party when you think of a balloon.”

The exhibit will remain open through late September at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center in Wynwood.

Click here more more information on how to purchase tickets.

Iwamasa injected Perry with the doses of ketamine that would prove fatal on Oct. 28, 2023, and then left the actor to run errands. He returned to find Perry dead in the Jacuzzi.

The ex-assistant became the first to reach a plea deal of five people indicted in connection with Perry's death. On Wednesday, he'll become the last to be sentenced. Prosecutors are asking for a prison term of three years and five months. That's more than the 2 1/2-year sentence of the doctor who sold Iwamasa ketamine and taught him to inject it into Perry, but far less than the 15-year sentence of the admitted drug dealer who sold Iwamasa the final doses.

Iwamasa, 60, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death and became the case’s most important witness in the indictments of his four co-defendants. That is virtually certain to lead to a lighter sentence.

Family members blame the assistant above all others

“I have no sympathy for Kenny Iwamasa,” Perry's younger sister Caitlin Morrison wrote in a letter to the judge. “I wasn’t there the night my brother died. I cannot read Kenny’s thoughts. I will never know if the lethal dose of ketamine was only lethal by accident. But I know that when Kenny left the house, he was doing one of two things. He was either escaping from something he knew he had done or he was willfully abandoning a vulnerable person in a dangerous situation.”

Perry's mother Suzanne Morrison wrote that her son and the family had known Iwamasa for decades, and that relatives were relieved when Perry, who'd had recurring struggles with addiction throughout his life, hired the assistant in 2022.

“Mathew trusted Kenny. We trusted Kenny. Kenny’s most important job — by far — was to be my son’s companion and guardian in his fight against addiction,” she wrote. “We trusted a man without a conscience, and my son paid the price.”

Iwamasa's lawyers argued that he was an employee doing the bidding of his boss.

In a presentencing filing, they said Iwamasa had “a particular vulnerability to the relationship dynamic which he fell into with the victim. In short, he could not 'simply say no.' That inability had tragic consequences.”

Suzanne Morrison said Iwamasa knew he could call any family member should Perry start making drug demands, and his job would be safe.

Family disgusted by Iwamasa's behavior following Perry's death

Perry's mother wrote, “When he had killed my son, he kept a sharp eye on me. He sent me songs, he drew a little map to help me find my way around the cemetery. If he saw a rainbow — one of Matthew’s favorite things — he would call me. He insisted on speaking at Matthew’s funeral. He clung to me and the family as if he was somehow the good guy who tried to save Matthew.”

She said Iwamasa expected a financial payout, and when it was clear he wouldn't get one, he threatened legal action.

Iwamasa did speak at the funeral, which would later leave the family disgusted.

“The person responsible for my brother’s death stood up and addressed the people who loved him most,” another sister, Madeline Morrison, wrote. “That is like a cruel joke I still struggle with. He didn’t just take my brother’s life — he tainted our final memories of saying goodbye.”

Truth about the ketamine was slow to come out

The LA County Medical Examiner found that ketamine, a surgical anesthetic that has become widely used for other purposes both legal and illegal, was the primary cause of Perry's death. Drowning was a secondary cause.

On the day of Perry's death, Iwamasa gave police a list of all the medications Perry was taking, but he left off ketamine and said nothing about the injections, prosecutors said.

After investigators served a search warrant on the house in January 2024, that began to change, and he would slowly admit his role in Perry's death. Iwamasa said he had been giving Perry six to eight injections of ketamine per day in the last days of his life, and that Perry had told him, “Shoot me up with a big one” on the day he died.

Iwamasa said he had worked with middleman Erik Fleming, who was sentenced to two years in prison May 13, to get drugs from dealer Jasveen Sangha.

In his first text to Fleming, Iwamasa said, “Alfred here batmans butler. He said I can text you directly.”

Madeline Morrison wrote that when the truth emerged, “It felt like my brother died all over again. Everything I believed about the day he died—everything Kenny told us—was a lie. I had to relive Matthew’s death from an entirely new and devastating perspective.”

Iwamasa pleaded guilty in August 2024 before the case became public. Wednesday will be his first court appearance since.

Perry, who died at 54, became one of the biggest stars of his generation as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” NBC’s culture-changing sitcom that ran from 1994 to 2004.

“He was my Matso, my Manew,” his mother wrote. “He was, in spite of all we went through, my heart and my soul.”

Days after U.S. President Donald Trump raised doubts about continuing arms sales to Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao said Thursday that the sales would resume when the administration considers it appropriate.

“Right now we’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for ‘Epic Fury,’” Cao told the U.S. Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, referring to the Trump administration's name for the Iran operation. “Then the foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary.”

Taiwan's authorities have seen the reports, “but currently there is no information regarding any adjustments the U.S. will make to this arms sale,” Taiwanese presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo said Friday when asked about Cao’s comments.

China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province to be brought under its control by force if necessary. Like other countries that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Beijing, the U.S. doesn't recognize Taiwan as a country, but Washington remains the island’s strongest backer and arms supplier.

Trump’s Republican administration authorized an $11 billion weapons package for Taipei in December, but it has yet to move forward. American lawmakers also approved a separate $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan in January, though the deal can't proceed until Trump formally submits it to U.S. Congress.

In an interview with Fox News on his way back to the United States from last week’s trip to Beijing, Trump said that arms sales to Taiwan are “a very good negotiating chip” in Washington’s dealings with China.

On Wednesday, marking his two years in office, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said that if given the chance, he would tell Trump to continue U.S. arms purchases, which Lai called essential for peace.

China warns US over Taiwan

When asked about Cao's comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that “China’s opposition to the U.S. arms sale to China’s Taiwan region is consistent, clear-cut and resolute.”

Last week, during Trump's visit to Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a strong warning, telling him that the “Taiwan question” is the most important issue in U.S.-China relations and that the two nations could “have clashes and even conflicts,” if the issue isn't handled properly.

Trump later told reporters that he needed to talk to the person who is running Taiwan, without naming Lai, who Beijing deems a separatist.

Trump and Lai holding talks likely would anger China, which typically responds strongly to visits to Taiwan by U.S. politicians.

Kuo, the Taiwan presidential spokesperson, said Friday there was no more information about a potential conversation between Lai and Trump.

Guardiola had a year left on his City contract but will take charge of his final game on Sunday against Aston Villa in the Premier League.

“Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside I know it’s my time,” he said.

City said Guardiola will become a global ambassador and it was naming its newly developed stand at Etihad Stadium after him.

Enzo Maresca — the former Chelsea manager who was previously assistant to Guardiola at City — is the favorite to take on the daunting task of filling the Catalan's shoes after a decade of unprecedented dominance.

Since joining City in the summer of 2016, Guardiola has led the Abu Dhabi-owned team to six Premier League titles and a first Champions League crown in 2023.

He won 17 major trophies including a domestic double this season of the English League Cup and the FA Cup. He has won 35 major titles across his coaching career including at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

City was by far his longest job in management, having never previously stayed more than four years in a role.

“I will not train for a while,” the 55-year-old Guardiola said. “I feel I would not have the energy that is required to daily … with the expectations to fight for the titles.”

Guardiola set new benchmarks; City became the first team to win four straight English leagues and the first to amass 100 points in a single season in 2018. The following year City was the first team to win the domestic treble of the league, FA Cup and League Cup in the same season.

His biggest achievement was leading City to the ultimate treble in 2023, winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup — matching Manchester United’s feat from more than 20 years earlier in 1999.

He also brought to England a style of soccer — a possession-based approach that started with playing the ball out from the goalkeeper or defense — that ended up being mimicked across the country, from kids’ teams at grassroots level to rivals in the Premier League.

“The unique approach that he brings to his coaching has allowed him to constantly challenge the accepted truths of our game. It is the reason that in the last 10 years he has not only made Manchester City better — he has also made football better,” City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said. He added it was the “right answer” for Guardiola to walk away now.

While he goes out on another trophy-winning campaign, this was the first time in his career that he has gone two seasons without being crowned league champion. City was also eliminated from the Champions League before the quarterfinals in the last two years.

City said Guardiola's new role would see him give technical advice to clubs in its ownership group.

“Pep’s legacy is extraordinary and its true impact will be better assessed by Manchester City historians of the future,” chief executive Ferran Sorriano said. “If there is something more difficult than winning, it is winning again. It requires incredible persistence, resilience and the humility to start again every year, with the same energy, again and again. This is what Pep did.”

While Guardiola will go down as one of the greatest managers in Premier League history — rivaling Alex Ferguson — he repeatedly had to defend City against allegations of financial breaches, with more than 100 charges still hanging over the club.

City was accused of providing misleading information about its finances over a nine-year period from 2009-18 — a span in which it won three titles and signed some of the world’s best players like Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne. One of those titles was won under Guardiola.

City has always denied wrongdoing. Guardiola said he was “fully convinced” the club was innocent.

“We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way. Our way,” Guardiola said in his farewell message to fans.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Another five rockets followed in rapid succession, before a second HIMARS truck drove out of its concealed position in a copse of evergreens, fired its salvo of six rockets, then retreated back to cover.

The live-fire exercise this week at the U.S. military’s Camp Fuji east maneuver area lasted only a few minutes, but was a significant demonstration to Pacific allies of American capabilities as Washington seeks to deter possible Chinese aggression against Taiwan, the self-governing democracy that Beijing claims as its own and hasn't ruled out taking by force.

Deterrence through strength, not confrontation

It was also a demonstration of how the U.S. has been shifting tactics in the Pacific, made necessary by the rapid modernization and improvement of China’s military in recent years.

“The U.S. does not want China to invade Taiwan, but it would not be relying on the traditional aircraft carrier-based attack wings of the past,” said Euan Graham, a senior defense analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

“In Iran, with the U.S. conflict there, there were over 40 U.S. aircraft, manned and unmanned, either destroyed or damaged against a much less capable adversary, so in the case of conflict with China that vulnerability would be much greater," he said. "That’s why we’re seeing the U.S. emphasizing ... these smaller units.”

According to the Pentagon's latest annual report to Congress, the goal is to “deny the ability of any country in the Indo-Pacific to dominate us or our allies." It said the priority was on bolstering deterrence “through strength, not confrontation.”

Recent wars and proliferation of drones underscore need for mobility

The function of the HIMARS is implicit in its full name, “High Mobility Artillery Rocket System." It's a truck-mounted pod of rockets that can be hidden from drone or satellite surveillance, driven out to fire its GPS-guided missiles, then quickly back to a new hidden position using what the military commonly calls “shoot-and-scoot” tactics.

“It depends on the crew, but it can get as fast as four minutes, (even) two minutes sometimes,” said Sgt. Kevin Alvarez, section chief of one of the two Fox Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division HIMARS involved in the Camp Fuji exercise.

Introduced about 20 years ago, the HIMARS has been used in Iraq and Afghanistan, but was largely unknown to the general public until Ukraine was able to use it with great success in its fight against Russia.

Those conflicts, especially with the proliferation of drones on the battlefield that can quickly identify static artillery positions, have underscored the value of mobility, said Lt. Col. Ryan Anness, commander of the 3rd Battalion.

“They’re much quicker, much faster, and much easier to hide than, say, traditional cannon artillery, and obviously having the precision fire weapons and having the ability to hide easier is why so many countries, and why it’s important for us, to have the HIMARS,” he said.

HIMARS can now hit targets at more than 300 miles

The HIMARS can fire a variety of missiles, and initially only shorter-range munitions were provided to Ukraine until the U.S. decided to allow Kyiv to have the ATACMS, or Army Tactical Missile System, that can hit targets at about 300 kilometers (180 miles) away.

In the first days of the war against Iran after the U.S. and Israel attacked on Feb. 28, the HIMARS was used to fire both ATACMS and, for the first time in combat, the even longer-range Precision Strike Missiles, sinking “multiple” Iranian surface ships and a submarine in port, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said.

The so-called PrSM can reach targets at ranges greater than 500 kilometers (310 miles,) according to manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

Together with the Army’s Typhon — another truck-based launching system that shoots longer-range Tomahawk missiles and others, but is less maneuverable than the HIMARS — the two systems could easily cover the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China, and the strategically important Luzon Strait, between the Philippines and Taiwan, if deployed on Taiwan and the Philippine and Japanese islands nearby, Graham said.

Both waterways would be critical to any sort of Chinese invasion or blockade plan.

“In advance of a conflict around Taiwan, there would likely be a large-scale outflux of U.S. assets within the envelope of China’s missile capabilities,” Graham said. "All that would be left is submarines, which are more survivable, and small units based on rugged survivability — mobile systems like the HIMARS.”

Exercises demonstrate capabilities, and partnership

The maneuvers carried out at Camp Fuji on Wednesday used dummy rockets — concrete-filled tubes with no explosives — and were carried out under strict safety guidelines and observed by Japanese military officials, who shut down a local road during the exercise just in case one of the projectiles fell short.

Even though the precautions meant carrying out the live-fire exercise somewhat slower than the HIMARS would be used in combat, Lt. Col. Anness stressed the value of it both for his Marines and for ties with U.S. allies.

“Being able to have long-range precision-fire weapons provides deterrence here in the Pacific, and we train with our Japanese partners as much as we can to make sure we’re ready,” he said.

Carrick replaced the fired Ruben Amorim on a temporary basis in January and transformed United’s fortunes. He secured qualification for the Champions League and earned standout wins against Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

He has steered United to third in the Premier League after it finished 15th last term, a record low in the modern era. His record in his short spell stands at 11 wins in 16 games, with only two losses.

While there was uncertainty as to whether he was the long-term solution for United after more than a decade of decline since the retirement of club icon Alex Ferguson, Carrick's impact made it nearly impossible for the club’s hierarchy to overlook him.

“Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men’s team," said United director of football Jason Wilcox, who led the search for the club’s next coach. “In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach which aligns with the club’s values, traditions and history.”

Carrick is the seventh permanent manager since the retirement of Alex Ferguson in 2013.

“Throughout the past five months we’ve shown what our club represents — resilience, togetherness and a determination to succeed," Carrick said. "Now it’s about moving forward again with ambition and purpose. This club and our supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honors and we’re never going to stop.”

As a multiple title winner with United as a player, Carrick had the support of fans and club icons, who have been calling for him to be given the job on a permanent basis for weeks. He also inspired an upturn of form in key players like Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko.

Yet he is a novice coach at the top level. His only previous full-time managerial experience was at second-tier Middlesbrough from 2022-25.

United gave itself time to assess other candidates since January. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner were among potential contenders to take up a role that proved too much for a succession of managers.

“Michael’s achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated,” Wilcox said. “He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build.”

After Ferguson

Wilcox has put his faith in Carrick after Amorim lasted just 14 months, despite a reputation as one of the top emerging coaches in Europe.

Carrick was part of one of Ferguson’s greatest teams, which won a Premier League and Champions League double in 2008. In all he won 12 major trophies in 12 years at United including five league titles. He was in United’s last title-winning team in Ferguson’s final season.

The list of predecessors to Carrick is evidence of the varying attempts United has made to try to return to the summit of English soccer.

It went for top tier coaches, serial winners such as Louis van Gaal and José Mourinho, but neither could deliver the Premier League title. David Moyes was a well-established top-flight manager, while Erik ten Hag and Amorim came in as title winners from overseas.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was an iconic player — part of the club’s DNA — and had the affection of the fans but also ultimately came up short.

“From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United," Carrick said. “Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride.”

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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

“That makes me smart,” Trump said.

By that logic, Trump is looking smarter than ever now.

On Tuesday, the Internal Revenue Service agreed to drop all pending probes of Trump over whether he's paid his fair share of taxes, to settle a lawsuit brought by the president over a leak of his tax returns. That could include, assuming it was ongoing, a long-standing audit into a technique Trump reportedly used to avoid paying taxes years ago that could have hit him with an estimated $100 million bill if the IRS found wrongdoing.

Trump has repeatedly denied he did anything wrong and has blasted the IRS investigation as politically motivated, without providing proof.

Details of IRS audits are not public and the merits of each side's arguments are impossible to tell. But the way the president's case against his own government's IRS was resolved is highly unusual, experts say.

Trump sued the IRS, a federal agency within his administration, putting him in the unusual position of challenging an agency overseen by the executive branch he leads — a rare move, experts say, and possibly unprecedented. Then that agency decided, in another unusual move, to grant him immunity.

The immunity deal

Under the settlement to resolve Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit over the 2018 leak of his tax returns to The New York Times, the U.S. is “forever barred and precluded” from examining or prosecuting Trump, his sons and the Trump Organization's current tax filings, according to a one-page document released Tuesday. That was quietly added to an original settlement establishing a $1.8 billion fund to compensate people whom Trump thinks were improperly investigated by the government.

Tax experts say this grant of immunity is shocking in the breadth of protection it offers the president and could undermine confidence in the fairness of the tax system.

“This is an unprecedented remedy,” said former IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel, noting that Trump should be treated like every other American. “People expect the same tax rules and enforcement framework to apply to everybody.”

That $100 million bill

The IRS probe revolved around whether Trump doubled-dipped in cutting his taxes, according to a 2024 report by The New York Times and ProPublica — specifically whether he used the same losses from his Chicago skyscraper to cut them twice in future filings, a big no-no.

The report said Trump could owe more than $100 million, including penalties, if he were to lose the audit battle.

Now the Justice Department has moved to “wipe his slate clean,” said tax expert Brandon DeBot, calling that an “extraordinary action” in the message it sends to the country.

“The president and his affiliates might not pay the taxes they should,” said DeBot, policy director at New York University’s Tax Law Center. “This is giving the president and his affiliates completely different set of rules than everyday taxpayers.”

Cutting taxes to zero

The immunity is especially useful to Trump. His company includes hundreds of separate businesses, making his tax returns complicated. He also has a reputation for aggressively cutting his taxes, which some experts find suspicious — and at least in one case deemed now illegal.

After his Atlantic City casinos collapsed under heavy debt in the mid-1990s, for instance, Trump claimed about $1 billion in losses to cut his tax bill, even though lenders had forgiven hundreds of millions of dollars he owed. Trump argued the debt was never technically forgiven because he had exchanged equity in the bankrupt casino business for it — a tax maneuver Congress later barred as an abusive tax loophole.

Through that technique and other tax shelters and deductions, Trump was able pay just $750 in federal taxes in 2016 and 2017, and zero in 2020, according to a congressional investigation after his first term.

How the IRS has treated other presidents

Despite hinting that he may now release his tax returns, Trump has previously refused to do so, saying he can't while undergoing an IRS audit — but there is no law barring him from doing that. In fact, presidents for decades have done so voluntarily and all have had their returns audited as a matter of IRS policy.

That policy began in the late 1970s in a post-Watergate crackdown on presidential abuses after Richard Nixon was found to have claimed dubious deductions — including a donation of his personal papers — that led to big underpayments. One year while president, he paid only hundreds of dollars.

When asked about his tax maneuvers, Nixon famously retorted, “I am not a crook.” He later agreed to the IRS findings, and paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes.

Court challenges

Trump's settlement with the IRS refers only to existing audits, not future examinations, so the president and his family are not off the hook for any alleged abuses in future tax returns.

Parts of the settlement are being challenged in court.

The compensation fund is being attacked by police officers who helped defend the U.S. Capitol from Trump’s supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. They have sued to block anyone — including the rioters — from receiving payouts.

Some law experts expect the tax immunity will be challenged in court, too.

“This is the president trying to play every role in the system, acting as plaintiff, defendant, and his own judge and jury to extract extraordinary windfalls,” said New York University's DeBot, adding that giving broad immunity “stretches beyond what DOJ actually has authority to do.”

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Hussein reported from Washington.

Floating in the water in front of the prestigious Mauritshuis museum, home to the “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” the 7-meter (23-foot)-tall pan is part of monthlong, open-air art exhibition. The BlowUp Jubilee features 24 inflatable artworks installed in parks, on buildings and even in a train station in the Dutch city

The project is the brainchild of curator Mary Hessing. “What I really wanted to do is show the area and show arts to everybody," she told The Associated Press.

In 2021, the Dutch government began a massive renovation project on the Binnenhof complex, which includes the Mauritshuis as well as the Parliament building. The historic site, which dates to the 13th century, was closed to the public and the city wanted to organize art events while it was inaccessible.

The first BlowUp Art exhibition in 2022 included works from six artists, installed near the Binnenhof. Subsequent events also showcased a handful of inflatable works, but for the 2026 jubilee edition, all of the previous installations have returned plus new ones have been added.

“For me it was important to show the real Curacao in this artwork, and that is our parties, our food, and our lifestyle,” artist Eugenie Boon told AP. The 21-year-old is from the former Dutch Caribbean colony and her work, Koncha pa dilanti, referring to a board game played on the island, features scenes from local life.

British artist Steve Messam is known for his large-scale inflatable works that have been installed in locations in the United Kingdom, China and The Hague. Crested, a mass of red spikes, has been affixed on top of the entrance to a parking garage nestled between 100-year-old buildings on a tree-lined boulevard.

“The idea was that this piece would hold its own amongst this wonderful architecture that we see around us,” he said.

BlowUp Jubilee runs until June 21.

“There are a lot of people who are being harassed for the color of their skin, and that’s not right,” said Ramirez, who broke from her Democrat-voting family to cast a ballot for Trump.

“I’ll never go Republican again," she said.

Trump made inroads with Latino voters like Ramirez during the 2024 elections, earning support that helped propel him to a second term in the White House.

As Republicans gear up for midterms this fall and look ahead to presidential elections in 2028, all eyes are on whether they can hold on to that key support or whether the administration's sweeping immigration crackdown and an economy beset by high prices may drive Latino voters away.

In a sign of looming danger, recent polling from the Pew Research Center shows support for Trump falling fast among that electorate.

Support among Latino Trump voters shows signs of softening

Latino voters have historically been largely aligned with the Democratic Party but during the 2024 election, they shifted significantly toward Trump. A majority still supported Democrat Kamala Harris for president, but Trump made big gains: 43% of Latino voters nationally voted for him, compared with 35% in the 2020 presidential election, a change attributed in part to their concerns about the economy.

Trump returned to office pledging to crack down on immigration, a promise that prompted arrest sweeps, often against Latino migrants, in homes, workplaces and schools, among others. According to an AP-NORC poll, more than half of Latino adults report knowing someone impacted by the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement.

More than a year into Trump’s second term, polling suggests a significant drop in support for the president among Latinos who voted for him in 2024, although a majority still supports him.

According to a Pew Research Center poll conducted in April, support for the president fell among non-Latino voters from 95% to 79% between February of last year and April of 2026. But among Latino voters who cast their ballot for Trump, the drop-off was more dramatic: 66% approved of his job performance in April compared with 93% at the beginning of his second term.

That national drop could prove crucial in a tight election in swing counties like Maricopa, the largest battleground county in the nation, which encompasses Phoenix and its suburbs. A third of Maricopa County residents are Latino, and one in four of them is an immigrant, according to the Latino Data Hub at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Arizona, which also saw a slight increase in Latino support for Trump in 2024, has been a flashpoint in the immigration debate for years. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio conducted high-profile raids in Latino communities and, later, the state saw large influxes of migrants during the Biden administration.

In South Phoenix, opinions on Trump reflect deep divisions

On a warm afternoon in the predominantly Latino neighborhood of south Phoenix, a vendor at a street fair sold shirts imprinted with phrases like “Lowriders Sunday” while car club members polished their Chevrolets. The parking lot of the nearby Catholic church was full of parishioners attending Spanish-language Sunday Mass.

Albert Rodriguez, a Phoenix tattoo artist, said he once supported Trump. But then he saw how the administration was carrying out enforcement operations in Chicago, Minneapolis and Los Angeles.

He said the president promised to go after immigrants who were criminals, but instead Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been “hitting the paleta man,” referring to ordinary people trying to make a living from selling frozen treats.

“Big time, I regret it,” Rodriguez said of his 2024 vote for Trump.

Phoenix resident Ronnie Martinez, an Army veteran, backs Trump's effort to stem crossings at the southern border.

“The border is only a hop, skip and a jump to our south. And I don’t want illegal alien criminals coming from Guatemala, Venezuela, Central America,” he said.

He didn’t like some of the images he’d seen of ICE arresting people in front of their children. But he was also sympathetic to ICE officers, who he said were doing the best they could in difficult situations, and he blamed Democratic officials who weren’t cooperating with immigration enforcement. He also cited economic initiatives as a reason for his continued support for the president, including the removal of taxes on tips and overtime.

Guadalupe Alaffa, another Phoenix resident, blamed President Joe Biden's policies for prompting Trump's immigration crackdown.

“He left that damn border wide open,” said Alaffa.

Arizona battleground politics shaped by Latino voter influence

The growing influence of Latino voters is one of several factors that have eroded the GOP’s decades-long dominance in Arizona, putting the state at the center of congressional and presidential elections. Both of Arizona’s senators are now Democrats, along with the top three state officials.

Winning back some of the Latinos who shifted to Trump will be crucial to the reelection prospects of Gov. Katie Hobbs, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Attorney General Kris Mayes, all Democrats first elected in 2022.

Democrats in Maricopa County have benefited from more than a decade of political organizing among Latinos mobilizing against hard-line immigration enforcement. The Republican-controlled Legislature in 2010 passed a state law known as SB1070, which required police to check the immigration status of anyone they suspected of being in the country illegally.

Around the same time, Sheriff Arpaio was building a national profile on the right with immigration sweeps in largely Latino neighborhoods.

Some activists see the nationwide crackdown on immigrants as an extension of what Latinos in Arizona endured under Arpaio.

“We were the lab where they implemented a lot of this with Sheriff Joe and now it’s all over the United States,” said Salvador Reza, a longtime activist in Phoenix who advocates for the rights of day laborers.

For over two decades, Arpaio was repeatedly elected while his department faced accusations of racially profiling Latino drivers and conducting sweeps in Latino neighborhoods and day labor areas. Deputies often stopped residents for traffic violations and turned noncitizens over to ICE, according to rights groups.

In 2013, a federal judge ruled his office had illegally profiled and detained Latinos, and a 2011 Justice Department report found widespread discrimination. After losing reelection in 2016, Arpaio was convicted of criminal contempt for defying court orders. He was later pardoned by Trump.

Rising prices and immigration enforcement erode Latino support

The GOP is at risk of losing some of the Latinos that Trump won over, said former Republican Gov. Jan Brewer, who signed the controversial 2010 bill. She cited economic concerns as a possible reason for the drop in support.

“With the inflation and the cost of living and the gasoline and the wars, I don’t know if they can afford to be a Trump Republican," Brewer said.

Earl Wilcox, a longtime activist and restaurant owner in Phoenix, said between affordability issues and immigration enforcement, he believes Latino support for Trump is waning. Wilcox's restaurant hosted Biden in 2024 when he launched an initiative meant to rally Latino support for the Democratic ticket.

“I don’t think the Republican Party will have the support it did the second time around," Wilcox said, “and I think it started with the raids.”

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Associated Press writers Jonathan J. Cooper and Amelia Thomson DeVeaux contributed to this report.