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Judge sides with students, says FIU likely violated First Amendment rights

The ruling is a win for free speech advocates.

Education

A group of students was granted a victory over the weekend when a federal judge ruled that Florida International University likely violated their First Amendment rights.Why it matters: The ruling is a win for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free speech advocates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/23/orwellian-flavor-fiu-disciplines-students-for-silent-protest" data-vars-content-id="93c28fce-128c-4491-bd1d-70ef6d0e08f7" data-vars-headline="Judge sides with students, says FIU likely violated First Amendment rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/23/orwellian-flavor-fiu-disciplines-students-for-silent-protest" target="_self">free speech advocates</a> and could set a precedent for future cases, as colleges across the country have implemented new rules aiming to limit expression.

South Florida businesses feel loss of Haitian TPS workers

About 93,000 Haitian TPS holders were part of Florida's workforce as of January, according to one analysis.

Politics

South Florida&#x27;s economy is feeling the loss of Haitian employees whose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Temporary Protected Status" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/24/florida-miami-tps-haiti" data-vars-content-id="469a9962-eb7d-4ca4-834c-c67151d4afdd" data-vars-headline="South Florida businesses feel loss of Haitian TPS workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/24/florida-miami-tps-haiti" target="_self">Temporary Protected Status</a> ended in late July.The big picture: The Trump administration&#x27;s decision to end <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TPS" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status" data-vars-content-id="469a9962-eb7d-4ca4-834c-c67151d4afdd" data-vars-headline="South Florida businesses feel loss of Haitian TPS workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status" target="_blank">TPS</a> will hurt Florida&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/07/floridas-nursing-homes-are-bracing-for-life-without-haitian-tps-workers/" data-vars-content-id="469a9962-eb7d-4ca4-834c-c67151d4afdd" data-vars-headline="South Florida businesses feel loss of Haitian TPS workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/07/floridas-nursing-homes-are-bracing-for-life-without-haitian-tps-workers/" target="_blank">health care</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hospitality and tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://frla.org/news-release/press-release-florida-hospitality-industry-urges-federal-action-to-support-employers-following-tps-decision/" data-vars-content-id="469a9962-eb7d-4ca4-834c-c67151d4afdd" data-vars-headline="South Florida businesses feel loss of Haitian TPS workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://frla.org/news-release/press-release-florida-hospitality-industry-urges-federal-action-to-support-employers-following-tps-decision/" target="_blank">hospitality and tourism</a> industries, advocates and business leaders have said.<ul><li>TPS had protected Haitians and provided them work authorization since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2010" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/general-news-b5b989398d08474ab3387249e03bc6be" data-vars-content-id="469a9962-eb7d-4ca4-834c-c67151d4afdd" data-vars-headline="South Florida businesses feel loss of Haitian TPS workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b5b989398d08474ab3387249e03bc6be" target="_blank">2010</a>.</li></ul>

Violent crime keeps falling in Miami, other big U.S. cities

The city's numbers mirror national trends

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="6ba6b242-c44d-4e4e-a24a-6034c90c1739" data-vars-headline="Violent crime keeps falling in Miami, other big U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" target="_self">Violent crime</a> kept falling across many of the nation&#x27;s largest cities through June — including Miami, where homicides fell by 50% from the first half of 2025, according to preliminary data reviewed by Axios. Why it matters: The decline now spans two presidencies — it began falling under President Biden after the pandemic-era surge, and has kept dropping under President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="6ba6b242-c44d-4e4e-a24a-6034c90c1739" data-vars-headline="Violent crime keeps falling in Miami, other big U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a>.<ul><li>Trump came into office casting America as being overrun by crime at a time when the numbers were already declining dramatically.</li></ul>

Here's who advanced in key Miami-Dade elections 

Voters also selected their parties' nominees for statewide and federal offices.

Miami-Dade voters elected new local leaders and chose their party&#x27;s nominees for the November election.State of play: From the Miami Marine Stadium referendum to the race for governor, here&#x27;s where some of the region&#x27;s biggest races stand, according to preliminary results from Tuesday night.

Miami street artist completes 50-state gun violence mural project

He is well known in Miami for his Heat basketball mural. But this project is more personal.

Culture

Miami-based artist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kyle Holbrook" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/02/06/jimmy-butler-mural-removed" data-vars-content-id="840a1040-6832-4d6e-8538-31f065455496" data-vars-headline="Miami street artist completes 50-state gun violence mural project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/02/06/jimmy-butler-mural-removed" target="_self">Kyle Holbrook</a> has lost several friends and loved ones to gun violence.<ul><li>That&#x27;s why in 2021 he started the National Stop Gun Violence Mural Tour, spreading peace through art.</li></ul>

What's it like being a graffiti artist in Miami? "Sometimes it gets wild."

When you're a graffiti artist, every day is a risk.

Things to Do

Miami graffiti artist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AES (The Miracle Ghost)" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/themiracleghost/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="34356332-70fe-421d-a5ea-5d708ff29af9" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s it like being a graffiti artist in Miami? &quot;Sometimes it gets wild.&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/themiracleghost/?hl=en" target="_blank">AES (The Miracle Ghost)</a> says his new exhibit, &quot;Partners in Crime,&quot; is a tribute to friendships forged through illicit graffiti adventures.Why it matters: When your art breaks the law, every day brings risk, but AES says he&#x27;s less concerned about encountering the police than other people.

Bill Baggs is Miami's best beach, Axios readers say

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is Miami&#x27;s best beach, according to you, our readers.Why it matters: Our beaches are why so many of us live in South Florida — and they bring in gobs of tourism money ever year.

Sweat Records launches vinyl take-back program

Sweat Records is a mainstay in Miami's music scene.

Music

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sweat Records" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/14/sweat-records-celebrates-20-years" data-vars-content-id="a6a09cba-fd86-492d-96d8-8acf7189b320" data-vars-headline="Sweat Records launches vinyl take-back program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/14/sweat-records-celebrates-20-years" target="_self">Sweat Records</a>, along with Warner Music Group, launched a new vinyl take-back program with the hopes of repurposing broken or old records. Why it matters: The beloved record shop in Little Haiti is among just 11 other shops around the country to be included in the program, which launched June 25.

You voted for Miami's new anthem. Here are the winning local musicians

Miami has a new soundtrack, courtesy of six local artists who won the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Elevated Tracks 305" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/10/miami-official-anthem-song-contest" data-vars-content-id="8ed636a3-1bbe-43f7-85e5-1c5fdcaad610" data-vars-headline="You voted for Miami&#x27;s new anthem. Here are the winning local musicians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/10/miami-official-anthem-song-contest" target="_self">Elevated Tracks 305</a> original song contest. Why it matters: Organizers hope the songs receive official recognition.

Here's what Florida included in America's Time Capsule

We think Florida could have buried a few more artifacts.

What will future generations think of Florida when they open <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-click-url="https://america250.org/time-capsule/" data-vars-content-id="e6ae405a-4927-427f-bf66-254ae8fc3f84" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s what Florida included in America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://america250.org/time-capsule/" target="_blank">America&#x27;s Time Capsule</a> — a nationwide project to preserve pieces of U.S. history as part of the country&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th anniversary celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/america-250-freedom-250-national-mall-white-house-drama" data-vars-content-id="e6ae405a-4927-427f-bf66-254ae8fc3f84" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s what Florida included in America&#x27;s Time Capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/america-250-freedom-250-national-mall-white-house-drama" target="_self">250th anniversary celebration</a>?

From Flanigan's to Zey Zey, Miami brands sell unique World Cup merch

Get your hands on a piece of Miami subculture.

Sports

Beloved Miami brands are getting in the World Cup spirit with 305-themed soccer merchandise.Why it matters: South Florida businesses are smartly capitalizing on Miami&#x27;s role as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a World Cup host city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/16/miami-first-world-cup-match" data-vars-content-id="2fdd9cdf-4674-42f1-aa10-e20988697776" data-vars-headline="From Flanigan&#x27;s to Zey Zey, Miami brands sell unique World Cup merch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/16/miami-first-world-cup-match" target="_self">a World Cup host city</a> by tempting locals with limited-edition shirts.

South Florida Uruguayans gear up for World Cup with watch parties and rallies

Uruguay is playing two group-stage matches in Miami, the most of any team.

At the Normandy Fountain in Miami Beach, an oversize soccer ball emblazoned with the Uruguayan flag has become a gathering spot for fans of La Celeste ahead of Monday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/11/world-cup-miami-global-influence" data-vars-content-id="70e755cd-cbc7-4839-8aab-46309c0bd5d2" data-vars-headline="South Florida Uruguayans gear up for World Cup with watch parties and rallies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/11/world-cup-miami-global-influence" target="_self">World Cup</a> match in Miami.<ul><li>The ball, one of 48 that the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city installed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/arena-of-nations-48-giant-soccer-balls/40626" data-vars-content-id="70e755cd-cbc7-4839-8aab-46309c0bd5d2" data-vars-headline="South Florida Uruguayans gear up for World Cup with watch parties and rallies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/arena-of-nations-48-giant-soccer-balls/40626" target="_blank">city installed</a> around the Beach, has been the scene of lively Candombe-style <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="percussion performances" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZBySKFMbB3/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="70e755cd-cbc7-4839-8aab-46309c0bd5d2" data-vars-headline="South Florida Uruguayans gear up for World Cup with watch parties and rallies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZBySKFMbB3/?hl=en" target="_blank">percussion performances</a> and fan photo sessions.</li></ul>

World Cup offers Haitians in Miami hope amid crisis at home

Watch parties are planned across South Florida.

Half a century after Haiti&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/11/world-cup-miami-global-influence" data-vars-content-id="9cdfe75f-d392-40c3-bfcf-5514c821a716" data-vars-headline="World Cup offers Haitians in Miami hope amid crisis at home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/11/world-cup-miami-global-influence" target="_self">World Cup</a> appearance, Les Grenadiers are back on futbol&#x27;s biggest stage after overcoming challenges back home and abroad.Why it matters: South Florida is home to the largest Haitian diaspora in America.<ul><li>For the over 163,000 Haitians living in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, the tournament offers a moment of excitement amid the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violence and displacement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iom.int/news/haitis-displacement-crisis-hits-record-15-million-amid-escalating-violence" data-vars-content-id="9cdfe75f-d392-40c3-bfcf-5514c821a716" data-vars-headline="World Cup offers Haitians in Miami hope amid crisis at home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iom.int/news/haitis-displacement-crisis-hits-record-15-million-amid-escalating-violence" target="_blank">violence and displacement</a> afflicting the Caribbean nation.</li></ul>

Miami's global population blends World Cup loyalties

South Florida is home to some of the largest immigrant communities in the nation.

Hang around Miami for the next month and it may not be clear which World Cup squad is the home team. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/04/how-to-get-around-miami-during-the-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="74002722-e9f3-4441-a22f-578104c3ff2c" data-vars-headline="Miami&#x27;s global population blends World Cup loyalties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/06/04/how-to-get-around-miami-during-the-world-cup" target="_self">World Cup</a>, which kicks off Thursday, underscores Miami&#x27;s global reach and the diasporas that live here. <ul><li>Plus, a few international superstars call Miami home, and the fanbases that follow them and their home countries&#x27; teams will inevitably infiltrate every corner of the city. </li></ul>