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Miami airport workers allege wage theft, ask for pay protections

Airport workers rallied Monday for pay protections.

Transit

Cargo workers at Miami International Airport on Monday announced wage-theft complaints against their employer while joining fellow airport workers to demand living wages.The big picture: MIA is one of Florida&#x27;s largest economic engines, generating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$212 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://news.miami-airport.com/mias-economic-impact-reaches-new-record-of-212-billion/" data-vars-content-id="66738e12-76f9-466a-bef5-3707280240dc" data-vars-headline="Miami airport workers allege wage theft, ask for pay protections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.miami-airport.com/mias-economic-impact-reaches-new-record-of-212-billion/" target="_blank">$212 billion</a> in statewide business revenue. It&#x27;s also the busiest cargo airport in the U.S.

Where Miami-Dade officials stand on Florida's property tax referendum

Politics

Miami&#x27;s local elected officials are split on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amendment 3" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/14/inside-the-florida-property-tax-amendments-court-ordered-rewrite" data-vars-content-id="45f87014-b9fc-496c-847f-890b0ed52bc3" data-vars-headline="Where Miami-Dade officials stand on Florida&#x27;s property tax referendum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/08/14/inside-the-florida-property-tax-amendments-court-ordered-rewrite" target="_self">Amendment 3</a>, the ballot measure that would increase the homestead exemption and drastically reduce property taxes across the state.Why it matters: If approved by voters, the measure would bring relief to homeowners&#x27; tax bills — but would <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost local governments billions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/voter-guide-what-floridians-should-know-about-amendment-3" data-vars-content-id="45f87014-b9fc-496c-847f-890b0ed52bc3" data-vars-headline="Where Miami-Dade officials stand on Florida&#x27;s property tax referendum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/voter-guide-what-floridians-should-know-about-amendment-3" target="_blank">cost local governments billions</a>.<ul><li>Supporters argue the measure would force local governments to tighten spending, while opponents say it will leave them scrambling to maintain necessary services.</li></ul>

Miami Heat embrace Grand Theft Auto with "Vice City" jerseys

The Heat are hosting a Grand Theft Auto-themed night during their Nov. 18 game.

Sports

The Miami Heat are going all out for the release of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Grand Theft Auto VI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/09/17/grand-theft-auto-miami-vice-controversy-debate" data-vars-content-id="b6a1faa0-651f-42c3-ad98-6e48f62b7e40" data-vars-headline="Miami Heat embrace Grand Theft Auto with &quot;Vice City&quot; jerseys" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/09/17/grand-theft-auto-miami-vice-controversy-debate" target="_self">Grand Theft Auto VI</a>&quot; with a special-edition uniform and GTA-themed night at the Kaseya Center.Why it matters: The highly anticipated video game is set in a fictionalized version of Miami called Vice City — and the Heat are capitalizing on the global attention that will bring.

Report: Florida ranks second for school library book removals

Students across the state continue to report some of the country's lowest reading scores.

Education

Florida school districts banned more than 3,000 book titles during the 2025-26 school year, according to PEN America&#x27;s annual &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Index of School Book Bans" data-vars-click-url="https://pen.org/report/book-bans-spotlight-2026/" data-vars-content-id="6f448631-0a35-48fd-8c22-dd8bbac0e387" data-vars-headline="Report: Florida ranks second for school library book removals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pen.org/report/book-bans-spotlight-2026/" target="_blank">Index of School Book Bans</a>.&quot;Why it matters: Florida in recent years has gained national attention for its continued effort to limit classroom discussions and for the number of book challenges across the state&#x27;s school districts.

What Erika Donalds in the governor's mansion could mean for education

Few spouses have entered the governor's mansion with more influence.

Erika Donalds knows there are few people who have as much expertise or experience as she does when it comes to education and related policy in Florida.<ul><li>A former school board member, Donalds has worked on state and federal policy, founded charter and private schools in Florida and helped further school choice laws across the country.</li></ul>Why it matters: Her husband <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Byron Donalds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/09/09/donalds-won-t-say-if-he-stands-by-his-record-in-legislature" data-vars-content-id="49644f1c-8a55-49e4-9d71-a1a58114b1af" data-vars-headline="What Erika Donalds in the governor&#x27;s mansion could mean for education" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/09/09/donalds-won-t-say-if-he-stands-by-his-record-in-legislature" target="_self">Byron Donalds</a>&#x27; gubernatorial bid, if successful, could boost her already substantial influence when it comes to education in the state.

Public school leaders, elected officials push for school tax renewal

If approved, it would extend the 2022 tax rate another four years.

Public school leaders and elected officials across the political spectrum are calling on Miami-Dade voters to renew a property tax that supports teacher pay and school safety.Why it matters: The district is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="facing budget shortfalls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/31/miami-dade-schools-enrollment-drop-15-000-school-closures" data-vars-content-id="a2a90f49-6dbc-45a4-99fd-21514f27cc0a" data-vars-headline="Public school leaders, elected officials push for school tax renewal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/31/miami-dade-schools-enrollment-drop-15-000-school-closures" target="_self">facing budget shortfalls</a>, approving a more than 3% cut to its operating budget last month and initiating conversations about closing schools.

Miami-Dade school enrollment drops by 15,000; officials weigh closures

First day of school enrollment fell by nearly 15,100 students from 2025 to 2026.

Less than one month into the new school year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami-Dade County Public Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/01/miami-dade-schools-nine-school-close-enrollment-decline-2026" data-vars-content-id="b228f312-8459-4b12-92b5-a5c2988cffac" data-vars-headline="Miami-Dade school enrollment drops by 15,000; officials weigh closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/01/miami-dade-schools-nine-school-close-enrollment-decline-2026" target="_self">Miami-Dade County Public Schools</a> officials are already weighing the future of more than two dozen schools ahead of the 2027–28 year.Why it matters: The drastic increase in schools under consideration for changes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revealed last week by a district committee" data-vars-click-url="https://api.dadeschools.net/WMSFiles/262/links/REASSESSED-UNDER%20REVIEW%20SCHOOLS%202026-2027.pdf" data-vars-content-id="b228f312-8459-4b12-92b5-a5c2988cffac" data-vars-headline="Miami-Dade school enrollment drops by 15,000; officials weigh closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://api.dadeschools.net/WMSFiles/262/links/REASSESSED-UNDER%20REVIEW%20SCHOOLS%202026-2027.pdf" target="_blank">revealed last week by a district committee</a>, underscores the district&#x27;s ongoing enrollment struggles.

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

The ruling is a win for free speech advocates.

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.

Why many Miami-Dade students are no longer eligible for free meals

About 120 schools remain eligible for the federal program.

As Miami-Dade students head back to school Thursday, many families will be faced with the school board&#x27;s decision to end universal free lunches across the district. Why it matters: Offering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free meals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/27/floridas-school-districts-meals-lunches" data-vars-content-id="ca326462-3e0f-43db-98ec-5c67214ac9c9" data-vars-headline="Why many Miami-Dade students are no longer eligible for free meals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/27/floridas-school-districts-meals-lunches" target="_self">free meals</a> to students during school reduces childhood food insecurity, supports household food security, and creates a positive learning environment, research shows.

FIU students sue over handling of anti-ICE demonstration

The dispute has been ongoing since the spring.

A group of students is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="suing" data-vars-click-url="https://live-awp-florida.pantheonsite.io/app/uploads/2026/08/ICEBreakers-v-Nunez-Complaint.pdf" data-vars-content-id="9eb26587-49d5-430a-9e9f-bcd19d2ae90e" data-vars-headline="FIU students sue over handling of anti-ICE demonstration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://live-awp-florida.pantheonsite.io/app/uploads/2026/08/ICEBreakers-v-Nunez-Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">suing</a> Florida International University administrators with the support of the ACLU and other civil rights groups, alleging the school violated their First Amendment rights.

These are the candidates running for Miami-Dade School Board

Two seats are up for grabs to represent public schools in Districts 1 and 8.

A crowded field is vying to represent public schools in Miami-Dade&#x27;s District 1, which includes Miami Gardens and surrounding areas. <ul><li>Three other seats — Districts 2, 4 and 6 — were also up for reelection, but unopposed candidates won their seats by default.</li><li>In District 8, incumbent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monica Colucci" data-vars-click-url="https://www.monicacolucci.com/" data-vars-content-id="17f7a88e-8139-4b22-80e4-0b571c8821c6" data-vars-headline="These are the candidates running for Miami-Dade School Board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.monicacolucci.com/" target="_blank">Monica Colucci</a> will face write-in candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sam Joseph" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8LrdeQ43IM" data-vars-content-id="17f7a88e-8139-4b22-80e4-0b571c8821c6" data-vars-headline="These are the candidates running for Miami-Dade School Board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8LrdeQ43IM" target="_blank">Sam Joseph</a>, a political newcomer.</li></ul>

"Orwellian flavor": FIU disciplines students for silent protest

Students argue it undermines their protected speech.

News

Florida International University is doubling down on its decision to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="discipline a group of students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/22/fiu-students-charged-violating-conduct-policies-ice-agreement-desantis" data-vars-content-id="fa5348e0-bdfb-4ec0-b20c-7b0f80dc37dc" data-vars-headline="&quot;Orwellian flavor&quot;: FIU disciplines students for silent protest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/22/fiu-students-charged-violating-conduct-policies-ice-agreement-desantis" target="_self">discipline a group of students</a> for participating in a silent protest earlier this year.Why it matters: The ruling, free speech advocates say, goes against the university&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="own values" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fiu.edu/about/mission-and-vision/index.html" data-vars-content-id="fa5348e0-bdfb-4ec0-b20c-7b0f80dc37dc" data-vars-headline="&quot;Orwellian flavor&quot;: FIU disciplines students for silent protest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fiu.edu/about/mission-and-vision/index.html" target="_blank">own values</a>, which call for upholding freedom of thought and expression.<ul><li>Critics say it also undermines federally protected speech and could set a new precedent for campuses across the country regarding student-led demonstrations.</li></ul>

9 public schools to close ahead of next academic year

The move comes amid the state's growing private and charter school sector.

Nine Miami-Dade County public schools will close ahead of the upcoming academic year, which officials have said is the result of continued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declining enrollment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/01/miami-dade-schools-nine-school-close-enrollment-decline-2026" data-vars-content-id="eea88757-ae3a-4bac-8981-b88eab64d1a4" data-vars-headline="9 public schools to close ahead of next academic year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/05/01/miami-dade-schools-nine-school-close-enrollment-decline-2026" target="_self">declining enrollment</a>.Why it matters: The closures — unanimously approved this month by the School Board — are the latest example of the challenges traditional public school districts face due to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state&#x27;s expanded voucher system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" data-vars-content-id="eea88757-ae3a-4bac-8981-b88eab64d1a4" data-vars-headline="9 public schools to close ahead of next academic year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/12/florida-pathway-charters-private-schools-education" target="_self">state&#x27;s expanded voucher system</a> and the growth of private alternatives.

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CMU gets $3 billion, expanding to Miami

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Education 📚

Report: Florida ranks second for school library book removals

CMU gets $3 billion, expanding to Miami

What Erika Donalds in the governor's mansion could mean for education

Public school leaders, elected officials push for school tax renewal

Miami-Dade school enrollment drops by 15,000; officials weigh closures