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FIU students sue over handling of anti-ICE demonstration

The dispute has been ongoing since the spring.

Politics

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.

Hillstone closes its Bal Harbour Shops restaurant

It's the latest restaurant to close in Miami.

Food and Drink

Hillstone at Bal Harbour abruptly closed this week after 11 years, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multiple outlets reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamiherald.com/miami-com/restaurants/article316831731.html" data-vars-content-id="a6bd828f-9334-4379-aa68-87ec44c13f4b" data-vars-headline="Hillstone closes its Bal Harbour Shops restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/miami-com/restaurants/article316831731.html" target="_blank">multiple outlets reported</a>.

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

About 120 schools remain eligible for the federal program.

Education

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.

How Miamians can help Colombia earthquake relief efforts

Miami is home to a large Colombian diaspora.

Things to Do

More than 250 have died from the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that hit western Colombia on Monday. <ul><li>In the days since, local organizations and governments have organized relief efforts to deliver aid to the country. </li></ul>

South Florida's unemployment rates hold steady

The unchanged figure suggests a solid labor market.

News

South Florida&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unemployment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/jobless-claims-unemployment-ai" data-vars-content-id="56c8f7fd-0982-4ac3-b076-054c41b5e2db" data-vars-headline="South Florida&#x27;s unemployment rates hold steady" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/jobless-claims-unemployment-ai" target="_self">unemployment</a> rate held steady in June while the national rate edged lower, keeping the metro area&#x27;s jobless rate at a seasonally adjusted 3.9%, new federal data shows.Why it matters: While nearly half of the cities and metro areas tracked in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" jobs report " data-vars-click-url="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/metro.nr0.htm" data-vars-content-id="56c8f7fd-0982-4ac3-b076-054c41b5e2db" data-vars-headline="South Florida&#x27;s unemployment rates hold steady" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/metro.nr0.htm" target="_blank"> jobs report </a>posted higher unemployment rates, South Florida&#x27;s low, unchanged figure suggests its labor market remains solid.By the numbers: South Florida&#x27;s unemployment rate is 0.3 percentage points below the national average and is lower than 55% of the areas surveyed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.The big picture: The lowest rate was Rapid City, South Dakota, which ticked just below 2%<ul><li>The highest was Southern California&#x27;s El Centro at just under 19%, while Visalia, California, also topped 10%.</li></ul>Context: Our area added 5,300 jobs since last June. The state added 41,200 jobs during the same period.What we&#x27;re watching: The Fed&#x27;s policymaking committee appears to be more focused on inflation than the job market. They left their key interest rate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unchanged" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/29/fed-warsh-rates-inflation" data-vars-content-id="56c8f7fd-0982-4ac3-b076-054c41b5e2db" data-vars-headline="South Florida&#x27;s unemployment rates hold steady" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/29/fed-warsh-rates-inflation" target="_self">unchanged</a> on Wednesday, leaving interest rates on credit cards and car loans elevated.The bottom line: A stable local employment picture can be welcome news, but it doesn&#x27;t necessarily translate into relief for household budgets.

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.

"Orwellian flavor": FIU disciplines students for silent protest

Students argue it undermines their protected speech.

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>

Miami ranks low among the nation's most fit cities

If you thought year round sunshine, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pilates boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/12/16/miami-pilates-hottest-workout" data-vars-content-id="1e42584c-e336-4d01-b979-f24528c49a30" data-vars-headline="Miami ranks low among the nation&#x27;s most fit cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/12/16/miami-pilates-hottest-workout" target="_self">pilates boom</a>, the growing number of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="padel courts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/04/15/padel-popularity-reserve-club" data-vars-content-id="1e42584c-e336-4d01-b979-f24528c49a30" data-vars-headline="Miami ranks low among the nation&#x27;s most fit cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/04/15/padel-popularity-reserve-club" target="_self">padel courts</a> and even a beach called Muscle Beach would&#x27;ve landed the 305 among the nation&#x27;s fittest cities, think again. State of play: Miami ranked No. 39 overall in the latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fitness index" data-vars-click-url="https://acsm.org/about/community-impact-programs/american-fitness-index/" data-vars-content-id="1e42584c-e336-4d01-b979-f24528c49a30" data-vars-headline="Miami ranks low among the nation&#x27;s most fit cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://acsm.org/about/community-impact-programs/american-fitness-index/" target="_blank">fitness index</a> from the Indy-based American College of Sports Medicine.<ul><li>It ranked No. 47 for personal health and No. 34 for community environment.</li></ul>

Florida falls slightly in CNBC business rankings

Florida fell five spots to No. 8 in CNBC&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Top States for Business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" data-vars-content-id="aee5c7aa-53d8-4266-ae8c-d580cc6aa312" data-vars-headline="Florida falls slightly in CNBC business rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" target="_blank">Top States for Business</a> rankings, released last week.The big picture: Florida lost ground in areas like business friendliness, infrastructure, economy and quality of life — slipping from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No. 3" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/10/florida-top-states-for-business-ranking.html" data-vars-content-id="aee5c7aa-53d8-4266-ae8c-d580cc6aa312" data-vars-headline="Florida falls slightly in CNBC business rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/10/florida-top-states-for-business-ranking.html" target="_blank">No. 3</a> last year.<ul><li>CNBC scores all 50 states across 10 weighted categories worth 2,500 points total. Colorado earned 1,459 points.</li></ul>

Miami-Dade giving away 2,500 free trees in North Miami

Residents can receive up to two free trees.

Miami-Dade is giving away over 2,500 trees next weekend as part of its long-running Adopt-a-Tree program.Why it matters: Growing Miami&#x27;s tree canopy is an effective way to cool down neighborhoods during hot summer months, County Commissioner Marleine Bastien said in a statement.

Free World Cup watch parties around Miami

There are four teams left in the World Cup.

The World Cup semifinals kick off Tuesday as Spain takes on France.<ul><li>On Wednesday, Argentina plays England.</li></ul>

Norway fans will row through South Beach ahead of England match

This is your chance to join the Norwegian Viking row.

Norway fans will bring their famous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Viking row" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncu50EBP-6I" data-vars-content-id="5514e7e4-3a43-4011-ab06-88919944e360" data-vars-headline="Norway fans will row through South Beach ahead of England match" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncu50EBP-6I" target="_blank">Viking row</a> to Miami ahead of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/09/world-cup-miami-gardens-parking-residents" data-vars-content-id="5514e7e4-3a43-4011-ab06-88919944e360" data-vars-headline="Norway fans will row through South Beach ahead of England match" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/07/09/world-cup-miami-gardens-parking-residents" target="_self">World Cup</a> clash with England this weekend.Why it matters: From the Scots to the Argentinians, some of the world&#x27;s best soccer fans have taken over South Florida following their teams.<ul><li>Norway and England are next.</li></ul>

America is turning 250, so Miami is rolling out a $250 "lobster dog"

A Miami Beach hotel is trying to one-up the $100 "Golden Glizzy" hot dog.

If you thought Miami&#x27;s $100 &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Golden Glizzy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/06/golden-glizzy-100-dollar-hot-dog-miami-open" data-vars-content-id="271c8863-9550-4647-831a-f57c1045c54f" data-vars-headline="America is turning 250, so Miami is rolling out a $250 &quot;lobster dog&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/06/golden-glizzy-100-dollar-hot-dog-miami-open" target="_self">Golden Glizzy</a>&quot; was excessive, one local hotel may have one-upped the caviar-topped hot dog.Why it matters: Meet the $250 &quot;Lobster Dog,&quot; a limited-edition spiny lobster sandwich combo at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort celebrating America&#x27;s 250th anniversary.<ul><li>Each lobster dog features 5 oz. of spiny lobster tail torchons and smoked oyster remoulade, topped by half an ounce of caviar. </li><li>The two-dog meal — crafted by Carillon executive chef Christopher Robertson — also comes with a bottle of Pommery Brut Royale Champagne.</li></ul>If you go: You can find it at the Carillon&#x27;s Fourth of July barbecue on Saturday, which will also feature regular hot dogs, Tank Beer, a DJ and outdoor games.<ul><li>12pm-3pm.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RSVP" data-vars-click-url="https://www.carillonhotel.com/en/experiences/4th-of-july-250th-celebration/" data-vars-content-id="271c8863-9550-4647-831a-f57c1045c54f" data-vars-headline="America is turning 250, so Miami is rolling out a $250 &quot;lobster dog&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.carillonhotel.com/en/experiences/4th-of-july-250th-celebration/" target="_blank">RSVP</a> required. Ticket proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.</li></ul>

🐍 Python hunt winner

Python hunt winner

Feverlines show change in unemployment rates for South Florida, U.S. and Rapid City, South Dakota.

News 🗞

How Miamians can help Colombia earthquake relief efforts

Python hunt winner

South Florida's unemployment rates hold steady

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

"Orwellian flavor": FIU disciplines students for silent protest