Violent crime fell sharply across the largest U.S. cities in early 2026, including in Miami, extending a nationwide decline that began after the pandemic-era crime spike.

Why it matters: Data from 67 major U.S. law enforcement agencies show violent crime fell across major categories during the first quarter compared with the same period in 2025.

• The declines show up across every major region, suggesting a systemic, nationwide trend.
• The quarterly reports collected by the Major Cities Chiefs Association have been a good measure of trends that are reflected in the annual FBI crime data released in the fall.

By the numbers: Homicides dropped 17.7%.

• Robberies fell 20.4%.
• Rapes declined 7.2%.
• Aggravated assaults decreased 4.8%.

Zoom in: Homicides in the City of Miami dropped by 50%, followed by rapes (39.9%), robberies (31.5%) and aggravated assaults (9.3%).

Zoom out: Some of the nation's biggest cities posted especially dramatic homicide declines in the first three months of 2026.

• Among those that saw sizable percentage drops: Washington, D.C. (64.7%), Philadelphia (54%) and Memphis (34.4%).
• New York City experienced a 31.7% drop in homicides during Mayor Zohran Mamdani's first months in office.

Between the lines: The new numbers complicate the political narrative around crime heading into the 2026 midterms. President Trump has repeatedly described major Democratic-led cities as gripped by violent crime.

The intrigue: Aurora, Colorado — a city Trump repeatedly and falsely singled out as being overrun by Venezuelan immigrant gangs during the 2024 election — saw a 66.7% drop in homicides.

• In response to early reports that crime was dropping to record lows, the Trump administration has changed its tone and has begun touting the declines while crediting its policies.

Yes, but: Some cities still reported increases in certain violent crime categories, such as a 100% spike in homicides in San Diego, even as overall violence fell.

• Police leaders also caution that crime trends can shift quickly heading into the summer months, when violence historically rises.

The bottom line: America's largest cities are continuing to get safer in 2026, even as crime remains one of the country's most politically potent issues.

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In the roughly five months since she was sworn in as Miami mayor, salaries in Eileen Higgins' administration have increased by about 30% compared to the previous administration.

Why it matters: Higgins, who succeeded former Mayor Francis Suarez, campaigned on investigating excessive spending.

• The news of increased salaries, reported by the Coconut Grove Spotlight, also comes as the city commission weighs a proposal for a $450 million bond to fund a new public safety headquarters.

Between the lines: The more than $2 million in annual salaries in the Office of the Mayor does not include Higgins' compensation.

• Higgins' office did not respond to Axios' requests for comment.

The intrigue: The team is structured around a more "senior-heavy leadership model," per the Spotlight, featuring several senior advisers and counselors, and a smaller group of assistants and aides.

By the numbers: Salaries range from $60,000 as an aide to the mayor to $250,000 for the chief of staff, according to records obtained by the outlet.

• Three senior advisers earn $180,000, while one earns $200,000.
• Five assistants to the mayor earn between $80,000 and $115,000.
• The communications coordinator earns $70,000, while aides to the mayor and the executive assistant earn between $60,000 and $70,000.

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🗳️ The recall effort against Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has failed. (Miami Herald)

• Former mayoral candidate Alex Otaola announced yesterday that his petition only received 26,000 signatures — a fraction of the 66,000 needed to hold a recall election.

😋 Bachour, the Michelin-recommended bakery in the Gables, was named a top bakery in the country by Tasting Table. (Miami Herald)

🏗️ The Miami Beach Design Review Board is set to vote today on a 28-story South Beach condo project to replace the Bay Garden Manor condos. The building will include up to 106 luxury condos on a nearly two-acre site. (The Real Deal)

🍹 Solei Beach Club, a new beach and poolside venue, is set to open this month at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel in Miami Beach. (South Florida Business Journal)

Americans are spending more time at home, yet many have become strangers to their neighbors — especially young Americans.

Why it matters: Without casual conversations with neighbors — who are often from other races, or have different religions and political ideologies — people risk becoming more isolated and more dependent on superficial, algorithm-driven digital communities.

By the numbers: In 2012, 51% of young Americans regularly engaged with neighbors, according to a new AEI report. Today, that number has plummeted to 25%.

• By contrast, 56% of seniors socialize with neighbors, a seven-point drop since 2012.
• More broadly, 59% of Americans chatted with neighbors a few times per week in 2012. In 2025, that number is 41%.

What they're saying: Daniel Cox, head report researcher and director of the Survey Center on American Life at AEI, tells Axios that technology deserves some of the blame.

• "In the previous generation, if you sat around your apartment long enough, you started to go stir crazy, and that would often compel people to go out," he said.

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Inter Miami's Lionel Messi is getting a whopping $28.3 million in guaranteed compensation during the 2026 season, according to the Major League Soccer Players Association's latest salary guide.

• That tops the total payroll for all but two of the league's 30 teams.

Follow the money: Messi remains the league's highest-paid player for the third year running — and he got a pay bump this season, per ESPN.

• Messi's total guaranteed compensation this season is $28.3 million compared to about $20.5m in 2025, per the outlet.

Zoom out: Inter Miami was valued this year at an estimated $1.45 billion — making it MLS's most valuable franchise, according to a Sportico analysis.