A state appeals court has ruled that a controversial plan to shift many powers from the county commission to the mayor's office can go before voters, perhaps as early as this fall. The so-called strong-mayor proposal has been a cornerstone of Mayor Carlos Alvarez's reform package.

» State Rep. Ralph Arza is under fire for allegedly using racial epithets over a period of months in talking about Miami-Dade School Superintendent Rudy Crew, who is black. Crew and the Legislature's black caucus have filed complaints with the House committee that oversees member conduct.

» Miami City Commissioner Johnny Winton has been charged with battery on a police officer and disorderly intoxication after scuffling with officers after his flight was canceled at Miami International Airport in May. If the charges stick, Winton could be removed from office by Gov. Jeb Bush.