Sen. Lindsey Graham dies at 71: Florida lawmakers, national leaders react
Longtime South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham died July 11 at 71 after a brief, sudden illness. President Trump ordered flags at half-staff, and Florida Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody paid tribute. [Source: FOX 35 Orlando]
Most readers oppose Florida's property tax plan, poll finds
A USA Today Network-Florida readers poll found 55.6% oppose Amendment 3, the GOP-led property tax overhaul. The measure would deliver a significant tax cut but could drain municipalities of money for essential services. [Source: Florida Today]
Invasive Burmese pythons have established a new hot spot in Florida, wildlife experts say
Burmese pythons have established a new breeding colony in western Charlotte County, outside their usual Everglades range, wildlife officials say. Researchers warn the apex predators could further disrupt the region's native ecosystems. [Source: ABC News]
South Florida businesses report economic boom, as FIFA officials estimate a billion dollar economic impact
South Florida businesses are reporting a windfall from the FIFA tournament, with officials estimating a $1.3 billion economic impact for the region. Some Miami Gardens restaurants said sales jumped as fans packed local spots. [Source: CBS News Miami]
South Florida impacted by DeSantis' state budget cuts
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed about $1.7 billion from the state budget, cutting roughly $95 million from South Florida projects. Miami-Dade lost the most, including a controversial $15 million for Catholic school security. [Source: CBS News Miami]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida gas prices shoot up after tensions escalate in U.S.-Iran conflict Florida gas prices climbed after U.S.-Iran tensions escalated over the weekend, pushing the state average to $3.82 a gallon, AAA said. Analysts warn prices could stay volatile amid Strait of Hormuz uncertainty.
› Four Florida alligator attacks spark fear. Experts urge caution Four alligator attacks in a two-week span, including one fatal, have stoked fear in Florida. But experts urge caution, noting fatal attacks remain rare among the state's estimated 1.3 million gators.
› After court blocked 'Woke' ban, professors 'cautiously optimistic' Florida professors voiced cautious optimism after a federal appeals court upheld an injunction blocking part of the state's "Stop WOKE Act," which restricted how race and related topics are taught at public universities.
› Stomach parasite sickens at least 60 in Florida as cases climb nationwide Florida has confirmed 60 cases of cyclosporiasis, part of a nationwide summer outbreak that has sickened 843 people across 31 states, the CDC says. The foodborne parasite spreads through contaminated produce or water.
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› South Florida's Cuban exile community rallies for freedom in Little Havana amid island-wide blackout South Florida's Cuban exile community marched through Little Havana on Saturday, marking the fifth anniversary of the July 11 protests and demanding freedom for political prisoners. It coincided with another island-wide blackout in Cuba.
› Powerful El Niño could mean a rough Florida winter A powerful El Niño could ease Florida's hurricane season but bring a rough winter, forecasters say. The pattern shoves the jet stream south, and past strong El Niños have spawned deadly Florida tornadoes.
› Home construction slows as Florida builders cut prices and offer deals New-home construction is plunging in Southwest Florida, with single-family permits down 21.4% through May from a year earlier, FGCU research shows. Builders are cutting prices and offering deals to move inventory.
› 140+ captive animals have escaped in Florida since 2022. Here's what state records reveal More than 140 captive animals — including kangaroos, monkeys, giant lizards, snakes and a 2,000-pound white rhino — have escaped in Florida since 2022, state wildlife records obtained by News 6 show.