By MATTHEW LEE and FARNOUSH AMIRI, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration will withdraw from dozens of international organizations, including the U.N.’s population agency and the U.N. treaty that establishes international climate negotiations, as the U.S. further retreats from global cooperation. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order suspending U.S. support for 66 organizations, agencies and commissions following his instructions for his... Read More
Seeing green: Fort Lauderdale takes on challenge of planting 276,000 trees by 2040
Fort Lauderdale, a town that’s turned heads and lost trees with its ever-growing skyline, is now embracing an ambitious plan to grow its urban forest. Commissioners on Tuesday approved an urban forestry master plan that challenges the city to plant up to 276,000 trees by 2040 to achieve a tree canopy that would cover one-third of the city. Getting the job done would cost up to $103 million, requiring trees to be planted on both public land as well as private property. “I just want folks... Read More
Florida GOP senator proposes bill to allow Broward hospital districts to partner
One of the most powerful Republicans in Florida has proposed a bill that would allow Broward County’s two hospital districts to form public and private deals and businesses together more easily, without running afoul of federal antitrust laws. The bill, proposed by Sen. Joe Gruters of Sarasota, is a second go-round for Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System, which are now both under the leadership of the same CEO. Gruters is the chairman of the Republican National Committee and... Read More
DeSantis orders special legislative session to change Florida congressional districts
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday he would order the Florida Legislature to convene for a special session to redraw the state’s congressional districts before the 2026 election. His move formally places Florida in line with the national Republican effort, demanded last year by President Donald Trump, to have states change the boundaries of their congressional districts in ways to get more Republicans and fewer Democrats elected. The special session, from April 20 through April 24, comes... Read More
Gators address several needs as they continue to add key players in transfer portal
GAINESVILLE — The Florida Gators picked up the pace in the transfer portal, adding a slew of players after a quiet start to coach Jon Sumrall’s rebuild. Georgia Tech quarterback Aaron Philo’s signing and tailback Jadan Baugh’s return highlighted a busy Tuesday, featuring the additions of Penn State offensive linemen TJ Shanahan and Egan Boyer, Cincinnati tailback Evan Pryor and a pair of Tulane specialists, placekicker Patrick Durkin and punter Alec Clark. As Tuesday came to a close,... Read More
Weekend things to do: Chris Stapleton, Ailey II, ‘UpDating,’ Boca Raton Seafood Festival
The outer bands of baseball season arrive this weekend, and not a moment too soon. In its grace and pace and tradition, baseball has always been a balm in moments of uncertainty. Or, as James Earl Jones’ character put it in “Field of Dreams”: “The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers … but baseball has marked the time. This field, this game — it’s a part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that once was... Read More
19-year-old killed, two others injured in shootout outside Miramar gas station
A 19-year-old man was killed and two others were injured after a shootout outside a Miramar gas station Tuesday night, police say. The shooting took place at the Sunoco gas station on Pembroke Road next to North Perry Airport, according to police. One of the people involved walked up to two men standing outside of a Mercedes parked at the gas station and an “altercation” ensued, Miramar Police spokesperson Janice McIntosh said. Then they exchanged gunfire. One of the men, Christian... Read More
Ticket alert: Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society Show and Sale returns this weekend
A sea of colorful orchids showcased in artistically designed displays will fill the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines this weekend for the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society’s 66th Annual Show and Sale, “Orchid Magic.” The nonprofit group, which is celebrating 75 years of bringing together orchid enthusiasts while providing educational opportunities and supporting conservation efforts, will haul in thousands of the delicate flowering plants from growing centers around the... Read More
US forces board Venezuela-linked sanctioned oil tanker in North Atlantic, US official says
By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. official says U.S. forces have boarded a Venezuela-linked sanctioned oil tanker in North Atlantic after pursuing it for weeks. The official spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations. The U.S. had been pursuing the tanker since last month after it tried to evade a U.S. blockade around Venezuela. The ship was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024 for allegedly... Read More
Python swim party: Hunters observe possible new Burmese python behavior
Professional python hunters Guillermo Tapanes and Matt Kogo spotted something strange swimming in a remote pond on the border of Broward and Palm Beach counties. It was too big to be a fish or iguana and didn’t move like an alligator. “It was moving quickly, leaving a wake, and had a bit of swish in its motion,” Kogo said. “So we start checking it out and we’re like, ‘It sure looks like it’s a python or some neurotic otter swimming circles.’” They soon realized that there... Read More