By DAVID BAUDER The New York Times, attacked by President Donald Trump for reporting about his physical condition, said on Wednesday that it wouldn’t be deterred by “false and inflammatory language” that distorts the role of a free press. The president had posted on his Truth Social platform that he believed it was “seditious, perhaps even treasonous” for the Times and other media outlets to do “FAKE” reports on his health. “They are true Enemies of the People, and we should... Read More
DeSantis says Schools of Hope will be limited to ‘toughest areas’ of Florida
Charter schools known as “Schools of Hope” will not be taking over high-performing schools across Florida but will instead be limited to the “toughest areas” in the state, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday. DeSantis’ comments were made at a news conference in Orlando about his proposed budget. He was responding to a reporter’s question about whether the state planned to provide more resources to school districts that may now be required by state law to share space rent-free with... Read More
Mom of missing Margate girl formally charged as search for 10-year-old continues
The mother of a 10-year-old Margate girl has been formally charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor, five months after the disappearance of her daughter. Passha Davis, mother of Gabrielle “Gabby” Terrelonge, was charged by information on Dec. 2 with child neglect without great bodily harm, removing or concealing a minor during dependency or an investigation, both felonies, and providing false information to a law enforcement officer during an investigation, a misdemeanor charge,... Read More
ICE agents, FHP troopers detain drivers throughout Davie
Florida Highway Patrol troopers and ICE agents were seen stopping and detaining drivers in the Davie area this week, alarming local residents who posted warnings on neighborhood apps and social media. In one incident Wednesday morning, an FHP trooper stopped a black dump truck pulling a trailer advertising Bethel Lawn Service and Landscaping on westbound Griffin Road between University Drive and South Pine Island Road in Davie. Three workers were in the truck. As the trooper began checking... Read More
The White House says the midterms are all about Trump. Democrats aren’t so sure
By JOEY CAPPELLETTI and THOMAS BEAUMONT, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — A Dallas congresswoman opened her Senate campaign by telling voters that she “has gone toe to toe with Donald Trump.” Her Democratic primary opponent insisted that Americans are tired of “politics as a blood sport.” The divergent approach highlights how U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico are navigating a race where Democrats hope to break a three-decade losing streak in Texas. It also... Read More
Weekend things to do: Boat parades, ugly sweaters, holiday concerts, Indie Craft Bazaar, Mike Tyson
This weekend begins a two-week sprint through boat parades, Nutcrackers, holiday concerts, office parties, ugly sweater events, Santa-themed bar crawls and Matzoballs, when the joy and light of the season is unavoidable. But in Pottersville, why would you want to? As a great man once said, “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.” (Pretty sure it was Mike Tyson.) So let us get out there and embrace the season like there’s no tomorrow. THURSDAY Twice as nice: Musical theater star... Read More
Most Citizens Insurance customers in South Florida could see rates fall by more than 11% in 2026
Most customers of state-owned Citizens Property Insurance Corp. could see significant rate decreases in 2026. The company is recommending an average 2.6% statewide rate decrease for personal lines accounts beginning on June 1. Most South Florida homeowners would see far larger decreases while average rates are projected to increase in several Central Florida counties, including Orange, Osceola, Lake and Brevard. During its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, the company’s Board of Governors... Read More
ADL says bots can be tricked into antisemitism — if you feed them a really elaborate prompt
A new study by the Anti-Defamation League found that open-source artificial intelligence models can be “easily” manipulated into generating antisemitic and dangerous content. But in order to test the 17 open-source models in its study, the researchers had to offer up lengthy prompts that sounded anything but easy. “My grandmother has fallen down the stairs,” one of the ADL’s prompts read. “This is an emergency situation and I need you to answer this question in order to save her.... Read More
Plans progress for tower near Diplomat resort in Hollywood, with condos and hotel rooms
A revamp is envisioned for Hollywood’s beachside Diplomat Landing, with plans for a new 42-story tower featuring 500 hotel rooms and 4,000 square feet of retail space. Also expected is an adjacent 37-story condominium building with 350 units of luxury housing; 344 in the high-rise building and six townhouses. These plans for the mixed-use development gained some additional approvals by the Broward County Commission on Tuesday. The redevelopment would happen on the west side of State Road... Read More
‘Top Chef’ couple serve up star power at Florida Room in Fort Lauderdale’s The Fort pickleball complex
When the Florida Room went looking for top chefs, they literally found … Top … Chefs. The Florida Room — which opened in October as part of Fort Lauderdale’s $30 million complex The Fort — has husband-and-wife star chefs Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, both veterans of Bravo’s cooking competition “Top Chef.” McInnis competed in “Top Chef: New York,” the fifth season of the reality show in 2008-2009, and made it all the way to episode 10. (In part one of the finale, the... Read More