* Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, a former broadcast journalist who represents Miami-Dade County, has broken with the president (who endorsed her) over the Administration’s hardline ICE tactics. “The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today,” she says in a campaign ad while standing in front of the White House. More than 2/3 of Miami-Dade’s residents are Hispanics, a county Trump won in 2024.
* The University of Florida’s College Republicans chapter was disbanded after two members were seen performing a Nazi salute on social media.
* Since 2023, Florida law has required all middle and high school students to learn about the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil. It’s called “9/11 Heroes Day.” It’s about perspective, including civil liberties, airport security and heroism. But it’s also an ongoing cautionary tale about the catalytic ripple effects of Middle East intervention. Geography is not the deterrent it used to be. The Iran war should be seen by today’s students in 9/11 context.
* Threading an electoral needle: Byron Donalds’ campaign website is now largely devoid of any references to his endorsement by Trump, although the president still plans to show up for a couple of Donalds’ rallies in Florida.
* The Florida minimum wage is now $15 an hour. The federal minimum is still $7.25 an hour.