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Monday, May 4, 2026
A WUFT investigation explores the experiences of immigrants who are suddenly removed from Florida and sent back to their countries of origin. The report looks at the personal and economic upheaval faced by those deported, tracing what happens to individuals and families after removal.
Sources: WUFT News
A proposed Florida Department of Education rule would prohibit students without lawful immigration status from enrolling in any of the state’s 28 colleges. Education officials are scheduled to take up the proposal at a May 14 meeting held at Miami Dade College.
Sources: WUFT News
The state of Florida carried out the execution of James Hitchcock on April 30, 2026, for the 1976 murder of his 13-year-old stepniece in Winter Garden. A separate case covered by the Gainesville Sun involved Andrew Lukehart, also facing execution for killing a baby. Opponents of the execution gathered outside Florida State Prison in Raiford during the proceedings.
Sources: The Gainesville Sun · The Independent Florida Alligator
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a new Florida congressional map that is expected to improve Republican electoral prospects heading into midterm elections. The signing represents a significant move in shaping the state’s political landscape ahead of upcoming federal races.
Sources: The Gainesville Sun
A lawsuit has been filed contesting Florida’s newly drawn congressional map, according to reporting from the Gainesville Sun. The legal challenge comes as analysts are examining how the redistricting affects five key districts across the state, with significant implications for representation in multiple areas.
Sources: The Gainesville Sun
A federal official stated that a law enforcement agent was shot by the suspect involved in a shooting connected to a Washington, D.C. press dinner. The remarks, attributed to Pirro, indicate the agent’s shooting was not in dispute. No further details about the suspect’s identity or condition were available from the source.
Sources: The Gainesville Sun
Preventable illness cases in Florida are on the rise even as Republican lawmakers and Gov. DeSantis have pushed to roll back vaccine mandates, according to reporting from the Gainesville Sun. The trend reflects a broader pattern of vaccine resistance taking hold in the state at a time when public health officials warn that declining immunization rates leave communities vulnerable.
Sources: The Gainesville Sun
Spirit Airlines has canceled its entire flight operation, leaving travelers scrambling for options. Passengers are being directed to seek refunds, rebook on other carriers, or take advantage of rescue fares offered by competing airlines.
Sources: The Gainesville Sun
An investigation finds that some of Florida Lottery’s largest scratch-off prize winners share family connections to the retail locations where their winning tickets were purchased. Reporters are questioning whether these relationships give certain individuals an unfair advantage in identifying or selecting high-value tickets.
Sources: WUFT News
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