Two facts about the Orlando massacre stand out: the killer (may his name be forgotten) was an “authorized” gun owner, and the shootings occurred in a “safe” place.

It was a senseless tragedy; a despicable act of terror carried out by a deranged and sick human being. We are all saddened by this tragic loss of life, and mourn with the city of Orlando and all those so severely impacted by the actions of this deranged terrorist.  

For the first time in 24 years, Debbie Wasserman Schultz will not get the endorsement of the AFL-CIO. 

Despite winning the recommendation of the Broward County chapter, Wasserman Schultz failed to get the required 2/3 votes to secure the endorsement.

Some state AFL-CIO chapters have stated there would be no endorsement of Democrats who voted in favor of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

That includes Wasserman Schultz.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz is out as DNC chair. The only thing left  for her to do is relinquish the title, because as of now, she has no power.

Over the past few months America -- and now, unfortunately, Florida -- has witnessed horrific mass killings by individuals who have adopted violence as a way to advertise their allegiance to ISIS or enshrine themselves in infamy.

A top headline said, “Trump plans to insult his way to victory over Clinton.” While it is true that Donald Trump is a skilled insulter, in believing that he crushed sixteen of his GOP rivals by slapping a few labels on them, many observers fail to see the true source of his winning.

The world has lost its way. The physical and political turmoil we face is symptomatic of a failed system of values unable to support our environmental, social, economic, and political security. We look forward with uncertainty and despair, and become vulnerable to the simplistic solutions and actions that will only make the situation worse.

There's a lesson to be drawn from the announcement that South Florida will be hosting the 2020 Super Bowl. The exuberant reaction of South Florida's movers and shakers was quite a contrast to the mood just three short years ago. That's when the Florida Legislature adjourned without approving the use of $389 million in public funds to pay for improvements in the Miami Dolphins' stadium.
       

From her perch as chairwoman of the U.S. House Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., chaired a hearing on “Egypt: Challenges and Opportunities for U.S. Policy” on Wednesday. Her opening statement is below:

This is the third hearing of our subcommittee that we’ve had on Egypt in a little over a year, demonstrating the importance of, and our subcommittee’s commitment to, Egypt’s role in a volatile region, as well as the concerns our members may have on our current U.S. policy toward our ally.

(Editor's Note: This is the acceptance address of Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald senior investigative reporter, delivered June 9  in Lake Mary, after she had been presented with the 2016 Paul Hansell Award for Distinguished Achievement in Florida Journalism. The Hansell is the highest award the Florida Society of News Editors gives. Marbin Miller won for a body of work, including "Bitter Pill," on how Florida rations care to children in need. What she said to Florida's editors and reporters hits home with arresting clarity this week. Read on:)