NATIONAL NEWS

Crews battle South Florida wildfires that have burned thousands of acres

May 11, 2026, 11:50 AM

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A pair of South Florida wildfires that torched thousands of acres in the Everglades over the weekend spread Monday as fire crews worked to contain them.

The Florida Forest Service posted on Facebook that the growing fires were producing smoky conditions with reduced visibility, but containment operations were increasing. No serious injuries or property damage has been reported.

The larger of the two fires has spread to about 5,600 acres (2,300 hectares) with 30% containment in the undeveloped area southwest of Fort Lauderdale, officials said. The National Guard is assisting state and local firefighters.

Fire rescue crews were also fighting a 300-acre (120-hectare) blaze in southern Miami-Dade County, near Homestead, officials said. That fire is also 30% contained.

Dry conditions have led to other wildfires in other parts the country. Fires destroyed dozens of homes in southern Georgia last month.

National News

Florida Republican congressman and gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds addresses members of the H...

Associated Press

Florida holds primaries for governor and Congress, testing Trump’s grip on adopted state

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A Republican attempting to become Florida’s first Black governor faces a crowded field Tuesday while Democrats wage primary battles for a reduced pool of left-leaning seats under redrawn congressional maps. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is banking on President Donald Trump ’s endorsement in hopes of securing the Republican nomination and […]

2 hours ago

Florida Republican congressman and gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds talks with a member of the...

Associated Press

What to watch Tuesday: Redistricting scrambles Florida as Alaska pits Dan Sullivan v. Dan Sullivan

As a long and contentious primary season nears its end, attention is turning to Florida, Wyoming, California and Alaska, where primaries Tuesday will highlight Republican-led redistricting efforts that have scrambled congressional maps and new battles between the Democratic establishment and progressive left. Also in the mix are a handful of scandal-plagued candidates, multiple people running […]

2 hours ago

Kimie Smothermon feeds some of her several hundred guinea pigs while operating a guinea pig rescue ...

Associated Press

Hundreds of guinea pigs fill Massachusetts sanctuary with squeals, purrs and lots of love

SALISBURY, Mass. (AP) — Kimie Smothermon begins each day greeted by the squeals, chirps and purrs of nearly 400 guinea pigs. Depending on who you ask, tending to the daily barrage of guinea pig needs can be either a fairy tale or a horror show. For Smothermon, it’s often a mix of both. “If I […]

2 hours ago

FILE - Law enforcement vehicles sit parked outside the Florida state prison in Starke, Fla., on Tue...

Associated Press

Florida set to carry out 13th execution this year in nation’s busiest death chamber

MIAMI (AP) — A Florida man convicted of fatally shooting his estranged wife and wounding his mother-in-law is set to be executed Tuesday, continuing the state’s aggressive use of the death penalty in Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis ‘ final term. William Frances Silvia, 61, would be the 13th prisoner put to death this year in […]

2 hours ago

FILE - Alaska U.S. Senate candidate Mary Peltola, a Democrat, speaks during a campaign rally on May...

Associated Press

2 Dan Sullivans face off in Alaska’s US Senate primary, which also features a former congresswoman

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska voters are choosing candidates for November’s general election in a series of primary contests Tuesday, including a U.S. Senate race that will be among the most closely watched in the nation this fall. The campaign featured over a dozen contenders in each of the top races — for Senate, U.S. […]

2 hours ago

Associated Press

Pennsylvania cocaine trafficking case has ties to 2 fraternities

More than a dozen people were criminally charged Monday over their alleged ties to a cocaine-trafficking ring in Pennsylvania that involved two fraternities and students. A total of 14 defendants — 13 of which were Penn State University students at or around the time of the alleged crimes in 2023 and 2024 — were charged […]

5 hours ago

Crews battle South Florida wildfires that have burned thousands of acres