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Milkweed is abundant in local nurseries as monarch enthusiasts seek to increase the declining population and backyard gardeners try to lure the famous flutterers. But critics say this non-native plant may be having the opposite effect.

An art exhibit at FAU’s Schmidt Center Gallery is open through Saturday Nov. 23. It showcases several years' worth of politically charged paraphernalia, controversial campaign merch and other once-in-four-years collectables.

Many Florida Latinos are disappointed that Trump won hearts and minds in communities that used to lean Democratic, while others say that there’s much about the president-elect’s politics that speak to them.

From first-time voters to folks who have been voting for decades, two controversial ballot measures drew people to the polls. A majority of Floridians wanted to see recreational marijuana legalized and abortion access restored, but missed the high bar of 60% to pass.

The measure would have made Florida the 25th state to legalize recreational marijuana, but it only garnered 55% of the vote, 5% shy of the bar for it to become part of the state constitution. Gov. Ron DeSantis was strongly opposed to it, but other Republicans voted in favor.

The amendment that proposed to make school board races partisan did not pass the required 60% threshold on Tuesday, but did receive 55% of the vote. Floridians remain divided over whether requiring candidates to declare a political affiliation would help or hurt education.

A measure that would have restored access to abortion received 57% of the vote, falling short of the 60% necessary for an amendment to be added to the state's constitution. But the majority support for the amendment gives activists and pro-choice politicians cause to continue to push to change.

On Tuesday, Floridians voted to 'preserve forever fishing and hunting, including by the use of traditional methods.' The success of Amendment 2 came as good news to most hunting and fishing organizations, but many environmental groups and other critics opposed the measure.

Electioneers lined the pathways outside of Florida polling stations, trying to sway a sprinkling of undecided Floridians. Whether it persuaded voters or reinforced polarization remains unclear.

The federal government recognizes 11 holidays, but Election Day isn't one of them. Experts point out that making this day a federal or state holiday could boost voter turnout, though concerns about the economic impact exist.

Early voting is rapidly increasing in popularity. Millions of Floridians cast their ballots early for a variety of reasons, from convenience and speed to the desire to avoid conflict amid increasing anxieties over the US election.

After a comedian called Puerto Rico an "island of garbage" and lobbed other insults at Latinos, many Hispanic voters – who already lean toward Harris – say they feel even less inclined to vote for Trump. The one outlier among Latinos is Cuban Americans, the majority of whom support the former president.

Supporters of Amendment 1 say it would create transparency, but opponents say will just further politicize school boards and could negatively impact education and community cohesion. Floridians rejected partisan school boards in 1998, and are being asked to weigh in again.

Voting en masse after church has become a Southern tradition interwined with the Civil Rights movement. Other faith allies have sought to gather at places of worship and head to the polls together. Events will continue throughout the state until the end of early voting on Nov. 3.

PolCom Lab's national polling shows VP Harris just ahead of former President Trump at the national level, although the Republican candidate looks likely to win Florida. Amendments 3 and 4, which would legalize recreational marijuana and restore abortion rights, are near or at the 60% threshold.

Various groups are exhorting young people to go out and vote, but registration is still low, and previous elections don’t bode particularly well. Some Florida activists have been pulling out the stops in their efforts to get Gen Z voters to step up and be counted in this election.

The megastar released her 2020 documentary 'Miss Americana' with the intention of becoming more politically engaged. Now, many Swifties say it’s time for her to follow through on her pledge to speak out on political and social issues.

Turnout among Black voters has been decreasing over the past decade or more. For many people of color, Election Day raises fears of intimidation at the polls and questions about whether their votes matter. A slew of stricter voting laws in Florida may exacerbate that trend.

The Republican party is split on Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana. The fact that former President Trump and Gov. DeSantis differ on the issue complicates matters further, as competing advertisements vie for undecided voters.

As Vice President Kamala Harris makes her historic bid for the presidency, the women of Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega, a local graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., are working tirelessly to promote voter education and participation. They can't endorse or promote, but they can exhort you to vote.

As Gen Z voters in Florida head to the polls, many of them say abortion is the most important issue to them. A UNF poll released this week indicated that Amendment 4 enjoys the support of about 60% of likely voters, which just might enable the measure to squeak by.

The average cost of auto insurance in Florida increased by 21 percent between January 2023 and January 2024. Climate is just one reason. Thousands drive uninsured, raising rates for everyone. Local drivers are feeling the pinch.

A majority of voters who identify as Evangelical Christians or Catholics lean towards Trump, particularly on the issue of abortion. Other Christians say they see Harris as caring for the poor, immigrants and other marginalized groups, which fits into their definition of Christian values.

Most people run away from the storm surge, but diehard surfers run towards it. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton, local surfers went out looking to shred. Hurricane season ends Nov. 30.

The Stanley Cup is in South Florida for the first time, to the joy of diehard supporters who have been rooting for the team for years -- in some cases, decades. The Sunrise-based NHL team won their home opener against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 8, with hopes of matching the back-to-back magic of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Two-thirds of Americans say healthcare has not received enough attention in the election cycle thus far. South Florida voters express concerns about both candidates and their plans for healthcare.

Florida's homeless population could be severely impacted by a law that goes into effect on Oct. 1. Although many cities already have ordinances that limit sleeping in public places, the new law stipulates that the unhoused be relocated to shelters, with law enforcement present to monitor them.

Sometimes known as Avian carpenters because of their incessant drilling, woodpeckers seem ubiquitous in one Wellington community. From perching plastic owls on ledge to buying 'ultrasonic woodpecker repellers,' homeowners are seeking solutions but finding little relief.

Tagua nuts create a substance that looks and feels so much like elephant tusk that it’s sometimes called “vegetable ivory.” One Lake Worth Beach boutique says it has the largest selection in South Florida, catering to a clientele that cares for style as well as sustainability.

Taylor Swift's decision to support for Vice President Kamala Harris for president likely activated non-voters and may have piqued the interest of the uninvolved and apathetic. Fans of the pop-star and public opinion experts say it could make those aged 18-29 more likely to register and vote.

Buffett's music, particularly his 1977 hit “Margaritaville,” is loved by generations of music fans. As local 'parrotheads' mark his passing a year ago this month, they celebrate songs synonymous with a chill Florida vibe.

Floridians are flocking to Kratom bars as an alternative to nightclubs, and drinks are increasingly easy to find in shops. But is Kratom safe? Enthusiasts say it's a reliable way to relax, but lawmakers are leaning towards more regulation of the substance after a number of fatal overdoses.

How large of a role do parents play in young voters' political leanings? College students who plan to cast their ballots for the first time in November say their parents' views loom large.

Once the domain of athletes, these brisk dips are now offered by a growing number of businesses, promising health benefits to all. But as the popularity of cold plunges continues to grow, there is little research on the efficacy of this new trend.

Many of today's students never learned to read or write cursive, and most adults say they cannot read their colleagues' handwriting. But is cursive making a comeback? Some Florida schools are teaching it again, and cursive enthusiasts say script still matters.

The iconic South Florida landfill is set to expand its footprint according to a new solid waste plan that has the county divided. Public hearings on the matter will take place on Sept. 17 and Oct. 8.

Vice President Kamala Harris is finding the biggest surge among women and voters aged 18-29. But it may be too early to tell whether Harris is enjoying a true increase of committed supporters – or more of a “convention bounce” following a successful DNC.

A new poll by 538 indicates that Biden and Trump are in a dead heat. That makes the edge that the youngest voters could give to either candidate that much more important. Divisive issues like Gaza and abortion may tip the scales and lure Gen Z to the polls.

President Biden’s decision to close the border to asylum-seekers throws a spotlight on one of the most divisive issues ahead of the November ballot. Former President Trump warns that newcomers are taking minorities' jobs and threatens mass deportation if he wins another term. Many immigrants wish there were more focus on problem-solving and less on politics.

The city of Coral Springs is placing fun-sized libraries within the community, making books more accessible year-round. The project is inspired by the Little Free Library movement, which started in Wisconsin about 15 years ago.

The MLB team’s home base hasn’t quite delivered on all of its promises, residents say, and the team is having a rough season. The most lucrative outgrowth of the stadium: those with the space to offer paid parking.

Two professors from the C.E. Lynn College of Nursing are leading a team of investigators from four other institutions to evaluate how factors like social isolation and intermittent sugarcane burning affect brain health. Funding from the NIH is supporting a five-year study of rural communities near Lake Okeechobee.

Fleeing sexual harassment and unwanted attention, many women find that big coed gyms are just not their jam. POSH Fit, one of many women-only gyms in South Florida, caters to clients but also creates community.

As of May 1, abortion is legal in Florida only up until six weeks of pregnancy. The ban also impacts neighboring southern states where abortion is increasingly unaccessible. Pro-Choice Floridians are now putting hope in changing the state's constitution.

The shuttering of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offices in Florida universities is causing concern for students and faculty alike. Professors and students express concern about how it is changing campus culture, and tie it to a newer law mandating teachers address the dangers of Communism.

The Board of Governors ruled to eliminate sociology as a general education course requirement in Florida's state universities and colleges, amidst new legislation that banned funding for all DEI programs. Gov. DeSantis has targeted sociology in particular and as a ‘woke' ideology, but FAU students and faculty beg to differ.

Move over, palm trees. Community Greening, an urban forestry nonprofit based in Boca Raton, is on a mission to increase Florida’s tree canopy and provide more shade trees in local cities.

Many educators and activists are celebrating a settlement reached following a lawsuit over the state's 'Don't Say Gay' legislation. Some, however, say discussions are still shackled by the legislation. Gov. Ron DeSantis is also calling it a win, because it leaves the Parental Rights in Education bill in effect.

A new nicotine crave is in the headlines, and it just might edge out vaping and smoking. For students, it’s become an easy go-to rush before exams or workouts. Politicians and pundits are also having their say.

Gov. Ron DeSantis says the measure to legalize recreational marijuana is too 'radical’ for Florida. But advocates say it will be good for business and will increase access to those who use it for pain and various medical conditions, but find it cumbersome or costly to get a dispensary card.

Under head coach John Jakus, a new era of FAU basketball is taking shape as multiple players look to potentially take their talents elsewhere. He follows Dusty May, who announced that he was leaving for the University of Michigan a day after the Owls’ first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament in late March.

A movement to put the question of abortion rights to Florida voters garnered more than enough signatures to be put to the people in November as a referendum. Conservative groups say the wording is vague. The state Supreme Court will decide by April 1.

From the death of a child who had been digging a hole in the sand in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea to Miami’s Spring Break-up, South Florida beaches are having a moment. While lifeguards and leaders emphasize safer, saner days in the sun, young tourists aren’t sure this is what they came for.

After a long and contentious debate over the issue, land is being rezoned to make way for luxury homes and a golf course redesign. Many residents fear it will set Wellington on path away from equestrian bliss and towards over-development.

Placing limits on kids’ social media usage has been on conservatives’ legislative wish-list for the last few years. A House bill that would ban minors under 16 from social media accounts went further than some Republicans thought constitutionally viable, earning a rare gubernatorial veto. A revised bill passed just in time for the end of the legislative session.

Miami soccer players of all levels have found a second home in the accepting environment of pick-up soccer. Compared to the classic game, these smaller, quicker matches offer a faster pace and more access to the ball.

Republicans in the Florida House are pushing to lower the legal age of purchase for firearms from 21 to 18. Observers say the bill is expected to die, and one opponent calls it 'the height of insensitivity and callousness' to have introduced it at all.

While running for office, several candidates have battled homophobia. The Lake Worth Beach, Delray Beach and Palm Beach municipal elections take place on March 19.

Tre Carroll and Suron Draden, two Florida Atlantic students, recently got engaged – to the delight of friends, family…and fans who followed the news on Instagram. Carroll is a forward for the Owls, and Draden is his middle-school sweetheart.

Advocates for reproductive freedom have collected nearly a million signatures, more than enough to ask voters whether the state should be allowed to curtail abortions before 24 weeks of pregnancy. Conservative groups say the wording of the measure is confusing and are challenging it in court.

Speaking at the Boca and Jupiter campuses, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists said they are wary about how journalism has changed in the half-century since Watergate and warned about the lack of consensus in what constitutes truth in 2024 America.

After a summer of high temperatures led to what scientists called the worst bleaching event Florida had ever experienced, the coral off of South Florida's coast is showing signs of life. Some experts are feeling optimistic about their recovery, while others remain uncertain.

With the South Florida Fair coming to an end, more rules have been implemented after multiple incidents of violence – most involving adolescents – have shocked local residents and created concern for future fair events.

A new woman-owned pottery studio is fostering creativity and offering a outlet for expression in Boca Raton. 'Boca Mudworks has an energy that I don’t think you could replicate anywhere else besides here,' says founder Connie Picouto.

Now that sports betting has cleared major legal hurdles in Florida, it’s easier than ever to get hooked on gambling on the game. For some students, the popular apps are as addictive as drugs, and just as likely to eat through one's weekly budget for food and expenses.

Young players from the Williams sisters to Coco Gauff first learned to dominate the court in Delray Beach. Tennis fans around the globe will be flocking to South Florida for the Delray Open in February.

The Middle East war, now raging for 10 weeks, has spurred an increase in antisemitic incidents and attacks on Jewish Americans. With Florida's new 'permitless carry' law in place, more Jews are purchasing guns in response.

Florida is ranked the second-deadliest state to walk in, but concerned citizens are pushing for change. Boca Raton residents say too many roads cater to high-speed traffic, and too few to pedestrians, bicyclists and skaters.

Better pay elsewhere is luring coaches away from the Sunshine state, and eating away at Florida’s reputation as the premier place for high school football. For coaches, a treasure trove of five-star recruits pales in comparison to the prospect of tripling or even quadrupling one's salary. 

Amid more proposed legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, Lake Worth Beach offers a safe space for an embattled community. Commissioners voted in September to make it a sanctuary city, the first in Florida to do so.

As violence spreads globally, FAU’s Center for Peace, Justice and Human Rights invites the Boca Raton community to show compassion by hosting a three-day event to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The FAU Men's Basketball Team made history last spring by making it to the Final Four. Now, demand to see the Owls play is so high that season tickets sold out for the first time ever.

After a stunning high jump to the Final Four, excitement for the new basketball season is in the air. For some FAU students, it's worth camping out to see the Owls play. They hope that in the future, a bigger arena will mean more seats for everyone.

A multinational security force is expected to arrive in 2024 following a vote last month at the UN Security Council. But some in South Florida's Haitian community point to the failures of previous peacekeeping missions in the country, and fear for their families back home.

Lucho and his family live and work in Palm Beach County, despite lacking legal status to do so. Many of their friends have fled Florida's strict new laws that penalize employers and put new demands on hospitals. Their story of near-eviction is a window into the vulnerable lives of undocumented workers.