Latest news with #WLRN
Axios
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Carlos Frías settles discrimination case with WLRN
WLRN and ex-"Sundial" host Carlos Frías quietly settled a discrimination lawsuit that Frías filed last year after the radio station canceled his show. The big picture: In the lawsuit, Frías claimed that the NPR station discriminated against him for being Latino and retaliated after he complained to human resources. The lawsuit claimed a WLRN editor told a producer the show was "sounding very Latino" and began keeping track of how many Hispanic guests were on the show. WLRN denied the allegations. It said in court filings that the "unsuccessful Sundial show" was canceled for poor ratings, leading to the termination of Frías and two producers on the show. The latest: Frías, who had sought reinstatement to his old job and compensatory damages, settled the case with WLRN in January. Details of the settlement are confidential, Frías' attorney, William Amlong, tells Axios. "Both sides are appropriately happy and unhappy," Amlong said. "It's how a good mediation always works out." The other side: A WLRN spokesperson said: "The matter has been resolved." Since leaving WLRN, Frías has been working as a freelance writer for outlets like the New York Times, while pursuing other projects.
Newsweek
29-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
South Florida Condo Sales Collapse as Market Suffers 'Real Pain'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Condo sales continued plunging across South Florida in April—a sign that would-be homebuyers remain cautious of rising homeowner association (HOA) fees and growing costs for aging buildings, while widespread uncertainty around the U.S. economy is also taking its toll. According to Juan Arias, South Florida-based director of market analytics at the region's condo market is "beginning to see the real pain" now, he told WLRN. Why It Matters The South Florida condo market saw an explosion in for-sale inventory in the months leading up to December 31, 2024, the deadline for a crucial milestone inspection of the state's aging condos required by new building safety legislation. The new law, introduced as a response to the Surfside collapse of 2021, which killed 98 people, requires condo owners and associations to have sufficient reserves to cover necessary repairs and maintenance work and conduct a survey of reserves every decade. While the law was meant to prevent another tragedy like that of the Champlain Tower South, it had the unwanted consequence of bringing up costs for condo associations and owners, many of whom tried to sell their units before facing higher fees. What they found, though, was an oversaturated market where too many people were trying to sell and not enough buyers were interested in what they were offering. As a result, condo inventory has skyrocketed in South Florida, while sales and prices have started to fall, putting struggling condo owners in an even tougher spot. What To Know The pace of condo sales in South Florida saw a double-digit dip in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County in April compared to a year earlier, according to data from the Miami Association of Realtors, at the same time as inventory continued growing. Miami-Dade saw a drop in condo sales of 21.3 percent compared to a year earlier, the biggest among all three counties, while sales in Broward and Palm Beach County fell respectively by 19.2 percent and 14.4 percent. This downward trend is reflected in the statewide and nationwide markets, where sales of single-family homes and condos have slowed down due to historically elevated mortgage rates, stubbornly high prices and growing fears of a looming recession. "Sales activity has been sluggish both nationally and in South Florida as higher interest rates, lower employment growth and moderating migration are all impacting demand for homes and condos," Arias told Newsweek. Residential condominiums in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Residential condominiums in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Getty Images But the South Florida condo market is seeing much more dramatic price drops as a result of shrinking sales than the single-family homes market in the region, where inventory remains below pre-pandemic level and availability is limited. "While single-family home prices continued to increase, condominium prices fell in April," Arias said. "Condo prices are declining by over 17 percent as pricing continues to deteriorate after almost a year of constant monthly pricing declines." In Miami-Dade, according to the Miami Association of Realtors, prices were up 0.2 percent year-over-year last month. In Broward County, they were down 0.9 percent. In Palm Beach County, they were down by a steep 5.9 percent. Even within the South Florida condo market, there are important nuances to consider—with more expensive condos somehow faring better than most affordable ones. According to Arias, the region's condo market is reporting more sales for properties priced at $1 million and above than it is for those priced below $1 million, where sales volume has shrunk. "In fact, while affordable condo sale activity remains below pre-pandemic levels, activity for more expensive condos remains elevated," he told Newsweek. "Higher homeowner association [HOA] fees, assessments, and higher financing costs are impacting lower-priced condos, which tend to be older and have to go through their decennial certification," he added. Some older condos in South Florida are facing challenges in meeting the certification required by the new law, with less than half of the condos in the region meeting their milestone inspection deadline by the end of last year. This, in turn, is making it difficult for condo buyers to secure the necessary financing for their purchases. "Many of these condos that have yet to meet their inspection or have not had structural repairs done are being placed on a Fannie Mae blacklist, which prevents prospective buyers from getting one of the most affordable types of financing," Arias said. "This is a significant challenge, as around half of transactions for lower-priced condos rely on financing. In contrast, almost 80 percent of sales for $1 million+ condos are all cash." What People Are Saying Realtor Alexei Morgado told Mortgage Professional America: "The condo market is in the midst of a perfect storm. The combined effect of these new laws made over 1,400 condos in Florida ineligible for the standard loan. Buyers now rely on non-QM loans to buy condos in Florida, and the rates and terms are worse." MIAMI REALTORS Chief Economist Gay Cororaton said in a recent press release: "We're seeing a highly polarized market, with sales moving either in the lower price-tier markets that are affordable for most buyers or in the high-end markets where cash buyers make up about half or more of the sales." What Happens Next The challenges posed by the new building safety law to condo owners and associations are expected to be addressed by a bill passed by the Florida legislature this spring and now awaiting Governor Ron DeSantis' signature. The bill, HB 913, would revise the recently introduced condo laws by extending by one year the deadline for the required milestone inspection and consequent structural integrity study, giving more time to associations to collect reserve funding. "Condo properties need more time to meet their milestone inspections and also comply with structural repairs. Additionally, new financing options will allow many HOAs to move forward with required projects," Arias said. While he thinks the bill to be signed by DeSantis is a positive measure, Arias doubts that it would drive a significant shift in the current condo market pricing trends. "The headwinds of elevated financing costs, HOA costs, assessments and slower employment gains still remain," he said. "The law is a move in the right direction, but further extensions to meeting milestone deadlines will remain increasingly unlikely as lawmakers weigh the benefits for current condo owners vs the potential of another building collapse."
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Florida ranks low on the patriotism scale? I don't believe it
How patriotic is Florida? Not very, according to a survey by WalletHub. We ranked No. 46 — that's fifth from the bottom. Fifth least patriotic? I was shocked. I couldn't believe it. I learned of our low ranking when I joined Tim Padgett recently on The South Florida Roundup on WLRN, the National Public Radio affiliate in Miami to discuss patriotism. Until Padgett shared the link to the survey during our discussion of patriotism, I hadn't realized there actually was a patriotism scale. Before that, had I been asked where I thought Florida would rank in patriotism level, I would've said at least in the top 10. I mean, it's a Republican stronghold, and I have found Republicans to be more openly patriotic than Democrats. (Note to those on the left: Feel free to email me to tell me why I'm wrong.) Florida seems to have all the trappings of patriotism: home to 24 active military bases, home to the third large largest veteran's population in the nation and a lot of civic engagement. In 2024, Florida saw a high voter turnout for the presidential election — roughly 78% showed up to cast their ballots. Plus, we have American staples such as Disney World and Sea World. WalletHub uses metrics such as the number of military enlistees and veterans, voter turnout, AmeriCorps volunteers and civic requirements in schools — but these don't capture the full picture. There is another aspect to patriotism, one that isn't tied to a political party, even if it feels that way. Patriotism may have been hijacked to a certain extent by the far right, but during the 2024 presidential election, the Kamala Harris campaign pushed back on that idea with camouflage hats and campaigning with former Republican electeds such as Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY). At it's core, patriotism transcends partisan lines. It's about the ideas such as Freedom and opportunity that unite use as Americans have long defined the American experience. The Netflix documentary 'Tricky Dick and the Man in Black,' released in 2018, is about Johnny Cash performing at the White House at the request of President Richard Nixon in 1970, with the backdrop of the Vietnam War. Is a good example of these values and shows two men who loved America even while disagreeing on policy and war. At the time, of course, Americans were deeply upset over the president's handling of the war, and the documentary depicts that, showing protesters and their signs. The bottom line: The documentary showcases the ways Americans worked to effect change. It was, in my view, patriotism in action. I've seen a bit of that more recently, too. Americans have been expressing their patriotism in the forms of protests — protesting Trump's presidency and Elon Musk's DOGE. From flag waving to sign carrying, there is no question that people are upset and also that they clearly love our country. People who voted for Trump told me they did so because they love this country and believe a businessman is the answer to a tumultuous Biden presidency. Those who voted for Kamala Harris also did so out of love for America, believing a Harris presidency was necessary to protect the country from another four years of Trump. Regardless of who you voted for last November or where you fall on the political spectrum, a love for America is the purest form of patriotism. No flag waving, protesting or apple pie required. Florida – as of four years ago when WalletHub completed its survey — doesn't check all the criteria, but spend a day in the Sunshine State, and you'll see patriotism on full display, especially in Miami. From the Cuban Americans who came to America to flee communism to our retired veterans who picked Florida to call home after their service to the houses that display American flags year round, and not just on key holidays, patriotism in Florida runs deep. It's not something that can be fully captured in a survey nor does it solely belong to one political party. It's embodied in our commitment to preserving American democracy and upholding the Constitution. I recognize the future feels a little uncertain. But it's important to remember our nation has weathered its fair share of storms and endured in its nascent history. It's our love of country that keeps democracy alive. For conservatives, our belief in American exceptionalism is cemented in our founding fathers' vision of limited government, individual liberty and free markets – principles woven into the fabric of our nation. This Memorial Day, let's take a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and reflect on their commitment to our country's freedoms. It's not only patriotic; it's the right thing to do. Freedom still exists, and each day, we are striving for a more perfect union. Mary Anna Mancuso is a member of the Miami Herald Editorial Board. Her email: mmancuso@
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Donald Trump Talks Alcatraz And There's No Escaping His Wild, Rambling Answer
Donald Trump on Monday served up a word salad for the ages after being asked to explain his thinking behind his order to reopen the notorious former prison of Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay. The president, while taking questions following a press conference confirming the NFL 2027 draft will take place in Washington, D.C., was asked: 'How did you decide to reopen Alcatraz? Can you walk us through that decision? How will you use it? How did you come up with the idea?' Trump rambled in response: 'It represents something very strong, very powerful in terms of law and order. Our country needs law and order. Alcatraz is I would say the ultimate, right? Alcatraz, Sing, Sing. And Alcatraz, the movies. But it's right now a museum, believe it or not. A lot of people go there. It housed the most violent criminals in the world and nobody ever escaped. One person almost got there but they, as you know, the story, they found his clothing rather badly ripped up and it was a lot of shark bites, a lot of, lot of problems. Nobody's ever escaped from Alcatraz and just represented something strong having to do with law and order. We need law and order in this country. And so we're going to look at it. Some of the people up here are going to be working very hard on that and we had a little conversation. I think it's going to be very interesting. We'll see if we can bring it back, in large form, add a lot. But I think it represents something right now. It's a big hulk that's sitting there rusting and rotting. You look at it, it's sort of an, you saw that picture that was put out. It's sort of amazing but it sort of represents something that's both horrible and beautiful and strong and miserable, weak. It's got a lot of, it's got a lot of qualities that are interesting and I think they make a point. Watch here: Critics on social media accused Trump of not really answering the questions. Some pointed to the airing on Saturday of the 1979 Clint Eastwood film 'Escape to Alcatraz' on WLRN in South Florida, where Trump was staying at his Mar-a-Lago resort, as possibly the real explanation for his order to get the long-shuttered penitentiary back up and running, despite its crumbling infrastructure. Related...
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cognitive Decline? Trump Spews a Word Salad to Explain Alcatraz Idea.
President Donald Trump just gave a completely incoherent explanation for his impromptu plan to reopen Alcatraz prison in San Francisco Bay. 'How will you use it? How did you come up with the idea?' a reporter asked the president on Monday. 'Well, I guess I was supposed to be a movie maker. We're talking—we started with the movie-making and it will end,' Trump replied. 'It represents something very strong, very powerful, in terms of law and order. Our country needs law and order. Alcatraz is, I would say, the ultimate, right? Alcatraz, Sing Sing, and Alcatraz, the movies. 'But uh, it's right now a museum, believe it or not. Lotta people go there. It housed the most violent criminals in the world, and nobody ever escaped. One person almost got there, but they, as you know the story, they found his clothing rather badly ripped up, and uh it was a lot of shark bites, a lot of problems. Nobody's ever escaped from Alcatraz, and just represented something strong having to do with law And order, we need law and order in this country.' Trump said he hoped to 'bring [Alcatraz] back in large form, add a lot.' 'It sort of represents something that's both horrible and beautiful and strong and miserable, weak,' he added. 'It's got a lot of qualities that are interesting.' Despite his surplus of adjectives, Trump's response didn't quite answer the question. Some have suggested that Trump was inspired by Escape from Alcatraz, the 1979 film that aired on South Florida's WLRN on Saturday night (Trump was staying in Palm Beach). Shortly after announcing plans to reopen Alcatraz, Trump also posted on Truth Social that he was planning to place tariffs on foreign-made movies. This is certainly not the first time the president has had trouble answering questions. Just last week, when asked about his administration's punitive measures against Harvard University, Trump began ranting about fictional riots of Trump supporters in Harlem.
