Latest issueRecord king tides flood Las Olas; Aquinas opens Open Division Nov. 13Read now

5AM Fort LauderdaleSubscribe — it’s free

← Past issues

Daily editionThursday, September 17th, 2026

Good morning, Fort Lauderdale.

The 5AM Fort Lauderdale Team

ShareEmailFacebookX

Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of September.

Economy

  1. Feeding South Florida reported that diesel prices have pushed operating costs up by 59%, leading to a drop in food donations for the network that serves 1.7 million people in four counties.

    The rate for diesel reached $6.32 a gallon amid global supply issues.

    CBS News MiamiRead more

Education

  1. The Florida Board of Education approved new restrictions on AI use in public schools, colleges, and universities to give parents control and require teacher training; districts must provide alternative non-AI materials for students who opt out.

    The unanimous action advances safeguards for student learning (including stricter rules for unsupervised use at lower grade levels) and sets a national precedent.

    WSVN 7NewsRead more

  2. Jordon King studies the Everglades and teaches locals about nature while using his social media to share his findings; the researcher’s unique style—inspired by his Jamaican roots and marked by colorful grills—adds a creative twist to his nature lessons.

    Local10Read more

  3. Broward and Miami-Dade school officials warn that teacher pay and safety programs could be cut in November if voters do not approve funding, risking teacher shortages in local classrooms.

    CBS News MiamiRead more

Health

  1. The Florida Department of Health reported that a fourth person died in Broward County today from Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria known for rapid tissue damage; previous deaths have been recorded in Palm Beach, Bay & Marion counties, with 21 cases confirmed statewide this year.

    NBC6 South FloridaRead more

Sports

  1. Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul two to 0 in the Campeones Cup Wednesday night when Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal off Luis Suárez and Casemiro added a corner header, marking a milestone three years after his arrival; the team will host San Diego FC on Sunday (at Nu Stadium).

    CBS News MiamiRead more

  2. The Florida Panthers begin training camp today with captain Aleksander Barkov—back from a knee injury—and core players from the Cup-winning teams in 2024 and 2025 as the team prepares for the season ahead.

    NBC6 South FloridaRead more