Latest news with #Nuñez
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
‘Betrayal': Donor yanks $1M from FIU over undocumented student tuition hike
Miami businessman and philanthropist Miguel 'Mike' Fernandez has suspended a $1 million donation to Florida International University in protest of Florida's decision to strip in-state tuition benefits from undocumented students — a policy that was until recently endorsed by FIU's new president, Jeanette Nuñez. In a June 4 letter to Shlomi Dinar, dean of FIU's Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, Fernandez denounced the tuition hike as 'punitive' and called for the state to restore 'fairness and opportunity.' Fernandez' now-suspended $1 million pledge was meant to fund first-generation student scholarships through the school's Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership. 'I cannot remain silent while thousands of Florida's young residents are excluded from the opportunity to experience higher education,' Fernandez wrote. Fernandez, who describes himself as a lifelong Republican until the election of Donald Trump in 2016, did not mince words about Nuñez's reversal on the tuition equity law she once championed. As a state legislator in 2014, Nuñez, who is Cuban-American, helped pass the law that allowed undocumented students to pay in-state tuition if they had gone to high school in the state for at least three consecutive years and enrolled in college within two years of graduating from high school, arguing at the time, 'Let's not hold these children responsible for actions that their parents took.' But in January, shortly before stepping down as Gov. Ron DeSantis' lieutenant governor for the FIU job, Nuñez declared the law had 'run its course' and that 'Florida will not incentivize illegal immigration through this law or any other.' Fernandez, a healthcare industry magnate, said he thought Nuñez's about-face was 'at the lowest level of ethical behavior' 'If I had to pay that price to betray children, I would rather be bankrupt,' Fernandez said in an interview Monday. 'I find it immoral, and I find that a betrayal of the greatest level for someone to do this to her own community.' The elimination of in-state tuition eligibility for undocumented students was part of the Florida GOP's immigration package, signed by DeSantis in January. For students at FIU, tuition will jump from approximately $205 to $619 per credit hour, a 250% increase. Just this year, 6,500 students across Florida — the majority of which are likely undocumented — have benefited from the in-state tuition rule. FIU, the nation's largest Hispanic-serving institution, estimates about 500 students will be affected. Fernandez, who arrived undocumented in the U.S. from Mexico in 1964, lobbied hard for the legislation for years before it was passed in 2014, still has a copy of the bill in his Coral Gables office. 'Mike was instrumental in that legislation passing,' said Will Weatherford, who served as House Speaker in 2014. Fernandez was 'encouraging me and others to have an open heart to the concept that kids shouldn't be punished for decisions of their parents, and it resonated.' Nuñez, reached through an FIU spokesperson Monday, didn't immediately respond for comment. For Fernandez, the controversy extends beyond tuition. Earlier this year, FIU police voluntarily entered into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, authorizing campus police to train officers to help identify and detain individuals suspected of immigration violations. The partnership, backed by Nuñez, has sparked protests from students and faculty concerned about racial profiling and fear among immigrant communities. 'No one in this county should be putting our citizens to be kidnapped by people in masks, without ID, who surround you and, in some cases, abuse you,' Fernandez said. 'Our local law enforcement should not be sucked into that process of doing federal work.' FIU officials defend the agreement, emphasizing officer training and adherence to state law, while President Nuñez maintains the partnership 'upholds the rule of law.' The tuition rollback is slated to take effect on July 1 for the 2025-26 academic year. The Florida Education Association warns that universities could lose up to $15 million in revenue as undocumented students priced out of public schools may leave Florida altogether. Since Florida canceled in-state tuition for undocumented students, a scholarship program for undocumented students, decided it would no longer fund scholarships at eight Florida universities. And just last week, the Board of Governors of the state's university system voted to allow schools to increase out-of-state tuition by up to 10 percent. For Fernandez, the fight transcends dollars and cents. 'Decades ago, children of undocumented immigrants faced exorbitant tuition fees,' Fernandez wrote in his letter to FIU. 'After ten years of persistent efforts, we achieved a significant victory. It is troubling to see that progress undone.'
GMA Network
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- GMA Network
MMDA mulls narrower bike lane, wider motorcycle lane along Commonwealth Ave.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Friday it plans to propose the reduction of the width of the bicycle lane along Commonwealth Avenue to provide more space for motorcycle riders. MMDA director for traffic enforcement Vic Nuñez said that ever since the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) resumed last month, there has been overcrowding along the exclusive motorcycle lane on Commonwealth Avenue, especially during rush hours. With this, he said that the MMDA has come up with several proposed interventions to ease the woes of riders: -Reduce the width of the existing bike lane to create additional space for the existing motorcycle lane; -Shift the fourth private lane from the MRT-7 to the right beside the PUV lane; -Remove the existing bike lane to provide additional space to the existing motorcycle lane along Commonwealth Avenue; -Reconfigure the current bike lane and redesignate it to establish a dedicated lane for motorcycle taxis and similar vehicles Nuñez said that the widening of the motorcycle lane may be possible as long as the existing bike lane still has enough space for cyclists, ranging from five meters or wider. 'Sa motorcycle lane, ang travel time mababawasan ng 11%, ang travel speed [madadagdagan ng] 12%. Due to the additional lane width for the motorcycle lane, it will accommodate more motorcycles,' he explained. (The travel time along the motorcycle lane will be reduced by 11%, while the travel speed will increase by 12%.) 'Sa motorcycle lane, travel time ay 36% ang decrease, ang travel speed ay 63% [ang increase]. The wider lane significantly improves traffic flow by accommodating more motorcycles,' the MMDA official added. MMDA chairman Romando Artes, however, pointed out that they will still have to coordinate with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Quezon City local government regarding their proposals. He also underscored the importance of road sharing and providing cyclists a path along Commonwealth Avenue where they can safely use their bicycles. 'Ang bicycle lane hindi kami nagde-decide. 'Yung sinasabi niyo po na bicycle lane, trap 'yan, nilagay namin dahil gusto namin na ma-tempt kayo na pumasok para may penalty, hindi po. Hindi namin programa ang bicycle lane at hindi kami ang solo nagde-decide,' Artes explained. (We're not the ones deciding on the bicycle lane. It's not true that we use the bicycle lane as a trap to give you penalties when you cross it. The bicycle lane is not our program and we are not the only ones deciding on that.) The NCAP was resumed after the Supreme Court partially lifted the temporary restraining order against the policy, allowing only the MMDA to implement it anew. The NCAP uses closed-circuit television, digital cameras, and/or other gadgets or technology to capture videos and images of vehicles violating traffic laws. Violators can pay fines online or at the MMDA office, and they can also contest their supposed violations caught under the policy.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
Miami Herald
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
State board approves 3 DeSantis allies as university presidents. One drew protesters
When it comes to picking university presidents in Florida, traditional academics are so passé. Politicos are all the rage. The state university system's Board of Governors followed that trend on Wednesday when it unanimously approved three new university presidents, each with strong ties to Gov. Ron DeSantis: former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez at Florida International University, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. as interim president of the University of West Florida and telecom executive Marva Johnson as president of Florida A&M University, the state's only public historically Black university. Among the three confirmations, Johnson's appointment has drawn the most intense backlash. Her selection followed a divisive search process and came despite vocal opposition from students, alumni and even members of the FAMU Board of Trustees. At Wednesday's meeting, they continued to voice their concerns. The board's confirmation votes — delivered with little debate — confirmed the new normal in Florida higher education: placing Republican insiders and political appointees in top academic leadership roles. Eleven of the 25 public university and state college presidency vacancies over the past five years have been filled by former GOP lawmakers or lobbyists. The Board of Governors rejection of former University of Michigan president Santa Ono for the University of Florida presidency earlier this month confirmed that Florida is no longer interested in academic pedigree. Ono sat for a three-hour grilling about his views on diversity, equity and inclusion and other topics before the vote. By contrast, Wednesday's proceedings moved swiftly, even as Johnson's appointment sparked significant opposition and required special legislation to fund her contract. Wednesday's bulk approvals further DeSantis' effort to cement his legacy of conservative higher-ed reforms as the term-limited governor winds down his second term. Now, five of Florida's 12 public universities are set to be led by DeSantis allies. Past appointments include former House Speaker Richard Corcoran — now president of New College of Florida, where he's steering the liberal-arts school rightward — and former House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, who was tapped earlier this year to lead Florida Atlantic University. Nuñez and Diaz, like others recently appointed, lack terminal degrees — once considered standard for university presidents. Nuñez holds a bachelor's and master's from FIU; Diaz holds a master's and served as COO of Doral College, a small private institution. Johnson has a juris doctor from Georgia State University and no previous experience as a university administrator or HBCU affiliate. Supporters argue that these leaders bring political savvy, fundraising ability and Tallahassee connections — assets that are increasingly valuable as education policy becomes more politicized. But critics warn that these appointees often lack academic credentials and experience in university governance, potentially alienating faculty and threatening the integrity of higher education. Rattlers hiss at Johnson At Wednesday's meeting, more than a dozen public speakers condemned Johnson as underqualified. Kimberly Godwin, a FAMU alumna and former ABC News president, said Johnson was 'underprepared and short-sighted' and 'did not earn' the privilege of running one of the nation's top-ranked public historically Black universities. Johnson has never worked in higher education. Her background includes eight years on the Florida Board of Education — appointed first by former Gov. Rick Scott and later reappointed by DeSantis — as well as executive roles in the telecom industry. Critics noted her lack of ties to historically Black colleges and universities and her alignment with policies, including the DeSantis-backed bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which many FAMU stakeholders see as hostile to their institution's mission. But Board of Governors members defended the selection, pointing to her credentials as a corporate executive and her service on various state boards. Vice Chair Alan Levine, who sat on FAMU's presidential search committee, praised Johnson's 'resilience and spine' amid public attacks and called her a 'highly qualified and excellent candidate.' 'She deserves this opportunity because she earned it,' Levine said. Board member Paul Renner, a former House Speaker, likened Johnson's situation to that of the late John Thrasher, a Republican lawmaker whose controversial appointment as Florida State University president in 2014 eventually won broad support. 'Marva Johnson's success is FAMU's success,' Renner said. 'We all want to see that success.' Addressing her critics, Johnson said she was committed to steering the Tallahassee-based school through a shifting higher-education landscape and promised to work alongside the FAMU community to 'chart a unified path to elevate student success.' 'As I step into this role, I recognize the legacy that I carry,' Johnson said. 'To the Rattler community … I am listening and I hear your dreams and I hear your concerns and my door will always be open.' Still, as Johnson spoke, two dozen FAMU students and alumni stood and turned their backs in protest. One woman in the audience wept. After the board's vote, many walked out. FAMU dips into reserves for Johnson's salary While Johnson's path was fraught, Nuñez and Diaz faced comparatively little opposition. Nuñez, who had been serving as FIU's interim president since February, was confirmed to a five-year contract with a $925,000 base salary and performance bonuses up to $400,000 annually. A former state representative and DeSantis' lieutenant governor, Nuñez is the first FIU alum to lead the university. Diaz, who is stepping down as Florida's education commissioner, will earn a $643,000 salary at UWF — $324,000 more than his current role. His contract also includes a $60,000 housing allowance, a $24,000 relocation stipend and a provision allowing the use of donor funds for local club memberships. He begins July 14. Johnson's pay package became a flashpoint in the debate. Her $650,000 base salary and $836,000 total compensation exceed that of her predecessor, Larry Robinson, by over $300,000. Due to a state law that caps taxpayer-funded presidential salaries at $200,000, FAMU's fundraising foundation was expected to cover the rest. But with the foundation only committing $388,562, the Legislature passed a last-minute budget provision allowing the university to dip into reserves to make up the shortfall. Johnson's appointment follows former President Robinson's resignation in July 2024, amid fallout from a scandal involving a bogus $237 million donation pledge. Interim President Timothy Beard has been serving in the role since August. When Johnson steps into her Rattler-in-Chief position Aug. 1, she'll take over a school that has been mired in controversies over financial mismanagement. Prior to her approval vote, the Board of Governors on Wednesday grilled FAMU leadership over a state audit showing poor fiscal oversight. Gabrielle Albert, a lifetime member of the FAMU National Alumni Association, told the Miami Herald that by hiring Johnson, the university and state boards were placing the school 'in harm's way.' She said the school would have been better off with FAMU's current chief operating officer, Donald Palm, who had emerged as the community favorite during the presidential search. 'This has nothing to do with her being a good previous government employee; she's not qualified to leave the school,' Albert said of Johnson. 'I mean, if you have financial issues, are you going to hire a COO, or are you going to hire a federal lobbyist?'
GMA Network
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- GMA Network
Real-time email, SMS alerts for NCAP violators being developed, says MMDA
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is working with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and telecommunication companies to develop real-time email and short message service (SMS) notifications for violators of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group director Atty. Victor Nuñez made the statement on Tuesday in PTV's Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon after the May Huli Ka 2.0 was launched. 'This is also in partnership with the LTO because kapag nag re-renew kayo ng rehistro, you will be required to put your email and contact number para mas madali yung notification sa mga nag violate ng NCAP,' Nuñez said. (This is also in partnership with the LTO because you will be required to put your email and contact number when renewing your car registration to notify NCAP violators easily.) On Monday, the MMDA launched "May Huli Ka 2.0,' a website that will allow drivers to check if they violated the NCAP. Nuñez said the agency is working on a May Huli Ka app so users can have a more compact and accessible option. He added the app would be launched in one to two months. Last week, the MMDA announced that it had begun sending notices to traffic violators. It noted that notices of violation were issued after a thorough review of the infractions caught on camera. —RF, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Agushto Papá' challenges música Mexicana artists to speak up on immigration raids
As looming fear over ongoing ICE raids in the greater Los Angeles area continues, one group of music enthusiasts is using their platform to call out for more visibility and support from famed artists — underscoring tense conversations about influence in the Latino music scene. Since 2021, the "Agushto Papá" podcast — founded and hosted by Jason Nuñez, Diego Mondragon and Angel Lopez— has played a key role in chronicling the rise of música Mexicana by giving up-and-coming artists a platform to showcase their talent and personalities. Popular genre acts like Xavi, Eslabon Armado, Becky G, DannyLux, Ivan Cornejo and more have appeared on their YouTube channel, which has amassed over 635,000 subscribers to date. However, on Monday, the trio strayed away from their standard entertainment content, uploading an Instagram reel reflecting disappointment over ICE sweeps, which have targeted communities of Paramount, Huntington Park, Santa Ana and other predominantly Latino communities. 'It's super unfortunate to see what's happening within our Latino community,' Nuñez states in the clip. 'I think it's very important that we stay united and spread as much awareness as possible.' The video initially highlighted efforts by Del Records, who are providing free legal assistance to members of the community who are facing deportation orders; earlier this year, the Bell Gardens label was caught in a web of guilty court verdicts due to their links to cartels. Still, the label is one of the few Latino-led music entities outspoken about providing resources for affected individuals, 'but I definitely think they shouldn't be the only ones,' added Nuñez in the video. Podcast co-host Lopez prompted viewers to tag their favorite artist in the comment section if they would like for them to speak up, he said, 'I think it's fair and just that [artists] show some of that love back to the community that's in need and that is hurting.' 'I think that [artists] do play a big role because I think we see them as role models or leaders in our community,' said Lopez in a Tuesday interview with The Times. 'These are times when we need those leaders to speak up and for us and people that maybe can't speak up as well.' The topic of immigration hits close to home for two of the members; Nuñez and Mondragon are both DACA recipients and openly discuss their unique experience on the podcast. The Obama-era program, which provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization, has also come under attack in recent years by Trump-appointed judges and is currently recognized as unlawful by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, although application renewals remain. 'I feel betrayed because with ["Agushto Papá"], we have a lot of artists and companies and labels reach out to us to promote albums, tours,' said Mondragon. 'We've actually reached out to some of these companies [and] they've been ignoring us.' While Mondragon won't disclose names, he says that many individuals have not spoken out because, "their artists are not born in the U.S." To that he quips, "We don't have papers as well, and we're still using our platform." There's a sense of betrayal, the group says, especially given how various artists and labels came out to support Californians during the January wildfires, 'but now when it comes down to bringing awareness to things that are happening to their people, it's just unfair that they're keeping quiet,' says Nuñez. Still, the "Agushto Papá" podcast is not alone in this sentiment; if you scroll across the comment sections of trending música Mexicana acts, you'll likely come across comments asking them why they're staying silent about recent sweeps, which immigration-leaders say have totaled at least 300 people. 'I think my big let down is that these companies/artists are vocal about their culture, their heritage, their ethnicity every chance they get, but now I feel like they're picking and choosing only when it matters,' said Lopez. In days following public demonstrations and protests, several Mexican American artists have vocalized their support of the immigrant communities including big acts like Ivan Cornejo, Becky G, and Chiquis. On Tuesday, the boisterous San Bernardino band Fuerza Regida, uploaded a statement to their 9.1 million followers, sharing support for the Latino community. The podcast trio later thanked in a follow-up video. "There's still a lot of artists that are staying silent and we hope by this week they speak out about what's going on," states Mondragon in the video, urging artists to spread awareness, or perhaps, if they're bold, front a portion of their millions to the community, even if it means opting for first class instead of their private jet, he says. Get our Latinx Files newsletter for stories that capture the complexity of our communities. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
