SUMMARY: Far-right Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders withdrew his Party for Freedom from the four-party ruling coalition, triggering a political crisis just weeks before a NATO summit in The Hague. Wilders criticized the government’s failure to enforce stricter migration policies, demanding a 10-point plan including military border control and asylum seeker rejection. The coalition, led by Prime Minister Dick Schoof, now faces an uncertain future: continuing as a minority government or calling new elections. Other coalition leaders condemned Wilders’ move as irresponsible and self-serving. Wilders’ exit marks another withdrawal from power after similar past disputes, deepening instability amid global challenges.

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SUMMARY: Former Hialeah police chief Sergio Velasquez was arrested on charges of money laundering, organized fraud, and grand theft for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the department’s undercover narcotics fund between 2015 and 2021. Velasquez, who served as chief from 2012 until his suspension in 2021, reportedly made over 900 cash deposits under $10,000 to avoid reporting and used stolen funds for luxury purchases, including Rolex watches and designer brands. The Miami-Dade State Attorney described the case as shocking. Velasquez is currently jailed on a $30,000 bond, facing three felony charges.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said Sergio Velazquez, 62, who served as chief from 2012 until his suspension in 2021, is charged with structuring, grand theft and an organized scheme to defraud.

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SUMMARY: When Hurricane Milton struck DeLand, Florida, last October, heavy rain dumped up to 20 inches in 24 hours, flooding the Glen Eagles neighborhood completely. Fire Chief Todd Allen described the unprecedented flooding, with rooftops barely visible and residents trapped inside, some in attics. Firefighters and police went door to door through the floodwaters, rescuing 14 people, mostly seniors. Deputy Chief Justin Desy recalled families escaping to attics with pets, while Firefighter Justin Bass noted residents’ relief upon rescue. For their bravery, Bass, Vallejo, and Desy were awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for their heroic efforts.

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