Hatzel Vela

Miami

Politics Reporter at WTVJ-TV (Miami, FL)

Politics Reporter at WSCV-TV (Miami, FL)

#Emmy award-winning journalist covering politics at @NBC6 & @Telemundo51; formerly based in #Havana #Cuba. Miami grown; Nicaraguan born. IG: @hatzelvela

Articles

Gov. DeSantis supports condo reform bill passed in State House, Senate

1 week ago | nbcmiami.com | Hatzel Vela

State lawmakers once again passed condo reform for millions of Floridians, who are struggling to keep up with rising costs because of state mandates. Last week, the legislature approved HB 913, and on Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis told NBC 6 he was supportive of the measure. "People said they needed relief and they need relief," DeSantis said at a press conference in Miami, where he mainly addressed the recently passed law banning fluoride.
Family of father of 2 killed in FSU mass shooting hold press conference at campus

2 weeks ago | nbcmiami.com | Hatzel Vela

A press conference was held Wednesday by the family of a man who was killed in a mass shooting at Florida State University. Forty-five-year-old Tiru Chabba was one of the two victims who was killed in the April 17 shooting. Chabba, of Greenville, South Carolina, leaves behind a wife and two children, according to attorneys hired by his family. Lawyers for Chabba's family said they are calling for full transparency and a thorough investigation.
New TV ads threaten migrants with fines, urge deportation

3 weeks ago | nbcmiami.com | Hatzel Vela

You've probably seen the ads on television. This week, the Donald Trump administration released new video ads urging undocumented migrants to self-deport or get fined thousands of dollars. The 30-second and minute ads tout the administration's tough stance on immigration and make it a point to cite numbers of people deported. "Over 100,000 illegal aliens have been arrested," said Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Florida House Speaker fights back after governor's string of attacks

3 weeks ago | nbcmiami.com | Hatzel Vela

The relationship between state republican lawmakers and the governor seems to once again be deteriorating after six years of a symbiotic partnership. On Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis used almost an entire press conference to lash out at members of the House of Representatives and its leadership. "It's really a pathetic agenda," DeSantis said of the House of Representatives, among other things, to include harsh criticism over the proposed budget he argued defunds the Florida Highway Patrol.
Live Updates: Active shooter reported at Florida State University; multiple patients hospitalized

3 weeks ago | nbcnews.com | Doha Madani |Tom Llamas |Marlene Lenthang |Hatzel Vela

Multiple patients have been hospitalized after an active shooter was reported at Florida State University's campus in Tallahassee. The school sent an alert urging students to seek shelter as a shooter was reported in the area of the student union. Police were "on scene or on the way," according to the alert. "Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures," the alert said.
GOP infighting in Tallahassee gets heated

4 weeks ago | nbcmiami.com | Hatzel Vela

The political wounds we thought had healed may have reopened in Tallahassee. Gov. Ron DeSantis used an entire hour at his Wednesday press conference to lash out at the members of the House of Representatives and its leadership. And the bickering doesn't seem to have an end in sight. "Something is rotting over there," DeSantis said in a press conference, where he blasted the House for defunding the Florida Highway Patrol.
Exasperated families wait for news of loved ones who died in Dominican roof collapse

1 month ago | nbcmiami.com | Hatzel Vela

A roof collapse at the legendary Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo has plunged the Dominican Republic into mourning. Authorities say the disaster early Tuesday killed 221 people and injured more than 200 others. Nearly two dozen people remain hospitalized, with several in critical condition. Relatives waited for news of their loved ones at the National Institute of Forensic Pathology, which has become a place of anguish. A screen set up nearby showed the names of victims in different colors.
House Speaker on his plan for financial relief

1 month ago | nbcmiami.com | Hatzel Vela

Financial relief could be on the way for millions of Floridians and state visitors by way of a sales tax cut. Florida House Speaker Danny Perez announced that as part of his proposed budget, the legislature would cut the sales tax by 0.75%, from 6% to 5.25%. "Our greatest priority of the House is to make sure that Florida becomes more affordable," Perez told NBC6. While the cut may seem minor, Perez said it is $5 billion in savings for the Florida taxpayer.
Hialeah complies with DOGE efforts, will let state analyze city budget

1 month ago | nbcmiami.com | Hatzel Vela

The city of Hialeah on Tuesday approved a resolution that supports Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' establishment of the Executive Office of the Governor Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team. "In the city of Hialeah, we've had DOGE now for a long time," said Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo outside City Hall, where he was flanked by city employees from different departments. Bovo wants the governor to know his city is willing to let the state analyze their $485 million budget.
Maestro habla de su dolor y la separación familiar tras la deportación

1 month ago | telemundopr.com | Hatzel Vela

MIAMI, Florida - Desde la pequeña sala de estar de una casa escondida en un pequeño y remoto pueblo hondureño, Wualner Sauceda recordó cómo fue ser deportado de Estados Unidos. Sauceda, de 24 años, era profesor de ciencias novato en la escuela secundaria Palms Spring de Hialeah cuando fue detenido a principios de enero y deportado un mes después. “Solicité asilo y el proceso tardó varios años”, dijo Sauceda.