Tania Francois

Maine, Miami

Executive Producer at WFOR-TV (Miami, FL)

God lover. Award winning journalist. Fabulous aunt! Native Miamian. CBS News Miami pays me to do what I love. Oh and this MAY get personal!

Articles

From addiction to advocacy, Florida Sen. Rosalind Osgood shares journey of recovery

1 month ago | cbsnews.com | Tania Francois

Before she was a Florida state senator, before she served on the Broward County School Board, Dr. Rosalind Osgood was living on the streets, battling addiction and struggling to survive. Today, she represents District 32 in the Florida Senate, but her path to public service was anything but conventional. "It's important for me to say that I'm a person in recovery, for 35 years," Osgood said. Her drug of choice varied over time. "I used marijuana, I used cocaine and I used crack," she said.
How a thriving Black Miami community was erased overnight

2 months ago | yahoo.com | Tania Francois

MIAMI - In the summer of 1947, a thriving Black community in Miami vanished in the blink of an eye. Families were evicted with little notice, given just two hours to leave behind their homes, businesses and belongings. Rebecca Jenkins McSwain, whose family was among those forced out of the Railroad Shop Colored Addition, recalled the devastation in a recorded interview. "My family is from Railroad Shop Colored Addition out of Miami and we were evicted from our property," she said.
The Black Miami community erased overnight

2 months ago | cbsnews.com | Tania Francois

The Black Miami community erased overnight MIAMI - In the summer of 1947, a thriving Black community in Miami vanished in the blink of an eye. Families were evicted with little notice, given just two hours to leave behind their homes, businesses and belongings. Rebecca Jenkins McSwain, whose family was among those forced out of the Railroad Shop Colored Addition, recalled the devastation in a recorded interview.
South Florida volunteers honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with day of service

Jan 20, 2025 | cbsnews.com | Tania Francois

MIAMI - While many spent Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a day off, others took it as a day on, dedicating their time to community service. In Fort Lauderdale, teens from Jack and Jill of America's Greater Fort Lauderdale chapter began their day cleaning along Sistrunk Boulevard. Roman Hughes, a teen member, explained why staying home wasn't an option. "Even if it's a day off, it's good to help, and this is what Dr. King lived for," Hughes said.
Haitian leaders urge Biden to extend TPS amid deportation fears

Jan 15, 2025 | cbsnews.com | Tania Francois

MIAMI - Haitian leaders are urging President Joe Biden to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians through 2028. The program is currently set to expire in February 2026 and immigrant communities are concerned that, starting next week, families could face forced separation and deportation. Christel Guichette, a South Florida resident, said he is living in fear. His youngest child was born in Miami and his wife has TPS.
15 years after Haiti earthquake, survivor fights to make U.S. his permanent home

Jan 11, 2025 | channel3000.com | Tania Francois

Click here for updates on this story MIAMI, Florida (WFOR) -- As the 15th anniversary of Haiti's devastating 2010 earthquake approaches, new concerns emerge for survivors who sought refuge and treatment in the United States. Among them is Peterson Exias, who was just nine years old when the earthquake struck. He vividly remembers the day his apartment collapsed while he was watching TV with his brother in Haiti. "Everything started shaking and we saw the TV fall," he recalled.
15 years after Haiti earthquake, survivor fights to make U.S. his permanent home

Jan 10, 2025 | cbsnews.com | Tania Francois

MIAMI - As the 15th anniversary of Haiti's devastating 2010 earthquake approaches, new concerns emerge for survivors who sought refuge and treatment in the United States. Among them is Peterson Exias, who was just nine years old when the earthquake struck. He vividly remembers the day his apartment collapsed while he was watching TV with his brother in Haiti. "Everything started shaking, and we saw the TV fall," he recalled.
Their voices, instruments are holiday cheer

Dec 20, 2024 | cbsnews.com | Tania Francois

CORAL GABLES - Singing "Jingle Bells," Audrey Meas leads her team singing Christmas carols all across South Florida. She said she's been doing it since she was a child. "We are out every day for the month of December," she said. CBS News Miami caught up with her in the Coconut Cay neighborhood in Miami Gardens. They bring their own instruments. "Honestly, it's because, you know, we want to help people and also to share the love of God to everyone, yes," she said.
Haiti gangs destroy equipment provided by South Florida hospitals

Dec 19, 2024 | cbsnews.com | Tania Francois

MIAMI - South Florida doctors are now reacting to Haiti's latest gang attack. A partnership that began with equipment sharing 15 years ago after the devastating Haiti earthquake has now destroyed the equipment. Once again, gangs are being blamed for destroying the country's only trauma hospital. This would be the hospital that these very gang members would go for help. Now there isn't anywhere for people with severe injuries to get treatment.
Amazon driver stabbed, robbed north of Fort Lauderdale

Dec 9, 2024 | cbsnews.com | Tania Francois

MIAMI - Fort Lauderdale police are searching for the person who stabbed an Amazon delivery worker while he was making deliveries. The incident occurred Saturday night in Lauderdale Manors, north of Fort Lauderdale, near 10th Terrace and 11th Court. Neighbors reported that crime in the area has been increasing, and the Amazon driver appears to be the latest victim. Katoria Brickley said she called 911 after the driver came to her door seeking help.