Lauren Pastrana is the co-anchor of CBS4 News weeknights at 5, 6, 7 and 11 p.m. She joined CBS Miami in April 2012 as a reporter. She is an Emmy-nominated, multimedia journalist with experience in television, radio and web-based news reporting.
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Former CBS News Miami anchor and longtime South Florida resident Eliott Rodriguez announced his candidacy for U.S. Congress in Florida’s 27th Congressional District on Tuesday morning.
He will now embark on a campaign that’s centered on lowering the high cost of living, restoring accountability in Washington, D.C., and bringing people together to deliver results for families in Miami-Dade, his campaign said in the announcement.
“I didn’t plan to run for Congress,” Rodriguez said in his announcement. “But I cannot stay silent. For 48 years, you trusted me to tell the truth and listen to your stories. Today, like so many families, I am concerned that Washington is not delivering for South Florida. My parents taught me that citizenship is not just a right – it is a responsibility. And now, I am answering that call.”
Eliott Rodriguez
Eliott Rodriguez for Congress
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Why is Eliott Rodriguez running for Congress?
In his announcement, Rodriguez explained why he decided to run for Congress. He said the decision was deeply personal.
In recent months, he said he’s spoken with families, seniors, small business owners and young people who are struggling to afford to stay in a community they love.
“South Florida has now become one of the least affordable housing markets in the United States, with families here spending more of their income on rent and mortgages than almost anywhere in the country,” Rodriguez said in his announcement.
According to the campaign, Florida’s 27th Congressional District is widely viewed as one of the most competitive battlegrounds in the country.
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In the race for Congress, Rodriguez will challenge incumbent María Elvira Salazar.
USA TODAY Sports’ Christian D’Andrea breaks down the top cornerback studs, sleepers and deep sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held Thursday, April 23 through Saturday April 25 in Pittsburgh, and the Miami Dolphins have needs at many positions.
The Dolphins could use players at cornerback, guard, safety, defensive end/edge and wide receiver and/or tight end.
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The Miami Dolphins hold 11 picks in the draft, including 11th overall (first round), 30th overall (first round), 43th overall (second round) and three third-round picks.
The second first-round pick was acquired in a deal of Jaylen Waddle to Denver.
First-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and first-year coach Jeff Hafley have replaced Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel.
In previous mock drafts conducted this year by our Joe Schad, the selections have been:
Mock 1.0: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
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Mock 2.0: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
7-round mock draft: Mansoor Delane, LSU
3-round mock draft: Mansoor Delane, LSU
Here is mock draft 3.0 from Joe Schad:
2026 NFL Mock Draft
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Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting involving one of its deputies in southwest Miami-Dade.
Assistant Sheriff Fernand Charles Jr., speaking at a press conference, reported that at approximately 3:30 p.m., a call was received about a firearm threat at a park located at SW 216th Street and 113 Avenue.
When deputies responded, they found a group of four juveniles at SW 222nd Street and 112nd Avenue. According to Charles Jr., a confrontation ensued, and one of the deputies discharged his weapon, striking a 15-year-old boy.
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The subject was grazed in the ankle, and he was transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in stable condition, Charles Jr. said.
Charles Jr. added that police recovered a firearm with an extended clip near where the teen was struck.
The three other teenagers were taken into custody by police. It is unclear what charges they will face.
