Int'l news in brief

 Undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (CMC):

The Florida Senate has voted to allow undocumented Caribbean and other immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities, bringing to an end a fight that spanned more than a decade.

"The eyes of America are on us," said Republican Senator Jack Latvala, co-sponsor of the bill after the 26-13 vote. "I think we're setting an example. I think we're doing the right thing."

However, the bill must return to the house for final passage, due to slight changes.

But both House Speaker Will Weatherford and Florida Governor Rick Scott said the new language wouldn't hurt the controversial bill's chances of becoming law.

"I look forward to signing this bill," Scott said. "This is a historic day. Just think children that grew up in our state will now get the same tuition as their peers."

The measure would make Florida the 21st state in the United States to offer in-state tuition rates to undocumented students.

18 alleged drug dealers arrested

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP):

Police and United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents have swept through three public-housing complexes in western Puerto Rico to arrest members of what authorities describe as a violent drug-dealing organisation.

The assistant special agent in charge of the DEA's Caribbean division says authorities arrested 18 of 48 men and women named in an indictment unsealed yesterday. Israel Alicea says another dozen suspects were already in custody for other offences. The rest are being sought in Puerto Rico and the mainland United States.

Alicea says the organisation controlled the drug trade in three public-housing complexes in the western city of Mayaguez since 2010. All those indicted face drug charges that carry sentences of 10 years to life in prison. Some are also suspected of involvement in six homicides.