Kyra Gurney
Quartz
Washington, DC, United States
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Past articles by Kyra:
How Western advisers helped an autocrat’s daughter amass and shield a fortune
The former first daughter of Angola, Isabel dos Santos, created a shell empire to move tainted billions. Lawyers, accountants and consultants from some of the world's most respected companies made it possible. → Read More
Counting the dead: How statistics can find unreported killings
When investigative journalists Sheila Coronel and her team began counting drug-related killings in the Philippines last year they turned to statistician Patrick Ball to reveal the truth. → Read More
That tourist sipping a $55 mojito on Ocean Drive? He may actually be a secret shopper
The city of Miami Beach is considering sending secret shoppers to South Beach sidewalk cafes. The undercover city employees would report unscrupulous business practices to code enforcement and police. → Read More
He’s been with Miami Beach police for 29 years. Monday, he was sworn in as chief.
The city of Miami Beach swore in a new police chief and deputy chief on Monday. Richard Clements, a 30-year veteran of the department, was named to the top post. → Read More
In an effort to reduce ocean pollution, Miami Beach mulls citywide plastic straw ban
The city of Miami Beach is considering a ban on single-use plastic straws and stirrers. The proposal is an effort to reduce plastic pollution on the beach and in the ocean, but some restaurants say alternative products are problematic. → Read More
Miami Beach removes art from multimillion-dollar home amid fight over code violations
The city of Miami Beach removed artwork from the outside wall of a home after the owners refused to do so, despite citations from code enforcement. The city claimed the artwork violated zoning rules. → Read More
Despite Coast Guard concerns, developer moves ahead with Terminal Island condo plan
Developer Related Group wants to build a luxury condo tower on Miami Beach’s Terminal Island, but the U.S. Coast Guard says the proposed project would negatively impact its operations. → Read More
Could granny flats help Miami Beach affordable housing crunch? City wants to find out
The Miami Beach City Commission gave initial approval to allowing residents to rent accessory dwellings, a move elected officials hope will provide homeowners with extra income and renters with affordable housing. → Read More
Miami Beach said no to Ultra but might still host a music event over spring break
Miami Beach is asking event planners to pitch ideas for spring break 2020 in an effort to make the festivities safer and more organized. One option would be to host concerts every weekend in March. → Read More
Miami Beach hotels get extension to install panic buttons. But not the year they wanted
Miami Beach commissioners gave their initial approval Wednesday for an 45 extra days for hotels to comply with a law requiring them to arm housekeepers with panic buttons. Hotels have had since July 2018 to install the technology. → Read More
Miami Beach rejects Ultra Music Festival as possible fix for city’s spring break woes
The Miami Beach City Commission voted against talking to Ultra about bringing the music festival to the island next year. Commissioner Ricky Arriola had proposed the idea as a way to counter spring break problems. → Read More
Will Miami Beach’s new rules tame the party? Memorial Day weekend is the first test
After spring break, Miami Beach passed a range of new restrictions the city hopes will lead to more manageable crowds during peak tourism periods. The rules will be applied for the first time over Memorial Day weekend. → Read More
What you need to know to get around Miami Beach on Memorial Day weekend
Thousands of people are expected to visit Miami Beach this year over Memorial Day weekend, which includes Urban Beach Week. The city is hosting a range of events including the Air and Sea Show and art exhibits. → Read More
Did hotels inflate the price of panic buttons to try to delay a law protecting workers?
Miami Beach hotels trying to get another year to implement panic button systems say it will cost them up to $500,000 per hotel. Panic button vendors say they can provide the technology for a fraction. → Read More
Could Ultra return to South Beach? City to discuss while Homestead talks continue
Miami Beach Commissioner Ricky Arriola wants to discuss bringing Ultra Music Festival to South Beach. He says it could transform spring break, which politicians and residents believe has gotten out of control. → Read More
Miami Beach hotels seek yearlong delay to arm housekeepers with panic buttons
In July 2018 the Miami Beach City Commission passed a law requiring hotels to arm housekeepers with panic buttons to protect against sexual harassment and assault by Aug. 1, 2019. Now some hotels are asking the commission to delay the ordinance by a year. → Read More
‘It’s not fair.’ Beach firefighters say family ties played role in selecting recruits.
This year’s Miami Beach Fire Department recruit class includes relatives of several high-ranking fire officials. Some current and former firefighters say that’s a problem. → Read More
‘Absolute hazard’: Fatal boat crash renews calls to put lights on jetty off Miami Beach
The Miami Beach City Commission called on the U.S. Coast Guard to study how it can make the jetty off South Beach more visible. The city also wants to address problems with speeding and accidents around Monument Island. → Read More
After wild spring break, Miami Beach will crack down on unauthorized parties at clubs
The Miami Beach City Commission voted in favor of restrictions to keep promoters from advertising events at South Beach bars and clubs during peak tourism periods. The new rules are part of a broader effort to tame the party atmosphere. → Read More
Ethics complaint accuses Kristen Rosen Gonzalez of violating lobbying rules
An ethics complaint has been filed against former Miami Beach Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez alleging that she violated county ethics rules and lobbied senior city officials on behalf of three companies. → Read More