Here's what's happening in local news this Wednesday morning:
- As expected, Democrat Ted Deutch coasted to victory in the special election to replace Robert Wexler in the 19th Congressional District that straddles central Broward and Palm Beach counties. [Palm Beach Post]
- Four weeks after she was nearly beaten to death at a Deerfield Beach school bus stop, Josie Ratley has finally emerged from a coma, according to a post on a Facebook page for her supporters. There will be a news conference at Broward General Medical Center at 10:30 a.m. [Sun-Sentinel]
- There's fresh optimism that arts education will be spared from budget cuts after Broward County School District officials held a meeting for the purpose at the same time as the Broward Teachers Union had a similar meeting. As for a contract between the union and the district? Less optimism on that front. [Miami Herald]
- From a hospital bed, the survivor of a high-speed wreck that killed a 16-year-old girl Friday in West Palm Beach recounted the incident. Rescuers at the scene found the car's speedometer stuck at 110 mph. The speed limit on Georgia Avenue is 30. [Palm Beach Post]
- A grandmother was killed and her two grandchildren were left handicapped after an August 2009 accident when a car ran a red light at Andrews Avenue and Oakland Park Boulevard. Now the victims' family is furious that the driver, Oscar Montalban, won't get jail time. [WSVN-7]
- The Dolphins are close to landing Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall in exchange for a second-round draft pick. [Miami Herald]