South Florida Local News

Here are the top stories for Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. Get the weather forecast for today here.

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New Broward school bus cameras will catch motorists who illegally pass

A Delray Beach plaza will feature shipping containers. Here’s the latest on the plan.

Thanksgiving Weekend things to do: Miracle holiday pop-up bar, Kacey Musgraves, Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot

Palm Beach County golfer fatally beaten with his own clubs in a random attack, police say

Newly proposed Florida laws already listed for 2025 legislative session

Florida ethics panel decides against seeking deal on financial disclosure law

‘It was shocking’: These South Floridians traced their ancestry all the way to the Mayflower; can you?

America’s Thanksgiving story of charity and peace | Opinion

Miss Manners: Here’s why I can’t tell people my dogs’ names

Calais Campbell’s sack celebration an ode to Michael Strahan, and he’s hoping to go out on top like Strahan did

Today is Thursday, Nov. 28, the 333rd day of 2024. There are 33 days left in the year. Today is Thanksgiving in the United States.

Today in history:

On Nov. 28, 2001, Enron Corp., once the world’s largest energy trader, collapsed after would-be rescuer Dynegy Inc. backed out of an $8.4 billion takeover deal. (Enron filed for bankruptcy protection four days later.)

Also on this date:

In 1520, Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan reached the Pacific Ocean after passing through the South American strait that now bears his name.

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• National News | Ex-US Sen. Bob Menendez seeks new trial, citing prosecutors’ recently admitted error
• National News | Police deny sitting on evidence as Netflix doc brings renewed attention to JonBenet Ramsey’s killing
• National News | Federal court dismisses defamation lawsuit against Fox News for Jan. 6 conspiracy theory

In 1925, the Grand Ole Opry (known then as the WSM Barn Dance) debuted on radio station WSM in Nashville, Tennessee; it continues today as the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.

In 1942, fire engulfed the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Boston, killing 492 people in the deadliest nightclub blaze ever.

In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin met in Tehran for the first time to discuss Allied cooperation during World War II.

In 1961, Ernie Davis of Syracuse University became the first Black college football player to be named winner of the Heisman Trophy.

In 1964, the United States launched the space probe Mariner 4 on a course toward Mars, which it flew past in July 1965, sending back pictures of the red planet.

In 2022, Payton Gendron, a white gunman who massacred 10 Black people at a Buffalo supermarket, pleaded guilty to murder and hate-motivated terrorism charges in an agreement that gave him life in prison without parole.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Recording executive Berry Gordy Jr. is 95.
• Football Hall of Famer Paul Warfield is 82.
• Former “Late Show” band leader Paul Shaffer is 75.
• Actor Ed Harris is 74.
• Former NASA astronaut Barbara Morgan is 73.
• Actor S. Epatha (eh-PAY’-thah) Merkerson is 72.
• Actor Judd Nelson is 65.
• Film director Alfonso Cuarón (kwahr-OHN’) is 63.
• Rock drummer Matt Cameron is 62.
• Comedian and talk show host Jon Stewart is 62.
• Actor Colman Domingo is 55.
• Musician apl.de.ap (Black Eyed Peas) is 50.
• Actor Mary Elizabeth Winstead is 40.
• R&B singer Trey Songz is 40.
• Actor Karen Gillan is 37.
• Actor-rapper Bryshere Gray is 31.

2024 wraps up another stellar year for crime fiction. Rich plots, diverse and fully realized characters, and vivid settings punctuated these stories. The landscapes ranged from metropolitan cities to rural areas. The emphasis on family relationships were a major part of myriad mysteries.

Once again, narrowing down the favorites in crime fiction of 2024 was difficult, and devising this list truly is an act of love. Happy reading.

In “The God of the Woods,” a wealthy family’s sense of entitlement, troubled history, two missing children and a dark woods lead to an unpredictable path of intense suspense in this tightly coiled novel that seamlessly moves from the 1950s to 1975. Moore’s nonlinear plot follows a banking family from the time they bought land for a camp in the Adirondacks, showing how each generation used and discarded the people who worked for them. Readers will want to wander into these woods.

“The Waiting” finely illustrates the Bosch legacy that Michael Connelly has constructed. Retired L.A.P.D. Detective Harry Bosch, his smart, tenacious daughter Maddie Bosch, now a police officer with ambitions of becoming a detective, and Renée Ballard’s cold case unit each take center stage. This valentine to Los Angeles takes readers to various neighborhoods while delving into the City of Angels’ past, including its crime history.

An expert at solving puzzles is hired by the Imperial family of Japan to open the legendary Dragon Box, which has been sealed since it was built in 1868. No one has survived attempts to open the box loaded with lethal traps. The plot of “The Puzzle Box” combines Asian culture, female samurai and lots of puzzles.

Miss Marple meets the Bad Seed in “Havoc” when a meddling old woman and a malicious 8-year-old boy wreak chaos in a shabby-chic Egyptian hotel. The vivid setting is matched by the fully fleshed out characters and mischievous pranks that accelerate.

Attica Locke wraps up her trilogy about Black Texas Ranger Darren Matthews by mining his emotional landscape in “Guide Me Home.” He wrestles with his inner demons as he tries to prove to himself that he’s the kind of man he believes he is. In this final outing, Darren considers the twin uncles who raised him, the Rangers who gave him a career and his manipulative mother — and why he is estranged from each.

Alex Segura returns to the comic book world with “Alter Ego,” an evocative look at how art is created, finance, sexism and the joy of loving your profession and the pain when it doesn’t love you back. A comic book artist turned filmmaker is offered the chance to be the lead artist on the reboot of “The Legendary Lynx,” the female superhero who had a limited but vital publication during the 1970s. Questions of who actually came up with the Lynx become lethal.

A Black retired cop turned private investigator has been out of the game so long people think he’s dead. Then he’s hired by a woman to find her missing executive husband in “Don’t Let the Devil Ride,” the launch of a new series set in Memphis. This global story sharply moves from Memphis, Turkey and Paris, involving the cult of Elvis, an antiques dealer, a scam artist, Russian and French criminals and a Southern evangelist.

In “The Hitchcock Hotel,” an uber Alfred Hitchcock fan — whose name also is Alfred — has built his life and business around his obsession with the filmmaker. His eponymous hotel that bears a striking resemblance to the Bates’ house in “Psycho” is filled with trinkets and clues from Hitchcock’s films. What could go wrong when he invites his closest college friends for a four-day weekend? A unique riff on the locked-room mystery. You can check in, but checking out is another matter.

In “The Rivals,” a private investigator obsessed with mystery fiction works for a company that verifies the identities of online dates. She’s caught up in corporate espionage and an AI conspiracy while dealing with her traditional Chinese mother.

Land schemes and heirs’ property rights, especially those that target lower-income communities, are the foundation of “What You Leave Behind.” With a thought-provoking, timely plot, the novel is about racism, grief, rebuilding your life when your world has fallen apart and putting aside preconceived notions, set in the Gullah-Geechee culture.

A former getaway driver is pulled out of retirement to help find a female mob boss based in L.A. in “Double Barrel Bluff.” Ever notice that retirement doesn’t exist in these novels? The kidnappers are clueless, thinking they have kidnapped a wealthy female tourist. They have no idea what they’ve gotten themselves into.

A woman who wants too much from life but has achieved so little may finally have found the love of her life — a successful financial adviser who takes her on their first getaway. Their Airbnb has great views of Manhattan but they are two of the only three Black people on the block where numerous posters and flyers about the “missing white woman” are plastered throughout the charming neighborhood. The plot of “Missing White Woman” touches on racism, social media and true-crime fanatics.

The search for a dormant serial killer drives the plot of “California Bear,” but the heart of this story is the loving relationship between a father and his daughter and how he will sacrifice anything to show his support of her. The plot centers on an unconventional police procedural, solid character studies including that of one bright teenager, and an emotional look at families.

A solid police procedural, “Agony Hill”  excavates how the changing times of 1962 affect the landscape of a small Vermont town and its residents. The murder of a despised farmer jumpstarts this new series that shows how the residents are interconnected. The challenge of rural life adds to the superb tension.

Set in a chicken processing plant in northwest Arkansas, Eli Cranor’s third novel concentrates on the use and abuse of power, delving into the issues of workers’ safety and the perpetuation of poverty. Yet “Broiler” reveals deeper themes than pitting the haves vs. the have-nots. At the heart, two women must each find their inner strength.

The death of a young mother plunges her dysfunctional family into a morass of grief, guilt and an uncertain future in “I Dreamed of Falling,” a  suspenseful family thriller. The economic decline of a small town emerges as an allegory for the characters’ ennui about their lives.

Two sisters fear a dismal future if they don’t escape from their small Missouri town in “Safe and Sound.” Leaving will be the scariest action the sisters will ever take as they are still haunted by the disappearance six years before of their cousin Grace, who had firm plans, even a secured college scholarship. The story touches on small-town malaise, sisterly love, ambition and how some people can be threatened by another’s modest goals.

Jonathan Santlofer, who is a highly respected artist, paints a broad canvas as he steeps his plot in contemporary and historical art concerns, including Nazi-looting and the efforts of Resistance fighters to smuggle valuable art out of occupied Paris. Briskly plotted, “The Lost van Gogh” also delves into character studies of Luke and Alexis. Each of their families were involved in high-profile art crimes.

S.J. Rozan and debut author John Shen Yen Nee team up for “The Murder of Mr. Ma,” a clever homage to Holmes set in 1924 London. Well-known Judge Dee Ren Jie has come to London to investigate the murder of Mr. Ma, whom he knew during WWI while serving in the Chinese Labour Corps. Vivid details about the period include the rampant prejudice against the Chinese that affected business, housing and other aspects of life in London, including the growing interest in Chinese antiques and goods. Dee wryly observes, “The current fashion for our art does not, it seems, translate to a fashion for our persons.”

“Trouble Island” is a historical novel inspired by a real island in the middle of Lake Erie that became a stop-off for criminals running between the U.S. and Canada in 1932. The murder of a Prohibition gangster’s wife prompts her maid to investigate.

New York City in 1911 makes an evocative background for this portrait of early 20th Century author Edith Wharton, a close look at New York high society and publishing, precarious even then. Female authors were treated differently, their talents often underrated. The idea that a woman such as Edith Wharton dare negotiate her royalties was shocking. Above all, “The Wharton Plot” is a very personal look at this famous novelist, her struggles as a writer, her crumbling marriage and her rather solitude life.

DEBUTS

(In alphabetical order)

A couple expecting their first child in two weeks moves to a small Cotswolds town they’ve never visited and into a house they only saw online in “The Expectant Detectives.” There, they are caught up in the murder of a local shop owner. Wry humor bounces on each page. To say the couple is unprepared for parenthood is an understatement.

Two sisters whose lives stalled the night their mother disappeared without a trace 15 years ago face a new uncertain future when her skeleton is found in “Knife River.” The sisters’ investigation superbly mixes with a thoughtful look at family bonds as the two women begin to appreciate each other while dealing with grief and their mental health strides.

A private detective is hired to find a missing businessman suspected of stealing millions of dollars from his construction firm. “Twice the Trouble” packs in the action as it explores the streets of Orlando, its myriad neighborhoods and the nearby small towns. Central Florida has long needed a new voice in mysteries.

“Smoke Kings” is a bold, provocative and at times uncomfortable look at race, loyalty and the consequences of revenge as four friends decide to avenge the racially motivated murder of a teenager. They plan to kidnap the descendants of those who committed hate crimes, then force them to make reparations to the victims’ family.

Sometimes, you don’t get what you want, but you get what you need. In “Booked for Murder,” a woman puts aside her failed career as an actress to move to a small Georgia town where her recently deceased aunt has left her a bookstore. Small-town grudges and feuds abound.

“Blood in the Cut” is a confident, hard-charging look at South Florida gentrification, family ties, Cuban-American culture and the changing landscape of Miami with a deep tour of the Everglades. A young man seeks redemption for his criminal past while grappling with who he is and how the three years he spent in prison have changed him.

SHORT STORY COLLECTIONS

A rockin’ collection wrapped around the Australian band AC/DC’s 1980 album “Back in Black.”

The title alone predicts excellence, and the latest in this annual collection of “The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2024” delivers with superior tales by top and emerging writers. These include Megan Abbott, Tananarive Due, Jordan Harper, Gar Anthony Haywood, Toni LP Kelner, Lisa Unger, among others.

These 11 stories use Hanukkah to shadow events that occur around the Jewish holiday rather than its religious significance. Hanukkah — like most holidays that invite family gatherings, personal reflection and uncomfortable realities — can bring out the best and worst in people. Savor the dark, yet energetic stories in “Eight Very Bad Nights” as you light the menorah.

These chilling yet poignant 13 linked stories in “Highway Thirteen” deliver a unique look at how a small Australian community reels from the aftermath of a killer. The murderer, who died in prison, is named but never shown. Instead, the focus is on the aftermath of havoc, evil and, especially, the trauma of those left behind.

Boca Raton no longer should expect its new ambitious arts destination to be completed within this decade, the team behind the Center for Arts and Innovation wrote to the city this week.

A new timeline suggests it wouldn’t be until the year 2032 that the public would see the opening of the Center, a multimillion-dollar performing arts site poised to revamp the north end of Mizner Park in Boca Raton. It would have amenities such as a renovated amphitheater, a main theater and a concert hall.

Seven years from now stands in contrast to a 2025 opening, which was the original expectation when the project first received city approval in 2020.

“These proposed updates reflect lessons learned over the past two years and present an opportunity to better align the agreement with the needs of the City, The Center, and the transformative vision we are building together,” reads the letter from Center for the Arts and Innovation CEO Andrea Virgin.

The letter was sent to City Council members on Monday.

The team behind the Center is “optimistic that the city will recognize this letter as a well-structured framework that addresses immediate practical needs while advancing long-term objectives, offering a collaborative path forward to ensure the success of this transformative project,” according to an emailed statement on Wednesday afternoon.

The plan is moving forward with the city even though there were some fundraising snags.

After publicly announcing that the Center was several million dollars behind in meeting fundraising goals in October, Virgin told City Council members that the Center’s team would be coming up with a new plan with “revised fundraising thresholds, performance dates and other terms.”

The recent letter also detailed three “key updates.” The team behind the arts center called for:

— Increased transparency, which would include “more frequent financial disclosures and project updates.”

— Streamlined processes, which the Center defined as having “the flexibility to respond to challenges proactively.”

— Clarity for donors and stakeholders, which means development rights, pledge schedules, ownership of work products and other aspects of the project that would either be designed or required to “give donors and public partners confidence in the project’s long-term stability.”

“These updates ensure that The Center can deliver its full potential while remaining a strong, collaborative partner to the City. We see these adjustments as a win win, enabling us to meet your and donor expectations, maintain financial responsibility, and achieve the bold vision we all support,” Virgin wrote in the letter.

Since its inception, the plan for the Center has been advertised as a pivotal destination not only for Boca Raton but for all of South Florida with every intention of attracting people from all over to visit and use its vast facilities.

According to the letter: “The ability to collectively deliver this vision, design, and ambition will reflect the city’s commitment to world-class projects that enrich the lives of residents, attract business and tourism, and showcase Boca Raton’s forward-thinking spirit.”

“This is not just a project; it is a legacy for our community.”

Because the Center is set to rise on city-owned land where the current amphitheater exists, city officials have the option to terminate the project’s ability to be built there, according to the original agreement.

Fortunately for the Center, City Council members unanimously agreed to give Virgin and her team more time to raise the necessary funds and come back with a new plan for the future of the project.

“We all up here have expressed support for the vision of what this land is supposed to be used for, and we know that you’ve done a lot of hard work,” said City Councilmember and Community Redevelopment Agency Chair Fran Nachlas during a public meeting on Nov. 4.

City Council members will have to review the timeline, updates and steps outlined in the letter and decide if that’s how they want to proceed with the center during a meeting likely early next year.

Q: Could very well be that Erik Spoelstra wants games like these to be the kind of games where the others get a chance to catch some sort of form or momentum. Jimmy Butler has been carrying the team. They are trying to get the other guys going as well. – Nel.

A: No coach wants to fool around with a 20-point third-quarter lead that is down to seven by the midpoint of the fourth, a point of the game when Jimmy Butler typically is summoned to get the Heat to the finish line. So maybe it was the back, as Erik Spoelstra said. Perhaps it was trying to monitor minutes, but taking the second-half break too far, to where Jimmy tightened up too much. Or maybe this notion of Jimmy as point guard and free-throw hunter lost touch with the reality that Jimmy is 35. It will be interesting – very interesting – to see how the Heat and Jimmy handle the next back-to-back, when the Heat play on Sunday in Toronto and Monday in Boston.

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Q: It seems like Tyler Herro’s skill has caught up to his ego so far this season. He could be a difference maker even when he’s not scoring a lot of threes. And not to overstate it, but he can do it on both ends of the court. If he can sustain this, he deserves All-Star consideration. – Eddie.

A: I don’t think ego ever was an issue with Tyler Herro, at least not in regard to confidence. But, yes, he is showing greater confidence as a closer, with a greater sense of when to risk going for timely steals. The fact that he still led the Heat on a night he was 4 of 12 on 3-pointers says plenty, rounding out that performance with eight rebounds and five assists (now just need to get those six turnovers down).

Q: Are we over Haywood Highsmith? – Ross.

A: Well, to be fair, he was dealing Wednesday night with a finger issue that had him on the injury report prior to the game. But it is safe to say that the Heat likely will continue to sort through options at power forward. Still, they are 3-1 with the current lineup, so there’s that.

Thankfully, the Catholic bishops of Florida united for a just cause, stood on sacred ground and defeated Amendment 4. Wisdom does not age out. Truth remains timeless and ever superior to secular ideology, the latter often manipulated to serve evil and not good.

Still, the vote in Florida was astonishingly close. The money remains with pro-abortionists, such as Planned Parenthood, and as the U.S. approaches 65 million abortions following the tortuously nuanced 1973 Supreme Court Roe v. Wade ruling, those with authentic knowledge and understanding cannot rest for either the mother or child.

Patricia Hershwitzky, Palm Bay

The center holds

Donald Trump’s election will be a disaster.

There is nothing good to say about electing a man who does not believe or understands the strength in the structure of a democracy our founding fathers established. We all must do what we can to hold the line against policies meant to further divide us.

That said, there’s a silver lining in this darkness: Our democracy functioned as designed.

Our system, contrary to the former president’s accusations, is safe and trustworthy. President Biden acknowledged the results, invited the president-elect to the White House, and at a two-hour meeting, he promised a smooth transition.

Not one word about a “rigged election.” No violence. The process and outcome reestablished a precedent fractured by the aftermath of the 2020 vote. National harmony was not needed to prove that the center could yet hold, and we kept the Republic, one more time.

Nancy S. Cohen, Lighthouse Point

Punishing hard work

I have read about how Trump’s planned mass deportation program will eliminate hard-working, undocumented, low-paid construction and landscaping workers.

These are jobs that Anglo-Americans refuse to do.

If we paid American citizens well enough, they would do any job. But why pay U.S. citizens a decent wage, when you can hire undocumented workers to work for much less?

Frank Pucillo, Davie

Don’t overreact, Democrats

While Sun Sentinel contributing writer Pedro Aparicio got it right, that young voters failed to support Kamala Harris to the degree they supported Joe Biden, a drop from 60% to 53% is not a complete abandonment of Democratic policies.

Even though the writer quotes a source as saying the economy was a primary factor in voters’ decisions, they apparently never researched exactly how much the economy recovered.

They also gave no credence to the fact that even though economists across the nation predicted a recession, Biden and his policies prevented one. Yes, inflation was a difficult crutch to bear, but going from 9% to 2.9% in two years proved that the Democrats better understood economic policy decisions than Republicans.

I doubt that today’s young people would do the things we boomers did, like working two jobs seven days a week, having roommates, and eating microwave potatoes at home instead of calling a delivery service, or buying on layaway and building credit by driving old cars and riding public transportation.

It also should come as no surprise that students at a private Catholic university, Ave Maria in Naples, would oppose the abortion initiative. If he did a little research, he would learn that the goal of the university’s founder, Tom Monaghan, was to create a Catholic university faithful to the Catholic Church and that the campus would be free of contraceptives, premarital sex and pornography.

That its students did not support the abortion amendment should surprise no one.

J.L. Quebbeman, Coral Springs

President-elect Donald Trump pledged last month to eliminate “the double taxation of overseas Americans.” Never mind the clumsy wording — taxes on U.S. citizens working abroad aren’t excessive so much as excessively complicated — this is one campaign promise that may actually be fulfilled, given the Republican control of both houses of Congress. That would be a good thing not only for those Americans but also for America.

There is, in fact, a long-standing debate over getting rid of what is commonly called “citizenship-based taxation” and replacing it with “residence-based taxation,” which is standard practice around the world. America’s system is different. If you are a U.S. citizen but do not live, work or earn income in the U.S., you are still liable for U.S. taxes. There are as many as 9 million Americans living abroad, a substantial population.

Tyler Cowen is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist

To be sure, the system is set up so that most people do not suffer financially. If an American is working in Paris and paying taxes to the French government, for example, a complex system of tax credits limits their liability to the U.S. government. But extra tax may be due if that U.S. citizen faces a low foreign tax burden; high earners or those with investment or retirement income may end up owing the U.S. Treasury.

In any case, this is not mainly about revenue. The bigger problem is simply that dealing with two (or more) national tax systems is an extreme burden in terms of paperwork and legal fees — and the complications, it must be said, come from the American side. This is officially ranked as one of the most serious procedural problems with the U.S. tax system, and if you have American friends living abroad, you have undoubtedly heard about it. I know a few who have actually repudiated their citizenship because of it.

If this system were reformed, Americans would find it easier to work, start companies and manage investments abroad.

One major result would be an expansion of U.S. soft power: Americans, and American businesses, would be far more globally visible. China is often seen as more involved in most parts of the developing world, especially Africa. Simply by changing a small part of its taxation system, the U.S. could help counter this general trend — while also benefiting millions of actual Americans.

There is another possible gain, one which may have more appeal to the incoming administration than to economists like me. Trump and his advisers have long worried about the U.S. trade deficit, and there has been talk of taxing foreign direct investment to weaken the dollar and boost U.S. exports. Rather than discourage foreign investment in the U.S., why not do something more positive — and encourage U.S. investment abroad?

If Americans leave and start new businesses around the world, using previously domestic capital, that too will bring downward pressure on the dollar. Thus could Trumpian ends be achieved by more constructive means.

Encouraging more Americans to work abroad also is a form of foreign aid, as many of them will grow or start businesses, creating jobs and tax revenue for the foreign country. And it is a form of foreign aid that benefits U.S. citizens rather than costing them money. In fact, given the prowess of U.S. business, it may be one of America’s most effective forms of foreign aid.

Another problem with the status quo is that it penalizes those born in the U.S. who move away from the country at an early age. Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was born in America but left at the age of 5, faced considerable tax complications decades later when he was mayor of London and sold his British home. While the number of such cases is probably not large, they illustrate how nonsensical the U.S. tax system can be.

As for the details of how exactly to make the change: One option would have Americans pay regular taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains originating in the U.S., but not owe U.S. tax on the rest of their income. Such a system might also discourage very wealthy Americans with a lot of passive U.S. income from setting up residence in low-tax jurisdictions.

There are other models, of course, and people will debate the various benefits and drawbacks. But the main goal is clear: to end America’s absurd, bureaucratic, hard-to-manage, time-wasting system of taxing its citizens who live abroad.

Tyler Cowen is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist, a professor of economics at George Mason University and host of the Marginal Revolution blog.

Q: My grandmother passed away about a year and a half ago and left behind her townhouse. Last week, I was served with a lawsuit the bank filed to foreclose her mortgage. I called the bank’s lawyer and explained that I had nothing to do with the property and never signed anything. She told me I had to be named as I was one of my grandmother’s heirs. Should I be concerned? — Anne

A: When your grandmother passed away, her townhouse passed to her heirs. Depending on the circumstances, you could be one of her heirs and potentially have an interest in her property.

Because her mortgage is not getting paid, her mortgage lender filed a foreclosure lawsuit and has identified you as a potential heir. In a foreclosure suit, the lender will have to name everyone with even a potential interest in the property and “foreclose” their ownership interest in the property. It does this to get a “marketable” title to the property so it can sell it and recoup the money it lent your grandmother. Even though you are not the borrower and did not sign the paperwork, you were included in the lawsuit due to your potential ownership interest as an heir.

Because you are just an heir and not the borrower, the lender can only take back any ownership interest in the property you may have — it cannot get any money from you. In fact, if the property has any equity, you may even be able to get some money from it. You may be able to sell the property, pay off the bank, and keep the remainder. However, this may require you to probate your grandmother’s estate and cooperate with any other heirs. Even if doing all of that is not feasible in your circumstance, if the lender is outbid at the foreclosure sale, you and any other heirs can claim the extra funds from the process, known as the “surplus.”

You should be concerned any time you are served a lawsuit or sent any legal papers. Lawsuits are time-sensitive, and you should consult an experienced local attorney to review the lawsuit and learn about your rights and obligations.

Board-certified real estate lawyer Gary Singer writes about industry legal matters and the housing market. To ask him a question, email him at gary@garysingerlaw.com, or go to SunSentinel.com/askpro. 

General Daily Insight for November 28, 2024

Passions presently have the potential to flare. When the dramatic Scorpio Moon squares proud Mars at 6:49 am EST, every little thing might seem like a threat to our honor — and we’re ready to fight to defend it! That said, conflicts that appear petty on the surface could have more to them. As Luna goes on to trine serious Saturn, we may be able to settle down and untangle any grievances. Logical solutions are probably available if we have the patience to look.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Your appetite for joking around could be immense today. In your boisterous mood, you might land on someone’s sore spot as the vulnerable Moon in your intimacy zone scrapes against wild Mars in your playful 5th house. Talking their complaint out in private has the potential to be deeply informative, as long as you’re willing to be patient. If you’d rather not deal with heavy emotional drama, you’re better off reining yourself in a little earlier than you think you should.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

You could currently be eager to get a lot done at home. Unfortunately, as the mellow Moon in your relationship sector conflicts with motivated Mars in your domestic zone, someone you share space with may prefer to relax and chill out. The most realistic solution might involve you taking a day off from your quest. Consider leaving the house and doing something social. That way, you at least shouldn’t be continually reminded of all the projects you’re being blocked from!

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Working hard could appear to provide a path to emotional security at this moment. Even when you already have your eye on a larger goal, the comfort of knowing you have a well-defined place in the world might be the best part right now. As part of your duties, you’re potentially concerned with getting things done efficiently. This may seem to take precedence over protecting people’s feelings. Those feelings are still there, so try to avoid being too rigid when they come up.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

An impulse purchase could be especially tempting right now. It’s true that there’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself — within reasonable limits. There’s no need to think of your dilemma as fun versus no fun, either. Instead, as the spontaneous Moon in your self-indulgent 5th house aligns with practical Saturn in your adventure zone, compare one potential pleasure with another. Is saving up for something big more rewarding than getting a little treat every day? Whatever your choice, keep that perspective in mind.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Fear of what your family would think might be holding you back from asserting yourself. If you wind up with increased distance from them, that’s not always the worst thing that can happen. As the connection-craving Moon in your 4th House of Roots comforts restrained Saturn in your intimacy sector, additional space could actually improve your relationship. Everyone may not believe it, but you are indeed separate human beings. Fortunately, that should give you opportunities to continually learn new things about each other!

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Redrawing boundaries could be urgently required. Even in a relationship that’s close and committed overall, you still might have a few secrets. That’s not necessarily wrong — to a point. If you find yourself seething with discomfort, it’s time to release some of what you keep inside. As the candid Moon in your 3rd House of Communication supports stable Saturn in your partnership sector, moderate any potentially surprising disclosures by pointing out what isn’t changing. Perhaps you’ll both enjoy some expanded room to breathe.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Looking to your peers could stress you out at the moment. As the delicate Moon in your self-worth sector eyes ambitious Mars in your 11th House of Networking, everyone else may appear to be more accomplished than you are. Whether or not this is totally true, a little bit of rivalry might be good for you. Put some effort into shoring up your routines and make sure you’re using your time wisely. Achieving a new personal best of some kind should be exciting!

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You may present an aggressive face to the world at this time. The more likely truth is that you can dish it out, but would prefer not to take it. While the expressive Moon in your sign leans on disciplined Saturn in your 5th House of Self-Expression, you should probably get real about what you need to hold back. Although you might not like the idea of censoring yourself, look at it this way — you’re doing what’s necessary to protect your sensitive side.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Going out and doing something exciting may be on the agenda for you. Still, as the sleepy Moon in your 12th House of Contemplation disagrees with animated Mars in your adventurous 9th house, you might not be all in on the activity. Pushing yourself too hard could lead to a painful crash. You’re better off being honest about your physical and emotional energy level, even if that seems inconvenient. Do what you can, but there’s no shame in calling something off early!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Meeting new people could come easily to you now, but the flow of conversation can’t be taken for granted. You potentially have heavy topics on your mind these days. While the passionate Moon in your social 11th house provokes bold Mars in your 8th House of Intimacy, you might be tempted to blurt out deeply personal information. That’s probably more than your present audience is ready for. Hold some things back for the moment, and see how your connection grows over time.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

You may be enjoying your current focus on attaining financial stability and achieving your goals. Unfortunately, as the devoted Moon in your ambitious 10th house complains to demanding Mars in your relationship zone, someone you’re close with might seem to be disrupting your smooth path to success. Look critically at whether you’ve fallen short of any legitimate obligations you have to this person, and make whatever corrections are necessary. If they simply aren’t used to the new you, then that’s their problem!

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

You’re currently equipped to work hard and get a lot done. Still, as the impressionable Moon in your travel sector conflicts with driven Mars in your responsible 6th house, you might not like the idea that you’re stuck with your tasks. You should be doing something more interesting, right? Holding inflated expectations about what is supposed to be happening can block you from enjoying the pleasures already available to you. Stay grounded in the present moment by taking pride in what you accomplish.

SUNRISE — Aleksander Barkov and Carter Verhaeghe had power-play goals, Sam Reinhart had a short-handed score and the Florida Panthers beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-1 on Wednesday night for only their second win in eight games.

Mackie Samoskevich also scored for Florida, Sam Bennett got an empty-net goal and Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 24 shots for the Panthers. Verhaeghe also had two assists.

Mitch Marner scored for the Maple Leads, who lost for the second time in the last nine games and saw their lead in the Atlantic Division over Florida cut to one point.

Anthony Stolarz stopped 19 shots for Toronto. The Maple Leafs lost forward Bobby McMann in the second period with a lower body injury.

Takeaways

Maple Leafs: Stolarz, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson and forward Steven Lorentz — all Panthers last season — got their Stanley Cup championship rings in a Wedneday morning ceremony. Panthers coach Paul Maurice, general manager Bill Zito and a number of Panthers players also were present to celebrate with their former teammates. “Worth the wait,” Lorentz said.

Panthers: Florida was without Anton Lundell, who left Monday’s game after a puck was deflected into his face. He took part in the morning skate Wednesday but wasn’t in the game lineup.

Key moment

Samoskevich’s goal put Florida up 2-0 — it came 50 seconds after Barkov opened the scoring — and was a very good sign for the Panthers. They’re now 4-0-0 when the former Michigan star gets a goal.

Key stat

Reinhart has four short-handed goals this season. The only team — besides Florida — with four short-handed goals this season is Columbus, and 20 NHL clubs entered Wednesday with no more than one such goal this season.

Up next

The Maple Leafs visit Tampa Bay on Saturday, while the Panthers visit Carolina on Friday to start a home-and-home, with the return Saturday in Sunrise.

___

AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL

Today is Wednesday, Nov. 27, the 332nd day of 2024. There are 34 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Nov. 27, 2003, President George W. Bush flew to Iraq under extraordinary secrecy and security to spend Thanksgiving with U.S. troops and thank them for “defending the American people from danger.”

Also on this date:

In 1924, Macy’s first Thanksgiving Day parade — billed as a “Christmas Parade” — took place in New York.

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In 1934, bank robber and “Public Enemy No. 1” Lester Joseph Gillis, better known as George “Baby Face” Nelson, was killed in a gun battle with FBI agents in Barrington, Illinois.

In 1970, Pope Paul VI, visiting the Philippines, was slightly wounded at the Manila airport by a dagger-wielding Bolivian painter disguised as a priest.

In 1978, San Francisco Mayor George Moscone (mah-SKOH’-nee) and city Supervisor and gay rights activist Harvey Milk were fatally shot inside City Hall by former Supervisor Dan White.

In 2015, a gunman attacked a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, killing three people and injuring nine. (The prosecution of suspect Robert Dear stalled in state court, and then federal court, after he was repeatedly found mentally incompetent to stand trial.)

Today’s Birthdays:

• Fashion designer Manolo Blahnik is 82.
• Film director Kathryn Bigelow is 73.
• Political strategist Steve Bannon is 71.
• Science educator and TV host Bill Nye is 69.
• Author and diplomat Caroline Kennedy is 67.
• Actor Robin Givens is 60.
• Actor Michael Vartan is 56.
• Baseball Hall of Famer Iván Rodríguez is 53.
• Rapper Twista is 51.
• Actor Jaleel White is 48.

DOLPHINS (5-6) vs. PACKERS (8-3)

Kickoff: 8:20 p.m., Thursday, Lambeau Field

TV: NBC (Ch. 6 in Miami-Dade, Broward counties; Ch. 5 in Palm Beach); RADIO: Westwood One, WBGG (105.9-FM), WINZ (940-AM), WTZU (94.9-FM, Spanish), Sirius XM Ch. 158 or 229; Palm Beach: ESPN (106.3 FM); WEFL (760-AM, Spanish)

Coaches: The Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel is 25-22, including playoffs, in his third season as a head coach; the Packers’ Matt LaFleur is 67-34, including playoffs, in his sixth season leading Green Bay.

Series: The Dolphins lead the all-time series with the Packers, 10-6. After Miami won its first eight meetings with Green Bay, the Packers have since won six of eight. The Dolphins’ last win over Green Bay was in 2010, in overtime at Lambeau Field.

Weather: 27 degrees, 65 percent humidity, 9 mph winds, 2 percent chance of precipitation 

Line: The Dolphins are 3-point underdogs; the over-under is 47.

Injuries: Dolphins — DNP: CB Kendall Fuller (concussion), LB Anthony Walker Jr. (hamstring), T Terron Armstead (knee), LB Tyus Bowser (knee/calf), WR Tyreek Hill (wrist/personal); Limited: CB Jalen Ramsey (knees), DL Calais Campbell (rest), FB Alec Ingold (calf), DT Benito Jones (shoulder), S Jordan Poyer (rest), OL Isaiah Wynn (quadriceps/knee); Reserve/Non-Football Illness: LS Blake Ferguson; Reserve/PUP: OLB Bradley Chubb, OLB Cameron Goode; Injured reserve: OL Austin Jackson (knee), OLB Jaelan Phillips (knee), WR Braxton Berrios (knee), QB Tyler Huntley (shoulder), TE Tanner Conner (knee), OT Kion Smith (knee), OLB Cam Brown, OLB Grayson Murphy, WR Anthony Schwartz (knee), WR Tahj Washington, WR Grant DuBose (shoulder);

Packers — DNP: CB Jaire Alexander (knee), LB Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring), WR Romeo Doubs (concussion), TE John FitzPatrick (back), LB Isaiah McDuffie (ankle), S Xavier McKinney (personal); Limited: RB Josh Jacobs (rest), C/G Josh Myers (pectoral); Injured reserve: RB AJ Dillon (neck), OT Jordan Morgan (shoulder), TE Luke Musgrave (ankle), TE Tyler Davis (shoulder).

Noteworthy: The Dolphins have won three consecutive games and enter 1 1/2 games back of the final AFC playoff spot, held by the Denver Broncos. Miami looks to debunk two narratives, that this team can’t win against contending teams and doesn’t play well in the cold. …

The Dolphins play on Thanksgiving for the first time since 2011, a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. They are 5-2 all-time on Thanksgiving. …

McDaniel and LaFleur, both members of the Shanahan coaching tree, were previously together on coaching staffs in Atlanta and Washington. As head coaches, they met once before, with LaFleur defeating McDaniel on Christmas Day in 2022. …

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faces fellow 2020 draft first-round quarterback Jordan Love for the first time. Love was behind Aaron Rodgers for the 2022 game between Miami and Green Bay. …

Miami fullback Alec Ingold makes a homecoming as a Green Bay native. The Packers have South Florida ties with defensive tackle Tedarrell Slaton (American Heritage) and offensive tackle Kadeem Telfort (Miami Booker T. Washington).

Here are the top stories for Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. Get the weather forecast for today here.

SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get our free Morning Update email. Sign up here.

Spirit posts $308.2M quarterly net loss, raises red flags about future

Relief on the way for long wait times at Memorial hospitals’ emergency rooms

Wilton Manors readies to grow by up to 750 new residences. ‘We have to grow smartly.’

‘Hungry for this kind of food.’ Raw milk use surging in Florida despite law banning sales for human consumption

Broward elections offices depart from downtown Fort Lauderdale and Lauderhill

Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire to end nearly 14 months of fighting

450K Floridians could lose health insurance under GOP Congress

Teenager killed by lightning strike in Pembroke Pines, medical examiner confirms

The 2024 hurricane season packed a punch. Here are the biggest takeaways.

Ticket alert: Catch ‘Men Who Dance’ festival at Broward Center

 

 

 

As hundreds of thousands of people filter through South Florida airports each day for Thanksgiving travel, don’t become one of many who have been found with a gun in their carry-on luggage.

The mistake could be costly: a fine up to $14,000 and possibly criminal charges, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Tuesday.

More than 5,000 guns were intercepted by Transportation Security Administration at airport security checkpoints nationwide as of this October, equating to an average of 18.3 guns each day. The vast majority were loaded, the agency said.

In Florida alone, nearly 400 guns were found in carry-on luggage in the first half of 2024. In that time frame, 50 guns were intercepted at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 62 at Miami International Airport and 22 at Palm Beach International Airport, according to TSA data.

Fort Lauderdale’s airport ranked in the top 10 nationwide for airports with the highest number of guns discovered in carry-ons last year, at 135 guns. By the end of 2023, more than 6,700 guns had been found in carry-on bags around the country.

Most people simply forget that the gun is in their luggage, Sheriff’s Office Capt. Brian Montgomery said in a video message BSO shared Tuesday.

“Your travel plans and your record are not worth the risk,” he said.

Guns cannot be in any security checkpoints or on a plane, regardless of whether the person may have a concealed weapon permit or if, like in Florida, the jurisdiction allows for permitless carry.

Here is what TSA advises for traveling with a gun:

• Guns must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided case, transported only as checked baggage. Locked cases that could easily be opened will not meet requirements.
• Declare each gun as checked baggage to the airline when checking bags at the counter.
• Contact specific airlines for information on possible additional requirements or fees.
• Ammunition must be transported in checked bags. Check with specific airlines about limits.
• Follow firearm possession laws at all times when traveling, which vary from state to state.

Progress is picking up on a new mixed-use plaza coming to Delray Beach’s bustling Atlantic Avenue — but unlike traditional plazas, this one will be made up of shipping containers.

For more than three years, city officials have worked to bring the project that will be borne out of recycled storage to fruition. The outdoor venue could feature restaurants, shops, a park, a children’s play area, community garden, marketplace and a stage for musical events, all of which would cost at least about $6.7 million.

The plaza is set to rise at a currently vacant lot in the 800 block of West Atlantic Avenue, west of Swinton Avenue and just east of Interstate 95 along a strip of Atlantic Avenue dotted with barren fields.

In early October, the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency issued a request for proposals from firms to design and build the project. The proposals are due by Dec. 11, after which the CRA will consider what’s been submitted and choose which one to go forward with.

The shipping container plaza “will create a visually unique environment, and it will be a cost-effective and sustainable option for development,” Delray Beach Vice-Mayor Juli Casale said.

Casale has been eager about the project since its initial inception more than three years ago. Because of possible contamination at the site, testing was needed to ensure its safety for constructing a project, which set the bidding process back a bit, she said.

The Delray Beach CRA stated in city documents that “the project is envisioned to create a vibrant commercial destination that will house a diverse range of businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, cafes, and service providers, with flexible open space to meet the preferences, demands, and needs of, most importantly, the adjacent local community and residents.”

CPZ ArchitectsDelray Beach City officials recently put out a bid seeking proposals to construct the shipping container plaza project coming to the West Atlantic Avenue corridor. Renderings depict a shipping container plaza concept and are not necessarily what the actual plaza will look like.

Other cities have already adopted this concept — the Tampa Bay area boasts a 94-shipping container plaza called Krate. This concept has also popped up in popular metropolitan areas such as Orlando, Wynwood and Las Vegas.

The idea for a shipping container plaza in Delray Beach was first publicly discussed by city officials in 2021, but the stretch of Atlantic Avenue between I-95 and Swinton that sits west of the much more lively and bustling eastern portion of Atlantic has long been eyed for revitalization.

A “West Atlantic Area Needs Assessment” was conducted in 2012, according to city documents, which identified goals for the area including: accommodating more space for local retailers, adding “activities and local enterprises” to “increase vibrancy and foot traffic,” connect pedestrians from the east to west corridors of Atlantic, promote small business development and “activate vacant areas through innovative approaches, specifically including the use of shipping containers.”

Other movement, though gradual, is happening in the West Atlantic Avenue corridor.

Construction is well underway for Sundy Village, a historic-focused mixed-use development at the corner of Atlantic and Swinton, and tenants — such as a wine bar and restaurant group — are beginning to trickle in.

Another project across the street from Sundy Village is City Center Delray, which will feature a three-story mixed-use building with retail and office space alongside a remodeled Doc’s All American restaurant.

Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun SentinelA vacant lot on Atlantic Avenue is shown in Delray Beach in 2021. Delray Beach is hoping to spark the western portion of Atlantic Avenue near I-95 by transforming the property into a shipping container park, which could include restaurants, a dog park and an entertainment venue.

“Atlantic Avenue has always been a hot spot with all the retailers and growth and restaurants,” said Jenny Schuemann, the vice president of leasing for Pebb Enterprises, which has handled several projects in Delray Beach. “As the housing communities fill in, as the residential fills in, everything out west kind of needs to build up, too. So I think anything that’s existing is kind of getting revamped and redeveloped, re-tenanted to accommodate the growth out there.”

“I see it as a very positive thing, taking some run-down, abandoned space and projects and making them nice again,” she said.

An aerial rendering illustrates the Delray Beach shipping container plaza project. (Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency)

Casale echoed Schuemann’s sentiment, saying that the development of the shipping container plaza is the beginning of what will become more growth in the west corridor.

“It’s a long time coming,” she said.

Drivers who pass a stopped school bus should soon expect to be caught and ticketed, under a new program the Broward School District is launching.

The School Board is expected to vote in January on a contracts that would install cameras on the exteriors of more than 1,000 school buses. The cameras would allow law enforcement to detect vehicles that pass a school bus while its stop arm is enabled. The stop arm is designed to enable children to safely enter and exit a school bus stopped on the road.

Once the program takes effect, $225 citations will be mailed to the owners of vehicles that illegally pass school buses. The cameras will capture license plate numbers and other details about the vehicles.

District administrators will recommend the School Board select BusPatrol, a Virginia-based company that is used by Miami-Dade and Hillsborough counties. The company, which beat five other companies in a competitive bidding process, will install the equipment and administer the operations of the program.

Steve Randazzo, chief growth officer for BusPatrol, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that most buses will have four cameras, a forward and backward facing lens on the left and right side of the bus. He said the company will front the costs of the equipment, allowing the district to pay the vendor after it starts receiving revenues from the citations. The exact payment arrangements are still being negotiated.

“The District believes [the cameras] will serve as an additional deterrent to dangerous driving near our school buses, thereby enhancing student safety,” district spokesman John Sullivan said. “As for the penalties collected, the revenue would be distributed among the various entities involved in addressing the infractions. The District plans to allocate its portion of the revenue towards initiatives that support and enhance school safety.”

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Although it’s long been illegal to pass a school bus with a stop arm out, the state Legislature made it easier to enforce in 2023 by passing a law that allows districts to install cameras and keep a portion of the revenues from tickets.

“It’s really hard to station hundreds of sheriff’s deputies, and local police officers behind school buses. They’re just too many of them,” Randazzo said. “So traditional enforcement has not been an effective deterrent.”

In Miami-Dade County, where the program started this school year, more than 11,500 drivers received citations in the first three weeks of school, which equals about $2.5 million, the Miami Herald reported.

Broward’s northern neighbor, Palm Beach County, has not initiated the program, officials said.

Advocates say there is a need for better enforcement of school bus violations. A recent survey from the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services estimated more than 43.5 million illegal school bus passes occurred during the 2022-23 school year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that from 2012 to 2021, 78 children aged 18 or younger were killed as pedestrians going to or from a school bus.

“In a world where so many more people are distracted and texting and driving and never before, we see many, many people violating this law,” Randazzo said.

The state does not allow districts or vendors to determine who has illegally passed a bus. Instead, the 2023 state law requires a school district to enter into an interlocal agreement with an outside law enforcement agency.

Miami-Dade schools contracted with the Miami-Dade Police Department, which is transitioning into a sheriff’s office. Broward hasn’t yet said which law enforcement agencies it will partner with. A spokesman for the Broward Sheriff’s Office said his agency isn’t currently involved.

Randazzo said sheriff’s offices typically take on the role of reviewing the footage.

“The Sheriff’s Office has the ability to write a traffic ticket on any road within the county,”  he said. “So the Sheriff is typically the ideal partner to go to so you’re just dealing with one law enforcement agency.”

The program is separate from another new initiative that allows law enforcement to install cameras to catch people speeding in school zones. Multiple cities in Broward are starting these programs. Under that program, the school district receives $12 from every $100 ticket issued.

Although school bus violation tickets would likely begin some time in 2025, the Broward School District hasn’t announced a launch date yet.

“The program requires there to be a massive public awareness campaign. So we do a warning program for 30 days,” Randazzo said. “Anyone who violates the law gets a warning ticket in the mail with no monetary penalty.”

The program also will include an appeal process for those who believe they were wrongly ticketed. The citations do not result in points against a license unless a driver fails to pay or appeal within 30 days, Randazzo said.

Randazzo’s company, BusPatrol, has faced some recent scrutiny due to political connections.

Less than three months after State Rep. Vicki Lopez of Miami co-sponsored a bill allowing cameras on school buses statewide, her son, Donny Wolfe III, became BusPatrol’s new vice president of government relations, reported The Tributary, a Florida nonprofit investigative newsroom.

BusPatrol also faces a federal class-action complaint in New York alleging it issued citations without evidence. A judge dismissed the lawsuit, concluding “the government, rather than BusPatrol, is actually prosecuting the violation.” The judge allowed the plaintiff to refile, and the case is still pending

News reports in Pittsburgh detailed complaints by people who allege they were wrongly cited. “We get roped in as a private company,” Randazzo told the Sun Sentinel. “We don’t issue the tickets in Pittsburgh or in New York, but we get named sometimes in these news reports and sometimes even in lawsuits because we’re the service provider.”

Kate Spree, a BusPatrol America spokesperson, said in a statement that a competitor provided the Tributary “misleading and inaccurate information.”

“BusPatrol’s record as the nation’s top school bus stop-arm camera provider is strong, and our utmost focus will always be to make the ride to and from school safer for every student,” she said. “As such, we follow all laws at the federal, state, and local level. We are tremendously proud that communities across Florida and nationwide are overwhelmingly entrusting BusPatrol as their safety partner because we provide the best service at the best overall value in the industry …”

Q: Ira, you always second guess the second guessing, so now we’re second guessing you. You said Kel’el Ware wasn’t ready for big NBA moments. Then what was Tuesday? – Adam.

A: And, will therefore give credit where credit is due. While his entrance into the game in the second half hardly was by design, with Bam Adebayo in foul trouble and Kevin Love sidelined by back spasms, Kel’el Ware provided a jolt during the Heat’s comeback from 22 down. In the end, he wound up with the second-best plus-minus on the roster, his +11 second only to Pelle Larsson’s +14. So, to Erik Spoelstra’s credit, it proved a successful move, rather than, say, settling for the known with Thomas Bryant. The next step is for Kel’el to be ready when opponents work through the shouting report on him, something the Bucks hardly had the opportunity to deal with as their 22-point lead was evaporating. But credit where credit is due, in this case to Kel’el.

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Q: This is a below-average team with below-average results. Heat media gonna have a long year defending this team. – R.C.

A: We actually were talking before Tuesday night’s game about whether the Heat have had a quality win. Ultimately, the discussion pointed to Sunday against Dallas, but that was with the Mavericks lacking Luka Doncic. The other thought was the victory in Minnesota, but the Timberwolves hardly are who we thought they are, now at 8-9. Arguably there has yet to be a game, over the entirety of a game, where you can say the Heat have established a foothold on the blueprint for this season.

Q: The Heat get on national TV and they can’t make a statement.  What other motivation do you need? – Stuart.

A: The motivation of having good-enough players.The Bucks had the best player on the court on Tuesday night, in Damian Lillard, and that proved to be enough. Rarely, if at all this season, have the Heat had the best player on the court, perhaps with the exception of Jimmy Butler’s two 30-point guards. And now it’s red-hot LaMelo Ball who is up next on Wednesday night in Charlotte.

Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect on the blessings that shape our lives.

More than a meal, the holiday brings us together and creates lasting memories. In the chaos of daily life, the day reminds us to focus on what truly matters: Our loved ones, our blessings and the simple joys that often go unnoticed.

In Islam, gratitude is not confined to a single day. It is deeply embedded in everyday life.

Through prayer, fasting, and giving alms, Muslims are reminded to recognize their blessings and give thanks to God. As the Holy Quran says, “Eat of the good things We have provided for you, and render thanks to Allah (God), if it is He Whom you worship” (2:173).

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us implement its values every day of the year.

Sophia Mahmood, Miami

Our worthwhile gifts

Every November, we express our gratitude for all we receive from our country’s shared benefits.

This is a time of family reunions, public gatherings with volunteer hosts or dining away from home. This year, we’ve gone through a contentious national election, public protests from a war in the Mideast and devastating hurricanes close to home.

Living here in the U.S., we share in the benefits of heroic first responders, sound public utilities, federal, state and local education programs, medical care, highways, sanitation, transportation, libraries and natural resources.

Make this time of year one of thanksgiving as we gather with family and friends. Try to instill in all the worthwhile gifts we have by living in this wonderful country.

Bob Sweeney, Warwick, R.I.

Such strange bedfellows

In 1899, Louis Dalrymple said, “Politics makes strange bedfellows.” It’s still true.

I clearly remember Marco Rubio next to Donald Trump in a 2016 debate and declared Trump unfit to occupy the Oval Office. He unleashed a torrent of criticism of Trump’s misdeeds and character. He worked Trump into a red-faced lather, even describing his small hands.

Today, Rubio is a steadfast Trump loyalist. Trump has rewarded him with a nomination to be Secretary of State. Strange bedfellows indeed.

Melvin Gerald, Boca Raton

Morning Joe, Mika and Trump

“Morning Joe” Scarborough and his wife, Mika Brzezinski, met with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago to restart a dialogue, even though they have been fierce critics of Trump and he has said terrible, untrue things about them. Their visit got lots of coverage, as many on social media felt betrayed and accused Joe and Mika of selling out.

I don’t see it that way. There’s nothing wrong with restarting a dialogue. Joe and Mika will continue to speak out and hold the Trump administration accountable. But meeting with Trump was probably pointless.

Joe and Mika said he was elected by a little more than half the country, or about 76 million people, and that we can’t ignore Trump voters. In fact, since Trump was elected in 2016, the media has done nothing but cover Trump voters and their wants, needs and grievances. So many books have been written about the anger in small-town America and why people went for Trump.

I’m not interested in who Trump voters are, because considering who Trump is and what he wants to do, there’s no good reason to have voted for this man a second time. They should never have voted for him. His Cabinet choices are already showing us why.

Kathleen Vullis, Margate

Submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or by filling out the form below. Letters should be less than 150 words, and must be signed with your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. 

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Thanksgiving brings families together and gives us wonderful memories. Turkey is on the menu in most homes that celebrate the holiday, but the first Thanksgiving held by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag in 1621 likely had no turkey at all. And no mashed potatoes either. Duck, deer, seafood and cornmeal are believed to be the main dishes at that famous Thanksgiving debut in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

While today’s Thanksgiving is known for parades, football and shopping, the original intent was far different. President Abraham Lincoln believed Thanksgiving should be a day of praying for peace and caring for war victims.

William Lambers is an author who partnered with the UN World Food Program on the book “Ending World Hunger.”

Lincoln’s Thanksgiving proclamation of October 1863 during the Civil War sought to unite the country and build peace. The writer Sarah Josepha Hale had written Lincoln encouraging him to make Thanksgiving a regular national holiday. Hale’s letters made a difference.

“The observance having spread from state to state this year, for the first time, takes its place among the institutions of the nation,” stated an 1863 Thanksgiving editorial in the Hartford Courant. Thanksgiving was here to stay in America.

Turkey was part of the Thanksgiving in 1863. A Chicago Tribune article titled “The Soldiers Thanksgiving Dinner” told of the joy of those getting turkey and chicken at Camp Douglas, The United States General Hospital and the Marine Hospital.

Following Lincoln’s proclamation of caring for those wounded by war, the first national Thanksgiving holiday was a success. Since then, charity has become an important part of the Thanksgiving tradition.

Lincoln’s idea of Thanksgiving as a time for giving back to those in need is something we should always make a part of the holiday. Charity at home and overseas is America’s Thanksgiving story.

At Thanksgiving in 1947, about 10,000 orphans in Europe each got a big surprise: a food package from America. The New York Times reported about this Thanksgiving in Europe because of donations from Americans. This generosity was part of the “Silent Guest” plan, in which families donated at the holidays to send care packages to Europe. This was just two years after World War II, when Europe was reeling in hunger.

Imagine the joy for a thousand orphans at the Central Children’s Home in Vienna, Austria, who were among those who received the Thanksgiving food packages. More Thanksgiving packages were given to kids in Austria who had been stricken with polio. This generosity offered these kids a bit of hope when they had suffered so much. Food donations from America saved lives and built peace after the war.

Thanksgiving today offers us a chance to help those suffering during this holiday season. You can donate to foodbanks feeding hurricane victims in North Carolina, Florida and other areas. Overseas there are starving war victims in Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, Burkina Faso, Yemen and other nations that desperately need our help.

You can donate to charities like Save the Children, CARE, Mary’s Meals, Catholic Relief Services, Edesia, Mercy Corps and many others. UNICEF has an appeal to provide food to malnourished infants as supplies are running low.

The UN World Food Program (WFP) needs our support as it tries to feed millions of starving people in war-torn Gaza and Sudan. These two areas are near famine levels of hunger. The WFP also provides aid in lesser known conflict areas like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where over 23 million people face severe hunger. But the WFP needs more resources to feed all the war victims.

There are many nations that need Thanksgiving food and peace. We can do something great to help them by donating and making charity a part of our holiday.

William Lambers is an author who partnered with the UN World Food Program on the book “Ending World Hunger.” His writings have been published by the New York Times, Washington Post, Newsweek and many other news outlets.

In less than a month, I turn 40. It is a huge milestone, but on Nov. 2, I had an even bigger milestone that I was scared to share with family and friends who live in Florida.

I successfully froze 17 eggs.

As I was recovering at home in California, I thought about my journey so far into motherhood. It consisted of testing my egg count, finding out I didn’t ovulate, crying to the song “Blackbird” because I didn’t ovulate, testing again a month later, celebrating because I ovulated, starting to work with my fertility doctor, having a cooler of meds delivered to my house, giving myself injection after injection after injection to find out my body was not progressing, once again getting angry and crying to the song “Blackbird,” then doing the whole entire process of giving myself shot after shot and then finally getting the procedure to have my egg frozen. This made me feel like a badass.

Saffiyah “Saffy” Johnson is the former chair of the Orange County Children’s Cabinet.

I imagined what it would be like to visit home, pregnant. What it would feel like for my belly to be so big that it hid my feet as they gently grazed the sand on the beach. Lovingly describing the sounds of the waves to my unborn child, eating fresh conch fritters from a local tiki bar, and hoping I have the same craving my mom had with me: lemon custard ice cream from Joy’s in White City. Most importantly, getting love, hugs and humor from my family and friends in Florida. Those dreams came to a sobering halt the night of Nov. 5, due to Amendment 4 not passing. I quickly realized that my life would potentially be in danger if I was pregnant in Florida.

I have worked in health care for over 10 years, including seven years in Florida. I know the health-care system well and some of the challenges in the state before the collapse of Roe v. Wade. In health care, when we are looking at the chance of a mother dying during pregnancy and childbirth within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, we express it by how many women have died per 100,000 live births. This is called the Maternal Death and Mortality rate. If we looked at the rate in Florida, it was 24.1 between the years of 2018-2022. This is a little higher than the U.S. average of 23.2 for the same period. For context, I live in California now, and the rate for the same period is 10.5. Other surrounding states to Florida such as Alabama and Georgia are 39 and 32.

When we look at the maternal mortality rate for a woman like me, a Black woman, the maternal mortality rate is far higher than any other racial or ethnic group since at least 2014. In 2019, the maternal mortality rate for Black mothers was 44 and in Florida during the same year, it was 47.8. At its highest, the rate was 69.9 in the U.S. and in Florida it was 95.6! Having a child may be the riskiest thing for me as a Black woman.

Having a high rate frightens me, but what frightens me more is the answer to the following question, “With the six-week ban in place, would doctors feel secure in performing life-saving treatments for me if I was pregnant and in distress?” and the answer is no. Part of this is simply hesitancy to provide care and follow the law. Doctors have their own stressors attempting to provide the right care in normal circumstances, let alone risking prison time.

So, when I think of a future pregnancy, I’ll beg my friends and family from Florida to visit me in the safety of California.

Saffiyah “Saffy” Johnson, a longtime Orlando resident and former chair of the Orange County Children’s Cabinet, lives in Roseville, Calif.