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Reinhart, Lundell lead Panthers over Blue Jackets in Columbus’ home opener dedicated to Johnny Gaudreau

Tue, 10/15/2024 - 19:15

By MITCH STACY

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sam Reinhart had a goal and two assists, Anton Lundell had a goal and an assist, Spencer Knight made 35 stops and the Florida Panthers beat Columbus 4-3, spoiling a Blue Jackets’ home opener steeped in tributes to Johnny Gaudreau.

Dmitry Kulikov and Eetu Luostarinen also scored for the Panthers (3-2-0), who won their second straight game

Cole Sillinger had the first short-handed goal of his career, Sean Monahan and James van Riemsdyk also scored and Elvis Merzlikins made 18 saves for Columbus (1-2-0).

Pregame ceremonies were dedicated to Gaudreau’s life and career as members of his family watched from a box. A banner was raised to the rafters in Nationwide Arena in Gaudreau’s memory while his wife, Meredith, and two children stood on the ice among his former teammates to witness it.

The 31-year-old Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed Aug. 29 when police said they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while they were riding their bicycles.

The Blue Jackets were first on the board 41 seconds into the second period, with Sillinger breaking away for a goal he lifted over Knight’s shoulder off a backhand flip pass from Kent Johnson.

Takeaways

Panthers: Knight picked up his first win since Jan. 23, 2023. He had to work for it, too. The Blue Jackets outshot Florida 38-22.

Blue Jackets: They just couldn’t match the Panthers score for score despite taking far more on-target shots. Van Riemsdyk’s first goal as a Blue Jacket late in the game cut the lead to 4-3, but they couldn’t get another one.

Key moment

Florida scored twice and Columbus once in the space of 1:37 in the second period. First Lundell tallied at 10:25 to tie the score at 1. Monahan’s tap-in 57 seconds later gave the Blue Jackets the lead for 37 seconds until Kulikov scored to tie it again.

Key stat

Reinhart has four goals and four assists in his first five games for the Panthers.

Up Next

The Panthers host Vancouver on Thursday night, while the Blue Jackets play Buffalo on Thursday.

Adebayo, Herro, Butler continue to coalesce as Heat push past Spurs in exhibition

Tue, 10/15/2024 - 18:57

MIAMI — At a stage when figuring it out is far more significant than the final score, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler settled into comfort zones Tuesday night with the Miami Heat’s new starting lineup.

While the result, a 120-117 exhibition victory over the San Antonio Spurs at Kaseya Center, didn’t count for anything, the chemistry did.

Chemistry that Adebayo, Butler and Herro seemed to find now working in an opening unit with Terry Rozier and Nikola Jovic.

“I love the intent so far,” coach Erik Spoelstra said of his starting lineup. “They’re intentional in the work, the process, to get this together, to start the season.”

With the starting unit playing 23:21 together, each otherwise watching from the bench, Adebayo closed with 20 points, Herro 14 and Butler 12.

Jovic added seven points and Rozier five.

“I think we’ve been building a great relationship,” Rozier said.

The Heat also got 15 points, six rebounds and five assists from Jaime Jaquez Jr., as well as 10 points from Duncan Robinson.

Five Degrees of Heat from Tuesday night’s exhibition against the Spurs:

1. First five: If there was any doubt about the Heat’s opening-night starting lineups, those questions seemingly have been answered.

The Heat for the second consecutive game opened with Adebayo, Jovic, Butler, Herro and Rozier. All but Herro also started the first of the three exhibitions played to this point, with Herro missing the preseason opener with a groin strain.

The three exhibition appearances by Butler match the three he played up on his Heat arrival in 2019, having appeared in two or fewer each preseason before this past week.

The starters played 15:36 together in the first half, with the Heat outscoring the Spurs by six over that span. They then played the first 7:55 of the second half before checking out for good, closing at +2 for the night.

“I like it,” Spoelstra said of the starting unit. “But who cares what the head coach thinks? They like it.”

That they do.

“Getting reps, I think, is the biggest thing,” Herro said. “It’s buying into the system and trusting each other.”

2. And then: As has been the case this preseason, Spoelstra then went with a five-man second unit with Kevin Love, Alec Burks, Robinson, Jaquez and Dru Smith inserted late in the first quarter.

Burks, who was given the night off for Sunday’s exhibition victory over the Pelicans, this time played in place of Haywood Highsmith.

That second five then were subbed out when the starters returned with 6:45 left in the first half, each of the units +4 to that stage.

Jaquez was key with that second unit.

“That’s part of Jaime’s talent,” Spoelstra said. “He can create something out of nothing.”

As was the case in the first three exhibitions, Thomas Bryant then played with the second unit in the second half in place of Love.

3. Appreciation offered: Having coached him to Olympic gold with Team USA in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich noted the growth in the game of Adebayo, who won Olympic gold this past summer under Steve Kerr in Paris.

“He’s more confident offensively, for sure,” Popovich said. “He feels better about his jump shot. He’s shooting a couple of threes now. That’s the main thing.

“But everything else is steady as hell. He’s going to be a worker. He’s going to rebound. He’s going to move, cut, be a team player. All that’s the same, just offensively, more confident and a little bit more breadth to his game.”

Then, as if on cue, Adebayo drained a corner 3-pointer on his first attempt Tuesday (before airballing a 3-pointer on his second attempt). Later, Adebayo converted a transition 3-pointer in the third quarter to close 2 of 3 from beyond the arc as part of his overall 6-of-10 effort from the field.

“Spacing the floor, that’s probably the only thing people notice. I’m seeing the other parts of his game continuing to grow,” Spoelstra said.

4. Limited appearance: With Popovich pregame saying the plan was to limit Victor Wembanyama to about 15 minutes, the 2024 Rookie of the Year went 16:44, playing only the first half.

The versatile 7-foot-3 big man closed with eight points, seven rebounds and three assists, draining a 3-pointer.

The moment had Spoelstra again coaching against Wembanyama after coaching against him in August as an Olympic assistant for Team USA in the gold-medal game against France at the Paris Olympics.

“We saw this summer in the Olympics, particularly in France, when there were great expectations for that team, in the biggest moments is when he played the best, including our final game,” Spoelstra said.

5. Up next: Next up for the Heat is a Wednesday night return to Kaseya for the home exhibition finale against the Atlanta Hawks, a game that had been scheduled for last week but then was postponed by Hurricane Milton.

From there, the Heat will close out their preseason Friday on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies, before next Wednesday’s season opener against the visiting Orlando Magic.

Lawyers for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs ask judge to release identities of his accusers

Tue, 10/15/2024 - 16:15

By LARRY NEUMEISTER

NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs asked a New York judge Tuesday to force prosecutors to disclose the names of his accusers in his sex trafficking case.

The lawyers wrote in a letter to a Manhattan federal court judge that the hip-hop music maker needs to know the identities of his alleged victims so he can prepare adequately for trial.

Last week, a May 5 trial date was set for Combs. He has pleaded not guilty.

A spokesperson for prosecutors declined comment.

Combs, 54, remains incarcerated without bail after his Sept. 16 federal sex trafficking arrest. His lawyers have asked a federal appeals court to let him be freed to home detention so he can more easily meet with lawyers and prepare for trial.

So far, judges have concluded he is a danger to the community and cannot be freed.

The request to identify accusers comes a day after six new lawsuits were filed against Combs anonymously to protect the identities of the alleged victims. Two of the accusers were identified as Jane Does while four men were listed in the lawsuits as John Does. The lawsuits claimed he used his fame and promises of boosting their own prospects in the music industry to persuade victims to attend lavish parties or drug-fueled hangouts where he then assaulted them.

The plaintiffs in Monday’s lawsuits are part of what their lawyers say is a group of more than 100 accusers who are in the process of taking legal action against Combs.

In their letter Tuesday to Judge Arun Subramanian, lawyers for Combs said the case against their client is unique in part because of the number of accusers. They attributed the quantity to “his celebrity status, wealth and the publicity of his previously settled lawsuit.”

That reference appeared to cite a November lawsuit filed by his former girlfriend, Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura. Combs settled the lawsuit the next day, but its allegations of sexual and physical abuse have followed him since.

The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly, as Ventura did.

Combs’ lawyers said the settlement of Cassie’s lawsuit, along with “false inflammatory statements” by federal agents and Combs’ fame have “had a pervasive ripple effect, resulting in a torrent of allegations by unidentified complainants, spanning from the false to outright absurd.”

They said the lawsuits filed Monday, along with other lawsuits, and their “swirling allegations have created a hysterical media circus that, if left unchecked, will irreparably deprive Mr. Combs of a fair trial, if they haven’t already.”

The lawyers wrote that the government should identify alleged victims because Combs has no way of knowing which allegations prosecutors are relying on in their accusations in an indictment.

“To the extent Mr. Combs is forced to mount a defense against criminal allegations that the government does not seek to prove at trial, he is entitled to know that,” the lawyers said.

The indictment alleges Combs coerced and abused women for years, with the help of a network of associates and employees, while using blackmail and violent acts including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings to keep victims from speaking out.

Hundreds of troops kicked out under ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ get upgraded to honorable discharges

Tue, 10/15/2024 - 16:04

By TARA COPPWASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon announced Tuesday that more than 800 military personnel have seen their service records upgraded to honorable discharges after <a href=”https://apnews.com/article/military-gay-pardon-biden-benefits-b181478e4bfeda52de82a129b7c60857″>previously being kicked out of the military</a> under its former “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.It is the latest development over the decades to undo past discrimination against LGBTQ service members.The 1951 Uniform Code of Military Justice’s Article 125 had criminalized consensual gay sex. In 1993, former President Bill Clinton modified the military’s policy to “don’t ask, don’t tell,” which allowed LGBTQ troops to serve in the armed forces if they didn’t disclose their sexual orientation.That policy was repealed in 2011, when Congress allowed for their open service in the military. The 1951 UCMJ code was modified in 2013 to be limited to nonconsensual gay sex.President Joe Biden in June announced <a href=”https://apnews.com/article/biden-lgbtq-pride-pardon-military-pentagon-sodomy-a83b799323380de10aac0ca6fb57595b”>he was issuing pardons</a> to service members convicted under repealed military policies.Under “don’t ask, don’t tell,” thousands of service members still saw their military service ended without an honorable discharge, meaning they did not receive the military benefits they would have otherwise, such as education benefits, and it also could have affected their ability to apply for jobs or loans.Last year, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin <a href=”https://apnews.com/article/military-lgbtq-dont-ask-dont-tell-571491100b592ab7d86e99e2e2bbf5bb”>ordered a review of cases</a> of former service members who might have been affected by the policy.Related Articles

The Pentagon estimates about 13,500 service members in total were released from military service under “don’t ask, don’t tell.” With the review and upgrades of the more than 800 troops announced Tuesday, the Pentagon said that about 96% of the 13,500 personnel affected by the policy now have received an honorable discharge.Not every case of the 13,500 needed review — some of those personnel either did not serve long enough to qualify for benefits, they were released with an honorable discharge at the time, they already had their discharges upgraded through other means, or they did not qualify for an upgrade due to other violations.“We will continue to honor the service and the sacrifice of all our troops — including the brave Americans who raised their hands to serve but were turned away because of whom they love. We will continue to strive to do right by every American patriot who has honorably served their country,” Austin said in a statement.

Hunter Biden revives lawsuit against Fox News over explicit images used in streaming series

Tue, 10/15/2024 - 15:59

NEW YORK (AP) — Hunter Biden has revived a lawsuit that accuses Fox News of illegally publishing explicit images of him as part of a streaming series.

The president’s son first sued Fox in New York in July over images used in the Fox Nation series “The Trial of Hunter Biden,” a “mock trial” of Hunter Biden on charges he has not faced. He dropped the suit without explanation three weeks later, the same day President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race.

On Tuesday, Hunter Biden filed a largely identical suit in state court in Manhattan, again arguing that the dissemination of intimate images without his consent violates New York’s so-called revenge porn law. The new suit adds one current Fox executive one former executive as named defendants.

Biden’s attorney, Tina Glandian, didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment on why the suit was revived.

In a filing Tuesday, Fox asked that the case be moved to federal court. The company issued a statement describing the second suit as “once again devoid of any merit.”

“The core complaint stems from a 2022 streaming program that Mr. Biden did not complain about until sending a letter in late April 2024,” the statement said. “The program was removed within days of that letter, in an abundance of caution, but Hunter Biden is a public figure who has been the subject of multiple investigations and is now a convicted felon.”

Biden was convicted in July of three felony firearms charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018. The six-part Fox Nation series depicted a dramatized court proceeding on different, fictional charges.

As residents cope with tornado disaster, FEMA starts offering aid in Palm Beach County

Tue, 10/15/2024 - 15:52

THE ACREAGE — Team members with FEMA knocked on Franklin Ashurst’s door, one of their many stops Tuesday as they walked door to door in communities devastated by tornadoes.

Soon, they determined Ashurst hadn’t yet applied for federal aid, so they helped him do so. All around his neighborhood, traces were everywhere of the damage: There were piles of tree branches and personal belongings reduced to shattered debris at the foot of nearly every house.

Ashurst is among those being visited by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The agency’s Disaster Survivor Assistance workers began visiting residents Tuesday, helping ensure those eligible indeed register for federal assistance, FEMA spokesperson Renee Bafalis said.

“We can assist you in several ways with housing assistance and other needs assistance,” Bafalis said. That “would include things like just simple repairs to get you back into your home safely, child care expenses you may have, if you had a vehicle that may have been damaged during the storm and that was your only vehicle to go to and from work, we might be able to help you with that as well.”

The damage to Ashurst’s property might be deceiving to passers-by: While the front of the home and the lawn look almost unscathed, the back is laden with piles of wood, tree branches and debris. Ashurst said the tornado even took out an entire mobile home that used to stand in the backyard.

The tornado also took out two doors in the home’s master bedroom, leaving Ashurst to put up a mattress in the space, which was still there on Tuesday.

When the tornado came through the usually quiet Acreage neighborhood, Ashurst said he and his niece, who was with him, did “exactly what we were taught to do.”

“We all went in that bathroom in the center of the house and huddled in the bath and prayed to God that we would live through this,” he said. “It seemed like a long time but I’m sure it wasn’t.”

A regional effort

These FEMA teams plan to visit communities across Palm Beach County as well as set up multi-agency resource center. It would be meant to help the hard-hit neighborhoods, including some in Wellington, Loxahatchee Groves, the Acreage, Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter Farms.

The damage resulted from an unusual outbreak of strong tornadoes that tore through parts of Florida last week as Hurricane Milton made landfall on the state’s west coast.

Another one of the Acreage homes visited by a FEMA on Tuesday belongs to William and Kristina Machan, who watched a tornado damage their cars and property in less than two minutes.

Kristina Machan is shown with her damaged vehicle at her home in the Acreage on Tuesday. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Kristina Machan said she’d had a “gut feeling” about Hurricane Milton and had gotten her closet ready just in case, but in the moments before the twister touched down near their dark blue-painted home, she heard something “really loud” and thought her husband, William Machan, had simply increased the TV volume.

“I’m like, ‘Why are you turning up the TV?’ And come to find out it was not the TV,” she said.

Watch as a tornado blows into a Palm Beach County home from Hurricane Milton. (William Machan/Courtesy)

The fence surrounding the Machans’ house was completely overhauled, and while their house remained relatively intact, the back patio was damaged.

Had the tornado lasted any longer than it did, Machan said she thinks they “would have nothing left.”

Kristina Machan passes downed trees on her property as she walks to the front of her house in the Acreage on Tuesday. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Another resident, Amanda Neto, recalled the harrowing, violently loud tornado that barreled toward her family’s home last week, whipping around debris that destroyed their fence and the screen around their pool, broke one of their windows and damaged three of their cars.

“I heard my mom screaming for my dog to come inside, and I was so focused that I didn’t really think anything of it,” Amanda Neto said while standing with her dad, Elcio Neto, outside of their still-shuttered home on Tuesday. “I saw it coming in the distance, so I started running toward my parents’ room. … That’s when one of our windows broke, and I screamed.”

Neto posted a recording of the tornado from the family’s deck camera on TikTok, and the video has since has garnered more than 10 million views. In it, Neto’s parents can be seen desperately trying to corral their two dogs inside, seconds before the tornado screeches across their back deck.

Applying for aid

For people who believe they may qualify for FEMA aid, applications may be done through www.disasterassistance.gov, through a toll-free registration hotline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by downloading the FEMA app.

FEMA cannot duplicate what insurance may cover, Bafalis said, so people should be reaching out to their insurance companies first.

“FEMA’s role is to supplement what the county and the state need, and so we’re here to help in that regard,” she said. “We cannot make you whole again, we can only help you get back on your feet.”

Assessing the damage

County, state and federal officials have been stepping in to help people put the pieces of their lives together after Hurricane Milton.

As of Tuesday afternoon, according to the county’s Planning, Zoning and Building Department, these were among the properties affected, categorized by the extent of damage:

— Five homes in unincorporated parts of Palm Beach County saw “major” damage, meaning they require extensive repairs and won’t be livable for a long time.

— There were 18 homes with “minor” damage, meaning some repairs will be needed on the structure to make them habitable again.

— There were 58 homes listed as “affected,” meaning structures saw minimal damage but are still habitable without repairs.

— Four businesses and one church also were listed as “affected,” with minimal damage.

Week 9 high school football predictions: Soul Bowl time! Plus, Chaminade-Madonna, St. Thomas in national rankings shakeup

Tue, 10/15/2024 - 14:57

Chaminade-Madonna not only defeated St. Thomas Aquinas 29-22 at Pitbull Stadium on the FIU campus, but the Lions also leapfrogged the Raiders in the MaxPreps national rankings.

Chaminade-Madonna, which started the year as the highest-ranked South Florida team at No. 8, jumped from 29th last week to No. 17 this week. St. Thomas Aquinas slipped from No. 9 to No. 21, making Chaminade-Madonna the highest-ranked team in South Florida again.

The last time St. Thomas Aquinas and Chaminade-Madonna faced each other in football, the Raiders blasted the Lions in a 71-7 thrashing in 1981. The teams have combined for 23 state championships with Chaminade-Madonna holding eight, while the Raiders lead the state with 15, including a state-record five consecutive.

Two other nationally ranked teams faced off last week, No. 32 Miami Norland edging No. 43 American Heritage, 32-27. Still, Norland slipped to No. 33, while American Heritage stayed at No. 43.

Weather forced the schedule to be disrupted, as several games were rescheduled due to Hurricane Milton. I went 6-1 for the week, with my lone loss being the Chaminade win over St. Thomas, which upped my record to 97-12 for the year.

Here is the slate of games this week:

Blanche Ely (5-2) at Dillard (4-1) Saturday 7 p.m.: Blanche Ely defeated the Panthers last season 33-28, marking the first time since 2015 and 2016 that Blanche Ely topped Dillard in back-to-back years in the Soul Bowl. Blanche Ely leads the all-time series 27-26-1. Blanche Ely squeaked past Plantation last week 18-16. Blanche Ely 24, Dillard 16.

Atlantic (5-1) at Deerfield Beach (1-4) Thursday 6 p.m.: This District 14-5A contest features two teams heading in opposite directions. Atlantic is trying to keep pace with Coconut Creek, as both teams are 1-0 in the district and had their game postponed due to Hurricane Milton. Deerfield Beach lost to Coconut Creek two weeks ago, and 70-0 to Blanche Ely the week before. Atlantic 26, Deerfield Beach 13.

West Boca (5-1) at Bishop Verot (4-2) Friday, 6:30 p.m.: West Boca had the week off following a disappointing 28-27 overtime loss on the road to Western. Junior defensive lineman Xavier Reid is averaging 6.5 tackles per game. The previously undefeated Bulls average 396 yards per game, and star running back junior Javian Mallory could be back from injury. Bishop Verot is anxious to play a game following Hurricane Milton skirting the area. Power has been restored to the Fort Myers area. West Boca 30, Bishop Verot 23.

Monarch (4-2) at No. 21 St. Thomas Aquinas (6-2) Friday, 7 p.m.: The Knights visit St. Thomas this week as they try to prepare for the postseason. The five-time defending state champion Raiders will try to recover from its narrow loss against Chaminade-Madonna on Friday night. St. Thomas Aquinas 40, Monarch 17.

Archbishop McCarthy (4-2) at No. 43 American Heritage (3-4) Friday, 7 p.m.: American Heritage junior quarterback and Texas commit Dia Bell has completed 103 out of 144 passes for 1,657 yards and 20 TDs to lead the way. The Mavericks have dropped two in a row after starting the season unbeaten. They will try to play spoiler in the District 14-5A standings. American Heritage 21, Archbishop McCarthy 17.

Avant Garde Academy (1-6) at No. 17 Chaminade-Madonna (6-2) Friday, 7 pm.: The Lions have finished the meat of their schedule, yet could feast on their District 14-1A opponent this week in Hollywood rival Avanti Garde Academy. The two programs have faced off four times in the past two years and Chaminade-Madonna has won the four meetings by a combined score of 242-0. Chaminade-Madonna 66, Avant Garde 0.

Boca Raton (6-0) at Cardinal Gibbons (4-2) Friday, 7 p.m.: This game has the makings of a see-saw battle. Boca Raton averaging 31.5 points per game, and the host Chiefs are averaging 30.5. Cardinal Gibbons 33, Boca Raton 30.

Plantation (5-2) at Piper (6-0) Friday, 7 p.m.: The visiting Colonels have been stingy on defense this season as they have allowed a total of 98 points this season, most coming in a 35-0 beat down to nationally ranked American Heritage and 18-16 in a loss to Blanche Ely. The Bengals have been a tad better as they opened the season with four straight shutouts and allowed a total of 32 points against Blanche Ely (21-20) and 34-12 against Boyd Anderson. Piper 14, Plantation 13.

Lakeland Christian (4-1) at American Heritage-Delray (7-1) Friday, 6:30 p.m.: The Vikings have been tough to score on, allowing just 55 points in five games. Heritage junior linebacker Jaden Desir has run for 447 yards and three TDs for the Stallions. Lakeland Christian 28, American Heritage 24.

Glades Central (6-0) at Sebring (4-2) Friday, 7:30 p.m.: The Raiders will need to shake the rust off since they haven’t played since Sept. 28. The Blue Streaks are led by senior Keveun Mason (583 rushing yards, 8 TDs). They have won two consecutive games. Glades Central 21, Sebring 17.

Olympic Heights (0-7) at Wellington (3-3) Friday 6:30 p.m.: The host Wolverines have a balanced attack on offense led by junior quarterback Jonathan Paul (604 yards passing, 6 TDs; 31 rushing yards 2 TDs). Olympic Heights will try to shed its 15-game losing streak dating back to last season. The Lions are just 3-24 dating back to 2022. Wellington 17, Olympic Heights 0.

Jupiter (5-1) at Martin County (5-2) Friday, 7 p.m.: Jupiter’s lone loss came against Palm Beach Central on Sept. 27. They rebounded with a win over Suncoast before weather forced the postponement of their game against Wellington. The Tigers topped South Fork 35-25 on Monday for their fifth straight win. Jupiter 13, Martin County 12.

Melbourne Central Catholic (5-1) at Cardinal Newman (6-0) Friday, 7 p.m.: Crusaders junior quarterback Jyron Hughley (745 yards passing, 10 TDs; 398 rushing yards, 5 TDs) paves the way for Cardinal Newman. The visiting Hustlers, winners of three in a row, are led by junior quarterback Brogan McNab (917 passing yards, 12 TDs; 665 rushing yards, 8 TDs). Cardinal Newman is 2-0 against MCC dating back to 2019, outscoring the Hustlers 76-20. Cardinal Newman 28, Melbourne Central Catholic 20.

Palm Beach Central (5-1) at Benjamin (3-3) Friday, 6:30 p.m.: After a slow start, Benjamin has won three consecutive games behind the running of Phoenix Donghia (742 yards rushing, 9 TDs). Palm Beach Central has gotten solid performances from junior QB Chance Routson (1,036 yards, 12 TDs; 221 rushing yards, 4 TDs). Palm Beach Central 28, Benjamin 17.

‘Our first decent cold front’: When you can expect slightly cooler temps in South Florida

Tue, 10/15/2024 - 14:18

South Floridians are getting a reprieve with some fall weather: A cold front is on its way.

Wednesday afternoon, “we’re going to get our first decent cold front,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Nick Carr, “the first one I would consider bona fide.”

The winds coupled with the temperature change “will be more pleasant Thursday than they have been,” he said.

The lows in Broward and Palm Beach counties “might struggle to get below 70 on the coast.” Inland, the lows will be in the upper 60s.

The high Thursday will be in the upper 70s into 80.

“It will feel pretty good,” he said, although it really is a “South Florida fall perhaps. Nobody up north would consider what we’re going to feel like fall.”

The reason for the break from the heat? A cold front is now moving through Georgia and Alabama and will be generally in the area of northern Florida on Tuesday night.

Wednesday, it will “work its way down to our area.”

There will be one caveat: There are winds behind the cold front that are about 15 mph to 20 mph, and a full moon is expected Thursday. The combination means minor tidal flooding, he said. Low-lying areas will face the potential for flooding, such as parking lots close to coastal areas.

Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sunsentinel.com. Follow on X, formerly Twitter, @LisaHuriash

Free South Florida events for breast cancer screenings and support

Tue, 10/15/2024 - 02:07

October is the time to get the breast cancer screening you may have been putting off. Upcoming events in South Florida offer opportunities for screenings, information, and support, as well as raising awareness of the disease.

Women’s initiative

Hollywood Kia will hold its fourth annual breast cancer awareness event, Women’s Breast & Heart Initiative, on Friday, Oct. 18. Women can receive free mammograms and heart screenings by appointment. Contact Women’s Breast & Heart Initiative at 305-825-4081 to secure an appointment. This year, the dealership is bringing in two mobile mammogram units and doubling the staff to meet the demand for breast cancer screenings. Hollywood Kia will also offer a series of heart screenings for cholesterol, hypertension, and glucose during the event. In addition, educational tools will be provided with information to help reduce risk, manage levels, and promote early detection.

Survivorship

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is hosting its third annual Survivorship Symposium from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18 at The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove, Miami, 3300 SW 27th Ave. Cancer survivors, caregivers, researchers, and healthcare providers will be able to take a deep dive into life after a cancer diagnosis with sessions on care and research. Along with keynote speakers, Sylvester breast cancer survivors with tales of triumph will be available to provide information and encouragement at the event.

Women’s wellness

The Junior League of Boca Raton is partnering with Baptist Health on a “Women’s Wellness Initiative” to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Lynn Cancer Institute will hold a Breast Cancer Bazaar, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 701 NW 13th St, Boca Raton. It will be a morning of shopping, and screenings in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event includes light refreshments and complimentary valet parking. Tim Quinn of Halo 42 will speak about skin care; Brandi Hyatt, a Lynn Cancer Institute dietitian, will speak about nutrition; and Tricia Almelda of Drummond Therapy Centers will provide pelvic floor education. To register, call 561-955-5097.

Community members participated in the Let’s Beat Breast Cancer Rally on Oct. 12 in Fort Lauderdale. (Sunny Visuals/Courtesy) Pink in the Rink

On Saturday, Oct. 19, Promise Fund has partnered with the Florida Panthers and Baptist Health Cancer Care for its third annual Pink in the Rink event, starting at 7 p.m. at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. The event will honor those currently battling breast cancer and those who have overcome it and showcase the dedicated members of the local medical community who work to help patients overcome the disease.

Pink Project Day

Planned Parenthood of South, East and North Florida is hosting Pink Project Day on Monday, Oct. 21. Residents can get free breast and pap exams at all Planned Parenthood health centers. This annual event ensures that everyone, insured or not, can get vital screenings. Appointments are required: call 1-800-230-7526 and mention Pink Project Day.

Wellness fair

The Promise Fund is hosting a Community Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Manatial de Vida of Church of All Nations, 1300 NW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. There will be free mammography and cancer screenings for non-insured and underinsured attendees and an opportunity to speak with medical professionals on breast and cervical cancer issues and other health-related matters. The event will also include complimentary food, a bounce house for the kids, food trucks and raffles. Promise Fund navigators and staff will be on hand to answer questions in Spanish, Creole and English. Anyone interested in receiving a mammogram must register in advance by calling 877-427-7664.

South Florida Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com.

ASK IRA: Are potential Heat minutes for Kel’el Ware about more than Kel’el Ware?

Tue, 10/15/2024 - 02:07

Q: Rookies should be allowed more minutes/to start if they’re good. Kel’el Ware in particular. – Vip.

A: While I can appreciate the curiosity with something or someone new, you also have to be ready for such moments, particularly with a team in win-now mode (which is the mode when Jimmy Butler, your leading man, is 35). A danger with rushing a player is you can create a sense of entitlement. Kel’el Ware is not ready yet. That doesn’t mean there can’t be minutes where he can be spotted, perhaps in case of injury or player absences. But if Bam Adebayo is unable to go, figure on Thomas Bryant getting those starts. And if Bam is available, figure on Kevin Love taking most of the reserve minutes in the middle. In the interim, Kel’el needs to work on bulking up his base and learning when to go for blocked shots and when to stay true to the base defense. With a lottery team, Kel’el assuredly would get immediate minutes. If this is a lottery team, then the concern would go far deeper than the playing time for a No. 15 pick. All of that said, his time certainly could come, with Kel’el having a role in dictating such a timeline.

Miami Heat | Submit your “Ask Ira” question here!

Q: I still think Duncan Robinson and Nikola Jovic would be our best role players off the bench. – Lee.

A: Actually, I can appreciate the current mix with Bam Adebayo, Nikola Jovic, Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro starting. That gives you a quality base in reserve of Jaime Jaquez Jr., Duncan Robinson, Haywood Highsmith, Kevin Love, and perhaps one other wing (choosing from Alec Burks, Josh Richardson or, perhaps, Pelle Larsson). The Heat could have the ability to wear other teams down with their depth (at least in the regular season).

Q: Of the two-way players, who do you think plays? – Frank.

A: I think it will be situational, and there are no guarantees that Dru Smith, Keshad Johnson and Josh Christoper remain the two-way players (eligible to be promoted to the standard roster or waived). For now, Dru would appear to have an inside track due to the lack of a true backup point guard on the roster. But I could see Keshad getting minutes if, say, Haywood Highsmith were to be sidelined, or Josh getting minutes if a scorer such as Tyler Herro or Terry Rozier would be unable to go.

The Fort Lauderdale of 1968, and of today | Letters to the editor

Tue, 10/15/2024 - 02:06

Developer Charlie Ladd (letter to the editor, “No more cracker-box homes,” Oct. 9) came to Fort Lauderdale in 1984 and began to transform it, all right — some good and some very bad.

I first came to the town of Davie in 1968, and I have three distinct memories.

The Ku Klux Klan, fully hooded and robed, marching on horseback down 64th Avenue; a straw poll among teachers at the high school where I taught gave George Wallace the majority; the Sun Sentinel’s editorial pages revealed a reactionary bias that chilled my Yankee soul.

“Holy s—!” I thought. I had come to Broward to escape the cold, and landed in 1950’s Alabama.

Fast forward a half century: Davie is a quaint balance of modern suburbia and small-town charm, thanks to progressive governance, and with no visible Klan presence. The Sun Sentinel — especially on its editorial pages — has become a beacon of common sense in this threatening political climate.

By the way, should anybody object to Opinion Editor Steve Bousquet working from home? Doesn’t everybody?

As for the Charlie Ladd-led replacement of grass and trees with steel and concrete in Fort Lauderdale: In the words of our fellow displaced Noo Yawkers, “Youse pays yer money and youse takes yer chances.”

Jeff Kleiman, Boynton Beach

The more things change

Can anyone tell me how the next presidential administration is supposed to fix what’s wrong with the current administration, when they are the same administration?

Sherry Wipplinger, Fort Lauderdale

DeSantis in La-La Land

We are so lucky that climate change is just a “Chinese hoax.”

Imagine how bad things would be if the science were real and we could believe our lying eyes.

As Milton brought a second blow to Florida’s west coast, it’s of course clear that the science is real and our eyes are clear. Our planet is in an existential crisis, and politicians like Donald Trump, Rick Scott, and Ron DeSantis will “live in infamy.”

As governor, Scott ordered the state Department of Environmental Protection not to use the terms “climate change” or “global warming” in any communications.

As governor, DeSantis signed legislation that erased most references to “climate change” in state law. They can strut around and pretend they are protecting us when hurricanes hit, and homes are destroyed, and lives are lost. But they are nothing more than five-year-old children sticking their thumbs in their ears, wiggling their fingers, closing their eyes, and yelling “la-la-la-la-la.”

Michael K. Cantwell, Delray Beach

Abortion advertising

Anti-abortion groups in Florida are running false TV ads, stating that Amendment 4 will allow minors to have abortions without parental consent.

But here is the actual text from the amendment that those TV ads conveniently omit: “This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.”

John Moore, Miramar

Submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or by filling out the form below. Letters are limited to less than 150 words and must be signed (no pseudonyms nor initials).You must include your email address, address with city and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length.

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Morning Update: South Florida’s top stories for Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024

Tue, 10/15/2024 - 02:06

Here are the top stories for Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. Get the weather forecast for today here.

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

Broward School Board to discuss whether hurricane makeup days are needed

Flu shot may not be as effective as last year, but it’s still worth getting

For storm-stressed taxpayers, IRS cuts Floridians a break with extended filing, payment deadlines

‘Nowhere else to go’: Florida seniors struggle to recover from back-to-back hurricanes

Guide to the Arts 2024: Best theater shows of the season

South Florida-based health care network files for Chapter 11, announces sale to Humana

How to help after Hurricane Milton: Here’s what they need | UPDATED

Now open: Stephanie’s Crèpes in Fort Lauderdale, Norman Love Confections in Delray Beach

Travel Troubleshooter: I have proof I didn’t damage my rental, so why do I have to pay?

Miss Manners: The cashier had the nerve to say this when I was buying a pregnancy test

Today in History: October 15, #MeToo movement goes viral

Tue, 10/15/2024 - 01:00

Today is Tuesday, Oct. 15, the 289th day of 2024. There are 77 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Oct. 15, 2017, actress and activist Alyssa Milano tweeted that women who had been sexually harassed or assaulted should write “Me too” as a status. Within hours, tens of thousands had taken up the #MeToo hashtag (using a phrase that had been introduced a decade earlier by social activist Tarana Burke).

Also on this date:

In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte, the deposed French emperor, arrived on the British-ruled South Atlantic island of St. Helena, where he spent the last 5 1/2 years of his life in exile.

In 1945, the former premier of Vichy France, Pierre Laval, was executed for treason.

In 1946, Nazi war criminal Hermann Goering (GEH’-reeng) fatally poisoned himself hours before he was to have been executed.

In 1954, Hurricane Hazel made landfall on the Carolina coast as a Category 4 storm; Hazel was blamed for about 1,000 deaths in the Caribbean, 95 in the U.S. and 81 in Canada.

In 1976, the first debate of its kind took place between vice-presidential nominees, Democrat Walter F. Mondale and Republican Bob Dole faced off in Houston.

In 1989, Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings broke Gordie Howe’s all-time NHL scoring record in a game against his former team, the Edmonton Oilers.

In 1991, despite sexual harassment allegations by Anita Hill, the Senate narrowly confirmed the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court, 52-48.

In 1997, British Royal Air Force pilot Andy Green twice drove a jet-powered car in the Nevada desert faster than the speed of sound, officially shattering the world’s land-speed record.

In 2003, eleven people were killed when a Staten Island ferry slammed into a maintenance pier. (The ferry’s pilot, who had blacked out at the controls, later pleaded guilty to eleven counts of manslaughter.)

Today’s Birthdays:

Actor Linda Lavin is 87.
Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Palmer is 79.
Musician Richard Carpenter is 78.
Film director Mira Nair is 67.
Britain’s Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, is 65.
Chef Emeril Lagasse (EM’-ur-ul leh-GAH’-see) is 65.
Actor Dominic West is 55.
R&B singer Ginuwine (JIHN’-yoo-wyn) is 54.
Singer-TV personality Keyshia Cole is 43.
Actor Bailee Madison is 25.

Daily Horoscope for October 15, 2024

Mon, 10/14/2024 - 21:00

General Daily Insight for October 15, 2024

This morning may feel like a continuation of our dreams. This is due to Luna conjoining dreamy Neptune in Neptune’s home sign, Pisces, heightening our intuition and creativity. The Moon then enters independent Aries, clearing our minds as we shake off any residual sleepiness. Finally, harmonious Venus supports Neptune at 8:49 pm, making it easier to monetize art, find healing in all different relationships, and balance ourselves wherever we’ve gone off course. We shouldn’t let everyday comforts prevent us from growing and seeing things clearly.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

What was in the darkness is coming to light. Life updates are hot off the presses, leaving you to decide what to do with this information. What you felt before you gained this knowledge is potentially very different from what you’re feeling in this moment, and rationalizing that discrepancy might be complicated. Try not to force yourself to catch up hastily. Instead, allow yourself some time to let everything balance out. Don’t ignore the facts, but don’t ignore your intuition either.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Someone in your friend group may reveal themselves to be much different than you expected. This revelation might not be exciting for you, as you probably liked the person that you thought they were. These unfamiliar facets to their personality could be difficult to reconcile. Instead of attempting to figure out how to bring back who they used to be, give yourself time to accept the new, more complex person that they are. You can grow with them — or you could grow apart.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

A new road is stretching ahead of you. While you probably won’t receive an invitation to totally transform your career, you could find a new way to approach your current job or project. If you’re actively in need of a moneymaking venture, consider seeking out creative or caregiving work. Contrastingly, if your career is of no concern, you may notice that members of a different generation in your life are struggling to maintain boundaries. Show your nurturing side, but don’t let them trample your fences!

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Your confusion about where you want to go is lifting. Previously, you may have struggled to figure out your goals for higher education or plan your ideal vacation. While there might not have been a pressing reason to go anywhere before, it is likely that your answer will come to you today. Once you realize which road you’re being encouraged down, make a point of researching beforehand to make your trip as smooth as possible. Learn what you need to know before you go!

Leo

July 23 – August 22

You’re defying expectations, Leo! These may be your own expectations, as you potentially didn’t know just how far your talents would take you, though they could be the expectations of naysayers who doubted you. You might be extra ambitious, potentially due to some extra scrutiny on you at this time. Outside expectations are not what matters in the end — the heart of the matter is whether or not you believe in yourself. You can’t control the dreams of others, so they shouldn’t control yours!

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Finding a compromise is easier said than done. You and someone else — perhaps a professional peer or casual acquaintance — might not see eye-to-eye. They may have one way that they want an event to go, while your ideas entirely clash with theirs. This can become a point of contention between you, causing tension that will not lead to balance and harmony, to say the least. Do your best to craft a satisfying compromise before things get out of hand!

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Your routine might need some reorganizing. You could have let certain aspects of your daily routine slip over a period of time that was especially busy, or you may have been forced to build your schedule around someone else’s needs. It’s time to get back into the swing of things! You might not get there immediately, but doing your best to find your natural balance in a routine should help. If you need somewhere to start, try cutting out just one bad habit.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

An organized and calculated risk might be too much to ask for. It can be confusing when many opportunities all seem favorable — which will actually give you a good return for your risk? Someone could even tell you that a certain opening is made for you, but if your intuition doesn’t feel right or something seems off, you are allowed to step away. Don’t spend anything more than what you can’t afford to lose, and make sure you know where your limits are.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Family might be confusing you. The motivations of a relative or close friend could seem impenetrable, no matter how well you know them. You could also realize that you have been putting too much of an emotional burden on yourself in such bonds — putting up some reasonable boundaries should let you stop taking on the full weight. Every connection requires two people to both be working towards balance and togetherness with each other. Otherwise, one is setting both up for failure.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

What you say and what others hear could be very different. Getting your point across isn’t as simple as drawing a line, as people will always project their feelings onto your words and ideas. Misunderstandings could currently cause rifts! Your social network is like a garden — you have to provide it with tender care, and sometimes it takes a little extra work to weed out the miscommunications or projections. Don’t be discouraged by these issues. They should be solved faster than you realize.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Your security could need attention. There may be people in your life spreading your information around, or perhaps your typical usernames and passwords have become dangerously out of date. On the other hand, the issue might be related to finances — watch out for over-the-top spending habits or high-interest loans! Whether you’re cutting someone a little too gossipy out of your life or banishing shopaholic tendencies that are draining your bank account, your need to protect yourself must be honored ASAP.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Figuring out what you presently want may be tough. Maybe you’re at a crossroads, but have no idea where either road will lead. You yourself might be a little more confusing from an outsider’s perspective also, as you may need more rest, time to be alone, or space to be creative. Still, this is a good time for travel and meditation, since getting away from the opinions of the peanut gallery should help you to gain the perspective that you need.

UCF linebacker Kam Moore to redshirt, enter transfer portal

Mon, 10/14/2024 - 18:16

UCF linebacker Kam Moore plans to redshirt this season and enter the transfer portal.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Moore announced his decision on social media Monday night.

“I would like to thank the whole UCF community for welcoming me with open arms and giving me the chance to further my education. I would also like to thank Coach Malzahn and the staff for allowing me to step in between the white lines for UCF to pursue my life long dream of playing in the NFL,” Moore said in a post.

The Sanford High product appeared in 23 games (1 start) during his three seasons with the Knights, registering 23 tackles with 2 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass defended. Moore appeared in three games this season, totaling 2 tackles.

He becomes the latest player to announce the intention of utilizing the NCAA redshirt rule, which allows a player to sit out a season after four games, keeping their year of eligibility. Receiver Xavier Townsend, kicker Colton Boomer, offensive lineman Wes Dorsey, defensive end Kaven Call and safeties William Wells and Bryon Threats also redshirted with plans to transfer.

He becomes the 14th player from UCF’s 2022 recruiting class to transfer.

Moore was among 25 local players considered ‘Hometown Heroes‘ who signed with the program over the past few seasons.

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com

School plants a ‘Moon Tree’ grown with seeds flown in space

Mon, 10/14/2024 - 15:28

By AMY TAXIN

LAKE FOREST, Calif. (AP) — To cheers and applause from kids wearing spacesuits and star-studded T-shirts, a tree was planted in California that is out of this world.

The so-called “Moon Tree” — grown with seeds that were flown around the moon — was wheeled out in a wagon accompanied by several students carrying shovels to help dig its new home at Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School in Lake Forest.

The school, which has roughly 500 students in grades K-12, was among those selected to receive a seedling for a giant sequoia that was grown with seeds flown on NASA’s Artemis I Mission in 2022.

“It’s kind of crazy,” said Emily Aguesse, a sixth grader who participated in Monday’s ceremony welcoming the tree. “I’ve always wanted to go to space but this motivates it even more.”

It’s the second time that NASA has flown seeds into space and brought them back for planting. An astronaut for the Apollo 14 mission in 1971 who was a former U.S. Forest Service smokejumper carried seeds that later were grown into the first generation of Moon Trees, which were planted in states spanning from Alabama to Washington.

While many of those seedlings were distributed to national monuments, this latest batch has been given to schools and museums to promote science and conservation education and help bring space down to Earth, said Paul Propster, chief story architect for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“It’s just kind of cool and fun to connect the next generation of explorers,” Propster said.

It isn’t known whether space travel has an effect on how plants grow and scientists continue to study the topic, he said.

In 2022, NASA and the Forest Service flew nearly 2,000 seeds from five species of trees aboard the unmanned Orion spacecraft, which went into lunar orbit and spent about four weeks traveling in space.

Once back on Earth, the seeds were grown into young sycamores, sweetgums, Douglas firs, loblolly pines and giant sequoias that could be shared with the public through an application process.

Nearly 150 seedlings were distributed earlier in the year, and another batch is expected this fall, NASA officials said.

Santiago — a science and technology-focused magnet school — planted its tree in a space-themed outdoor garden decorated with colorful stones painted by students. The school’s parent and teacher association will have community volunteers care for the Moon Tree, which is expected to grow in girth and stature for decades amid a grove of eucalyptus that shades the campus in Southern California.

Colorful ropes were laid in circles on the ground to show students how big the tree could grow 50 years from now — and 500.

“This tree will grow with the kids,” said Liz Gibson, who has three children at the school and chaired the NASA Moon Tree ceremony.

Pumpkin weighing 2,471 pounds wins California contest

Mon, 10/14/2024 - 15:28

HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (AP) — A Minnesota horticulture teacher remained the reigning champion Monday of an annual pumpkin-weighing contest in Northern California where his massive gourds have won the top prize four years in a row.

Travis Gienger, of Anoka, Minnesota, beat his closest competitor by 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) to clinch the victory at the 51st World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco.

His winning gourd came in at 2,471 pounds (1,121 kilograms), falling short of the world record he set last year with a pumpkin weighing 2,749 pounds (1,247 kilograms).

Gienger, 44, said that as he has done in the past, he focused on having healthy soil and well-fed plants but that a cold fall with record-breaking rain likely impacted his pumpkin’s growth.

“We had really, really tough weather and somehow, some way, I kept on working,” Gienger said. “I had to work for this one, and we got it done at the end, but it wasn’t by much.”

Gienger and his family drove his gargantuan gourd for 35 hours to California.

He said the giant pumpkin’s next stop will be in Southern California, where a team of professional carvers will do a 3D carve on it at a Halloween event.

Broward School Board to discuss whether hurricane makeup days are needed

Mon, 10/14/2024 - 15:09

Hurricanes Helene and Milton could end up upending the school calendar for Broward students.

The school district missed one day for Helene and two for Milton, and State Education Commissioner Manny Diaz sent districts a memo saying the state Department of Education does not expect to waive any of the required instructional hours for students.

For Broward students, this means the fall semester, which was supposed to end before winter break, could be stretched out to January. Other options that would likely be unpopular could be shortening the weeklong Thanksgiving break and two-week winter break.

The School Board is expected to discuss options with Superintendent Howard Hepburn at a meeting Tuesday.

“Hepburn will provide an update to the Board and community on the impact this may have on our school calendar during his upcoming superintendent update on Tuesday,” district Communications Chief John Sullivan wrote in an email to School Board members. “Please be aware that this may require Board action in a future board meeting.”

The two other South Florida districts don’t expect to make up any missed days. A Miami-Dade schools spokesman said he believes that the district has enough time built into its current calendar, while Palm Beach County schools sent a letter saying the days wouldn’t need to be made up.

Broward school officials say they have enough instructional time built into the full-year calendar to meet the instructional requirements, which are 900 hours for students in grades 4 to 12, and 720 for earlier grades. But district officials say those the two semesters need to be close to the same length, rather than using the spring semester to make up for missed days in the fall.

Broward has a lot more days off for students in the fall semester, with Labor Day, two October holidays, Election Day, Veterans Day and a weeklong Thanksgiving break.

The district used to make up for this by extending the fall semester into January, but School Board members decided in January they’d prefer the first semester to end in December before winter break. To achieve this, the School Board started the school year a week earlier and cut out two half-days.

But the calendar has no hurricane makeup days included. If the district stretched the second semester into January, students probably wouldn’t have to make up any days, because there would be enough built-in instructional time in the spring semester to still meet the state’s requirements, officials said.

Palm Beach and Miami-Dade may not face the same challenges. Although Palm Beach County students have missed four days due to hurricanes — one for Helene and three for Milton — the school day for high schools is 20 minutes longer than Broward. High school hours are the ones Broward has the toughest time meeting due to breaks in the school days and shorter days for exams.

Palm Beach County schools are also open on Veterans Day, unlike in Broward.

Miami-Dade has built in a longer first semester that stretches into mid-January and didn’t miss any days due to Helene, only Milton.

“As of now, Miami-Dade County Public Schools are on track to meet the requisite number of instructional hours. Therefore, there is no requirement for make-up days at this time,” Miami-Dade schools spokesman Elmo Lugo said. “The Florida Department of Education may also issue additional guidance to all school districts in the state on how to address the recent hurricane closures.”

Morning Update: South Florida’s top stories for Monday, Oct. 14, 2024.

Mon, 10/14/2024 - 02:10

Here are the top stories for Monday, Oct. 14. Get the weather forecast for today here.

Florida’s stone crab season kicks off Tuesday. Did Hurricane Helene, Milton pinch supplies of seafood delicacy?

Broward ethics rules may be relaxed on accepting gifts of food and drinks

From the pulpit, Harris calls out Trump for hurricane misinformation. Biden surveys Florida’s damage

In Fort Lauderdale, a miscarriage of zoning leads to more sky-high towers | Opinion

Ashley Moody’s open season on Floridians | Editorial

Lawyer who threatened Florida TV stations over abortion ad leaves Health Department job

SpaceX makes ‘absolutely insane’ catch of Starship’s massive Super Heavy booster

US will send a missile defense system and troops to run it to Israel to aid defense against Iran

Trump tested the limits on using the military at home. If elected again, he plans to go further

Trump suggests a protester may get ‘the hell knocked out of her’ by her parents

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

Why ‘Cat’ Uden is best for Hollywood | Letters to the editor

Mon, 10/14/2024 - 02:00

Thank you for your nuanced editorial endorsement of Catherine “Cat” Uden for mayor of Hollywood.

Cat is not afraid to get involved or speak up. She has a proven track record of involvement and getting things accomplished in our city. She has shown great concern for our residents, and her grassroots approach and listening to residents throughout Hollywood is who she is and will continue to be.

She supports sustainable development that does not overwhelm our already-burdened infrastructure. Too much development, especially of our public green spaces, is a plague that brings more flooding and traffic. Future sustainability and resiliency are critical issues.

Choosing the right leadership now and for our future is everyone’s responsibility. Business as usual is not sustainable. Hollywood-by-the-Sea as we were once known should not become Hollywood-in-the-Sea.

Sylvia Meyer, Hollywood

Lost time on climate

As the election draws near, we can’t ignore the growing impact of climate change. Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, along with dozens of wildfires this past summer — are clear warning signs of a climate crisis.

This issue deserves more attention than it has received this election cycle. During the presidential debate, only one question was asked about climate at the very end. The climate crisis impacts us all, no matter where we live or how much money we make. Americans are being told to flee their homes and risk losing everything. Meanwhile, Big Oil puts profits over people, prioritizing fossil fuels that continue to destroy our environment.

We cannot afford to lose any more time. We need leaders at the federal, state, and local level who believe in the science of climate change and are willing or can be convinced to take bold action before it’s too late. So I urge everyone: When you cast your ballot in November, think of our planet and the people who call it home.

Randi Justin, Lauderdale Lakes

Making your vote count

Thank you for writing such a good editorial about democracy.

We can only hope that the people who have been brainwashed by Donald Trump would listen to reason and not vote him back into office, where he will undo everything that all of the good men and women before him did for this country.

Tell everyone to get out and vote and make their vote count.

A vote for Trump is a vote against democracy.

Eugene Mehalik, Fort Lauderdale

Turning the page

As a writer of letters, Carl Schneider must get his news from the Sun Sentinel or MSNBC, to say that Trump’s actions as president would be hard to change.

Actually, they were not hard to change, as Biden and Harris got rid of every great policy Trump had. That’s why we’re in such trouble. He thinks that’s something that would get people to vote for Harris, instead of Trump. But actually it will be get more people to vote for Trump, because as Harris-Walz and their spouses keep saying, “We need to turn the page.”

Trump will surely turn the page on the current administration, where 70% of the country think we’re going in the wrong direction.

Mark Goldstein, Boca Raton

You can 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. You must include your email address, a city of residence and daytime phone for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length.

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