South Florida Local News

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Questions unanswered as chief says fire engine crash with Brightline will be ‘a turning point’

Older than 200 years, a family business reaches its end in South Florida

‘Mold-like growth’ on fruit, dead fly in ice cream mix: 3 South Florida restaurants shut

10 changes that will affect Florida healthcare in 2025

 

A Broward Democrat joins the GOP she once scorned | Editorial

Plantation police officer hospitalized after crash in Davie

Best brunch in South Florida? Now’s your chance to vote for the winner!

Florida’s 10 big legal issues in 2025

Will Dolphins be scoreboard-watching at Jets, since they need a Broncos loss? Answers vary

Miss Manners: Is the traditional meaning of the white wedding dress history?

Q: How long is this first-rounder for Terry going to sting for? Watching similar players go for second rounders and his play right now, it makes you think what could have been? Does Terry Rozier have any value in the trade market to get a piece back?  – Chris, Oceanside.

A: At the moment, it is difficult to see much in the way of trade value for Terry Rozier, based on his uneven play. And, yes, last January’s trade of Kyle Lowry to the Hornets for Terry and a potentially unprotected first-round pick does not look in any way favorable at the moment for the Heat. Not only do the Heat risk the loss of an unprotected pick to the Hornets in four years, but that pick also ties up several future Heat first-round picks, because of the rule requiring teams not to be without future first-round picks in successive years. Had the Heat played it out with Kyle last season, they could have been in both a better cap and better draft position at the moment. From the Heat’s perspective, they went for it last season, a year removed from being in the NBA Finals. But at the moment, it seems highly, highly unlikely to recoup a first-round pick for Terry.

Related Articles

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

Q: Ira, have you noticed how poorly Bam Adebayo is playing? He’s been outplayed by guys he should dominate. Goga Bitadze, really? Poor shooting, mediocre rebounding and turnovers. He’s supposed to be one of our big three, but is nowhere close. Thoughts? – Rick, Plantation.

A: The thought is similar to how Erik Spoelstra has characterized Tyler Herro‘s season. When discussing Tyler, Spoelstra often says something along the lines of, “He has emerged as an elite player,” before adding, “. . .  on the offensive end.” Similarly, Bam Adebayo again has been excellent, elite . . . on the defensive end. But to be an overall elite player, a player at the level of  All-NBA, it requires significant contribution on both ends. To this stage, as the calendar turns, that has not been the case with Bam.

Q: Ira, who is the leader in the locker room? We’ve been spoiled for years, with Udonis Haslem’s leadership. Who can fill that void? We no longer see guys taking charges, the rebounding effort looks weak at best sometimes. I guess we are now seeing the value UD brought in his final years.  – Mike, Southwest Ranches

A: First, how a team plays is far, far, far more a factor of talent and health. And this roster, at this moment, is not one of particular length nor one playing those who are adept at taking charges. But don’t confuse that for a lack of leadership. Kevin Love very much has been providing that on the bench, in the locker room, and, when allowed, on the court. Plus Udonis Haslem is still around plenty, including during practices.

The Florida Democratic Party’s Jewish Caucus is very disappointed and deeply concerned about the switch in political parties from Democrat to Republican by state Rep. Hillary Cassel. She has consistently supported the major social issues of the Democratic Party, such as women’s rights, gay rights and civil rights. She’s an attorney who works against the insurance industry, a major support group for Florida Republicans.

The party’s Jewish Caucus unequivocally supports the state of Israel and works to combat antisemitism. Hillary was a board member of the Broward Democratic Party Jewish Caucus and espoused its values and goals. Democratic activists supported her election, enabling her to succeed. This abrupt party switch with no discernible change in philosophy is an insult to her supporters. She needs to be called out for misrepresentation and deception, which are unbecoming to the high office she holds.

The caucus will continue to work with our coalition partners in the Democratic Party to make sure that House District 101 is represented by an official who is in sync with its constituents and is open and honest.

Richard Stark, Weston

The writer is a former Democratic state representative.

Deceiving the voters

They say timing is everything in politics. The announcement of the switch from Democrat to Republican by Rep. Hillary Cassel came via a Friday night X post, in the middle of the holidays, six weeks after an election in which her name did not appear on the ballot (she was re-elected without opposition).

She has every right to run on whatever platform and party she pleases. But she made a commitment to her constituents. Changing it in this manner deceived them. Had she announced the switch earlier in the election cycle, an opponent may have stepped up and voters given a real choice. Perhaps she would have won anyway. It appears that she didn’t have the courage to do that. Voters were robbed of their choice.

Cassel is no longer representative of the people in her district but rather, her second time flipping seems to be a well-thought-out career path that has taken advantage of those who supported her in 2022.

Sylvia Meyer, Hollywood

Consider resigning

As a state legislator from Dania Beach, Rep. Hillary Cassel decided to change her party affiliation. I am very concerned.

Yes, she has the ability to make this change. However, per all of the voters who voted for her as a Democrat, she should have made this decision before running or after her term ended. As a voter, I feel short-changed and betrayed. As a proud American, I have been troubled by everything happening in the Middle East. The innocent death and total destruction must stop. If Rep. Cassel and Rep. Susan Valdes of Tampa (who also switched parties) think they can’t carry out the will of the Democratic voters who elected them, they should resign and let someone else carry out the voters’ mission.

Ronald Jones, Pembroke Pines

Where does she stand now?

State Rep. Hillary Cassel has defected from the Democratic Party to the Republican. Her stated reason is that Republican positions are better and more prosperous for Florida.

She also represents herself as a proud Jewish woman troubled by the Democrats’ failure to support Israel. But as a state legislator, who cares?

Also, and not surprisingly, we Jews, including citizens of Israel, disagree among ourselves as to what a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Israel should be. Cassel needs to specify her positions on social, economic and environmental issues. Residents in her district, and the state, need to know how her political transformation will influence her views on the multitude of issues that Floridians face on a daily basis.

Sheldon I. Saitlin, Boca Raton

Submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the form below. Letters can be up to 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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General Daily Insight for January 01, 2025

Tempers may flare! The emotional Moon moves into innovative Aquarius, opening us up to supporting humanitarian causes and broadening our horizons. When the Moon conjoins chaotic Pluto at 7:45 am EST, it might reveal our more obsessive or chaotic sides. Our efforts to help can go too far, risking exhaustion or even the creation of new problems. Later, the Moon faces off with fiery Mars, adding fuel to the fire and creating shorter tempers in all of us. Staying cool is the key to success.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

You’re opening up your mind to multiple possibilities. You have an opportunity to network with like-minded people, as well as give back to your community, but be wary of over-promising. It’ll be easy to get carried away with saying yes to the people that you want to assist, but when the time comes, it may be spreading you too thin. Figure out what works best for you and don’t feel as though you have to be everything for everyone. You’re only one person!

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Fresh opportunities could be coming for your career. That said, while you’re trying to let your light shine, authority figures might make things difficult for you — or your work-life balance may finally make its imbalance known. You don’t have to do everything perfectly, but it might be wise to avoid voicing your frustrations in the moment. You may need to lose the battle in order to win the war, knowing that there is a better outcome if you can keep your calm.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Broaden your mind! There may be an opportunity for you to travel or study right now, and it would be beneficial for you to seize it. Contrastingly, there might be delays or obstacles that you have to overcome to reap the benefits of your hard work. The more organized you are at present, the better able you’ll be to combat these obstacles, because something like forgetting your passport or neglecting minor tasks could be the block in your way. Make sure to double-check.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Getting along with someone else might not be the easiest thing to do. Even if you normally well with this person, hiccups could inhibit your communication. In the moment, you may notice that it’s more difficult to land on an agreed-upon plan, and they could be giving you more pushback in other areas as well. Instead of letting this push you into a confrontation, give conversation an extra effort and ask them how you can reach an agreement that would satisfy you both.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Iron sharpens iron. It’s a good time to meet someone who will inspire you, push you to be greater, and challenge you to do things that you didn’t think you could. If you are looking for someone who will agree with you on everything, then it might not be the right time to seek out someone else. People who are already in your life may even be more prone to starting debates with you. Try to see any critiques as motivation, not an attack.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

The volunteering bug may have bitten you! Now more than ever, you may feel called to support those who are less fortunate by giving back whatever you can. Unfortunately, you could be forgetting about responsibilities that you have already agreed to, or you might be overextending yourself, trying to do the work of three people at once. You don’t have to exhaust yourself to be a superhero. It’s wiser to know your limits and be able to give back more in the future.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

There are all sorts of fun ways to expand your mind at this time. Whether you’re planning a party, going to an entertaining event, or just socializing with your friends, it is likely to be a good time. However, there is a tendency to go overboard or overstep your boundaries with someone else, leading to consequences that you weren’t expecting. Make sure that you’re not having such a good time that it creates problems for yourself and others without you realizing.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Home is where your heart is. There might be a place that is close to your heart, but that you don’t live near anymore — consider the benefits of revisiting that place. While you don’t have to visit it physically, especially if it’s far away, you can return to pictures of the time that you lived there or media from the years you were there. Honoring where you came from could cut through the chaos and show you where you want to go next.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

You may be going forward with something you’ve been curious about for a long time. There could be an interesting hobby, place, or career you’ve been dreaming about that’s about to become a real opportunity for you. This might be an opening in a class, an invitation on a trip, or even a job offer. Whatever shape this unforeseen opportunity takes, don’t be afraid to say yes to whatever’s been calling your name. It might be challenging, but that’s part of the fun!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Be wary of tempers flaring and threatening your stability. There could be someone in your midst who pushes your buttons — and knows that they push your buttons. This person might try to hone in on your insecurities, or they may activate your insecurities based on past experiences between the two of you. Regardless of any ongoing underlying tension between you, you do not have to give in to it or act outside of your character. Always remember who you are.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

It might feel like you’re alone on an island. You may have an opinion that the people around you don’t share, making the idea of defending yourself seem nigh impossible. While emotions might be high, it doesn’t mean that you have to prove yourself right or try to make the conversation about something it isn’t. At times, it’s best to agree to disagree, then choose to move on. There will be time to work things out in the future if you need to.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Brace yourself against today’s cosmic waves of memory. Getting lost in your inner life, whether by getting lost in your past or living in a daydream of the future, can set you back in the present. There are responsibilities and schedules that may be more difficult to adhere to currently, so promise yourself that you will have the time to ponder and create after you finish your responsibilities, to yourself and others. Make sure that you make good on your promises.

LUBBOCK, Texas — Darius Johnson had 24 points, Keyshawn Hall scored 22 and UCF upped its win streak to six after holding on for an 87-83 victory against Texas Tech on Tuesday in a Big 12 Conference opener.

Johnson made 3 of 4 free throws in the final 19 seconds after the Knights (10-2) saw an 18-point second-half lead shrink to one.

UCF used a 24-12 run in the first 10 minutes of the second half to turn an eight-point halftime lead into a 71-53 advantage. Chance McMillian answered with a three-point play and scored five in an 11-0 run during the next 2 1/2 minutes as Texas Tech (9-3) closed to 71-64.

 

Keyshawn Hall attacks the basket against Darrion Williams of Texas Tech. Hall finished with 22 points and made all four of his attempts from 3 Tuesday. (John E. Moore III/Getty)

JT Toppin scored on back-to-back possession to get the Red Raiders to 84-83 with 37 seconds left. McMillian — the second-best 3-point shooter in the country at 53.4% — missed with 11 seconds left and a chance to tie.

Johnson made 7 of 10 shots with two 3-pointers and 8 of 10 foul shots for the Knights. Hall sank 9 of 13 — 4 of 4 from distance — and grabbed 8 rebounds. Moustapha Thiam scored 10.

Toppin had 26 points and 10 rebounds for his fifth double-double for Texas Tech — all in the past six games. Federiko Federiko and McMillian scored 12 points apiece. Elijah Hawkins and Darrion Williams both scored 11.

 

Up next …

UCF vs. Kansas

When: 4, Sunday, Addition Financial Arena

TV: ESPN+

 

By AUDREY McAVOY

HONOLULU (AP) — Harry Chandler, a Navy medic who helped pull injured sailors from the oily waters of Pearl Harbor after the 1941 Japanese attack on the naval base, has died. He was 103.

Chandler died Monday at a senior living center in Tequesta, Florida, according to Ron Mahaffee, the husband of his granddaughter Kelli Fahey. Chandler had congestive heart failure, but Mahaffee said doctors and nurses noted his advanced age when giving a cause of death.

The third Pearl Harbor survivor to die in the past few weeks, Chandler was a hospital corpsman 3rd class on Dec. 7, 1941, when waves of Japanese fighter planes dropped bombs and fired machine guns on battleships in the harbor and plunged the U.S. into World War II.

He told The Associated Press in 2023 that he saw the planes approach as he was raising the flag that morning at a mobile hospital in Aiea Heights, which is in the hills overlooking the base.

“I thought they were planes coming in from the states until I saw the bombs dropping,” Chandler said. His first instinct was to take cover and ”get the hell out of here.”

“I was afraid that they’d start strafing,” he said.

His unit rode trucks down to attend the injured. He said in a Pacific Historic Parks oral history interview that he boarded a boat to help pluck wounded sailors from the water.

The harbor was covered in oil from exploding ships, so Chandler washed the sailors off after lifting them out. He said he was too focused on his work to be afraid.

“It got so busy you weren’t scared. Weren’t scared at all. We were busy. It was after you got scared,” Chandler said.

He realized later that he could have been killed, “But you didn’t think about that while you were busy taking care of people.”

The attack killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. Nearly half, or 1,177, were sailors and Marines on board the USS Arizona, which sank nine minutes after it was bombed.

Chandler’s memories came flowing back when he visited Pearl Harbor for a 2023 ceremony commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the bombing.

“I look out there, and I can still see what’s going on. I can still see what was happening,” Chandler told The Associated Press.

Asked what he wanted Americans to know about Pearl Harbor, he said: “Be prepared.”

“We should have known that was going to happen. The intelligence has to be better,” he said.

After the war Chandler worked as a painter and wallpaper hanger and bought an upholstery business with his brother. He also joined the Navy reserves, retiring as a senior chief in 1981.

Chandler was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and lived for most of his adult life in nearby South Hadley, Mahaffee said. In recent decades he split his time between Massachusetts and Florida.

An avid golfer, he shot five hole-in-ones during his lifetime, his grandson-in-law added.

Chandler had one biological daughter and adopted two daughters from his second marriage, to Anna Chandler, who died in 2004. He is survived by two daughters, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Military historian J. Michael Wenger has estimated that there were some 87,000 military personnel on the island of Oahu the day of the attack. With Chandler’s death only 15 are still living, according to a tally maintained by Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors.

Bob Fernandez, who served on the USS Curtiss, also died this month, at age 100, and Warren Upton, 105, who served on the USS Utah, died last week.

——

This story has been corrected to show that Chandler was survived by two daughters, not one.

Financially troubled Silver Airways, the 13-year-old regional carrier serving Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with a pledge to continue flying and reorganize its finances at some point during the first quarter of the New Year.

The airline, which in 2023 was nearly evicted from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport for falling behind on its rent, said in a note to customers that “all tickets remain valid” and that they may book flights through the airline’s website “or any other channel.”

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Peter Russin of Fort Lauderdale entered an order allowing the company to continue operations, according to court files.

“This decision will allow us to secure additional capital and undertake a financial restructuring that will strengthen our position as a competitive airline, ultimately benefiting you — our valued customers,” the airline’s note said.

According to the company’s website, Silver serves eight Florida destinations including Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, Tallahassee and Key West, seven in the Bahamas including Nassau and Freeport, and seven Caribbean destinations with a major hub operation in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The airline’s fleet consists of French-made, propeller-driven ATR aircraft.

The company said customers of United Airlines and JetBlue Airways, including loyalty program members, “will experience no disruptions to their bookings or services,” and that tickets purchased through other carriers or agencies will be honored as the Chapter 11 unfolds.

A first-quarter exit from Chapter 11

“We anticipate completing this process by the first quarter of 2025, emerging stronger and ready to continue serving you with the same dedication we’ve upheld for over 13 years,” the company said in its statement.

An affiliate, Seabourne Virgin Islands Inc., which serves St. Thomas and St. Croix, also filed for Chapter 11 protection.

Silver Airways, whose corporate headquarters are in Hollywood, owes the Broward County Aviation Department slightly more than $1 million in rent and fees for using Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, according to a list of major creditors filed with the court. The airline also owes over $2 million to the IRS.

The airline is the second South Florida-based carrier to land in bankruptcy court in 2024.

In November, budget carrier Spirit Airlines, which is based in Dania Beach, filed for protection in New York and is seeking to exit the Chapter 11 reorganization process on Jan. 29. Spirit also continues to operate under court supervision.

SEATTLE (AP) — A Hawaiian airlines flight bound for Honolulu was forced to return to the Seattle airport shortly after takeoff due to reports of fumes in the cockpit, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The agency previously said the crew reported smoke on the flight deck but later changed that to fumes.

Hawaiian Airlines Flight 21, an Airbus A330, took off at about 1 p.m. Monday from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport carrying 273 passengers and 10 crew members.

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It was heading to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu when the crew reported the fumes, airline spokesperson Marissa Villegas told The Associated Press in an email.

“The captain declared an emergency to obtain priority handling and the Airbus A330 landed at SEA without incident,” Villegas said, and fire and medical personnel met the aircraft at the gate as a precaution and everyone onboard safely deplaned.

Once the aircraft was cleared, the Port of Seattle Fire Department boarded to investigate and did not find any smoke or smell, airport spokesperson Perry Cooper said via email.

Flight 21 left Seattle on Tuesday morning in a new aircraft, according to Villegas.

“Safety is our priority, and we sincerely apologize for this event,” she said.

The FAA is investigating.

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 31, the 366th and final day of 2024. This is New Year’s Eve.

Today in history:

On Dec. 31, 1879, Thomas Edison first demonstrated his electric incandescent lights for the public by illuminating some 100 bulbs in and around his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey.

Also on this date:

In 1904, New York’s Times Square saw its first New Year’s Eve celebration, with an estimated 200,000 people in attendance.

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• National News | Times Square ball takes final test for New Year’s Eve
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• National News | Jimmy Carter made eradicating Guinea worm disease a top mission
• National News | Border arrests are little changed in December, ending Biden’s term at lowest level

In 1972, Major League baseball player Roberto Clemente, 38, was killed when a plane he had chartered and was traveling on to bring relief supplies to earthquake-devastated Nicaragua crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Rico.

In 1985, singer Rick Nelson, 45, and six others were killed when fire broke out aboard a plane that was taking the group to a New Year’s Eve performance in Dallas.

In 1995, the syndicated comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes,” created by Bill Watterson, came to an end after a 10-year run.

In 1999, Russian President Boris Yeltsin resigned, making Prime Minister Vladimir Putin acting president.

In 2019, the health commission in the central Chinese city of Wuhan announced that experts were investigating an outbreak of respiratory illness and that most of the victims had visited a seafood market in the city; the statement said 27 people had become ill with a strain of viral pneumonia, which would eventually be known as COVID-19.

In 2022, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who had become the first pontiff in 600 years to resign as pope, died at age 95.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Actor Anthony Hopkins is 87.
• Rock musician Andy Summers (The Police) is 82.
• Actor Ben Kingsley is 81.
• Filmmaker Taylor Hackford is 80.
• Fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg is 78.
• Actor Tim Matheson is 77.
• Actor Bebe Neuwirth is 66.
• Actor Gong Li is 59.
• Author Nicholas Sparks is 59.
• Businessman Donald Trump Jr. is 47.
• Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is 45.
• Olympic gymnastics gold medalist Gabby Douglas is 29.

TALLAHASSEE — Numerous big Florida legal issues are pending in state and federal courts as 2024 ends. Here are 10 legal issues to watch in 2025:

1. Book battles

Publishers, authors and parents have filed federal lawsuits stemming from a 2023 state education law and school-district decisions that have led to removing books from school libraries or to restricting access. The lawsuits allege First Amendment violations, while the law’s backers say it helps remove sexually inappropriate material.

2. Campus closures

After COVID-19 temporarily shut down university campuses in 2020, lawsuits were filed in Florida and across the country arguing students should receive refunds of money they paid. The Florida Supreme Court is weighing a lawsuit filed against the University of Florida over fees paid for services such as transportation, health care and athletics.

3. Gun age

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering a Second Amendment challenge to a 2018 Florida law that prevents people under age 21 from buying rifles and other long guns. The law, challenged by the National Rifle Association, passed after the mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 people.

4. Medicaid eligibility

A federal district judge heard testimony this summer in a class-action lawsuit about people who were dropped from Florida’s Medicaid program after the end of a federal public-health emergency declared because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit alleges the state did not properly inform people before dropping them from the program.

5. Redistricting fight

In a case that centers on the overhaul of a North Florida congressional district, the state Supreme Court is looking at the constitutionality of a redistricting plan that Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed through the Legislature in 2022. Voting-rights groups went to the Supreme Court after the 1st District Court of Appeal upheld the plan.

6. Social media platforms

Florida and tech-industry groups continue to battle in federal court about a 2021 state law targeting major social-media platforms. The law, in part, prevents platforms from banning political candidates from their sites. It passed after platforms blocked then-former President Donald Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, storming of the U.S. Capitol.

7. Social media restrictions

State lawmakers this year passed a high-profile measure that seeks to prevent children under age 16 from opening social-media accounts on some platforms — though it would allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts. Tech-industry groups are challenging the law on First Amendment grounds.

8. Stop WOKE

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in June in a battle about a 2022 Florida law that restricts how race-related concepts can be taught in state universities — a law that DeSantis dubbed the “Stop WOKE Act.” The state appealed after a district judge issued a preliminary injunction, ruling the law violated First Amendment rights.

9. Transgender laws

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering a challenge to a Florida law that bans Medicaid coverage for transgender people seeking hormone therapy and puberty blockers to treat gender dysphoria. It also is weighing a law that prevents minors from starting to receive such treatments and adds restrictions for adults seeking the treatments.

10. Wetlands permits

Florida and the federal government are appealing a U.S. district judge’s ruling in a dispute about permitting authority for projects that affect wetlands. The ruling sided with environmental groups and vacated a 2020 decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that shifted permitting authority from federal officials to Florida.

Here are the top stories for Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. Get the weather forecast for today here.

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

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Q: Ira, before the season started, the Heat defended staying pat with the same team by saying they expected improvement from within. Thus far, only Tyler Herro has shown improvement. Terry Rozier is still a disappointment, his offense doesn’t seem to fit within our system. Jimmy Butler is rarely available, and even for some games he played in, he seemed like a disinterested party. Bam Adebayo’s offense, especially his outside game, still is inconsistent. Teams don’t seem worried about him beating them from outside. Jaime Jaquez Jr. has seemed to take a step back from last year. Nikola Jovic is a little better, but still seems more like a player with future potential than someone who can take over a game. Duncan Robinson is still a streaky shooter, maybe a little improvement. At least he is trying on defense. Haywood Highsmith has improved a bit offensively, but the low amount of shots he takes during a game aren’t going to make him a deciding factor in a game. He also doesn’t get enough rebounds for the position he is supposed to be playing. Alec Burks has been very steady, but for some reason doesn’t get to play in a lot of games. Nobody fears Kevin Love anymore on either offense or defense; he is becoming more of a mentor. Josh Richardson is always injured. Dru Smith proved himself to be a decent player, but now is out for the year. The younger guys haven’t shown much this year yet; they are more hope for future years. Even the coaching staff hasn’t been as impressive as in other seasons. I think maybe the Heat overestimated their team starting the season. What do you think? – Rich, Plantation.

A: I think you summed it up pretty well, enough to potentially cut and paste for a Heat midseason report card. Basically if we were using up or down arrows, it would be difficult to identify upward arrows on this team beyond Tyler Herro, perhaps Nikola Jovic and Haywood Highsmith, and Dru Smith, with the latter contribution now moot. This team needed something significant from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Terry Rozier to avoid mediocrity. To this point, that hasn’t happened.

Related Articles

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

Q: After watching the Hawks game, it just made it clear that teams in the East are getting younger, taller, more athletic and better than Miami. If we don’t do something, Jimmy Butler or no Jimmy Butler, we may be struggling just to make the play-in. Am I being too negative or is that how you see it? – Carl.

A: First, it would be practically impossible to miss at least the play-in in the East, based on where the bottom of the conference not only stands, but also the lottery-based goals of those teams. That said, I agree that the combination of lack of athleticism and lack of size arguably leaves the Heat with as limited a margin for error as any team in the middle of the East pack.

Q: Do you think Jimmy Butler knows what the rest of us know, that Bam Adebayo has reached his ceiling and that this team is going nowhere? – Brian, Miami.

A: I think that any angst or consternation from Jimmy Butler is based on a single factor – money. If he gets an extension from the Heat, he will emerge as the happiest of campers, no matter the roster.

General Daily Insight for December 31, 2024

Thought and action are both required for us to reach a happier future. The Moon in Capricorn is encouraging a little last-minute hard work as it sextiles Saturn. Our efforts should pay off wonderfully as Mercury trines Chiron at 2:41 am EST, helping us face our fears and release them before the year comes to a close. The Moon will then square Chiron, hitting the nail on the head, before trining Uranus, ending 2024 with one final shakeup — albeit a fun one.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Open your eyes to the universe! A supportive trine between Mercury in your unreserved 9th house and Chiron in your headstrong sign is giving you the chance to move beyond any historic limitations or ancient expectations that have either held you back or made you feel like you weren’t good enough. The more you attempt to push against these outdated modes of thinking, the further you’ll be able to go and the happier you can be. Give yourself the gift of freedom!

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

You’re not alone, no matter what anxiety says. The stars are coming together to remind you there is support on offer as Mercury in your 8th House of Trust forms a helpful trine to Chiron in your 12th House of the Subconscious. Their alignment sends a dose of positivity your way! This energy invites you to ignore old fears about abandonment or a lack of care. Embrace this sense of belonging by reaching out to your loved ones and reminding them how appreciated they are.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

A little socializing is just what the doctor ordered. Your ruler Mercury is in your partnership district, putting a big emphasis on the important people in your life, even as its trine to Chiron in your global 11th house motivates you to think in broader terms and open up to less familiar connections. Perhaps you’re already surrounded by wonderful friends and family! Still, a stranger or acquaintance could become something much more, and in the process, bring a lot of positivity into your life.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

There is no need to jump over any hurdles on your way to the finish line. In fact, the stars are lining up to make your progress that much easier as Mercury in your efficient 6th house trines Chiron in your professional 10th house. Between the two of them, they’re creating a clear path leading all the way to your victory. A co-worker or client could come forward to be especially helpful regarding your ascent, so you shouldn’t have to handle this all by yourself.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Go forth and enjoy yourself! With messenger Mercury in your expressive 5th house trining emotive Chiron in your worldly 9th house, it is time to look beyond what you know in the name of finding more joy and happiness. There may be modern ways of doing things or thinking about the world, either of which can make you feel much lighter and more open to positive possibilities. Consciously pursue these opportunities, and you can be sure that they will pursue you in return.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Being open about your needs is the best way to fulfill them. Sometimes it’s easy for things to go unsaid or for people to misunderstand and make assumptions about who knows what, but today’s conversation between Mercury in your demonstrative 4th house and Chiron in your intimate 8th house should clear things up. It’s encouraging you to communicate what you want, so there is no room for mistakes or confusion. The more honest and specific you are, the better the outcome can be.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Communication is key when it comes to your most important connections. Messenger Mercury in your mercurial 3rd house is aligning with healing Chiron in your liaison sector, which can help you fix any problems that may have arisen between you and a particular someone as of late. Instead of avoiding things or hoping problems will work themselves out, take the initiative by opening a dialogue that should allow everyone to get what they want out of the situation — within reason, of course.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

A little creative thinking can yield productive results. A trine between cosmic communicator Mercury in your practicality sector and Chiron in your daily work sector is setting you up to work smarter, not harder. If you’re a bit burnt out on the way things have been or feel like you’re not getting anywhere, take a step back and reassess the situation. Perhaps there is something you’ve been missing, a valid solution that has gone unnoticed. Look closely and you can find it.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Don’t dim your shine for anyone or anything. You have every right to speak your mind as Mercury flies through your optimistic sign. It will be all but impossible to keep quiet as Mercury trines Chiron in your 5th House of Creativity. You don’t need to be a performer or an artist or anything like that to benefit from this energy. Simply allow yourself room to express your thoughts and feelings freely, and you should feel better than you have in ages.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Allow your intuition to guide you. Your mind is moving in slightly unusual ways as it slides through your subtle 12th house, but you can still get to the heart of the matter at hand as Mercury trines Chiron in your careful 4th house. You don’t need to think your way forward today, but rather to feel your way forward. Make an effort to trust your gut, because it may know something your mind is missing. You have your instincts for a reason.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

A sense of community is an important part of feeling like you belong. There is a strong emphasis on linking up with people near and far as Mercury in your 11th House of Organizations trines Chiron in your 3rd House of Neighborhoods. The last thing you should do is play the lone wolf! Gather up your nearest and dearest, or even just a few loose acquaintances who could become more, and hit the town for a day of whatever you want.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

You deserve to feel valued, Pisces. Other people, sadly, might not recognize that. Still, you can hope for the best as Mercury in your reputation sector trines Chiron in your security-conscious 2nd house. Someone may say or do something that shows how important you really are to them, and to a wider group of people as well! Don’t let ignorant outsiders make you believe that all your hard work has gone unnoticed. People may not always say it, but they are glad you’re here.

SUNRISE — Jesper Boqvist scored twice, including the go-ahead goal in the third, and the Florida Panthers beat the New York Rangers 5-3 on Monday night.

Eetu Luostarinen, Aleksander Barkov and Mackie Samoskevich also scored for Florida, and Uvis Balinskis had two assists. Sergei Bobrovsky made 33 saves.

Florida took a 3-2 lead off Boqvist’s goal in the second when he found a loose puck and knocked it into the open net with a scrambling Igor Shesterkin out of position. New York’s Chris Kreider tied it with a power-play goal 5:19 into the third.

Filip Chytil and Ryan Lindgren also scored for New York. Shesterkin stopped 21 shots, and Adam Fox got his 27th assist of the season.

Luostarinen tipped Gustav Forsling’s shot past Shesterkin 3:04 into the first to break Florida’s two-game scoreless streak.

Takeaways

Rangers: The Rangers have lost seven of their past eight games and are 4-15 in their past 19.

Panthers: The Panthers stopped a two-game losing streak in which they were shutout in consecutive home games.

Key moment

Boqvist scored a rebound with 8:22 left in the game for his first multi-goal game of the season, assisted by his brother Adam Boqvist.

Key stat

With his assist on Kreider’s goal, Artemi Panarin became the 14th Ranger to record 500 points for the franchise, and he was the fastest to do it in 384 games.

Up next

The Panthers host Carolina Thursday night.

A man is accused of murdering a Fort Lauderdale jeweler in his showroom after a deal for a $20,000 Rolex had “gone bad,” according to police.

Nenad Milosevic, 56, of Fort Lauderdale, faces a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Anthony D’Amore, 73. Fort Lauderdale Police officers on Dec. 23 found D’Amore’s body inside of his business’s suite in an office building in the 6200 block of North Federal Highway, a probable cause affidavit said. He had been reported missing a few days earlier.

D’Amore’s name is redacted in the affidavit, but Fort Lauderdale Police identified him in a news release.

Milosevic and D’Amore were seen on surveillance footage walking into the suite together shortly after 10 p.m. Dec. 20, but only Milosevic was seen exiting nearly three hours later, according to the affidavit. He was carrying a bag and items under a cover. D’Amore’s surveillance camera equipment in his suite was missing from the room after Milosevic left.

Man charged with murder days after body found inside Fort Lauderdale office building

Detectives met with Milosevic at his Fort Lauderdale apartment on Thursday and he agreed to an interview at the police department. He told them in a “full confession” that he and D’Amore had dinner together earlier on Dec. 20, then went to the office building so he could purchase jewelry as a Christmas gift for his girlfriend.

Milosevic told detectives he owed about $4,000 on a $20,000 Rolex watch he had bought, and D’Amore was “upping the price” because he hadn’t paid it off quickly enough, the affidavit said. The jeweler would not give him any other items.

The two were arguing when Milosevic hit D’Amore in the front of his throat twice and mounted and choked him as he lay on the floor, according to the affidavit. He left D’Amore lying on the floor as he stole jewelry and surveillance video equipment from the suite, which he later tossed off of a bridge, he told detectives.

Milosevic remained in the Broward Main Jail as of Monday night. Attorney information was not available.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean anti-corruption agency said Tuesday that a court has issued a warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials said in a statement that the Seoul Western District Court issued a warrant to detain Yoon over his stunning yet short-lived martial law decree earlier this month.

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The agency said it is investigating whether his declaration of martial law amounted to rebellion.

Yoon’s powers have been suspended since the opposition-controlled National Assembly voted to impeach him on Dec. 14. The Constitutional Court is to determine whether to dismiss Yoon as president or reinstate him.

But he has since ignored repeated requests by investigative authorities to appear for questioning and allow them to search his office.

Yoon has the presidential privilege of immunity from criminal prosecution, but it does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason.

By MELISSA GOLDIN, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — The crystal-covered ball that descends down a pole in Times Square to ring in the new year was taken for a test run Monday, as New York City officials laid out their plans for the iconic New Year’s Eve event.

Officials flipped a switch to light up the dazzling geodesic sphere — weighing almost 6 tons and featuring 2,688 crystal triangles — which then successfully ran up and down a 139-foot pole atop the One Times Square skyscraper.

• New Year’s Eve preparations are underway in Times Square in New York, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

• Organizers throw confetti ahead of New Year’s Eve in Times Square, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

• Organizers throw confetti ahead of New Year’s Eve in Times Square, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

• People in the crowd catch confetti ahead of New Year’s Eve in Times Square, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

• Organizers throw confetti ahead of New Year’s Eve in Times Square, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

• People in the crowd pose for photos with confetti ahead of New Year’s Eve in Times Square, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

• People in the crowd catch confetti ahead of New Year’s Eve in Times Square, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

• New Year’s Eve preparations are underway in Times Square in New York, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

Show Caption1 of 8

New Year’s Eve preparations are underway in Times Square in New York, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

Expand

Monday’s rehearsal was just one of many pre-ball drop promotional events: On Sunday, fistfuls of confetti were flung toward crowds in the square in anticipation of the 3,000 pounds of brightly colored paper that will fill the air at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Some of those pieces will include wishes written by people ahead of 2025.

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“This is the crossroads of the entire planet right here in New York City,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said earlier Monday as he and law enforcement leaders discussed their plans for security at the celebration. “People tune in at different locations and celebrate as we do the countdown for the New Year.”

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that although there were “no specific credible threats” to the Times Square celebrations, “the public can expect to see a tremendous amount of police resources deployed throughout the area and across the city.” Plans range from “dedicated pickpocket teams” patrolling the square to sealing off all mailboxes and vending machines in the area.

A New Year’s Eve ball has dropped in Times Square for nearly 120 years, with the exception of 1942 and 1943 when nightly “dimouts” occurred during World War II to protect the city from attacks.

FORT LAUDERDALE — Two weary flood-prone neighborhoods regularly pounded by severe rainstorms now have stronger protection against the next storm: A modern new pump station worth more than $10 million.

The project, part of $50 million in stormwater upgrades meant to protect River Oaks and nearby Edgewood from severe flooding, represents a major milestone in Fort Lauderdale’s ongoing mission to upgrade its infrastructure, Mayor Dean Trantalis said.

A total of 25 neighborhoods are on the city’s drainage upgrade list, but flood-prone River Oaks and Edgewood were the first in line for what will be a $700 million investment over the next decade.

“This project is a key component of our citywide Fortify Lauderdale initiative, which focuses on strengthening our resilience to climate change impacts, particularly in our most vulnerable neighborhoods,” Trantalis said at a ribbon-cutting for the pump station this month. “By investing in projects like the River Oaks Pump Station, we are taking proactive steps to protect our community from flooding and sea level rise.”

A crowd of more than 50 people came out to the River Oaks Stormwater Preserve to take in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and welcome the new pump system.

After the customary speeches, the pumps were switched on. The mayor and Kitty McGowan, president of the Edgewood Civic Association, did the honors.

Hundreds of homes — including many in hard-hit River Oaks and Edgewood — were damaged by floodwaters in April 2023 when a historic rainstorm dumped nearly 26 inches of rain on Fort Lauderdale in a matter of hours.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, McGowan spoke of how some are still working on repairing the damage done by last year’s deluge — and just about everyone still worries about the next big storm.

“It’s not if, it’s when,” McGowan said. “And it’s hard to kind of plan and to live your life without constantly being on edge. There’s a lot of us who are still digging out, who are still putting things together.”

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis tours the new River Oaks Pump Station during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 20, 2024. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Ted Inserra, president of the River Oaks Civic Association, praised Fort Lauderdale for getting the job done.

The pump station itself took 18 months to build. But altogether, the entire drainage project took two years to complete.

For those two years, the neighborhood endured more than its share of dust, noise and detours, Inserra told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

“This was major construction,” Inserra said. “They had heavy equipment parked all over the neighborhood, left overnight. It was a mess.”

But was it all worth it?

Inserra said that all depends on whether the drainage upgrades actually keep the neighborhoods dry.

“We’re still very skeptical,” Inserra said.

Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Ben Sorensen tours the new River Oaks Pump Station during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. The stormwater pump station will be used to drain the Edgewood and River Oaks neighborhoods. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

The project was not without controversy, bringing a hefty fine from the county over environmental violations.

The city and contractor split the $175,450 fine, with Fort Lauderdale paying $78,808 and Ric-Man Construction paying $96,642.

According to the county, crews discharged water into both the canal and a nearby wetland preserve last year, increasing turbidity above allowable limits. They also dumped gravel into a canal that runs through River Oaks and removed mangroves from an area county officials say was beyond the area allowed under their permit.

To make up for it, crews took out fewer mangroves in another area. In the end, fewer mangroves were removed overall, city officials say.

In addition to the fine, $4,800 in credits were paid toward wetlands restoration outside the county in the Everglades Mitigation Bank near Homestead.

Now that work is done in River Oaks and Edgewood, Fort Lauderdale plans to spend $150 million installing and upgrading storm drains in six more neighborhoods that are part of the project’s first phase: Durrs, Dorsey-Riverbend, Progresso Village, Southeast Isles, Victoria Park and Melrose Manors/Riverland.

The next phase calls for spending $500 million to upgrade drainage infrastructure in the following 17 neighborhoods: Riverland Landings, Sailboat Bend, Tarpon River, Flagler Village, Harbor Isles/Inlet, Poinsettia Heights, South Middle River, Melrose Park, Shady Banks, Croissant Park, Middle River Terrace, Imperial Point, Lake Ridge, Riverland Manors/Woods, Chula Vista, Riverland Village and Lauderdale Isles.

In some cases, homeowners will have to wait years for the work to begin.

For neighborhoods who land at the end of the list, the work won’t start until 2031 and won’t be completed until 2034.

Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan

For Floridians, 2024 was a year of weight loss and emerging revelations about anti-obesity medications.

More than an estimated million Floridians are now using weight-loss medications, and experts believe that number will continue to rise. Nationally, about 15 million adults have used injectable medicines for weight loss, according to the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index.

As usage increases, the effect is measurable.

About 10 million Americans believe they have benefited from the injections, Gallup’s survey shows. However, the real success is reflected in the national obesity rate. Research published on Dec. 13 in the JAMA Health Forum reveals the U.S. obesity rate has declined for the first time in more than a decade. Women and adults aged 66 to 75 saw the most significant decrease in obesity.

In Florida, a series of actions in 2024 chipped away the obesity rate: sales of weight-loss medications soared, new paths to getting the drugs opened, and the state-imposed prescribing requirements helped to ensure successful outcomes.

There are currently three medications (GLP-1s) on the market that the FDA has specifically approved to treat obesity — Wegovy, Zepbound, or Saxenda. Other common weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Rybelsus, are FDA-approved only for Type 2 diabetes.

“These medications are safe and efficacious, and I believe in 2025 more people are going to take these medications or medications that are similar if not better,” said Dr. Raul Rosenthal, director of the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital.

Florida law allows medical providers to prescribe anti-obesity drugs to patients in person or via virtual visits. However, to qualify to take these weight-loss drugs, the state requires patients to meet a specific body mass index of 30, give informed consent, and receive follow-up care at least once every three months.

Several states have expanded Medicaid coverage to include medications with semaglutide specifically approved for obesity, such as Wegovy and Zepbound.  Florida is not one of them. Without insurance, Wegovy can cost about $1,350 or more for a 28-day supply.

“I see patients in my office on a daily basis who are seeking surgical treatment because they cannot afford this medication,” Rosenthal said. “Their insurance won’t cover it.” He said that surgery is less expensive for some people in the long term.

Meanwhile, as the popularity of weight-loss drugs soared, 2024 saw some Floridians turn to wellness centers, medspas, and various clinics to get compounded versions sold at a lower cost. The trend caught the attention of Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic which sued a Florida medical spa and a weight-loss clinic, accusing them of marketing knockoff versions of its diabetes and weight-loss drugs.

Dr. Brett Osborn, a West Palm Beach neurosurgeon and longevity doctor who has prescribed pharmaceutical-grade versions of these medications since 2019, said told Fox News he is “concerned” by the knockoffs proliferating in the state. “There is the potential for these medications to be harmful when there’s no oversight of their source or production quality.”

As more Floridians turned to anti-obesity medications for weight loss in 2024, a few realizations took hold. Users will need to stay on anti-obesity medications indefinitely to maintain their weight loss, and taking these drugs can be risky if you don’t have a high-quality protein diet.

“I think Floridians are starting to realize, even with these medications, that losing weight without changing lifestyle is probably not gonna last,” Rosenthal said.

Heading into 2025, here are some new developments emerging about weight-loss medications:

• Most people regain the weight they lost, plus more, after stopping
• The weight-loss drug Zepbound (tirzepatide) has just become the first drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
• Studies are underway to learn whether weight-loss medications with semaglutide will lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
• A new observational study discovered a potential link between Ozempic and Wegovy and an eye condition that can cause vision loss.
• The Food and Drug Administration is considering removing the shortage status of Wegovy, which may stop compounding pharmacies from creating less expensive copies.

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

Ten years ago, the U.S. and Cuba announced the start of normalization between our two countries. Americans and Cubans alike could see a bit of light through a crack in the wall of U.S. restrictions that, for six decades, have blocked normal interaction between close neighbors.

The brief opening was largely ceremonial — President Trump rolled much of it back in his first term. And only Congress can truly end the world’s longest-running embargo.

Lissa Weinmann helped found and direct Americans for Humanitarian Trade with Cuba, a coalition that helped ease the embargo’s restrictions on food sales to Cuba. (courtesy, Lissa Weinmann)

Florida Senator Marco Rubio, President-elect Trump’s pick for Secretary of State, embraces the same old Cold War playbook on the issue: Punish Cuba, stoke chaos and civil unrest, and hope the government collapses. As far back as JFK, U.S. officials have been trapped in this irrational family feud that empowers hardliners in both governments while holding citizens here and there hostage to a bureaucratic status quo.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Two years of limited opening had a positive impact and was supported by a majority of Cuban Americans. Buoyed by Cuban government reforms and cash from families in the U.S., the island’s private sector boomed. Internet access increased and social media exploded with honest voices. American tourists flocked to the country.

Then Trump emphatically rolled this progress back — he even added Cuba to the list of “state sponsors of terrorism,” despite a complete lack of evidence.

Today, after a brief glimmer of hope, Cubans are suffering. Hardliners have stopped the economic reform process. Confusion plagues new leaders transitioning from the Castros’ dominance. The pandemic gutted tourism, while storms and flooding ravaged crops.

The results have been predictable: An exodus from Cuba has surpassed all migration since the imposition of the embargo in 1962. At least half a million have migrated since the end of Trump’s first term — and more are on the way. The island has lost around 10% of its population in recent years, a staggering total.

We need to break our addiction to this big government policy that displaces people and blocks the rest of us from engaging with our neighbors. Ending the embargo would also open doors for Cuban reformers, dissidents, human rights activists and religious leaders alike by removing the Cuban government’s excuse for its failures.

A bipartisan majority in Congress could potentially back a full lifting of the embargo. Gulf Coast states who took a big hit in the 1960s when they lost a top trading partner in Cuba could be especially delighted to renew those relations.

”In a scenario of unrestricted trade, the aggregate of food and medical exports alone could amount to $1.6 billion with 20,000 associated U.S. jobs,” former International Trade Commission Chair Paula Stern found in a 2000 study presented to Congress. Those numbers could be much higher today.

There would be other benefits as well.

Companies like Roswell Park in Buffalo, which had to jump through hoops to bring a groundbreaking Cuban-developed lung cancer vaccine to people in the United States, and other health care companies, would finally be able to economically partner with world-class Cuban scientists on new medical advances.

For Trump, the next steps should be obvious: Avoid bloodshed. Ease the pain. Light the way to a new era in U.S.-Cuba relations.

Lissa Weinmann is a board member of Windham World Affairs Council. She helped found and direct Americans for Humanitarian Trade with Cuba, a coalition that helped ease the embargo’s restrictions on food sales to Cuba, and directed the National Summit on Cuba. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.