Now that she’s a judge, Lauren Peffer said she realizes more acutely why she should not have cited a scandalous tell-all and a bogus recording as examples of why the Florida judiciary has lost the trust of the people. Contrite, apologetic and accepting full responsibility for her mistakes, Peffer, a Broward County Court judge, took the stand Tuesday at a hearing before a panel of the Judicial Qualifications Commission, the body that polices judicial misconduct and recommends whether wayward... Read More
As reefs vanish, assisted coral fertilization offers hope in the Dominican Republic
By TERESA DE MIGUEL BAYAHIBE, Dominican Republic (AP) — Oxygen tank strapped to his back, Michael del Rosario moves his fins delicately as he glides along an underwater nursery just off the Dominican Republic coast, proudly showing off the “coral babies” growing on metal structures that look like large spiders. The conservationist enthusiastically points a finger to trace around the largest corals, just starting to reveal their vibrant colors. Del Rosario helped plant these tiny animals... Read More
Stay Strong Jamaica benefit concert to bring Shaggy, Julian Marley, Wailers to Hard Rock Live
Some of Jamaica’s most popular and influential artists will come together at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood in the new year to raise money for Hurricane Melissa disaster relief. The Stay Strong Jamaica benefit concert on Jan. 2 will feature performances by Shaggy, Julian Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Inner Circle, Third World, The Wailers and Wayne Wonder, among others. All net proceeds from the concert will go to the designated beneficiary from the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, Jamaica’s... Read More
Authorities knock on doors and seek evidence in the search for the Brown University shooter
By KIMBERLEE KRUESI and LEAH WILLINGHAM PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Authorities knocked on doors in search of video and sifted through snow and dumpsters for other evidence that might lead them to the Brown University gunman, whose face was covered or not visible in footage captured before and after the weekend attack that killed two students and wounded nine others. Officials on Monday released three new videos of the man they believe carried out Saturday’s attack that show him wearing a... Read More
Today in History: December 16, Colin Powell nominated for secretary of state
Today is Tuesday, Dec. 16, the 350th day of 2025. There are 15 days left in the year. Today in history: On Dec. 16, 2000, President-elect George W. Bush nominated Colin Powell to become secretary of state; Powell was confirmed by the Senate and became the first African-American to hold the position. Also on this date: In 1773, the Boston Tea Party took place as American colonists boarded British ships in Boston Harbor and dumped more than 300 chests of tea overboard to protest tea taxes. In... Read More
Things we learned in Miami Dolphins’ 28-15 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH — Playoff hopes were on the line Monday night when the Dolphins faced the Pittsburgh Steelers. A Dolphins loss, and their playoff hopes were dashed for the second consecutive season. Guess what? The Dolphins’ playoff hopes are over after Monday’s 28-15 loss at Pittsburgh ended their winning streak at four games and dropped their season record to 6-8. The Steelers entered Monday’s game riding an amazing 22-game Monday night winning streak — they hadn’t lost a... Read More
Toxic smog blankets New Delhi, disrupting travel and plunging air quality to hazardous levels
By RAJESH ROY and SIBI ARASU NEW DELHI (AP) — Dense toxic smog blanketed India’s capital on Monday, pushing air pollution levels to their worst levels in weeks, disrupting travel and causing authorities to impose the strictest containment measures. More than 40 flights were cancelled and several dozens delayed. Over 50 trains arriving and departing from New Delhi were delayed by several hours, authorities said. Healthcare experts warned residents to avoid all outdoor activities as... Read More
Spirit gains fresh $100 million to continue flying through bankruptcy
Spirit Airlines announced Monday it has secured creditor approval for another $100 million in cash to continue operations as the company reorganizes in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Management disclosed in a statement that the South Florida-based budget carrier amended its debtor-in-possession agreement with creditors to access the money. Half of the $100 million is available for immediate use. Access to the balance depends on progress toward a reorganization plan that would allow Spirit to either... Read More
Should Las Olas trees stay or go? Fort Lauderdale expected to decide Tuesday
Those famous black olive trees on Las Olas Boulevard might be gone soon. After years of debate over whether the trees should stay or go, Fort Lauderdale commissioners are finally expected to make a decision Tuesday night. A dramatic redesign years in the making calls for a controversial removal of the tree-lined median to make way for wider sidewalks and outdoor cafes. Critics have been pushing back since the vision won commission approval in 2021, arguing the trees give Las Olas its charm... Read More
Dolphins sign veteran OLB to active roster; injury report updates for Miami-Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH — The Miami Dolphins decided to have veteran outside linebacker Quinton Bell on the active roster for good Monday afternoon ahead of their night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Dolphins signed Bell, a solid special teams contributor also capable of playing defensive snaps, to the 53-man roster from the practice squad Monday. Bell, who played in all 17 games in 2024 and has been up and down from the practice squad with Miami since 2023, had already been elevated three... Read More