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A New Year – A New Venezuela? By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Jan 7, 2026 Happy New Year! It Has Been A Crazy Few Weeks, Nationally! I Joined With The Many Floridians Who Are Thrilled To See Maduro Behind Bars Where He Belongs. Even When Biden And Harris Were In Office, They Issued A Bounty Of $25 Million For Information That Would Lead To His Arrest. In July, Trump Doubled It. Political Posturing Cannot Change The Fact This Is A Welcomed Event For So Many Of Our Residents That Fled Venezuela. I know so many people that have shared stories of their businesses being torn away from them. Large and small, simply in a government takeover. Guised as independence and a better life for all simply became another failed nation like Cuba. Family businesses that employed many citizens shuttered. Democracy gone and trampled. I had the chance to visit Venezuela on a cruise years ago when the government began taking over stores. At first, it was recommended not to get off the ship, but I wanted to witness what was taking place. We hired a professional driver that did not leave our side. There were lines in front of every store. We drove to a shopping mall that was about the size of the old Broward Mall. It was right before Christmas, but the lot was virtually empty. It was really eerie, almost post-apocalyptic, the three of us walked about 20 minutes in the mall with most shops shuttered. The ones that were open had their gates partly closed for safety. I went into one which sold cosmetics to check the prices. In U.S. Dollars, a simple bottle of Calvin Klein was $375 Dollars. The only store with a line was a toy store. The gate was closed and opened, only allowing a few buyers in at a time. We drove a bit further to a restaurant on the water. It was lovely and the only place that was crowded. We had to insist that our driver remain and eat with us as workers were not allowed. They had to eat outside. I am sharing this due to the fact that many people have an opinion, but they do not have experience. They go off of online commentary without knowledge and worse without facts. Sure, these are historic times. Yes, there is uncertainty, but it is the right thing. Could you imagine our police officers coming to a commission meeting and having to tell us they are doing a drug raid? I do not think so. Even with the shock and awe Maduro knew his days were numbered. The question remains how long will the newly sworn in President remain in power. 283 of the officials who won the election last May were sworn in. The one main problem is that these are still mostly Marxist and socialist. According to reports there will be some time until a new election, but America will be working to get the country back on its feet. The oil companies’ involvement which is being called out as Trump takeover of the nation’s oil assets is not the full picture. Actually, it's Exxon and Mobile going back in and taking back over the assets they owned that were stripped away in 2007 without just compensation. If helping the economy helps the people of Venezuela it will be all worth it. Let’s hope the plan works and the country does get back on its feet. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Hello Miami! - The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck To Pop Up At CityPlace Doral On January 24th, 2026 South Florida Sun Times Jan 7, 2026 Hello CityPlace Doral! Due To Popular Demand, For The Third Year In A Row, Sanrio’s Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Is Rolling Into CityPlace Doral’s Fountain Plaza. The Community Is Invited To Shop Hello Kitty-Themed Sweet Treats And Merchandise While Supplies Last On Saturday, January 24th, 2026 From 11:00 a.m. To 8:00 p.m. The all-pink cafe on wheels will sell yummy sweets, including 10th anniversary cookies, five-piece macaron sets, and Madeleines. Supporters can also shop super cute merch, including 10th anniversary keychains, thermal bottles, mugs, tumblers, T-shirts, blankets, sweatshirts and Hello Kitty Cafe plush toys. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is a mobile pop-up experience celebrating all things Hello Kitty and carries Hello Kitty collectibles and sweet treats that are exclusively available only on the truck or at the brick & mortar shops in Irvine and Santa Clara, California. The first Hello Kitty Cafe Truck was first launched in 2014, and today, there are three Hello Kitty Cafe trucks crisscrossing the country with over 100 U.S. cities visited to date. When: Saturday, January 24th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Where: CityPlace Doral - 8300 Northwest 36th Street, Doral, Florida 33166 How: For more details, please visit https://cityplacedoral.com/events . Cost: The event is free and open to the public. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck accepts payments via credit/debit card only. Parking at CityPlace Doral is available for an additional charge in the parking garage. Valet service is also available. About CityPlace Doral: CityPlace Doral is an attractive leisure destination offering a collection of memorable dining, shopping, wellness and entertainment experiences. Featuring 250,000 square feet of retail space, CityPlace Doral is a master-planned, mixed-use development nestled in the dynamic employment center of Doral in the heart of Miami-Dade County. CityPlace Doral combines the vision of world-renowned architects, designers and artists creating the next crown jewel of prosperous dining, entertainment and upscale shopping in one of South Florida’s growing cities. CityPlace Doral includes more than 40 dining, shopping and entertainment destinations for all palates and walks of life, and the property’s entertainment retail component is anchored by a roster of first-class tenants from all over the country. For more information, visit: www.cityplacedoral.com - Or call: (786) 693-1849. Join the conversation and follow CityPlace Doral on Instagram, Facebook and X at: @CityPlaceDoral. Previous Next

Tom Cotter Brings A Night Of Unstoppable Laughter To The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center South Florida Sun Times Jan 7, 2026 Audiences Won’t Want To Miss A Fantastic Night Of Humor With One Of Comedy’s Most In-Demand Performers, Tom Cotter, Who Brings A Night Of His Undeniable Laughter To The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center On Friday, January 9th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. As Part Of The Aventura Comedy Series Presented By The City Of Aventura. Before his historic finish on NBC’s “America's Got Talent,” where he famously lost to a dog, Cotter had already been entertaining audiences across the U.S. and internationally. His global credits include performances in London and on British TV, as well as major wins at the Seattle International Comedy Competition and the Boston Comedy Festival, in addition to being voted “Best Stand-Up” at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival. Cotter’s long list of television and radio appearances features “The Tonight Show,” “Last Comic Standing,” multiple “Comedy Central Presents… Tom Cotter” specials, “Comics Unleashed,” “The Late Late Show,” his stint as Celebrity Host of “Gotham Comedy Live” on AXS-TV and “The Howard Stern Show.” Known for his rapid-fire sarcasm, sharp satire and clever word play, Cotter remains one of the most sought-after comedians in the business. There’s never a dull moment when he’s on stage. Tom McTiernan, one of the East Coast’s top comedians, opens the evening with a hilarious preface to Cotter. McTiernan has appeared at premier comedy clubs in New York City and Los Angeles, including Comic Strip Live, Gotham Comedy Club and the world famous Improv. His television appearances include Comedy Central, NBC’s “Friday Night” and Gotham Comedy Live. He has also performed in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, opening for major acts including Brian Regan, Jeff Dunham and Tom Jones. This event contains adult language or content. Tickets to all shows are on sale now. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org . By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-Square-Foot, 330-Seat Waterfront Complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. Previous Next

January At The Museum Of Discovery And Science Brings Big Builds, Space Adventures And Hands-On Family Fun South Florida Sun Times This Month, The Museum Of Discovery And Science (MODS) Invites Families To Start The Year With Hands-On Science, Creative Construction And Exciting Space-Themed Adventures. From LEGO®-Inspired Building Challenges And Galactic Competition To Sensory-Friendly Programming And The Debut Of Two High-Energy Traveling Exhibits, MODS Offers A Month Packed With Discovery, Curiosity, Creativity And Learning Through Play For Guests Of All Ages. “At MODS, we believe play is a powerful way to learn,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “From building bold ideas and exploring space to interactive exhibits and inclusive programs, January offers families meaningful opportunities to move, think and discover together through hands-on science, creative construction and immersive experiences.” Master Builder Weekends in January Weekends in January • Saturdays - 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Sundays - 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Families can explore engineering, creativity and problem-solving during Master Builder Weekends at MODS. Guests can take on LEGO® brick building challenges, join a LEGO® Coding Dance Party and participate in Build the Change activities that encourage imaginative problem solving. MODS also will celebrate International LEGO® Day on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026. Included with Museum admission. For more information, please visit: https://mods.org/masterbuilderweekends . Junior Galaxy Explorer Competition Saturday, January 10th. 2026 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Young builders ages 6–12 are invited to bring a custom-built LEGO® spacecraft from home or build one on-site at MODS to take part in the Junior Galaxy Explorer search. The winning builder will represent MODS at the grand opening of LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s newest attraction and receive exclusive prizes, including a family hotel stay. Included with Museum admission. For more information, please visit: https://mods.org/juniorgalaxycompetition Sensory-Friendly Sunday Morning: Wild Rescue Sunday, January 25th, 2026 • 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Enjoy early access to MODS during a sensory-friendly morning with adjusted lighting, softer sound and hands-on activities, followed by a modified IMAX® documentary in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. Wild Rescue takes guests behind the scenes with the teams helping injured and orphaned animals heal and return to the wild, celebrating incredible comebacks and second chances. Free admission. To register, please visit: https://mods.org/sensorysunday Night in the Everglades Scout Overnight Saturday, January 10th, 2026 – Sunday, January 11th, 2026 • 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. Scouting America and Girl Scouts troops can spend the night at MODS while exploring the science and wildlife of the Everglades through interactive activities and badge-aligned learning experiences. Cost is $60 per participant with a minimum of 50 participants. For more information and to register, please visit: https://mods.org/scout-programs . Save Our Seas Distinguished Speaker Series Thursday, January 15th, 2026 • 6:00 p.m. Join MODS for a free virtual discussion on Sea Turtle Conservation and Habitat Protection led by the Turtle Action Group of Seychelles. Sponsored by the Save Our Seas Foundation, this program features Jeanne A. Mortimer, a biology and conservation researcher sharing insights from decades of fieldwork and community-based, science-driven efforts. To register, please visit: https://mods.org/saveourseas . Eco Defenders Scouting America Workshop Saturday, January 17th, 2026 • 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Scouts in Lions, Tigers and Wolves levels explore environmental science and conservation through hands-on activities that support official Scouting America badge requirements. Pricing is $30 per Member scout and $45 per Non-Member scout. Accompanying adults are free for Members and $5 for Non-Members. For more information and to register, please visit: https://mods.org/scout-programs . Traveling Exhibits Opening January Opens Friday, January 23rd, 2026 and Friday, January 30th, 2026 MODS debuts two must-see traveling exhibits that bring movement, play and discovery to the forefront. Game On: Adventure in Every Move opens Friday, January 23rd, 2026 transforming the Museum into an action-packed play zone where guests tackle creative challenges, test strategies and explore the power of teamwork. Opening Friday, January 30th, 2026 HOCKEY: Faster Than Ever delivers a fast-paced, hands-on experience that puts guests in the game to test reaction time, measure slap shot power and uncover the science, engineering and technology behind one of the world’s fastest sports. Both exhibits are presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, with additional support from Finally, Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans, the Florida Panthers and the Shannon and Johnathan Robertson Charitable Fund. Included with Museum admission. For more information, visit: https://mods.org/gameon - And at: https://mods.org/hockey . About the Museum of Discovery and Science Opened in 1977 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 Square Foot facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades. MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 21 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service. The Museum welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 Southwest Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: https://mods.org . Or call: (954) 467-MODS. Call: (954) 467-6637. Like us or follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/modsftl X (formerly Twitter): www.x.com/modsftl Instagram: www.instagram.com/modsftl Previous Next

West Hollywood Hosts Full Weekend Of Community Events By City of Hollywood Jan 7, 2026 West Hollywood Is Full Of Family-Friendly Fun This Weekend, With Events That Invite Residents To Read, Create, Celebrate And Connect. The weekend begins Friday, January 9th, 2026 with the monthly Storytime in the Park event from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kay Gaither Community Center, 6291 Funston Street, Hollywood, Florida 33023. The series is held at locations throughout District 6, featuring surprise guest readers and a relaxed setting for families. Each child will receive a free book to take home, courtesy of the Children’s Services Council and Broward Reads. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, and blankets will be provided for children to sit comfortably. This month’s guest reader is Sadiqa Williams-Glusman, Co-Founder of Seven Hills Garden and Soil. A nature educator and community gardener, Williams-Glusman is passionate about helping children and families grow food together while building connections. She will read a nature-inspired children’s book and share her love of gardening and storytelling to encourage both literacy and an appreciation for the natural world. On Saturday morning, January 10th, 2026, Buckets of Joy Recycle & Grow takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Kay Gaither Community Center. The community celebration focuses on sustainability, gardening and creativity, featuring recycling education, eco-awareness activities, hands-on planting and opportunities for children to create their own art. The event is designed for all ages and emphasizes local connection through shared experiences. The weekend concludes Saturday evening with Hollywood West Salsa Fest at the Boulevard Heights Community Center & Amphitheater, located at 6770 Garfield Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024. Enjoy live Latin music, dancing and a festive outdoor atmosphere from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Families will also have the opportunity to meet the Three Kings, who will be on site greeting children and distributing gifts. Admission is free. Together, the events offer a full weekend of activities that reflect the culture, creativity and community spirit of West Hollywood. For more information on the Hollywood West Salsa Fest, visit: www.melinasalsamusic.com . Electronics Drop-Off Event Join your neighbors this Saturday, January 10th, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Electronics Drop-Off Event. The City of Hollywood is hosting an Electronics Drop-Off Event on Saturday, January 10th, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the City Hall parking lot, located at 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020. Residents can drop off unwanted electronics including TVs, computers, keyboards, monitors, printers, stereos, small appliances and more for proper recycling. This event is for electronics only and is not a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off. Previous Next

ArtServe Presents “Journey To Mount Athos,” Bringing Greek Culture And Art To Fort Lauderdale South Florida Sun Times Jan 7, 2026 Artserve Will Open “Journey To Mount Athos” On Friday, January 23rd, 2026 A Compelling Cultural Exhibition That Brings The Artistic And Historic Traditions Of Greece To South Florida. The Exhibition Runs Through Friday, March 6th, 2026 And Launches With A Free, Public Opening Reception On Friday, January 23rd, 2026 At 6:00 p.m. Presented in partnership with the Mount Athos Foundation of America and supported by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), “Journey to Mount Athos” offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience Greek heritage through large-scale visual art, photography and cultural artifacts. The exhibition is anchored by 34 retractable art banners from the Mount Athos Orthodox Church Center and includes the “Princeton Exhibition” of 46 photographs and four canvas prints, along with original works by local Greek artists. The exhibition features a curated collection of cultural artifacts that reflect the depth and diversity of Hellenic tradition, including framed poetry, musical instruments and objects from South Florida’s Orthodox churches and schools. Among the highlights are two authentic traditional Greek costumes from different regions, generously provided by Anastasia Kastrenakes Merkel. Drawn from her personal collection, the garments offer a tangible link to Greece’s regional identity and craftsmanship. Merkel played a key role in the planning of the exhibition and worked closely with ArtServe to ensure their thoughtful presentation. Together, the exhibition’s elements trace a cultural journey beginning in Fort Lauderdale’s sister city of Thessaloniki and culminating at Mount Athos, one of the most important centers in the Orthodox Christian world. Opening Reception – A Night of Greek Celebration The opening night on Friday, January 23rd, 2026 will transform ArtServe’s auditorium into a celebration of Greek life and artistry. Guests will enjoy: • A cultural panel of speakers • Byzantine chanting and Greek music • Traditional costumed dancers • A short film presentation • Greek wine, beer and refreshments Throughout the exhibition, ArtServe will highlight South Florida’s vibrant Greek community by promoting upcoming festivals and cultural events hosted by local churches and organizations. Guests will also have opportunities to connect with groups including AHEPA and the Hellenic Society of South Florida. “This exhibition is a cultural bridge,” said ArtServe CEO Jason Hughes. “It brings together art and history to give our community a deeper understanding of Greek heritage and the values that connect cultures across generations.” ArtServe is located at 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily admission is free. For more information about these events, or to become a member, volunteer or support ArtServe’s mission, please visit: www.artserve.org . Or email: membership@artserve.org . About ArtServe Named a “Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and NonProfits, Fort Lauderdale-based ArtServe is an award-winning arts incubator advancing the arts for social good as a creative laboratory and hub for experimental artists committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now in its 36th year, ArtServe has won multiple awards for innovation in the arts and is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Community Foundation of Broward. In 2025, ArtServe was named Non-Profit Organization of the Year: The Arts by 211 Broward. Each year, ArtServe helps 2,000+ artists sell their work, build businesses, and connect with the community through exhibitions, education, and events. Previous Next

2025 The Year The Government Stopped Pretending It Cared About Freedom By John & Nisha Whitehead Jan 7, 2026 Some Years Chip Away At Freedom. Others Tear The Mask Off. 2025 was the year the government stopped pretending it was constrained by the Constitution—when executive power expanded openly and unapologetically, surveillance became ambient, dissent became dangerous, and the machinery of militarized government embedded itself into daily life. Under Trump 2.0, the erosion of civil liberties gave way to something more brazen: the dismantling of constitutional government itself. What made 2025 different was not any single abuse of power, but the relentless accumulation of them. The losses mounted week by week, crisis by crisis, executive order by executive order, until exhaustion itself became a political condition. Outrage no longer led to accountability; it simply rolled into the next emergency. What follows is not a list of grievances or a catalogue of partisan disputes. It is a record of the year freedom lost its guardrails—and of a nation torn apart from within by the very individuals and institutions entrusted with preventing such tyranny. Donald J. Trump entered his second term promising revenge, retribution, and sweeping transformation. In that regard, he has been utterly successful. Where he has failed—spectacularly—is in honoring his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution. From the outset, Trump treated the Constitution not as a governing framework but as an obstacle—something to be maneuvered around, ignored, or rewritten by executive fiat. Indeed, he signed more executive orders in his first month than any other president had signed in their first 100 days. The warning signs appeared immediately. Within days of his inauguration, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights disappeared from the White House website. While the administration later insisted the documents would be restored, the timing and symbolism were impossible to ignore—especially as executive orders poured out at a pace designed to bypass the very rule of law those documents exist to preserve. Almost immediately thereafter, Trump declared two national states of emergency, announced his intention to disregard the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of birthright citizenship, established new federal agencies without congressional authorization, and pushed for an expansion of the death penalty. Constitutional boundaries were not merely tested; they were treated as optional. At the same time, the presidential pardon—intended as a tool of mercy—was transformed into a currency of loyalty. Political allies and insiders were shielded from accountability, signaling that allegiance to the president now mattered more than fidelity to the law. Economic governance followed the same pattern. Trump unilaterally launched tariff wars against longstanding trade partners, seizing Congress’s power of the purse and throwing already fragile markets into turmoil. Constitutional process was no longer a prerequisite for national policy; presidential will was sufficient. Immigration enforcement soon revealed just how far the rule of law had eroded. Despite campaign promises to target violent offenders, Immigration and Customs Enforcement expanded dragnet-style raids that swept up undocumented immigrants with no criminal history. In a calculated effort to evade judicial review and human rights obligations, detainees were secretly flown out of the country to foreign prisons beyond the reach of U.S. courts. As public opposition mounted, the government’s response was not restraint but force. The National Guard was deployed first to Washington, D.C., and then increasingly to states across the country, under the pretext of addressing crime and unrest. Civil liberties organizations warned that the line between civilian law enforcement and military occupation was rapidly disappearing. The administration pressed on regardless. By this point, the nation was teetering on the brink of a constitutional crisis. The president openly embraced the notion that “I have the right to do whatever I want as president.” Abroad, constitutional limits collapsed just as readily. The United States carried out preemptive military strikes against Iranian nuclear sites without congressional authorization. Drone strikes escalated in Yemen. Civilian boats were targeted under the banner of counterterrorism and drug interdiction. Trump openly threatened land invasions of Venezuela. The Founders’ fear of a standing army turned inward—and war powers exercised without consent—was no longer theoretical. It had become standard operating procedure. Domestic tragedy did nothing to slow this consolidation of power. Crisis after crisis was folded into an ever-expanding rationale for centralized control, rather than prompting accountability, restraint, or reflection. By midyear, even the machinery of government itself was being dismantled. Under the banner of “efficiency,” the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) began shuttering agencies and hacking away at public services. In practice, the initiative cost taxpayers more than it saved, hollowed out institutional expertise, and left Americans with fewer protections and fewer remedies. The government became less capable of serving the public—and more capable of policing it. At the same time, the surveillance state reached a new level of sophistication and reach. Government agencies consolidated financial records, biometric identifiers, communications metadata, travel histories, and online behavior into centralized intelligence systems, often facilitated by private contractors. Artificial intelligence tools generated risk scores and predictive profiles, flagging individuals not for crimes committed, but for behaviors, associations, and speech deemed suspicious. The presumption of innocence gave way to the logic of pre-crime. Due process eroded accordingly. Habeas corpus—the oldest safeguard of liberty—lost meaning as Americans were detained first and forced to justify their innocence later. Political speech itself was increasingly treated as a public-safety risk. Incarceration, meanwhile, became national infrastructure. Predictive policing systems fed people into the system at the front end, while bureaucratic cruelty defined life inside it. Justice became mechanical, impersonal, and deliberately unforgiving. Federalism collapsed in parallel. Local police forces were federalized in practice if not in name. National Guard units were commandeered. Federal enforcement authority expanded into states and cities once shielded from centralized power. The balance between local self-governance and federal authority—one of the Constitution’s most important safeguards—was steadily erased. Oversight mechanisms fared no better. Inspectors General were sidelined. Congressional subpoenas were ignored. Whistleblowers were punished rather than protected. Transparency collapsed as Freedom of Information Act requests were delayed, denied, or buried. Routine documents were classified. Internal communications vanished. None of this happened overnight. That is the point. The damage was cumulative, calculated, and exhausting by design. The goal of 2025 was not merely to expand power, but as I make clear in Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, to normalize its abuse, to wear the public down until resistance felt futile. The question for 2026 is not whether this trajectory will continue, but whether the American people will reassert the constitutional limits that make freedom possible—before those limits disappear entirely. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an attorney and author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of constitutional law, human rights and popular culture. John Whitehead's commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org Previous Next

Southern Charm & Comfort Food Arrives In Miami - Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley, Opening Saturday, January 17th, 2026 Aventura Digest Dec 18, 2025 Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley Offers Elevated Southern Soul Food, Handcrafted “Kocktails,” High-Energy Dining, And Signature “Welcome Home” Hospitality. After Thriving In Six Other U.S. Cities, The Restaurant Brings Its Modern Take On Authentic American Southern Comfort Food To Miami. Guided By The Belief That Every Guest Should Feel At Home From The Moment They Walk In, Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley Is Known As Much For Its Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere As Its Flavorful Dishes And Creative “Kocktails,” Setting A New Standard For Southern Cuisine And Hospitality In The Magic City. “We’re excited to bring this concept to Miami – a city that feels like home,” says Founder Kevin Kelley. “The diversity, the culture, the energy, there’s nothing like it. With Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley, we want to bring Miami the very best in Southern comfort food and hospitality, creating a space where everyone feels welcome.” Founder Kevin Kelley, a Dallas-based attorney & hospitality entrepreneur is the force behind this rapidly expanding national restaurant group. Miami marks the seventh location of the concept, following success in Dallas, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, and most recently Philadelphia. In addition to Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley, the portfolio also includes KANVAS by Kevin Kelley, a multi-level sports bar and Club VIVO, a Latin nightclub, both located in Dallas, Texas. The Wynwood location will boast over 8,000-Square-Feet of dining space and features a signature Blue Onyx Bar, known for its bold, luminous design. Guests can also expect to find the restaurant’s signature, spectacular Rose Wall, a core brand element across all locations, and the perfect photo spot to mark the occasion. The space will blend modern luxury with Southern warmth, incorporating rich textures, dramatic lighting, and vibrant artwork that creates a sense of culture and community. The scratch-made menu features more than 50 rich and elevated Southern comfort favorites, showcasing dishes like Shrimp and Grits, Fried Chicken and Waffles, Southern Fried Catfish, Caribbean Jerk Lamb Chops, Candied Yams, Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens, Fried Green Tomatoes, Seafood Gumbo, Blackened Salmon, and many more guest-favorites. The beverage program shines with hand-crafted “kocktails” including True Flame, a fiery concoction of premium spirits, warm citrus, and spice built over a torch-kissed orange peel, crafted tableside with a live fire presentation, a Blackberry Margarita, and the Peach D’usse Frose, among others. Reservations for Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley are available at: https://kitchenkocktailsusa.com/miami . The restaurant will open to the public on Saturday, January 17th, 2026. Located at 2838 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Building#: 2, Miami, Florida 33127. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley will have a 208 seating capacity. Follow on Social Media at: @kitchenkocktailsusa. Previous Next

Hollywood Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Wed Jan 15 2025 17:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

City Of Aventura Announces Movie Night Schedule Wed Feb 21 2024 17:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Best Look Inc.: Handymen & Professional Cleaning Service By Austin Torres July 28, 2021 Share Are you searching for a new handy man? Do you have drapery, rugs, tile, or some kind of carpet that is in dire need of cleaning or restoration? Then consider hiring Amir, Mike, Eliya and his remarkable team at Best Look to handle the job. Amir has been providing handyman and professional cleaning services since 1997 and prides himself on the work he and his associates do for their clients. The team at Best Look is determined to go out of their way to put the bounce and life back into your carpets and leave your tiles looking like mirrors. Amir has been delivering on this promise to clients since 1997. Prior to opening his own business, he worked alongside a friend and together they provided handyman and professional cleaning services. It was not long before he fell in love with the business and decided he would want to branch off and have his own company. “I started loving this job and since then, I haven’t stopped,” says Amir. Soon after, Amir began working at another company where he spent nearly 10 years gaining substantial experience in the industry, before finally opening his own business with a team that includes his son. Since then, they have dedicated themselves to delivering customer service that is unrivaled in the industry. Several of the diverse services provided by Best Look are essential to keeping your furniture and home décor in tip-top shape. Drapes for example, are a staple for many homes, but are difficult to care for, so they are often written off whenever they are damaged. It takes a highly experienced and dedicated team of workers to properly clean and restore drapes. Amir and his team are equipped for this kind of work and will go the extra mile to ensure that everything is done to leave drapes looking new. For those of you who have tile in your home, this might just be the right time to call Amir and the team at Best Look, so they can come by and polish that floor for you. The process of polishing, not only leaves your floor looking clean, shiny, and reflective, but it also adds protection as well. To keep your tile floor looking alive and beautiful, it is recommended that you have your floor professionally polished once or twice a year. Hire Best Look to handle this for you and give your floor the sparkle it deserves. Cleaning grout is another difficult and time-consuming task that is better left to the professionals at Best Look. Unkept grout can lead to the dangerous development of mold and mildew, and the process of cleaning it, can be exhausting and frustrating, especially when the stains deeply set into the material. Amir and his team are professionals who know just the right cleaners to apply in the most efficient manner to leave your grout looking brilliant again. When you hire Best Look for this job, you save yourself time and stress and can rest easy knowing the job will be done right. Cleaning and taking care of carpet and upholstery is yet another delicate and time-consuming task for homeowners. Certain fabrics and furniture items can be complicated to deal with. Using the wrong cleaning products on fabrics can lead to blemish and wear and tear that could make your treasured furniture look old and defeated. When you hire professionals like the team at Best Look you are paying for a service that comes equipped with years of experience dealing with a multitude of various materials and fabrics. Not only will Best Look go above and beyond to deliver the best professional cleaning services, but they will also use the proper cleaning techniques and products to ensure you and your family are safe. Many cleaning products may contain harmful chemicals, so it is of the utmost importance to ensure that the products and processes used are safe for your children, family, and pets. If you want to make sure that your furniture and upholstery are cleaned the right way, then you can count on Best Look to get the job done for you. Besides professional cleaning services, Best Look also offers other handyman services. Amir and his team are always eager to assist clients. Amir’s favorite part of his job is delivering the service and seeing his clients happy, after the job has been done. “Servicing people and making them happy. After the job is done seeing the customer smile and appreciate the work means the world to me,” says Amir. Among the many handymen out there, few have the kind of integrity and passion for their work that Amir and his team at Best Look have. If you are interested in learning more about their services, then the best way to reach out is to contact Amir personally at his phone number: 954.888.8638. You can also contact them at their email: bestlookinc@gmail.com . < Previous News Next News >

A Showcase of Skill and Community Spirit: The Broward County Transit 2025 Bus Safety Roadeo Wed Jan 29 2025 10:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)