A powerful storm system currently producing heavy snow, rain and strong winds across parts of the northern United States could become a “bomb cyclone” over the Great Lakes and Northeast regions, forecasters said.
Bomb cyclones can occur when major storms intensify quickly, usually over 24 hours, and a mass of cold air collides with a hotter one, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In this case, meteorologists warned that a frigid Arctic front plunging downward into the middle of the country could clash with warm air in the South and potentially cause a range of hazardous conditions, from snowstorms to thunderstorms, along with unusually cold temperatures.
Maps show the winter storm forecast
The winter storm on Monday is sweeping across the Great Lakes and moving into the Northeast, bringing blizzard conditions, lake-enhanced snow, high winds and an icy concoction of freezing rain, CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan said. That will be followed by a spell of light rainfall through Tuesday morning.
Map shows the winter storm forecast for parts of the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025.
Nikki Nolan/CBS News
Map shows the winter storm forecast for parts of the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025.
Nikki Nolan/CBS News
Several metropolitan areas are in the path of the storm, including Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston. Some areas could see upwards of 6 to 10 inches of snow by Tuesday as a result of the wintry system.
Along with snow, interior spots in New England should prepare for ice to accumulate, with close to one inch possible in certain places, forecasters said. Others could receive up to 2 inches of rainfall, while wind gusts could also reach 65 or 75 mph as the storm rolls through.
Map shows powerful wind gusts in the forecast for the Great Lakes and Northeast.
Nikki Nolan/CBS News
A surge of cold air is due to arrive behind the cold front, which will allow lake effect snowfall to pile up, potentially reaching 1 to 2 feet in pockets of Michigan and upstate New York.
Farther out from the Great Lakes themselves, a wider strip of the Upper Midwest and Northeast is expected to see between 1 and 6 inches of snow, with lower snowfall totals forecast for places as far south as Kentucky and West Virginia.
Map shows snow in the forecast for the Great Lakes and parts of the Northeast through the middle of the week.
Nikki Nolan/CBS News
Map shows winter weather alerts and warnings
Millions remained under various winter weather alerts and warnings as the storm traveled eastward on Monday, including blizzard warnings in effect for sections of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and ice storm warnings in place for parts of upstate New York and Vermont, according to the National Weather Service.
Map shows winter weather alerts for parts of the Upper Midwest and Northeast.
Nikki Nolan/CBS News
A flurry of winter storm warnings also remained active through Tuesday in many of those same areas, in addition to broader sections of the Midwest and Northeast, from Wisconsin up to Maine.
High wind alerts were issued for more than 114 million people across the eastern U.S. as the cold front moves in.
Elizabeth Olsen at Los Angeles Comic Con 2025 on Sept. 27, 2025. Kevin Paul // Contributed Photo.
A24’s “Eternity” is one of the best movies I have seen this year. The visuals, cast and writing masterfully tell a story about love after death. We follow Joan, played by Elizabeth Olsen, who dies and has to make a difficult choice in the afterline. Who should she spend eternity with, her first or second husband?
It’s a love triangle that keeps you watching. The movie keeps guessing about how it is going to end and wraps up in a very satisfying finale.
It starts with Larry and Joan in their 80s driving to their daughter’s gender reveal party. While at the party, Larry, played by Miles Teller, dies and enters this train station in the afterlife as a younger version of himself.
One week later, Joan dies of terminal cancer and finds herself in a much younger body of hers and in this train station as well. Larry finds Joan and just as he’s about to tell her where to spend eternity with him, Luke, Joan’s second husband played by Callum Turner, arrives.
As a classic love triangle story, both of the guys try to win Joan and show her the reasons why they are the one she should pick to spend an eternity with. Once you choose an eternity, you can’t leave it.
The message really shows that the beauty in life is that many things come to an end, and that love is more than just happiness.
It deals a lot with themes of what perfection is or what a perfect couple is.Miles Teller and Callum Turner played perfect opposites and delivered hilarious performances.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early Ryan play afterlife coordinators and deliver nothing more than iconic supporting roles.
Elizabeth Olsen’s portrayal of Joan made you understand why it was such a difficult choice. She delivered on bringing a character full of joy and love.
The way Elizabeth Olsen delivered many of the lines in the movie really stuck with me. The performances of the cast made this movie feel very human, and it helps you understand why people make the decisions they do.
“Eternity” is a beautiful and great movie. You resonate with the characters and understand the heart of their emotions and actions.
Community Newspapers Continues to Expand Local Voices Through Digital Storytelling
For more than six decades, Community Newspapers has been committed to one core mission: telling the stories that matter most to the communities it serves. Today, that mission continues to evolve through expanded digital platforms, podcasts, video programming, and community-focused storytelling across Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
The organization has become a trusted source for local news and community storytelling across South Florida, covering the issues, people, and organizations that shape daily life at the neighborhood level.
Through its growing podcast and video network, Community Newspapers provides local business leaders, nonprofit organizations, healthcare professionals, educators, and community advocates with a platform to share their expertise, experiences, and insights with a highly engaged local audience.
“Our goal has always been to bring people together by giving local voices a place to be heard,” said Grant Miller, Publisher of Community Newspapers. “With our expanding digital and podcast platforms, we’re able to spotlight the people and organizations shaping our neighborhoods in a meaningful and authentic way.”
Community Newspapers’ podcast and video content is produced in-house and distributed across multiple platforms, including www.CNewsTV.com , CommunityNewspapers.com, social media channels, and e-newsletters that reach readers throughout South Florida.
Editor Michael Miller emphasized that the focus remains on community-first storytelling, regardless of format.
“Whether it’s a small business owner, a healthcare provider, or a nonprofit leader, we’re interested in stories that inform, inspire, and connect our audience,” Miller said. “These conversations allow us to go deeper and give context to the work being done every day across Miami-Dade and Broward.”
As part of this ongoing effort, Community Newspapers continues to feature local professionals and community leaders through its Miami-based podcast and video programming, offering guests professional production, broad digital distribution, and the credibility that comes from being highlighted within an established local media organization.
Podcast & Video Programming
Podcast and video content is produced in-house and recorded at CNewsTV Studios in South Miami, then distributed across www.CNewsTV.com , CommunityNewspapers.com, targeted e-newsletters, and social media platforms—reaching audiences across Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Podcast Guest Information
Community Newspapers regularly features local professionals and community leaders on its podcast and video platform, www.CNewsTV.com .
UM alum Joseph Torres stars alongside Fabiola Caraballo Quijada in the national tour of Broadway’s “&Juliet.” Photo Courtesy of the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Joseph Torres graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in musical theatre in 2022. Nearly four years later, he’s back in town with a lead role in the national tour of Broadway’s “&Juliet.”
He plays Romeo in the dazzling show at the Adrienne Arsht Center from Dec. 30 to Jan. 4, 2026
Though Torres credits much of his post-college success to his time at the U, when he first auditioned for collegiate musical theatre programs, UM wasn’t on his list.
“My teacher didn’t think I was good enough to get in,” Torres said, adding that UM was always, “kind of a dream school.”
On a whim, he attended a walk-in audition at New York City Unifieds — a centralized college audition conference where prospective students audition for several schools in one place.
He performed and workshopped his repertoire with several UM faculty members, and eventually was offered admission backed by a large scholarship. The rest was history.
At the start of his time at UM, Torres felt he wasn’t the strongest singer. Individualized attention from professors such as David Williams and Anjane Girwarr helped him reach new heights as a performer.
“The teachers there are just really invested in each individual, and not just, like, getting a product,” Torres said. “They really emphasized the importance of growing as people as well as performers, because it goes hand in hand being an artist. Like, the more life you experience, the more stories you can tell.”
Inmost semesters, he had 20 credit hours while performing such demanding roles as Neville Landless in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and The Emcee in “Cabaret.”
It prepared him for what came after graduation — a never-ending circle of auditions, rehearsals and performances, all while balancing several side jobs.
Torres later booked a 10-month cruise contract with RWS. On board, he performed as a lead vocalist 18 times weekly. Between performances, he filmed and submitted several self-tapes, which led to his first post-cruise role as Aaron Samuels in the “Mean Girls” national tour.
He spent the following two years balancing jobs in restaurant service, catering and social media, all while attending more than 170 auditions during his time off.
While working a lunch rush, he checked his phone to find several missed calls from his agent. He’d booked the role he’d long coveted as Romeo in the “&Juliet” national tour.
“&Juliet” takes William Shakespeare’s classic tale for a modern-day spin. Complete with a drop-dead hilarious script and a score of iconic pop hits such as Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” and Katy Perry’s “Roar,” the musical seeks to answer the question: What might life have looked like for Juliet after Romeo?
“I think what’s super important with this show is it really analyzes what Juliet could have been if choices weren’t made for her,” Torres said. “I think it’s amazing to see what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo.”
Throughout rehearsals, Torres often found himself in awe of the company which surrounded him. He plays opposite 2025 Jimmy Awards winner Fabiola Caraballo Quijada, along with several actors he’d seen perform on Broadway and at the Tony Awards.
“[These actors] just seemed so far away from me for so long,” Torres said. “[I thought to myself], ‘I’ve worked really hard to get here, and this feels so rewarding and exciting.’”
Miami has always been a special place for Torres. Getting to celebrate this major milestone of his theatrical career in the place where he was born and honed his craft feels “very full circle” for Torres.
“I’m sure it’s going to feel so surreal when I’m actually down there, and I’m in the Grove for breakfast and then doing my show there at night,” Torres said. “It’ll be a nice reunion of sorts with a place that I love.”
Torres remains grateful for the foundation that UM’s theatre program provided him. He recently led current students through a Q&A and masterclass, promising to “always give back to UM.”
To current and future ‘Canes aspiring to enter the theatre industry, Torres’ advice is simple:
“Soak up every second,” Torres said. “You’re going to an amazing school with so many people from so many places, and you’re getting to study something you were begging to, you know? So take advantage of the amazing professors that we have.” Support Torres and the star-studded cast of “&Juliet” at the Adrienne Arsht Center this winter. The production runs from Dec. 30, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026.
A Davie apartment fire at 6857 College Court killed a 73-year-old woman. Authorities say the blaze was accidental and the State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause.
Getty Images | Royalty Free
A Friday fire at a Davie apartment complex that took the life of a 73-year-old woman was not caused by any foul play, authorities announced Monday.
Gloria Dickenson, 73, was killed in the blaze that occurred after 10 a.m. Friday at an apartment complex in the area of 6857 College Court, Davie police said. She was inside one of the units when firefighters rushed to the scene and extinguished the fire.
Police said the fire was deemed accidental. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the blaze.
Miami Herald Cops and Breaking News Reporter Devoun Cetoute covers a plethora of Florida topics, from breaking news to crime patterns. He was on the breaking news team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2022. He’s a graduate of the University of Florida, born and raised in Miami-Dade. Theme parks, movies and cars are on his mind in and out of the office.
If you are like me, the calendar of festive events is packed with amazing ways to celebrate the season. The first week in December, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Gringo Bingo on December 2nd, helped raise funds for The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bells Run. The run on December 6th was a smashing—and hilarious—success. Held at Tropical Park, there were costumed holiday characters everywhere you turned. The morning run drew a great crowd including a strong team from HCA Mercy Hospital, whose orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gilbert Beauperthuy-Rojas, was the event honoree. On hand to cheer on participants were Mercy CEO, Allyssa Tobitt; Mercy COO Jessica Miller (in a standout costume); Mercy Director of Communications; Annabel Beyra; and Arely Ruiz, President of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club—just a few among the hundreds who took part in the lively morning run.
As for Gringo Bingo, kudos go to the club’s longtime volunteers, Steven Bradley, the much-loved “Gringo,” who calls the numbers each month, and Corey Tennyson, who provided DJ services that day. What began in 2019 as a one-time bingo fundraiser for veterans—created by Steven and this writer—quickly grew into a monthly tradition that has since raised well over $100,000 for dozens of nonprofits. The club continues this success thanks in large part to Steven, who donates his time despite a demanding schedule as managing partner of Vivo Sports and Social at Dolphin Mall, and the support of Community Newspapers to promote the events.
From the run, we move on that December 6th to The Villagers Holiday House Tour, presented this year as a festive Stroll in the Grove. Before the event, Villagers President Gina Guilford and Past President Kelly Schild (Gina’s sister) joined Gloria’s Gab LIVE to highlight the event and the extraordinary impact The Villagers has made in historic preservation. Kelly, who co-chaired this year’s tour with Merlin Ebbert, shared that the group has awarded $2 million in grants to 200 organizations, an astonishing achievement for an all-volunteer nonprofit. With record attendance this year (1,000 tickets sold), 2026 promises to be even more impactful for preservation projects.
The historic Coral Gables Woman’s Club, itself a past Villagers grantee, recently showcased both history and artistry by hosting Her Art Basel on December 3. Curated by Arts & Culture Chair Alex Guillen, the exhibition featured works by women artists, including her mother, Celia Guillen. While one ballroom became an elegant gallery, the other hosted the club’s annual Holiday Dinner Party catered by celebrity chef Chris Valdes. Guests enjoyed cocktails, admired the art, then returned for dinner and beautiful performances by Margarita Parsamyan, an operatic soprano and the founder of MP Miami Music School, with one of her students, Elizabeth Rojas.
Sime Realty’s annual holiday party is like few others as Scott and Belinda Sime open their impressive home to hundreds of friends and family to collect toys for children at Lighthouse for the Blind and other charities. The Ugly Sweater theme created lots of fun as guests enjoyed vising with old friends, enjoying festive music, food and drinks. Best of all, this party with a purpose collected more than 500 toys and $1,300 in checks for the Lighthouse for the Blind from generous donors that night.
Coral Gables Community Foundation also held its annual holiday party on December 9th for donors and board hosted once again by Bill Bonn and Ruben Ceballos at their beautiful home on Alhambra. During the evening, CGCF’s new CEO Mauricio Vivero presented CGCF 2024-25 Chair, Michael Walsh, with a gift and thanks for his leadership and service. Among the many enjoying the evening were Ron and Anita Shuffield, Bill and Lynn Kerdyk, David and Cristina Lama Evensky, Jeff Flanagan, John O’Rourke, Matthew Meehan, Roy Gonas, Don Slesnick, III and Cecilia Slesnick,
Coral Gables Bar Association also celebrated the season with a party hosted by Banesco in Coral Gables. Among the many guests enjoying the affair were Banesco’s Community Relations Director Erbi Blanco-True, Coral Gables Bar President Danny Fors, President-Elect Elina Magaly Santana, Immediate Past President Alberto Manrara, Bruce Bounds, Jerry Kavulich, Brian Barakat, and Vanessa Michaud, to mention a very few.
The Merrick Festival Caroling Competition wrapped up with short programs by the winning choirs on December 9th on a rainy evening that forced the final performances inside. This year’s annual competition provided our community with a week of great choral performances by 30 choirs from all over the county vying for more than $17,000 in cash prizes. Festival Executive Director Sally Baumgartner Goodman has been producing thisevent that showcases talented children from across the county for decades and appreciated the generous sponsors including Miami Dade County, City of Coral Gables, Holtz Children’s Hospital, Coral Gables Community Foundation, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables, and so many others. St. Theresa in Coral Gables came home with grand prize for the Middle School Full Choir, a choir that also won the Rotary Club of Coral Gables Award and performed at the December 18, Rotary meeting at the Hyatt.
For a complete list of the prize winner, go to carolingcompetition.org.
Check out these upcoming events and mark your calendar!
Currently running through March, 2026 – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org ›pharaohs (Look for a new Titanic Experience coming in January, 2026)
Now thru Dec. 31 – Festival of Trees at Miami International Mall Doral – Free admission
January 3 – 6, 2026 – Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament – Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily
January 4, 2026 – Annual King Mango Strut Parade – Coconut Grove
January 10, 2026 – Voices for Children Gala- Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne
February 7, 2026 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Annual Children’s Festival – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 1001-9 East Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. Admission is free.
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) – The queen of Latin music, Shakira, took the stage at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino this weekend and will be performing for one more night in South Florida as her last show of the year.
Shakira is performing a three-night gig at the hotel in Hollywood. She’ll be singing one more time, Monday night, as her last concert of the year as part of her Hard Rock exclusive “Up Close & Personal” performances.
Tickets are still available as of Monday morning. You can learn more about the event here.
Copyright 2025 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Sangdong mine, South Korea — Over the course of decades, China has come to dominate the rare earths and critical minerals industries, virtually cornering the market on raw materials that are essential to every aspect of modern life, from cellphones to armor piercing ammunition and AI missile guidance systems.
Beijing’s stranglehold on the production of these valuable metals and minerals has driven a hasty search by U.S. authorities to secure alternative supply options.
Lewis Black says his company is ready to help fill the void, at least when it comes to the supply of tungsten, a mineral he calls “vital” to U.S. defense needs.
Black, CEO of the Canadian mining company Almonty Industries, flew from New York to South Korea last week to give CBS News a tour of the mine he hopes will soon be producing enough tungsten to meet at least the most urgent of America’s needs.
An aerial view shows the Sangdong tungsten mine in eastern South Korea, owned and operated by Almonty Industries, in November 2025.
CBS News
In the days before his flight to the Sangdong mine, Black met with U.S. officials, including at the White House, and he signed a deal guaranteeing that Almonty will, in the future, supply enough tungsten for U.S. security needs.
Black said he couldn’t discuss the details of the agreement with the U.S. government.
Tungsten’s superpower
The power of tungsten is rooted in the fact that it has the highest melting point of any element. While used in everyday items from electrical wiring to semiconductors and batteries, its applications in the defense industry make it truly indispensable.
“It’s vital. It’s further than critical, it’s vital,” Black told CBS News, standing in an enormous red building covered in corrugated steel sheeting that houses his processing plant in Sangdong.
As he spoke, machinery that breaks down the ore — the rocks embedded with tungsten — ground in a slow circular motion, undergoing tests in preparation for being fully commissioned later this year.
A view inside a tunnel at the Sangdong tungsten mine in South Korea, November 2025.
CBS News
“It’s not just in the things you can see like munitions and armor,” Black said. “You want to build armored vehicles? All the engineering, all the AI chips, AI chips you can’t build without tungsten gas. You want to build a plane? The rockets, it’s in everything. It’s a vital component, a small one, but without it, you can’t do it.”
The Sangdong tungsten mine’s rise, fall and renaissance
Tungsten was first discovered in a rocky outcrop at the Sangdong site, about 115 miles southeast of Seoul, in 1906. A Japanese company started mining there about a decade later, and the tungsten extracted was later used for Japan’s war machine during the Second World War.
The end of that war brought an end to Japan’s occupation of the Korean Peninsula, and the Sangdong mine returned to Korean control. It would go on to have a profound effect on South Korea’s economy, at one point accounting for 30% of the nation’s GDP.
Heavy machinery operates underground in the Sangdong tungsten mine in South Korea, in November 2025.
CBS News
South Korean presidents visited the mine at least six times — it was a source of national pride. But in the 1990s, it fell victim to China’s price dumping policies and was mothballed.
For the ensuing three decades, the U.S., along with many other Western nations, benefited from the cheap, government subsidized materials being produced by China.
But that benefit became a reliance, and it left Washington exposed and vulnerable amid a tense trade war with China that’s seen Beijing impose export restrictions on some rare earths and other critical materials.
In response, there’s been a rush to establish alternative supply chains.
China controls at least 80% of the world’s current tungsten supplies, according to Almonty, with Russia and North Korea both holding a smaller but significant share of the assets.
Almonty Industries is in the process of relocating its headquarters to New York. It’s a clear indication that the U.S. government has become a very important part of Black’s business — his biggest customer, in fact.
Almonty took ownership of the Sandong mine in 2015.
Catching up with China is “going to be disruptive”
Almonty also has tungsten mines in Spain and Portugal, and it recently purchased one in Montana, specifically in the interest, Black said, of U.S. national security.
“With the U.S. government, that’s one of the reasons why we’ve taken a mine in the U.S. — bringing our technology to the country so that we can start to generate more human capital for the long term,” he said. “To me it feels good for the legacy of the company to fill a gap that has been left hugely exposed.”
Black said the mine in Montana won’t be operational for years, however, as Almonty still needs to secure permits and train personnel. It’s all analogous, he notes, to the overarching problem the U.S. and its Western partners have as they seek to untangle themselves from supply chain reliance on China; it’s going to take a long time.
“China dominates so many different sectors, whether it be rare earths, lithium, graphite, tin, lead, aluminum,” Black said, adding that over the last eight decades many such industries simply “fell out of favor in the West, and we abandoned raw materials.”
There are more recently discovered sources of some key materials, particularly in Africa, and the U.S. has sought to build business ties there — but Black says China has “covered most bases,” already securing investment in many African nations through its “Belt and Road” initiative.
He believes it will take at least a decade for the U.S. to completely diversify its supply chains, not least because of the need to train a workforce.
“We don’t have the people to run these mines,” Black told CBS News. “The U.S. and the West have some catching up to do.”
In the interim, he expects American industry to face some disruption.
“I bought this 10 years ago,” he said of the Sangdong facility. “Mines in democracies are a journey, and not for the faint hearted.”
Black expects “it’s going to be a really tough, miserable journey” as industries such as the American automotive sector work to wean themselves off cheap Chinese raw materials.
“You want to onshore all this production but you have no way of producing the components to supply this production. This has got to be done … It’s going to be disruptive, there are going to be times when some sectors are going to run out of components — that’s inevitable. In this particular instance, everyone is going to just suck it up and just power forward, because it’s the only way it can be done.”
A few months ago the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency put out a Request for Information (RFI) for tungsten — effectively an SOS call for the critical mineral, which surprised some in the industry as it effectively exposed the U.S. shortage.
“I think the U.S. government is saying, ‘all right, whatever we can find, we’d better stash it while we build this supply chain,’” said Black.
He expects the Sangdong to be operational by the first quarter of 2026, and once it is, it should be running 16 hours a day, with the associated processing plant operational 24 hours per day, producing an estimated 1.2 million tons of tungsten ore per year.
Miami-Dade County’s first-ever collections from speed detection systems installed across 27 school zones totaled more than $17 million in the eight months ended July 31, 2025, according to a report from Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
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Still in its early months, the long-anticipated Metro Express bus rapid transit service has brought a new mode of transportation to Homestead, but not without its own set of challenges that are adding serious traffic delays within the city, according to the city’s top elected officials.
From the system’s launch date on Oct. 27 to Nov. 25, more than 5,300 riders used Metro Express’s bus rapid transit (BRT) each weekday alone along the 20-mile route from Homestead to Dadeland, according to a report from Miami-Dade’s Department of Transportation and Public Works.
As reported by Miami Today, the department will continue to refine signal timing at high-volume intersections and areas being disproportionately impacted to balance bus priority with cross-street traffic operations during its 60- to 90-day optimization phase.
Homestead Mayor Steven Losner called the all-electric buses “a real step up from the traditional buses.” Unlike regular buses, BRT uses dedicated lanes to bypass traffic, has fewer stops and includes amenities beyond the basic features.
“The BRT, or the bus rapid transit, for us, I think it represents much more than just transportation,” Homestead Vice Mayor Jenifer Bailey said. “It’s an opportunity for our residents to be able to get to their jobs, to get to school, as well as different services across Miami-Dade. It definitely has improved in making Homestead more attractive for employers – investors as well.”
Mr. Losner said the unique layout of the roads adjacent to the BRT line in the city has caused traffic congestion along with conflicting perspectives on the new system from the community.
“Right now, there’s still a lot of kinks that the county and the contractor who built it need to work out in terms of synchronizing the signalization at the intersections,” he said. “It has really caused major, major delays and traffic headaches throughout the city. Hey, we’re talking sometimes 10- to 15-minute delays.”
Ms. Bailey said city officials have met with the county’s transportation department team and are working with them to address issues involving traffic signal priority.
“I would say that our residents’ number-one complaint right now is traffic, so we have met with the Department of Transportation and are working closely with them to make sure that they’re aware of all of these issues and we have seen some improvements,” she said. “We are hoping that now it will alleviate some of these issues at these certain intersections.”
The same company that brought a successful mixed-use tower to Edgewater, along with a Whole Foods, is now ready to move forward with phase two of the development, Forma Suites.
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Last year’s Orange Bowl Festival, including the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital Orange Bowl, generated $286.3 million in new economic impact and media exposure value for South Florida, according to a study by Rockport Analytics.
Rockport Analytics was commissioned by the Orange Bowl to develop an independent estimate of the quantifiable benefits of Orange Bowl events from May 2024 to April 2025. Overall, the study estimated that the Orange Bowl events drew 64,215 visitors to the area, including 79% of the game attendees from outside of South Florida. Additionally, the events generated an estimated 72,886 incremental hotel room nights throughout the region.
“For more than 90 years, the Orange Bowl has been more than just a game – it’s been a gateway to showcasing the very best of South Florida,” said Henri Crockett, president and chair of the Orange Bowl Committee. “Our mission has always been clear: bring people here, drive our economy, and give back to the community that makes this place so special. The support of our fans, partners, and volunteers allows us to create moments that live far beyond the football field – from record tourism and economic impact to life-changing opportunities through Orange Bowl Cares. As we prepare to host another marquee College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl, we’re not just putting on a game – we’re putting South Florida on the national stage. That’s the power of the Orange Bowl.”
Beyond the direct economic benefits, the study also found that the Orange Bowl events generated more than $28.6 million in taxes and supported 1,233 full and part-time jobs that generated $60.1 million in personal earnings. The total economic impact figure contains $110.7 million in media exposure value for South Florida, including 17.8 million viewers for the game on ESPN and pre-game coverage live from South Florida.
“The Capital One Orange Bowl has long been one of the country’s signature sports traditions, and its impact continues to be felt well beyond the field,” added David Whitaker, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “From generating millions in economic activity to showcasing Greater Miami and Miami Beach on a global stage, the Orange Bowl is an extraordinary example of how sports tourism fuels our economy, creates jobs, and highlights Miami as one of the world’s premier event destinations. We are proud to partner with the Orange Bowl Committee and look forward to welcoming future College Football Playoff games and, ultimately, National Championships.”
Micro dwelling units and affordable housing are destined for a busy corner in Miami’s West Brickell.
The project, 250 SW Brickell, will be a 42-story tower offering 1,011 residential units, amenities, ground floor retail and parking for 269 vehicles, at 250 and 296 SW Seventh St.
The city’s Urban Development Review Board recommended approval and revisiting the design and materials for the screening on the garage levels.
The new residential community will be home to studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, alcove, and micro units.
Attorney Brian Dombrowski said the property consists of 44,865 square feet, or 1.03 acres, and is now vacant land.
He said the property has a principal frontage on Southwest Seventh Street and fronts Southwest Third Avenue to the west as its secondary frontage. The site abuts a commercial property to the south and surface parking to the east.
Mr. Dombrowski wrote to the city that the developer plans to utilize the state’s Live Local Act in order to incorporate additional height and density beyond what the underlying zoning district permits.
To qualify under the Live Local Act, a project in a mixed-use, commercial, or industrial zoning district must commit to restricting at least 40% of its units to serve residents earning up to 120% Area Median Income (AMI) for 30 years.
Mr. Dombrowski wrote, “The project proposes a minimum of 40% of the proposed number of residential dwelling units or 405 residential dwelling units as affordable units at 120% of area medium income.”
The proposal is an infill project near highly traversed streets, wrote Mr. Dombrowski.
“The property is located within a neighborhood which has seen a rapid growth over the last few years as it transitions.
“The project seeks to redevelop the vacant land and provide residential and commercial uses throughout the property.
“The property is proposed as an urban center mixed use project providing for a variety of uses with on-site parking … The project includes bicycle parking options and is being built within walking distance of multiple bus routes,” wrote Mr. Dombrowski.
The project was designed by Behar Font & Partners.
An architectural narrative says the tower will rise above the heart of Brickell, forming a slender vertical landmark at the convergence of the neighborhood’s commercial corridor and the residential fabric extending toward the Miami River.
It reads, “Approaching from either Southwest Seventh Street or Third Avenue, landscaped sidewalks and enhanced streetscape improvements guide residents and visitors to the building’s prominent two-story lobby entrance.
“Floor-to-ceiling glass encases the entire ground floor, revealing the double-height arrival experience and establishing transparency between the interior and the street.
“The tower is defined by a curved façade band at the northwest corner, a sculpted gesture that bends gracefully at the intersection of Third Avenue and Seventh Street, creating a visual anchor and softening the building’s presence within the urban grid.
“The podium, rising eight stories, wraps the parking structure with residential units on all sides of the street, ensuring that the building presents an active, inhabited façade to the street at every level. Residential units begin at the second level and continue upward, screening the garage and maintaining a consistent street wall that respects the pedestrian experience,” the narrative reads.
Extensive amenities are planned. At level 9, a comprehensive amenity deck serves as an elevated urban landscape: a pool area surrounded by tropical planting, cabanas, BBQ zones, co-working lounges, game and club rooms, a fully-equipped gym, yoga studio, synthetic turf Pilates area, dog park, and overlook seating with panoramic skyline views.
The building includes more than 260 parking spaces accessed from Third Avenue and Seventh Street, designed to minimize visual and operational impact on the pedestrian realm. More than 1,000 bicycle racks are included.
Board member Francisco Perez-Azua said, “It’s a very elegant building. What concerns me is a two-way entrance. That’s going to get messy there … I caution you and the city, the street is already extremely congested.”
Architect Javier Font said, “We looked at traffic patterns. We looked at this in so many different ways.”
Board member Ignacio Permuy said, “Beautiful clean lines. A very elegant design. The program is well articulated and resolved.”
While the Orange Bowl is best known for its marquee New Year’s Day football matchup, the tournament encompasses a broader slate of sports, community and charitable events that stretch beyond Jan. 1 and bring athletes, families and visitors to South Florida throughout the season.
In the weeks leading up to the College Football Playoff game, the Orange Bowl traditionally hosts a series of ancillary events designed to engage fans and the local community. This December’s events included the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic, fan festivals at Hard Rock Stadium, pep rallies and New Year’s Eve celebrations tied to the participating teams and host venues, helping turn the bowl game into a multi-day destination event rather than a single afternoon contest.
Game day itself anchors the festivities, with the Orange Bowl played at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 1 and complemented by fan-focused activities such as Capital One Orange Bowl Fan Fest, which features interactive exhibits, sponsor activations and entertainment for families and visiting fans.
But the Orange Bowl’s calendar does not end when the final whistle blows.
One of the first post-game events is the FCA Orange Bowl Prayer Breakfast, scheduled for Jan. 10 at the Downtown Events Center in Fort Lauderdale. This year’s gathering marks the 55th annual Prayer Breakfast, which began in 1971 and was established to bring together athletes and coaches through faith and fellowship.
The event traditionally features current and former football leaders sharing personal stories and reflections, and has long been a quieter, service-oriented counterpart to the pageantry of bowl week. Sponsorship contributions for this year’s breakfast will help provide scholarships for student-athletes and coaches to local sports programs.
Later in the year, the Orange Bowl’s community presence continues with the 2026 GA Telesis Orange Bowl Golf Tournament, set for March 24 at Trump National Doral. The charity tournament benefits Orange Bowl Cares and the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers initiative.
According to event organizers, the tournament includes 18 holes of play, an awards luncheon and a silent auction, with proceeds supporting youth sports, education and community programs across South Florida. Orange Bowl Cares focuses on four pillars: youth sports, education, community engagement and legacy projects, including the revitalization of sports facilities and media centers.
Youth athletics are also represented through the Junior Orange Bowl, an affiliated organization that hosts international and regional competitions throughout the year. While many Junior Orange Bowl events take place in December, select youth tournaments, including international golf competitions, extend into early January, drawing young athletes and their families from around the world to South Florida.
Taken together, the Orange Bowl football game, youth competitions and year-round charitable events keep the organization active well beyond game day, with programs that continue to reach South Florida communities into the months that follow. More information about Orange Bowl events and programs is available at orangebowl.org.
The Allapattah Branch Library will close to the public on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 202 and reopen in March at a new location.
Miami-Dade Library System
The Allapattah Branch Library will close on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, as construction begins on a new affordable and workforce housing development that will include a modern replacement library.
The branch, located at 1799 NW 35 St., is shutting down as part of the Dulce Vida Apartments project, led by Coral Rock Development Group. Construction is expected to take about 19 months.
Once completed, the new Allapattah Branch Library will open on the ground floor of the Dulce Vida Apartments and will be significantly larger and more modern than the current facility.
The new branch will span approximately 8,500 square feet, up from the existing 5,200, and will feature expanded community and learning spaces.
Back in 2021, students from Miami Jackson Senior High in Allapattah protested the project when initial plans sought to move the library branch to a new location.
The students petitioned the city of Miami to delay the project until a temporary library could be built nearby, and that the new development must have a library component.
Now, planned upgrades include a multipurpose community meeting room with audio-visual technology, co-working and study areas, dedicated reading rooms for adults, young adults and children, and a children’s storytime area.
The new library will also offer new public computers, high-speed Wi-Fi, digital information screens, additional electrical outlets and USB charging ports throughout the space.
To minimize disruption, Miami-Dade officials say a temporary Allapattah Branch Library is expected to open nearby in March 2026.
In the meantime, patrons are encouraged by Miami-Dade to visit nearby public library system locations, including the Culmer/Overtown Branch, Model City Branch and Edison Center Branch.
Residents can also continue to access library services online, including eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, newspapers and research databases.
More information about library services and updates on the temporary location can be found on the Miami-Dade Public Library System website or by contacting customer service.
First, a look at the booming, bourbon-driven barrel business. Then, Guy Fieri and 24,000 missing tequila bottles. And, how mezcal traditions are preserved as demand grows.
Photo Credit: @CanesFootball via X // Wide Receiver CJ Daniels (7) celebrates with Tight End Alex Baumann (87) versus Pitt on Nov. 29 2025.
Following Miami’s gritty 10–3 win over No. 7 Texas A&M on Dec. 20, a victory encapsulated by a game-sealing interception from freshman defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald, the Hurricanes earned a spot in the 90th edition of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic in Dallas, Texas.
Miami is set to face defending national champions No. 2 Ohio State, a program it has history against. The two teams have met five times, with only four officially counting in the record books. In 2010, Ohio State’s 36-24 win was vacated after a “Tattoogate” scandal that involved players trading memorabilia for tattoos.
Going back to the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, with the game tied 24–24 in overtime, Miami was called for a late and controversial defensive pass interference in the end zone that ultimately cost the Hurricanes a chance at back-to-back National Championships.
The series is tied at two, as UM won 24-6 in 2011 at home.
The Buckeyes are coming off a 12-1 season, with their lone loss coming in the Big Ten championship against No.1 Indiana.
Ohio State is led by sophomore wideout and South Florida product Jeremiah Smith, who is one of the best receivers in the country. In 12 games this season, Smith has 80 receptions for 1086 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. 2025 marks his second straight season with over 1,000 receiving yards.
“He’s [Jeremiah Smith] an NFL prototype right now,” Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said. “He and their entire receiving corps create separation, beat coverage, block in the run game, and play hard.”
Smith is paired with another talented wideout in Carnell Tate, who has 48 receptions for 838 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on the season.
The Buckeyes also feature freshman running back Lamar “Bo” Jackson, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards this season.
David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer/Redshirt Senior Jakobe Thomas reaches toward the Syracuse quarterback after beating his blocker on November 8, 2025.
Throwing Smith and Tate the ball is Heisman finalist quarterback Julian Sayin, who is having an unbelievable season as a first-year starter.
Through 13 games, Sayin has 3323 passing yards and 31 touchdown passes. He has led the nation all season in completion percentage (78.4%) and passing efficiency (182.05), with his completion rate surpassing the all-time NCAA record of 77.4% set by Oregon’s Bo Nix in 2023.
Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman understands the challenge it will be for the Hurricanes to contain Smith and Tate.
“They’re as talented as anyone in the country on the perimeter and any play could be explosive,” Hetherman said. “So we’ve got to do a good job of playing one play at a time. Our guys got to be physical at the point of attack. We have to be really disciplined with our eyes.”
In its lone loss of the season, the Ohio State offensive line crumbled. Sayin was sacked five times and the Hoosier defense tallied a season-worst nine tackles for loss.
Looking back at Miami’s last game against the Aggies, the Hurricanes sacked Marcel Reed seven times. Reed is more elusive with his legs than Sayin, so if Ohio State’s pass protection against Miami resembles what it showed in its last game against Indiana, it could be a long night for the Buckeyes.
Defensive ends Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. will have to step up in similar fashion as their game against Texas A&M. Against the Aggies, Bain and Mesidor combined for 4.5 sacks, 10 tackles, and one blocked field goal.
Photo Editor Brian Mulvey // Junior defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. rushes the passer against Louisville on Oct. 17, 2025
Guarding Smith and Tate will most certainly be a challenge but Miami has shown it can hold its own against stellar receivers. Against Texas A&M’s Mario Craver and KC Concepcion, Miami was able to hold each receiver to under 100 yards. Concepcion, an AP All-American All-Purpose player, was held to a season-low 33 yards against the UM secondary.
Defensive backs Keionte Scott and Jakobe Thomas will need to carry the momentum. Fitzgerald’s two interceptions allowed him to become just the 10th Hurricane to have six interceptions in a season over 50 years.
On the offensive side of the ball for Miami, sixth-year redshirt senior quarterback Carson Beck did not have his best performance, completing 14-of-20 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. It was a windy day in College Station, which may have played a role, but Beck will need to be sharper against a stout Ohio State defense..
The relationship between Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and Beck has been key to getting on the same page and winning these big games.
“He says something and you watch it on the iPad, I mean, he’s typically spot-on. And so there’s things that I don’t see in the course of calling it that I watch the iPad, and he’s typically pretty spot on in those situations”, Dawson said. “And everybody keeps a level head and a very calm demeanor, which is key in those type of games when it’s real tight. And look, one mistake can cost you a game. So I thought his input was awesome.”
The Buckeyes defense is one of the best in college football, ranking first in categories such as points per game allowed (8.2) and pass yards per game (129.1). They rank fifth in rush yards per game with 84.5.
Junior running back Mark Fletcher Jr. is coming off a season-best 172 rushing yards, averaging 10.1 yards a carry against Texas A&M. Fletcher put the team on his back against the Aggies, and if Beck isn’t playing his best ball, the junior running back might have to carry the load once again.
UM Junior Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. breaks through the Texas A&M defense on Dec. 20. // Jake Sperling.
Last game, the offense line did a phenomenal job on limiting pressure from star Aggie defensive end Cashius Howell, holding him to just two total tackles.
This week, the Hurricanes will take on a new challenge of stopping senior defensive end Caden Curry and junior linebacker Arvell Reese. Curry is seventh in college football in sacks, with 11, while Reese had 6.5 sacks on his own. Reese is considered one of the best players in all of college football, often being projected as the first defensive player drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Posing a threat in the secondary, is safety Caleb Downs. The junior has 40 tackles and two interceptions on the season but also is a threat to the quarterback when Ohio State runs the blitz.
“I feel that this team, in terms of challenges and throwing difficult scenarios and situations at them, is when I think we’re our best.,” Cristobal said.
Kickoff at AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas, is set for New Year’s Eve at 7:30 p.m. EST and will air on ESPN.
Photo Credit: @CanesWBB via IG // Junior guard Amarachi Kimpson goes up for a layup against Stetson defenders on Sunday Dec. 28 at the Watsco Center.
Miami women’s basketball closed its non-conference slate with a convincing 77-45 win over Stetson on Sunday afternoon.
The Hurricanes extended their winning streak to three games and improved to 9-4 overall and 1-1 in ACC play, using the matchup as a final tune-up before returning to ACC conference action.
Miami opened the game with early energy as Ahnay Adams scored back-to-back layups to start the first quarter. Stetson briefly responded and took an early lead, but Miami never fell behind more than four points and closed the quarter tied at 13-13.
The Hurricanes in the second quarter capitalized on Stetson turnovers to build a 20-16 lead. Miami closed the first half on a 12-2 scoring run to take a 34-23 advantage into halftime. The Hurricanes shot 42% from field goal and 40% from beyond the arc in the opening half.
Photo Credit: @CanesWBB via IG // Miami guard Ra Shaya Kyle goes up for a shot over a Stetson defender on Dec. 28 at the Watsco Center.
Miami’s defense set the tone in the third quarter, holding Stetson to just three points for the first five minutes. The Canes’ recorded four assists and nine rebounds, while shooting 50% from the field. Miami pushed its lead to 20 for the first time at 48-28 with 3:27 remaining in the third quarter and extended the margin to 55-31 by the end of the period.
Miami maintained its momentum in the fourth quarter and comfortably closed out the win.
Four Hurricanes scored double figures. Gal Raviv and Ra Shaya Kyle led Miami with both 14 points apiece, Amarachi Kimpson and Ahnay Adams had 13 points.
Despite shooting just 23% from the three point range and 48% overall, Miami made its impact on the defensive end. The Hurricanes finished with 41 rebounds and 13 steals while committing only eight turnovers, an area that has been a point of emphasis this season.
Miami returns to play on January 1st when it opens ACC road play against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.
There was Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy involved shooting Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at NW 17 Avenue and NW 95 Street, the office said.
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There was a deputy-involved shooting Sunday night at NW 17th Avenue and NW 95 Street in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Due to police activity, NW 17th Avenue is closed from NW 95th to NW 103rd streets, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said in a news statement.
“Please avoid the area and seek alternate routes,” the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office said this information is preliminary and details about the incident may change.
.jpg "A Davie apartment fire at 6857 College Court killed a 73-year-old woman. Authorities say the blaze was accidental and the State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause.")
.jpg "There was Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy involved shooting Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at NW 17 Avenue and NW 95 Street, the office said.")