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CAPE CANAVERAL (CBSMiami/CNN) – A SpaceX spacecraft carrying four astronauts soared into outer space from Cape Canaveral on Sunday evening.
It’s the first fully operational mission for the Crew Dragon spacecraft.
NASA astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker, and Soichi Noguchi, an astronaut with Japan’s space agency, will spend six months on the International Space Station.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule is expected to dock with the ISS on Monday at 11 pm ET. That means the crew will spend 27 hours in orbit as the spacecraft slowly maneuvers toward its destination.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from launch complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on November 15, 2020. (Photo by GREGG NEWTON/AFP via Getty Images)
The original launch day of October 31 was pushed back to allow extra time for hardware testing.
Then strong winds from Eta forced launch officials on Saturday to delay takeoff to Sunday evening.
The capsule has a working restroom, and the astronauts will have time to get some sleep as the fully autonomous vehicle maneuvers through orbit while SpaceX and NASA officials in Houston, Texas, and Hawthorne, California, watch over the journey.
This is a landmark mission for NASA and the company because it is the first fully operational crewed mission for SpaceX, following up a test mission in May that carried NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken, both test pilots, to the space station.
But this mission is not a test: SpaceX’s Crew Dragon was officially certified as a spacecraft worthy of carrying people last week, paving the way for it to begin making the trip relatively routine, carrying astronauts from a variety of backgrounds.
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On this mission, for example, both Walker and Noguchi have backgrounds in physics. The Crew-1 team is slated to conduct all sorts of experiments during their six-month stay on the ISS, including research into how microgravity affects human heart tissue. They’ll also attempt to grow radishes in space to build on studies designed to figure out how food might be grown to sustain deep-space exploration missions.
Sunday’s mission had been briefly thrown into question after SpaceX CEO Elon Musk revealed on Twitter that he was experiencing symptoms and was being tested for Covid-19, prompting NASA to carry out a contact tracing effort to ensure no essential personnel for the launch might have been exposed.
Officials said that effort was completed by Friday night, and they had no cause for concern. Musk said on Saturday that he “most likely” had a “moderate case of covid.”
The United States spent nearly a decade without the ability to launch astronauts into space after the retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011, and NASA was forced to rely on Russian Soyuz spacecraft to get astronauts to the ISS, which the space agency says left the multibillion-dollar orbiting laboratory understaffed. As many as 13 astronauts were on board at one time in 2009. That number has occasionally dropped to as low as three on several occasions, which leaves fewer people to help run experiments and help keep the space station well maintained. With this launch, it will grow to seven.
SpaceX developed the Crew Dragon capsule under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which, for the first time in the space agency’s history, handed over much of the design, development and testing of new human-rated spacecraft to the private sector. NASA awarded SpaceX and Boeing fixed-price contracts worth $2.6 billion and $4.2 billion, respectively, to get the job done. Development of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is still delayed because of major software issues detected during a test mission last year, but officials say that vehicle could be in operation next year.
Because these vehicles will technically be owned by SpaceX and Boeing, with NASA serving as a customer that buys missions for astronauts, the companies will also be able to use their vehicles to fly tourists, private researchers or anyone else who can afford a $50 million-plus ticket.
That decision wasn’t without controversy, particularly in the Commercial Crew Program’s early days. But Crew Dragon’s success could be seen as a huge win for folks at NASA who hope to rely more extensively on that contracting style to help accomplish the space agency’s goals.
(©2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company, contributed to this report.)
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Iota has strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane, and is expected to bring potentially catastrophic winds, life- threatening storm surge and extreme rainfall impacts to Central America.
At 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Iota was 140 miles east of Isla De Providencia, Colombia.
Iota is moving toward the west near 9 mph.
A westward to west-northwestward motion is expected through landfall. After landfall, a westward to west-southwestward motion is forecast.
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On the forecast track, the core of Iota will move across the southwestern Caribbean Sea today, pass near or over Providencia island late tonight or Monday, and approach the coasts of northeastern Nicaragua and eastern Honduras within the hurricane warning area late Monday.
Maximum sustained are near 90 mph with higher gusts.
Rapid strengthening is expected during the next 24 hours, and Iota is forecast to be an extremely dangerous category 4 hurricane when it approaches Central America.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles.
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:
- Providencia
- The coast of Nicaragua from the Honduras/Nicaragua border to Sandy Bay Sirpi
- The coast of northeastern Honduras from Punta Patuca to the Honduras/Nicaragua border
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:
- San Andres
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- San Andres
- The coast of Nicaragua from south of Sandy Bay Sirpi to Bluefields
- The northern coast of Honduras from west of Punta Patuca to Punta Castilla
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Florida Department of Health reports there are 10,105 new cases of COVID-19 statewide.
The total number of cases now stands at 885,201 across Florida.
Statewide, deaths rose by 30 to 17,734.
The two-week positivity rate in Florida increased to 7.57%.
In Miami-Dade, there were 2,385 newly reported cases of COVID-19. Deaths in the county rose by 2 to 3,709.
The additional cases increased Miami-Dade County’s overall total to 202,644.
The two-week positivity rate average increased to 7.59%.
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In Broward, there were 1,443 new cases and deaths rose by 6 to 1,591.
Broward County’s overall total increased to 95,311 cases.
The two-week positivity rate average stands at 7.17%.
In Monroe, there were 58 new cases and no additional deaths.
Monroe County’s overall totals are 2,810 cases and 25 deaths.
The two-week positivity rate average increased to 10.73%.
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) – The number of Florida long-term care residents and staff members who have died of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic topped 7,000 on Sunday, while the state saw an overall jump of more than 10,000 cases of the infectious disease.
The 7,002 reported long-term care deaths – the vast majority involving residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities – was a grim reminder of the toll that COVID-19 has taken on seniors and people with underlying health conditions. About 40 percent of the COVID-19 deaths in Florida during the pandemic have been linked to long-term care facilities, according to state data.
Florida also reported an overall increase of 10,105 COVID-19 cases Sunday, as it and other states face a wave of infections. During the week-long period that ended Sunday, Florida added 41,304 cases and 397 deaths of residents, bringing the overall death toll of residents to 17,518.
The spike in cases also has been reflected in hospitalizations. As of mid-afternoon Sunday, the state reported 3,118 people hospitalized because of “primary” diagnoses of COVID-19. That was up from 2,777 a week earlier and 2,117 a month earlier, according to numbers compiled daily by The News Service of Florida from the state Agency for Health Care Administration website.
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State leaders have said since the early days of the pandemic that they have been particularly worried about the virus getting into nursing homes and assisted living facilities and spreading among vulnerable residents.
Florida Department of Health numbers detail the disparity of how the disease affects seniors and younger people. As of Sunday, 14.7 percent of the overall Florida resident cases involved people 65 or older. But that group made up about 82.4 percent of the COVID-19 deaths. By contrast, people under age 35 made up 40.8 percent of the cases – but less than 1 percent of the deaths.
The largest numbers of long-term care deaths have been in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, which have been hotspots for COVID-19. Those two counties as of Sunday had a reported 1,589 long-term care deaths, or 22.7 percent of the statewide total.
But deaths have occurred throughout the state, in large, mid-sized and rural counties. As of Sunday, 21 counties had at least 100 reported long-term care deaths, Department of Health numbers show.
The state has taken a variety of steps to try to curb the spread of the disease in long-term care facilities, including closing them to visitors for months. But Gov. Ron DeSantis in September allowed visitation to resume, with certain guidelines.
The senior-advocacy group AARP released a report last week that showed Florida had made improvements in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes during a four-week period that ended Oct. 18. For example, Florida nursing homes reported an average of two active COVID-19 cases for every 100 residents, better than the nationwide average of 2.8 active cases per 100 residents.
But AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson warned that the recent uptick of COVID-19 cases statewide could have adverse impacts for nursing homes.
“Unfortunately, there is no reason to look at this data and conclude that the pandemic no longer poses a risk to frail and vulnerable older Floridians,” Johnson said. “We must keep our guard up, especially if the virus once again is on the rise this winter.”
(©2020 CBS Local Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The News Service of Florida’s Jim Saunders and Christine Sexton contributed to this report.)
[Bridgetown, Barbados] – A growing taste for Caribbean food in Europe could be lucrative for regional manufacturers, according to research from The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export).
The trend for exotic food sauces and condiments and natural, plant-based ingredients is highlighted in a new report commissioned ahead of Caribbean Export’s Absolutely Caribbean virtual expo on 17 and 18 November.
“We are seeing great potential for Caribbean food products across Europe at the moment”, says Dr. Damie Sinanan, Manager of Competitiveness and Export Promotion at Caribbean Export.
“It seems that consumers are looking for different flavours and playing more with spices but there is much promise amongst natural foods such a chocolate, teas and gluten–free flours. We are really excited about the range of quality, artisanal producers that we have at our expo this year which will help to support trade between the Caribbean and Europe.”
In the UK, the Caribbean food market is now worth almost £100m and foodservice wholesale giant Bidfood singled out Caribbean food as a Top 10 cuisine trend. In 2019, UK retailer Tesco also highlighted Caribbean fare as an ‘emerging trend’. Sauces and condiments in particular are worth £1.12bn and grew by 16.8% in the last year.
Craig & Shaun McAnuff at Caribbean food & lifestyle platform ‘Original Flava’, state: “We’ve seen a huge rise in the popularity of Caribbean foods in the UK in recent years which is really exciting. The likes of Ainsley Harriott and Levi Roots paving the way for Caribbean food; seeing staple Caribbean ingredients more widely available; but also seeing our cookbook as a bestseller on numerous charts and receiving TV & media recognition nationally. There is such a variety and so many flavours in Caribbean cooking which the British public are loving.”
In Spain, the ‘foods from other countries’ category has grown by 105.9% since 2012. Spicy tastes have seen strong growth with Caribbean flavours named as an emerging trend in sauces and spices, increasing around 55% to three million kilograms and over 29% in value to nearly €19m.
Almost a third (32%) of German consumers have said they like Caribbean food (1) which has led to an increase in heat and spice on the table during family dinners (2).
People in the Netherlands are also increasingly open to incorporating greater variation into their cooking, including flavour combinations and the use of fresh and natural ingredients, with the value of chilli sauces climbing 125% in value since 2016.
Europe’s love for wholesome plant-based ingredients, combined with the region’s efforts to promote sustainability, have also led to an increased interest in natural and organic products such as chocolate, tea and gluten–free flour.
In the UK, chocolate is a £4.3bn category and according to Kantar, plain and dark chocolate is growing by 14.5% year-on-year. In Spain, it is worth €1.5bn, and increased by 3.6% in 2019. Meanwhile, the Netherlands was the largest importer of cocoa beans in 2018 and is home to the largest cocoa grinding industry in the world.
The tea category in the UK is worth £561.3m which is not surprising given the nation’s love of the hot beverage. In Germany, 129 million cups of tea are consumed every day and in the Netherlands 71% of consumers drink tea at least once a week.
The UK’s gluten–free flour food category grew by 19.9% in 2019 compared to the year before and in Germany the market is worth £174m.
Caribbean food suppliers will be given the chance to showcase their unique food products to European buyers at Caribbean Export’s first virtual expo event: Absolutely Caribbean – unlocking the profit potential of the Caribbean on 17 and 18 November.
For more information about the event and to register, please visit –Click here
The post Europe’s Appetite for Caribbean Food Highlights Growing Trend appeared first on South Florida Caribbean News.
“The residents of District 5 deserve a choice”
Michael Hepburn
[MIAMI] – This contentious presidential election just showcased how vital it is in our Democracy for the will of the people to be heard. One of the most important tools that our citizens have access to is the power of their Vote and advocating that our fellow man uses that tool should always be at the forefront – if you are a Leader.
The City of Miami four remaining City Commissioners have the chance to do just that.
With the upcoming vacancy of out-going City of Miami Commissioner Keon Hardemon (recently elected as a Miami Dade County Commissioner – District 3), the City of Miami Charter gives the Miami Commission ten days starting on November 17, 2020, to appoint someone to the seat or to call for a special election – so the residents of District 5 can choose their next Commissioner.
Currently the City Commissioners have scheduled a special commission meeting to take place on November 18th, 2020 at 10am – to make this decision.
However, as a native son of Little Haiti who has resided in our city for 30+ years, and who lives in District 5. As an aspirant to become the next Commissioner from District 5, in our regularly scheduled November 2021 election. After visiting now more than 4,000 households of voters who reside throughout our district over the last four months. The feedback is crystal clear – Give Us The Ballot!
I understand the arguments on both sides, some Commissioners may feel that it’s not worth the cost to have a special election, especially since we are currently facing a budgetary deficit and still navigating Covid-19 recovery.
However, if we truly do believe in a Democracy – what price are you willing to put on allowing our people the opportunity to vote for their representation.
What circumstances is okay to impede the right for people to Vote, since so many have advocated, marched, been beaten, and have died to access this precious gift.
The will of the people is clear and as a champion for affordable housing, economic & workforce development, safe & secure neighborhoods, and high-quality education for all of us. This age of time demands nothing less.
Michael Hepburn (38), serves as a Coordinator for the Institute of Civic Engagement and Democracy at Miami Dade College. His professional work experience includes working as a Director of Operations for Progressive Turnout Project; Senior Advisor for University of Miami Business School; and as a Junior Executive for the National Football League.
Michael is an Educator, Civic Activist, and Mentor who served as a Citizen-On-Patrol with Miami Police Department; Co-Founder of the Allapattah Neighborhood Association; and City of Miami Parks & Recreation Advisory Board member.
He’s a proud Miami native and Alumnus of Miami Dade County Public Schools, Mami Dade College, and Florida International University.
The post OpEd: City of Miami Commissioners Should – Give Us The Ballot! appeared first on South Florida Caribbean News.
Dustin Johnson did not just win the 2020 Masters on Sunday, he did so in historic fashion. Finishing with a 4-under 68 in Round 4, Johnson set a 72-hole scoring record of 20 under, the lowest score to par in the history of the Masters at Augusta National.
Hon. Carlos James
[KINGSTOWN, St.Vincent and The Grenadines] – The Hon. Carlos James is the new Minister of Tourism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Minister James officially assumed duties on Thursday November 12th, 2020, following his swearing in as Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture on Tuesday November 10th, 2020.
His appointment comes following General Elections on Thursday November 5th, 2020 where he was elected as the Parliamentary Representative for North Leeward.
The Tourism Minister says he is quite excited to be working with our key stakeholders in transforming and enhancing out tourism product here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, noting that “I am looking forward to a number of major projects that are coming on stream both on St. Vincent the mainland and also in the Grenadines”.
He said among the major developments in the tourism sector that he looks forward to are, welcoming Virgin Atlantic Airlines in June 2021, as well as major development projects in the destination including the Marriott International, Holiday Inn Express and Sandals Beaches Hotels.
According to Minister James “this is going to be an exciting time here as the Minister of Tourism, I am quite looking forward to serving the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and also my government. This is St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Caribbean you’re looking for”.
Minister James last served as the Speaker of the House of Assembly from March 2020; prior to which he was a Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly during the period December 2015 and March 2019.
He is a Barrister-at-Law by profession and also holds a Degree in Media and Communication from the University of the West Indies. He succeeds Hon. Cecil McKie who was Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture from 2012 to November 2020 when he retired from active politics.
The post Hon. Carlos James is New Tourism Minister for St. Vincent and The Grenadines appeared first on South Florida Caribbean News.
Nancy Saint Pierre
Nancy Saint Peirre welcomed as a Partner
[MIAMI] – Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel, LLP welcomes Nancy Saint Pierre as a Partner. Nancy Saint Pierre is an experienced and seasoned trial lawyer who dedicated the first three years of her legal career to public service as an Assistant State Attorney with the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office where she handled misdemeanor and felony cases.
As an assistant state attorney Nancy tried over 25 jury trials. The trial and courtroom experience she gained as an assistant state attorney serves as a foundation for her success in the civil litigation arena.
As a civil litigator with over 25 years of experience, Nancy has tried over 30 civil jury trials to verdict in circuit court. She focuses her practice primarily in personal injury insurance defense. Specifically, Nancy specializes in the defense of personal injury protection claims, bodily injury claims and under-insured motorist cases. Nancy has extensive experience in taking expert witness depositions and arguing substantive dispositive motions, such as Motions for Summary Judgment and Motions to Dismiss for Fraud upon the Court.
Charlotte “Charly” Zubizarreta
Charlotte P. Zubizarreta welcomed as an Associate
Charlotte “Charly” Zubizarreta is an Associate in the Firm’s Miami office.
Charly focuses her practice in maritime and admiralty matters, personal injury defense, insurance coverage and general civil litigation in Federal, State and Administrative Courts.
Prior to joining the Firm, Charly worked with a Miami firm in their Admiralty and Maritime practice, and she managed over 100 defense litigation cases ranging in a variety of aspects of law including maritime and admiralty, general liability, and workers compensation.
She is experienced in alternative dispute resolution and has handled over 100 mediations, most to successful resolution. She is a skilled litigator and has secured many pre-trial judgments for her clients. She is licensed in all Florida Courts and in the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.
Charly was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from Fordham University School of Law, and her Literature degree from the Florida State University. While at Fordham, she served as Notes Editor for the International Law Review.
She also was a Competitor of the Willem C. Vis Moot Court Competition, where she was honored with an Honorable Mention for Best Oralist, and then served as Coach, leading her team to the highest placement of Best Oralist in Fordham’s history in the competition.
When not in the office, you can find Charly on the water as she is an avid boater and fisher woman. She has a strong connection to the Bahamas and Virgin Islands and uses these ties in her practice.
The post Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel Welcomes a Partner & Associate appeared first on South Florida Caribbean News.
