Comment on As capital looks to avert  shutdown, default looms

Broward middle school students would have slightly longer school days next year to enable all students to get a Hindu holiday off, under a recommended 2025-26 school calendar. The calendar would also enable schools to finish the first semester before winter break while remaining closed for the full week of Thanksgiving.

Think about the school you’d like your child to attend. You might expect it to be a positive learning environment that encourages creativity and identity while helping to give kids the invaluable lessons and skills they need to succeed in the future. Yet, while this may be the reality for many, it’s a different story for others, especially members of the LGBTQ community. Florida’s schools have a long way to go when it comes to making LGBTQ kids feel safe.

The divisiveness pervading science and medicine has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by debates over vaccines, mandates and public health measures. Although anti-vaccine sentiment predates the pandemic, a small number of rogue physicians and influencers have amplified disinformation, jeopardizing public trust. Medical doctor and Johns Hopkins University Professor Benjamin Mazer described the post-pandemic bitterness in The Atlantic: [People are] angry about losing a job, getting bullied into vaccination, or watching children fall behind in a virtual classroom.

Q: Ira, do you think clearing time for Kel’el Ware played into moving Thomas Bryant to the Pacers? I hope so. – Phil. A: I believe the sole reason for moving Thomas Bryant was to clear both roster space and tax space. Everything beyond is ancillary. We hardly have reached an inflection point where Kel’el has done anything that has forced the Heat’s hand.

Democrats who blame everything about the election on President Joe Biden and ride him mercilessly for pardoning his son have short memories. They will be reminded when Donald Trump and his acolytes parrot the condemnation, adding their own special touches of mendacity for four years — or however long Trump lasts. Maybe Biden should have stepped down earlier, but don’t judge him until you’ve walked in his shoes.

Dustin Wolf made 32 saves, Mikael Backlund had a goal and an assist and the Calgary Flames handed the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers their second straight shutout, 3-0 on Saturday night. Coming off a 4-0 loss at Vancouver on Thursday night, Florida has dropped consecutive games following a seven-game points streak.