Photo: Geese Times Two

As he tries to secure a modicum of relevance for Democrats in the Florida Senate, and chart a political future for himself, state Sen. Jason Pizzo is doubling down on a centrist message — and seeking distance from the party’s progressive wing. Pizzo is at the beginning of a two-year term as the leader of the small band of Democrats in the state Senate — 12 out of 40 senators — with Republicans holding such a large majority they can implement anything they want. Pizzo began his tenure as Democratic leader with warm words for the Republican Senate president, a pledge to work cooperatively with the majority party, a plea to be treated fairly — and some notable criticisms of fellow Democrats, nationally and at home. Under the approach Pizzo outlined, woke is out, identity politics is out, and progressive policies are out. Florida Senate Democrats aren’t the kind who fit the caricature he said Republicans like to draw.

Q: I know. I know. Professional sports is as much (or more) a business than it is a sport or a game. But it will hurt to see Jimmy Butler wearing another uniform just like it did when Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade did. I say keep Jimmy and if he opts out and becomes a free agent at the end of the season, then so be it.

Q: After several years of renting, we plan to purchase our first home in the new year. Do you have any advice on how we can find our dream home? — Joan A: Buying your first home is an exciting but anxious time. Getting caught up in the process and ‘losing the forest for the trees’ is easy. When starting the process, make a written list of the top 10 things you are looking for in your new home.

The use of animal models in scientific and medical research has contributed to many advances in medicine, from the discovery of insulin to the development of vaccines. However, animal suffering and a growing body of scientific evidence have called into question the validity and ethics of using animals in research. The increasing availability of recent biotechnological advancements means we no longer have to rely as heavily on animal models in treating human diseases.

General Daily Insight for December 26, 2024 No idea is too grand or farfetched — at least, it seems that way at first. The Moon is in Scorpio, where it will quincunx Jupiter before trining Saturn, identifying the middle ground between enthusiasm and efficiency. The Moon will also muddle things with Chiron, over-sensitizing everyone.

Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (7-8) and Cleveland Browns (3-12) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 17 game at Huntington Bank Field (4:05 p.m., CBS): When the Dolphins run: At last, Miami finally, for the first time in seven games, had an effective run game in last Sunday’s win over the San Francisco 49ers.