🌱 Sunrise Police Union Unhappy With Investigation + New Gambling Ban

Happy Thursday, people of Miami! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town today.

First, today's weather:

Humid with periods of sun. High: 76 Low: 64.

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Here are the top five stories in Miami today:

1. Miami commissioners are close to banning new gambling within the city. The Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board recommended the ban on a 6-3 vote in July 2021. The ban would remain unless a constitutional amendment came to allow casino-style gambling statewide. (Miami Today)

2. 7 Democratic South Florida members of Congress and state lawmakers held a video conference on Monday to decry what they say is an all-out assault on women’s reproductive rights. U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, along with South Florida U.S. Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Lois Frankel called for a political mobilization in response. (Sun Sentinel)

3. A police union is calling a criminal investigation into Sunrise Police Sgt. Christopher Pullease unfair. Pullease grabbed a young officer by her throat back in November, bodycam footage shows. Fraternal Order of Police President Steven Negron wants the Chief of Police pulled from a probe into the incident, after being critical of the incident. The internal investigation, as well as criminal investigation, is still ongoing. (WSVN)

4. One of the two women sent to the hospital following a Monday morning hit-and-run crash in Miami has passed away. Two vehicles collided just before noon at NW 3rd Street and NW 11th Avenue, according to police. (CBS Miami)

5. Miami International Ballet Competition's fifth edition awarded 10 individual participants and 2 ensembles with gold, silver and bronze medals and $10,000 in cash awards, as well as dance merchandise prizes sponsored by Russian Pointe, Capezio, Balletwear and DanceBuddy valued at more than $10,000. Awardees also received about 80 international scholarships awards to important ballet schools in Europe, Asia and the United States, as well as scholarships to enter international ballet competitions in Asia and Europe. (Miami's Community News)

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Today in Miami:

• Vaccination Pop-Up at Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. (9:00 AM)
• Bolay Brickell Grand Opening Week Celebration. (11:00 AM)
• Video Game Night at Allapattah Branch Library. (3:30 PM)
• Classic Tabletop Games at Culmer-Overtown Branch Library. (4:00 PM)
• Salsa Night at InterContinental Miami. (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Rookie Teacher of the Year finalist is Gabriela Goitia. This inspiring educator from the M-DCPS North Region and is changing the lives of students at Alonzo and Tracy Mourning SHS through her teaching philosophy, “to learn, a student must feel safe, respected and valued." (Facebook)
• New amenities are coming to Lake Stevens Park. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava alongside Vice Chairman Oliver Gilbert and Parks Director Maria Nardi, announced the park improvements which include a 1,885 square foot splash pad, a restroom building, lighted walkways, a 25-space parking lot, and much more. (Facebook)
• Calling all young artists: There are just a few days left to enter the All Kids Included Student Art Competition inspired by Jacqueline Woodson’s "The Day You Begin" with Miami-Dade Public Library System. (Facebook)

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Events:

• Sol y Luna Tantric Shamanic Festival (English/Spanish) (January 27)
• Coconut Grove Artisanal Market (January 28)
• Fuller Street Music Fest Artisan Pop Up (January 29)
• Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami / An Evening in White (January 29)
• I Dream a World: The Harlem Renaissance and Beyond Set for February 1-5 (February 1)
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Announcements:

• First Choice Neurology Welcomes Dargelis Chi, MD (Details)
• Coconut Grove Artisanal Market (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.