LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc.: The James Webb Space Telescope is the most powerful and complex observatory ever deployed. Since it launched on Dec. 25, 2021, the observatory has successfully unfolded, commissioned its science instruments, and reached the L2 Lagrange Point, where it will remain for its entire mission. On July 12, the first images taken by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope will be released to the public. These images will include the deepest views of the universe taken and obtained from an exoplanet atmosphere. According to NASA officials, these images provide a “new worldview” into the cosmos.

Marlon A. Hill, of counsel, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, P.L.: As the deadline to register to vote approaches on July 25, we should take cues from any spikes in voter registration or changes in affiliation. Though the scales of power may be tipping towards the Republicans, Florida still remains a politically dynamic state that could switch its winds in any particular cycle. In fact, independent voters hold more sway than meets the naked eye in a closed primary state where their voices are diluted in primary elections. It would be a grave mistake for those holding the gavels of power to believe they have unfettered authority to do whatever.

Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, president and CEO, Community Foundation of Broward: On July 16 and 17, visitors to Flamingo Gardens can see giant sculptures of sea creatures and Everglades animals that deliver an important message about protecting our fragile environment. The sculptures, crafted from mounds of marine debris collected from South Florida beaches, will be spread throughout the botanical gardens in Davie. And the “Pollution Solutions” exhibit in the Flamingo Gardens Gallery will enable guests to learn more about protecting waterways, beaches and the Everglades. What a fun opportunity to experience the arts and find out how to support the environment, all while visiting a true Broward treasure.

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission: The United Nations recently warned that a record 323 million people globally are on the brink of starvation due to a confluence of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and the war in Ukraine. Ukraine has been referred to as the breadbasket of Europe because of its grain production and exports. The Russian military is currently blocking export routes, disrupting supply chains, and causing dramatic increases in prices. Using hunger as a weapon is a horrific strategy for which Russia is rightly being condemned. The United States and others are discussing strategies that will hopefully mitigate the damage.

John “Jack” Seiler, former mayor, Fort Lauderdale: The grand jury is expected to issue a final report on its investigation of possible corruption in Broward County schools very soon, which findings may impact this year’s School Board elections. However, the report’s release could be delayed until after the upcoming elections if the Florida Supreme Court hears appeals from certain individuals seeking to expunge details that may portray them in a negative light.

The grand jury was initially convened in 2019 to address safety and security issues statewide following the Parkland shooting, but expanded its focus to include alleged corruption and mismanagement related to technology and school construction bonds.

Howard Simon, retired executive director, ACLU of Florida: Last term, the radical U.S. Supreme Court allowed more guns on the streets, ended women’s reproductive freedom, and ordered using tax dollars for churchrun schools. But the decision to consider the fringe theory of “independent state legislatures” next term could end American democracy as we know it, curbing the right of the people to elect those who govern. Imagine an America in which grossly gerrymandered state legislatures can manipulate the rules governing voting, the appointment of presidential electors and redistrict state and congressional districts — all entirely free from the constraints of a state constitution as enforced by state courts.

Dean Trantalis,

mayor, Fort Lauderdale: On July 13, the statue of civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune will be installed by the state of Florida inside the House of Representatives’ National Statuary Hall. The Bethune statue marks the first Black person to represent a state in the Hall’s collection at the Capitol. Nilda Comas created the Bethune statue. Comas is a world-renowned sculptor who spends her time between Fort Lauderdale and Pietrasanta, Italy.

Thomas Wenski, archbishop, Archdiocese of Miami: The Supreme Court in Biden v. Texas supported the administration in ending Trump-era asylum policy known as Remain in Mexico. While this ruling helps pave the way forward, it does not resolve the ongoing challenges at our country’s southwest border. We need immigration policies that produce more sustainable solutions and at the same time respect the God-given dignity of migrants, and better reflect our American ideals as a nation of immigrants. We have on our border a humanitarian crisis that needs to be addressed responsibly and justly by both the executive and legislative branches of our government.