LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Howard Dvorkin, CPA, chairman, Debt.com. Gas prices are falling and recession fears are fading on stronger-than-expected employment numbers. Happy times are here again, right? Sadly, no. Consumer prices still rose 8.5% in July from the previous year, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said recently that household debt surpassed $16 trillion in the second quarter — a sad new record. America’s middle class barely had time to recover from the Great Recession before there was a pandemic and now rampant inflation. They’ll need an extended period of financial peace and quiet before the good times roll again.

Jason Hughes, executive director, ArtServe. The recently enacted CHIPS Act to promote American-made semiconductors also authorizes the United States to continue participating in the International Space Station (ISS) through

2030 — an extension of six years. This marks the first NASA authorization bill to pass Congress in five years. Not owned by any one single nation, the ISS is a co-operative project among Europe, the United States, Russia, Canada and Japan, and the largest single structure humans have ever put into space. Essentially completed between

1998 and 2011, the ISS evolves with new missions and experiments, and has been continuously occupied since Nov. 2, 2000.

Kerry Ann Royes, CEO, YWCA South Florida. With the start of a new school year just around the corner, we need to make sure our children have safe, nurturing opportunities after their school day ends. After-school programs are an important aspect of healthy youth development. From academic support, sports, arts, mentorship and more, these programs are proven to help working parents and inspire young minds. One of my favorite things about my job is visiting our centers and seeing our kids in a thriving environment — the friendships, the games being played, the support provided by a tutor — that’s the beauty of our after-school programming. Registration is open at ywcasouthflorida.org.

Michael Udine, mayor, Broward County. Get ready to vote! Aug. 23 is primary day in Florida, and early voting begins this Saturday, Aug. 13, and runs through Aug. 21. As a member of the Broward County Canvassing Board, we are working to ensure a fair, transparent and smooth election. If you are looking for your polling place, or an early voting site, visit Browardvotes.gov. Sample ballots also can be viewed on the site so you can research the candidates and ballot questions. Democracy depends on your participation. Be sure to cast your ballot, and make your voice heard!

John “Jack” Seiler, former mayor, Fort Lauderdale. Americans struggling with inflation are finally getting some relief at the gas pump. For the first time since March, the national average price for regular gasoline dropped below $4 a gallon, according to the American Automobile Association. This good news comes after gas prices hit a record high of over $5 a gallon in June, largely due to soaring global oil prices in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The steady decline in gas prices has been driven by multiple factors, including recession fears knocking down oil prices and many people cutting back on driving when gas prices spiked.

Gregory Tony, Broward sheriff. Back to school is here! As you head back into the classroom this week, know the men and women of the Broward Sheriff ’s Office are ready for your safe return. On Thursday, our captains and school resource deputies participated in an active assailant training at an area high school, part of a weeklong initiative focused on preparedness and response. I encourage parents and caregivers to take these final few days to review important back-toschool safety tips to ensure your child’s school year is safe and prosperous. A list of great tips is available on sheriff.org or at bit.ly/3CKzuSG.

Ghenete “G” Wright Muir, attorney, LGBTQ advocate. PrideFête: an LGBTQ+ Caribbean Festival takes place Saturday, Aug. 13 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Richardson Historic Park & Nature Reserve in Wilton Manors. Come and enjoy this showcase of Caribbean music, art and culture. This will also be a safe space for LGBTQ+ people from the Caribbean, many of whom have had challenges with their identities. I’ve been working behind the scenes with a great team to help produce PrideFête, which is presented by the Wilton Manors Community Affairs Advisory Board (CAAB), in partnership with Hotspots! and Pride Fort Lauderdale. Get your tickets here: pridefete.lgbt.

Audra Berg, president and CEO, Jewish Federation of Broward County. As early voting begins across Broward County, it reminds us that regardless of party affiliation, democracy is at the heart of our republic. It’s why our Jewish Community Relations Council partners with A More Perfect Union: The Jewish Partnership for Democracy and hundreds of other organizations to ensure free and fair elections and protect and strengthen democratic culture.