LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County. It is estimated that this year alone, there will be over 285,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women. Knowledge and early detection save lives! I encourage each of you to prioritize your health and educate yourself on what you can do to be proactive with your breast health. This includes not missing your annual exam, getting your yearly mammogram (important for all women over the age of 40) and speaking with your doctor about how to do a self-exam and DNA tests to understand your risk. For October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, join me to spread awareness!

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. An estimated 5 million illegal immigrants have crossed the southern border in the past two years, and Congress has not even acted to bolster the security forces that should process these people for legal entry. However, obtaining citizenship for legal applicants has become a lengthy process — quite complicated and drawn out. Embassy appointments are difficult to schedule, particularly for those from African, South American and Southeast Asian countries. A new pattern favoring illegals has recently become evident. Fortunately, many illegals become productive, law-abiding participants in our economy.

Beam Furr,

On Tuesday, the Broward County Commission will be voting to implement a new policy that creates a “fine free” system at our Broward County Libraries. This system would eliminate overdue fines for books that are returned late. This initiative will increase access by eliminating a barrier that discourages too many residents from using our system. Research indicates that eliminating overdue fines encourages more residents to use their library system. These fines are found not to be particularly effective in ensuring timely return of materials, and only serve as a deterrent for residents to use the wonderful resources of the library.

member, Broward County Commission.

Dan Gropper,

dean, College of Business, Florida Atlantic University.

Massive financial and economic storms are brewing. Our national debt has passed $31 trillion. As interest rates rise, the interest costs on the debt will increase. The value of many peoples’ IRA accounts has plummeted as the stock market has fallen, while at the same time, inflation is eroding the value of peoples’ savings. Many pension funds are also facing difficulty, as is Social Security. Our economy is once again subject to shocks from oil production disruptions by foreign countries. Crime has skyrocketed in many cities. This is the stuff of revolutions; major economic and social policy reforms are needed.

Wendy Sartory Link, supervisor of elections, Palm Beach County. Friendly reminder: The deadline to register to vote for the Nov. 8 general election is Tuesday, Oct. 11. In addition, early voting for the general election begins on Oct. 24 and runs through Nov. 6. Our office will now have 21 early voting locations, each open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. We are rolling out a brand new program of early voter appointments that will allow those who want to vote early to make an appointment for an early voting location at a time of their choosing. You are not required to make an appointment to vote early, but those who are interested in skipping the line and picking a time of their choice can do so. Visit VotePalmBeach.gov to learn more and sign up.

Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, president and CEO, Community Foundation of Broward. Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, a celebration of equality and an opportunity to champion inclusion. No one should have to fear backlash for “coming out of the closet” and sharing more about themselves. The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood offers a great opportunity to foster inclusion and understanding. The center is partnering with BECON-TV and other broadcast partners to screen the center’s award-winning documentary film short “Open Dialogues: Stories From the LGBTQ Community” throughout the month of October. To learn more visit artandculturecenter.org/open-dialogues-films.

Kerry Ann Royes, CEO, YWCA South Florida. October is a month where pink can be found everywhere. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, retailers fill display windows with pink balloons, clothing and streamers. But breast cancer awareness is more than just pink. It’s about recognizing breast cancer’s toll on women and families every day. It’s about providing a safe place to share, grieve, support and find the strength to move forward. It’s about ensuring marginalized communities have access to lifesaving screening, diagnosis and treatment. It’s so much more than pink! YWCA is proud to be a community advocate and leader in the fight against breast cancer.

Alissa Jean Schafer, member, Broward

Soil and Water Conservation District. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Data shows us that there is, unfortunately, an increased risk of domestic violence in the aftermath of natural disasters such as Hurricane Ian. As a survivor of domestic abuse, I know firsthand the shame and stigma that can surround victims, even in the best of times. Abuse doesn’t care how successful a woman is, or how strong or independent she may be. It crosses income brackets and racial demographics, often hiding in plain sight. Help is available 24/7, hurricane or not, by calling the National Hotline at 800-799-7233 or on thehotline.org.