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Dozens ride through Miami in annual Best Buddies Challenge

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MIAMI (AP) — Dozens of cyclists took to the streets of South Florida on Saturday for the Best Buddies Challenge, a charity ride aimed at supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Riders launched from the Four Seasons Hotel Miami early Saturday morning, embarking on a route that wound through some of the region’s most historic and scenic areas. The annual event, limited to just 50 participants, offers a Tour de France-style experience complete with police escorts and course options stretching up to 100 miles.

Best Buddies founder Anthony Shriver helped kick off the ride from the front row. “We’re having a lot of fun, a lot of action, beautiful in South Florida today for the Best Buddies Challenge here in Miami,” Shriver said. “Raising hopefully five, six million dollars for Best Buddies programs all about inclusion, acceptance, finding jobs and friendship and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.”

The nonprofit organization, with chapters worldwide, focuses on creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through employment, leadership training, and community engagement.

This year’s challenge featured star power on the course, including Olympic cycling champion Bradley Wiggins, seven-time Grand Tour winner Alberto Contador, and world triathlon champion Leanda Cave.

After hours on the road, riders crossed the finish line to cheers, greeted by what many described as ideal weather conditions. “We had perfect weather; it wasn’t hot, wasn’t humid — such a positive attitude from all the riders,” said Shriver.

The bike challenge is one of several major fundraising events for Best Buddies. Shriver emphasized that South Florida continues to play a significant role in the organization’s mission. “Amazing support from this South Florida community,” he said. “So many people and companies step up year after year to invest in our program of inclusion and acceptance.”

The ride concluded with the 27th annual Best Buddies Gala, a star-studded evening featuring local business leaders, sports figures, and celebrity guests. Hip-hop artists Ja Rule and Ashanti closed out the night with a performance for attendees.

The Ansin Foundation is a proud sponsor of Best Buddies.
https://wsvn.com/news/local/dozens-ride-through-miami-in-annual-best-buddies-challenge/

Newbury fire crews extinguish blaze at Bob Lobster restaurant

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**Fire Crews Quickly Contain Blaze at Bob Lobster in Newbury**

NEWBURY, MASS. (WHDH) – Firefighters swiftly contained a blaze that broke out Saturday afternoon at Bob Lobster on 49 Plum Island Turnpike, officials said.

Crews responded to the popular restaurant around 4 p.m. after reports of a fire. According to the Newbury Fire Department, three employees had already evacuated upon noticing smoke rising from the building’s roof.

Firefighters quickly knocked down a small fire in the roof but spent an extensive amount of time searching for and extinguishing hidden hot spots in the roof area and inside the walls of the one-story building.

Newbury firefighters were assisted at the scene by crews from Newburyport, Rowley, and Georgetown. Additional support was provided by teams from West Newbury, Salisbury, Groveland, and Amesbury, who covered Newbury’s fire stations during the incident.

No injuries were reported.

The Newbury Building Inspector, Health Inspector, and Electrical Inspector were also on site to provide support. To facilitate fire apparatus access, Newbury Police briefly closed the Plum Island Turnpike.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Newbury Fire Department and the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, which is part of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“Companies did a great job opening things up and chasing this fire to ensure that all hot spots were out. There was great teamwork between Newbury firefighters and the mutual aid companies on scene,” said Chief Evans. “Newbury Police also did a great job of keeping us safe here in front of the building.”
https://whdh.com/news/newbury-fire-crews-extinguish-blaze-at-bob-lobster-restaurant/

Serious crash shuts down street in Brockton

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**Serious Crash in Brockton Involving Large Truck and Car**

Brockton, MA — State police responded to a serious crash early Friday morning in Brockton. The accident occurred around 1:30 a.m. near the intersection of Quincy and Center Streets.

Emergency responders arrived to find a large truck that had rolled over and a car that was crushed into a pole. The incident has caused significant damage and is under investigation.

This is a developing news story. Stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.
https://whdh.com/news/serious-crash-shuts-down-street-in-brockton/

Bail set for former Healey staff arrested in cocaine trafficking case

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**Former Healey Staffer Accused of Cocaine Trafficking Granted Bail After Judge’s Review**

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (WHDH) — A former staffer for Governor Maura Healey, previously held without bail after being accused of cocaine trafficking, can now be released on bail following a judge’s decision to modify his detention status.

Lamar Cook, 45, of Springfield, served as the Deputy Director for the Governor’s regional office in Springfield. Cook was arrested late last month and charged with several firearm and narcotics-related offenses, according to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.

After a dangerousness hearing on October 31, Cook was ordered held without bail. However, a motion to review that detention order under Section 58A was later filed by the defense and heard in Hampden Superior Court on Friday, November 7.

“After taking the matter under advisement, a Superior Court judge issued a decision on [Wednesday] finding that while Cook remains a danger, new conditions could be imposed to ensure the safety of the community,” the Hampden District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

Bail on the trafficking charge was set at $75,000, and Cook was ordered to forfeit his passport as a condition of release.

Cook stands accused of trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Prosecutors allege that he had approximately 17 pounds of cocaine delivered to the state office building and an additional 28 pounds sent to Hotel UMass in Amherst.

The case remains under investigation.
https://whdh.com/news/bail-set-for-former-healey-staff-arrested-in-cocaine-trafficking-case/

Payton Pritchard scores 24 points, Celtics roll past Ja Morant-less Grizzlies 131-95

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BOSTON (AP) – Payton Pritchard hit five 3-pointers, scored 24 points, and dished out nine assists as the Boston Celtics used a dominant second half to cruise past the Memphis Grizzlies 131-95 on Wednesday night.

The Grizzlies were without star guard Ja Morant, who sat out due to a right ankle injury sustained Tuesday night in a loss at New York. Derrick White contributed 20 points for Boston, while Jaylen Brown added 19.

Boston never trailed in the game, connecting on 21 3-pointers and building a commanding 38-point lead. The Celtics also imposed their will inside, outrebounding Memphis 58-41 and holding a significant 34-12 advantage in second-chance points.

For the Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 18 points and Santi Aldama finished with 14. Memphis has now lost seven of their last eight games.

Morant had appeared in five straight games following a one-game suspension on November 2 at Toronto for conduct detrimental to the team. Without their star guard, Memphis struggled offensively, shooting just 34% (32 of 95) from the field and 10 of 43 from beyond the arc.

After shooting under 28% in the first half of their loss in Philadelphia on Tuesday, the Celtics found their range at home, connecting on 53% (27 of 51) of their shots in the opening 24 minutes to take a 67-46 lead.

**Up next:**
Grizzlies: At Cavaliers on Saturday.
Celtics: Host Clippers on Sunday.
https://whdh.com/sports/payton-pritchard-scores-24-points-celtics-roll-past-ja-morant-less-grizzlies-131-95/

Copper 29 in Coral Gables rolls the dice on fun with cocktails, food and a discount on your tab

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Feeling lucky? You might not have to wait until the weekend to test your odds. One Coral Gables bar is turning Thursday nights into “a game of chance” — complete with cocktails, good food, and a grand ol’ time.

At Copper 29, Thursdays are no longer just the day before Friday. It’s your lucky night. The Coral Gables bar is rolling the dice on fun with its new activation: **Lucky Thursdays**.

Willy Vargas shares, “Lucky Thursdays is an opportunity to have a good discount on your tab.” And he’s being modest — it’s an excellent discount! Guests pick a number, roll the dice, and if luck’s on their side, they score **50% off their tab**.

“It’s going to be one hit (roll) per tab. If you have three tabs, you can hit three times,” Willy explains.

And with cocktails that hit and bites that don’t miss, 50% off goes a long way.

“We have really good cocktails and really good food. For example, we have the Green Zen, which is basically cucumber and Tito’s Vodka. It’s a refreshing cocktail,” says Willy. Other standout drinks include the Smoke in the Garden, made with mezcal, and the peach tiki punch.

Now, onto the food. “One of the best sellers we have is the Barbecue Chicken Flatbread, and then we have our pork sliders — they are really appetizing,” Willy adds.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Copper 29 also brings in a live DJ and hosts other specialty nights throughout the week. So, you can have a great time while slicing your tab in half.

“You know, it’s a place to party, to have fun, to enjoy with your family, your friends. We have fun here,” Willy Vargas says.

**For more info:**
Copper 29 Bar
206 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134
[Visit Website]

Come join the fun and make your Thursday night your lucky night at Copper 29!
https://wsvn.com/entertainment/deco-drive/copper-29-in-coral-gables-rolls-the-dice-on-fun-with-cocktails-food-and-a-discount-on-your-tab/

South Florida man with prosthetic leg pursues boxing glory — with help from his gym

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) — A South Florida boxer refuses to give up on his dream of making it big in the ring — all while wearing a prosthetic leg. His community is backing him every step of the way.

Julian Gonzalez is always pushing himself. “Be quick, you know, be fast in my hands, in my speed, in my thinking,” he said.

The young pugilist has been chasing his dream of becoming a professional boxer, but it’s how he’s doing it that makes his story truly stand out. “You know there’s no Paralympic boxing, so,” he explained. Now, he’s proving he doesn’t need his own lane in the ring.

Recently, Gonzalez went head-to-head with an able-bodied boxer who was heavier and more experienced. “It was a good fight,” he said. “As soon as that bell rung, and it was just me and him, it was like all that completely washed away.”

That’s when all his hours of training paid off. “All that work, the two and a half years, the weeks leading up to it, it was phenomenal, phenomenal,” Gonzalez shared.

Back in October, Gonzalez won his first fight and scored his first belt. “The feeling of having my hand raised in that ring is like no other,” he said.

That victory showed him and his coaches at Phoenix Boxing Gym in Delray Beach that he’s ready to compete at a high level. “I am able to compete level to level with people who are two-legged, and I feel like, with how I move, I move better than most people with two legs. My footwork is pretty decent,” Gonzalez said confidently.

Now, he has the belt to show for it, and a community rooting for his success.

“I was chasing him around, trying to get his wraps off his hands, and he didn’t want to know. I think he sleeps with that belt,” said Michael Hockton, owner of Phoenix Boxing Gym.

Looking ahead, Gonzalez is preparing for a busy 2026 filled with fights and more wins. “It went well, it went well,” he said.

Gonzalez is currently raising $20,000 for a new prosthetic leg. So far, he has raised more than $2,000 through his nonprofit organization, We Box For Life.

For more information or to support Julian’s journey, click here.
https://wsvn.com/sports/south-florida-man-with-prosthetic-leg-pursues-boxing-glory-with-help-from-his-gym/

Canton elementary students honor local veterans with special showcase

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CANTON, MASS. (WHDH) — The hallways of Luce Elementary School in Canton were filled with cheers, clapping, and American flags as students welcomed dozens of local veterans of the Armed Forces who came to celebrate Veterans Day.

Students eagerly high-fived the heroes, some dressed in uniform, as they made their way past classrooms, lockers, and many smiling faces. The school noted that each veteran in attendance has a special connection to Canton. Some have children or grandchildren attending the school, while others are residents of the community.

After the warm welcome, the veterans joined the students in the school’s auditorium for a special program. The event began with the National Anthem, followed by a medley of Armed Forces anthems and a touching rendition of “Taps” performed by Canton Veterans Agent Arafat Knight.

The program also featured speeches from veterans and sixth-grade students who shared essays they had written specifically for this special day, honoring the service and sacrifices of those who have served the nation.
https://whdh.com/news/canton-elementary-students-honor-local-veterans-with-special-showcase/

Memorial Healthcare System holds 5th annual promise walk for preeclampsia

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MIRAMAR, FLA. (WSVN) — Dozens of participants walked with a purpose in Miramar on Saturday as Memorial Healthcare System held its fifth annual Promise Walk for Preeclampsia at Memorial Hospital.

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that, if left unmanaged, can lead to serious or even fatal consequences for both mother and baby. The event aims to raise awareness and support vital efforts focused on improving maternal and fetal health.

Attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere featuring food trucks, face painting, a DJ, and gift bags. Event officials emphasized that participants play a crucial role in educating the public about the importance of maternal health and the impact of preeclampsia.

By coming together, the Promise Walk helps drive awareness and funding to combat this dangerous condition and support affected families.
https://wsvn.com/news/local/broward/memorial-healthcare-system-holds-5th-annual-promise-walk-for-preeclampsia/

‘We have to be locked in’: North Broward Prep’s girls volleyball team poised to vie for state title

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COCONUT CREEK, FLA. (WSVN) – A South Florida high school volleyball team is on track toward a state title, and their head coach says laserlike focus, drive, and a young star player are key to their success.

The North Broward Preparatory School’s girls volleyball team has been on a mission since day one of the season. The Eagles, boasting a 24-2 record, are ranked number one in Class 4 and 11th overall in the state.

“When I first got hired back in January, we had a quick little roundtable to set our goals for the year,” said head coach Brian Coughenour. “The number one word they came up with was ‘competitive.’ We want to be competitive and go out the gate strong, and they bought in right away.”

While the team was loaded with seniors when Coughenour arrived, it’s the youngest player who has emerged as one of the Eagles’ standout stars. Emma Luehrs, who plays the center position, is crucial in feeding the ball to her teammates for powerful slams at the net.

At just 14 years old and an eighth grader, Luehrs is playing beyond her years. “Confidence is the biggest thing for me,” she said. “If you go in not feeling ready or like you don’t belong, it holds you back. But I know I’m here for a reason.”

Luehrs started playing volleyball on travel teams at the age of 8 and has already surpassed 1,000 career assists. “It felt very overwhelming at first,” she admitted, “but then I told myself, ‘I just have to be myself and work really hard toward this opportunity.’”

Coach Coughenour praised the seniors for rallying around Luehrs. “She’s really what helps us go,” he said.

North Broward Prep recently earned the regional championship after beating Mather Lakes Academy. Senior defensive captain Destiny Wiggins helped lead the Eagles to victory. Notably, Wiggins is the cousin of former Miami Heat captain Udonis Haslem.

“It’s business,” said Wiggins. “We have to be locked in at all times because every team wants to beat us. We are the team to beat, so yeah, it’s pretty straightforward business.”

Looking ahead, North Broward Prep will face Southwest Florida’s Lemon Bay High School in the state semifinals on Friday. The winner of that match advances to the final round on Saturday.
https://wsvn.com/sports/we-have-to-be-locked-in-north-broward-preps-girls-volleyball-team-poised-to-vie-for-state-title/