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First charter flight carrying Americans fleeing violence-hit Haiti lands in Miami

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First charter flight carrying Americans fleeing violence-hit Haiti lands in Miami


The first charter flight carrying American citizens fleeing violence-hit Haiti landed in Miami on Sunday (Mar 17). In a statement, US State Department officials said that more than 30 Americans were on the flight which landed at the Miami International Airport. The officials added that government officials in Miami were helping the evacuees to determine their next steps.

The State Department announced on Saturday that it would offer limited charter flights for American citizens from the less chaotic northern city of Cap-Haïtien. People boarding these flights must sign a promissory bill agreeing to reimburse the government.

The main airport in Haiti’s capital city Port-au-Prince remains closed since gang attacks started in the country in February. 

‘It’s just terrible…’

Speaking to the American daily Miami Herald, evacuee Avlot Quessa said, “It’s just terrible … The suffering, you can only imagine.” Quessa, who lives in Boston, was in Haiti’s Hinche last month for what was supposed to be a weeklong trip to visit his mother. However, he ended up staying for over 20 days.

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“Haiti is my homeland and it’s very stressful to see the homeland going through this act of violence, destruction … and they are our neighbours,” Quessa added.

Sixty-nine-year-old Marie Lucie St. Fleur, another passenger on the flight, said she felt most at home in Haiti and was sad to see what her homeland was going through. “I don’t feel well at all. I would like to live in my country and I can’t,” she said. 

Tensions rise in Haiti

The news of Ariel Henry resigning as Haitian prime minister brought relative calm in the country as this was the biggest demand of the gangs. However, an interim government has not been appointed yet and attacks are being reported in the country again.

Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, who is leading the gang rebellion, said last week that Henry’s resignation was just “the first step in the battle” for Haiti. Henry was supposed to step down on Monday. 

His resignation is pending the appointment of an interim replacement chosen by a transition council. But, the members of the council are yet to be decided. 

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(With inputs from agencies)



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Norwegian Cruise Line offers a first look at Luna, new cruise ship setting sail from PortMiami – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

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Norwegian Cruise Line offers a first look at Luna, new cruise ship setting sail from PortMiami – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale


MIAMI (WSVN) – There’s a new cruise ship in town, and it is almost ready to set sail.

Luna, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, welcomed people aboard for the very first time on Tuesday.

Luna is the 21st ship in the company’s fleet. From April to October, she’ll set sail from PortMiami to the Caribbean, with room for over 3,000 guests.

“We do a seven-day Caribbean cruise, it’s out of Miami, and then we do have Dominican Republic,” said Cruise Director Alvin Oliva. “After that, we visit St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Island, and then Tortola, and then we spend days at sea, and of course the prime, a lot of people are looking forward to visiting Great Stirrup Cay, which is Norwegian’s very own private island,”

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On this voyage, there is plenty to do for the whole family — fom obstacle courses and games for the children, to a luxurious two-story spa.

“There is a bi-level waterfall right there; we offer a lot of different kinds of relaxation,” said Oliva.

At the Mandara Spa, guests can get hot stone and deep tissue massages, facials, body wraps and then lounge at the thermal suite, complete with relaxing steam rooms, saunas and heated loungers.

Once you’re done relaxing, guests can enjoy a drink at the poolside bar.

For those who are feeing adventurous, one of the highlights of the ship is its Aqua Slidecoaster. It’s a water slide/roller coaster hybrid, and Norweigan said it’s the fastest and longest water slide at sea.

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“It was the best thing of my life, the best part of my day. It was amazing, 10 out of 10, I recommend,” said Ely, who rode the coaster.

People have traveled from all over to Miami to get on the new ship.

“We love it. I’s so clean, it’s so chic, our room looks amazing,” said Christina Guttuso.

“We’re excited, we’re ready to go,” said Nick Mangiaracina.

It’s a busy spring break, but well worth it for these cruisers.

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“Go cruising. Even if you’re from Minnesota like me, it’s worthwhile,” said Justin Sunbrig.

The Luna’s maiden seven-day voyage is scheduled to set sail out of PortMiami on April 4.

Copyright 2026 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Miami Gardens community rallies to help retired teacher rebuild after a fire tore through his home

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Miami Gardens community rallies to help retired teacher rebuild after a fire tore through his home


A longtime Miami-Dade physical education teacher is working to rebuild his life after a fire destroyed the only home he has known for decades.

Edward Brown Jr., who spent 35 years teaching physical education and mentoring students, lost his home to a fire last week. Flames tore through the house, leaving it uninhabitable and forcing Brown to move in with his adult son.

“It’s hard not to think about it,” Brown said. “Even if I’m not there, I think about what was burned. But I know that’s material stuff. It can be replaced.”

Rebuilding, however, will not be easy. Brown said he does not have homeowners’ insurance to help cover the costs. He paid off the home last year and decided not to renew his insurance policy because of rising costs on a fixed income.

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“Just like in life, it’s a chance you take,” Brown said. “I knew before I made the final decision. I didn’t do it in haste.”

Now, the financial burden of rebuilding falls largely on Brown and the community he has supported for years. Known by neighbors as someone who was always willing to help, Brown has received an outpouring of support in the days following the fire. Friends, former colleagues, and community members have dropped off care packages and shared words of encouragement.

An online fundraiser has also been launched by Brown’s family and friends to help cover rebuilding expenses. When told about the effort, Brown became emotional, pausing before expressing his gratitude. He said the support he has received has helped him stay focused on moving forward.

Brown acknowledged the road ahead will be challenging but said he remains hopeful. “I think about it,” he said. “But I need some help. I can tell you that.”

Those hoping to support Brown’s recovery can find information about the fundraiser through family and community organizers.

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Jannik Sinner’s Girlfriend Laila Hasanovic Stuns in Ab-Revealing Post Amid Miami Open

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Jannik Sinner’s Girlfriend Laila Hasanovic Stuns in Ab-Revealing Post Amid Miami Open


24-year-old Italian tennis superstar Jannik Sinner is set to face 28-year-old United States tennis star Frances Tiafoe (who is the No. 20-ranked player in the world right now, according to the ATP) in the Quarterfinal of the 2026 Miami Open on Thursday.

The stakes are high for both men. While Tiafoe finding a way to defeat Sinner (who is the No. 2-ranked player, only behind Carlos Alcaraz) would likely make for the biggest victory of his career to this point, both men will still have to win two more games before being crowned the Miami Open champion. The winner of this match will face the winner of Alexander Zverev and Francisco Cerundolo, who also face off on March 26.

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Jannik Sinner (ITA) | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Both Sinner and Tiafoe have influencer girlfriends. Tiafoe has been dating Canadian former professional tennis player turned social media influencer Ayan Broomfield, who follows him to his various tennis tournaments and is always a vocal supporter in the stands.

Sinner has been dating Danish model and influencer Laila Hasanovic since at least the summer of 2025, although there’s no official indication of when their relationship began. What’s for sure is that Sinner and Hasanovic brought their dog, Snoopy, to the ATP Tennis Finals in Turin, Italy, last November, which made for several wholesome photos of the trio.

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Laila Hasanovic, Jannik Sinner, and Snoopy | IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

While Hasanovic was present at that tournament last year, she hasn’t been at the Indian Wells Open in California earlier this month, nor the Miami Open.

The reason for this is surely because these events are across the Atlantic Ocean, and Hasanovic has pressing matters to attend to in her own life.

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Laila Hasanovic | IMAGO / ABACAPRESS

Laila Hasanovic Turns Heads in Workout Fit Post During Jannik Sinner’s Miami Open Run

One example of what Hasanovic has going on is her NRD55 brand, which is a line of skin care and self-tanning products that she has created.

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Hasanovic typically relies on herself to promote her new company. An example of this came on March 26, when the @nrd.55 account posted several photos of Hasanovic posing with a new product. She can be seen wearing a black sports bro and applying the product in several different places on her body.

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Hasanovic posted this to her Instagram story on Thursday morning, showing that she’s behind the beauty product.

While she might not be there in person, one would imagine that Hasanovic will be watching her boyfriend compete against Tiafoe on TV.





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