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South Florida nonproft that helps empower fatherless children makes Miami Proud

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South Florida nonproft that helps empower fatherless children makes Miami Proud


PEMBROKE PINES – We all know the acronym M.I.A or missing in action. Fathers M.I.A has changed
the meaning to motivate, involved, and active. This organization helps to empower fatherless children. 

Each year the organization hosts its gala for students across several schools. It’s part of its three-month program where they get the tools to advance in life 

Iyannah Jones is a senior at Miami Carroll City High School, and she shares that she doesn’t have much of a relationship with her biological father. “I wouldn’t even define him as a dad because a dad is someone that’s raised like a companion and that loves you unconditionally and his love is very conditional,” she said. 

Avigail Pereyra is a senior at Miramar High School, she has a similar experience. “I have no communication. He’s just a family member I would say. I know I share blood with him, but I don’t know my father,” she said. 

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The challenges of growing up without a father figure are experienced every day by these young women. 

“I was always scared that someone would get close to me and just leave. Or like I would never trust what someone would say when they call me pretty or when they say they loved me,” said Jones.

Founder of Fathers M.I.A. Gernald Hawkins hopes to change that thinking by filling a void in their lives with this program. 

“I was adopted at birth, I had abandonment issues. So, I wanted to make sure that kids that did not have fathers in their lives, had a safe place to go,” said Hawkins. 

That’s why he created this nonprofit that comes together each year with an annual youth empowerment gala. This year was the 6th annual with scholarships totaling $10,000 given to students and a father of the year is crowned too.

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However, it’s the lessons these young people walk away with that truly leave the greatest impact.

“It taught me not everybody is like my father. Not every boy is going to leave me. Or I don’t have to be so closed off to people because I can miss out on very good opportunities,” said Jones.

Pereyra’s learned her own lessons, “don’t be afraid to speak about what you feel inside. The longer you hold onto your emotions and your feelings, it will come out eventually in your life decisions,” she said.

Fathers M.I.A. are not men missing in action, they’re men that show up.

“Just the opportunity to be able to know that you’re that protector, that provider, whatever it is that they need, just to let them know that you’re there, I think that makes all the difference in the world,” said volunteer Jehud Presume.

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Jones and Pereyra are both heading to college hoping to succeed with all they’ve learned in the program to show their biological fathers that they made it without them.



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Miami, FL

Jaquez and Miami take on Golden State in non-conference play

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Jaquez and Miami take on Golden State in non-conference play


Golden State Warriors (9-7, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Miami Heat (8-6, seventh in the Eastern Conference)

Miami; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Heat -6.5; over/under is 230.5

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BOTTOM LINE: Miami and Golden State face off in non-conference action.

The Heat have gone 6-1 at home. Miami is second in the NBA averaging 124.6 points and is shooting 48.8% from the field.

The Warriors have gone 4-7 away from home. Golden State is 1-0 in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Heat average 14.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.7 more made shots on average than the 12.3 per game the Warriors allow. The Warriors average 16.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.7 more made shots on average than the 14.6 per game the Heat allow.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jaime Jaquez Jr. is averaging 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Heat. Norman Powell is averaging 19.0 points over the last 10 games.

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Stephen Curry is averaging 27.9 points, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals for the Warriors. Jimmy Butler III is averaging 33.0 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 62.5% over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 5-5, averaging 121.8 points, 42.8 rebounds, 30.5 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.8 points per game.

Warriors: 5-5, averaging 113.4 points, 41.7 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 10.2 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.5 points.

INJURIES: Heat: Bam Adebayo: day to day (foot), Tyler Herro: out (ankle).

Warriors: De’Anthony Melton: out (knee), Jonathan Kuminga: day to day (knee).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.



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Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office holds memorial service for fallen deputy Devin Jaramillo

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Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office holds memorial service for fallen deputy Devin Jaramillo


The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is honoring the life and service of one of its own – Deputy Devin Jaramillo.

The 27-year-old deputy, who is lovingly remembered as a homegrown hero, partner, brother and son, was fatally shot by a suspect on Nov. 7 near Kendall.

A procession will begin at 6 a.m.on Tuesday, beginning at the Caballero Rivero Woodlawn funeral home, to a private mass. The memorial service for Jaramillo will begin at 10 a.m. at LoanDepot Park, located at 501 Marlins Way. 

How the fatal shooting of Jaramillo unfolded

According to investigators, Jaramillo responded to a minor crash close to the Enterprise Rent-A-Car in the 12000 block of Southwest 128th Street, near Kendall.

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A source told CBS News Miami that the crash suspect, identified as 21-year-old Steven Rustrian, hit a vehicle, failed to stop and pulled into a parking space between two other vehicles in an attempt to hide after police were called.

Before Jaramillo arrived, Rustrian allegedly swapped seats with his partner.

Witnesses told Jaramillo about the incident and when he confronted Rustrian about the crash, Rustrian got out of his vehicle and started arguing with Jaramillo.

Surveillance video captured the moment the fight escalated, showing Jaramillo and Rustrian involved in a physical altercation. Video shows during the scuffle, Rustrian got a hold of Jaramillo’s service weapon and shot him several times.

After fatally wounding Jaramillo, Rustrian retreated back to his vehicle and killed himself with the deputy’s gun, officials confirmed.

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A community in mourning 

Local, state and federal law enforcement have shared their condolences with Jaramillo’s family since he was killed

“What happened to our deputy was not OK,” Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said. She said she prays that they find a way for incidents like this one to never happen again.

“I want to tell you that behind this uniform, we are human beings,” said Cordero-Stutz. 

South Florida PBA President Steadman Stahl said being a police officer was in Jaramillo’s blood. His father also worked for the department.

“I was at his graduation. I’ve known him before he got into law enforcement,” Stahl said.

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“Deputy Jaramillo’s killing is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by every individual who wears the badge and the sacrifices these officers make to protect this community,” Miami-Dade County State’s Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a statement.”His family is in my prayers.” 

Governor Ron DeSantis posted on X that he and First Lady Casey DeSantis are heartbroken over the deputy’s death. 



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Why YouTube star Jack Doherty was arrested in Miami Beach

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Why YouTube star Jack Doherty was arrested in Miami Beach



The influencer, known for stunt videos, was arrested Nov. 15 after police say he disrupted traffic.

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A popular YouTuber known for prank and stunt videos was arrested in Miami after he was found disrupting traffic to film content for his social media channel, police said.

Jack Doherty, 22, was taken into custody around 3:12 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, after he intentionally stepped into traffic and blocked the roadway, according to a news release from the Miami Beach Police Department.

“Despite multiple lawful commands to clear the roadway, Doherty refused to comply, responding, ‘Once I’m done with this bet!’” police said in the post.  

Body camera footage obtained by USA TODAY showed officers handcuffing Doherty on a palm-tree-lined street while other young people filmed.

The officers went through Doherty’s pockets and pulled out what they believed was an amphetamine and cannabis.

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Jack Doherty facing several charges

Doherty, who has more than 15 million YouTube followers and more than 10 million TikTok followers, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana, and resisting an officer without violence.

According to local reports, Doherty was released on bond the night of his arrest. Speaking to NBC 6, the content creator said, “That was the worst 24 hours ever,” adding that the incident happened because he took too long to cross the street.

“There was no traffic. It was three in the morning,” he told the outlet. “I think they just wanted to lock me up, but fair enough, learned my lesson.”

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Doherty posted videos online about his arrest

Doherty posted a video on social media Nov. 16, showing he was released from jail.  

In the video, Doherty poses with people he said he met in jail.

He has also made several follow-up videos poking fun at his arrest, including one where he is standing behind a black railing using the song “Locked Up” by Akon.

An arraignment hearing, or the initial court appearance where Doherty will enter a plea, is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2026.

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“MBPD remains committed to maintaining public safety and order throughout the city,” police said in the news release.

“Our officers will continue to take proactive enforcement action against behavior that endangers motorists, residents, or visitors—and will hold all individuals accountable under the law, regardless of their celebrity status.”

USA TODAY reached out to representatives for Doherty on Nov. 16, but did not receive an immediate response.

Karissa Waddick, a reporter on USA TODAY’s Nation Desk, can be reached at kwaddick@usatoday.com.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY’s trending team. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

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