Miami Herald wins in APSE contest for investigation into Key Biscayne gymnastics coach
The Miami Herald's Ana Claudia Chacin and Clara-Sophia Daly won first place in the 2024 Associated Press Sports Editors contest in the investigative category for their series 'Key Biscayne's Dark Secret,' which looked into child sexual abuse and a gymnastics coach.
The multipart series looked into Key Biscayne gymnastics coach Oscar Olea, who had been trailed by sex abuse allegations for more than 12 years. Weeks after the Miami Herald published its investigation, with the first story posting in late January, Olea was arrested.
There were 23 total entries in the investigative category.
In addition to Chachin and Daly's win, Miami Herald photographer Al Diaz also received a top-10 placing in the feature photo category in Division A, the largest newspaper classification, for his photo of the Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas football team celebrating its state championship win.
This year's APSE Contest, judged by sports editors and journalists from across the nation, recognized work that was published in 2024. The Miami Herald will be honored in June at the APSE Summer Conference Awards Banquet in Minneapolis.
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Miami Herald
11 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Families, human rights lawyer visit El Salvador, seek to visit imprisoned Venezuelans
As a kid in rural Venezuela, Widmer Agelviz Sanguino would be awakened in the middle of the night by the screeches of nearby owls. Those frightful sounds left a lasting impression. So, when he became older, he got a tattoo on one of his arms: an owl, a clock, and a bouquet of roses. The owl and the clock were symbols of overcoming personal fears, while the roses were a homage to his paternal grandmother, who had a beautiful rose garden, his aunt Lisbeth Sanguino told the Miami Herald. 'He wanted to record on his skin his victory over his fears and his love for his paternal grandmother,' she said. Now, those symbols of personal victory have become a fearsome nightmare of their own. The tattoos were used by U.S. officials to link him to the violent gang Tren de Aragua. Agelviz Sanguino is one of more than 230 Venezuelans sent to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, subjected to expedited deportations without being given a chance to argue their cases in court. As part of a small mission of family members who accompanied a Venezuelan human rights lawyer to demand their loved ones' release from the Salvadoran prison this week, Lisbeth Sanguino said that while the tattoos have been claimed to be associated with Tren de Aragua, the truth is that her nephew has no gang affiliation and has never been involved in any type of crime. His case, she argued, is yet another example of the cavalier way in which those sent to El Salvador were selected—without any real evidence that they had done anything wrong other than trying to seek refuge in the United States. Invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, the Trump administration deported the group of Venezuelans in March, accusing them of being criminals or members of the feared Tren de Aragua gang. They were sent to El Salvador and incarcerated at the CECOT maximum-security prison. In a brief telephone interview, human rights advocate and lawyer Walter Márquez said the Venezuelans sent to El Salvador have fallen into a kind of black hole, leaving family members without news of their whereabouts or the conditions they are in. 'El Salvador is serving as a human warehouse for these Venezuelans, who have fallen victim to an attempt to criminalize them as members of the Tren de Aragua solely because of the tattoos they might have—without a prior judicial conviction in the United States establishing that they are criminals,' Márquez said. 'This is a grave act of injustice being committed against individuals just because they have a tattoo,' said Márquez, who heads the Venezuelan human rights NGO El Amparo Internacional. 'We respect El Salvador's domestic laws to combat gangs, but we Venezuelans are not gang members; we are hard working people fleeing a political crisis and a dictatorship in our country.' Márquez, who led the mission, said that they visited El Salvador to document and denounce the situation of a group of Venezuelan citizens who, he claims, were illegally deported from the United States and are currently imprisoned at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), the country's maximum-security prison. During his visit, Márquez submitted a formal request to the Salvadoran Human Rights Ombudsman's Office (PDDH), seeking permission to visit the detainees, assess their health conditions, communicate with them, and obtain information about any legal proceedings they may be facing. 'We came to El Salvador to submit this request and document the situation of the Venezuelans who were deported from the United States and are now imprisoned in El Salvador,' Márquez said. 'We made the requests verbally and later confirmed them in writing. But they take their time. If necessary, we'll come back. For now, at least, we've filed the request. It's up to the Salvadoran State to respond,' he added. Márquez noted that several of the detainees were still involved in ongoing proceedings before U.S. immigration courts at the time of their deportation. In some cases, he claims, there were explicit court orders for their deportation to Venezuela, but they were instead sent to El Salvador—a move he described as a violation of due process. 'We are not only advocating for all those affected, but we have specifically filed a request on behalf of nine Venezuelans whom we represent legally,' he explained. Additionally, Márquez reported that on Thursday his delegation submitted a formal request to the Apostolic Nunciature in El Salvador, asking for the intervention of Pope Leo and citing the pontiff's commitment to migrant rights. 'He has said that Jesus was a migrant, and that's why we believe the Holy See can play an important role in this case,' he said. As of now, neither the government of El Salvador nor the Human Rights Ombudsman's Office has issued a public statement regarding Márquez's request. Márquez said the retention of the deported Venezuelans in the maximum security prision is unjust and illegal given that none of them have broken any laws in El Salvador or even in the United States, aside from having an irregular immigration status. He added that they would seek to 'exhaust all domestic remedies under El Salvador's law' and expressed hope that 'due process will be respected'; otherwise, they could 'resort to international bodies.' Since at least 2023, U.S. officials began targeting Venezuelans with tattoos, alleging their affiliation with Tren de Aragua based on the unsubstantiated assumption that the gang identifies itself through tattoos, according to court records. Upon taking office on January 20, the Trump administration initiated a broad campaign of deportations and immigrant targeting. This included classifying Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization and utilizing the Alien Enemies Act to expel alleged members from the U.S. However, experts contend that this approach is flawed because, unlike other Latin American gangs, members of Tren de Aragua—which originated in a notorious prison in Venezuela's Aragua state—do not typically use tattoos for identification. Trump's crackdown on suspected gang members comes amid reports that the Nicolás Maduro regime has been actively enabling Tren de Aragua's expansion. The gang, now Venezuela's most powerful transnational criminal organization, is allegedly being used in a campaign to destabilize neighboring countries and the United States. A January 2025 FBI memo describes a coordinated strategy by the Venezuelan regime to release violent criminals, facilitate their migration abroad, and deploy them as unofficial enforcers—not only across Latin America, but increasingly in U.S. cities. The memo was submitted by the Trump administration on Thursday to a federal judge in Texas, who is overseeing one of a growing number of lawsuits challenging the government's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members to El Salvador's notorious mega-prison.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
Miami-Dade mayor warns ICE crackdown may have ‘chilling effect' on World Cup
As Miami-Dade County prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup next year and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup this weekend, the excitement surrounding both events is palpable. With economic impacts and tax-generated revenues projected to exceed the public investment in ensuring a safe and successful FIFA World Cup — and an additional $100 million anticipated from the private sector — local leaders are preparing for the unique opportunity to share the global stage and showcase the strengths of our community. We know that soccer attracts international visitors who will bolster the local economy through increased tourism, hospitality and retail spending, bringing secondary benefits like global branding. However, beneath this optimistic outlook lies a growing and significant concern: the potential impact of recent heightened untargeted immigration enforcement activities on the local community and economy. In recent days, we've read news stories in the Miami Herald describing how U.S. citizens coming through our airports feel a tone shift when going through Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Even more troubling are the continued notices from immigration enforcement officials indicating their planned presence at this weekend's FIFA Club World Cup, where we expect thousands of international visitors who will be spending their dollars in our local community. It would be devastating to our economy and global image if the lasting impression were that visitors who came to enjoy the wonders of Miami-Dade were inappropriately targeted or mistreated. The implications of this fear are twofold. First, the anticipated economic benefits of the World Cup may be undermined if a significant portion of the local or national population refrains from participating in the event. Second, the unprecedented targeting of legal visitors will create a chilling effect and deter international tourists who may perceive the U.S. as unwelcoming or hostile, affecting attendance and the overall success of the event. Let's not forget that FIFA fans around the world are making a choice by deciding to enjoy the World Cup in the United States when they can also participate in the fun by attending matches in Mexico and Canada. This poses a great challenge to Miami-Dade, as we will host seven matches, and to the national economy, as our country is set to host dozens of games, including the opening and closing matches. I wholeheartedly and forcefully express full support for efforts to protect our border and to target and remove dangerous criminals. In fact, congressional leaders must double down and redirect immigration enforcement to focus on these efforts rather than misguided blanket actions that only dilute Homeland Security's true mission to remove criminals and dangerous individuals from our streets. Further, I believe Congress must provide answers regarding the deal reported earlier this year that allowed 17 family members of dangerous Mexican cartels to freely enter our nation. Last month, Mexico's top security officials confirmed that family members of cartel leaders came to the U.S. through the border as part of a deal between the Trump administration and the son of the former head of the Sinaloa Cartel. So while our community prepares for what could be challenging moments for visitors, the federal government allowed family members of cartels to enter our nation — which makes no sense. The 2026 FIFA World Cup presents an incredible opportunity for Miami-Dade to further solidify its name on the global stage, and this weekend will serve as the first test of whether federal officials will cause economic hardship and global pain by making visitors feel less than welcomed and safe. Ensuring that all community members feel safe and included is crucial for the event's success and for maintaining our county's reputation as a welcoming destination for both residents and visitors. As they say in soccer, let's score big this weekend and show our community, state, nation and the world that Miami-Dade is a model for success. Daniella Levine Cava is the mayor of Miami-Dade.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Florida recruiting 2026 football summer commitment tracker: Who's going where?
It's summertime. That means more time at the beach, road trips and, of course, high school football players making college announcements and giving the highly coveted verbal commitments. The USA TODAY Florida Network will be tracking the top commitments from around the state all summer. Advertisement Some of the top players on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100, including St. Thomas Aquinas defensive back Justice Fitzpatrick and Milton athlete Kaiden Hall both announced their decisions during the first few days of June. Fitzpatrick (No. 14 top 100, No. 2 safety in the state) committed to Georgia. Hall (No. 23, No. 1 athlete) chose to stay in state and commit to play for the Gators. Fitzpatrick and Hall join a list of five- or four-star players who have committed in the 2026 class, including American Heritage quarterback Dia Bell (No. 2, Texas), IMG offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe (No. 5, USC) and Bolles wide receiver Naeem Burroughs (No. 7, Clemson). Several of the top players in the state remain uncommitted and are taking official visits this month. That list includes Chaminade-Madonna running back Derrek Cooper (No. 1), Jake Kreul (No. 3) and Miami Northwestern wide receiver Calvin Russell Jr. (No. 4). Advertisement Bookmark this page to stay up to date on the latest commitments, changes and other developments: Jordan Crutchfield, Vero Beach ATH Fort Pierce Westwood athlete Jordan Crutchfield plays to the camera after scoring his second touchdown at the Palm Beach Gardens spring jamboree on Saturday, May 18, 2025. Verbal commitment: Kentucky (June 11) USA TODAY Florida rank: No. 58 overall, No. 3 ATH Canon Pickett, Tampa Bay Tech OL Tampa Bay Tech offensive lineman Canon Pickett at spring football practice, May 14, 2025. Verbal commitment: Miami (June 10) USA TODAY Florida Network rank: No. 66 overall, No. 6 IOL Adam Land, Mosley TE Verbal commitment: Mississippi State USA TODAY Florida Network rank: No. 100 overall, No. 3 tight end Johnnie Jones, Berkeley Prep OT Verbal commitment: UCLA (June 9) USA TODAY Florida Network rank: No. 63 overall, No. 6 offensive tackle Kekua Aumua, IMG Academy TE Verbal commitment: Florida (June 9) Advertisement USA TODAY Florida Network rank: No. 90 overall, No. 2 tight end Daylen Green, Gadsden County LB Gadsden County Jaguars receiver Daylen Green (8) lines up during the first half of a spring football game against the Community School of Naples Seahawks at Community School of Naples in Naples, Fla., on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Verbal commitment: Arkansas (June 9) USA TODAY Florida Network rank: No. 67 overall, No. 6 linebacker Brayden Charney, Cardinal Newman OT Verbal commitment: Syracuse (June 9) 247Sports Rank: 3-star, No. 137 offensive tackle in the nation Justin Williams, Buchholz RB Buchholz Bobcats Justin Williams (13) eludes Oakleaf Knights Fareed Coleman (2) in the second half. The Bobcats hosted the Knights at Citizens Field in Gainesville, FL on Friday, November 29 2024 in the Class 6A-Region 1 Final. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner] Verbal commitment: Florida (June 8) USA TODAY Florida Network rank: No. 49 overall, No. 3 running back Chancellor Campbell, Lakewood OT The First Academy's Chancellor Campbell at the 2025 Under Armour Next camp in Orlando, Feb. 23. Verbal commitment: Florida (June 8) USA TODAY Florida Network rank: No. 70 overall, No. 6 offensive tackle Kaj Baker, Somerset Academy RB Verbal commitment: UCF (June 8) Advertisement 247Sports Composite Rank: 3-star, No. 38 ATH in the nation Justin 'JJ' Edwards, Edgewater LB Verbal commitment: Rutgers (June 8) 247Sports Composite Rank: 3-star, No. 60 linebacker in the nation Jabari Brady, Monarch WR Verbal Commitment: Missouri (June 7) USA TODAY Florida Network rank: No. 45 overall, No. 7 WR Justice Fitzpatrick, St. Thomas Aquinas S Defensive back Justice Fitzpatrick (left) looks to break on a ball during the Battle 7-on-7 tournament on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 at Mills Pond Park in Fort Lauderdale. Verbal commitment: Georgia (June 3) USA TODAY Florida Network rank: No. 14 overall, No. 2 safety Kaiden Mall, Milton ATH Verbal Commitment: Florida Milton's Kaiden Hall (3) pulls in a pass along the sideline against Pensacola in their football game at Milton High School on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Verbal commitment: Florida (June 3) USA TODAY Florida Network Rank: No. 23 overall, No. 1 ATH G'nivre Carr, IMG IOL IMG Academy IOL G'nivre Carr after a film session, May 8, 2025. Verbal commitment: Florida (June 1) Advertisement USA TODAY Florida rank: No. 72 overall, No. 7 IOL Kymistrii Young, Cardinal Mooney WR Verbal commitment: Purdue (June 1) USA TODAY Florida rank: No. 75 overall, No. 13 WR This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida recruiting 2026 college football summer commitment tracker
