Latest news with #Herrera
USA Today
10 hours ago
- USA Today
Cliff jumping, 19 slides: This major cruise line will add waterpark to private island
Norwegian Cruise Line's Bahamas island is getting an upgrade. The company will add the new Great Tides Waterpark to its private destination, Great Stirrup Cay, in 2026. The almost six-acre area is one of many additions and enhancements planned for the island in the coming months, alongside more beverage, shore excursion and transportation options. "We know it's a great island now," David J. Herrera, Norwegian's president, told USA TODAY in an interview ahead of the announcement. "It's going to get even greater in the future." Here's what guests can expect. What's new at Norwegian Cruise Line's private island? The waterpark will offer a wide range of activities on the island. Those include the 170-foot Tidal Tower, where eight of the park's 19 waterslides will be located; the kid-friendly Tidepool Town splash zone measuring 9,000 square feet and a nearly 800-foot-long "dynamic river," according to a news release. Billed as speedier than a lazy river, guests will also pass through a grotto tunnel illuminated with a "dreamlike bioluminescent scene." "It's the next level up from your typical lazy river that you could get anywhere," said Herrera. If that's not enough of a thrill, passengers can head to Cliffside Cove to make cliff jumps. There will be 10- and 15-foot options. The nearby Grotto Bar will also offer prime views of the action. "I am certain that a popular spot will be sitting at the bar watching people face their fears and jump," Herrera added. The waterpark is hardly the only new amenity. The Jet Karts Track will combine jet skiing and go-karting – the latter can be found on many Norwegian ships – at a "mini aquatic racecourse," per the release. Afterward, guests can recuperate in one of more than 50 hammocks at Hammock Bay. The cruise line also previously shared plans earlier this year for a new welcome center, pool area, a nearby splash pad for families, a tram system – Herrera said the line is "investing so our guests never have to wait more than four or five minutes tops to go to any part of the island" – and more. When will Great Stirrup Cay's waterpark open? The waterpark will open in the summer of 2026, but some of Great Stirrup Cay's other new features will debut starting later this year, with exact dates still to come. 'Private islands on steroids': Why cruise lines are betting big on their own destinations How much will the waterpark cost? Pricing info is not yet available, but Herrera confirmed there will be an upcharge for the waterpark (as well as the Jet Karts Track and the adults-only Vibe Shore Club). Great Stirrup Cay is one of Norwegian's top-rated ports, and the changes have been years in the making, according to Herrera. "Because when people go there, you get a unique and genuine Island experience," he said. "It's a Caribbean experience. So when we're going to supplement that, we're going to expand that, we're going to enhance that, if we're going to do it, we're going to do it right. So we took our time."
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Health
- Miami Herald
Miami pickleball program helping and inspiring athletes with disabilities
When Hector Perez plays pickleball, he forgets that he has two prosthetic legs. Perez, 61, lost his legs due to a combination of diabetes and the physical trauma of a motorcycle crash on Miami Beach's West Avenue 15 years ago. Not that he thinks about that when he's on a pickleball court. 'When I'm playing, I do not feel disabled,' Perez said. 'I am competing – just like anybody else. 'I'm addicted to pickleball!' Perez is one of a dozen or so men and women with disabilities who came out to Doral's Champions club once a week this summer for pickleball classes. This is the second year of the program. However, it's not a year-round thing, and the classes ended recently, in mid-July. 'We're upset,' Perez said. 'We don't want to have to wait until next year to play again.' Carlos Marquez, a 47-year-old native of Venezuela, is the pickleball coach for this program, which has been funded through the Way Forward Foundation. But if the funding runs dry, Marquez said he is willing to step up, and, in fact, he has already made calls to businesses that may be able to help. Marquez, who trains professional pickleball players, said he wouldn't trade working with people such as Perez for anything. 'Last year, we had a guy who had a stroke, and he started our program by using a walker,' Marquez said. 'By the end of the eight weeks, he was almost running. 'This year, we had two guys who had strokes. In the beginning, we had to hold them up. Now they are playing on their own. 'You can't put a price on how good that makes me feel. It's priceless.' Aside from Marquez, the other key person in this program is Ashley Herrera, a recreational therapist who works for the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth Jackson. She primarily works with people who have had spinal-cord injuries as well as amputees. One of her colleagues at Jackson works with folks who have suffered strokes or brain injuries or have other neurological conditions. 'My role is to integrate individuals into the community and to introduce them to adaptive sports because it helps them improve their physical fitness,' Herrera said. 'Our patients are working on balance, mobility and strength, and all of that can be improved by pickleball.' Herrera said that – because of pickleball – she has seen her patients feel more confident with their agility. Pickleball, compared to other sports, appears to be a good fit for Herrera's patients. 'The size of the court is easier to navigate,' Herrera said. 'The ball is light-weight, and even some of our patients with impairments in their upper extremities are still able to participate to some extent.' Beyond the improved mobility, there is also the social aspect of pickleball. Building a community is one of Herrera's goals as she aims to help her patients feel welcome among their peers. Perez, who walks three or four miles per day, agrees that the camaraderie he has found with his fellow patients has been a game-changer. 'The fact is that many people who have disabilities are lonely,' Perez said. 'But here you meet people who have brain injuries, spinal-cord injuries or, like myself, people without legs, and we come together for a common cause, to play pickleball. 'To me, the social aspect of pickleball is even greater than the physical component. I get really excited to come here.' Herrera loves to hear this type of feedback from her patients. 'That's what drives me,' Herrera said. 'That's my purpose -- to see a patient learn a new sport and to see the spark in them. 'After each session, my patients have told me about a pickleball match they saw on TV. They are genuinely interested in the sport. 'There's nothing more exhilarating than to see their efforts rewarded. It's empowering, and it's emotional to feel the gratitude of their families. I'm getting teary-eyed right now.'
Reuters
5 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Cardinals ride second-inning explosion to win over Padres
July 25 - Brendan Donovan and Willson Contreras hit three-run homers to power the St. Louis Cardinals past the visiting San Diego Padres 9-7 Thursday. Ivan Herrera was 3-for-4 with a homer, two runs and two RBIs for the Cardinals, who won for just the second time in seven games since the All-Star break. That gave Oliver Marmol his 300th career managerial victory. Cardinals starter Sonny Gray (10-4) allowed seven runs (six earned) on 11 hits in five innings. Riley O'Brien, JoJo Romero, Phil Maton and Ryan Helsley (20th save) combined for four scoreless innings. Manny Machado went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer for the Padres, who lost for the third time in four games. Fernando Tatis Jr. went 3-for-5 with a homer and two runs. Padres pitcher Yu Darvish (0-3) struggled in his fourth start since coming off the injured list. He allowed eight runs on eight hits and two walks in 3 1/3 innings. The Padres struck immediately. Tatis led off the game with a single and Luis Arraez hit an RBI double. Jackson Merrill's RBI single put San Diego up 2-0. The Cardinals answered in their half of the inning. Donovan hit a single and scored on Contreras' double to cut the lead to 2-1. St. Louis surged ahead 7-2 in the second inning. Jordan Walker's single and Victor Scott II's walk set up Donovan's three-run homer. Herrera hit a single, Alec Burleson followed with a double and Contreras smacked his three-run home run 415 feet to center field. The Padres cut their deficit to 7-5 in the third inning. Tatis hit his homer, Arraez hit a double, then Machado hit his two-run shot. The Cardinals increased their lead to 8-5 in the fourth inning. Scott walked, stole second base and scored on Herrera's single. San Diego cut the lead to 8-7 in the fifth inning. Merrill hit a single, Xander Bogaerts hit a double, Gavin Sheets hit an RBI groundout, and Bogaerts scored as Bryce Johnson reached based on an error. Herrera's sixth-inning homer pushed St. Louis' lead to 9-7. --Field Level Media
Reuters
5 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Billionaire banker hit with legal fee lawsuit stemming from criminal case
July 24 (Reuters) - Venezuelan-Italian bank founder Julio Martin Herrera-Velutini is facing a lawsuit claiming he owes nearly $500,000 in legal fees to the attorneys who once represented him in a criminal case that originally included charges of bribery. U.S. law firm Kasowitz LLP sued, opens new tab Herrera, the billionaire founder of Britannia Financial Group, on Wednesday in Manhattan federal court. The firm alleged Herrera has failed to pay $493,332.31 in fees. A spokesperson for the Kasowitz firm did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Herrera said, "We are confident that this matter will be quickly resolved in Mr. Herrera's favor." Herrera was indicted in August 2022 for allegedly paying $300,000 to political consultants supporting Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vazquez during her 2020 election campaign. Prosecutors said Herrera made the payments in an attempt to end an investigation into his bank, Bancredito, by the island's regulatory authority. After Vazquez lost her primary election in 2020, Herrera attempted to bribe her successor, named in the indictment only as "Public Official A," the prosecutors said. Herrera, Vazquez and another defendant initially pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud. But in June, the government and the defendants, including Herrera, said they reached a deal, opens new tab to resolve the case — Herrera and the others will plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge for violating the Federal Electoral Campaign Act (FECA), opens new tab. Meanwhile, the 2022 indictment, which contained the bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud charges, will be dismissed, the parties said in June. Herrera is scheduled to plead guilty on August 27 to the FECA charge before U.S. District Judge Silvia Carreno-Coll in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Kasowitz firm said in a May 2024 filing, opens new tab it was withdrawing from Herrera's legal team, but did not say why. Herrera's current legal team includes Alex Spiro, a top partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan whose clients have included billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and former Trump defense attorney Christopher Kise. Spiro filed an appearance in the FECA case earlier this month. Reuters reported in June that Kise tried to convince the Justice Department to dismiss or reduce the charges against Herrera, as the department undertakes a broader review of civil and criminal cases launched under Trump's Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Corn is part of this Mexican Canadian chef's 'roots.' Here's how she cooks the 'versatile' summer produce in both sweet and savoury meals
For restaurateur and chef Elia Herrera — who's had star turns on both the Canadian and Mexican versions of the reality TV series Top Chef — it wasn't Sunday dinner at her grandmother's if rajas poblanas wasn't cooking. 'It's very easy to make and also it is very comforting and delicious,' she tells Yahoo Canada of the dish featuring sliced poblano peppers simmered in a cheese sauce. Herrera's grandmother's version also had fresh corn and chicken folded in. 'We add the cream to simmer and absorb all these smoky flavours — and some sweetness from the corn,' she recalls of the dish. '[It's] so super delicious, and we eat it as a taco. We put it family style on the table, and then we have the tortillas already on the side ... it's so yummy. 'I always try to put it on the menu [of any restaurant I run]. It's just because my inspiration has always been my grandmother, and that's one of the dishes that brings me back to my childhood.' This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Herrera explains how 'corn is part of our basic diet" for people growing up in Mexico. She notes how the humble vegetable is, for her, a cultural staple that she's seen frequently transformed into tortillas, a sweet cake that's somewhere between cornbread and biscuits and, occasionally, even into ice cream. 'I grew up with it. It's in my roots,' Herrera says. 'And the flavour, of course, is very versatile, because it can be sweet, it can be savoury.' She adds that the vegetable can even be used to make a range of other recipes, including a version of horchata, a drink popular in Mexico that's typically made from ground rice, milk and cinnamon. Wait — is corn actually healthy and affordable? While dieters might be nervous to stack their plate with too much corn, John Hopkins Medicine shares that a medium ear of corn is a low-fat, low-calorie, naturally gluten-free food (minus, of course, any add-ons like butter). Rich in vitamins and antioxidants as well as a source of fibre and some protein, it also mentions that corn should be viewed as a carbohydrate by anyone with diabetes. However, it's certainly a far cry from being classified as unhealthy. Herrera adds that she's found that balancing corn with a healthy fat, like avocados, olive oil or fatty fish, can be helpful for those seeking a balanced plate. Serving corn with beans also makes for a balanced — and delicious — combination of nutrients. When it comes to price tags, ears of corn can often go for as little as 30 to 50 cents during peak season, depending on the grocery store. Paired with the vegetable's adaptability, it can be a huge win for anyone trying to stretch their food budget this summer (which is probably most of us?). What can I pair with corn? According to Herrera, short ribs and barbecue brisket are some options that go well with corn. But she also adds that corn's flexibility and adaptability don't stop when it comes to how the vegetable is prepared. It's also right at home next to other rich, saucy meat dishes, Mexican-inspired meals and warm-weather classics like pasta salad and burgers. Even if you're not about to pick up where Herrera's recipe list trails off, there's certainly more to the summer produce stalwart than boiling it and bathing it in butter (for what it's worth, Herrera is quick to mention that boiled-and-buttered corn is a classic in its own right). Still, read on for Herrera's guide to making the most of the season's bounty — AKA that pile of unhusked cobs rolling around inside your fridge. What's an easy way to cook corn? When you're ready to move beyond boiling husked corn in water for several minutes (adding a teaspoon of white sugar was my grandmother's secret to making them extra-succulent), Herrera suggests going for a Mexican street food vibe with esquites. It's a dish traditionally served at outdoor markets and by street vendors in plastic cups, featuring a mix of cooked corn, mayonnaise, cheese and lime juice, oftentimes topped with chili powder and cilantro. Recipe: Elia Herrera's Esquites Carefully remove corn from its cob: Try standing it upright, holding it at the tip in a shallow bowl, then slicing off vertical swaths with a sharp knife and letting individual pieces rain into the bowl. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Melt roughly two tablespoons of butter in the warmed pan. Add the corn kernels and sauté until cooked through, adding a few tablespoons of water if needed. Remove from heat. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked corn with a dollop of mayonnaise, lime juice and, if desired, a pinch of chili powder. Crumble in some hard, salty cheese (cotija is traditional, but hard feta will work in a pinch) and, if desired, a couple of tablespoons of chopped cilantro. Give it a final quick mix to combine and serve. Another riff on these flavours? Herrera suggests reaching for some Ontario corn: 'I love it, it is super sweet. I basically just grill it a little bit and then do the same thing: Spread some mayonnaise, and then put some cotija cheese — very, very finely grated — [and] some lime and chili powder.' No matter if you try that concoction or keep it minimalist with butter, this economical and delicious vegetable is ready to be your summer cooking MVP. 'Even just grilled corn with butter and salt: That's super yummy,' adds Herrera. 'Corn is amazing.'
