Sean Taylor 1983-2007

Woke up this morning to hear the news that Sean Taylor died of his gunshot wounds. It’s a sad story that has no explanation, and just has everyone shaking their heads. We’re hearing from people that Taylor knew in all different stages of his life… from his ball coach as a child, to his former UM coach Larry Coker. Tonight look for Team Coverage of the Sean Taylor Murder… Hetal Gandhi, Hank Tester, and Adam Kuperstein will bring us all the angles.

Sean, Ricky, and Pageants

It’s the Monday after a long holiday weekend… at least for most.

Woke up this morning to hear about the shooting of Sean Taylor, Washington Redskins player and UM alum. Right now he’s being treated at Jackson Memorial Hospital… we’ll have live team coverage of this story coming up tonight with Hank Tester, Amara Sohn and Andrea Brody.

Run Ricky Run. Will Ricky Williams be playing with the Miami Dolphins tonight against the Pittsburgh Steelers? Joe Rose will have a live report from Pitt… coming up.

Imagine being a beauty pageant contestant… and someone wanting you to lose so badly, that they taint all your clothes and makeup with pepper spray. Now imagine winning the pageant anyway. That’s what happened in Puerto Rico… Sharon Lawson will have the recap for you.

What’s So Dreary About Black Friday?

Turkey- gone.
Leftovers- packed away.
Football- over.
What’s left?

Spending Money.

At least that’s what retailers are hoping you’ll do. It’s the infamous Black Friday… and people have been lining up for the savings since Turkey Thursday.

I did it one year, and was disappointed when I found out all the $300 laptops had been sold, and I would have to settle with smaller savings. I was naive, and got there only an hour before the store opening, and found myself lined up behind the building. Never. Again. This morning I woke up to casually browse a few stores before having to be here at 10:30am to produce SFLNightlyNews. Wasn’t too impressed by the deals… but it seems to be a rite of passage. Tonight Hank Tester is out at Aventura Mall searching for the serious shoppers and the savings. While you’re out shopping… there will be GrinchBusters on patrol… Miami-Dade Police officers are on the lookout for people trying to steal the holiday spirit.

Did you hear about the ship that hit an iceberg? Sounds like the Titanic, and on any other day it would be. But today it’s a true story… and it happened off Antartica. Tony Segreto will join us with the updates.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

It feels like a Friday. Millions of Americans are on planes, trains and automobiles today traveling to their holiday destinations… and meanwhile, we’re in the newsroom, cranking out shows for you all at home.

Joel Connable is live at Miami International Airport… with the brave travelers trying to get on planes to make it to dinner on time.

In the last few weeks we’ve had a series of Armored Truck Robberies in South Florida. Last night you saw Hank Tester’s report on surveillance video released in the robbery where the guards fought back. Tonight Ari Odzer shows us the great video that captures a Pembroke Pines armored truck robbery.

Plus– snow in Miami? Not in about 30 years… but tonight, John Gerard shows us where you can go to find the closest thing to snow in Miami on a daily basis.

Hannah, Caroline and Turkeys

If I were to explain today in two words it would be very easy.

Hannah Montana.

It all started yesterday when we found out that we were getting two tickets to the concert to give away… and ended this morning on “South Florida Today” with a live drawing. Tonight Amara Sohn is at the BankAtlantic Center… taking a look at the hysteria that is Hannah Montana.

Along the same line of singers… you’ve heard the song… you may not know all the words… but you’ve done the PAHM PAHM PAHM in the chorus (not even sure if that’s how you *would* spell it!)…. but what I DO know is that the song came up in our afternoon editorial, and everyone broke out in song! We’ll tell you who inspired Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”…

Plus President Bush pardoned a turkey… and it’s headed to the Happiest Place on Earth!

We’ve got lots of fun things planned… tune in!

Holidays Are Here

The holidays are here. In case you haven’t been to a mall lately, or been to an airport… then you haven’t gotten the memo. The holidays have begun. Nevermind that it isn’t even December yet. Doesn’t matter anymore. Now the week of Thanksgiving is marked with the beginning of the hectic travel and holiday season. If you’ve got to get somewhere, you’re going to want to hear Consumer Reporter Joel Connable’s tips on how to make your trip as smooth as possible.

You feel that? If you’re a habitual migraine sufferer– then you do, and too often.
Researchers have found brain differences in areas that process pain and other sensory information among people who suffer from migraines. Look for this report tonight at 7pm.

Plus… we’ve got a list of the Best & Worst cities… for everything from crime to real estate.

We’ll have an update after our editorial meeting later today.

Big Gestures, Little Deer

Can you feel the cold snap in the air? All the native South Floridians in the newsroom are in sweaters and turtlenecks… while the northerners are in short sleeves. It’s so nice outside, there was even a football game going on during lunch in our front lawn. Just a nice sight.

It’s a Friday… meaning it’s usually a slow day… but we’ve got some great stories ahead tonight on South Florida Nightly News.

A 14-month-old from Haiti needs corrective heart surgery to save his life. At the same time, a 10-year-old boy from Miami has spent his life dealing with multiple medical problems. Now that young Miami boy is making a big gesture and joining the fight to help the Haitian boy live. It’s a heartwarming story that will affect everyone.

Also ahead at 7pm– Holiday Season includes Santa and Reindeer… and even though we don’t have any reindeer roaming our parts… if you go to the Florida Keys, you may just spot a Key Deer. They’re making a comeback… and tonight Hank Tester has their story.

athletes in trouble watch

So far today is all about football… well more like about football players who have been or currently are in trouble! First Ricky Williams. He’s back after being suspended for smoking pot (several times) … and we’re working to find out what he thinks about it. Several Phin’s players say with the 0-9 season they’re having.. they’ll take anyone (even Osama Bin Laden!) if they can run as well as Ricky… and it looks like their wish is coming true. Ricky went to the doctor today (with a brand new haircut) and we were there. Now NBC 6’s Adam Kuperstein is at Dolphin’s camp waiting to see if shy Ricky has anything to say. Tune in at 7 to find out.

Also love him or hate him, innocent victim or the guy who got away with murder… everyone has an opinion about OJ Simpson. The former football star (does anyone remember he played anymore?) is back from Vegas… and is now at his home in Kendall. Yesterday a judge ruled he will have to stand trial in that memorabilia heist. So is he (and are we?) ready for another Simpson Trial? We’re outside his house, along with the rest of the world’s media, waiting to find out!

Join us for these stories and more tonight at 7PM on South Florida Nightly News.

Ricky’s Back And So Are Gas Prices

It’s tough being a South Florida sports fan these days. The Miami Dolphins seem to be going for a perfect record these days… but not the kind that brought glory to the 1972 team. Instead of the undefeated season, they’re hoping to have a completely defeated season. With zero wins thus far, the news that Ricky Williams is being allowed back into the NFL brings a glimmer to the eye of many Ricky fans. But the question is… will the ‘Fins take him back? Adam Kuperstein is live at Dolphins Camp with a look at that story.

After several dry days, the skies have opened up once again… and today we got several reports of water spouts.

We’re already going to be opening up our wallets for the holidays… and now we’re going to have it open it even wider to be able to fill up your gas tank. Prices at the pump are up… Ari Odzer takes a look at that.

And a Miami Beach resident has been voted Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine… find out who, tonight at 7.

Saying Goodbye

South Florida said goodbye to another fallen deputy today. Deputy Paul Rein was laid to rest this morning after a very touching tribute by his friends and family. Ari Odzer was there all day… look for his report tonight at 7.

If you drive, and most of you do, you’ve been feeling the pain at the pump. You’re not just imagining things… prices are up… we’ll tell you how much.

And Paris Hilton says she’s a new woman. After she spent time in the slammer for drinking and driving… she’s now out to save the world. We’ll tell you how saving the world means Elephants for Paris.