According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, 16-year-old Orlando Wedderburn was fatally shot outside of a home, just after 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

BSO also said a woman was grazed by a bullet but will be OK.

New details Friday morning revealed that the shooting was a domestic incident and that all parties involved knew each other, but the exact relationships are unknown at this time.

Investigators said the incident took place off of Northwest 71st Street.

Home surveillance footage captured the moments paramedics attempted to transport Wedderburn to the hospital, but the teen would not survive.

Detectives spent hours outside the home into Thursday, leaving no stone unturned.

“I just came outside, and it was just caution tape all around, sheriffs all around,” said neighbor Carlos Chirinos.

The shooter stayed to speak to detectives following the incident. Officials he was defending himself and was released after questioning.

Area residents said they’re not used to law enforcement activity and were left rattled.

“Something shocking for the whole neighborhood,” said Chirinos.

“Very quiet, very safe, this is a big shock for me. I’ve been living here 25 years; nothing like this has ever happened,” said another neighbor.

Officials have not shared further information and said that the case has been taken over by the Broward Counry State Attorney’s Office.

Water surrounded a block of homes and apartments in the area of A1A and Oklahoma Street, prompting crews to shut down two southbound lanes, Friday morning.

Drivers were forced to maneuver around the street closures as officials investigated the situation.

Officials say the break impacted nine homes.

Cell phone video from Thursday night captured water gushing out like a geyser.

A man who lives nearby told 7News he stepped outside to see the water spraying out.

“I came outside, I don’t remember what time but there was, like, a geyser in the middle of the road and shortly after that, we lost the water and it’s been off ever since,” he said.

Beyond just the impacted homes, some tourists are now unable to reach their hotel nearby with their cars, forcing them to pay to park elsewhere as crews continued to work on repairs, Friday afternoon.

“It is a very big inconvenience, yes. We can’t have access to the parking lot so I don’t know what’s gonna happen tonight,” said Patricia. “We’re leaving tomorrow morning anyways.”

Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy said there was no construction going on in the area at the time and that a broken valve triggered the break. He said the valve was previously installed decades ago with non-stainless steel bolts that corroded over time leading up to the burst.

While those repairs were made, the surrounding residents faced a major inconvenience with no water for hours.

“Huge, ’cause we’re renting so we don’t even, I mean, we can’t even get ahold of the landlord and we’re just trying to figure out when it’s gonna come back on,” a local area resident said.

City officials say that while the valve issue is fixed for now, there was also damage to other parts of the water system, which will require more repair work.

A Precautionary Boil Water Advisory has been issued directly to the nine impacted residential properties on A1A, meaning those customers should not consume water without boiling it first until further notice.

Officials advise that all water for consumption be brought to a boil and then left to continue boiling for one minute, and only boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, making coffee and for food preparation.

As of Friday night, water has begun flowing again but crews still have the area blocked off to traffic. City leaders say the damage to other parts of the water system will require more expansive repair work that is set to begin on Monday.

In a statement posted on X, MDSO said deputy Leonard Cantave is showing significant signs of improvement after undergoing surgery. He has been extubated and is breathing on his own. They say he is now awake and alert and able to recognize his loved ones.

Cantave was hospitalized after being struck by a driver while assisting FHP troopers who were responding to a traffic crash on Florida’s Turnpike near Northwest 58th Street, Dec. 27.

Investigators identified the driver as 28-year-old Lonnel Brinson.

According to the arrest report, Brinson had admitted to consuming alcohol and marijuana before the crash. He had also been driving with a suspended license.

He’s accused of not slowing down as he passed FHP and MDSO cruisers. Brinson reportedly swerved to avoid the crash and struck Cantave.

Brinson faces a felony charge for reckless driving that caused a serious injury.

He has since bonded out of jail and is expected to appear back in court sometime in February.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units were dispatched to reports of a fire in the area of Northwest 22nd Avenue and 183rd Street, at approximately 4:15 p.m., Thursday.

Crews found the truck on fire upon arrival.

The blaze was quickly extinguished.

Officials said it started after a box of fireworks caught fire in the bed of the truck .

No injuries were reported.

Photos provided by Miami Beach Fire show the moments firefighters freed a pooch that was stuck underneath a building, Thursday night.

Officials say the pup got stuck after his leash got tangled around plumbing. Firefighters carefully entered the crawl space and safely freed the dog.

The puppy was unharmed and has since been reunited with his owner.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched at about 10:15 a.m., Friday, to the 14100 block of Northwest Fifth Avenue after receiving reports of a domestic incident.

Investigators said the victim was able to escape the residence, while the subject — described as an adult male — barricaded himself inside the home.

Law enforcement secured the area and worked the scene for several hours as negotiations continued.

Residents who live nearby had to wait several hours to back back in their own homes as the standoff unfolded.

“I called my son and went to go look and see what’s happening, he sees the police and he doesn’t see anything else. Maybe the people are inside the house,” a local area resident said.

At around 3 p.m., the man was taken into custody and placed into a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue vehicle. No injuries were immediately reported.

Authorities have not released the identities of those involved or details about what led up to the incident.

Jamari Charles’ family told 7News life for all of them changed drastically, New Year’s Day.

“He’s so young. 14 years old, full of life,” said Talia Stewart, Charles’ aunt.

Charles was riding an ATV when he collided with a car near Southwest 220th Street and 118th Avenue as celebratory fireworks continued going off, Thursday night.

Charles had just received the ATV as a Christmas gift.

At first, his family had gotten some good news after he was taken to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in critical but stable condition.

“He has no broken bones. There was no internal bleeding or anything like that,” said Stewart.

However, Charles wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and has swelling on his brain as a result.

His doctors are keeping him sedated for the time being.

“He did sustain a head injury so right now we’re just trying to make sure that that is fine, but he is gonna be out of school for the rest of the year and he’s gonna be doing rehab and therapy,” said Stewart.

As an athlete and student at Arthur & Polly Mays 6-12 Conservatory of the Arts, his family described Charles as being passionate about football.

His family also said Charles is kind and loves his family.

“He’s a very respectful kid. We have a very big family, he’s very family-oriented,” said Stewart.

His family now sharing their love for him as he looks at several months to recover from the crash.

“We hate that it happened so young because the brain is still developing. We do believe that God can do anything, all things, God can do anything and God is a healer, so you know that he’ll make it out,” said Stewart.

For now, Charles’ family continues to pray that they receive more good news once he is no longer sedated.

The driver of the other vehicle was not injured in the crash and no charges have been filed.

The family has created a GoFundMe asking for assistance to cover Charles’ medical expenses. If you would like to donate, click here.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units were dispatched to reports of a fire in the area of Northwest 22nd Avenue and 183rd Street, at approximately 4:15 p.m., Thursday.

Crews found the truck on fire upon arrival.

The blaze was quickly extinguished.

Officials said it started after a box of fireworks caught fire in the bed of the truck .

No injuries were reported.

In a statement posted on X, MDSO said deputy Leonard Cantave is showing significant signs of improvement after undergoing surgery. He has been extubated and is breathing on his own. They say he is now awake and alert and able to recognize his loved ones.

Cantave was hospitalized after being struck by a driver while assisting FHP troopers who were responding to a traffic crash on Florida’s Turnpike near Northwest 58th Street, Dec. 27.

Investigators identified the driver as 28-year-old Lonnel Brinson.

According to the arrest report, Brinson had admitted to consuming alcohol and marijuana before the crash. He had also been driving with a suspended license.

He’s accused of not slowing down as he passed FHP and MDSO cruisers. Brinson reportedly swerved to avoid the crash and struck Cantave.

Brinson faces a felony charge for reckless driving that caused a serious injury.

He has since bonded out of jail and is expected to appear back in court sometime in February.

According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, 16-year-old Orlando Wedderburn was fatally shot outside of a home, just after 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

BSO also said a woman was grazed by a bullet but will be OK.

New details Friday morning revealed that the shooting was a domestic incident and that all parties involved knew each other, but the exact relationships are unknown at this time.

Investigators said the incident took place off of Northwest 71st Street.

Home surveillance footage captured the moments paramedics attempted to transport Wedderburn to the hospital, but the teen would not survive.

Detectives spent hours outside the home into Thursday, leaving no stone unturned.

“I just came outside, and it was just caution tape all around, sheriffs all around,” said neighbor Carlos Chirinos.

The shooter stayed to speak to detectives following the incident. Officials he was defending himself and was released after questioning.

Area residents said they’re not used to law enforcement activity and were left rattled.

“Something shocking for the whole neighborhood,” said Chirinos.

“Very quiet, very safe, this is a big shock for me. I’ve been living here 25 years; nothing like this has ever happened,” said another neighbor.

Officials have not shared further information and said that the case has been taken over by the Broward Counry State Attorney’s Office.

Water surrounded a block of homes and apartments in the area of A1A and Oklahoma Street, prompting crews to shut down two southbound lanes, Friday morning.

Drivers were forced to maneuver around the street closures as officials investigated the situation.

Officials say the break impacted nine homes.

Cell phone video from Thursday night captured water gushing out like a geyser.

A man who lives nearby told 7News he stepped outside to see the water spraying out.

“I came outside, I don’t remember what time but there was, like, a geyser in the middle of the road and shortly after that, we lost the water and it’s been off ever since,” he said.

Beyond just the impacted homes, some tourists are now unable to reach their hotel nearby with their cars, forcing them to pay to park elsewhere as crews continued to work on repairs, Friday afternoon.

“It is a very big inconvenience, yes. We can’t have access to the parking lot so I don’t know what’s gonna happen tonight,” said Patricia. “We’re leaving tomorrow morning anyways.”

Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy said there was no construction going on in the area at the time and that a broken valve triggered the break. He said the valve was previously installed decades ago with non-stainless steel bolts that corroded over time leading up to the burst.

While those repairs were made, the surrounding residents faced a major inconvenience with no water for hours.

“Huge, ’cause we’re renting so we don’t even, I mean, we can’t even get ahold of the landlord and we’re just trying to figure out when it’s gonna come back on,” a local area resident said.

City officials say that while the valve issue is fixed for now, there was also damage to other parts of the water system, which will require more repair work.

A Precautionary Boil Water Advisory has been issued directly to the nine impacted residential properties on A1A, meaning those customers should not consume water without boiling it first until further notice.

Officials advise that all water for consumption be brought to a boil and then left to continue boiling for one minute, and only boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, making coffee and for food preparation.

As of Friday night, water has begun flowing again but crews still have the area blocked off to traffic. City leaders say the damage to other parts of the water system will require more expansive repair work that is set to begin on Monday.

Margate Fire Rescue units responded to reports of a traffic crash along the 800 block of Northwest 66th Avenue, at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Thursday.

Upon arrival, crews found a vehicle that had barreled through a fence before crashing through the concrete wall and coming to a stop inside the kitchen.

One of the homeowners told 7News she was in the living room with her wife and children when it happened.

“The house just shook, and the kids were screaming, and there was a blaring horn,” she said. “We didn’t know what happened, maybe something fell, and I ran, and I looked into the kitchen, and there was a car there.”

Officials said nobody was hurt, but the damage to the home caused a gas leak, and hazmat teams were called in to make repairs.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a shooting outside of a home along the 7900 block of Northwesr 71st Avenue, at approximately 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

Upon arrival, deputies found the 16-year-old victim, later identified as Orlando Wedderburn, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Surveillance footage from a nearby home captured paramedics preparing Wedderburn to be transported to the hospital.

He was airlifted to Broward Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Residents in the area told 7News the neighborhood is normally quiet.

“Very quiet, very safe. This is a big shock for me,” said an area resident. “I’ve been living here for 25 years; nothing like this has ever happened.”

A woman was also grazed by a bullet. She was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Authorities detained a man for questioning, who told investigators he was just defending himself.

After answering questions, the man was released by deputies.

The shooting remains under investigation and is expected to reach the Broward County State Attorney’s Office.

Fort Lauderdale Police units responded to a call of a possible shooting late Wednesday night at 17 South Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, at around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Upon their arrival, officers located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

Officers secured the scene, and tactical medical aid was immediately given to the teen, who was later identified as Joshua Gipson Jr.

Cellphone video captured the moment panic spread, as witnesses ran for cover.

“That’s real deal, better get down,” a man is heard saying in the video.

Jeff Saylor told 7News he heard gunshots ring out.

“I heard another shot, a couple of shots, I believe about five total,” said Saylor.

Investigators said someone began shooting outside the CVS pharmacy in the Beach Place complex.

Some witnesses recognized that the popping sounds weren’t fireworks going off in the sky.

“And I said, ‘That’s not fireworks,'” said Bob McDonald, another witness. “It scared the heck out of me.”

Guests at a nearby hotel even received a text message from the building’s management warning them to stay indoors.

“It was alarming, right, because you don’t know what’s going on, you know. In this day and age, you don’t know what it is or what it could be,” said Chris Pate.

Paramedics with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue promptly transported Gipson, who had just turned 17, as a trauma alert to Broward Health Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The teen’s grieving father, Joshua Gipson Sr., said his son was out with friends when he believes the teen was caught in the crossfire.

“He was doing the right thing, he didn’t have no problems,” he said. “An innocent bystander. Some people were arguing when the shooting started and he got shot.”

One witness who did not wish to be identified told 7News the shooting appeared to happen after two people got into an argument, but authorities have not made any conclusions.

“A guy, he just passed away right there, he just got shot,” said the witness. “I’m 18 years old, and I saw him, he was 17 years old, and it just broke my heart seeing that.”

“I just hate it happened,” said a longtime friend of the teen who did not wish to be identified.

The elder Gipson said his son was a football player for several South Florida high school teams and planned to attend Virginia Tech.

“He made good choices in life, you know what I’m saying? He wasn’t making anything bad,” he said.

A lifelong friend of Gipson, who asked not to be identified or show his face on camera, said the two had known each other since they were kids who played football together.

“He was funny, he was fun to be around, he was always a happy soul. He was a good person,” he said.

Detectives have not shared many details but said they believe this to be an isolated incident.

Gipson’s death comes a few days after, police said, five people were hurt in a shooting just a few miles away, in downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Himmarshee Village district.

Detectives said someone started shooting outside Dicey Riley’s Irish Pub on Southwest Second Street, off Third Avenue, at around 2 a.m. on Sunday.

The FBI has since joined forces with local police, as they work to track down who was behind this overnight shooting.

As for Gipson’s loved ones, they are still trying to make sense of it all.

“I went blank. I don’t know how to – it’s just crazy,” said his friend. “I mean, I expected a lot on New Year’s night, but when it’s one of your peoples, or one of your old friends or somebody you grew up with, you don’t know what to think.”

The victim’s mother described him as the kind of kid that younger children looked up to and that he was fearless.

The incident remains under investigation.

A GoFundMe has been created to assist the family with funeral expenses. If you would like to donate, click here.

If you have additional information regarding this shooting or the gunman’s whereabouts, please contact Detective J. Sanchez of the homicide unit at 954-828-4900 or call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Before his visit to Trump International Golf Club, the president made a detour to Arc Stone & Tile, a stone importer near Mar-a-Lago that bills itself as an Italian marble specialist, where he planned to buy marble and onyx, according to a White House official.

The purchase, which the official said would be made at Trump’s personal expense, represents the latest sign of the president’s close involvement in a project that would dramatically alter the White House’s footprint — and put Trump’s permanent stamp on the nation’s most famous address.

The planned 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which has ballooned in size and cost since Trump first announced it last summer, has also embroiled the administration in a running court battle.

Trump initially estimated that the construction would cost $200 million and promised that it wouldn’t affect the existing White House structure. Yet a few months later, he opted to bulldoze the entire East Wing with little advance notice, making way for an expanded ballroom that he now estimates will cost up to $400 million in personal expenses and private donations.

“We’re donating a $400 million ballroom,” Trump said in December. “I think I’ll do it for less, but it’s 400. I should do it for less, I will do it for less. But just in case, I say 400.”

Since returning to office, Trump has overseen a range of major changes to the White House, including paving over the Rose Garden, redoing the Palm Room and redecorating the Oval Office. He’s often favored pricey white marble and gold accents, imitating the style found throughout his Mar-a-Lago club, where he’s been spending the past two weeks for the holidays.

But the ballroom is, by far, Trump’s biggest and most disruptive project to date.

The sudden demolition of the iconic East Wing in October prompted public outcry and immediate legal challenges over the administration’s effort to bypass planning commissions that have traditionally reviewed proposed additions to the White House and other government buildings. A judge has since ruled that Trump officials must begin “consultation processes” with the two planning commissions.

Yet Trump has brushed off criticism of his unilateral reshaping of the White House, as well as the extensive time and energy he’s personally devoted to it. The administration is now seeking to rapidly win those official approvals, laying out a timeline that could allow for ballroom construction to begin as early as this spring and finish by mid-2028, prior to the end of Trump’s term.

Trump officials are expected to hold a public information meeting in front of the National Capital Planning Commission on January 8, and then meet with the Commission of Fine Arts the week after that. Those sessions could then clear the way for final presentations to the two boards within the next couple of months.

That’s a far more aggressive timeline compared with past White House projects, which have taken several years to break ground. Planning for a new perimeter fence on the White House grounds that began in 2014, for example, was not formally approved until three years later. It then took until 2019 for construction on it to begin.

But Trump, who has held regular White House meetings to discuss minute details of the project and insisted on personally selecting materials, has sought to clear away procedural obstacles. He appointed Will Scharf, the White House staff secretary, to run the National Capital Planning Commission, and bypassed initial reviews that typically take place prior to breaking any ground.

The president in the meantime has excitedly shared progress updates and queried allies and foreign leaders about the designs, showing off renderings that envision a massive gold-and-white ballroom that may ultimately dwarf the rest of the White House.

“I’m doing a magnificent, big, beautiful ballroom that the country’s wanted, the White House has wanted for 150 years,” Trump said last month alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had traveled to Mar-a-Lago for a meeting on Middle East issues. “It’s a massive job.”

Some animal advocates said that the sparsely filled out database leaves out some much-needed information.

Heidi Hardman, the president of Polka Dogz Pet Rescue, is working to find a perfect home for Coyote, the latest of 2,000 dogs her Polka Dogz team has rescued and rehomed since 2015.

The new law, Dexter’s Law, promised her a searchable statewide database of convicted animal abusers that she could use to check applications.

“We have no idea where they live in the state, nothing,” Hardman said.

The database that launched Wednesday is a list of 1,700 names, from John Smith to Timothy Brown, but it doesn’t include birthdays, photos or counties. So, in cases of people with the same name, like John Smith, there is no way to tell who is who.

Hardman and other rescue group leaders said it’s going to create a headache for the thousands of other John Smiths and commonly named people in Florida.

“And that’s going to make people more suspicious and make it harder,” Hardman said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, however, appeared to publish exactly what the law demanded: a list of names.

“Is this just too loosely written?” Nick Papantonis, an Orlando-based reporter, asked animal rights activist Debbie Darino.

“They did a list. I’m not sure what they were thinking, but that’s not what it was supposed to be,” Darino said.

Darino pushed for the new state law to be modeled after the one she helped pass in Volusia County, which includes photos and dates of birth.

Darino said she’s already spoken to the law’s legislative sponsor who plans to reach out to FDLE and urge them to add more identifying details.

“I’m all over it, just like, if I was you, and my name was in there, that just can’t happen,” she said.

Only convictions that are made when the law went into effect will be listed in the database. Older animal abuse convictions will remain unpublished.

Hundreds of sea cows were spotted keeping close at Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River on New Year’s Eve.

Temperatures there dipped down into the 30s as visitors snapped photos of the manatees huddled together in the water.

Southwest Florida Water Management officials say a project that improved water quality in the area has made it a good spot for manatees to stay warm during the winter.

Photos provided by the Coast Guard show crews rescuing four boaters after their 28-foot vessel started sinking.

All four boaters are expected to be OK.

Michael Dority Gee is facing multiple charges, including a felony charge for leaving the scene of a crime that had caused injury.

“Yo, yo, yo, are you okay? Are you okay?” a man can be heard yelling to the boat as it spun out of control, as seen in Ring camera footage.

People eating at a restaurant by the Boynton Beach Inlet on Sunday evening were shocked as they saw the boat spin by, some taking video of the scene. One person can be heard saying that they believed the driver was unconscious.

Moments later, according to officials, the customers watched it slam right into Woolbright Bridge, then into a private dock.

Investigators with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission said two people on board the boat were thrown into the water. Crews airlifted the driver and passenger to Delray Medical Center. The female passenger sustained head and back injuries.

The crash was so loud it set off someone’s doorbell camera. A neighbor shared what she knows about that night.

“My parents said that they had just heard something like an explosion. It was very loud. It was alarming,” the woman said.

Boynton Beach Fire Rescue said Gee somehow managed to climb back onto the moving boat and drive away.

According to the FWC, two other boaters tried to catch him and eventually did when his boat started to sink near the George Bush Boulevard Bridge.

As investigators took him into custody, a dive team pulled the woman and dog from the water.

Gee remains in a West Palm Beach jail as of Thursday afternoon on the charges of leaving the scene of a crash that caused injury and property damage.

Partying hard into 2026 could be too much for the body and could turn you into a zombie.

At the Biohack Lab, their purpose is to make you feel alive again, down to the cellular level. Oh, that sounds pretty smart.

Raina Cassis: “We’re a wellness center. We focus on the mind, body and spirit. We have over 25 different modalities that cater to making you the best version of yourself. You have zombie cells in your body. In science, they’re known as senescent cells, these are cells that are not working and functioning at their best levels.”

And going through their “Post New Year’s Eve: Revive and Reset’ gets rid of these lazy little guys.

Raina Cassis: “The first thing that’s done is definitely a cryo to help boost your body and your cells and wake you up. Think of your cells as little battery packs and we’re recharging them, and when your cells have more energy, that’s good for blood flow, circulation and inflammation, which we see a lot after drinking.”

Spencer O’Neal: “I like the cryo chamber, there’s just kind of an immediate endorphin pump after that and you just have so much energy, like, I leave that and I wanna go back and party again but maybe I’ll take it easy for a couple of days.”

Then, it’s off for some heat.

Raina Cassis: “Definitely an infrared sauna session to sweat out whatever toxins you ingested during that time.”

After, go inside this white ball.

Raina Cassis: “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy here, is that you go into a chamber, we put your body in a pressurized state, almost as if you’re in a submarine diving down under water. When your body is in that pressurized state, the molecule of oxygen becomes small enough to travel wherever it needs to go to.”

And some much needed drip tops the holistic experience.

Raina Cassis: “Ending off with an IV of your choice. And you also have molecular hydrogen, which is an incredible tool. It gives you more clarity and more energy to be able to take on the rest of the weekend if you have to.”

Nicholas Wingord: “I partied pretty hard with my best friend and that added to feeling even more tired and I feel like being here has been great. I already feel rejuvenated.”

The Biohack Lab has locations in Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines and Coral Gables, with more coming soon.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Biohack Lab
Website

Major victory and major controversy: 2025 began with Demi Moore winning her first ever major acting award at The Golden Globes for “The Substance,” while “Emilia Perez” star Karla Sofía Gascón found herself in hot water over her posts on social media.

Indie film “Anora” dominated at the Academy Awards.

That film took home five trophies, including best picture and best actress for Mikey Madison.

Jonathan Bailey had a wickedly good 2025, onscreen and in real life.

The actor was named People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive.”

Taylor Swift wrapped up “The Eras Tour” in 2024. But she had plenty more up her sleeve this year.

The singer dropped her record-breaking album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” And her man, Travis Kelce, finally popped the question, kicking off her engagement era.

She also released a concert film and docuseries about “The Eras Tour” on Disney+.

Taylor’s BFF Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco tied the knot after dropping their collab album, “I Said I Love You First.”

And in celeb splits, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban called it quits after 19 years of marriage.

Beyonce also had a billion dollar year.

The singer’s “Cowboy Carter” tour became the highest grossing country music concert tour ever. She also became the first Black woman to win the Grammy for best country album and finally won the coveted album of the year trophy.

The Weeknd’s “After Hours Til Dawn Tour” became the highest grossing tour by a solo male artist ever.

Spotify Wrapped crowned Bad Bunny as the year’s most streamed global artist, with almost 20 billion listens around the world. The Latin superstar was also named next year’s Super Bowl halftime show headliner.

Adele announced her first acting role. She’ll be part of Tom Ford’s upcoming Anne Rice adaptation, “Cry to Heaven.”

The courts also saw a lot of Hollywood action this year.

“It Ends With Us” ended with dueling lawsuits between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. She’s accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliating against her. But he claims she took over his movie, extorted him and tried to destroy his career. The trial is set for May.

Also making headlines: Sean P-Puff-Diddy-Daddy Combs was found guilty after an eight week trial in New York City.

The disgraced rap mogul was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Diddy was sentenced to 50 months in prison.

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was temporarily suspended in September over the host’s political commentary.

That decision led to debates about free speech, with many celebs coming to his defense. That lasted six days.

The biggest movie of the year didn’t come from Hollywood.

China’s animated flick “Ne Zha Two” raked in almost $2 billion.

When it comes to domestic blockbusters, “A Minecraft Movie” starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa made over $423 million.

Marvel suited up for action with “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts*” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”

And the year comes to a close with some highly anticipated sequels.

“Wicked: For Good” marked a return to the Emerald City and all things green and pink, while James Cameron took audiences back to Pandora in “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”

The benefit concert, “Stay Strong Jamaica,” is proving to be the best way to start 2026.

With feel-good vibes from reggae icons like Shaggy, Inner Circle, Julian Marley and many more, the event is about bringing hope and support for the island through dancehall.

The musical artists are joining together to send a message for those still thinking about buying a ticket.

Rohan Marley: “Hesitant to help people?”

Julian Marley: “Yeah, you can’t be hesitant to help people.”

Rohan Marley: “If someone comes knocking and you can help, whether it’s through buying a ticket or making a phone call to your friend to buy a ticket.”

Roger Lewis: “It’s gonna take at least minimum a year-and-a-half, maybe two years for those 50,000 to 60,000 impacted people.”

Ian Lewis: “Just to be stabilized, not to recover fully.”

Shaggy: “Make sure you guys are there. I will be there, we’re gonna turn up. You dig? Biggup. For a good cause.”

100% of the proceeds from the concert go to rebuilding Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa devastated the area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
1 Seminole Way
Hollywood, FL 33314
Friday, January 2, 2026
To buy tickets, click here

If you’re looking to start 2026 with a bang, then Ocean Drive is calling.

When the clock strikes 12 this New Year’s Eve, Lummus Park will be your front-row seat to one of Miami’s biggest firework shows.

Jonathan Plutzik: “The great thing about the firework celebration on New Year’s Eve is, it’s so significant. You can almost stand anywhere here on Ocean Drive and take it in.”

Take in the amazing views while sitting on the beach or dine at one of the open-air restaurants.

Jonathan Plutzik: “All of the restaurants have extended into the street, serving not only there normal menus, but actually a special taste of Ocean Drive menu, it’s really a wonderful way to take in the new year.”

But that’s not all. The fun continues on New Year’s Day.

Jonathan Plutzik: “And every year on New Year’s Day, we celebrate the new year with a full orchestra concert by the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival.”

For families who don’t want to wait until midnight, Christmas Wonderland in Tropical Park will be ringing in the new year a bit earlier.

Tony Albelo: “We call it ‘New Year’s at Nine,’ where we are going to have a full-blown New Year’s Eve experience, but instead of the countdown happening at midnight, it’s going to happen at 9.”

Fireworks will light up the night sky at 9 p.m., just as it would for any New Year’s Eve party.

Tony Albelo: “In addition to that, we have a big confetti storm that’s going to happen by the main stage, we have a dance party. We’re having a DJ on the stage, and the DJ is going to be playing top hits.”

This family fun won’t break the bank, either.

Tony Albelo: “‘New Year’s at Nine’ costs nothing extra. You come to Christmas Wonderland with your regular ticket, you’re going to get the party favors, you are going to get the dance party, firework show is going to happen, confetti is going to happen. Everything that’s going to happen is all included in your ticket.”

“Lit” would be the best word to describe New Year’s Eve at Fairchild Botanical’s NightGarden.

Daniel Wu: “If you never been here before on New Year’s Eve, you’re in for a treat.”

The twinkling forest will also be bursting with fireworks at 9 p.m.

Daniel Wu: “We are a family-friendly event — great for all ages, everything for family to date nights. And we chose 9 o’clock so that everyone can attend and you have a chance to go for after parties. We have food, we have drinks, we have music and all of the lights and the fireworks you have come to expect from us.”

Tickets for Ocean Drive New Year’s events are free of charge.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Rd.
Miami, FL 33156
For tickets, click here

Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park
7900 SW 40th Street
Miami, FL 33155
For tickets, click here

Just before Ryan Seacrest helps us ring in 2026, the music will already be in full swing, thanks to Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Post Malone, Chappell Roan, Pitbull — and many more.

Busta Rhymes: “‘This kind of energy right here, with just us coming together, if we keep this going and keep this growing, we’re going to have an unparalleled 2026.”

Jordan Davis: “This is the thing that you grow up, you know, everybody in the country is watching this tonight.”

It’s also special for first-time performer BigXthaPlug.

BigXthaPlug: “I’m excited. I’m blessed. It’s an honor.”

K-pop fans are also in for a treat. Huntr/x, from “KPop Demon Hunters,” plan to bring an electrifying performance.

Rei Ami: “We’re bringing the energy. We’re lit!”

EJAE: “The 2026 energy.”

Audrey Nuna: “Dick Clark energy. Let’s go.”

Charlie Puth will hit the stage too – ten years after his first Rockin’ Eve performance in Times Square.

Charlie Puth: “I’m happy to be inside this time now, I was outside in Times Square and it was a particularly chilly 2015.”

Good music, good fun, looks like we’re ready for 2026.