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CNWEEKLYNE WS.COM
THURSDAY APRIL 17, 2025
DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT Immigrants in the US now required to carry federal ID at all times The Department of Homeland Security has issued a sweeping directive that will affect nearly every foreign national in the United States, including H-1B visa holders, international students, and even Green Card holders. Under a renewed enforcement of the Alien Registration Act, all noncitizens must now register with the federal government and carry proof of registration at all times—or face legal consequences.
“President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream. The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws—we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
continues on B4 – ID required
Broward Schools face $79 million funding loss, staff cuts loom Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), grappling with a significant decline in student enrollment, is on the verge of a budgetary crisis, with Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn considering staff cuts as a potential solution. Over the past decade, the district has seen a decrease of more than 37,000 students, yet staff numbers have remained disproportionately high—a growing concern for district officials as the school year nears its end, as
reported by WSVN. BCPS is now anticipating a further loss of approximately 8,800 students in the next fiscal year, which will result in a $79 million reduction in state funding. Chief Financial
Officer Romanier Johnson presented a stark depiction of the district’s financial outlook during a recent school board meeting, where a graph clearly illustrated the gravity of the situation, the Miami Herald reported. To address the budget shortfall, the district has imposed a hiring freeze for central office positions and plans to reallocate staff to better align with the reduced student population. Currently, each middle school employs three assistant principals regardless of student enrollment, a staffing structure that Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn suggests will be reevaluated. Board member Allen Zeman called the
situation a “house on fire kind of moment,” stressing the need for dramatic changes in the district’s staffing approach, the Miami Herald reported. However, board member Sarah Leonardi raised concerns about the human impact of potential layoffs. She urged her colleagues to approach cuts with “precision and sensitivity,” emphasizing that the livelihoods of many staff members are at stake. In addition to staff reallocations, Superintendent Hepburn has proposed adjusting administrative workloads as a costsaving measure. Yet, Broward Teachers Union President Anna Fusco countered the idea, continues on B3 – Cuts loom
W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
NEWSMAKER Bahamian-American Aisha Bowe part of Blue Origin’s rst all-female space crew a3
CARIBBEAN Prime Minister Holness says PNP has derailed Jamaica republic transition A4
STRICTLY LEGAL US to screen immigrants’ social media for antisemitism B1
ENTERTAINMENT Vybz Kartel makes history with emotional, sold-out return to New York B5