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THURSDAY JANUARY 22, 2026
The world mourns the loss of Third World co-founder
STEPHEN ‘CAT’ COORE
Legendary Jamaican musician Stephen “Cat” Coore, cofounder and longtime musical director of reggae fusion pioneers Third World, has died suddenly at the age of 69, his family confirmed Monday. The news has sent waves of grief through Jamaica, the global music community, and among fans who have long celebrated his contributions to reggae and Caribbean culture. continues on B5
Seven Broward schools face closure under superintendent’s plan Broward County Schools Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn is expressing confidence that a plan to close seven schools and reassign thousands of students will win approval from the school board. After nearly two years of preparation, Hepburn spoke ahead of Wednesday’s board meeting, where members are expected to decide the fate of the proposal. “Everything is going to be great. We are gonna make sure they have a better opportunity and a better learning environment,”
Hepburn said to 7News. Under the plan, Panther Run Elementary in Pembroke Pines would close, with students reassigned to Chapel Trail Elementary. Blair Middle School in Sunrise would shut down, sending students to Westpine Middle, while Seagull Alternative High School students in Fort Lauderdale would move to the Whiddon Rogers Education Center. Palm Cove Elementary in Pembroke Pines would also close, with students transferring to Pine Lakes Elementary. Plantation Middle School would be shuttered, and its students would move to Plantation High School, which would be reconfigured into a grades 6–12 campus. North Fork Elementary School would also close, with students reassigned to Walker
Elementary or split among four other schools. Hepburn said the proposal is driven by declining enrollment and financial strain across the district. “We have over 50,000 open seats in our schools, so we can’t continue to have small-populated schools in our system anymore. It doesn’t support our bottom line,” he said. The superintendent emphasized that class sizes would not increase and argued that consolidating schools would allow the district to invest more in instruction rather than operational costs.
“We’re spending more money on operating the schools — keeping the lights on, the A/C going, keeping the water flowing — than we are on instruction,” he said. The plan was shaped through years of town halls and community input, though Hepburn acknowledged not all parents and stakeholders are satisfied with the final version. He said continued outreach would be key if the board gives its approval. If approved, the changes would take effect in the fall and include new school boundaries and adjusted bus routes. Hepburn said he plans to meet with affected families following the board’s decision to help ensure a smooth transition.
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