Ballroom dancing offers benefits to baby boomers

Local ballroom teacher encourages baby boomers to swing and sway for a better physical and mental outlook.

MIAMI

Miami’s so vain, we probably think this story is about us

Miami recently ranked as the most vain city in America, according to one poll. But don’t despair, there’s an attractive side: Vanity keeps some businesses — and plastic surgeons — booming.

ECONOMY

Brain drain? Many young South Floridians seek brighter economic prospects elsewhere

Three recent studies reveal that South Florida suffers from an unhappy confluence of economic and demographic factors that prompt younger residents to seek a brighter future elsewhere.

Healthcare

Short ER wait times? Billboards tout hospitals’ claims

Hospital billboards are claiming short wait times in emergency rooms — although there are no studies to back their claims.

Ending the lockout

At the buzzer: an NBA settlement

“Hey, got a second to chat?”

Some drivers get dinged by open-road tolling

Cashless tolling works pretty well, saving the state money and cutting down on wrecks — unless the state doesn’t know your address or the camera misreads your license plate.

Trooper vs. cop

Trooper vs. Miami cop: police, public see clash differently

A traffic clash between two law officers has infuriated cops and civilians — but for starkly different reasons.

City of Miami

Drive-by shootings in Miami since 2010

REAL ESTATE

‘Shadow inventory’ of homes could topple real-estate recovery

A ‘shadow inventory’ of homes in foreclosure or held by banks could hobble recovery from the real estate meltdown.

MEDICARE

Medicare open enrollment: Navigating plans

With open enrollment just around the corner, now is the ideal time for seniors to review their plans — and make changes if necessary.

RELIGION

Pat Robertson causes stir by statement that Alzheimer’s justifies divorce

Pat Robertson’s nationally televised statement that it’s OK to divorce because of Alzheimer’s is met with mixed reaction.

South Florida readers react to bin Laden’s death

Some heard the news late Sunday while watching television, while others found out as they picked up Monday’s newspaper or turned on the radio. Reaction toward the death of Osama bin Laden, who was killed by U.S. forces in a covert operation, was quite similar among a wide range of South Florida residents. No matter their age or background, the majority of respondents to a Miami Herald/WLRN query were relieved to hear the news, but even more of them also expressed concern over a possible retaliation by al Qaeda.

To Our Readers

Now for something completely different: poetry in the paper

During my years at The Miami Herald, I have often had to politely reject a reader submission for one simple reason: We just don’t publish poetry in the newspaper.

PUBLIC INSIGHT NETWORK

Miami Herald users discuss how Haiti is doing one year later

G. Douglas, Davie FL Amazingly, the private sector is trying to dig itself out sans support by the State. Haitians are suffering enormously but are proving to be extraordinarily resilient. Mentally, those of the population that have been directly influenced by the quake are all showing signs of PTSS and also migraines, vision problems, fatigue and dysentery due to infections and stress. Most of the "Tent People" appear to have developed some real psychosomatic and physical malaises. The long range damage is found in the minds of the victims - horror lives on.

WLRN | Heat fans discuss how to get people to show up on time to games

Check out the link to hear a radio interview with some Public Insight Network participants who responded to the Fan Up query.

PUBLIC INSIGHT NETWORK

Report voting irregularities

Use your cellphone to help us cover the election.

The art of the "elevator pitch"

Later this month, the University of Miami is going to hold is LaunchPad Elevator Pitch contest. Local entrepreneurs have 90 seconds to give their best pitch for their business idea. One of judges of the competition is Melissa Krinzman. She spoke to Miami Herald reporter Karen Burkett.

Public Insight Network participants speak out on gay adoption

Below are excerpts from our Public Insight Network participants reactions to a ruling in Florida overturning a ban on gay men and lesbians becoming adoptive parents.

Privacy Policy for Public Insight Network Participants

Public Insight Journalism (PIJ) is a way for people to provide journalists with insights — knowledge and experience — into timely issues. The heart of PIJ is the Public Insight Network, a group of people who have agreed to help us cover the news. The Miami Herald Media Company contacts Public Insight Network participants via survey forms, email and other digital media to ask editorially relevant questions about topics related to our reporting.

Frequently asked questions about the Public Insight Network

Q. What is the Public Insight Network?