Latest news with #Matos
Time Out
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This Miami restaurant just ranked among the best pizza in the world
Miami's pizza scene has officially hit the world stage. La Natural, the beloved Little River pizzeria known for its funky vibes and sourdough pies, just landed at No. 35 on The Best Pizza Awards 2025 —the only Florida spot to crack the global top 50. The honor caps a remarkable journey for Venezuelan-born Javier Ramirez, a former corporate-finance exec who traded spreadsheets for sourdough. After launching Miami favorites like Alter and Palmar, Ramirez returned to a more personal passion: backyard pizza nights with his wife and creative partner, Andreina Matos. 'I started in my backyard. Every week I'd try a different flour ratio, a different method, until I came up with what we have today,' he told Resy earlier this year. That process evolved into La Natural, where each pie begins with a 48-hour naturally fermented dough that strikes the perfect balance between chew and char. Toppings skew both classic and playful—think basil-tomato, wild mushroom with parsley or burrata with chili oil—and pair perfectly with Matos's curated lineup of natural wines. '[Sourdough is] equal parts art, science and animal husbandry,' Ramirez said. 'You gotta pet it, feed it at the right time… it's like a science fair project.' But La Natural is more than just dough. Designed by Matos to evoke a breezy Mediterranean home, the space features a roll-up façade, ceiling fans and vinyl spinning Afrobeat and reggae. It's casual, convivial and always packed. Add in seasonal small plates from chef Diego Moya (of New York's Racines and Margot) and it's no wonder the restaurant also earned a spot in the Michelin Guide. This year's Best Pizza Awards ceremony—held in Milan, Italy on Wednesday, June 25—honored pizzaiolos from more than 30 countries. While Italian greats like Francesco Martucci and Franco Pepe topped the list, La Natural's inclusion underscores something bigger: World-class pizza doesn't have to come from Naples. Sometimes, it starts in a backyard in Miami.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What the Heck Is a Labubu and Why Are Kids Obsessed?
Fact checked by Sarah Scott You've probably seen them by now: fuzzy creatures a few inches tall, smiling mischievously—and perhaps a little forebodingly—while dangling from backpacks and handbags. They're Labubus, and kids, teens, and adults are obsessed with them. But what are these trendy creatures and why does your child love them so much? Labubus are the latest must-have-it fad sweeping the nation, and we're currently at Peak Labubu; if it feels like they exploded overnight and are suddenly everywhere, it's because they are. The plush creatures sell out in seconds and are worn by kids and celebs alike, even decorating ultra-expensive Hèrmes Birkin bags. Though this trend transcends age, younger people in particular are all about the Labubu life. 'It's a fascinating moment that says a lot about how Gen Z [and Gen Alpha] engages with style, identity, and online culture,' says fashion stylist Julie Matos. Labubus are collectible plush monster toys that frequently come in unmarked boxes, which means you don't know which character you're going to get—and that mystery only adds to that 'must buy them all' factor. The characters were created by artist Kasing Lung and have been around since the mid-2010s, but the trend really began when Blackpink band member Lisa decorated her bag with a Labubu toy. Matos cites massive trends like Beanie Babies, Tamagotchis, and early Supreme as similar ultra-fads, where people were lining up in droves to get their hands on a collectible item. But unlike Beanies, Tamagotchis, and Furbys, which happened in a pre-social media world, Labubus have TikTok on their side. 'Now it's layered with TikTok virality, niche fandoms, and resale culture,' she says. 'It's a collectible, a flex, and a conversation starter all in one.' The best place to get a Labubu is via Pop Mart, the official retailer; Labubus are available online and in a physical retail store, though they tend to sell out in seconds. You can also shop on their official Amazon store or buy resale via outlets like eBay and StockX. But watch out for fakes, or 'Lafufus'; as with any ultra-trendy accessory, counterfeit Labubus popped up overnight. Unlike Beanie Babies, which were undeniably adorable, Labubus are cute but also a bit sinister—and that's part of the appeal. 'Labubus are weird, cute, and collectible, which is exactly why teens are hooked,' says Matos. 'They hit that niche sweet spot of being just offbeat enough to stand out, while still being incredibly shareable on social.' Kids, teens, and style-minded adults have been decorating their bag with charms and small stuffed animals as a way to add extra personality for the last few years, and Labubus fit right into that trend. They also align with the '-core' aesthetics popularized on TikTok. 'In a time where personal style isn't just about what you wear, but what you collect, decorate with, and post about, Labubus has become part of the larger 'aesthetic identity' teens are curating,' Matos shares. Hanging a Labubu on your bag or collecting specific styles is one way to show off your personal style or put your own twist on a trend. Labubus cost about $25-30 for a typical box, but if you can't snag one on drop day, expect to pay a lot more. Are they worth snagging yourself, or worth your child's hard-earned allowance or weekend job money? That all depends on your financial situation and your overall feelings about participating in buzzy, often short-lived trends. 'I always say: if it sparks joy, confidence, or creativity, it's worth considering,' says Matos, noting that buzzy trends like Labubus can help teens express themselves or feel like part of a community. But if you don't want to sit at the computer or in line at a store waiting for a new drop or can't afford a sold-out Labubu, feel free to skip it. The same philosophy applies if your child wants a Labubu solely for the FOMO of it all. 'Buy into the meaning, not just the moment,' says Matos.'At the end of the day, you should wear the trend, not let the trend wear you.' Read the original article on Parents
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former State Sen. Cindy Coyne will run for RI lieutenant governor in 2026
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Former State Sen. Cindy Coyne announced Tuesday she will seek the Democratic nomination for Rhode Island lieutenant governor in 2026. Coyne becomes the first official challenger looking to unseat incumbent Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, a Democrat whose political standing was badly damaged by a scandal over nomination papers that helped torpedo her 2023 run for Congress. Matos was appointed to the job in 2021 and elected to a full term the following year. Coyne, a 63-year-old Pawtucket native, represented Barrington as well as parts of Bristol and East Providence in the R.I. Senate from 2015 to 2022. She flipped a seat that Republicans had held for more than 100 years, and went on to serve as chair of the Judiciary Committee. Prior to her time as a senator, she was on the Barrington Town Council. Coyne filed candidacy paperwork with the R.I. Board of Elections on Tuesday morning, and then released a campaign launch video on YouTube to announce her candidacy. 'I'm running to be your next lieutenant governor — to put my experience to work for you.' Coyne said in a statement. 'My work has been about bringing people together. Listening to people. Seeking the truth and solving problems. That's what government should be about and that's what I'll do as your next lieutenant governor.' Before entering politics, Coyne served on the Rhode Island State Police, where she was one of the first women to join the ranks. She is also the wife of former longtime Deputy Attorney General Jerry Coyne. They have four children. 'As a mother of four, I know that there are great challenges facing our state,' Coyne said. 'We need to tackle the high cost of housing, protect our aging adults, keep our communities safe, and make life more affordable for families.' Democrats have won every election for Rhode Island lieutenant governor since 1968, though Republican Bernard Jackvony held the job for a short time in the 1990s when he was appointed to fill a vacancy. (Jackvony lost his bid for a full term.) Other Democrats are also considering a run for lieutenant governor, including Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera, state Sen. Lou DiPalma and podcast host Bill Bartholomew. Aaron Guckian, who was the Republican nominee against Matos in 2022, could also run again. Rhode Island's statewide primary election is scheduled to take place on Sept. 8, 2026. RELATED: Woman at center of Matos signature scandal avoids prison time Ted Nesi (tnesi@ is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesi's Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
No prison time for campaign worker charged with falsifying nomination papers in R.I. congressional race
In a statement on Monday, Matos said she feels 'pleased to have my name cleared by today's conviction.' Advertisement 'I have supported this investigation at every step in the hopes that the truth would come to light,' Matos said. 'With this case settled, the facts are clear: Holly McClaren committed a serious crime that undermined the sanctity of our state's free and fair elections. I'm grateful to the law enforcement officers who handled this investigation thoroughly and professionally and whose work ultimately led to today's results.' Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up McClaren was McClaren worked as a part-time field volunteer gathering signatures for Matos during the 2023 Democratic primary for the First Congressional District seat. A criminal investigation was launched, however, when officials in Jamestown, Newport, and East Providence reported suspect signatures of dead people and others who claimed to have never signed the forms. Advertisement The scandal rocked Matos' campaign. The lieutenant governor ultimately finished fourth in the 11-candidate primary election won by now-Congressman Gabe Amo. Prosecutors alleged McClaren knowingly falsified and submitted nomination papers to the Jamestown and Newport Boards of Canvassers on behalf of Matos between July 11 and 13, 2023. McClaren has John R. Grasso, an attorney representing McClaren, maintained that position on Monday. 'She has always denied that she secured any fraudulent signatures,' Grasso told the Globe. 'The charge was that she signed the documents, attesting to the fact that she personally authenticated those signatures, when, in fact, they were gathered by someone else and then just handed to her in a pile of papers, and she signed them.' Grasso said McClaren, who now lives in Virginia, brought the papers 'to wherever they needed to go, and whoever checked them said, 'You got to sign these.'' 'So she flipped the page over and signed them,' he said. 'That's a case of don't sign a document that you haven't read.' McClaren was one of two people charged with falsifying nomination papers for Matos' campaign: In April 2024, Christopher M. Cotham, of Massachusetts, Court records show the case against Cotham remains pending. Material from previous Globe stories was used in this report. Christopher Gavin can be reached at
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Woman at center of Matos signature scandal avoids prison time after changing plea
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The woman at the center of the signature scandal that derailed Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos' congressional campaign in 2023 was spared prison time after changing her plea to no contest at Providence Superior Court on Monday. Holly McClaren had initially pleaded not guilty last year to two felony counts of violating nomination papers and two misdemeanor counts of giving false documents to an agent, employee or public official last year after she was indicted by a grand jury. On Monday, McClaren changed her plea to nolo contendere, or no contest, meaning she accepts the conviction as though a guilty plea has been entered but does not admit guilt. She was sentenced to three years unsupervised probation without any prison time, and she's allowed to relocate to Virginia. 'She signed papers or signatures that she didn't actually go out and secure,' McClaren's attorney, John Grasso, told reporters outside court. 'She thought that by signing those papers she was just confirming that somebody else had secured those signatures, not realizing that she was attesting to the authenticity of those signatures.' McClaren declined to comment following the hearing. The Matos campaign hired McClaren and her firm in 2023 to collect signatures on behalf of the campaign to get Matos' name on the ballot. It was then revealed several signatures were flagged as potentially fraudulent. Target 12 tracked down several people in Newport, Barrington, East Providence and Cranston who said their names were forged on the paperwork. The scandal launched a criminal investigation and McClaren was subsequently accused of knowingly falsifying nomination papers and submitting them to local canvassing boards. Target 12: 'That's not my signature': Newport residents dispute more Matos nomination papers The scandal caused political damage to Matos, who was widely considered a frontrunner in the race. She ended up finishing fourth in the Democratic primary election, losing to Gabe Amo, who went on to win the general election and holds the seat today. Matos has never been accused of involvement in the scheme. Last month, Matos told 12 News there were moments during the scandal when she thought she would step down from everything, calling it a 'rough time.' 'This whole process was very traumatic and there were moments in which I thought maybe I was going to quit everything and quit the race for congress then have to quit lieutenant governor.' Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@ is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Eli Sherman (esherman@ is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook. Tim White contributed to this report Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
