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Today in History: February 10, Chess champ loses against a computer

South Florida Local News - 15 hours 9 min ago

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 10, the 41st day of 2026. There are 324 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Feb. 10, 1996, world chess champion Garry Kasparov lost the first game of a match in Philadelphia against an IBM computer dubbed “Deep Blue.” (Kasparov ended up winning the match, 4 games to 2; however, he was defeated by Deep Blue in a rematch the following year.)

Also on this date:

In 1763, the treaty ending the Seven Years’ War was signed in Paris, with France ceding its territory in Canada to Great Britain.

In 1936, Nazi Germany’s Reichstag passed a law investing the Gestapo secret police with absolute authority, exempt from any legal review.

In 1959, an F4-intensity tornado tore through the St. Louis area, killing 21 people and injuring 345.

In 1962, on the Glienicke Bridge connecting West Berlin and East Germany, the Soviet Union exchanged captured American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers for Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy held by the United States.

In 1967, the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, dealing with presidential disability and succession, was adopted as Minnesota and Nevada ratified it.

In 1973, at least 40 workers were killed in an explosion and collapse of a large liquefied natural gas tank that was undergoing routine maintenance in the New York City borough of Staten Island.

In 1981, eight people were killed when a fire set by a busboy broke out at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel.

In 2009, a U.S. commercial satellite and a defunct Russian satellite accidentally collided in orbit over Siberia, destroying both and creating a large debris field in space.

In 2018, a double-decker bus lost control and crashed in a Hong Kong suburb, killing 19 people and injuring dozens more in the southern Chinese city.

In 2021, severe winter storms caused catastrophic wide-scale power outages in Texas that left millions in the dark and lasted several days. At least 40 people died in Texas in the storm and its aftermath.

Today’s birthdays:

Opera singer Leontyne Price is 99.
Actor Robert Wagner is 96.
Olympic swimming gold medalist Mark Spitz is 76.
Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman is 71.
Basketball Hall of Fame coach John Calipari is 67.
Filmmaker Alexander Payne is 65.
TV host-political commentator George Stephanopoulos is 65.
Actor Laura Dern is 59.
Writer-producer-director Vince Gilligan (TV: “Breaking Bad”) is 59.
Football Hall of Famer Ty Law is 52.
Actor-filmmaker Elizabeth Banks is 52.
Basketball Hall of Famer Tina Thompson is 51.
Reggaeton singer Don Omar is 48.
Actor Uzo Aduba is 45.
Actor Stephanie Beatriz is 45.
Actor Emma Roberts is 35.
Olympic swimming gold medalist Lilly King is 29.
Actor Chloe Grace Moretz is 29.
Actor Yara Shahidi is 26.

Winderman’s view: Heat could have more, but lost while settling for less

South Florida Local News - Mon, 02/09/2026 - 20:19

MIAMI — Observations and other notes of interest from Monday night’s 115-111 loss to the Utah Jazz:

– The upshot of the past week, be it the lack of selling off contacts at Thursday’s NBA trade deadline or Erik Spoelstra’s daily pregame words of hope, has been about living in the moment.

– Playing for the moment.

– The focus on the W.

– Doesn’t matter if you disagree, because that is who they are.

– But if they are that, then why not a commensurate personnel approach?

– Namely a personnel approach that maximizes those chances of victory?

– With this one a fitting example of that argument.

– Just 1:35 into the second half, Kel’e Ware was on the bench with his fourth foul.

– So Nikola Jovic entered in his place, in the midst of another miserable outing.

– There basically wasn’t another option in the power rotation to enter alongside Bam Adebayo.

– Even though there has been an open roster spot the entire season.

– Even though there has been space below the luxury tax to make such a move since last month.

– Even though the Heat are days away from having enough space under the tax to add two players.

– Yes, the focus was books in order for the trading deadline.

– Now, a pathway to depth in cases such as Monday night.

– When one power player is on the bench and another likely should be.

– From there, Ware’s fifth foul just 17 seconds into the fourth quarter.

– And then done for the night with his sixth foul with 10:55 to play.

– In the big picture, no real difference in the race to another play-in.

– But if you are going to say that every game matters.

– If you are going to commit to living in each game moment.

– If the W trumps all.

– Then why not maximize those opportunities?

– So Ware sat with foul trouble.

– Jovic struggled.

– And no Plan D for Erik Spoelstra.

– What a strange night, indeed.

– The Heat doesn’t have much left in the way of room for error.

– But they did have room at the inn.

– And instead choose a vacancy.

– All adding up to a loss.

– With Norman Powell, Pelle Larsson and still Tyler Herro out, the Heat opened with a lineup of Adebayo, Ware, Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell and Simone Fontecchio.

– It was Ware’s first start since Jan. 6

– And the Heat’s 19th starting lineup of the season.

– The Jazz opened with a lineup of Jusuf Nurkić, Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Isaiah Collier and Ace Bailey.

– With their big lineup, the Heat moved to zone even before the first timeout.

– And played plenty throughout.

– Kasparas Jakucionis and Jaime Jaquez Jr. entered together off the Heat bench.

– Nikola Jovic and Dru Smith then followed together.

– With Myron Gardner making it 10 deep, with the rare full five-man reserve unit.

– The game completed the 13th of the Heat’s league-high 17 back-to-back sets this season.

– Spoelstra offered little clarity pregame when it came to Herro’s ongoing absence with his rib issue.

– “I don’t have a timeline,” Spoelstra said, “but I can tell you he is making progress and he’s doing what he needs to do behind the scenes. And we’ll just continue to treat him.”

– Of the dual-big lineups with Adebayo and Ware, Spoelstra said it is an ongoing process to find something with stability.

– “Just something that we have to continue to work on,” he said. “It wasn’t productive for us, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t get to it. And I think they’re both in a different place right now for different reasons.”

– He added, “And then moving forward, we’ll just have to see. We’re trying to develop some lineups that work. We want some consistency there. And we want to maximize the rotation as much as possible.”

– Asked pregame of the Jazz’s acquisition last week of Jackson from the Grizzlies, Spoelstra said, “This is what you have to really respect about this league. There’s a bunch of different ways to try to attempt to win. And so they’re going with a massive-sized front line. And, you respect that. He’s a heck of a talent.”

– He added, “I think that’s a rock-solid move.”

Heat find way to lose to a team trying to lose, fall 115-111 to Jazz

South Florida Local News - Mon, 02/09/2026 - 20:16

MIAMI — The low point of this Miami Heat season?

Welcome to it, when Erik Spoelstra’s team on Monday night lost to a team that was trying to lose.

Given every opportunity to string together only their second winning streak since early January, the Heat disastrously declined the gift, falling 115-111 to the Utah Jazz at Kaseya Center.

“It’s a game,” Heat forward Andrew Wiggins said, “we’ve got to win, no matter what.”

Faced with the prospect of losing their first-round pick in June’s draft if it is not among the first eight, the Jazz pulled leading big men Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. for the night midway through the third quarter, with Jackson with 22 points at that stage and Markkanen with 17 points and eight rebounds.

“Look, Spoelstra said, “I mean, I know how it looks.”

Utah then played the entirety of the fourth quarter without four of their five starters.

And, still, the Heat could not take what was being given, albeit while paying in the injury absences of Norman Powell, Pelle Larsson and Tyler Herro.

The difference is those absences weren’t by choice, with Powell out with back pain, Larsson forearm discomfort and Herro a rib issue.

So, instead, empty numbers for the Heat, with Wiggins closing with 26 points, Kasparas Jakucionis with 20 and Bam Adebayo closing with 23 points and 1 rebounds.

“We got to find ways to win even against teams that are trying to lose,” a visibly dejected Adebayo said.

Five Degrees of Heat from Monday night’s game:

1. Game flow: The Heat led 32-26 at the end of the opening period, after taking an early 15-point lead. Utah then moved to a 61-52 halftime lead.

The Heat then tied it late in the third period, before Utah went into the fourth up 85-82.

From there, with the Jazz sitting their best, the Heat moved up five in the fourth quarter.

No matter, not when Utah’s Brice Sensabaugh converted a 3-pointer for a 113-111 Utah lead with 41.1 to play.

Misses on both ends followed, leaving the Heat in possession down two and out of timeouts with 8.6 seconds to play.

A wayward Jakucionis 3-point attempt later and it basically was over.

“It means a lot,” Jakucionis said of being given that shot. “I got a pretty open shot.”

Off the mark, on a night the Heat were off their stride.

“We had our opportunities,” Spoelstra said. “There were some good things that happened down the stretch. We just missed some shots.

“The guys that were playing were laying it out there. We just couldn’t make the plays at the end.”

2. Here’s why: So why did the Jazz sit their best for a second consecutive game when carrying a lead into a fourth quarter?

Because if Utah does not wind up with one of the first eight picks in June’s NBA draft, the pick goes to the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

The protected pick dates to a 2021 Jazz trade that unloaded the contract of Derrick Favors.

This is the third year the debt has rolled over. The pick was Top 10 protected in 2024 and ’25, now down to top-eight protection.

If the pick does not go to the Thunder this season, the transaction instead will be completed solely though a cash transaction.

The Jazz also sat their top players in the fourth quarter on Saturday night in Orlando, in a loss to the Magic.

The Jazz entered Monday with the NBA’s sixth-worst record.

3. More big: With Larsson and Powell out, and with the Jazz opening big, Spoelstra returned to the Adebayo-Kel’el Ware opening pairing, the first time Ware had started since the Jan. 8 loss in Minnesota.

Whether it was matchup based or the reward of a solid pairing Sunday in Washington remains to be seen.

But it certainly seemed to make sense in this one, with the Jazz opening with a front line of 7-foot Jusuf Nurkic, 7-0 Markkanen and 6-11 Jackson.

The pairing then was limited in the second half, with Ware called for his fourth foul 1:35 into the third quarter, with Wared fouling out with 10:55 to play.

Ware closed with eight points and six rebounds in his 14 minutes.

Spoelstra said Ware’s foul trouble never allowed him to fully explore the Adebayo-Ware possibilities in this one.

“I wasn’t able to get to it,” he said. ” And that’s part of the learning, is learning how to do things with technique and not get the hands in there.”

4. Still going: A game after shooting 6 of 6 on 3-pointers, Jakucionis this time made his first three 3-pointers and opened 4 of 5 from beyond the arc.

With Powell out, Spoelstra played all three of his point guards early, including playing Jakucionis and Dru Smith in tandem.

Smith did not play until mop-up duty on Sunday in Washington.

Jakucionis later returned in the second period to play alongside starting point guard Davion Mitchell.

“He’s been amazing,” Wiggins said of Jakucionis’ recent play, “both sides of the floor, picking up full court, hitting big shots.”

In the end, though, only dejection.

“It’s a bad loss,” Jakucionis said. “It’s frustrating a little — not a little, a lot.”

5. Attack mode: After falling to 2 of 10 for the night in the third quarter, Adebayo seemingly said enough was enough, moving on to score 11 points in the period.

That effort was eased with Jackson and then Markkanen off the court for the Jazz during the bulk of that surge.

Ultimately, it still wasn’t enough.

“We got to look in the mirror, that’s the biggest thing,” Adebayo said. “We don’t look in the mirror enough to see what we can do better.”

China critic and former media tycoon Jimmy Lai is sentenced to 20 years in a Hong Kong security case

South Florida Local News - Mon, 02/09/2026 - 17:56

By KANIS LEUNG

HONG KONG (AP) — Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy former Hong Kong media tycoon and a fierce critic of Beijing, was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison in the longest punishment given so far under a China-imposed national security law that has virtually silenced the city’s dissent.

Lai, 78, was convicted in December of conspiring with others to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security, and conspiracy to publish seditious articles. The maximum penalty for his conviction was life imprisonment.

His co-defendants, six former employees of his Apple Daily newspaper and two activists, received prison terms of between 6 years and 3 months, and 10 years on collusion-related charges.

Lai smiled and waved at his supporters when he arrived for the sentence. But before he left the courtroom, he looked serious, as some people in the public gallery cried. When asked about whether they would appeal, his lawyer Robert Pang said no comment.

Lai’s daughter says he will die ‘a martyr’ in prison

The democracy advocate’s arrest and trial have raised concerns about the decline of press freedom in what was once an Asian bastion of media independence. The government insists the case has nothing to do with a free press, saying the defendants used news reporting as a pretext for years to commit acts that harmed China and Hong Kong.

Lai was one of the first prominent figures to be arrested under the security law in 2020. Within a year, some of Apple Daily’s senior journalists also were arrested and the newspaper shut down in June 2021.

Lai’s sentencing could heighten Beijing’s diplomatic tensions with foreign governments, which have criticized Lai’s conviction and sentencing.

FILE – Hong Kong publisher and prominent pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, right, walks through the Stanley prison in Hong Kong, Friday, July 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File)

U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to visit China in April, said he felt “so badly” after the verdict and noted he spoke to Chinese leader Xi Jinping about Lai and asked him “to consider his release.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X that Lai’s sentencing is an unjust and tragic conclusion to the case, urging authorities to grant Lai humanitarian parole.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government also has called for the release of Lai, who is a British citizen. U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the prosecution “politically motivated,” saying the prison term is tantamount to a life sentence.

In a statement, Lai’s son, Sebastien, said the “draconian” prison term was devastating for his family and life-threatening for his father. “It signifies the total destruction of the Hong Kong legal system and the end of justice,” he said.

His sister Claire called the sentence “heartbreakingly cruel” in the same statement. “If this sentence is carried out, he will die a martyr behind bars,” she said.

Hong Kong leader John Lee said Lai’s sentence demonstrated the rule of law, citing his serious crimes.

“It’s bringing great satisfaction to the people,” he said in a statement.

In Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Lai is a Chinese citizen and called him a major planner and participant in a series of anti-China destabilizing activities in Hong Kong. He urged “relevant countries” to respect the rule of law in Hong Kong.

Judges ruled Lai was the mastermind

Lai founded Apple Daily, a now-defunct newspaper known for its critical reports against the governments in Hong Kong and Beijing. He was arrested in August 2020 under the security law that was used in a yearslong crackdown on many of Hong Kong’s leading activists.

Police officers stand guard outside the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts ahead of the sentencing of Hong Kong activist publisher Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)
Former Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai’s layers arrive at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts ahead of his sentencing, in Hong Kong, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)
Retired Chinese cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-Kiun, left, and Jimmy Lai’s wife Teresa Lai arrive at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts ahead of the sentencing for former Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai n Hong Kong, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)

Show Caption1 of 3Police officers stand guard outside the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts ahead of the sentencing of Hong Kong activist publisher Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei) Expand

In their ruling, three government-vetted judges wrote that the starting point of Lai’s sentence was increased because they found him to be the mastermind of the conspiracies. But they also reduced his penalty because they accepted that Lai’s age, health condition and solitary confinement would cause his prison life to be more burdensome than that of other inmates.

“Lai was no doubt the mastermind of all three conspiracies charged and therefore he warrants a heavier sentence,” they said “As regards the others, it is difficult to distinguish their relative culpability.”

They took into account that Lai is serving a prison term of five years and nine months in a separate fraud case and ruled that 18 years of Lai’s sentence in the security case should be served consecutively to that prison term.

Urania Chiu, lecturer in law at Oxford Brookes University, said the case is significant for its broad construction of seditious intent and application of the term “collusion with foreign forces” to certain activities by the media. The implication is particularly alarming for journalists and those working in academia, she said.

“Offering and publishing legitimate critiques of the state, which often involves engagement with international platforms and audiences, may now easily be construed as ‘collusion,’” Chiu said.

Lai has been in custody for more than five years. In January, Pang said Lai suffered health issues including heart palpitations, high blood pressure and diabetes. The prosecution said a medical report noted Lai’s general health condition remained stable. The government said his solitary confinement was at Lai’s wish.

Co-defendants get reduced sentences

The former Apple Daily staffers and activists involved in Lai’s case entered guilty pleas, which helped reduce their sentences Monday. They earlier admitted to the prosecution charge that said they conspired with Lai to request foreign forces to impose sanctions or blockades, or engage in other hostile activities against Hong Kong or China.

The convicted journalists are publisher Cheung Kim-hung, associate publisher Chan Pui-man, editor-in-chief Ryan Law, executive editor-in-chief Lam Man-chung, executive editor-in-chief responsible for English news Fung Wai-kong and editorial writer Yeung Ching-kee. They received prison terms ranging between six years and nine months, to 10 years.

The two activists, Andy Li and Chan Tsz-wah, were sentenced to six years and three months, and seven years and three months respectively.

The penalties for Cheung, Chan and Yeung, alongside the two activists, were reduced in part because they served as prosecution witnesses and the judges said their evidence had “significantly” contributed to the conviction of Lai.

Before sunrise, dozens of people stood in line outside the court building to secure a seat in the courtroom. One of them was former Apple Daily employee Tammy Cheung.

“Whatever happens, it’s an end — at least we’ll know the outcome,” Cheung said before the sentence was delivered.

Case considered a blow to Hong Kong media

Lai founded Apple Daily in 1995, two years before the former British colony returned to Chinese rule. Its closure in 2021 shocked the local press scene. Hong Kong ranked 140th out of 180 territories in the press-freedom index compiled by media freedom organization Reporters Without Borders in 2025, far from its 18th place in 2002.

Steve Li, chief superintendent of the police force’s National Security Department, welcomed the heavy sentence on Lai. “Obviously, he has done nothing good for Hong Kong that could serve as a basis for his mitigation,” he told reporters.

The government said it will confiscate assets related to Lai’s crime.

Human Rights Watch’s Asia Director Elaine Pearson said the harsh 20-year-sentence is effectively a death sentence, calling it cruel and unjust.

Associated Press writer Chan Ho-him contributed to this report

When conflict meets competition: Trump’s immigration agenda roils opening days of Winter Olympics

South Florida Local News - Mon, 02/09/2026 - 17:40

By STEVEN SLOAN and EDDIE PELLS

LIVIGNO, Italy (AP) — As the Winter Olympics opened in Milan, Vice President JD Vance hailed the competition as “one of the few things that unites the entire country.”

That unity didn’t last long.

The early days of the Milan Cortina Games have been roiled by the tumultuous political debate in the U.S. American athletes have faced persistent questions about President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement agenda and their comfort in representing a country whose policies are increasingly controversial on the world stage.

FILE – Hunter Hess, of the United States, executes a trick in the halfpipe finals during the World Cup U.S. Grand Prix freestyle skiing event in Copper Mountain, Colo., Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Hugh Carey, File)

“There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of and I think a lot of people aren’t,” American freestyle skier Hunter Hess said as he spoke of the “mixed emotions” of representing the U.S. “If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it. Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

That prompted a fast response from Trump, who said on social media that Hess was a “real loser” who “shouldn’t have tried out for the team.”

“Very hard to root for someone like this,” the president added.

The criticism of an American athlete from a U.S. president was a sharp departure from the unifying, apolitical tones the White House typically strikes during the Olympics, highlighting how the tension over the enforcement of Trump’s immigration policies has now bled into athletic competition. Other leading conservative voices, ranging from podcaster Megyn Kelly to a Republican candidate for governor in Florida, added to the critique of Hess, with some calling for him to be taken off the U.S. team.

By Monday, other top athletes who have previously found themselves in political controversy were rallying to Hess’ defense.

United States’ Chloe Kim speaks during a press conference at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

“In moments like these, it is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another for all that’s going on,” said Chloe Kim, the two-time Olympic gold medalist whose parents are South Korean immigrants and who has faced racism throughout her career for her Asian heritage.

After her silver-medal win in slopestyle, Eileen Gu, who was born in San Francisco and competes for China, said she had been in touch with Hess, who told her she was one of the few people who could relate to what he’s going through.

“As someone who’s been caught in the crossfire before, I feel sorry for the athletes,” said Gu, whose decision to compete for China drew sharp critiques.

The Olympics are never walled off from politics FILE – Extending gloved hands skyward in protest, U.S. athletes Tommie Smith, center, and John Carlos stare downward during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” after Smith received the gold and Carlos the bronze medal in the 200 meter run at the Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City on Oct. 16, 1968. (AP Photo/File)

The Olympics are never walled off from the political and cultural debates. The raised fists of Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the 1968 Olympics remain one of the most powerful and enduring images of protest and resistance to racial injustice in the U.S. Since then, political commentary from athletes has become more commonplace, aided by social media platforms that allow competitors to share their real-time thoughts on everything from food and nutrition to news of the day.

The comments from athletes in Italy are notable, however, because they’re coming at the biggest global sporting event to occur since federal agents killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis last month, reigniting a debate in the U.S. and abroad over Trump’s hard-line immigration measures.

Chris Lillis, another American freestyle skier, said he felt “heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States.”

“As a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens as well as anybody with love and respect,” he said. “I hope that when people look at athletes competing in the Olympics, they realize that that’s the America that we’re trying to represent.”

United States’ Mikaela Shiffrin celebrates on podium after winning an alpine ski, women’s World Cup slalom, in Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

Skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin quoted Nelson Mandela as she acknowledged “a lot of hardship in the world globally, and there’s a lot of heartbreak, there’s a lot of violence.”

“It can be tough to reconcile that when you’re also competing for medals in an Olympic event,” she said. “I’m really hoping to show up and represent my own values, values of inclusivity, values of diversity and kindness and sharing, tenacity, work ethic, showing up with my team every single day.”

For the most part, athletes are largely engaging in political conversation during news conferences when they’re specifically asked to respond to news events. At one such press event, American figure skater Amber Glenn, an outspoken LGBTQ+ rights activist, noted that the queer community is going through a “hard time” under Trump. She later said she would step back from social media after receiving threats on the platform.

Political controversy can put athletes at an uneasy intersection as they weigh whether to use their platforms to take a stance or avoid anything that might upset their fans or sponsors. During last month’s Australian Open tennis tournament, American Amanda Anisimova said questions about U.S. politics were not “relevant.” Another American player, Taylor Fritz, said he felt that “whatever I say here is going to get put in a headline and it’s going to get taken out of context.”

“So I’d really rather not do something that’s going to cause a big distraction for me in the middle of the tournament,” he said.

Back at the Olympics, U.S. speedskater Casey Dawson, said “we definitely know the whole situation going on in the USA” while noting that “politics don’t apply to us” at the Games.

“We’re here to skate,” said Dawson, who finished eighth in the men’s 5,000 meters on Sunday with Vance and his family in the stands. “We’re here to skate. We’re here to perform.”

The spotlight on the U.S. that comes with global sports will only intensify in the coming years. The U.S., along with Canada and Mexico, will host this year’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles. While there’s little chance that political tensions in the U.S. will ease in that time, some hope that sports will serve as a way for people to process their disagreements and ultimately come together.

“There’s this really magical thing that sport can do,” said Ashleigh Huffman, who was the chief of sports diplomacy at the State Department during the Biden and first Trump administrations. “It can lower the temperature of the room.”

Sloan reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Howard Fendrich and Graham Dunbar in Milan contributed to this report.

Gun-control advocates blast Florida Attorney General for refusing to defend concealed carry law

South Florida Local News - Mon, 02/09/2026 - 17:32

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier asked an appeals court to uphold a teenager’s right to carry a concealed weapon even after a Broward judge last year declared the ban constitutional, all but handing another victory to gun-rights supporters who have tried to make it easier to buy and carry firearms in the Sunshine State.

Uthmeier’s office is legally responsible for representing the state in appeals, but in this case he is siding against state prosecutors who say the law is still on the books and should be enforced. The Broward State Attorney’s Office asked Uthmeier’s office for permission to defend the law in the Fourth District Court of Appeal, but the office denied the request, drawing criticism from gun-control advocates.

At issue is a 1987 law that blocks anyone between the ages of 18 and 21 from carrying a concealed firearm. The law has survived multiple reviews and reconsiderations of gun rights and gun control legislation.

Last October Broward Circuit Judge Frank Ledee dismissed the case against a teenager arrested for carrying a concealed handgun, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. “Because the Second Amendment’s plain text applies to the concealed carry of firearms, Florida’s concealed carry ban, as applied to 18-to-20-year-olds, is unconstitutional,” the judge wrote in his ruling.

But months earlier, Judge Lorena Mastrarrigo upheld the same law in a similar case. Defense lawyers in that case appealed the ruling, and Uthmeier decided the state was wrong to prosecute the defendant, asking the appeals court to rule for the defendant.

In a written statement issued Monday, Broward State Attorney Harold Pryor said he disagreed with the attorney general and is seeking permission from the appeals court to file a “friend of the court” brief defending the law.

“Given the impact of gun crimes in the State of Florida — including the Feb. 14, 2018, mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland in our community, which resulted in the tragic murders of 17 children and adults and severe injuries to 17 individuals who survived — we respectfully disagree with the position taken by the Office of the Attorney General,” Pryor said.

Despite the Broward judge’s ruling, the law remains on the books, and Pryor said he will continue advocating for the law. Florida House Rep. Dan Daley criticized the attorney general for putting conservative political preferences above state law.

“While our appointed Attorney General might not be aware, he does not have the authority to abandon a state law simply because he disagrees with it,” Daley said. “I am calling on Governor DeSantis to intervene here. The Governor has previously removed duly elected state attorneys for far less — based solely on statements about enforcement discretion.”

DeSantis has shown no indication that he disagrees with Uthmeier or Ledee on gun rights.

“No single official should be able to decide which laws are worth defending, especially when those laws are designed to protect the public from gun violence,” said Fred Guttenberg, a gun-reform advocate and father of Jaime Guttenberg, who was murdered in the Stoneman Douglas shooting

“As a father who lost my daughter, Jaime, to gun violence, I am deeply disturbed by the Attorney General’s refusal to defend Florida’s concealed carry law for 18-to-21-year-olds. Laws like this exist to protect our communities and save lives,” Guttenberg said.

Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentiinel.com or 954-356-4457.

Hong Kong fire victims long for home as Lunar New Year stirs painful memories

South Florida Local News - Mon, 02/09/2026 - 17:23

By KANIS LEUNG

HONG KONG (AP) — The deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades last year left thousands of residents without some of their friends, family or the place they called home. More than two months later, the occupants of the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex are not only waiting for answers about what happened, but longing for a new place.

Authorities are yet to unveil plans for long-term resettlement after surveying the residents’ preferences. The Lunar New Year on Feb. 17, meanwhile, is stirring recent memories of celebrating the festival in what is now a largely burnt complex.

The massive blaze that engulfed seven apartment buildings killed 168 people on Nov. 26, 2025, shattering a close-knit community. Authorities blamed substandard scaffolding netting and foam boards from the buildings maintenance project for rapidly spreading the fire. Although some arrests were made, an independent committee is still investigating the cause.

The Associated Press talked to four families who lived in the complex or lost their loved ones there. Here’s what they said:

No place to call home

When flames devoured towers of the Wang Fuk Court complex, Pearl Chow, 87, fled her apartment with essential documents, like her title deed. Her grandson, Dorz Cheung, 33, rushed from his office to find her safe nearby, but the fire was raging.

That night, Chow went to a friend’s home and didn’t sleep, while Cheung watched the flames for hours, crying while clutching his friend. They both miss old photos lost in their home in Tai Po, a suburban district in the city’s north.

Now they are separated into two temporary housing units on separate floors, each around 100 square feet. Chow was satisfied, but Cheung couldn’t call it home.

“Only permanent residence is called home. That’s the root,” he said.

Chow still regularly returns to Tai Po for church and grocery shopping, despite the hourlong journey. They want to be resettled in Tai Po, where they lived for decades, in a unit about the same size as their old apartment.

“I am an elderly person. When they finish building, I may have gone to my heavenly home,” she said with a laugh.

Data from the 2021 population census showed over one-third of some 4,600 residents in the complex were aged 65 or above.

While the government proposed measures to combat bid-rigging in building maintenance and enhance fire safety in January, Cheung feels their resettlement hasn’t been addressed. He said he lost his sense of security with the authorities after the blaze.

“We can only wait, be tossed around like a ball,” he said.

A temporary refuge

Kit Chan, 74, lived in her 460-square-foot apartment for over 40 years and raised her children with her husband in the complex, where neighbors helped look after each other’s children.

Chan had planned to spend the rest of her life there, but the blaze forced the couple into a studio unit at a youth hostel half the size of their apartment. Weeks ago, they heard some fire victims were asked to move out, and that distressed her.

“It’s like being unable to get by in my final years,” she said.

She hasn’t been asked to leave, but is uncertain how long they can stay.

Chan initially wanted to be resettled in a new home built on the fire site, but the government estimates rebuilding will take about a decade — too long for her to wait. She can compromise on a similar-sized apartment in another district with good transport.

Her husband, Keung Mak, 78, hopes they can return to their old home just to have a look. It has memories like their family and wedding photos. “Many people hope they can at least see how badly it was burned,” Mak said.

Weighing time against place

During past Lunar New Year celebrations, Isaac Tam’s family used to visit neighbors on their floor with gifts. Now, the familiar faces he has known for years are scattered across the city.

The loss of their two apartments in the fire was heartbreaking. His parents cried, and his 92-year-old grandfather grew thinner. But Tam, 23, said at least all his family members were alive.

Last weekend, they were preparing to move into temporary homes, smaller than their old apartments and farther from the city center. They shelled out money to renovate them.

While he said the government’s handling is not as bad as some say, he still worries about his grandfather adjusting to a new district with temporary housing. Back in Tai Po, the grandfather used to have a morning dim sum routine with his friends.

As they await the government’s resettlement plans, they have been weighing apartments in another district that will be ready sooner than units in Tai Po, which he prefers because he grew up there.

Time is their priority, given the grandfather’s age, Tam said.

“I also fear he can’t wait until we secure an apartment of about 400 square feet,” he said, regardless of the district.

Grieving for mother and hanging on to memories

Phyllis Lo’s mother called her after seeing thick smoke outside her door when the blaze started. On the call, knowing she might not survive, her 74-year-old mother asked Lo, 48, and her brother to live well. Lo immediately rushed to her childhood home and called again minutes later. No one answered. The next morning, police told her they found her mother’s body.

After learning that a mix of issues including substandard materials were used in the building maintenance project and failed fire alarms, Lo wondered if the tragedy could have been avoided if each government department had done a better job. While she couldn’t determine who should bear responsibility, she blamed herself for not monitoring the project for her mother more closely.

What bothers her most is the lack of transparency — when she can see her burnt apartment, how authorities will use the $589 million relief fund. She hopes to get updates from the nine-month investigation.

She wants her childhood home rebuilt at the fire site, but considers the proposed timeline of about a decade unreasonably long.

As the Lunar New Year neared, Lo made turnip cakes — a tradition she inherited from her mother. “Maybe she is still everywhere and still seeing us now. I really want to be with her,” she said in tears.

Rebuilding community is challenging

In an emailed reply to The Associated Press’ questions, the government said it attached great importance to the residents’ long-term accommodation arrangements and had already received survey replies from over 95% of the homeowners. It did not give a timeline but said its task force is analyzing their preferences and that the government will announce the plans after finalizing them.

Jack Rozdilsky, professor of disaster and emergency management at York University in Canada, said the city is moving to a disaster recovery phase and noted that concrete plans for continuous mental health and trauma coping aid play a key role in long-term success for any resettlement measure.

Rozdilsky saw the community survey on resettlement as a good sign because a one-size-fits-all proposal will not satisfy the households.

While rebuilding living spaces is complicated, he said, reconstructing a community is much harder. He said understanding what promoted community at the housing complex before the fire and incorporating those features — be it a bus stop or a gathering point in a park — would help.

“Very small things matter,” he said.

Fourth Broward Schools employee accused of fraud, theft from ‘illicit’ gym rentals

South Florida Local News - Mon, 02/09/2026 - 17:19

A Broward County middle school employee was arrested Saturday, accused of running “illicit basketball tournaments” at the school’s gym and keeping the money from the improper rentals, police said.

Shaune Cannon, 50, a behavioral technician at Forest Glen Middle School in Coral Springs, is facing one count of organized scheme to defraud $20,000 or less and one count of grand theft of more than $10,000, according to a probable cause affidavit.

He is the fourth Broward School District employee to be arrested on similar charges in recent months. Henry Lewis McNabb, a security specialist and former coach at Blanche Ely High School; Brenton Hankerson, a security specialist and girls varsity coach at Coral Springs High School; and Donald Calloway, Coral Springs High School girls’ assistant basketball coach, were all arrested in December.

“This latest arrest in the ongoing investigation by Broward Schools Police further demonstrates the Superintendent’s focus on maintaining integrity across the District and addressing any behavior that compromises the public trust,” district spokesman John Sullivan said in a statement to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Broward high school basketball coaches arrested, accused of fraud and theft

Bank records showed Cannon received multiple Zelle payments of $1,500 from two basketball organizations for rentals of Forest Glen Middle’s gym in April, May and June 2025, the affidavit said. As a result of the improper rentals, the “total potential losses to the district” totaled $11,545. The presidents of the organizations confirmed to police that they had paid Cannon.

Cannon resigned on Friday, a School District spokesperson confirmed. He was initially hired by the district in 2011 and worked at Ramblewood Middle School as a behavioral technician and campus monitor before joining Forest Glen Middle School in 2023.

He remained in the Broward Main Jail as of Monday night.

As of Monday night, Cannon remained listed as a boy’s basketball coach at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on the school’s roster. The student newspaper, Eagle Eye News, reported in October 2023 that Cannon joined as the school’s head basketball coach. Cannon told the student newspaper he was previously a head coach at Ramblewood Middle and Everglades High School in Miramar.

The affidavit for Cannon’s arrest does not mention the other coaches.

The cases began on June 3, when the school district’s Special Investigative Unit “received a report of possible fraudulent activities” involving the rental of the gym at Blanche Ely, according to an arrest affidavit in McNabb’s case.

At Coral Springs High, Calloway rented out the gym from April through June 2025 for tournaments through “private agreements” with outside basketball associations, a probable cause affidavit in his case said. He allegedly arranged payments for the rentals through Hankerson, who then paid Calloway.

McNabb is accused of having held additional tournaments at Blanche Ely in the same time frame, according to an arrest report, and similar tournaments at Hollywood Hills High School.

Sun Sentinel staff writer Scott Travis contributed to this report.

Daily Horoscope for February 10, 2026

South Florida Local News - Mon, 02/09/2026 - 17:00

General Daily Insight for February 10, 2026

Acts of service are a universal love language at present. As the emotive Moon enters Sagittarius, curiosity opens our minds to fresh ideas. Once Venus dances into Pisces at 5:18 am EST, we can let our conversations wander, with faith they’ll reveal new possibilities. We may gain the ability to forgive past wounds and offer one another emotional safety. We’re ready to listen to our loved ones genuinely, even during disagreements. Choosing our words with love and care moves complicated situations forward.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. With loving Venus entering your 12th House of Karma, privacy is even more valuable than usual. Other people don’t have to see your progress for it to be meaningful. Your dreams may surface useful clues, so consider writing them down and looking up the symbolism later. If an apology is due, offer it before being pressured — that’s the best way to release the weight of the past. You’re in charge of your peace.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Keep your eyes peeled for exciting invitations. Venus, planet of connection, is twirling into your sociable 11th house, enhancing group ties and reminding your independent heart to welcome supportive networks. If a friend proposes an in-person meet-up or online project, choose the setting that matches your pace, then share an idea of your own. Your reliability builds trust, so gentle follow-through can bolster a casual pitch into something that nourishes lasting community. Reach out kindly to receive the same positive energy from those around you.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

The morning hum favors brave conversations. Relationship-oriented Venus glides into your 10th House of Status, which helps you quickly frame (or re-frame) ideas with bosses, clients, and other gatekeepers. You may get yanked into last-minute meetings, but if you’re already knowledgeable about your plan, that shouldn’t be too intimidating. You can negotiate tone as well as terms, because grace helps feedback land and keeps doors open for future options or collaborations. Polish your pitch so thoughtful allies rally around you all throughout the day.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Caring acts can be felt far and wide. With romantic Venus rolling into your 9th House of Education, your nurturing instincts are empowered to care for yourself whilst you investigate new areas of life. If you’re planning time away, do plenty of research beforehand! Look for experiences that teach love by inviting real conversations with people you meet. You can bridge differences with sincere curiosity that doesn’t discount differing points of view. Seek warmth so that it can nourish your wisdom.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Your generosity may flow down unique channels at the moment. As Venus makes her way into your powerful 8th house, you have a chance to make a difference in the lives of your loved ones. Whenever a conversation about shared expenses arises, speak frankly and invite transparency. Pay attention to everyone’s words (including your own), especially if finances are tight. Your warmth can melt guarded moments without crossing boundaries. If you want your closest connections to grow beyond surface-level smiles, lead with candor.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Good company is worth its weight in gold at this time. Connected Venus soars into your partner zone, ensuring that cooperation feels natural and fair agreements come easier. Whether you’re reviewing a contract or planning a hang-out, clarify expectations in simple language, then set a time that honors both schedules without overthinking details. Your precise eye fixes friction early by making adjustments that prevent snags and give your bonds room to blossom. When everyone pitches in, cooperation grows into enduring comfort.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Small tasks should be performed with love. Appealing Venus is parading into your 6th House of Habits, bringing sweetness to routines and smoothing dynamics, which suits a diplomatic style of handling events. You might brighten a tense email by opening with appreciation or encourage happiness by complimenting someone’s outfit. Every-day pleasures count as care, so add a touch of beauty to your workspace and enjoy a nourishing lunch to keep your energy steady. Nourishing your habits can make productivity feel natural again.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You can access the truth indirectly — in fact, you might have to. Venus begins her journey through your theatrical 5th house today, making this an excellent time to handle sensitive topics with artistic tools. Whether you’re folding origami, sewing a quilt, or working on any other creative pursuit, you put part of yourself into your creations. You don’t have to think about the opinions of others. All that matters is your act of creation and what you get out of it.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Sagittarius, your spark lights the path ahead. With the emotional Moon in your sign, your energy is likely surging. You may feel ready to launch something exciting. On the other hand, Venus’s entry into your domestic sector could tug you closer to home. Combine these two impulses by looking into home projects, like tidying your kitchen cupboards or even repainting an entire room. Taking initiative is sometimes the only way to transform ideas into reality. Just be sure to pace yourself!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

The universe presently favors practical, considerate messages. You’ve got the practicality, and Venus has arrived in your chatty 3rd house to gift you with verbal warmth. That way, your ideas can land without sounding stern. You may need to talk over upcoming events or plans several times, especially if they involve your neighbors or siblings. Showing one another respect encourages cooperation in busy moments. In all interactions, keep in mind the golden rule: treat others as you wish to be treated.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

A calm glow settles around your priorities. Esteemed Venus is strolling into your 2nd House of Satisfaction, supporting thoughtful choices that align with your independent values and strengthen confidence through stewardship. Review recurring subscriptions or renegotiate a service politely, because a friendly tone often brings a fair offer while you protect what matters. You can refresh your space with useful touches that make it easier for you to function on a day-to-day basis. Choose mindful spending so security grows without squeezing joy away.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

When kindness meets courage, hearts feel safe. Sweet Venus enters your thoughtful sign, empowering you with justified confidence in your powers of attraction. If you need support, ask for it — contrarily, if you don’t want well-meaning advice or gifts, say so! Be nice about it, of course, but don’t forget that you’re allowed to set boundaries. Letting your soul make authentic decisions is the best way to show up all throughout this transit. Your natural empathy can guide you through any ongoing storms.

Judge blocks California’s ban on federal agents wearing masks but requires badges be clearly seen

South Florida Local News - Mon, 02/09/2026 - 16:54

By JAIMIE DING, Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal judge on Monday blocked a California law from going into effect that would ban federal immigration agents from covering their faces, but they will still be required to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number.

California became the first state to ban most law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings under a bill that was signed in September following the summer of high-profile raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Los Angeles.

The Trump administration filed a lawsuit in November challenging the laws, arguing that they would threaten the safety of officers who are facing harassment, doxing, and violence and that they violated the constitution because the state is directly regulating the federal government.

Judge Christina Snyder said she issued the initial ruling because the mask ban as it was enacted did not also apply to state law enforcement authorities, discriminating against the federal government. The ruling could have national implications as states grapple with how to deal with federal agents enforcing the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

It left open the possibility to future legislation banning federal agents from wearing masks if it applied to all law enforcement agencies, with Snyder writing “the Court finds that federal officers can perform their federal functions without wearing masks.” The ruling will go into effect Feb. 19.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill in September banning some law enforcement officers from wearing masks, neck gaiters, and other facial coverings. It was slated to go into effect Jan. 1 but was put on hold due to the lawsuit.

In addition to exempting state law enforcement officers, it made exceptions for undercover agents, protective equipment like N95 respirators or tactical gear, and other situations where not wearing a mask would jeopardize an operation. Snyder sided with the federal government, which argued this exemption was discriminatory against federal agents.

Newsom also signed into law a measure requiring law enforcement to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number while on the job, which was challenged by the federal government but upheld by the judge.

California State Sen. Scott Weiner, who proposed the original bill to ban facial coverings, said Monday he would immediately introduce new legislation to include state police in the law.

“ICE and Border Patrol are covering their faces to maximize their terror campaign and to insulate themselves from accountability,” Weiner said in a news release. “We will ensure our mask ban can be enforced.”

At a Jan. 14 hearing, Snyder repeatedly asked the government’s lawyer, Tiberius Davis, to explain why banning masks would impede the federal law enforcement in carrying out their duties, if officers rarely wore masks prior to 2025.

Davis cited claims by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that there has been a multifold increase in assaults and threats against federal officers. He also brought up an incident in Los Angeles where three women are being accused of livestreaming while following an ICE agent home and posting the address on Instagram.

“There is real deterrence on the officer’s safety and ability to perform their duties,” Davis said.

Cameron Bell, California Department of Justice attorney, challenged his claims, saying there was no concrete evidence that federal agents can’t perform their duties without facial coverings.

Bell referenced declarations from U.S citizens who have been detained by federal agents but thought they were being kidnapped.

“It’s obvious why these laws are in the public interest,” Bell said.

The federal government also argued in legal briefs that allowing California’s legislation could lead other states to be “emboldened to impose similar unconstitutional restraints.”

Davis cited a statement from Newsom in July 2025 during an interview posted online where he discussed the mask ban bill, saying, “It appears that we don’t have the legal authority for federal agents but we do for other law enforcement authorities.”

Los Angeles County supervisors voted in December to enact a local ordinance banning law enforcement from wearing masks that went into effect Jan. 8. However, the sheriff’s department said it would not enforce the ordinance until after the court ruled on the statewide mask ban. The Los Angeles Police Department had also said it wouldn’t enforce the mask ban.

Today in History: February 9, Halley’s Comet passes by Earth

South Florida Local News - Mon, 02/09/2026 - 02:00

Today is Monday, Feb. 9, the 40th day of 2026. There are 325 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Feb. 9,1986, Halley’s Comet made its closest pass by Earth at 39 million miles in its first return to the solar system since 1910. (The comet’s next appearance will be in 2061).

Also on this date:

In 1825, the House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams president after no candidate received a majority of electoral votes.

In 1943, the World War II Battle of Guadalcanal in the southwest Pacific ended with an Allied victory over Japanese forces.

In 1950, in a speech to the Women’s Republican Club in Wheeling, West Virginia, Republican Sen. Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin charged that the State Department was riddled with Communists.

In 1964, the Beatles made their first live American television appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” broadcast from New York on CBS. The quartet played five songs, including “She Loves You” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” to a crowd of screaming teenagers in person and more than 70 million viewers across the country.

In 1971, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake in California’s San Fernando Valley claimed 65 lives.

In 1984, Soviet leader Yuri Andropov, 69, died 15 months after succeeding Leonid Brezhnev; he was followed by Konstantin Chernenko (chehr-NYEN’-koh), who would only be in power for 13 months before his own death in office.

In 2009, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez admitted to taking performance-enhancing drugs, telling ESPN he’d used banned substances while with the Texas Rangers for three years.

In 2020, “Parasite,” a film from South Korea, won the Academy Award for Best Picture, becoming the first non-English language film to do so.

In 2021, the Senate moved ahead with a second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, rejecting arguments that the chamber could not proceed because Trump was no longer in office. (The Senate would vote to acquit him on Feb. 13.)

Today’s birthdays:

Artist Gerhard Richter is 94.
Nobel Prize-winning author J.M. Coetzee is 86.
Singer-songwriter Carole King is 84.
Actor Joe Pesci is 83.
Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz is 83.
Author Alice Walker is 82.
Actor Mia Farrow is 81.
Actor Judith Light is 77.
Golf Hall of Famer Sandy Lyle is 68.
Writer-producer David Simon (TV: “The Wire”) is 66.
Country singer Travis Tritt is 63.
Baseball Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero is 51.
Actor Charlie Day is 50.
Actor Zhang Ziyi is 47.
Actor Tom Hiddleston is 45.
Actor Michael B. Jordan is 39.
Actor Rose Leslie is 39.
NFL running back Saquon Barkley is 29.
Actor Isabella Gomez is 28.

Seahawks ride their ‘Dark Side’ defense to a Super Bowl title, pounding the Patriots 29-13

South Florida Local News - Sun, 02/08/2026 - 20:23

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Defense won this championship.

Devon Witherspoon, Derick Hall, Byron Murphy and the rest of Mike Macdonald’s ferocious unit pummeled Drake Maye, and the Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 on Sunday to win the franchise’s second Super Bowl.

Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass to AJ Barner, Kenneth Walker III ran for 135 yards and Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record by making all five of his field-goal tries.

Walker became the first running back to win the Super Bowl MVP award since Terrell Davis 28 years ago.

Uchenna Nwosu punctuated a punishing defensive performance by snagging Maye’s pass in the air after Witherspoon hit his arm and ran it back 45 yards for a pick-6.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind feeling, bro,” Witherspoon said. “You talk about a group of guys who battle every day, who believe in each other and believe in their coach, you can’t describe this group no better. It’s just a one-of-a-kind feeling. I was just so happy to battle with these guys. We went through a lot, but we believed. All of you all doubters out there who said all that other stuff, you all don’t know what’s going on in this building. We’re one of one over here.”

Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense helped Darnold become the first quarterback in the 2018 draft class to win a Super Bowl, ahead of Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson.

“To do this with this team, I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Darnold said. “So proud of our guys, our defense. I mean, I can’t say enough great things about our defense, our special teams.”

Labeled a bust, dumped by two teams and considered expendable by two others, Darnold proved his doubters wrong while helping the Seahawks go 17-3.

After leading the NFL with 20 turnovers in the regular season, Darnold didn’t have any in three playoff games. He wasn’t particularly sharp against a solid Patriots defense but protected the ball and made enough plays, finishing 19 of 38 for 202 yards.

“I know we won the Super Bowl, but we could have been a little bit better on offense, but I don’t care about that right now,” Darnold said. “It’s an unbelievable feeling, man. I’m just so happy for the guys in the locker room and the coaches that put in so much effort throughout the whole season.”

The Seahawks sacked Maye six times, including two apiece by Hall and Murphy. Hall’s strip-sack late in the third quarter set up a short field and Darnold connected with Barner on 16-yard scoring toss to make it 19-0.

Julian Love’s interception set up another field goal that made it 22-7 with 5:35 left.

The Patriots (17-4) punted on the first eight drives, excluding a kneel-down to end the first half.

“We had a really good year, one that I’m proud of,” New England coach Mike Vrabel said. “But this game wasn’t a reflection of that. We were outcoached and outplayed.”

Down 19-0, Maye and the Patriots’ offense finally got going. He hit Mack Hollins over the middle in traffic for 24 yards and then lofted a perfect 35-yard TD pass to Hollins down the left side to cut the deficit to 19-7.

Tom Brady once led Bill Belichick’s Patriots to the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, when New England rallied from a 28-3 deficit against Atlanta for a 34-28 overtime victory.

But Maye, who was runner-up to Matthew Stafford for the AP NFL MVP award in the closest race in two decades, didn’t come close. He had a chance to get it closer, but his ill-advised pass into triple coverage was picked by Love and the Patriots trailed by 15 when they got the ball back with 5:35 left.

Then came Nwosu’s touchdown, a fitting way to cap an overwhelming effort by the NFL’s stingiest defense.

“Definitely hurts. They played better than us tonight,” Maye said.

Maye’s 7-yard TD pass to Rhamondre Stevenson late in the game only made the margin smaller.

The Seahawks took a 3-0 lead on Myers’ 33-yard field goal on the game’s opening drive. Myers connected from 39 and 41 yards to extend the lead to 9-0 at halftime. He was good from 41 on Seattle’s first drive of the third quarter to make it 12-0.

Daily Horoscope for February 09, 2026

South Florida Local News - Sun, 02/08/2026 - 17:00

General Daily Insight for February 09, 2026

The ripple effect is real right now! This morning, the Scorpio Moon squares the Aquarius Sun, stirring friction between intense connections and personal freedom to make our own plans. While schedules may shift unpredictably, we can combat that by focusing on less complex plans and being patient with scatter-brained peers. Our small triumphs add up to big wins, especially once the adaptable Moon opposes Uranus at 9:15 pm EST. Common ground can be found! We’d be wise to prioritize flexibility and balance.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

To figure out your life path, start slow. Everything worth doing is worth taking the time to do well. The nurturing Moon is in your 8th House of Shared Intimacy, where she opposes unpredictable Uranus in your 2nd House of Resources. A money conversation with someone close doesn’t have to be painful — not when you lay out your ideal terms with attention to fairness for both sides. Precision reduces stress and supports steady progress for everyone. Make openness your guiding star.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Taurus, your steadiness can guide important choices throughout the day ahead. As Luna argues from your connection zone with Uranus in your sign, you may end up caught between change and tradition. This will be particularly tough if the push to change is coming from a loved one or close colleague. Name what feels safe and consider a trial run of something that doesn’t seem too dangerous. That way, you can manage any shifts however works for you. Set flexible limits, not strict ones.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Your recent ideas could use some extra consideration or testing. Even the world’s best project won’t spring into existence fully formed! Daily tasks could challenge a bigger dream, so carefully refine your timing before you act. Your 6th House of To-Do Lists features the intuitive Moon squaring the dynamic Sun in your 9th House of Exploration. A travel plan or study goal could collide with a deadline, so try to break tasks into pieces and reach a checkpoint before taking any long breaks.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Caring encouragement helps your heart feel safe. The Moon in your 5th House of Invention is fussing over volatile Uranus in your 11th House of Networks. Plans with friends might upend a date night or interrupt your creative groove, so share your feelings early — you could benefit from proposing a schedule switch that works better for you. With gentle leadership, you can steer plans toward connection without losing the playful spark you love. Offer multiple options, so joy stays shared.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

This morning starts with a quiet gut check. The opposition between needy Luna and independent Uranus empowers your intuition. If you listen to your inner voice, your reputation could immensely benefit! Stay on your toes, because someone might demand urgent changes to work you thought was complete. This may or may not actually be your responsibility — if it is, suggest a plan that honors obligations without drama. On the other hand, if it isn’t, feel free to delegate it to someone else.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Clarity grows when you simplify moving parts. You may need to release control over the finer details in favor of ensuring the bulk of your efforts are in tune with your long-term goals. Your 3rd House of Messages gets involved with your 9th House of Growth during today’s Moon-Uranus spat, potentially causing complications. Confirm key details before you head out, because double-checking avoids pointless detours. A confusing message could disrupt your plans, but interruptions can be minimized if you’ve already verified the facts.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Needs and wants could currently be at odds with one another. The moody Moon and willful Sun are to blame, as they square across your excitable 5th house and your practical 2nd house. A new toy or upcoming outing might strain your budget, so price things carefully and suggest an option that fits what you value. Your diplomatic touch can turn an argument into teamwork by praising an idea’s potential, then guiding it toward a less pricey lane. Pick affordable fun to keep the peace.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You have the power, Scorpio! With Luna in your sign, her sparring session with unconventional Uranus in your 7th House of Connections brings your needs face-to-face with the needs of your loved ones. A close partner might suggest a sudden pivot, and your honest response works best when you state desires clearly without sharp edges. You can take charge without entirely taking over — allies should work together on big plans like this. Use the plain truth to deepen trust fast.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Where do you most crave a break? Wherever it is, you deserve a chance to have it — at least, the Moon and Uranus think you do. That said, your craving for quiet could conflict with a task request, so some trade-offs might be necessary. For example, you could give someone a ride as long as they promise to be done at a certain time. Your spirit rebounds faster when you honor solitude and connection in equal measure. You and your teammates should benefit!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Practicality is practically your middle name, Capricorn. Even with the temperamental Moon and the headstrong Sun tangling your communal 11th house with your materialistic 2nd house, you can build success. Watch out for budget stresses from group endeavours — you might have to be the one who states their budget cap first. Don’t worry, because you can also find a thrifty alternative that supports the shared goal. Whatever you’re up to, you earn respect when you explain the numbers around money and time.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Take a deep breath and look around — things probably aren’t that bad! The Sun is in your sign, empowering your plans (though things could get complicated when the Moon in your driven 10th house squares the Sun). You could feel a little too visible, especially if you’re in the middle of any major identity shifts. A sudden meeting could strain your energy, so pace yourself and state what you can deliver by a specific time. Your past, current, and future efforts are valid.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

The universe is opening doors — are you ready to enter them? Stay open as plans shift shape, because curiosity will be invaluable. The unconscious Moon moves through your 9th House of Distance, opposing undisciplined Uranus in your conversation zone. A surprise email or travel curveball could change plans, so follow a hunch and request details that make the path passable. Your compassion could be exactly what other people (and your own plans) need to succeed. Ask thoughtful questions to turn surprise into ease.

Gators strength coach Rusty Whitt brings Green Beret mentality to Florida

South Florida Local News - Sun, 02/08/2026 - 14:21

GAINESVILLE — Rusty Whitt is a strength coach, soldier and story teller, a trifecta of talents he’ll use to help head coach Jon Sumrall rebuild the Florida Gators.

As if executing an Olympic lift, Whitt blends complex components into a concentrated, explosive message aimed to inspire discipline and accountability while pushing a talented group of players to strain every fiber of their being.

Whitt and Sumrall face a heavy lift in Gainesville, where the Gators have managed just one winning season in five years.

“Our job is to hone them and get them stronger and understand the professional discipline it is going to take for them to reach their potential,” Whitt told the Orlando Sentinel.

No strength coach in America can match the war stories of Whitt, the only Green Beret to hold his position in Division I football.

“I kind of carry the torch for those guys,” he said.

Few have matched Whitt’s results. He oversaw four conference champions in two seasons each at Troy and Tulane with Sumrall.

Whitt’s gift of gab is next level. The 54-year-old insightfully, entertainingly and at times harrowingly recalled experiences on the football fields of Texas and the battlefields of Iraq. He returned home forever changed and eager to shape the bodies and minds of young men.

During a 45-minute interview with the Orlando Sentinel, the Gators’ master motivator and raconteur engaged in an illuminating and riveting conversation.

Florida's new strength and conditioning coach Rusty Whitt held the same position under head coach Jon Sumrall during two seasons each at Troy and Tulane. (Edgar Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) How do you view your role?

“We’re supposed to be the culture driver. But it has to be set by the head football coach. Coach Sumrall does a really good job of establishing what he wants and aligning that message. His core values are attitude, toughness, discipline and love. You can only control one thing about your day, and that’s how you approach it — the only disability in life is a bad attitude. The attitude that we try to bring on a daily basis is very aggressive, it’s very positive. It’s just demanding.

“The toughness aspect bleeds into that — we’re going to do hard things together. Being gritty is crazy tough. Gritty teams beat tough teams.

“No football coach is going to say, ‘Hey, we’re too disciplined.’ Disciplined football teams will beat sloppy football teams. When you’re fatigued, you make more mistakes. Insert us; we got to be conditioned.

“And then, I’m going to sacrifice for my teammates. I’m going to play hard for my teammates. Protect the team. Don’t do anything stupid outside that’s going to bring you down and bring the team down. And no energy vampires. An energy vampire has bad body language, the complaining look on their face, the vocal complainer. So we enforce those pretty simple concepts daily.”

When did you decide to become a Green Beret?

“I had a partially torn ACL in college, lived on it, played on it, coached on it for seven or eight years. I was training one day with Josh McCown [quarterback at Sam Houston State], doing power cleans. I tore my ACL and cracked the femoral head. It was July 15, 2001. I had surgery a month later. Then 9/11 happened.

“I’m an invalid. I’m facing an 11-month rehab. I’m watching TV. My grandmother called me, and she goes, ‘This is your Pearl Harbor.’ My grandma was 24 years old on Dec. 7, 1941. She was one of 11. All her brothers joined the Army, Navy or Marines. I’m like, ‘Hell, you just drafted me.’ I rehabbed my leg for a year, and at the age of 32 I walked across the street to a strip mall and I joined the Army.”

What was the path from there?

“They said I was too old to go Special Forces, but I could go to Ranger Battalion. I was sent to Fort Benning, two classes behind Pat Tillman; he was out of basic and in Airborne school. I’m older than everybody. I’m older than the drill sergeants. I’m older than the company first sergeant. I’m in Airborne school, going to do five jumps, then go into the Ranger indoctrination program. I’m laying there before a jump. A 6-4, 240-pound guy walks into the hangar, the first Green Beret I ever saw in my life in person. He comes walking in with his clipboard — ‘Holy crap, who’s this superhero?’ He tells me my orders had changed: ‘Report to Fort Bragg 4 January.’

“I jump, land, am getting married in a week, drive to Atlanta for a bachelor party, am married in Nevada, see David Lee Roth at Harris Casino. I fly back to Fort Bragg, Jan. 4, 2004, and that’s when I started the Q Course [qualification course]. So, two years and two months of just complete chaos, and then I got sent to my Special Forces team in Fort Carson, Colorado.”

Florida coach Rusty Whitt's left forearm features a tattoo with the name of his 13-month daughter Lilanna. (Edgar Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) What then?

“I walk into this team room, and I’m exactly the same age as a team sergeant. When he was 18, he’s Gulf War 1. I’m playing college football. We had this weird parallel life, where he was like, ‘Where have you been the last 15 years? Welcome to the show.’

“I walk in on my team, and they were damaged. They’ve been fighting in Iraq for 250 consecutive days in a gunfight. Then I walk into that environment, this fresh fish, off the bus, and they’re like, ‘Who is this guy?’ I knew that was gonna be the most challenging thing in my life: to get acceptance from this team of guys, to accept a new guy like me at my age.

“It took a year to get absorbed into that team, where they actually trusted you and respected you. I trained for a year, and then did a nine-month tour in Iraq. I went back again, and then by that time, my clock had run out, and I elected to get out and get back into coaching.”

How would you describe your experiences in Iraq?

“Saw amazing things, saw horrible things, and it really changed my perspective on life and on the world, and how good we got it here, and how easily we can lose it, and how many people want what we have. And if we don’t have a strong military, it’d be really easy for somebody to come and take all of it.

“I saw utter desperation in Iraq. People that would lie, cheat, steal, rob, amputate for what we have. We fought against that … what you and I would call evil. At one point, al Qaeda was offering $10,000 for a video killing a soldier. So watch your ass because every time you leave the gate, you’re getting shot at. An Iraqi policeman that you thought you could trust planted a bomb under the street the night before. It creates a paranoid mindset.

“I came back out of the service. I wouldn’t call it post traumatic stress disorder. I would call it post traumatic paranoia. But I met amazing people, did some cool stuff, no regrets. But it did set my career back about 10 years. I’m happy to be here after all that.

“About 11 friends of mine didn’t make it over there in Afghanistan or Iraq. Josh Townsend had this same tattoo [points to left arm]. He was my roommate, he died in Afghanistan and he liked Jameson Whiskey. I got a Jameson Whiskey tattoo and a Celtic knot because he was a big Irish guy.”

How can you apply your experiences with your players?

“Your coaching standards, unrelenting standards. There’s a one-mile obstacle course at Camp McCall, North Carolina, where you go for Special Forces selection. It’s called the Nasty Nick. Nick Rowe was one of the founders of the Green Berets. It has about 15 30-foot rope climbs. There’s about 30 obstacles. Every time you go through it, there’s a cadre standing there with a clipboard. You have your number taped to your leg. You got to complete this obstacle, and if you fail it, ‘Roster 054 you have failed to negotiate this obstacle properly! Do you wish to continue?’” … ” ‘Yes, sergeant!’ … ‘Try it again.’”

“If you fail, you’re out, you’re done, get on the bus, go home, go the 82nd Airborne. It is an absolute cut-and-dry standard. I made it to the Thumper, which was a 15-foot rope climb. You got to grab a bar, pull yourself over, and you got to walk across monkey bars — little one-inch pipes. Then you got to bend, grab a rope, and then hang back down and lower yourself under control. I got to the edge of the Thumper where the monkey bars were. I reached and I tried to swing and I lost my grip. I fell about 12 feet — Boom! I hit the ground.

“Air is knocked out of me. I’m ringing, singing here. ‘Roster 054, you failed negotiate this obstacle properly! Do you wish to continue?’ … ‘Roger, sergeant!’ So I’m like, this is it, one more chance. If I had failed, I wouldn’t be here right now.

“So, absolute standards you have to have to play college football at this level, to play for the Florida Gators. Absolute standards to be a Green Beret. I try to make these guys understand the similarities and standards.”

Would you give an example?

“You have to be able to run across the field and back as a cornerback in less than 14 seconds. The elite ones, the first-round draft picks, can run from the sideline to the other side, touch the right foot, sprint back in around 13.8 seconds. To play starting center for the Houston Texans, like Jake Andrews does, you got to squat 600 pounds — ass to Achilles. If you can’t, you better be a super Javon Kearse-level athlete. I have these standards in my head, and I preach them. My staff knows them, and we hold the standards.

“The other one is, everybody’s pursuing mental toughness. How do you get mentally tough? People write books about it. People go to clinics about it. The secret to mental toughness is self-confidence. I’m going to get a young man who’s 18 or 20. We’re going to do hard things sequentially enough where they can get better at them. They’re going to improve their self-confidence — that’s how you get mentally tough. You develop that level of self-confidence on a team with this level of talent and watch out. Watch out.”

What’s your grandmother’s name?

“Joyce Alva Miller. She passed away 2009. She got to see me come back from Iraq. She passed away about six months later. She had a a little American flag on her front porch. She put it up there when I joined the Army. When I got out, I went to her house, and she pulled it out and she gave up to me, ‘I’m glad you made it.’”

Your maternal or paternal grandmother?

“My mom’s mother. A fabulous woman when she was helped help raise me. My grandfather, her husband, joined the Army before World War II, mid ’30s. He was actually stationed in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and got out before the [Pearl Harbor] bombing and our involvement.

“My grandfather wanted to be a cavalryman, and they were eliminating the cavalry from the U.S. Army. When he was out of processing, he had like six months left. They said, ‘You’re going to go to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and being a prison guard until you get out of the Army.’ They gave him a 14-inch metal billy club, and they would tie in a square knot on his wrist. They said, ‘Anybody that breaks out on your watch, you serve their time.’ He kept that billy club the rest of his life. My brother has it. Somebody who passed through when he was there was Al Capone.”

When Florida strength coach Rusty Whitt's service ended with the Green Berets, he got a tattoo on his left arm of the American seal found on the back of the dollar bill. (Edgar Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) What’s the meaning of your other tattoos?

“This is getting out of the Army. The American seal on a dollar bill [upper right arm]. This is my my tribute side [left]. My buddy taught me how to play guitar. He passed away in a car accident. Corey Stovall, I got a guitar with with wings on it [left side of abdomen].

“A book written about General Patton called, ‘A Genius for War.’ He said a pint of sweat will save a gallon of blood’ [tattooed fully along the triceps of each arm. It’s kind of cheesy, but when I was a little kid, I watched the movie ‘Patton’ with George C Scott. My dad loved it, so I got into it.”

What was your father’s influence?

“My dad was in the 101st Airborne in the late ’50s, early ’60s. During the Cuban Missile Crisis my dad was camped out wearing his parachute under a wing of a C-130. They were getting ready to fly into Cuba and do a low-level jump. They had gotten called on the bird about to take off. But they had to sleep under the wings of a C-130 for two weeks. My dad had these black-and-white pictures of him in the Army all over the house. My grandfather had pictures him wearing wearing his old uniform. I’d always had this thing in the back of my mind, if football didn’t work out. That was another kind of a call that I had to join up. It took something radical, like 9-11 to push me over the edge.”

What were you like as a player at Abilene Christian?

“This is really dating myself. But August of 1989 I walked on. There was no walk-on limit in Division II – there were 75 of us. I was like the fifth-string free safety. Back then, Day One practice was helmet, jersey, shorts – we were in two-a-days. Day Two was helmet, shoulder pads, shorts. Third day was full pads. On my third day, they scrimmaged. They call it the Toilet Bowl. I went out and they put me at free safety. I was a corner and a quarterback in high school and played a little bit outside linebacker. Had no idea what free safety was. He goes, ‘Don’t let anybody throw the ball over your head.’ It’s like, ‘OK.’

“So my first scrimmage, I hit a guy on a post route back when targeting was encouraged. I targeted the dude in his sternum and knocked him out. I had a really good day just hitting guys. Ronnie Lott was my favorite player. I’m trying to be Ronnie Lott. I got a scholarship that day, and then I redshirted. My first strength coach came in 1992. I gained 15 pounds, and I got moved to SAM linebacker. But I’d had about five concussions at that point. I’m wearing this bizarre concussion cap that [Buffalo Bills safety] Mark Kelso [wore]. I had to wear a it my last year. Wanted to play beyond college — I was pretty fast. Went to a neurologist, he said, ‘You’ve had a brain bleed. We highly recommend you stop playing football.’ So I got into coaching, and here we are.”

Do you share your experiences with your players?

“I try to in small bites. Their attention spans are really short. I tell them little war stories here and there, five-minute long ones. They always have to have a message of being aware, self-reliance, being tough. I learned a lot about myself and learned about selflessness and how far our body could be pushed. I do tell my players those intimate stories because you got to be very real with these young men, to be authentic. I treat them like men. I don’t call them kids or boys or fellas. They’re young men. They appreciate being told factual, graphic stuff, because it helps them. They listen. They know reality from bs.”

Are you coaching higher-level athletes here, across the board?

“You can tell they’ve done a really good job of bringing in top-tier level, NFL-level length. Our job is to to hone them and get them stronger and and understand the professional discipline is going to take for them to reach their potential. But we have some very large guys that are so big they need bigger squat racks. We need to make wider squat racks and longer bars. We’re getting new equipment, and it’s going to be here in a few months.”

Is (edge rusher) Jayden Woods special?

“He’s elite. He’s a strong young man. We have a lot of talented players, but so does everybody else. I’m looking these guys going, ‘We got next-level guys.’ But then Georgia does and Bama does and LSU does, and we got to beat them. It’s kind of a race to improvement.

“Everybody’s in the same boat with transfers, your lack of depth here and there. It’s just wide open right now. I know the strength coach at Georgia, Scott Sinclair. We’re chasing that level of continuity because he’s been there for a while. [Head coach] Kirby Smart’s been there for a while. So we got to get continuity and stability and install confidence in these guys really quick.”

Where do you gain the edge?

“The edge is in your daily standard, and knowing it’s not going to happen overnight, and trying to instill persistence in these guys that. Just keep stacking days — and be a competitor. You just got to compete. We’re going to improve on all those aspects, but it is going to take a segment of time that some people won’t be used to. But it’s just going to take time.”

Florida strength coach Rusty Whitt has two tattoos on his right are to honor Josh Townsend, Whitt's roommate and fellow Green Beret who died Afghanistan. 'He liked Jameson Whiskey ... and a Celtic knot because he was a big Irish guy." Sumrall said he nearly fired you at Troy?

“When Chip Lindsey resigned at the conclusion to 2021 season, I was getting ready to start packing my house up because I know the writing’s on the wall. This is before I even knew who they were going to hire. Austin Stidham, our starting Academic All-American center goes, ‘Hey, you don’t worry. I got you. I’m going to go battle for you.’

“Stidham and several of his teammates — this is before the portal went crazy and we had a bunch of juniors who knew they were going to come back. Stidham goes to the AD and says, ‘If Whitt gets fired, we’re going to jump in the portal. We’re all going to transfer.’ Now, whether he would have done that, I don’t know. But I owe my career to Stidham. The AD there goes, ‘I’ll see what I can do.’ He told Sumrall, ‘Hey, I really want you to consider keeping the guy that we have. The players really like what they’re doing.’”

How’d you convince him to keep you?

“He calls me from the road, and he says, ‘Tell me about yourself; tell me what this team needs; what’s missing from this team?’ I tell him, we’re pretty close, but we got to work on standards and aligning our message, blah, blah, blah. He goes, ‘Let’s meet tomorrow in my office. I’ll give you about 20 minutes.’ So I took my little hire packet, my philosophy packet — ‘the best ability is availability and so forth’ — and I go in there and we talk for two hours. He’s like, ‘I think we can make this work.’

“Best season in school history — 12-2, ranked No 19. Our defense led the nation in fewest points allowed in the fourth quarter. We beat UTSA in a Cure Bowl. In ’23, win the conference, beat App State. Have a bunch of NFL players out of Troy. He takes the job at Tulane and brought me along, and we kept the same philosophy mentality. But I owe it to Austin Stidham.”

Sumrall said he would not be here if not for you?

“Wow. I’m going to hold him to that.”

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

Winderman’s view: Heat’s Spoelstra not concerned about standings shenanigans, just wins like Sunday

South Florida Local News - Sun, 02/08/2026 - 14:19

WASHINGTON — Observations and other notes of interest from Sunday’s 132-101 victory over the Washington Wizards:

– For Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, the moment at hand is one positioned between indifference and desperation.

– Sunday, he found his team facing a Washington team prioritizing lottery seeding to the degree that no one is quite sure when recent trade additions Trae Young and Anthony Davis will make their Wizards debut.

– That included the Wizards coming off a Saturday loss in Brooklyn, when just about anybody and everybody of note was held out in a loss to the Nets.

– Then, miraculously, most of those injured and ailing players suddenly were healthy for Sunday’s Wizards home game.

– Shortly after the Wizards’ Saturday loss, the Jazz were pulling leading men Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. as a lead in Orlando then turned into a loss to the Magic, a team the Heat are battling for East seeding.

– Utah needs to lose enough to guarantee one of the first eight lottery picks, or else that lottery pick is lost to Oklahoma City.

– To say all the tanking around the league isn’t leading to an uneven playing field would be a massive understatement.

– “I think the one thing that we all have to keep in mind is that there isn’t just one way to do things,” Spoelstra said remarkably diplomatically before Sunday’s game, “and it’s not on me or us to judge how other organizations are running their operations.”

– Spoelstra added, “You are free to do however you feel is the best that you think for your organization, and people will criticize it one way or another. People criticize us. We’re going to compete every single night, every night.”

– The Heat next play the Jazz on Monday night at Kaseya Center.

– So does Utah play that one for keeps, unlike Saturday night against the Magic?

– The standings, Spoelstra said, remain in his team’s control.

– “They’re free to do whatever they want,” Spoelstra said, “and I’m not hoping for other teams to beat teams so that we can get to where we want to get to. It’s up to us.”

– For the Heat, the goal remains to avoid the play-in round for a fourth consecutive season.

– “If we want to get a guaranteed playoff spot, then it’s on us,” he said. “It’s not on these teams that are playing guys or not playing guys, and we’re just hoping that they can hang on for a win. We don’t want anybody’s help. We want to handle it ourselves.”

– With Pelle Larsson sidelined, the Heat opened with Myron Gardner as the emergency starter, in an opening lineup rounded out by Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Norman Powell and Davion Mitchell.

– It was the Heat’s 18th lineup in their 54th game.

– The Wizards, opened with Justin Champagnie, Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George.

– There was no Young or Davis for the Wizards, who now will attempt to balance more of an immediate future while also prioritizing the upcoming draft lottery.

– With Gardner called for two fouls in the opening 1:27, Jaime Jaquez Jr. made an early entrance as Heat sixth man.

– Early minutes then followed for Kel’el Ware.

– Simone Fontecchio and Kasparas Jakucionis followed together, for nine deep.

– Jakucionis this time played ahead of Dru Smith.

– With Ware and Adebayo then paired together as Nikola Jovic sat.

– Eventually, there was time for anyone and everyone on the first night of the back-to-back set.

– The Heat are now 7-3 all-time on Super Bowl Sunday, with the Wizards 5-4 when playing the same day as the Super Bowl.

– The Wizards became the final Eastern Conference team the Heat met for the first time this season.

– That comes with the Heat already having completed their 2025-26 season series against 11 teams, including Eastern Conference rivals Chicago and New York.

– The game opened the Heat’s 13th of a league-high 17 back-to-backs this season, moving on to Monday night’s home game against the Jazz with a 9-3 record on the second nights of such sets.

Heat take care of business in D.C. with 132-101 rout of Wizards

South Florida Local News - Sun, 02/08/2026 - 14:18

WASHINGTON — Yes, another early 22-point lead, just like Friday night in Boston.

But actually nothing like that blown 22-point lead against the Celtics, considering this was against a team again prioritizing its annual race to the bottom of the standings, and therefore top of the lottery.

So little worry for the Miami Heat in this one amid the Washington Wizards’ Super Bowl Sunday indifference, as Erik Spoelstra’s team rolled to a 132-101 victory at Capital One Arena.

On a chilly afternoon, in a sparsely attended arena, the Heat got off to a somewhat shaky defensive start, recognized what they were (actually weren’t) up against, and pushed their lead into the 30s in the third period, affording needed rest ahead of Monday night’s home game against the Utah Jazz.

“We’ve shown that ability to bounce back after disappointing games,” Spoelstra said. “The approach today was very professional, pretty much throughout the rotation across the board.”

So Bam Adebayo needed for just 28 minutes, but still closing with 22 points and eight rebounds, Norman Powell lost for the afternoon in the third period due to back pain, but still with 21 points.

Andrew Wiggins also got to sit late for the Heat, after completing an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double, with Kel’el Ware allowed to play deeper into the afternoon, finishing with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

The Heat also got a career-high 22 points from rookie guard Kasparas Jakucionis. who closed 6 of 6 on 3-pointers.

“I thought we did a great job with sustaining the level of effort and focus that we needed,” Powell said.

Five Degrees of Heat from Sunday’s game:

1. Game flow: The Heat led 37-33 after the first period and 75-52 at halftime.

Then, as if there was any doubt where this was headed, the Heat made sure there would not be another third-period collapse, which largely has been the bane of this uneven season.

This time the lead was 95-65 midway through the third quarter, as a quiet arena grew even quieter, save for a few hearty Heat fans.

Finally, with 8 minutes to play, the starters were pulled, with the likes of Jahmir Young entering the action.

2. Rotation alternations: With Pelle Larsson out with the elbow contusion sustained in Friday night’s loss in Boston and Tyler Herro away from the team with his ongoing rib issue, the Heat moved to a lineup that had Myron Gardner making his third start of the season.

The adjustments didn’t end there, with Jakucionis, who did not see action on Friday night in Boston, playing ahead of Dru Smith, and with Spoelstra pairing Adebayo and Ware as he cycled through his rotations, rather than utilizing Nikola Jovic.

“It’s what we’ve been talking about,” Spoelstra said, “that everybody really needs to wrap their mind about being an energy player.”

3. Kasparas can: Jakucionis seized upon his opportunity, opening 3 of 3 on 3-pointers as part of the Heat’s 7-of-11 open from beyond the arc.

Those three first-period 3-pointers were more than Jakucionis had in an appearance since he had three in the Jan. 15 home loss to the Celtics.

“I just try to stay ready,” he said. “Whenever I have the opportunity, I try to embrace it and try to stay ready whenever I can.

“I made a couple of shots. I was feeling good and I just kept taking good shots instead of trying to force it. So whenever the ball came to me, I was ready.”

Jakucionis was up to 11 points by the opening stages of the second period, his first double-digit outing in his last seven appearances.

“He really competes,” Spoelstra said. “He was getting in little things, dust-ups throughout the course of the game. But it’s really just because of how hard he plays. There’s a purity to that.”

4. Double big: When Adebayo returned from his first break to play alongside Ware, it was their first minutes together since Jan. 6.

“I liked it today,” Spoelstra said. “We want to see where we can maximize our rotation as much as possible.”

Entering Sunday, Ware had played 10 or fewer minutes in three of his previous six appearances. The Heat was a +22 with the two on the court together in the first half, even if that included Adebayo facialing Ware on a dunk in the second period.

“It just felt like I had a little more help out there,” Ware said, “a little more help closer to my size, I would say.”

The duo finished a combined +41 for the afternoon.

“I mean we always got belief in our lineups, double-big, small lineups, whatever it is,” Adebayo said. “It’s good to have that kind of, I guess you’d say, time in the game together.”

About being dunked on by a teammate, Ware said, “I was going to grab the rebound … But yeah, the unfortunate happened.”

From Adebayo’s perspective, all in good fun, “Yeah, we always joke that I never dunked on him. It just so happened that I dunked on him in the game.

“I had a free runway too.”

5. Two more chances: At 28-26, The Heat have two games remaining before their eight-day All-Star break, on Monday night at Kaseya Center against the Jazz and Wednesday night on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans, a pair of teams at the bottom of the Western Conference that stand a combined 30-77.

“Very important,” Spoelstra said of going into the break on high notes “We’ll focus on tomorrow night. But yes, it is very important for us to handle the next one professionally tomorrow night.”

Heat’s Norman Powell selected for NBA All-Star 3-point contest, sidelined vs. Wizards

South Florida Local News - Sun, 02/08/2026 - 12:59

WASHINGTON — It turns out All-Star Weekend will be flush with Miami Heat representation.

Sunday, guard Norman Powell secured yet another Heat slot for All-Star Weekend, when he was named as one of the eight participants in next Saturday’s 3-point contest in Los Angeles.

Sunday’s announcement came one week after Powell last Sunday was named an All-Star for the first time in his 11-season career.

The selection to the 3-point contest came while the Heat were playing the Washington Wizards on Sunday at Capital One Arena. Powell wound up leaving that game in the third quarter for the balance of the way due to the lower-back tightness that had him on the injury report earlier in the day. He closed with 21 points, including a potential preview of All-Star Saturday by shooting 5 of 10 on 3-pointers.

So for the Heat, it will be second-year center Kel’el Ware in the Rising Stars competition on Friday night, forward Keshad Johnson in the dunk contest on All-Star Saturday, Powell in the 3-point contest on All-Star Saturday, two-way player Jahmir Young in the G League All-Star Game and 3-point contest on Sunday, and then Powell in the All-Star Game.

The weekend activities bring Powell back to Intuit Dome, where he played last season with the Los Angeles Clippers, before his July trade to the Heat.

“It’s really exciting,” Powell said of the 3-point invitation. “When they asked, I instantly said yes. Just for being back at Intuit Dome, back in L.A., where my family can see me for the All-Star weekend. So I’m excited about that.”

As for leaving with the back discomfort, Powell downplayed the issue.

“I think it’s just a moment,” he said of leaving early Sunday. “I think a lot to do with being stuck on the plane for a lot of hours. And then soft beds at the hotel. We tried to make an adjustment. But they didn’t have what we needed to have, a little firmer mattress there. I always get a little back flare-up when I’m sleeping on soft mattresses.”

Powell also participated in last year’s 3-point contest during All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, a competition won by Heat guard Tyler Herro, who is unable to defend his title due to an ongoing rib issue. Powell failed to advance out of the event’s first round last year.

Powell becomes the 10th player to represent the Heat in the 3-point contest, seeking to become the Heat’s sixth champion.

Besides Herro last year, previous Heat winners of the competition were Glen Rice (1995), Jason Kapono (2007), Daequan Cook (2009) and James Jones (2011).

In all, Heat players previously have made 14 appearances in the 3-point contest, when counting the two appearances apiece by Jon Sundvold, Glen Rice, Daequan Cook, James Jones and Tyler Herro, and single appearances by Kapono, Mario Chalmers, Duncan Robinson and current Heat assistant coach Wayne Ellington.

Also selected to the field for the 3-point contest are Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), Bobby Portis Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks) and Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers), even though Lillard is sidelined for the season with an Achilles tear, not playing this season.

In the two-round contest, players attempt to score as many points as possible from multiple 3-point locations within 70 seconds. The top three scorers from the first round advance to the championship round, where the highest score determines the winner.

The 3-point contest will be the first competition on All-Star Saturday this coming Saturday in Los Angeles, followed by the Shooting Stars contest and then the dunk contest. The Heat do not have a competitor in the Shooting Stars event that features one former NBA player on each of the competing units.

The Heat begin their All-Star break after Wednesday night’s game against the Pelicans in New Orleans. They then return to action after an eight-day break with a Feb. 20 game in Atlanta against the Hawks.

Heat lose ‘connector’ with Larsson out vs. Wizards; Johnson takes dunks to G League

South Florida Local News - Sun, 02/08/2026 - 11:01

WASHINGTON — There was a time when Pelle Larsson being unavailable to the Miami Heat would fall somewhere along the lines of minor inconvenience.

This no longer is that time.

Sunday, when the Heat had to go without Larsson against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena due to the elbow contusion sustained in the first half of Friday night’s loss to the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, it meant having to go without a player who had started the previous 13 games and 32 overall this season.

From late selection out of Arizona in the second round in 2024, Larsson has emerged this season into what Erik Spoelstra often refers to as a “connector,” the type of player who makes teammates and lineups better.

“He’s that example we talk about, ‘Make us watch you and make us have to play you and make us have to move things to make sure that you’re getting out there and playing and not going a different direction,’ ” Spoelstra said before Sunday’s game. “So he’s been really a plus in whatever lineup he’s been in.

“I think that shows his versatility. And he’s pretty much cemented himself in the rotation regardless of where that is.”

The Heat said an MRI on Larsson showed no more than the elbow contusion.

Dunk perspective

Not only does this season’s dunk contest at All-Star weekend feature the field with the lowest-ever cumulative scoring average, but more perspective arrived in the Heat’s injury report for Sunday.

A day after being named to the contest, Heat second-year forward Keshad Johnson was sent to the G League Sioux Falls Skyforce for additional seasoning.

Johnson is averaging 3.1 points per game for the Heat this season, just below the composite 4.53 scoring average of the field that also includes Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs), Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers) and Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic).

“The two things I really like about it is, one, I’m really excited about KJ having the opportunity to go experience the All-Star Weekend. I just think it’s awesome for young guys,” Spoelstra said, with Johnson’s competition on Saturday. “And when you’re a young player, I just think it’s great to have an opportunity to mingle with the greats of the game and just see all of it and experience all of it.

“The second thing would be, yes, athleticism is big time. We see it after practices, some of these dunks he does. He can take off from right inside the free-throw line. He can do a lot of trick dunks. And he’s also really starting to figure out how to weaponize that athleticism, and show it more in the game of basketball where it’s not just a dunk contest.”

When it comes to dunking, guard Jahmir Young, who is on a two-way contract and has played with Johnson with the Heat and Skyforce, said the potential for a contest breakout is undeniable.

“He’s one of the most athletic guys in the league, whether that’s seeing it in warm-ups, or even the time that he gets in the game,” Young said. “His nickname is Showtime for a reason.”

Goldin, too

In addition to Johnson, the Heat also sent bulky 7-foot rookie center Vlad Goldin back to the G League for additional seasoning.

“Vlad, he hasn’t gotten a lot of opportunities with us, but I’m really encouraged by him,” Spoelstra said. “It forces us to look at him in a unique way. He’s a throwback big. He’s got a great motor for somebody his size.

“So if there’s some areas where he may lack in some athleticism, he makes up for it in his consistent motor, that energy. And then he’s got a really unique touch inside the paint. He can do these little flip shots, finishes. Even though he’s not elevating off the ground, he can do it with either hand. So I like his development.”

Investigation continues a week after Savannah Guthrie mother was reported missing

South Florida Local News - Sun, 02/08/2026 - 09:28

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The urgent investigation into the apparent kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie continued Sunday, a week after the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie was reported missing in Arizona.

Savannah Guthrie solemnly told the potential kidnappers in a social media video released Saturday that the family was prepared to pay for her safe return. Flanked by her siblings, Guthrie said “we received your message” and that: “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

An FBI spokesman said Savannah Guthrie was referring to a message that was sent to the Tucson-based television station KOLD on Friday. The station declined to share details about the message’s contents as the FBI conducted its review.

Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her home just outside Tucson last weekend. DNA tests showed blood on Guthrie’s front porch was a match to her, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said.

Multiple press outlets have received alleged ransom letters during the past week. At least one letter made monetary demands and established Thursday evening and Monday evening as deadlines. Law enforcement officials declined to affirm that the letters were credible but said all tips were being investigated seriously.

The sheriff and his staff did not respond to requests for updates Sunday morning.

A FBI spokesman said Sunday that the investigation was continuing.

The disappearance of the well-known TV host’s mother has fixated Americans over the past week. Candles remained lit early Sunday near Nancy Guthrie’s home, next to a sign expressing support for the family.

The White House said President Donald Trump called and spoke with Savannah Guthrie last week. The president told reporters on Friday that there are clues in the case “that I think are very strong.”

Authorities say they have growing concerns about Nancy Guthrie’s health because she needs daily medication. She is said to have a pacemaker and has dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.

The video released Saturday was the third this week that pleaded with potential kidnappers.

Takeaways from what the Epstein files show about the FBI investigation of possible sex trafficking

South Florida Local News - Sun, 02/08/2026 - 08:41

By MICHAEL R. SISAK, DAVID B. CARUSO and LARRY NEUMEISTER

NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI collected ample proof that Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused underage girls but found scant evidence the well-connected financier led a sex trafficking ring serving powerful men, an Associated Press review of internal Justice Department records shows.

Videos and photos seized from Epstein’s homes in New York, Florida and the Virgin Islands didn’t depict victims being abused or implicate anyone else in his crimes, a prosecutor wrote in one 2025 memo.

An examination of Epstein’s financial records, including payments he made to entities linked to influential figures in academia, finance and global diplomacy, found no connection to criminal activity, said another internal memo in 2019.

Summarizing the investigation in an email last July, agents said “four or five” Epstein accusers claimed other men or women had sexually abused them. But, the agents said, there “was not enough evidence to federally charge these individuals.”

The AP and other media organizations are still reviewing millions of pages of documents, many of them previously confidential, that the Justice Department released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act and it is possible those records contain evidence overlooked by investigators.

Here are takeaways from what the documents show about the FBI investigation and why U.S. authorities ultimately decided to close it without additional charges.

Origins of the investigation

The Epstein investigation began in 2005, when the parents of a 14-year-old girl reported that she had been molested at the millionaire’s home in Palm Beach, Florida. Then-Miami U.S. attorney Alexander Acosta struck a deal letting Epstein plead guilty to state charges of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. Sentenced to 18 months in jail, Epstein was free by mid-2009.

In 2018, a series of Miami Herald stories about the plea deal prompted federal prosecutors to take a fresh look at the accusations.

Epstein was arrested in July of 2019. One month later, he killed himself in his jail cell.

A year later, prosecutors charged Epstein’s longtime confidant, Ghislaine Maxwell, saying she’d recruited several of his victims and sometimes joined the sexual abuse. Convicted in 2021, Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison term.

Lack of evidence for coconspirators

Prosecution memos, case summaries and other documents made public in the department’s latest release of Epstein-related records show that FBI agents and federal prosecutors diligently pursued potential coconspirators. Even seemingly outlandish and incomprehensible claims, called in to tip lines, were examined.

Some allegations couldn’t be verified, investigators wrote.

In 2011 and again in 2019, investigators interviewed Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who in lawsuits and news interviews had accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters with numerous men, including Britain’s former Prince Andrew.

Investigators said they confirmed that Giuffre had been sexually abused by Epstein. But other parts of her story were problematic.

Giuffre acknowledged writing a partly fictionalized memoir of her time with Epstein containing descriptions of things that didn’t take place. She had also offered shifting accounts in interviews with investigators, they wrote.

Two other Epstein victims who Giuffre had claimed were also “lent out” to powerful men told investigators they had no such experience, prosecutors wrote in a 2019 internal memo.

Photos and video don’t implicate others

Investigators seized a multitude of videos and photos from Epstein’s electronic devices and homes in New York, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They found CDs, hard copy photographs and at least one videotape containing nude images of females.

No videos or photos showed Epstein victims being sexually abused, none showed any males with any of the nude females, and none contained evidence implicating anyone other than Epstein and Maxwell, then-Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey wrote in an email for FBI officials last year.

Had they existed, the government “would have pursued any leads they generated,” Comey wrote. “We did not, however, locate any such videos.”

Investigators who scoured Epstein’s bank records found payments to more than 25 women who appeared to be models — but no evidence that he was engaged in prostituting women to other men, prosecutors wrote.

Prosecutors weighed the possibility of charging some of Epstein’s close associates, including an assistant and business clients, but ultimately decided against it because of lack of evidence.

No client list found

Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News in February 2025 that Epstein’s never-before-seen “client list” was “sitting on my desk right now.” But FBI agents wrote superiors saying the client list didn’t exist.

On Dec. 30, 2024, about three weeks before President Joe Biden left office, then-FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate reached out through subordinates to ask “whether our investigation to date indicates the ‘client list,’ often referred to in the media, does or does not exist,” according to an email summarizing his query.

A day later, an FBI official replied that the case agent had confirmed no client list existed.

On Feb. 19, 2025, two days before Bondi’s Fox News appearance, an FBI supervisory special agent wrote: “While media coverage of the Jeffrey Epstein case references a ‘client list,’ investigators did not locate such a list during the course of the investigation.”

___

Aaron Kessler in Washington contributed to this report.

___ The AP is reviewing the documents released by the Justice Department in collaboration with journalists from CBS, NBC, MS NOW and CNBC. Journalists from each newsroom are working together to examine the files and share information about what is in them. Each outlet is responsible for its own independent news coverage of the documents.

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