South Florida Local News

Today is Friday, Jan. 30, the 30th day of 2026. There are 335 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Jan. 30, 1972, 13 Catholic civil rights marchers were shot and killed by British soldiers in Northern Ireland on what became known as “Bloody Sunday.”

Also on this date:

In 1649, England’s King Charles I was executed for high treason.

Related Articles

• House probe finds ‘substantial evidence’ of criminal misconduct, ethics violations by Cherfilus-McCormick
• Former First Brands CEO Patrick James and his brother are indicted for bilking billions from banks
• Nationwide economic shutdown set for Friday in protest of ICE policies
• Owner of Johnny Rockets, Fatburger files for bankruptcy
• Scientists marvel at a Galapagos seabird that wandered 3,000 miles to California

In 1835, in the first-known attempt to assassinate a U.S. president, an unemployed house painter tried to kill President Andrew Jackson, but both of the attacker’s pistols misfired and he was tackled as Jackson was safely hustled away.

In 1933, Adolf Hitler was named chancellor of Germany.

In 1945, during World War II, a Soviet submarine torpedoed the German ship MV Wilhelm Gustloff in the Baltic Sea, killing over 9,000 people, most of them war refugees; roughly 1,000 people survived.

In 1948, Indian political and spiritual leader Mohandas K. Gandhi, 78, was shot and killed in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse (neh-too-RAHM’ gahd-SAY’), a Hindu extremist.

In 1968, the Tet Offensive began during the Vietnam War as Communist forces launched surprise attacks against South Vietnamese towns and cities.

In 1969, The Beatles staged an unannounced concert atop Apple headquarters in London that would be their last public performance.

In 2017, President Donald Trump fired Acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates after she publicly questioned the constitutionality of his refugee and immigration ban and refused to defend it in court.

In 2020, health officials reported the first known case in which the new coronavirus was spread from one person to another in the United States.

Today’s birthdays:

• Actor Vanessa Redgrave is 89.
• Musician Phil Collins is 75.
• Actor Charles S. Dutton (“Roc”) is 75.
• Golf Hall of Famer Curtis Strange is 71.
• Actor Ann Dowd (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) is 70.
• Comedian Brett Butler (″Grace Under Fire”) is 68.
• Singer Jody Watley is 67.
• U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is 54.
• Actor Christian Bale is 52.
• Actor Olivia Colman is 52.
• Actor Wilmer Valderrama (“That ’70s Show”) is 46.
• Rapper-musician Kid Cudi is 42.
• Pop singer Tyla is 24.

Regional quarterfinals

According to FHSAA.com

Tuesday at 7 p.m. unless noted

3A

1. Somerset Canyons at 8. Lincoln Park

7. FAU High at 2. Fort Myers Bishop Verot

6. North Broward Prep at 3. American Heritage-Delray

8. Cardinal Gibbons at 1. Downtown Doral

5. University School at 4. Key Biscayne MAST Academy

2A

5. Benjamin at 4. Windermere Prep

7. West Shore at 2. King’s Academy

8. St. John Paul II at 1. Doral Divine Savior, 3:30 p.m.

5. St. Andrew’s at 4. Miami Palmer

1A

8. Sheridan Hills at 1. Miami BridgePrep, 4

5. Pinecrest Prep at 4. Boca Raton Christian

7. Archimedean at 2. Berean Christian, 3

6. SLAM at 3. Highlands Christian

Friday at 7 p.m. unless noted

7A

7. Centennial at 2. Jupiter

8. Wellington at 1. Cypress Bay

5. Palmetto at 4. Stoneman Douglas, 5 p.m.

6. Coral Glades at 3. Miami Columbus

6A

8. Dwyer at 1. St. Thomas Aquinas

4. South Broward at 5. Olympic Heights

7. Everglades at 2. Miami Beach

3. Monarch at 6. Deerfield Beach

5A

8. Mater Academy at 1. Archbishop McCarthy, 4

4. Pembroke Pines Charter at 5. Coconut Creek

7. Dr. Joaquin Garcia at 2. Stuart South Fork

4A

8. Suncoast at 1. Miami Belen Jesuit

7. Mourning at 2. American Heritage

6. Reagan at 3. Somerset Academy, 3:30

 

Regional quarterfinals

According to FHSAA.com

Monday at 7 p.m. unless noted

3A

1. Somerset Canyons at 8. Lake Placid

4. FAU High at 5. Sarasota Cardinal Mooney

7. American Heritage-Delray at 2. North Broward Prep

8. Don Soffer at 1. Cardinal Gibbons

5. Coral Springs Charter at 4. University School

7. Gulliver Prep at 2. Pine Crest

2A

8. Windermere Prep at 1. King’s Academy

6. St. Andrew’s at 3. Ransom Everglades

1A

8. Boca Raton Christian at 1. Berean Christian, 3 p.m.

5. Sheridan Hills at 4. Glades Day

7. Westwood Christian at 2. South Florida HEAT

6. Highlands Christian at 3. Miami Archimedean

Thursday at 7 p.m. unless noted

7A

7. East Ridge at 2. Jupiter

8. Goleman at 1. Cypress Bay

5. Doral Academy at 4. Stoneman Douglas, 5 p.m.

7. Coral Reef at 2. Wellington

6. Spanish River at 3. Miami Palmetto, 3

6A

8. Miami Beach at 1. St. Thomas Aquinas

5. Flanagan at 4. West Boca Raton

7. Fort Lauderdale at 2. Stuart Martin County

6. South Plantation at 3. Cooper City

5A

8. Hollywood Hills at 1. Lourdes Academy

5. Dr. Joaquin Garcia at 4. Stuart South Fork

7. Varela at 2. Archbishop McCarthy

6. Jensen Beach at 3. Pembroke Pines Charter

4A

8. Suncoast at 1. American Heritage

7. Key West at 2. Somerset Academy, 3:30

By JOE HARRIS

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jimmy Snuggerud scored on a power play with 7.6 seconds left to give the St. Louis Blues a 5-4 victory over Florida on Thursday night, spoiling Matthew Tkachuk’s best game in his return from adductor muscle surgery.

Tkachuk, who grew up in St. Louis, scored his first two goals of the season and picked up his 400th career assist.

Jordan Kyrou had a goal and two assists to help St. Louis end a five-game losing streak. Jake Neighbours, Jonatan Berggren and Oskar Sundqvist also scored, and Joel Hofer made 17 saves.

Sam Reinhart added goal and an assist for two-time defending champion Florida. A.J. Greer also scored, and Daniil Tarasov made 26 saves as the Panthers lost their second straight.

Greer gave the Panthers the lead at the 3:12 of the first period.

Neighbours tied it 1:34 later, and Kyrou gave St. Louis a 2-1 lead at 7:51. Neighbours (lower body) and Jordan Kyrou (upper body) were game-time decisions after early exits during Tuesday night against Dallas.

Reinhart tied it at 2 on a power play at 9:22. Berggren regained the lead for the Blues with an even-strength goal with 5:35 left in the first.

Sundqvist, who missed the last four games due to a skate cut above his ankle, gave the Blues a 4-2 lead 41 seconds into the second.

Tkachuk scored two quick goals to even it at 4. Tkachuk, set to play for the United States in the Olympics, started the rally with 3:08 left in the second and followed with a power-play goal with 1:21 to go.

Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues played in his 600th career game.

 

Observations and other notes of interest from Thursday night’s 116-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls:

– No excuses.

– Heat coach Erik Spoelstra made that clear 90 minutes before the opening tip.

– So enough resolve for a needed victory.

– Barely.

– The Heat not only had to add a pair of back-to-backs to their schedule to accommodate the rescheduling of the Jan. 8 game at the United Center that was postponed by condensation on the court, but then were delayed 90 minutes with their overnight flight after Wednesday night’s home loss to the Magic.

– The upshot was a hotel arrival in the 4 a.m. hour for the second time in a week (there also was a delay over the weekend from Salt Lake City to Phoenix).

– Spoelstra stressed pregame there was no need to complain about the scheduling.

– “It actually made sense,” he said of Thursday as the makeup date. “You know, we looked at it. There were a couple of other different dates. This one looked like it made the most sense. And it’s fair for both sides. They’re coming off the back-to-back, so are we. So there’s nothing to complain about.”

– Spoelstra added, “You know, this is a great life we live, to jump on a chartered flight with a great meal. Yeah, we came in pretty late. There’s a lot of worse things in life. You know, we love what we do. We love the challenge. We love competing.”

– With the game the first of three in a row against the Bulls, it is the first time the same two teams have faced each other and only each other in a three-game span since Nov. 28-Dec. 1, 1972, when the Baltimore Bullets played the Houston Rockets (with the first first two games on neutral floor in San Antonio).

– So ragged and rugged for a pair of teams playing on the second nights of back-to-back sets.

– And almost all of a 13-point fourth-quarter lead blown.

– But you take it and move on.

– To play the Bulls.

– And then play the Bulls again.

– The Heat improved to 8-3 on the second nights of back-to-back sets, with this concluding one set and then another over the weekend against the Bulls in Miami.

– “Hopefully it’s just embracing the challenge, not making an excuse for travel and different things,” Spoelstra said. “I think these are opportunities to really grow and develop some grit during an NBA season.”

– With Davion Mitchell missing his seventh game with a shoulder sprain, the Heat again opened with a lineup of Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, Pelle Larsson and Kasparas Jakucionis.

– That lineup entered 3-2.

– It was Larsson’s 26th start.

– And he again was a difference-maker, scoring the Heat’s final points.

– This time Kel’el Ware was first off the Heat bench, playing ahead of Nikola Jovic.

– Jaime Jaquez Jr. followed.

– And then Dru Smith, after Jakucionis was called for his second foul midway through the opening period.

– With Simone Fontecchio making it nine deep, as Jovic waited, before entering as 10th man.

– But in the end, it was Jovic with more closing minutes than Ware.

– Who only played 12 minutes.

– Spoelstra again stressed pregame that pace remains a priority, even with the struggles to match it up with offensive efficiency.

– “I would rather have that kind of explosiveness and work on the efficiency,” he said. “We couldn’t do that last year.”

– He then added the now familiar, “Probably like a lot of teams where we are, it’s about consistency. That’s what we’re working on.”

– Heat killer Josh Giddey was out in his return from a hamstring strain, putting his status in question for the two weekend games in the rematches in Miami.

– “They want to make sure they can clear the tightness up, because I think they worry about it going from one thing to the next,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said. “I don’t know his return.”

Related Articles

• Heat open three-game set vs. Bulls with 116-113 victory in survival mode
• Heat with obstacles to overcome, teams to jump in pursuit of Giannis
• What do the Heat look like at their worst? Tune in for the third quarter
• ASK IRA: Should there be a limit to Heat’s pitch for Giannis?
• Winderman’s view: Heat’s minds elsewhere in loss to Magic as trade deadline looms?

– Donovan added. “There has not been any setback. He didn’t re-strain or anything like that. It’s just a matter of how long it will take for them to remove the tightness, where he can really just play without it.”

– The back-to-back was only the second of the season for the Bulls’ Coby White, with his minutes monitored.

– “They’d like us to keep him between 28 to 30 as best we can,” Donovan said.

– Donovan said Friday’s day off could determine the weekend approaches with Giddey and White.

– “I think tomorrow will be an important day,” he said. “One, to see how Josh responds from treatment and things that he did working out. And then to see how Coby comes out of this game, as well, just to see where those guys are at.”

– And, yes, next Thursday’s NBA trading deadline is on the mind of the Bulls, as well.

– “I haven’t heard anything in terms of what may or may not happen at the deadline,” Donovan said, “but I do think that when you look at that situation, a lot of it, it’s got to be a partner and the deal’s got to make sense and you’ve got to feel like it’s benefiting your team. The other team involved wants to make it feel like they’re benefiting their team.”

– He added, “Sometimes deals are hard to come by. You can have a lot of thoughts of what you may or may not want to do, but sometimes you have to have someone that’s going to be a partner with you to be able to do those things.”

One more win . . . and the Miami Heat consider the possibility of breaking out the brooms?

No, this is not normal NBA scheduling, but it is where the Heat find themselves, in the midst of three consecutive games against the Chicago Bulls.

The scheduling the result of the teams’ Jan. 8 postponement at United Center, the Heat took the first game of the three-game set 116-113 Thursday night on the Bulls’ court.

It wasn’t easy and it got shaky late when almost all of a 13-point lead was blown, but the Heat survived when Chicago’s Coby White missed a 3-point heave just  before the final buzzer.

But for the second night of a back-to-back set that began with Wednesday night’s home loss to the Orlando Magic, the grit to endure.

“We brought a disposition,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “Considering everything, it was a heck of a win.”

So behind 21 points from Norman Powell and a pair of double-doubles — 20 points and 12 rebounds from Bam Adebayo and 19 points and 10 rebounds from Jaime Jaquez Jr —  the Heat turned a lengthy travel day into a needed victory, easing the return trip, with the teams next to meet Saturday and Sunday at Kaseya Center.

“Got a little harrowing there at the end,” Spoelstra said with a smile of relief. “But we were able to execute and get through to the line when we needed to.”

The Heat remained without Tyler Herro (ribs) and Davion Mitchell (shoulder), with the Bulls without Josh Giddey (hamstring) and then losing Jalen Smith (calf) for the second half.

“Two more times at home and another back-to-back,” Jaquez said of the impending return engagements with the Bulls. “We just kind of continue to bring it.”

One down, two to go.

“Just trying to make sure that we bring the same intensity to the next two games,” guard Dru Smith said. “We’d love to get all three, obviously, so we just got to continue to be locked in.”

Five Degrees of Heat from Thursday night’s game:

1. Game flow: The Heat led 34-31 at the end of the first period and 62-51 at halftime.

And then another negative third period for the Heat, as they took a 91-85 lead into the fourth. It was the seventh consecutive third quarter that the Heat have been outscored.

From there, the Heat moved ahead by 13 early in the fourth, before the Bulls staged a comeback that included a Powell foul with 10.1 seconds to play that put Ayo Dosunmu at the foul line, where he made both free throws to make it 112-111.

“We have great respect for Chicago, how quickly they can put points on the board,” Spoelstra said.

The Heat called time at that stage, with Powell fouled with 8.9 seconds remaining, making both for a 114-111 lead.

The Heat’s Pelle Larsson then fouled before the Bulls could get off a 3-point attempt, with White making both foul shots to leave the Heat up 114-113 with 7.1 seconds to play.

It was a rare time when a Spoelstra team intentionally fouled up three.

“We talked about it with Pelle, that if it was at half court that we would do it,” Spoelstra said.

The Heat then went quickly to Larsson for a layup, for a 116-113 lead with 4.6 seconds to play, in a moment when he also likely could have dribbled out the clock.

So another Bulls timeout, with it ended on White’s missed 29-foot open heave.

White thought he had it.

“It hurt my heart,” he said. “I got a good look. I’ve hit that shot before.”

Perhaps not a textbook close, but satisfying nonetheless, Adebayo said.

“Got the ball in, got fouled, made our free throws, and kept extending the game,” he said.

2. Bam’s boost: Adebayo made it six consecutive games with at least 20 points, now the third longest streak of his nine-season career.

He again got to work early, scoring seven of the Heat’s first 14 points, up to 14 by halftime.

Adebayo now has scored 20 or more in nine of the last 10 games, with double-doubles in four of his last five games.

“I’m continuing to just stay in this flow,” Adebayo said.

He closed 7 of 19 from the field, including 2 of 8 on 3-pointers.

Now wanting more against the same opponent.

“We got to take care of business,” he said.

Related Articles

• Winderman’s view: No-excuse Heat with no-excuse win in postponement rematch
• Heat with obstacles to overcome, teams to jump in pursuit of Giannis
• What do the Heat look like at their worst? Tune in for the third quarter
• ASK IRA: Should there be a limit to Heat’s pitch for Giannis?
• Winderman’s view: Heat’s minds elsewhere in loss to Magic as trade deadline looms?

3. Rotation revision: After being reduced to the back of the rotation in Wednesday night’s home loss to the Magic, Kel’el Ware this time was first off the Heat bench.

Included in Ware’s first stint were a pair of first-quarter 3-pointers, which gave him 53 for the season, tying the franchise single-season record of 53 for a 7-footer, set by Meyers Leonard in 2019-20. Ware then broke that record with a third-quarter 3-pointer.

“I’m just doing what I can. Whatever minutes I get, try to work and impact the game,” Ware said.

It nonetheless remained an either/or equation, with Adebayo and Ware not on the court together, and Nikola Jovic the closing choice in the power rotation.

Ware was limited to 12 minutes, closing with 12 points, four rebounds and two blocked shots.

“Kel’el gave us some really good minutes tonight,” Spoelstra said. “We’re managing that second unit, which is really playing well. We’re at a point where we just need everybody contributing, whatever those minutes may be.”

5. Still going: Jaquez continues to pace the bench, his attacking style providing relief points when the Heat offense otherwise stagnated.

In addition, he again filled the box score, this time also adding five assists and three steals, active on both ends of the court, including securing the game’s final rebound.

“We embrace it,” Jaquez said of the fight to the finish on the second night of the back-to-back set. “We try to be a tough, gritty team.”

Jaquez paced a feisty Heat bench that also got 11 points from Smith and eight from Jovic.

“Dru was playing really well,” Spoelstra said, “and then we go to Jaime at the point. Those lineups have been good for us.

“Those guys have really given us a punch.”

5. Over and over: Next up? The Bulls. And then? The Bulls again.

As part of the reconfigured scheduling created by the Jan. 8 postponement at the United Center due to court condensation, the teams will play Saturday and Sunday nights at Kaseya Center.

That had the originally scheduled Friday game at Kaseya Center moved to Saturday.

The Heat’s only other game before next Thursday’s NBA trading deadline is Tuesday night against the visiting Atlanta Hawks.

And so the whirlwind continues.

“I don’t even know what city I’m in right now,” Spoelstra said as he ended his postgame media session. “I’ll be ready for Saturday night.”

Are foot spas good for your feet?

When it comes to methods of relaxation, foot spas might not spring first to mind. But, these machines can soothe more than enough of the aches and pains that come from a long shift spent on your feet or from the symptoms of medical issues you may have. However, you have to use them appropriately to avoid harming your feet or worsening your symptoms. You also need to balance features you may or may not need to soothe specific problems with the increased price that often comes with them.

Size

Foot spas don’t come in a uniform size. Some are on the small side so they can be easily carried once filled. Others are larger to accommodate those with large feet. Before buying one, always double-check its dimensions against the width and length of your feet. Also, double-check what the given dimensions actually measure; some measure the total size of the spa while others measure the interior capacity.

Depth

Most foot spas are only deep enough to cover most of your foot. Some spas are a little deeper, though, to cover the ankles for those with ankle issues. A handful of foot spas are even deep enough to soak your calves; these should only be bought by those who truly need calf attention, as otherwise, they’re too large, unwieldy and difficult to fill to be worth the hassle.

Toe controls

The best foot spas have controls that are easily manipulated by a toe. This lets you adjust water temperature, massage settings and other aspects without having to bend over.

Noise

Most foot spas are fairly quiet, though there should still be some noise coming from the low-power massage features. Spas with high-power massage features can make more noise, though, enough to disturb someone else in your room or home.

FAQ Q. What are the benefits of using a foot spa?

A. There are two main benefits. First, and simplest, it’s relaxing. It’s the same principle behind soaking in a hot bath; it relaxes the muscles and relieves tension. This can be taken further and become pain relief, especially for those suffering from arthritis. Secondly, it can prepare your feet for further care, such as softening calluses and nails for later removal.

Q. Is it ever dangerous to use a foot spa?

A. It can be under the right (wrong?) circumstances. The most common danger is getting an infection from not properly cleaning your spa after every use. Additionally, you shouldn’t use a foot spa at all under certain conditions, such as if you’re diabetic or pregnant. If you’re concerned that you have a condition that makes foot spa use dangerous, check with your doctor. Finally, you should never use a foot spa if you have fresh or still-healing wounds.

Best foot spas

Conair Soothing Vibration Foot Spa

The vibrations from this spa are gentle enough not to numb your feet but strong enough to still relax them. It can be controlled with a tap from a single toe.

Conair Waterfall Foot Spa

This spa can maintain the warmth of any water added, though it can’t heat cold water. It has foot scrubbers, a pumice stone and blue lights to promote a calm atmosphere.

Homedics Bubble Foot Spa

This is among the most affordable foot spas but it still has great features, such as a built-in pumice stone, raised massage nodes and massaging bubbles. It can also be controlled with your feet.

Homedics Shower Bliss Foot Spa

This spa can heat the water so you stay warm for the entire duration. It offers two main massage functions: bubble and waterfall. It also has a pumice stone for scrubbing.

Best hand towel sets

Madamelique Hand Towel Set

These decorative towels are perfect for putting underneath your foot spa if you want your water-catching towels to still look good. They measure 18 by 40 inches and come in 12 colors.

Tian Home Hand Towel Set

This collection of four towels measuring 14 by 29 inches is great for drying off your feet right after a spa treatment. They’re cotton, and each towel is a different color.

Utopia Towels Hand Towel Set

This collection of towels comes in a set of six or 72, for if you’re practically running your own spa. They measure 16 by 28 inches and come in 16 colors.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Share this:

• 
  Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  Facebook
  
• 
  Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window)
  Bluesky
  
• 
  Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
  X
  
• 
  Click to print (Opens in new window)
  Print
  
• 
  Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  Email
  

Which shower steamer is best?

If you love to take showers but still enjoy bath bombs, you will find shower steamers incredibly useful. A shower steamer releases essential oils when it comes into contact with water, resulting in a pleasing aromatherapeutic fizz.

There are several practical and aesthetically pleasing shower steamers to consider. A top choice for a vegan and cruelty-free shower steamer is Cleverfy Aromatherapy Shower Steamers.

What to know before you buy a shower steamer What are shower steamers

Most shower steamers are made with baking soda, citric acid and essential oils, which makes them a bath bomb for the shower. Some combinations of ingredients can be used to energize a morning shower or help you relax at bedtime. Shower steamers are also used to ease minor aches and pains and soothe sore muscles.

Gift baskets and at-home spa kits often include shower steamers. For more information about spa gift baskets and shower steamers, check out the BestReviews buying guide.

How to use shower steamers

Shower steamers dissolve in the shower through contact with water. They typically last five to ten minutes once wet. Most manufacturers recommend placing the shower steamer at the far end of the bath so water makes contact, but does not directly hit the shower steamer tablet. A shower steamer will dissolve too quickly if it is placed directly under the water stream.

Cleaning the tub after using a shower steamer

Beware, shower steamers provide the perfect environment for mold to grow due to the high humidity associated with the steaming process. Ideally, a shower steamer would be used over a shower mat that can be wiped clean after use. If a shower mat is not used, wipe the tub clean with a disinfectant after your shower.

What to look for in a quality shower steamer Shower steamer benefits

Shower steamers are formulated for specific hydrotherapy and aromatherapy benefits.

Respiratory benefits

The hot mist that forms when water hits a shower steamer may provide respiratory benefits. You may feel your nasal passages open and breathe better afterward, and the hot mist may also promote sinus drainage and temporarily relieve respiratory symptoms.

Physical benefits

Shower steamers may have the ability to loosen stiff muscles and increase blood circulation. Users report increased muscular flexibility in tired, overworked muscles after using shower steamers.

Skincare benefits

There are a variety of skincare benefits associated with shower steamers. They may help open hair follicles, which makes it easier to wax or shave. They may also open up pores, which can help skin look more hydrated and glowing.

Essential oil shower steamers

Essential oils are used in shower steamers for aromatherapy. Menthol crystals boost the scent of essential oils and help amplify the aroma.

The aromatherapy benefits of a shower steamer formula will likely be listed in the product details, but you can also consult an aromatherapy guide to decide which formula is right for your needs. For instance, if you want relaxing steam, a lavender essential oil blend will have calming and destressing properties.

Gifting

Shower steamer sets are a great option for a variety of gifting occasions. Individually packaged shower steamers are ideal in a spa gift basket because they will maintain their shape better and allow for several steams. Consider other products that complement the shower steamer experience, like shower gels, lotions and loofah sponges, in your gift set too.

How much you can expect to spend on shower steamers

An individual shower steamer typically costs around $3, while a package of shower steamers can cost up to $40, depending on the quantity and the quality of ingredients.

Shower steamer FAQ Do shower steamers require excess water?

A. Shower steamers may encourage you to stay under the water longer, but they don’t necessarily need more water to work. They typically use less than two gallons of water throughout a 20-minute steam bath.

Are there other advantages to shower steamers?

A. Shower steamers are a great tool for removing wrinkles from clothing. Hang clothes in need of a dewrinkle in the bathroom while you use a shower steamer, and the steam will smooth the fabric. The essential oils may also attach appealing scents to your clothing.

What’s the best shower steamer to buy? Top shower steamer

Cleverfy Aromatherapy Shower Steamers

What you need to know: This vegan and cruelty-free shower steamers set contains six different aromas.

What you’ll love: Includes a bonus e-book about aromatherapy techniques and uses.

What you should consider: Essential oils can stain fabrics and furniture if they leak from the package.

Top shower steamer for the money

BodyRestore Shower Steamers

What you need to know: A package of twelve shower steamer tablets with grapefruit, citrus and cocoa orange scents.

What you’ll love: The individual foil packaging is designed to prevent scent from dissipating and ensures a longer shelf life.

What you should consider: The strong aromatherapy smells fade quickly after being activated by water.

Worth checking out

Shower Steamers Aromatherapy – Organic Natural Shower Bombs

What you need to know: These steamers, made of pure essential oils, give you a spa-like experience at home.

What you’ll love: The set includes lavender, orange ginger, Moroccan rose and eucalyptus scented shower bombs. They melt away without leaving any residue.

What you should consider:  The tablets dissolve pretty quickly.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Share this:

• 
  Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  Facebook
  
• 
  Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window)
  Bluesky
  
• 
  Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
  X
  
• 
  Click to print (Opens in new window)
  Print
  
• 
  Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  Email
  

A Leon County circuit judge Thursday ruled that the Florida Division of Elections is required to update its website to reflect the number of valid petition signatures for a proposed recreational-marijuana constitutional amendment.

Judge Jonathan Sjostrom backed arguments by the Smart & Safe Florida political committee, which faces a Sunday deadline for submitting enough valid signatures to put the proposed amendment on the November ballot.

The committee filed a lawsuit this month alleging that the Division of Elections was not complying with a requirement to post weekly totals of valid signatures from Dec. 1 through Feb. 1.

The website showed 675,307 valid signatures for about two months. After the lawsuit was filed, state elections officials updated the totals, with the website Thursday showing 760,002 valid signatures.

Smart & Safe Florida needs to submit at least 880,062 valid signatures statewide and meet signature thresholds in congressional districts.

Sjostrom noted in his ruling Thursday that one more end-of-the-week deadline was approaching before the Sunday deadline.

He wrote that Smart & Safe Florida “has demonstrated a clear legal right to have the respondents (elections officials) perform their clear legal duty” under a law that includes the posting requirement.

The state attributed the delay in posting numbers to scrutiny of potentially invalid signatures.

But in the lawsuit, Smart & Safe Florida said that without updated numbers, it was “essentially flying blind as to its ballot placement status and is left guessing where it needs to deploy its assets to ensure it makes both the statewide requirement and the congressional district requirement.”

The dispute came amid other legal battles between Smart & Safe Florida and the state about the proposed amendment, which would allow people ages 21 and older to use recreational marijuana.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Olympic gold medalist Sha’Carri Richardson was arrested and charged with speeding in Florida on Thursday, according to law enforcement.

Richardson was arrested for allegedly going 104 mph (167 kph) on a parkway just outside of Orlando. A spokesperson for the Orange County sheriff’s department said she was “dangerously tailgating and traveling across lanes of travel to pass other motorists.”

The 25-year-old sprinter is one of the fastest women of all time, winning a silver medal in the 100 meters in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, and gold in the 4×100 relay that same year. Richardson’s Olympic medals came after she was disqualified from the 2020 Olympics when she tested positive for chemicals found in marijuana.

Last year, Richardson issued a public apology to her boyfriend, Christian Coleman, after she was arrested on a fourth-degree domestic violence offense for allegedly assaulting Coleman at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in July.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m a new employee at a large company. How do I respond to nosy co-workers asking about where I previously worked?

Related Articles

• Miss Manners: A new volunteer behaved unforgivably toward me. I want her fired
• Miss Manners: Why ‘sir’ and ‘ma’am’ aren’t appropriate anymore
• Miss Manners: My father cares more about his outfit than being in my wedding
• Miss Manners: I told my wedding guests ‘no gifts’ but I didn’t expect this to happen
• Miss Manners: What do I tell the restaurant staff when the ladies’ room is too gross to use?

I want to be polite, but I feel my privacy is being invaded.

GENTLE READER: Expecting your co-workers to stick to business is entirely reasonable, and Miss Manners would understand if you found questions about your personal life to be intrusive.

But questions about previous employment seem a reasonable way of getting to know the people with whom you will be spending a great deal of time. Remember that how much information you divulge when answering such questions is up to you.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Strangers want to make small talk with me while waiting in grocery checkout lines, at bus stops, at the bank, during flights, etc. I do not want to make friends with strangers every time I step outside my house.

When this happens, I can’t bring myself to tell these people, “I’m sorry, but I don’t really want to talk,” because it is considered rude.

I attempt to drop gentle hints that I want to be left alone, through body language and short answers to their questions, but most of these people seem to be immune to hints.

So, I am forced to think up innovative ways to avoid talking while being careful not to hurt their feelings. For instance, in order to avoid a chatty lady who wants to become my friend at my regular bus stop, I go to another stop that is slightly out of my way. Once on a nine-hour flight, I was seated next to a talker, and I craned my neck the other way for the entire nine hours in order to avoid catching their eye, which would have led to a long conversation.

First, the obvious question: How can I let these well-meaning folks know, without being rude, that I do not wish to have a conversation?

The second part of my question is more philosophical than practical. Why is it not considered rude to engage me in conversation against my will, but it IS considered rude to tell people you don’t want to talk? Why is their desire to talk to me more valid than my wish not to talk to them? Is there an etiquette rule that says I must suffer instead of them?

Related Articles

• Asking Eric: Friends are shunning me for questioning the HOA
• Miss Manners: A new volunteer behaved unforgivably toward me. I want her fired
• Asking Eric: She shows up late and then says I’m uptight
• Miss Manners: Why ‘sir’ and ‘ma’am’ aren’t appropriate anymore
• Asking Eric: I won’t let her smoke in my yard. She says I’m being unreasonable

GENTLE READER: Our ideas about rules and laws are inevitably shaped by major ones like the Ten Commandments and the Bill of Rights, which are short and pithy. But as a species, we don’t like to read (or take) instructions. Even the big rules are understood to include fine print, like killing in self-defense or not shouting “fire” in a crowded theater.

Yes, it is impolite not to respond when spoken to. But it is also impolite to engage someone in conversation against that person’s inclination.

Miss Manners assures you that you are not being impolite if, after one or two short responses, you find something to do that won’t give you a stiff neck and instead say, “Excuse me, I’m going to return to my book now.” Or “my thoughts.”

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, gentlereader@missmanners.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Q: My partner and I have been together for a few years and have been living in a rented house. It’s time for us to buy our first house. Do you have any recommendations on what we should be looking for in our new home? — Christine

A: There is no shortage of advice when you are looking to buy your first home.

The first thing to understand is that the concept of a perfect home is a myth. There is no such thing, and what you should be looking for is the best home you can afford that fits your family and lifestyle.

The reality is that you need a home in good repair, at the right price, and in the best location for your family.

Start by making a list of the features most important to you, such as proximity to work or good schools, a certain number of bedrooms, large closets, or a garage. Try to find a home that checks as many of those boxes as possible.

Then consider the area you want to live in. If you know the general area well, perhaps because it is close to where you live now, this shouldn’t be too hard.

But if you’re new to an area or not finding what you’re looking for locally, you can branch out and explore other areas.

If you go this route, try to visit the area you’re considering at different times of the week and at different times of day. What might be a quiet neighborhood on a Tuesday at 3 p.m. can be absolute chaos on a Saturday night.

Finally, be realistic about who you are and what you want to do.

It may seem like a good idea to live in a community with lots of activities at the recreational center, but if you aren’t someone who likes that sort of thing or the idea of a strict homeowners’ association telling you what color to paint your mailbox, it’s not going to work for you.

For example, if you’re just not the person who goes to a farmers’ market, even if you like the idea of doing so, don’t choose an area with farmers’ markets, because in reality, you haven’t been going to one for all these years for a reason. It’s just not your thing.

While it’s good to be aspirational, you should look for a home that suits who you are, not necessarily who you hope to become.

Board-certified real estate lawyer Gary Singer writes about industry legal matters and the housing market. To ask him a question, email him at gary@garysingerlaw.com, or go to SunSentinel.com/askpro. 

The vote got us into this mess, and the vote will get us out.

There isn’t space enough on our bumpers, our lapels or this page for all the stickers, buttons or words to express opposition to what is wrong with the actions of this administration. Their policies are literally killing us, and if we don’t vote like hell, to paraphrase the twice-impeached president, we won’t have a country anymore.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller recently dismissed a journalist by declaring that the real world is governed by strength, force and power. I agree with the words, if not the intent. Our collective vote in November has the strength, force and power to hold the line and stop the trauma we see and feel from this callous, indifferent administration.

The vote. All over the world, people fight like hell to get it. Florida’s deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation is July 20, 2026.

Nancy S Cohen, Lighthouse Point

(Editor’s Note: To register to vote online or update your registration, go to registertovoteflorida.gov.)

Honored in Lauderhill Susie Davidson Samuel Wilkerson, who marched in St. Augustine in 1964 with MLK and helped secure passage of the Civil Rights Act, receives the first John Lewis Good Trouble Award from Lewis' daughters, Angela Lewis Warren and Sheila Lewis O'Brien. Mrs. Wilkerson is at right.

In a night of commemoration, admiration and inspiration, Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, Malcolm X’s daughter, spoke at MLK Legacy Night at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center on Jan. 17.

The late U.S. Rep. John Lewis’ daughters Sheila Lewis O’Brien and Angela Lewis Warren were also honored onstage.

The lineup of speakers was truly breathtaking at the event, dedicated to the memories of former Lauderhill Commissioner M. Margaret Bates, who died in November, and former Lauderhill City Manager Desorae Giles-Smith, who died in September.

Also representing the city were Mayor Denise Grant, Vice Mayor Richard Campbell, Commissioners Melissa Dunn, John Hopson and Ray Martin and City Manager Kennie Hobbs, Jr.

The inaugural Lauderhill John Lewis Good Trouble Award was presented to city resident Samuel L. Wilkerson, who marched with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in St. Augustine at the historic Last March for the Civil Rights Act in June 1964, weeks before it was signed into law.

Susie Davidson, Fort Lauderdale

The writer is a freelance journalist.

The sad state we’re in

I did not vote for Donald Trump, but I respect the fact that he won a majority of electoral votes and is president for three more years.

I watch CNN, and at times Fox News, to better understand another viewpoint. At times, I sit back and try to make sense of the tumult in our country and throughout the world.

Our president, in spite of his shortcomings, has made some very positive changes in a very short time. But it’s a very sad state when listening to him every day, because you have to separate the facts from overt fiction, and how he makes an untruth and builds a case around it.

It’s a sad state when his staff members have to kowtow to him in front of the cameras to keep their jobs, or when his press secretary spews lies to the press to satiate her boss. My only salvation is that election day is around the corner. Make your voices heard!

Neil Levine, Boca Raton

A total fiasco

A summary of Donald Trump’s speech at the Davos, Switzerland World Economic Forum: It was insulting, offensive, belittling, humiliating and defaming of our long-time allies. A scurrilous, scandalous, diabolical diatribe.

Donald Kogan, Boca Raton

Please submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the online form below. Letters may be up to 200 words and must be signed with your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters will be edited for clarity and length. 

[contact-form]

Here are the top stories for today. Get the weather forecast for today here.

SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get our free Morning Update email. Sign up here.

Coldest in 15 years: One-two polar punch could break South Florida records this weekend

Broward schools will hold graduations in the same venues as last year

What’s the most romantic restaurant in South Florida? Nominate the ones you love here

Tri-Rail leader David Dech resigns to head Midwest commuter railroad

Weekend things to do: Bailey Zimmerman, Greek festivals, Riverdance, Maple Bacon Coffee Porter party

Union workers rally at Fort Lauderdale airport to extend protection status for Haitian immigrants

Saks closing Miramar support center, laying off all workers

Detainees at Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ say they were punished for seeking legal help

AIDS Healthcare Foundation seeks ruling against DOH’s proposed cuts to HIV/AIDS treatment, meds

Miss Manners: A new volunteer behaved unforgivably toward me. I want her fired

Today is Thursday, Jan. 29, the 29th day of 2026. There are 336 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Jan. 29, 2002, in his first State of the Union address, President George W. Bush said terrorists were still threatening America — and warned of “an axis of evil” consisting of North Korea, Iran and Iraq.

Also on this date:

In 1891, following the death of her brother Kalākaua, Lili‘uokalani was sworn in as the first and only queen of the Hawaiian Kingdom. (Her reign would end two years later when the Hawaiian monarchy was abolished following a U.S. military-supported coup d’état.)

Related Articles

• TikTok star Shirley Raines, known for bringing meals and respect to people on LA’s Skid Row, dies at 58
• Gerber recalls arrowroot biscuits that might contain pieces of plastic or paper
• Tesla made smallest annual profit since the pandemic, plans to spend big on robotaxis and robots
• Union workers rally at Fort Lauderdale airport to extend protection status for Haitian immigrants
• Family of Alex Pretti retains lawyer who helped prosecute the George Floyd case

In 1936, the first five inductees of baseball’s Hall of Fame — Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson — were elected in Cooperstown, New York.

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter formally welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping (dung shah-oh-ping) to the White House, following the establishment of full diplomatic relations.

In 1995, the San Francisco 49ers became the first team in NFL history to win five Super Bowl titles, beating the San Diego Chargers, 49-26, in Super Bowl XXIX.

In 1998, a bomb rocked an abortion clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, killing a security guard and critically injuring a nurse. (The bomber, Eric Rudolph, also admitted to carrying out the deadly bombing at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and other attacks and is serving multiple life sentences.)

In 2013, the Justice Department ended its criminal probe of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster and Gulf of Mexico oil spill, with a U.S. judge agreeing to let London-based oil giant BP PLC plead guilty to manslaughter charges for the deaths of 11 rig workers and pay a record $4 billion in penalties.

In 2017, six people were killed in a shooting at a Quebec City mosque during evening prayers. (Alexandre Bissonnette, who was arrested nearby, pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder charges and drew a life prison sentence.)

In 2025, a midair collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet killed all 67 people aboard both aircraft as the jet was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C. At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy Potomac River.

Today’s birthdays:

• Feminist author Germaine Greer is 87.
• Actor Katharine Ross is 86.
• Actor Tom Selleck is 81.
• R&B singer Charlie Wilson is 73.
• TV host and media mogul Oprah Winfrey is 72.
• Olympic diving gold medalist Greg Louganis is 66.
• Football Hall of Famer Andre Reed is 62.
• Hockey Hall of Famer Dominik Hašek is 61.
• Actor-director Edward Burns is 58.
• Actor Sara Gilbert is 51.
• Pop-rock singer Adam Lambert is 44.
• Actor Jakob Davies is 23.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Malik Reneau scored 20 points, Tre Donaldson added 18, and Miami pulled away inside the final seven minutes to beat Stanford 79-70 on Wednesday night.

Miami used an 11-2 run to tie it at 51-all with 9:35 to play. About two minutes later, Dante Allen’s 3-pointer sparked another 11-2 surge that gave the Hurricanes a 67-58 advantage with 2:46 remaining before they sealed it from the free-throw line.

Shelton Henderson and Tru Washington added 12 points apiece for Miami (17-4, 6-2 Atlantic Coast Conference), which has won consecutive games since a two-game skid ended a 10-game win streak.

Ebuka Okorie scored 19 points and Benny Gealer added 17 to lead Stanford (14-7, 3-5). Ryan Agarwal chipped in with 11 points and AJ Rohosy scored 10.

Okorie scored 11 points and Agarwal added nine to help give Stanford a 40-35 halftime advantage. The Cardinal hit 7 of 14 from distance and shot 52% (16 of 31). Donaldson and Reneau scored 13 points apiece in the first half for the Hurricanes.

Miami made half of its 28 field goals after the break while Stanford shot 35.5% (11 of 31) from the floor.

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Thomas Haugh scored 18 points while Rueben Chinyelu had 14 points and 11 rebounds as No. 19 Florida pounded South Carolina 95-48 on Wednesday night.

The Gators (15-6, 6-2 Southeastern Conference) came in off a disappointing home loss to Auburn this past Saturday and, once they got going, took it out on the Gamecocks (11-10, 2-6).

Neither team look sharp early, with Florida missing five of its first seven shots and South Carolina going 1 of 6 as the Gators led 12-8. Then Florida turned it into a rout with a 36-12 run.

Urban Klavzar got things going with back-to-back 3s. Haugh made four straight shots — the Gators had a stretch of 10 in a row — including a three-point play and a 3 to put Florida up 46-18.

Florida finished by matching its largest margin of victory in an SEC road game, according to ESPN.

South Carolina fans began heading to the exits with about 30 seconds until halftime. Most did not return as the Gamecocks lost for the fifth time in six games and dropped their third straight to Florida.

Gators freshman Olivier Rioux, the world’s tallest teenager, entered for the final 1:49 after the Florida bench got supporters to call for him. The 7-foot-9 Rioux never came close to scoring.

Chinyelu shot 7 of 7 from the field in his 12th double-double of the season. Alex Condon finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and eight assists for the Gators.

Eli Ellis led South Carolina with 13 points.

Up next

Florida: Hosts No. 23 Alabama on Sunday.

South Carolina: Hosts LSU on Saturday night.

MIAMI — Observations and other notes of interest from Wednesday night’s 133-124 loss to the Orlando Magic:

– As the entire league’s focus turned to the potential availability of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat was among the teams drawn into the debate.

– Now with the NBA trade deadline a week away, on Feb. 5.

– “We don’t really give it any time,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “The veteran players understand that so much of it is just conjecture.”

– But is it also a distraction?

– One would have to wonder after this performance.

– “It’s just a bunch of BS. But it is part of our business,” Spoelstra said pregame of the conjecture. “That’s what we all sign up for. You have to be a professional all the way through.”

– What matters, Spoelstra said, are these games ahead of the deadline.

– “The most important thing is we’re at an opportunity right now,” he said. “With all these games that are in front of us, it’s an opportunity to play well and move up.”

– Or there could be a second-half collapse, as there was in this one.

–  Between now and the deadline, the Heat play at the Bulls on Thursday night, at home against the Bulls on both Saturday and Sunday night, and then against the visiting Hawks on Tuesday night.

– Winnable? Sure.

– But supposedly so was this one.

– Davion Mitchell missed his fourth consecutive game and six overall with his shoulder sprain.

– And, yes, Spoelstra said, he has been missed.

– “He’s our point-of-attack defender and our pace is great with him,” Spoelstra said,

– The minutes in the interim have gone to Kasparas Jakucionis and Dru Smith.

– “While he’s been out,” Spoelstra said of Mitchell, “I think Kas and Dru have done a very good job with both of those things. They just do it in a different way. We miss him, but we want to be smart about it.”

– Jackucionis was limited in this one.

– But Smith again was good.

– As for where Mitchell stands with the shoulder, Spoelstra said, “I think if he was just doing non-contact right now, he’d be fine. So we’re just going to continue to treat him and then he’s doing more and more on the court. And when he’s ready, he’ll be ready.”

Related Articles

• Heat continue to be at a loss vs. Magic, falling to 0-4 vs. Orlando with 133-124 setback
• Heat next enter revised portion of their schedule created by Chicago postponement
• Ira Winderman: At maximum, what could Heat offer Bucks for Giannis? This
• ASK IRA: Is Heat starting role something Tyler Herro will have to earn back?
• Heat, Spoelstra celebrate Ware’s Rising Stars selection, with center poised for return from hamstring

– Of opening the stretch of four games in five nights on Wednesday night Spoelstra said, “I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves. We’ll manage our energy the best that we can.”

– It was almost as if they paced themselves out of the second half.

– With Mitchell missing his sixth game with a shoulder contusion, the Heat opened for the fourth consecutive game with a lineup of Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, Pelle Larsson and Jakucionis.

– That lineup entered 3-1.

– It was Larsson’s 25th start.

– Adebayo was good.

– The rest of the starting lineup?

– Not so much.

– The Magic opened with a lineup of  Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, Desmond Bane, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr.

–  Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic entered together first off the Heat bench.

– Smith followed.

– With Simone Fontecchio making it nine deep.

– And then Kel’el Ware as 10th man.

– The limited use of Ware was curious, to say the least.

MIAMI — Yes, the Orlando Magic have the Miami Heat’s number.

So make it 4-0 for the Magic against the Heat this season with their 133-124 victory Wednesday night at Kaseya Center, a run that also includes an NBA Cup victory.

Actually, make it 6-0 if you choose to add a couple of Heat preseason losses to the Magic.

As in the case of the previous regular-season losses to the Magic, there were moments of Heat dominance. As in those previous losses, there also were moments in the second half when the Magic simply brushed the Heat aside.

“In all four games, we’ve had great first halves,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We just have not been able to sustain it against that team.”

So the momentum of those weekend victories at the end of the five-game western swing lost, instead another miserable third quarter and precious few quality Heat performances on a night the Magic scored 62 points in the paint.

“We struggled to defend them, so that stacks up their paint points,” Spoelstra said.

Bam Adebayo did his part for the Heat, with 21 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, with Simone Fontecchio adding 23 points for the Heat and Norman Powell 20.

Otherwise, too many flat performances to produce anything tangible.

“We can’t keep having games where we have an opportunity to get a good win, a signature win, and we don’t seize that opportunity,” Powell said.

The Heat again played in the injury absences of Tyler Herro (ribs) and Davion Mitchell (shoulder), with the Magic without Franz Wagner (ankle).

The Heat meet one more time this season, March 14 at Kaseya Center.

Five Degrees of Heat from Wednesday night’s game:

1. Game flow: The Magic led 34-27 after the opening period, with the Heat then storming back to a 68-59 halftime lead. The Magic then reversed the momentum in the third, taking a 99-88 lead into the fourth.

“I mean, that’s our Achilles heel. I mean, it sucks, honestly,” Powell said of yet another third-quarter collapse. “This season we’ve come out very flat, knowing that we’ve come out flat in the third quarters, and we haven’t changed it as a team.”

The Heat then went down 13 early in the fourth, before closing within 107-104 with 8:27 to play on an Adebayo 3-pointer.

From there, the Magic pushed back to a 121-104 lead with 5:47 to play, with the Heat closing within 128-122 with 1:25 to play on a Powell three-point play, points that ultimately proved too little too late.

The Heat closed with 18 turnovers to seven for the Magic.

“We didn’t take care of the ball,” Adebayo said.

2. Where’s Ware?: After Kel’el Ware missed the previous four games with a hamstring strain, returned to practice Tuesday, and then was cleared two hours prior to tip-off, he was utilized as a 10th man, not entering until 7:36 remained in the second period.

Instead, Nikola Jovic entered initially in place of Adebayo and later played alongside Adebayo. In addition to starting Adebayo, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, Pelle Larsson and Kasparas Jakucionis, Spoelstra then played Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Dru Smith and Fontecchio off the bench ahead of Ware.

Ware played only 4:25 in the first half, then getting a three-minute stint in the third quarter.

He closed with four points and four rebounds in seven minutes.

“It was just easing him back,” Spoelstra said. “We’ll see where that goes. We’re just going to go with the normal rotation we did on the road trip. We’ll just see where it goes.”

Related Articles

• Winderman’s view: Heat’s minds elsewhere in loss to Magic as trade deadline looms?
• Heat next enter revised portion of their schedule created by Chicago postponement
• Ira Winderman: At maximum, what could Heat offer Bucks for Giannis? This
• ASK IRA: Is Heat starting role something Tyler Herro will have to earn back?
• Heat, Spoelstra celebrate Ware’s Rising Stars selection, with center poised for return from hamstring

3. Simone sizzle: Fontecchio scored 14 points in his opening 10-minute stint, shooting 3 of 4 on 3-pointers during that run.

Fontecchio also was active on the boards, as he has been recently, with four rebounds during that initial stint.

Fontecchio stood with 17 points at halftime.

He now has scored in double figures in six of last seven appearances, after failing to do so in his previous 11.

4. Bench boosts: With Powell showing the drain of being the sole wing scoring focus for most of the season in Herro’s absence, the Heat got needed bench boosts from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Dru Smith.

Jaquez again was solid in attack mode, while Smith outplayed Jakucionis, earning the late minutes at point guard.

Jaquez and Smith each closed with 13 points.

Of his play, Powell said his defense has to be better.

“Coach called me out about it, specifically being in the help position in the low-man area and making a stand,” Powell said. “So I’ve got to be better on that end, as well, and come out with a better defensive approach and intensity to the game.”

5. And now non-stop Bulls hit: The focus will be singular for the Heat the balance of this run of four games in five nights, with a Thursday night game in Chicago and then home games against the Bulls on Saturday and Sunday nights.

The Bulls also will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back set on Thursday night, after losing 113-110 Wednesday night in Indiana, a game that was over before the Heat began their fourth quarter against the Magic.

“This is where all the positioning and seedings and stuff start to take place if we want to do something in the playoffs and get out of the play-in,” Powell said. “We’ve just got to have a better collective approach and energy.”

By REBECCA BOONE

Shirley Raines, a social media creator and nonprofit founder who dedicated her life to caring for people experiencing homelessness, has died, her organization Beauty 2 The Streetz said Wednesday. She was 58.

Related Articles

• Today in History: January 29, Bush warns of ‘axis of evil’
• Gerber recalls arrowroot biscuits that might contain pieces of plastic or paper
• Tesla made smallest annual profit since the pandemic, plans to spend big on robotaxis and robots
• Union workers rally at Fort Lauderdale airport to extend protection status for Haitian immigrants
• Family of Alex Pretti retains lawyer who helped prosecute the George Floyd case

Raines was known as “Ms. Shirley,” to her more than 5 million TikTok followers and to the people who regularly lined up for the food, beauty treatments and hygiene supplies she brought to Los Angeles’ Skid Row and other homeless communities in California and Nevada.

Raines’ life made an “immeasurable impact,” Beauty 2 The Streetz wrote on social media.

“Through her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment, she used her powerful media platform to amplify the voices of those in need and to bring dignity, resources, and hope to some of the most underserved populations,” the organization said.

Raines’ cause of death was not released, but the organization said it would share additional information when it is available.

Raines had six children. One son died as a toddler — an experience that left her a “very broken woman,” Raines said in 2021 when she was named CNN’s Hero of the Year.

“It’s important you know that broken people are still very much useful,” she said during the CNN award ceremony.

That deep grief led her to begin helping the homeless.

“I would rather have him back than anything in the world, but I am a mother without a son, and there are a lot of people in the street that are without a mother,” she said. “And I feel like it’s a fair exchange — I’m here for them.”

Raines began working with homeless communities in 2017. On Monday, Raines posted a video shot from inside her car as she handed out lunches to a line of people standing outside her passenger window. She greeted her clients with warm enthusiasm and respect, calling them “King,” or “Queen.”

One man told her he was able to get into an apartment.

“God is good! Look at you!” Raines replied, her usual cheerfulness stepping up a notch. In a video posted two weeks earlier, she handed her shoes to a barefoot child who was waiting for a meal, protecting the girl’s feet from the chilly asphalt.

California’s homelessness crisis is especially visible in downtown Los Angeles, where hundreds of people live in makeshift shanties that line entire blocks in the notorious neighborhood known as Skid Row. Tents regularly pop up on the pavement outside City Hall. Encampments are increasingly found in suburban areas under freeway overpasses. A 2025 survey found that about 72,000 people were homeless on any given night across Los Angeles County.

Crushow Herring, the art director of the Sidewalk Project, said Raines was both sentimental and protective of the homeless community. The Sidewalk Project uses art and peer empowerment programs to help people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.

“I’ve been getting calls all morning from people, not just who live in Skid Row but Angelenos who are shocked” by Raines’ death, Herring said. “To see the work she did, and how people couldn’t wait to see her come out? It was a great mission. What most people need is just feeling dignity about themselves, because if they look better, they feel better.”

Raines would often give people on the street a position working with her as she provided haircuts or handed out goods, Herring said.

“By the time a year or two goes by, they’re part of the organization — they have responsibility, they have something to look forward to,” he said. “She always had people around her that were motivational, and generous and polite to community members.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 21: Shirley Raines poses in the press room during the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors on February 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for NAACP)

In 2025, Raines was named the NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Social Media Personality. Other social media creators lauded her work and shared their own grief online Wednesday.

“Ms. Shirley was truly the best of us, love incarnate,” wrote Alexis Nikole Nelson, a foraging educator and social media creator known as “blackforager.”

“In shock,” wrote Upworthy. “Thank you for lifting so many up. May you rest in peace and power.”