South Florida Local News

U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has retained David Oscar Markus to represent
her on charges of conspiring to steal roughly $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds.

Markus is arguably the best federal criminal defense attorney in South Florida — and bills his clients accordingly.

Simply put, the congresswoman from Broward County cannot afford him on her $174,000 salary.

Cherfilus-McCormick’s income jumped from $86,000 to more than $6 million from 2020 to 2021 based on alleged overpayments to her home health care company, Trinity Health Care Services.

She cannot use that loot to pay attorney Markus. Federal law prohibits the use of “ill-gotten gains” to pay bond or legal fees. Known as “Nebbia” rules, pursuant to United States v. Nebbia, the law allows a court to require a defendant to prove that bail money and attorney fees have come from a legitimate source.

Gerard S. (Jerry) Williams, Southwest Ranches

The writer has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1992.

Don’t abolish HOAs A Miami lawmaker has filed a bill to establish an community association court system and make it easier for homeowners to abolish their HOAs. (File art)

I laughed out loud when I read about the legislative proposal from Republican state Rep. Juan Carlos Porras of Miami to make it easier to terminate homeowners’ associations (House Bill 657).

I hope the proponents of such lunacy relish the idea of living next to a homeowner who refuses to mow his yard, has a couple of cars sitting on blocks in his front yard or better yet, turns his house into a daily rental for parties.

Having no rules is great — until you consider what an HOA protects you from.

As a former HOA board member in East Delray, I suggest that people who don’t like the “law and order” that an HOA brings simply move to somewhere else, where they can contend with all the issues their current HOA shields them from.

Harvey Starin, Boca Raton

‘Price of admission’ to U.S.

Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, has said that mass immigration is a great lie because it imports entire societies that instead of assimilating into America re-create the conditions and terrors of the countries they left behind.

He said it in reference to a fraud controversy involving Somali immigrants in Minnesota, but it applies to all immigrant groups. The U.S. government has forgotten to require assimilation as a condition of living here.

In America, no one is required to learn English, American history or civics unless they apply for naturalization. An immigrant can live here for life without ever assimilating into our language or culture.

That’s why it was not surprising to hear Rep. Ilhan Omar say on CNN that the Somali community should not be blamed for money sent from a billionaire fraud scheme to fund terrorism abroad. She framed the issue as a failure of the FBI and the courts, shifting responsibility away from community accountability.

America must be strict about who we allow to enter and settle here. We must have higher expectations.

English should be required, along with basic knowledge of American culture and laws. Expecting nothing from immigrants is dangerous. We can’t allow foreign communities to embed in America without assimilating. That’s the price of admission to American life.

Eduardo Montalvo, Coral Gables

On sticking with Trump

The real tragedy of the current occupant of the White House is that millions of Americans are sufficiently gullible, ignorant or bigoted to have voted for him and still support him.

Jack Lippman, Boynton Beach

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]

Today is Saturday, Jan. 3, the third day of 2026. There are 362 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Jan. 3, 1977, Apple Computer, months after its founding, was incorporated in Cupertino, California, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Mike Markkula (MAHR’-kuh-luh) Jr.

Also on this date:

In 1777, Gen. George Washington’s army routed British troops in the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey, a key turning point in the Revolutionary War.

Related Articles

• US Coast Guard searches for survivors of boat strikes as odds diminish days later
• Fans mourn closure of cupcake vending machine company Sprinkles Cupcakes
• President Trump orders divestment in $2.9 million chips deal to protect US security interests
• Minnesota must provide documents to US government in child care fraud probe by next week
• Diane Crump, the first female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby, dies at 77

In 1861, more than two weeks before Georgia seceded from the Union, the state militia seized Fort Pulaski, in the coastal area east of Savannah, at the order of Gov. Joseph E. Brown.

In 1920, Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold the contract of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees, beginning a championship era for the Yankees and decades of heartache for Red Sox fans. (The Red Sox would ultimately break the “curse” in 2004, winning their first World Series in 86 years.)

In 1959, Alaska was officially admitted as the 49th U.S. state.

In 1990, ousted Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega surrendered to U.S. forces, 10 days after taking refuge in the Vatican’s diplomatic mission.

In 2022, a jury in San Jose, California, convicted Elizabeth Holmes of duping investors into believing that her startup company Theranos had developed a revolutionary medical device that could detect diseases and conditions from a few drops of blood.

In 2025, two bombs exploded in the Iranian city of Kerman, killing at least 84 people and wounding hundreds during a commemoration for Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force who was killed in a U.S. drone strike four years earlier; the Islamic State would claim responsibility for the bombings.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Musician Stephen Stills is 81.
• Musician John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) is 80.
• Actor and entrepreneur Victoria Principal is 76.
• Actor-director Mel Gibson is 70.
• Basketball Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller is 62.
• Singer and television personality Kimberley Locke is 48.
• Former NFL quarterback Eli Manning is 45.
• R&B singer Lloyd Polite Jr. is 40.
• Actor Florence Pugh is 30.
• Environmental activist Greta Thunberg is 23.

By TIM REYNOLDS

MIAMI (AP) — Send the New York Rangers outdoors, and they become unbeatable.

Mika Zibanejad had a hat trick, Artemi Panarin scored twice and the Rangers beat the Florida Panthers 5-1 on Friday night in the Winter Classic — the first outdoor game played in the Sunshine State.

Alexis Lafrenière had three assists and Igor Shesterkin stopped 36 shots for the Rangers, who improved to 6-0-0 in outdoor games. Zibanejad added two assists, giving him the first five-point outdoor game in NHL history.

“It’s been amazing,” Zibanejad said. “It was a great effort. Not a whole lot of shots on goal, but we got it done.”

Sam Reinhart scored for Florida, which was playing outdoors for the first time and lost for the fourth time in its last six contests overall. The Panthers gave up goals to Zibanejad and Panarin 64 seconds apart late in the first period, giving New York a 2-0 lead, and the Rangers kept control the rest of the way.

Zibanejad’s third goal was an empty-netter with 1:28 left. Rangers fans tried throwing hats to no avail; the seats were too far from the ice for any of them to get even close to the playing surface.

The roof was open, as were the huge window panels behind what typically is left field at loanDepot Park — home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins. There was some snow falling from the edges of the stadium, there were blasts of fire and after years of planning, there was hockey on a baseball field.

Did it work? Outdoor ice typically doesn’t hold up with temperatures in the 60s, and there were some player complaints that the surface wasn’t conducive to speedy play. But it worked well enough for the Rangers, who were 4-6-3 in their last 13 games coming into Friday.

The temperature of 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17 Celsius) at game time was the second-warmest of any of the NHL’s 44 outdoor games that have counted in the standings. It was 2 degrees cooler than on Feb. 27, 2016, when Detroit beat Colorado at Denver’s Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies.

The Rangers — with a snow effect around their walkway — were called to the ice at 8:13 p.m. The Panthers — as fire shot skyward along their path — came out about a minute later. And that’s about when snowflakes began falling from the top of the stadium, as the roof continued opening.

There was another celebration before faceoff, when Rangers and Panthers players who will be part of the U.S. Olympic hockey team at the Milan Cortina Games next month were introduced. Panthers defenseman Seth Jones made the team earlier Friday, as did injured Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk.

Tkachuk placed an American flag over Jones’ shoulders and the crowd roared.

It was a spectacle, as expected. The Rangers showed up in all-white outfits, as if it was a beach day. The Panthers came with a “Miami Vice” theme, wearing white suits, pastel shirts and even showing up in Ferraris instead of a bus.

“If you would have asked me 25 years ago … this might be the last place that I thought it would take place,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said. “So, I just think it speaks volumes for technology and its advancements and the ability to put a sheet of ice down in this type of environment.”

Up next

Rangers: Host Utah on Monday.

Panthers: Host Colorado on Sunday.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

By BEN FINLEY and KONSTANTIN TOROPIN, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard said Friday it’s still searching for people in the eastern Pacific Ocean who had jumped off alleged drug-smuggling boats when the U.S. military attacked the vessels days earlier, diminishing the likelihood that anyone survived.

Search efforts began Tuesday afternoon after the military notified the Coast Guard that survivors were in the water about 400 miles southwest of the border between Mexico and Guatemala, the maritime service said in a statement.

The Coast Guard dispatched a plane from Sacramento to search an area covering more than 1,000 miles, while issuing an urgent warning to ships nearby. The agency said it coordinated more than 65 hours of search efforts, working with other countries as well as civilian ships and boats in the area.

Related Articles

• President Trump orders divestment in $2.9 million chips deal to protect US security interests
• Minnesota must provide documents to US government in child care fraud probe by next week
• As Supreme Court pulls back on gerrymandering, state courts may decide fate of maps
• Maduro open to US talks on drug trafficking, but silent on CIA strike
• Trump wants to overhaul the ‘president’s golf course.’ He hasn’t played there yet

The weather during that time has included 9-foot seas and 40-knot winds. The U.S. has not said how many people jumped into the water, and, if they are not found, how far the death toll may rise from the Trump administration’s monthslong campaign of blowing up small boats accused of transporting drugs in the region.

The U.S. military said earlier this week that it attacked three boats traveling along known narco-trafficking routes and they “had transferred narcotics between the three vessels prior to the strikes.” The military did not provide evidence to back up the claim.

U.S. Southern Command, which oversees the region, said three people were killed when the first boat was struck, while people in the other two boats jumped overboard and distanced themselves from the vessels before they were attacked.

The strikes occurred in a part of the eastern Pacific where the Navy doesn’t have any ships operating. Southern Command said it immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate search and rescue efforts for the people who jumped overboard before the other boats were hit.

Calling in the Coast Guard is notable because the military drew heavy scrutiny after U.S. forces killed the survivors of the first attack in early September with a follow-up strike to their disabled boat. Some Democratic lawmakers and legal experts said the military committed a crime, while the Trump administration and some Republican lawmakers say the follow-up strike was legal.

There have been other survivors of the boat strikes, including one for whom the Mexican Navy suspended a search in late October after four days. Two other survivors of a strike on a submersible vessel in the Caribbean Sea that same month were sent to their home countries — Ecuador and Colombia. Authorities in Ecuador later released the man, saying they had no evidence he committed a crime in the South American nation.

Under President Donald Trump’s direction, the U.S. military has been attacking boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific since early September. As of Friday, the number of known boat strikes is 35 and the number of people killed is at least 115, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration.

Trump has justified the boat strikes as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and asserted that the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels.

Along with the strikes, the Trump administration has built up military forces in the region as part of an escalating pressure campaign on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has been charged with narco-terrorism in the United States.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sprinkles Cupcakes, a company famous for selling sweet treats in vending machines known as “cupcake ATMs,” has shut down after 20 years of operation around the United States, according to its former owner.

“Even though I sold the company over a decade ago, I still have such a personal connection to it, and this isn’t how I thought the story would go,” said Candace Nelson, who started the company after she lost her job in 2005. The closure was announced Dec. 30.

Nelson started Sprinkles Cupcakes in her own kitchen, and the first location was in a small Beverly Hills storefront that had previously been a sandwich shop. The brand would go on to ascend to national fame, and fans took to social media following the company’s announcement to lament the closure.

FILE – Sara Cebulski arranges a custom box of cupcakes at Sprinkles, where a 24-Hour Cupcake “ATM,” will be continuously restocked to dispense fresh cupcakes, in Beverly Hills, Calif., March 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

The company’s cupcake-dispensing machines in malls and airports briefly went viral on TikTok for the not-so-subtle “I love Sprinkles” jingle that played repeatedly while a mechanical arm delivered the dessert.

The company no longer has any products for sale on its website, which also has removed all operational locations across the country.

Related Articles

• John Morgan declares victory in ‘Steamboat Willie’ ad dispute with Disney
• Wall Street edges higher in a wobbly start to 2026
• Should you worry about overfunding your 529 plan?
• Tesla loses title as world’s biggest electric vehicle maker as sales fall for second year in a row
• How a family of Black entrepreneurs has changed a South Florida Starbucks

Nelson sold her business to private equity firm KarpReilly LLC in 2012 after the company had expanded to 10 locations across the country. The firm owns dozens of other companies for products including a health food home delivery service, kombucha and protein wellness shakes.

KarpReilly did not respond to an emailed request for comment Friday evening. Neither the firm nor Nelson provided a reason for the cupcake company’s closure.

Private equity has dramatically expanded its influence in restaurants over the last decade, investing $94.5 billion between 2014 and 2024, according to data from capital market company PitchBook.

Some outraged Sprinkles Cupcakes fans said on social media that the closures were part of a larger trend where private equity firms purchase restaurants and retail brands — like Red Lobster or TGI Fridays — that later file for bankruptcy or close altogether.

General Daily Insight for January 03, 2026

Big feelings collide with steady choices this morning. With the emotional Moon opposing the radiant Sun for a Full Moon at 5:02 AM EST, we’re balancing our more foundational duties versus the responsibilities beyond our door. This contrasting pull increases as Luna opposes combative Mars! We should try to pause before replying to co-workers, neighbors, or family. Once the Moon conjoins expansive Jupiter, we should be better able to respond with care and forgiveness. Freed from stress, we can enjoy empowering evening rituals.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Home needs attention while big goals call. Your 4th House of Traditions gleams under today’s Full Moon, so private needs are potentially straining against public duties. A parent might ask for help, especially with the Sun in your enterprising 10th house. Stick to your guns, especially if a deadline is incoming. You don’t have to ignore a loved one asking for aid, but make sure they understand your boundaries. When you lay out your priorities calmly, everyone can get the support they need.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Conversations need to happen before plans move forward at present. The Full Moon acts as a guiding star to all interactions, particularly those involving travel or education. Even if you aren’t planning any trips or involved in academia, it’s a great source of inspiration. Look to your surroundings with an eye for little details that you’d normally dismiss, then apply those to any discussions you’re having. Make a point of staying grounded, even in confusing arguments. Speak thoughtfully so trust deepens and paths open.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Your finances could be on the tip of your tongue! With this empowering Full Moon gleaming across your 2nd and 8th houses, the galactic focus is definitely on resources — especially ones shared with others. A shared bill could shock you, so be prepared to have a transparent talk about fairness. You may enjoy comparing options, and that’s a good thing! Set yourself a budget, then take time analyzing where you can go from here. Detailed investigations should relieve stress and protect your investments.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Your presence carries extra meaning and warmth. The nurturing Moon and the willful Sun star in today’s Full Moon, placing your identity center stage as you choose how to show yourself. Due to the Sun in your connected 7th house, a close friend may ask for something you can’t give. Be honest with them about your limits. You don’t have to reject them entirely, but don’t bleed yourself dry trying to help. Honoring your needs helps every connection feel more genuine.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Quiet moments help you hear deeper truths. After today’s Full Moon, Luna embraces expansive Jupiter, with both planets in your 12th House of Escapism. This creates space to rest and listen to your soul. As you step back from the daily noise to soothe your spirit, doing some private journaling could loosen any ongoing worries. If a task list presses, handle only the most urgent duties. Protect your energy by rescheduling anything else, if possible. Creativity returns when you have time to exhale.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Friends could be looking to you for wisdom. Your 11th House of Friendship and your 5th House of Recreation are boosted by this Full Moon. Group interactions are blessed with cosmic promise, though they may need more rules than you’d initially thought. You can still have fun, even if you have to be serious about timelines and roles in whatever’s going on. Tidy agreements protect goodwill in the main group and in any of its smaller circles. Offer structure so collaboration can flow freely.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Visibility rises as responsibilities call for grace. Public feedback, specifically, may need a little extra time to cool off during this Full Moon. Make an effort to steady yourself before replying any combative questions. A scheduling clash could spill into the evening, so be prepared for a late night. Thankfully, once the dust settles, you can navigate the results with level-headed skill. Look ahead toward what can be done to fix any issues, not behind to argue over what originally caused them.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Stand up and look around! Today’s possibilities are practically endless with the Full Moon in your hopeful 9th house, which is further empowered by the Moon and Jupiter’s meeting there. You could be considering a plan that stretches your comfort without breaking your budget. A return to school, dream trip, or phobia-conquering learning experience are all on the table. Map your milestones and set a reasonable pace that protects your energy levels without losing momentum. Say yes whenever growth feels exciting and doable.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Privacy and fairness may currently be at odds, but they don’t have to stay that way. The Full Moon lights up the delicate secrets of your 8th house, asking you to balance vulnerability with practical boundaries. A collaborator could raise a money question, bringing attention to what income and bills mean for your freedom. Be optimistically realistic, as much as possible. Start by suggesting a simple plan and a check-in date that honors trust. For this moment, choose honesty to avoid future confusion.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Your connections are worth careful tending. These bonds are centered by tonight’s Full Moon, making agreements and expectations with loved ones clearer than usual. The details of those links matter less than the emotional depth they carry. Know that conversations deserve deep sincerity. Plus, with the Sun in your sign, you won’t forget to honor your needs. State your intentions and listen without rushing, because sometimes people don’t want solutions — they just need to vent. Lead with kindness so commitment can flourish.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Small habits shape a day that works. Consistency wins as the Full Moon combines the Moon in your 6th House of Wellness with the Sun in your 12th House of Cycles. Do you have realistic expectations for work and self-care? Sometimes one has to give way to the other, and that’s okay, as long as you come back to baseline afterwards. If you can’t figure out what’s wrong, take a break to eat something nourishing. Pace yourself so quality rises and stress drops.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Joy grows when you play with heart. The instinctive Moon joins joyous Jupiter in your 5th House of Entertainment, inviting you to say yes to a hobby that sparks delight. This, on top of the Full Moon, is a wonderful mood lightener. Indulge in a simple art project, one where you can mess around without worrying about perfection. If money or time feels tight, adjust the plan to see what you can do more thriftily, since small joy still feeds your intuition.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday ordered the unraveling of a $2.9 million computer chips deal that he concluded threatened U.S. security interests if the current owner, HieFo Corp., remained in control of the technology.

The executive order cast a spotlight on a business deal that drew scant attention when it was announced in May 2024 during President Joe Biden’s administration. The deal involved aerospace and defense specialist Emcore Corp. selling its computer chips and wafer fabrication operations to HieFo for $2.92 million — a price that included the assumption of about $1 million in liabilities.

Related Articles

• US Coast Guard searches for survivors of boat strikes as odds diminish days later
• Minnesota must provide documents to US government in child care fraud probe by next week
• As Supreme Court pulls back on gerrymandering, state courts may decide fate of maps
• Maduro open to US talks on drug trafficking, but silent on CIA strike
• Trump wants to overhaul the ‘president’s golf course.’ He hasn’t played there yet

But Trump is now demanding that HieFo divest that technology within 180 days, citing “credible evidence” that the current owner is a citizen of the People’s Republic of China.

HieFo was founded by Dr. Genzao Zhang and Harry Moore. According to a press release that came out after the deal closed, plans for the technology acquired from Emcore were to be overseen by largely the same team of employees in Alhambra, California.

Zhang, who was a vice president of engineering at Emcore before becoming HieFo’s CEO, pledged to “continue the pursuit of the most innovative and disruptive solutions” with technology designed for purposes that would include artificial intelligence.

HieFo didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about Trump’s order.

Emcore was a publicly traded company at the time of the HieFo deal, but was taken private last year by the investment firm Charlesbank Capital Partner.

By CHARLOTTE KRAMON, Associated Press/Report for America

Minnesota officials have until next week to provide the Trump administration with information about providers and parents who receive federal child care funds or risk losing potentially millions of dollars in federal funding, state officials said Friday.

In an email sent Friday to child care providers shared with The Associated Press by multiple providers, Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families said it has until Jan. 9 to provide a set of verifying information about recipients. The announcement earlier this week by the Trump administration that it would freeze child care funds to Minnesota and the rest of the states comes after a series of fraud schemes at Minnesota day care centers, many run by Somali residents. The move came after a right-wing influencer alleged there were widespread abuses.

The Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides $185 million in child care funds annually to Minnesota, federal officials have said.

The email instructed providers and families who rely on the frozen federal child care program to continue the program’s “licensing and certification requirements and practices as usual.” It does not say that recipients themselves need to take any action or provide any information.

“We recognize the alarm and questions this has raised,” the email said. “We found out about the freezing of funds at the same time everyone else did on social media.”

The state agency added that it “did not receive a formal communication from the federal government until late Tuesday night,” which was after Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill posted about the freeze on X. All 50 states will have to provide additional levels of verification and administrative data before they receive more funding from the Child Care and Development Fund, which is designed to make child care affordable for low-income families.

FILE – State Sen. Michelle Benson reacts at a news conference on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul to a report by the state’s legislative auditor on combatting fraud in Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski,File) Minnesota is a target

The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will hold a hearing Wednesday to discuss the allegations of fraudulent use of federal funds in Minnesota. An HHS spokesperson said that the child care fraud hotline put up by the federal agency earlier this week has received more than 200 tips.

Minnesota has drawn ire from Republicans and the Trump administration over other fraud accusations.

Administration for Children and Families Assistant Secretary Alex Adams told Fox News on Friday that his agency sent Minnesota a letter last month asking for information on the child care program and other welfare programs by Dec. 26, but didn’t get a response. The state did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler posted Thursday on X that the agency suspended 6,900 Minnesota borrowers of COVID-19 era loans because of suspected fraud. Trump has also targeted the state’s large Somali community with immigration enforcement actions and called them “garbage.”

Minnesota Democrats say the Trump administration is playing politics and hurting families and children as a result. Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth and Families said in a press release Friday that inspectors conduct regular oversight activities for the child care program, noting that there are 55 related open investigations involving providers.

It also said that investigators did spot checks and reviews on nine centers and found they “were operating as expected.” One center was not yet open at the time.

“DCYF remains committed to fact-based reviews that stop fraud, protect children, support families, and minimize disruption to communities that rely on these essential services,” the department said. “Distribution of unvetted or deceptive claims and misuse of tip lines can interfere with investigations, create safety risks for families, providers, and employers, and has contributed to harmful discourse about Minnesota’s immigrant communities.”

FILE – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing, June 12, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File) It is unclear how recipients will be impacted

Maria Snider, director of a child care center in St. Paul and vice president of advocacy group Minnesota Child Care Association, said providers currently get paid at least three weeks after services are provided. Some 23,000 children and 12,000 families receive funding from the targeted child care program each month on average, according to the state.

“For a lot of centers, we’re already running on a thin margin,” she said. “Even centers where 10 to 15% of their kids are on childcare assistance, that’s a dip in your income.”

Related Articles

• US Coast Guard searches for survivors of boat strikes as odds diminish days later
• President Trump orders divestment in $2.9 million chips deal to protect US security interests
• As Supreme Court pulls back on gerrymandering, state courts may decide fate of maps
• Maduro open to US talks on drug trafficking, but silent on CIA strike
• Trump wants to overhaul the ‘president’s golf course.’ He hasn’t played there yet

Any child who attends a child care center with attendees who receive federal funding could be impacted, Snider said.

According to the Friday email from Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families, HHS sent a letter to Minnesota asking for data from 2022 to 2025, including identifying information of all recipients of the child care funds, a list of all providers who receive the funds, how much they receive and “information related to alleged fraud networks and oversight failures.” It’s unclear whether Minnesota already has the data the administration is asking for.

HHS said five child care centers that receive funds from the child care program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families would have to provide “specific documentation” such as attendance, inspections and assessments, according to the email.

HHS said it would provide Minnesota with more information by Jan. 5, but the state agency wrote that it’s unclear what kinds of funding restrictions it faces.

“Our teams are working hard to analyze the legal, fiscal, and other aspects of this federal action,” the email says. “We do not know the full impact.”

By LYNN BERRY, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Diane Crump, who in 1969 became the first woman to ride professionally in a horse race and a year later became the first female jockey in the Kentucky Derby, has died. She was 77.

Crump was diagnosed in October with an aggressive form of brain cancer and died Thursday night in hospice care in Winchester, Virginia, her daughter, Della Payne, told The Associated Press.

Crump went on to win 228 races before riding her last race in 1998, a month shy of her 50th birthday and nearly 30 years after her trailblazing ride at Hialeah Park in Florida on Feb. 7, 1969.

FILE – Diane Crump, apprentice jockey, kisses her mount Tou Ritzi, after winning a Churchill Downs race in Louisville, Kentucky, April 29, 1969. Crump, who in 1969 became the first woman to ride professionally in a horse race and a year later became the first female jockey in the Kentucky Derby, died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. She was 77. (AP Photo/Gene Herrick, File)

Crump was among several women to fight successfully at the time to be granted a jockey license, but they still needed a trainer willing to put them in a race and then for the race to run. Others were thwarted when male jockeys boycotted or threatened to boycott if a woman was riding.

Photographs of Crump’s walk to the saddling area at Hialeah show her protected by security guards as a crowd pressed in on all sides. Six of the original 12 jockeys in the race had refused to ride, Mark Shrager wrote in his biography, “Diane Crump: A Horse Racing Pioneer’s Life in the Saddle.” Among them were future legends Angel Cordero Jr., Jorge Velasquez and Ron Turcotte, who four years later would ride Secretariat to win the Triple Crown.

But other jockeys stepped up, and as the 12 horses made their way onto the track, the bugler skipped the traditional call to the post and instead played “Smile for Me, My Diane.” Crump, on a 50-1 longshot called Bridle ’n Bit, finished 10th, but the barrier had been broken. A month later, Bridle ’n Bit gave Crump her first victory at Gulfstream Park.

FILE – In this undated 1970 photo, jockey Diane Crump, 21, poses for a photo with Fathom in Louisville, Kentucky. Crump, who in 1969 became the first woman to ride professionally in a horse race and a year later became the first female jockey in the Kentucky Derby, died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. She was 77. (AP Photo, File)

She again made history in 1970 by becoming the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby. She won the first race that day at Churchill Downs, but again her mount for the history-making race was outclassed. She finished 15th out of 17 on Fathom.

It would be 14 more years before another female jockey would ride in the Derby, with only four more to follow in the decades since.

The racetrack president at Churchill Downs, Mike Anderson, said in a statement on Friday that Crump “will be forever respected and fondly remembered in horse racing lore.”

He noted that Crump, who had been riding since age 5 and galloping young Thoroughbreds since she was a teenager, “was an iconic trailblazer who admirably fulfilled her childhood dreams.”

Chris Goodlett, of the Kentucky Derby Museum, said “Diane Crump’s name stands for courage, grit, and progress.” He added: “Her determination in the face of overwhelming odds opened doors for generations of female jockeys and inspired countless others far beyond racing.”

Related Articles

• Brigitte Bardot, 1960s French sex symbol turned militant animal rights activist, dies at 91
• Norman Podhoretz, contentious and influential neo-conservative, has died
• Rabbi Eliezer Diamond, beloved Jewish Theological Seminary professor and author, dies at 73
• Helen Nash, kosher cookbook author and NYC philanthropist, dies at 89
• ‘General Hospital’ star Anthony Geary of Luke and Laura fame dies at 78

After retiring from racing, Crump settled in Virginia and started a business helping people buy and sell horses.

In later years, she took her therapy dogs, all Dachshunds, to visit patients in hospitals and other medical clinics. Some with chronic illnesses she visited regularly for years.

Payne said when her mother went into hospice in November, she was already “quasi-famous” in the medical center because of how much time she had spent there, and a “steady stream” of doctors and nurses came to see her. One of the last people to visit her was the man who mowed her lawn.

Her daughter said Crump would never take “no” for an answer, whether it was becoming a jockey or helping someone in need.

“I wouldn’t say she was as competitive as she was stubborn,” Payne said. “If someone was counting on her, she could never let someone down.”

Late in life, Crump’s mottos were literally tattooed on her forearms: “Kindness” on the left, “Compassion” on the right.

Crump will be cremated and her ashes interred between her parents in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Front Royal, Virginia.

MIAMI GARDENS — It’s Year 2 for South Florida Sun Sentinel Dolphins columnist Chris Perkins and Dolphins writer David Furones picking prop bets, which they’ll do for all 17 regular-season games.

Before each game, Furones and Perkins will select a “Best Bet” and a “Longshot.” The “Best Bet” selection is a near 50-50 proposition while the “Longshot” is at least +300 or a 3-to-1 probability.

They don’t place dollar amounts on their bets, but you’re welcome to wager as much as you can afford.

Furones is 9-7 on his “Best Bets” while Perk is 3-13. On the “Longshot,” Furones is 5-11 and Perk has slumped to 3-13.

Perkins and Furones use the Hard Rock Bet app for odds. Be sure to check the Sun Sentinel predictions for Sunday’s overall outlook.

By the way, this week’s Dolphins prop bet options were limited due to uncertainty regarding their injury situation.

Perk’s Best Bet: Rhamondre Stevenson anytime TD (-110)

The Miami Dolphins‘ run defense remains feast or famine. And while TreVeyon Henderson is the Patriots’ leader in yards and touchdowns, I could see Stevenson crossing the goal line once on Sunday. Besides, I could use some good fortune here.

Furones’ Best Bet: TreVeyon Henderson over 57.5 rushing yards (-115)

The rookie has been excellent from a yards-per-carry standpoint. It’s not a big number because he splits the workload with Stevenson. I wonder about Dolphins tackling as they get deeper in a cold-weather game after having to bring down the two all evening.

Furones lost his Best Bet last week of running back De’Von Achane rushing for 74.5 yards or fewer while Perk lost his Best Bet of tight end Darren Waller achieving 24.5 or more yards receiving.

Perk’s Longshot: Rasul Douglas over 0.5 INT (+800)

Douglas, Miami’s top cornerback, is the team leader in interceptions (two) so it makes sense that he could get one on Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. The Dolphins have been more adept at forcing turnovers in the second half of the season and Douglas has had a good year, so he gets the nod here. By the way, a good pass rush would likely help him get an interception.

Related Articles

• Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel offers thoughts on Troy Aikman helping GM search
• Dave Hyde: Can Troy Aikman save the Dolphins? Steve Ross can only hope
• Dolphins’ run game, possibly without Achane, faces huge challenge in frigid conditions
• Dolphins bringing in Troy Aikman as consultant for GM search

Furones’ Longshot: Julian Hill anytime TD (+700)

Hey, what better time than now for Hill to score his first career touchdown? Darren Waller is out, De’Von Achane is doubtful, Jaylen Waddle questionable, and after Greg Dulcich just caught one from Quinn Ewers last game. Maybe this is Hill’s chance slipping away off play action near the goal line.

Perk lost his Longshot last week of a Waller anytime TD while Furones lost his Longshot of tight end Cade Otton having an anytime TD.

Today is Friday, Jan. 2, the second day of 2026. There are 363 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Jan. 2, 1981, British serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, aka the “Yorkshire Ripper,” was captured after a series of killings bred fear across northwest England between 1975 and 1980. Subsequently convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the killings of 13 women, he died in 2020 at the age of 74.

Also on this date:

In 1890, President Benjamin Harrison appointed Alice Sanger as the first female White House staffer at a time of a growing movement for women’s rights.

Related Articles

• Federal employees file complaint against Trump administration’s ban on gender-affirming care
• Health subsidies expire, launching millions of Americans into 2026 with steep insurance hikes
• Today In History, January 1: Ellis Island opens
• Trump vilifies Kennedy family hours after Tatiana Schlossberg’s death
• Chief Justice says Constitution remains ‘firm and unshaken’ with major Supreme Court rulings ahead

In 1942, the Philippine capital of Manila was captured by Japanese forces during World War II.

In 1959, the Soviet spacecraft Luna 1 launched, becoming the first spacecraft to escape Earth’s gravity.

In 1971, 66 people were killed in a crush of spectators leaving a soccer match at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland.

In 1974, President Richard Nixon signed legislation requiring states to limit highway speeds to 55 mph as a way of conserving gasoline during an OPEC oil embargo. (The 55 mph limit was effectively phased out in 1987; federal speed limits were abolished in 1995.)

In 2016, a heavily armed group led by brothers Ammon and Ryan Bundy seized the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, beginning a 41-day standoff to protest the imprisonment of two ranchers convicted of setting fires on public land and to demand the federal government turn over public lands to local control.

In 2023, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after making a tackle during the first quarter of an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals, requiring life-saving treatment on the field. The game was canceled; Hamlin would recover fully and return to play the following season.

In 2024, Harvard University President Claudine Gay resigned amid plagiarism accusations and a backlash over her congressional testimony about antisemitism on campus. She was the Ivy League institution’s first Black president.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Filmmaker Todd Haynes is 65.
• Baseball Hall of Famer Edgar Martínez is 63.
• Actor-singer Tia Carrere is 59.
• Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. is 58.
• Model Christy Turlington is 57.
• Actor Taye Diggs is 55.
• Actor Renée Elise Goldsberry is 55.
• Actor-comedian Dax Shepard is 51.
• Actor Kate Bosworth is 43.
• Musician Trombone Shorty is 40.
• Singer-rapper Bryson Tiller is 33.

Observations and other notes of interest from Thursday night’s 118-112 victory over the Detroit Pistons:

– Put aside the shooting for the moment.

– Because this wasn’t going to be about the shot-making of Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware.

– This was going to be about whether the Heat could hold their own against the Pistons’ incredible bulk.

– Yes, Jalen Duren was lost for the night for the Pistons in the third quarter.

– But by then, the Heat showed they wouldn’t be pushed around by Duren or Isaiah Stewart.

– Who have done plenty of pushing around this season on the Pistons’ pathway to the top of the East.

– So, yes, Adebayo 5 of 14 from the field.

– But also 14 rebounds.

– So, yes, Ware 1 of 6 from the field.

– But also 13 rebounds.

– And yes, Nikola Jovic 1 of 10 from the field.

– But add in another five rebounds.

– So no Detroit dominance on the offensive glass.

– And an impressive, muscle flex of a Heat win.

– With Tyler Herro and Pelle Larsson out, the Heat again opened with a lineup of Kel’el Ware, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Norman Powell and Davion Mitchell. That lineup entered 4-3.

– With the appearance, Adebayo tied Alonzo Mourning for third place on the Heat’s all-time regular-season games list (593) , behind only Dwyane Wade (948) and Udonis Haslem (879).

– Ware extended his career-best run of games with multiple offensive rebounds to 15.

– With Tobias Harris out, the Pistons opened with a big lineup of their own, with  Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren.

– Detroit entered 4-0 with that lineup.

– Jaime Jaquez Jr. again was first off the Heat bench.

– Nikola Jovic followed.

–  With Dru Smith and Kasparas Jakucionis then entering together to make it nine deep.

– Jakucionis’ minutes were ceded to Larsson the previous game.

– Then, late in the second quarter, Simone Fontecchio entered for his first rotation action in four games.

– Immediately draining a 3-pointer against his former team.

– Powell went in stressing that the Heat could not allow the three-game winning streak entering the night impact the team’s process.

– “I think a lot of times around the league, when you start winning, you let things slide because you’re getting Ws,” he said at the morning shootaround. “But in winning, you can still have lessons in ways you can get better. So as long as we continue to focus on how we can continue to improve, that’s the biggest thing, you know, not letting our wins cover up all the mistakes.”

– Heat coach Erik Spoelstra did not necessarily want to hear going in that the previous six games between the teams were decided by single digits.

– “They’ve won the last four. I’m assuming that has everybody’s attention, too,” he said.

– It did.

– Mitchell stressed going in that sharing the ball has to remain the Heat’s way.

– “A lot of teams, you’ve got one player just scoring all the points and all the other guys are kind of just roaming around,” he said. “But us, I don’t feel like we play like that. We share the ball.”

– While always making sure Powell gets his.

– Spoelstra said the goal going in was clear, “They protect the paint, they protect the rim, first in blocks, so you have to make great rim decisions when you get there.”

– Spoelstra pregame again praised the efforts of J.B. Bickerstaff in elevating the Pistons to the top of the East.

Related Articles

• Heat hold on behind Powell’s 36 for signature 118-112 victory over East-leading Pistons
• Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. now with eyes on teammates as well as eyes on the rim
• Kel’el Ware’s 3-point prowess no longer a novelty, with Heat 7-footer now a league leader
• ASK IRA: Do Heat have to prioritize Jakucionis development?
• Current ankle sprain not as serious as previous sprain for Heat’s Larsson; Herro again out vs. Pistons

– “They’ve built this really in steps. They haven’t skipped any steps along the way. I mean, it was just a couple years ago they had a long losing streak, but you could see they’re building some habits,” he said. “Then last year, J.B. knows how to build a culture, knows how to get a team committed to an identity, and then they build those habits every single day.”

– His team having scored 140 in the previous two, Spoelstra reiterated pregame there never was a definitive goal of establishing a record-setting offense in terms of pace and other unique elements.

– “I wasn’t really thinking about trying to break records or anything,” he said. “We were just trying to put together something that makes sense for our team, that brings out the best version in our group and also that would be scalable.”

– Spoelstra also made clear pace can’t be paramount.

– “We want our fan base to be excited about the style of play,” he said. “But we also have to do whatever is necessary to win in this league.”

– And then, as always, the cautionary from Spoelstra, “If it’s in the mud or if it’s not going fluidly, you still have to find a way to overcome and get the win.”

– The game was the Heat’s lone visit of the season.

– The game was the first of 17 for the Heat in January, the most for any month this season and tying for the most games during the month of January in franchise history (also 17 in January 2016, 2012 and 2010).

– The Heat are now 8-3 on New Year’s Day over the franchise’s 37 seasons.

As he exited Kaseya Center on Monday night, Bam Adebayo said there is no better way to end a year than with a win. Apparently, the Miami Heat believe there is no better way to also start the year.

So make it a four-game winning streak, this time with a 118-112 New Year’s victory Thursday night over the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.

Against the best team in the Eastern Conference, an opponent that had lost only twice previously at home this season, the Heat got off to the races with their running game and opened their 2026 schedule with arguably their most impressive victory of the season.

“This is a good start to 2026,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We’ll take it.”

With Tyler Herro and Pelle Larsson sidelined for the Heat, Norman Powell again took charge of the Heat offense, closing with 36 points, enough to offset the 31 of Detroit’s Cade Cunningham.

Up 22 earlier, the Heat saw the lead trimmed to two in the final minute, before holding on, in more of a grind-out win than the previous outbursts during this winning streak.

“I think this was an important one for us to get because this wasn’t a game where we put 140 on the board,” Spoelstra said.

It was yet another night of across-the-board contributions from Spoelstra’s team. Beyond Powell’s scoring, the Heat got 19 points from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and 17 from Andrew Wiggins. There also were 14 rebounds from Adebayo and 13 from Kel’el Ware, as well as 11 assists from Davion Mitchell.

So another win, finding a way, even if a bit less fluid.

“Guys are making plays,” Wiggins said. “That’s what it comes down to.”

And, so, onward, with Jaquez already a step toward his New Year’s resolution, “to win a lot of games.”

Five Degrees of Heat from Thursday night’s game:

1. Game flow: Aided by a 14-0 run late in the first period, the Heat went into the second quarter up 33-26. After the Pistons regained the lead in the second period, the Heat pushed back for a 63-54 halftime lead.

The Heat then string together a 15-0 run early in the third period and went up 22 in the quarter, before taking a 94-81 lead into the fourth.

The Pistons trimmed their deficit to 98-92 early in the fourth and within 114-109 with 1:06 to play on an Ausar Thompson transition basket, capping a 10-2 Detroit run.

A Javonte Green 3-pointer later would make it a 114-112 game, before Jaquez responded with a jumper for a 116-112 Heat lead with 28.9 seconds left.

“Just trying to, you know, win a game,” Jaquez said of his baseline basket.

A steal by Mitchell followed on the ensuing Pistons inbounds pass, with Powell converting a pair of free throws on the other end to close the scoring.

“We were able to snap back into how we needed to be defensively,” Powell said, “and buckle down and get the stops we needed.”

2. Powell play: Powell was up to 19 points by halftime, matching Cunningham’s first-half output for the Pistons.

Powell scored 11 of the Heat’s final 13 points of the second quarter, following up with 15 points in the third.

He closed 12 of 23 from the field, including 7 of 14 in 3-pointers.

Spoelstra credited Powell with doing plenty on his own against a team committed to halfcourt defense.

“Norm through three quarters was getting so many of his points in random situations, and you need to against a good defense,” Spoelstra said. “You can’t just always run a play call.”

Powell extended his streak of games scoring in double figures to 32, dating to last season with the Los Angeles Clippers, three games off the longest such run of his career.

“I really had to hunt in transition to get some good looks,” Powell said. “I was able to do that throughout the course of the game.”

Related Articles

• Winderman’s view: Heat stand tall with power play of their own vs. Pistons
• Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. now with eyes on teammates as well as eyes on the rim
• Kel’el Ware’s 3-point prowess no longer a novelty, with Heat 7-footer now a league leader
• ASK IRA: Do Heat have to prioritize Jakucionis development?
• Current ankle sprain not as serious as previous sprain for Heat’s Larsson; Herro again out vs. Pistons

3. Big things: With Herro and Larsson out for the Heat, and with Tobias Harris and Caris LeVert out for the Pistons, both teams opened big.

That had Detroit bulk of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart matched at the outset against the Heat’s length of Ware and Adebayo.

The Heat’s opening unit was rounded out by Powell, Wiggins and Mitchell.

The Pistons size then was downsized when Duren was lost for the night with a sprained right ankle initially sustained in the second period.

The Heat closed with a 47-41 rebounding advantage, including a 14-6 edge on the offensive glass.

“Bam and Kel’el were just terrific and physical on the glass,” Spoelstra said. “We knew we’d have to bring a physical edge.”

Adebayo finished with 15 points, Ware with four.

“Trying to shift the mindset when you’re not necessarily shooting well,” Adebayo said of the collective Heat board work that also included eight from Wiggins.

4. Hail Jaime: A game after going for 11 assists, it was eyes back on the rim for Jaquez, who was up to 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting by halftime.

Jaquez has now scored at least 16 in each of his last four games, one point shy of his fifth 20-point game in the last six.

He finished 9 of 13 from the field, with five rebounds, and that final Heat basket.

5. A Cunningham rerun: In the teams’ previous meeting, a 138-135 Pistons victory on Nov. 29 in Miami, Cunningham closed with 29 points, eight assists, four rebounds and eight turnovers.

This time, in addition to his 31 points, Cunningham had 11 assists, eight rebounds and seven turnovers.

The difference is Cunningham also shot 17 of 18 from the line this time, after going 0 for 1 from the line in the teams’ previous meeting. Until Thursday, Cunningham had never had more than seven free throws against the Heat.

But he also was just 6 of 16 from the field, with Adebayo praising the Heat’s ability to mix and mask coverages.

“That’s the thing,” Adebayo said. “Make it difficult. Switch the coverage up, even if it’s still pick and roll. Blitz him sometimes. Sometimes you send a double. Make him keep thinking throughout the game where it’s unpredictable.”

Here’s the news: Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross hired ESPN analyst and Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman weeks ago to consult with him in a search for a general manager, according to a team source.

It is a genuine search, too, one that will cover the league and go wherever needed. Interim GM Champ Kelly will be interviewed like any other candidate. But that’s all he is at this point: Any other candidate.

Coach Mike McDaniel? Ross hasn’t made the decision on his future — or at least he hasn’t shared it inside the team, the source said. But the Aikman hiring involves some murky issues involving McDaniel that seem even murkier now.

First, does Aikman tell prospective general managers they inherit McDaniel with the job? If so, does that limit the pool of candidates, considering some don’t know the coach and perhaps others wouldn’t want to work with him (or vice versa)?

Second, Aikman already had been hired by Ross when he uncharacteristically criticized McDaniel’s tactics and time management a few weeks ago in the loss to Pittsburgh.

“I’m flabbergasted by what we’ve witnessed here in this fourth quarter with the Dolphins,’’ Aikman said. “And now they want to call timeouts. It just is about as ridiculous a fourth quarter as I’ve seen in a long time.”

Does it matter? Could it? Aikman, the source said, is simply charged with bringing general manager candidates to Ross and isn’t involved in the coaching question. But one bleeds into the other in some form, doesn’t it?

Underpinning all this is the basic idea of Aikman being involved in a front-office search. Can they get his thoughts on quarterbacks, too? Wouldn’t that be pertinent here?

Aikman meets with the hierarchy of the two teams on his broadcast schedule each week, so there’s no question he has behind-the-scenes access that many don’t. He also goes back with other names – for one, former Dallas Cowboys teammate Alonzo Highsmith, now in the New England Patriots front office.

To understand why Ross wanted Aikman, understand the role former Golden State Warriors General Manager Bob Myers had for Washington Commanders’ owner Josh Harris.

Myers, like Aikman, was a franchise outsider who had won championships and then shifted to television.

Unlike Aikman, who is a respected Hall of Fame quarterback, Myers built a basketball dynasty with his decisions.

So, the question isn’t so much if Aikman knows football or understands winning or has inside access in his role as an TV commentator.

It’s simply whether he can help Ross find a football mind to run a front office. It also suggests Ross has tired of going down more conventional paths previously like former Kansas City general manger Carl Peterson or Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy.

The other issue in play during this search is the structure of the new Dolphins. Since GM Chris Grier was fired in late October, Ross has had three people report as equals to him: McDaniel, Kelly and Brandon Shore, a team vice president dealing primarily with the salary cap.

Teams like Detroit, Chicago and the Los Angeles Rams have a similar three-headed structure. Do the Dolphins continue in this manner? And do they report directly to Ross or through an intermediary like, say, team president Tom Garfinkel?

All these questions are in play inside the Dolphins as they set to finish another disappointing season Sunday in New England. A year ago after the finale, Ross issued a statement that Grier and McDaniel would return.

No such statement will be coming Sunday. Ross felt so pained by firing Grier that he felt the need to have a full search rather than make the easier choice of just giving the job to Kelly.

Aikman will lead that search. He has previously expressed an interest in being a GM, but he told the Dolphins that’s not in play here.

What’s in play is Ross is so desperate to pull this franchise out of its football coma that he’s going an unconventional route. He’s tried other accepted ways. Maybe this one works?

 

 

The Hurricanes now know who they will face off with in next week’s College Football Playoff semifinals: Georgia/Ole Miss.

Miami will face the No. 6 Rebels in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 8 after Ole Miss beat Georgia 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl on Thursday.

The Hurricanes are 1-2 all-time against Ole Miss, but the two teams have not played since UM beat the Rebels in 1951.

Miami, which is the No. 10 seed, earned its first-ever trip to the semifinals by beating No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday.

Ole Miss is 13-1 this season. The Rebels picked up key wins over Tulane (twice), Oklahoma and LSU before beating the Bulldogs on Thursday. Ole Miss’ one loss was against Georgia in the regular season, but it avenged that loss in the Sugar Bowl to advance in the playoffs.

The Rebels had a rocky transition from the regular season to the postseason. Former coach Lane Kiffin had a long, public courting with LSU and Florida before leaving to become the Tigers’ coach when Ole Miss refused to allow him to coach Ole Miss in the playoffs. The Rebels named former defensive coordinator Pete Golding the team’s new head coach.

Ole Miss’ key players include quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, running back Kewan Lacy, wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling and defensive end Princewill Umanmielen. Lacy was a first-team All-SEC pick. Chambliss was a second-team selection, as was tight end Dae’Quan Wright.

General Daily Insight for January 02, 2026

Courage threads through our upcoming choices. With healing asteroid Chiron stationing direct at 9:37 AM EST, we’re braced to start applying the lessons we’ve learned. As the emotional Moon faces off with cerebral Mercury, feelings challenge facts, yet plain words help us bridge misunderstandings before they grow heavy. From morning dreams into evening downtime, we can all edit our expectations so small mistakes lose their sting and steadier boundaries feel natural. We might not be able to move mountains, but what we can do still matters.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Confidence returns as you honor your needs. A personal reset arrives as Chiron begins moving forward in your sign, turning older aches into useful insight about how you lead and begin. Introductions to new peers, even intimidating ones, should go well — as long as you follow your instincts. Treat your body kindly by setting realistic boundaries with new connections, while sharing honestly with those you know are worthy of trust. Simple truth supports your forward motion, as every step compounds into increased progress.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Quiet moments give your soul a chance to be honest. Your 12th House of Solitude steadies as tender Chiron ends its retrograde there, bolstering you to name an old worry without judging yourself. You might journal before work to make space for your thoughts, because quiet space helps you hear what truly matters. If a memory stings your mind, take a moment to do something that reminds your body it is safe. Drinking soothing tea or listening to favored music are great methods of self-soothing.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Which friends help you grow right now? Therapeutic Chiron spins direct in your 11th House of Friendship, turning awkward group dynamics into teachable moments and opening space for clear team agreements. You may reach out to someone you once enjoyed working with to see if they’re interested in future collaborations — or, at minimum, keep each other’s names in your networks. Plans may shift underfoot, but you can prevent conflict by sharing updates with everyone involved. Warm words open doors and strengthen community bonds.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Cancer, your public voice presently carries weight. Vulnerable Chiron is rolling forward in your 10th House of Authority, prompting you to reshape your path by transforming past criticism into practical, compassionate leadership. You might propose a fresh schedule to a supervisor that showcases your strengths and proves you can deliver. If family needs cause drama, set kind boundaries and explain them to any complainers. Such honesty protects your energy while still honoring your care. Kind leadership earns respect and ensures your progress stays sustainable.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

A turning point is in sight! A wider outlook takes root as cautious Chiron looks ahead in your 9th House of Differences, helping you rewrite limiting beliefs with playful curiosity. You might start a brave conversation about culture or faith that brings understanding to multiple factions. Let your natural warmth brighten a tense debate by asking for stories. Aside from being fun, listening shows your willingness to learn and grow in tandem with others. Curiosity might have killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back!

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Trust grows when you talk about fears. They don’t have to be so intimidating, especially once Chiron moves direct in your 8th House of Depth. This urges careful talks about money, loyalty, and privacy to soothe a nervous mind. There’s no need to guess when you can review bills with a trusted counterpart! Open discussions suit your practical, discerning style. If trust feels shaky, start by keeping your own promises, since consistent action heals more than dramatic pledges. Precise choices keep resources flowing for everyone.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Libra, partnerships ask for patient listening today. Your 7th House of Bonds gets fresh air as moody Chiron stations direct, inviting balanced talks that give each person time to speak and feel heard. You might reopen a stalled agreement with a client and calmly handle any points of contention. Your natural diplomacy shines when you summarize both sides and offer a compromise that feels respectful to everyone involved. Keep fairness at the center, because mutual care helps connections grow steady and strong together.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Steady effort calms a busy day. Your 6th House of Health is metaphorically reset by the forward movement of Chiron today, which applies to all areas of life where focus and effort are necessary. You may ask a colleague for clear priorities, because focus honors your intense drive without burning you out. Consider setting a quitting time and sticking to it — don’t bring work home with you. Rest strengthens your soul and protects your focus, allowing you to build results that last.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Joy and courage are both required for true creativity at the moment. Chiron may not be elegant, but its forward shift in your inspirational 5th house is a great reminder to put yourself out there and try. Turn self-doubt into playful experimentation! You might share a draft, plan a low-pressure date, or try a new hobby, because optimism grows when you make space for fun. Your courage can also encourage a friend or younger person who looks up to you. Just enjoy yourself!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Morning brings clarity about family patterns. Chiron stations direct in your 4th House of Home, inviting repair work that honors your roots and strengthens tradition. The squeaky wheel definitely gets the grease today. You might update a chore chart to better fit your schedule (and everyone else’s). If tension rises at home, pause first, breathe, then speak slowly and stay with the facts. A level head is the ideal way to vanquish irritation before it becomes conflict. Firm structure empowers everyone’s goals.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

You can speak your heart today, Aquarius. Your talkative 3rd house is blessed as Chiron, linked to insecurities, begins rolling ahead. When you listen to others, you’ll be better able to communicate with them. You may revise a pitch for a quirky idea that could help the group. Don’t be afraid to suggest something totally out of the box! Explain the why behind your plan, then invite others to improve it as a team. Speak plainly to accelerate teamwork and make real progress.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Pisces, your values deserve gentle protection. A shift arrives as Chiron offers opportunities for deep growth in your 2nd House of Finances. Your money choices are guided by your self-worth, so pay attention to how you treat yourself. You know you deserve quality, so invest in the things that matter — not drop-shipped impulse purchases. If someone undervalues your time, state your limits and suggest a fair option that ensures both sides feel respected. Self-respect strengthens your actions and brightens the path ahead.

The Miami Dolphins are looking to Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman to consult the franchise on their coming general manager search, according to a league source Thursday evening.

According to breaking national reports Thursday, it’s not a permanent role for Aikman, who currently is a color analyst for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” after a playing career where he led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles.

The Dolphins fired longtime GM Chris Grier on Oct. 31. They have since had Champ Kelly take on the interim GM role, and he is expected to be among candidates in the search for owner Steve Ross, president and CEO Tom Garfinkel and the rest of the franchise’s brass.

Reports indicate Aikman was chosen in the advisory role because he will bring fresh, outside perspective. His closest tie to the Dolphins would be that he was coached by Jimmy Johnson with the Cowboys in the 1990s, and Johnson later led the Dolphins later in the decade.

While Miami needs to find a permanent solution at GM, the franchise will also be making a decision on the fate of coach Mike McDaniel as the 2025 season comes to a close with Sunday’s game at the New England Patriots. McDaniel enters the finale with a 35-34 record, including playoffs.

Aikman made six Pro Bowls in his playing career in Dallas. He threw for 32,942 passing yards and 165 touchdowns as part of an all-time-great quarterback-running back-wide receiver trio with Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin.

He was the No. 1 pick of the 1989 draft after a college career that spanned stints at Oklahoma and UCLA.

Since his retirement following the 2000 season, Aikman has been in the broadcast booth, first with Fox and then with ESPN since 2022.

The last time Aikman called a Dolphins game was Dec. 15, and he was highly and persistently critical of McDaniel for not operating the offense with urgency as the team trailed by multiple scores in the fourth quarter of a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This story will be updated.

 

Right before the start of the Miami Dolphins’ season, the team had to deal with a shakeup on the coaching staff.

Outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow was arrested on domestic battery charges, which were later dropped. The Dolphins immediately placed Crow on administrative leave, later parting ways with the assistant coach, and needed someone to step up to lead his former unit.

Sean Ryan, who officially holds the title of senior defensive assistant, stepped up. According to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Ryan was the one to ask for the job, which might’ve saved Weaver from being spread thin by instructing outside linebackers on top of his coordinating duties.

“It was a tremendous experience,” said Ryan on a web conference with reporters Thursday, “and what made it great was the guys in the room, to be honest with you. They work incredibly hard. They care about their jobs. They do it really well. They’re attentive. They’re helpful.”

Ryan can be credited, in part, with edge rusher Bradley Chubb’s comeback from missing the 2024 season rehabbing a knee injury to having 8½ sacks going into Sunday’s finale against the New England Patriots. Along with that, 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson has grown in his second season, and before Jaelan Phillips was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, he too was having a bounce-back year from back-to-back season-ending injuries in 2023 (Achilles) and 2024 (ACL).

The shift wasn’t without challenge, of course, given the suddenness of it all.

“It was on the fly,” Ryan said. “Learned a lot. But the way they show up for work every day, it made it just one of the experiences I’ll always relish in my coaching career, to be honest with you.”

What makes Ryan unique as a defensive assistant is, before joining the Dolphins in 2024, just about all his previous coaching experience was on the offensive side. Between college and the NFL, Ryan had coached quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers.

Related Articles

• Dave Hyde: Can Troy Aikman save the Dolphins? Steve Ross can only hope
• Dolphins bringing in Troy Aikman as consultant for GM search
• Dolphins signing new quarterback ahead of finale with eye on future
• Chris Perkins: Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is batman. Literally
• Who has the edge? Dolphins at Patriots, in season finale

In the pros, he has been with the New York Giants, Houston Texans, Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers. With the Giants, he was part of two Super Bowl champs, and in Houston was where he connected with Weaver.

His offensive expertise allows him to help defensive players affect offensive players, especially the quarterback for his pass-rushers.

“I think it’s very helpful,” Ryan said. “You look at it and you know what has affected guys that you’ve coached, whether it be, like especially quarterbacks, a big part of our job is rushing those guys and making them uncomfortable. And I try to show them and talk to them about what the quarterback is dealing with and what he’s thinking and how everything that we do affects him and affects how he plays — not only within one play, but leading to the next play and the next series. I think it was pretty helpful in that way, being able to carry over the experience of having the quarterbacks for as long as I have.”

It was actually precisely the vision Weaver had in mind when he wanted Ryan on his defensive staff, bringing him on board after taking the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator role in 2024.

“(He) was brought in essentially to give me an offensive perspective while we’re calling defenses,” Weaver said. “So I had a guy who can see things through the lens of a quarterback.”

Additionally, Ryan did plenty of work with the outside linebackers last season while Crow was on the staff.

“I felt like I had a relationship with those guys,” Ryan said. “I felt like, for them, they would have some comfort with me being in there, because I had been in there. And I thought it would be a transition that would be good for them. And that was the first thing on my mind.”

Chubb’s season speaks for itself, as he reached an incentive in his contract for surpassing eight sacks on the season last Sunday. He has more money tied into whether the Dolphins finish with a top-20 scoring defense. They enter the final week ranked 21st.

Ryan said Robinson improved in taking on different blocks in the run game and built on his strength of rushing the passer by developing new counters.

As the season comes to a close, he also has veterans Cameron Goode and Quinton Bell, both special teams contributors who can step into a rotation on the edge, and has developed Derrick McLendon on the practice squad. McLendon may get elevated to the active roster for the second straight week and possibly remain active for the game this time.

While Broward County prosecutors elected not to pursue the domestic battery case against Crow, the NFL had its own investigation. The team officially parted ways with him in December.

MIAMI — Oh, the weather outside is frightful …

“Actually, it’s kind of nice,” Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling said.

It’ll be in the 50s for Friday night’s Winter Classic hockey game between the Panthers and New York Rangers at loanDepot Park. The only way for a native South Floridian to sit comfortably in that for three hours is with a blowtorch.

“It’s hockey weather for us,’’ said the Finnish Forsling.

Yes, they didn’t just bring winter’s game to be played in a fun and festive atmosphere Friday night. They brought winter, too, at least as we Nanooks of South Florida define it.

There’s even “snow” in the forecast at the game, though the NHL isn’t saying how they’re pulling that off. But this regular NHL event has become so popular around the league in actual cold-weather cities the league brought it to this battleground of their sport and our subtropics.

The Miami Marlins’ stadium has been transformed with beach chairs and sand symbolizing South Florida in left field and snow and ice depicting the Rangers’ climes in right field. Some entertainers will wear beach clothes. Others, parkas.

There, where the infield typically sits, is a regulation ice rink that passed the most important test of all during the Panthers’ practice Thursday afternoon.

“The ice is fantastic,’’ Panthers coach Paul Maurice said.

Wait until he gets the electric bill.

You’ve heard of the Miracle on Ice? This is the Miracle of Ice. Getting it right is part of the charming challenge of playing the Winter Classic with the stadium’s roof open, so the game is outside.

The concept of this regular game around the league is to re-create the outdoor atmosphere these players and coaches grew up on. This is Maurice’s third Winter Classic and he’s enthralled with the idea.

“Maybe it’s just the fact that they’re going to open the roof, and you’re actually on an outdoor rink — ODR, in Canada,’’ he said. “That’s how these guys started, the ones from the north anyway.

“So, there’s a certain amount of feeling that in these games that’s not in the regular season grind and snarl.”

Playing in the snow some years back with Carolina is a moment frozen in time for him. Of course, some youthful memories of outdoor play are left behind. Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky grew up in Siberia and remembers playing in minus-22 degrees.

“We were literally freezing,’’ he said. “We lost 10-0. The next day it was like (23 degrees) and we won 10-0.”

With consecutive Stanley Cups, all of South Florida is past the point of wondering when they talk about ice if they mean one cube or two.

It’s not past the point wondering what it’s like to sit outside in mid-50s weather as forecast. That’d be a balmy January night in Boston.

Children watch the Florida Panthers work out on Thursday during practice for Friday's NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at loanDepot park in Miami. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)

In South Florida, people will dress like they’re robbing a 7-Eleven in Manitoba. Parka. Scarf. Long johns. Winter hat. Fleece-lined boots. Thick mittens.

“It’ll be cool,’’ Panthers veteran Brad Marchand said.

He didn’t mean cool as in cold but as in wonderful. His two previous Winter Classics showed how special the atmosphere could be.

“One of my favorite parts about these games is the walkout,’’ he said. “When you’re walking out to the rink, and you get to take all that in and get to see the scenery. Hopefully, we’ll see the city in the background.”

Once the puck drops, he said, it’s another game for the players. It’s an important game for both teams trying to keep a foothold in their season.

The Panthers showed what’s coming as injured Matthew Tkachuk skated in practice Thursday wearing a non-contact jersey and captain Aleksander Barkov skated lightly before practice.

Their appearance in the season is ahead. Friday is here with this fun and ambitious turning of the subtropics into a Winter Wonderland. You could see at Thursday’s practice how the players enjoy a quirky change to their season.

Now comes Friday’s outdoor game that will really feel outdoors.

Then, when it’s over, let’s hope the heat gets turned back on.

General view around loanDepot park on Thursday before the NHL Winter Classic against the New York Rangers at loanDepot park on Friday in Miami. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

MIAMI GARDENS — The first thing that Oregon quarterback Dante Moore did after winning the Orange Bowl was salute the thousands of fans who made the cross-country trip to South Florida.

If the Ducks’ defense keeps playing like this, those fans might be back in Miami before long.

Matayo Uiagalelei caused a fumble to set up an Oregon touchdown, freshman Brandon Finney Jr. had three takeaways — two interceptions and a fumble recovery — and the fifth-seeded Ducks silenced No. 4 Texas Tech’s offense for a 23-0 win in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Orange Bowl on Thursday.

“They’ve earned this opportunity,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “I told them go get their pound of flesh today. They did that today.”

Jordon Davison rushed for two scores, Moore threw for 234 yards and Atticus Sappington kicked three field goals for Oregon (13-1), which will play either No. 1 Indiana or No. 9 Alabama in the Peach Bowl — a CFP semifinal — on Jan. 9.

The Peach Bowl winner will be back in Miami Gardens for the national title game on Jan. 19.

“I believe we have the best defense in the country,” Finney said.

Texas Tech probably wouldn’t argue with that.

Texas Tech — which finished at 12-2 — came into the day second nationally in points per game (42.5) and fifth nationally in yards per game (480.3) but got absolutely nothing going. The Red Raiders turned the ball over four times, were stopped on fourth downs three other times and had four three-and-outs.

Tech quarterback Behren Morton — who finished 18 of 32 passing for just 137 yards — was stripped by Uiagalelei early in the third quarter in Red Raider territory. Uiagalelei rumbled deep into the red zone and Davison scored one play later to make it 13-0.

Morton threw a red-zone interception early in the fourth quarter and a fourth-down stop from their own 30 midway through the fourth quarter doomed whatever comeback chances existed for the Red Raiders. Davison plunged in from the 1 with 16 seconds left to cap the scoring.

And once again, a CFP bye meant a team went bye-bye.

It was the sixth quarterfinal under this 12-team tournament format that started last year — there were two others coming later Thursday — and the sixth time that the team coming off an extended break lost to a team that played a first-round game.

In 2024, Boise State (against Penn State), Arizona State (against Texas), Georgia (against Notre Dame) and Oregon (against Ohio State) all went out in the quarterfinals after first-round byes. Miami added to that list Wednesday night, beating Ohio State in a quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl. In those six games, including Thursday, the team with the bye has held the lead for less than five minutes — combined — of regulation.

Texas Tech thought it could avoid that fate. It could not, and Oregon finished off its first shutout of an AP-ranked opponent since 2012. Oregon was playing a top-10 team for the 113th time — and for the first time, allowed zero points.

Oregon played James Madison in Round 1 this year, winning 51-34, and generally was unhappy afterward with how it played defensively.

There wasn’t anything to not like from that side of the ball on Thursday.

“Last week a lot of people talked about our defense,” Lanning said. “They showed up today.”