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Updated: 6 hours 28 min ago
Dolphins bring in two more assistant coaches, one who comes back to Miami
The Miami Dolphins agreed to terms with two more assistant coaches to join Jeff Hafley’s staff Friday night, and one of them is coming back to Miami after a short stint with the Dolphins four years ago.
The team is bringing back former offensive line coach Matt Applebaum as assistant offensive line coach and bringing in Chuka Ndulue as assistant defensive line coach, according to a league source.
Applebaum, 42, was with the Dolphins’ staff in 2022, former coach Mike McDaniel’s first season at the helm, but he was relieved of the duty after the lone year with the team.
The connection with Hafley is that the two were together at Boston College. Applebaum was Hafley’s offensive line coach with the Eagles in 2020 and 2021, and after his short initial Dolphins tenure, he was brought back in 2023. Applebaum remained BC’s offensive line coach after Hafley left to become Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator the past two seasons.
Before Boston College, Applebaum coached offensive linemen at Towson, Davidson, Southeastern Louisiana and Bucknell. He was also Davidson’s offensive coordinator in 2017.
It’s Applebaum’s third stop in South Florida, as he was also a Miami Hurricanes graduate assistant in 2011 and 2012. He also had smaller roles in the NFL in Washington and Jacksonville.
Applebaum will be under new offensive line coach Zach Yenser and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Miami is expected to run similar concepts it did under McDaniel, which means plenty of outside-zone run blocking for linemen.
Ndulue comes to the Dolphins after he held the same assistant defensive line coach title with the Los Angeles Chargers last season, helping former Dolphins defensive tackles in Teair Tart and Da’Shawn Hand on the defensive front.
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Ndulue had college coaching stops at Colorado State, New Mexico, Southern Illinois and Oklahoma, his alma mater as a player. He also spent time with the Broncos and Chargers as a player but did not appear in any regular-season games.
The Dolphins secured Ndulue as assistant defensive line coach but still haven’t had Hafley’s defensive line coach or defensive coordinator surface. On the defensive side, Miami has also agreed to terms with defensive backs coach Ryan Downard, cornerbacks coach Jahmile Addae and linebackers coach Al Washington.
Macaulay Culkin, Meryl Streep and more pay tribute to Catherine O’Hara, who died at 71
By LEANNE ITALIE and MARK THIESSEN
The death of Catherine O’Hara at 71 prompted an outpouring from the actor’s co-stars and friends over the decades. O’Hara, whose legendary comic skills were on display in “Home Alone,” “Schitt’s Creek,” “Beetlejuice” and much more, died Friday in Los Angeles after a brief illness.
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“Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later” — the actor, who played O’Hara’s son in two “Home Alone” movies, on Instagram.
Meryl Streep“Catherine O’Hara brought love and light to our world, through whipsmart compassion for the collection of eccentrics she portrayed…such a loss for her family and friends, and the audience she graced as friends.” — the actor, who co-starred with O’Hara in “Heartburn,” in a statement.
Michael Keaton“We go back before the first Beetlejuice. She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend. This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her.” — the actor, on Instagram.
Seth Rogen“Really don’t know what to say… I told O’Hara when I first met her I thought she was the funniest person I’d ever had the pleasure of watching on screen. Home Alone was the movie that made me want to make movies. Getting to work with her was a true honour. She was hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous… she made me want to make our show good enough to be worthy of her presence in it. This is just devastating. We’re all lucky we got to live in a world with her in it.” — “The Studio” creator and star, on Instagram.
Andrea Martin“Catherine. She is and will always be the greatest. It is an honor to have called her my friend.” — the actor, a fellow original “SCTV” cast member, in a statement.
Mark Carney“Over 5 decades of work, Catherine earned her place in the canon of Canadian comedy — from SCTV to Schitt’s Creek. Canada has lost a legend. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and all.” — the Canadian prime minister, on social media.
Mike Myers“It is a very sad day for comedy and for Canada. She was one of the greatest comedy artists in history, an inspiration for millions and above all a very elegant lady” — the comedian, in a statement.
Pedro Pascal“Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always. Always” — the actor, who worked with O’Hara on the second season of “The Last of Us,” on Instagram.
Kevin Nealon“Catherine O’Hara changed how so many of us understand comedy and humanity. From the chaos and heart of Home Alone to the unforgettable precision of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, she created characters we’ll rewatch again and again.” — the comedian and actor, on social media.
FILE – Former cast members of SCTV, from left, Dave Thomas, Joe Flaherty, Catherine O’Hara, Andrea Martin, foreground, Harold Ramis, Eugene Levy and Martin Short, pose at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival on March 6, 1999, in Aspen, Colo. (AP Photo/E Pablo Kosmicki, File) Craig Mazin“I think she would prefer that we keep laughing somehow, or at the very least not cry. Not possible at the moment. As brutal as this feels for anyone who knew or worked with her, I know it is far more painful for her husband and sons and close family. I’m thinking about them right now too. It all hurts terribly. Goodbye, you legend… you wonderful, brilliant, kind, beautiful human being. We were lucky to have had you at all.” — the “The Last of Us” showrunner, on Instagram.
Christopher Guest“I am devastated. We have lost one of the comic giants of our age. I send my love to her family.” — the actor and director, who collaborated with O’Hara on four films, in a statement.
Sarah Polley“She was the kindest and the classiest. How could she also have been the funniest person in the world? And she was at the very top of her game. There won’t be another like her.” – The Canadian director and actor, on Instagram.
Ron Howard“This is shattering news. What a wonderful person, artist and collaborator. I was lucky enough to direct, produce and act in projects with her and she was simply growing more brilliant with each year. My heart goes out to Bo & family.” — the actor and director, on X.
Ike Barinholtz“I never in a million years thought I would get to work with Catherine O’Hara let alone become friends with her. So profoundly sad she’s somewhere else now, So incredibly grateful I got to spend the time I did with her. Thank you Catherine I love you.” — the actor, a co-star in “The Studio,” on Instagram.
Rita Wilson“Catherine O’Hara — a woman who was authentic and truthful in all she did. You saw it in her work, if you knew her you saw it in her life, and you saw it in her family. Bo, Luke and Matthew, our deepest sympathies. May Catherine rest in peace. May her memory be eternal. — the actor, director and producer, on Instagram.
Alec Baldwin“Catherine O’Hara was one of the greatest comic talents in the movie business. She had a quality that was all her own and my sympathy goes out to Bo and their family.” — the actor, her “Beetlejuice” co-star, in a statement.
The Westminster dog show is turning 150. Here’s what has — and hasn’t — changed over time
By JENNIFER PELTZ
NEW YORK (AP) — When some Gilded Age gentleman hunters organized a New York event to compare their dogs, could they have imagined that people would someday call it the World Series of dogdom or the Super Bowl of dog shows?
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Of course they couldn’t. The World Series and the Super Bowl didn’t exist. Nor, for that matter, did the Brooklyn Bridge or the Statue of Liberty.
But the Westminster Kennel Club’s dog show did, and still does. With the 150th annual show set to start Saturday, here’s a then-and-now look at the United States’ most famous canine competition.
“The trappings, the window dressing, you know, changes over time. But what’s at the core, what’s the heart of it, which is the love of dogs … that has been the same,” says club President Donald Sturz.
The nameIt comes from the Westminster Hotel, where the show’s founders liked to belly up to the bar and brag about their dogs. The hotel is long gone. The moniker stuck.
The dogsThe club’s “First Annual New York Bench Show of Dogs,” in 1877, was no small thing. It featured about 1,200 dogs of a few dozen breeds, ranging from pugs to mastiffs. They included an English setter valued at $5,000, at a time when an average laborer in New York made about $1.30 a day. The Associated Press reported that “the bulldogs are represented by a number of noticeable delegates,” and a family of “Japanese spaniels” was “highly amusing.”
It wasn’t the first U.S. dog show, but it wowed and endured. Among U.S. sporting events, only the Kentucky Derby has a longer history of being held every year.
This year’s Westminster show boasts 2,500 dogs, representing as many as 212 breeds and 10 “varieties” (subsets of breeds, such as smooth vs. wirehaired dachshunds). Some likely hadn’t made it to the U.S. in 1877. Others didn’t exist yet anywhere.
FILE – Four Russian wolfhounds arrive by limousine with chauffeur Jim Colby at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York, Feb. 13, 1956. (AP Photo/Jacob Harris, File)But many are much the same as they were in Westminster’s early days, Sturz says. Some details — the length of muzzles, the thickness of coats — have shifted in this breed or that, and better canine nutrition may have led to “a little bit more size, or a little more bone” in some, he said.
Today, all the canines have champion rankings in a formalized sport with a complicated point system and official “standards” for judging each breed. They compete for best in show, a trophy that Westminster added in 1907. Earlier shows had no overall prize.
Hundreds of other dogs now vie for separate titles in agility and other sports, which kick off this year’s show on Saturday.
The vibeWhen Westminster started, the dogs weren’t the only ones with a pedigreed air.
“Everybody was fashionably dressed and wore an air of good breeding,” The New York Times said of the 1877 show — and the paper was talking about the spectators, not the animals. Not to be outdone, some canines also were gussied up in lace collars and ribbons.
FILE – Guemart Limited Edition, a Yorkshire Terrier from Mexico City, is groomed by Jesus Guerrero backstage prior to competition in the 131st Westminster dog show Monday Feb.12, 2007 at Madison Square Garden in New York.(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)Over the years, the event drew entries from foreign royals, American tycoons and modern-day celebrities including Martha Stewart and Tim McGraw. A decades-long list of pro athletes have cheered on their animals, from baseball’s Lou Gehrig and Barry Bonds to the NFL’s Morgan Fox.
Westminster has carried a whiff of bygone, clubby gentility into the 21st century — handlers wear suits and dresses, upper-round judges black tie — and the competition is hardly casual. Many top contenders come in with hired professional handlers and a show record built on near-constant travel, with buzz built through dog-magazine ad campaigns.
Still, many people handle their own dogs and work or are retired from policing, medicine, the military, corporate jobs or other fields. Some of the animals also have jobs, including bomb-sniffing and search-and-rescue.
“It’s an elite event, but it’s one that we want everyone to feel that they can access and be a part of,” says Sturz, a clinical psychologist and retired school district superintendent.
The venueWestminster debuted at Gilmore’s Garden, a precursor to today’s Madison Square Garden. Nearly every subsequent show has been in some iteration of the building, even after part of it collapsed and killed four people, including a Westminster official, shortly before the 1880 show. Next week’s semifinals and best-in-show finals, set for late Tuesday, will be held in the present-day Garden.
FILE – Kirby, a male Papillon, and his owner John Oulton react after winning best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club 1999 Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1999. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)From the start, the show has drawn thousands of spectators in person — and many more on TV since the late 1940s, with still more via streaming.
Of course, that’s not the only way Westminster has been portrayed on-screen.
The movieYes, we’re talking about “Best in Show,” director-writer-actor Christopher Guest’s cult-classic 2000 mockumentary about obsessives and oddballs competing at the fictional “Mayflower” dog show in Philadelphia. Guest attended Westminster during his extensive research for the film.
Is it really like that? As with any satire: sort of. Circulate at Westminster, and you’ll certainly see some wound-up people primping and presenting animals, but you’ll also see some competitors cheering for each other, sharing expertise and playing with cherished pets.
Show folk had mixed feelings about the movie. But it helped expand Westminster’s audience, says David Frei, who hosted the show broadcast from 1990 to 2016.
“They didn’t make fun of the dogs,” Frei said. “They just made fun of the people.”
The protestsAs Westminster’s prominence grew, it became a magnet for complaints that dog breeding puts looks ahead of health. As far back as 1937, some show-goers questioned whether collies’ narrow heads and long noses were healthy, according to an AP story at the time.
FILE – A security worker wraps up a protester during the best in show competition at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, File)In recent years, animal welfare activists have sometimes infiltrated the ring or demonstrated on the sidelines. This year, PETA has put up billboards near the venues about the breathing problems of flat-faced dogs, and oxygen-tank-carrying supporters plan to demonstrate outside.
“Westminster has had countless opportunities to evolve, yet it clings to an outdated obsession with aesthetics,” a PETA staff writer said in a recent op-ed distributed by the Tribune Content Agency.
Sturz said the club “has a longstanding history of showing its commitment to dog welfare.”
He notes that the organization has donated to veterinary scholarships, pet-friendly domestic violence shelters, rescue groups and other canine causes. Those ties go all the way back to 1877, when some proceeds from the first Westminster show helped the nation’s oldest humane society, the ASPCA, build its first shelter.
Huge cache of Epstein documents includes emails financier exchanged with wealthy and powerful
By LINDSAY WHITEHURST
WASHINGTON (AP) — A huge new tranche of files on millionaire financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein released Friday revealed details of his communications with the wealthy and powerful, some not long before he died by suicide in 2019.
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The Justice Department said it was disclosing more than 3 million pages of documents, as well as thousands of videos and photos, as required by a law passed by Congress. By Friday evening, more than 600,000 documents had been published online. Millions of files that prosecutors had identified as potentially subject to release under the law remain under wraps, however, drawing criticism from Democrats.
Here’s what we know so far about the files now being reviewed by a team of Associated Press reporters:
Epstein talked politics with Steve Bannon, ex-Obama officialThe documents show Epstein exchanged hundreds of friendly texts with Steve Bannon, a top advisor to President Donald Trump, some months before Epstein’s death.
They discussed politics, travel and a documentary Bannon was said to be planning that would help salvage Epstein’s reputation.
In March 2019, Bannon asked Epstein if he could supply his plane to pick him up in Rome.
A couple of months later, Epstein messaged to Bannon: “Now you can understand why trump wakes up in the middle of the night sweating when he hears you and I are friends.”
The context is unclear from the documents, which were released with many redactions and little clear organization.
Another 2018 exchange focused on Trump’s threats at the time to oust Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, whom he had named to the post just the year prior.
Around the same time, Epstein also communicated with Kathy Ruemmler, a lawyer and former Obama White House official. In a typo-filled email, he warned that Democrats should stop demonizing Trump as a Mafia-type figure even as he derided the president as a “maniac.”
Bannon did not immediately respond to a message from the AP seeking comment. Ruemmler said through a spokesperson she was associated with Epstein professionally during her time as a lawyer in private practice and now “regrets ever knowing him.”
He also chatted with Elon Musk and Howard Lutnick about island visitsBillionaire Tesla founder Elon Musk emailed Epstein in 2012 and 2013 about visiting his infamous island compound, the scene of many allegations of sexual abuse.
Epstein inquired in an email about how many people Musk would like flown by helicopter, and Musk responded it would likely be just him as his partner at the time. “What day/night will be the wildest party on our island?” he wrote, according to the Justice Department records.
It’s not immediately clear if the island visits took place. Spokespersons for Musk’s companies, Tesla and X, didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment Friday.
Musk has maintained that he repeatedly turned down the disgraced financier’s overtures. “Epstein tried to get me to go to his island and I REFUSED,” he posted on X in 2025
Epstein also invited Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to the island in Dec. 2012. Lutnick’s wife enthusiastically accepted the invitation and said they would arrive on a yacht with their children. The two also had drinks on another occasion in 2011, according to a schedule. Six years later, they emailed about the construction of a building across the street from both of their homes.
Lutnick has distanced himself from Epstein, calling him “gross” and saying in 2025 that he cut ties decades ago. He didn’t respond to an emailed request for comment on Friday afternoon.
The records also have new details on Epstein’s incarceration and suicideEpstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019, and found dead in his cell just over a month later.
The latest batch of documents includes emails between investigators about Epstein’s death, including an investigator’s observation that his final communication doesn’t look like a suicide note. Multiple investigations have determined that Epstein’s death was a suicide.
The records also detail a trick that jail staffers used to fool the media gathered outside while Epstein’s body was removed: they used boxes and sheets to create what appeared to be a body and loaded it into a white van labeled as belonging to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The reporters followed the van when it left the jail, not knowing that Epstein’s actual body was loaded into a black vehicle, which departed “unnoticed,” according to the interview notes.
Associated Press reporters across the country contributed to this story, including Michael R. Sisak and Philip Marcelo in New York, Cal Woodward in Washington, Safiyah Riddle in Montgomery, Alabama, and Meg Kinnard in South Carolina.
Trump administration approves new arms sales to Israel worth $6.67 billion
By MATTHEW LEE
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has approved a massive new arms sales package to Israel totaling $6.67 billion, including 30 Apache attack helicopters and related equipment and weapons, as well as 3,250 light tactical vehicles.
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The State Department announced the four separate sales to Israel late Friday amid rising tensions in the Middle East over the possibility of U.S. military strikes in Iran.
The sales also were announced as President Donald Trump pushes ahead with his ceasefire plan for Gaza that is intended to end the Israel-Hamas conflict and reconstruct and redevelop the Palestinian territory after two years of war left it devastated, with tens of thousands dead.
The Apache helicopters, which will be equipped with rocket launchers and advanced targeting gear, are the biggest part of the total package, coming to $3.8 billion, according to the State Department, which notified Congress of its approval of the sales on Friday.
The next largest portion is the light tactical vehicles, which will be used to move personnel and logistics “to extend lines of communication” for the Israel Defense Forces and will cost $1.98 billion, it said.
Israel will spend an additional $740 million on power packs for armored personnel carriers it has had in service since 2008, the department said. The remaining $150 million will be spent on a small but unreported number of light utility helicopters to complement similar equipment it already has, it said.
In separate but nearly identical statements, the department said none of the new sales would affect the military balance in the region and that all of them would “enhance Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its ability to defend Israel’s borders, vital infrastructure, and population centers.”
“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the statements said.
Polly Cooper, an Oneida woman who helped save Washington’s army, is honored on $1 coin
By SAVANNAH PETERS
EDGEWOOD, N.M. (AP) — The reverse side of the U.S. Mint’s 2026 Sacagawea $1 coin will feature Polly Cooper, a woman from the Oneida tribe known for helping George Washington’s Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
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The release of the coin this week coincides with celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It recognizes Cooper’s role in a 1778 relief expedition from Oneida territory in what is now central New York to the rebel troops’ winter encampment in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where they were facing a food and supply crisis.
“Polly Cooper symbolizes courage that is not just found on the battlefield but in compassion and willingness to help others, which is just a part of Oneida culture and hospitality,” said Ray Halbritter, a representative of the Oneida Indian Nation of New York.
Cooper and a delegation of 47 Oneida warriors carried bushels of white corn on the long, cold trek to feed the starving soldiers. According to Oneida oral tradition, Cooper intervened to prevent Washington’s hungry soldiers from eating the white corn raw, which would have made them sick. She taught them how to prepare hulled corn soup.
The coin features Cooper offering a basket of corn to Washington, a design that Halbritter said his community worked on closely with the U.S. Mint. The other side depicts Sacagawea, a young Native American woman who was a crucial guide for the Lewis and Clark expedition.
It’s the latest release under the Native American $1 Coin Program, established by a 2007 act of Congress to commemorate individual Native Americans and tribes.
Past coins have featured Osage prima ballerina Maria Tallchief; Jim Thorpe of the Sac and Fox Nation who was an Olympic champion and multi-sport professional athlete; and landmark historical events like the signing of the 1778 treaty with the Delaware, the first of over 400 treaties negotiated between the United States and Native nations, although not all were ratified.
Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, said the program highlights those who helped establish a country grounded in freedom and self-determination.
Meanwhile, some coin designs previously authorized in anticipation of the 250th anniversary have been scrapped by President Donald Trump’s administration, including coins that would have featured suffragettes who pushed to give women the right to vote and civil rights icon Ruby Bridges.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury, which oversees the U.S. Mint, did not respond to a request for comment.
The Oneida Indian Nation of New York calls itself “America’s first ally.” It broke with the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in allying with the Continental Army “at great sacrifice,” Halbritter said. The alliance made the Oneida a target for retaliation by the British and other Haudenosaunee nations. By the end of the Revolution, as much as a third of the tribe’s population had perished.
“In the long run, the Oneida don’t fare any better than tribes that sided with the British,” said Dartmouth College professor Colin Calloway, an expert on Indigenous history during the revolutionary era.
Calloway said a desire to separate Native people from their land was one force that “catapulted” Americans into revolution, and that millions of acres (hectares) of Oneida territory were seized by the state of New York and private land speculators in the decades following the war. This eventually led to the displacement of many Oneida to reservations in Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada.
Like popular historical narratives around Sacagawea and the first encounters between Wampanoag people and the pilgrims, Calloway said Cooper’s story could be co-opted to signify a “benign, reciprocal relationship” that never truly existed between American settlers and Indigenous people.
Still, the coin commemorates what Oneidas consider their pivotal role in the nation’s struggle for independence.
“The whole country reaps the benefit of Polly Cooper’s conduct because we won the conflict and the United States was born,” Halbritter said.
Daily Horoscope for January 31, 2026
General Daily Insight for January 31, 2026
Minor adjustments can bring surprising ease and clarity. Today’s main event is another quincunx, this one between thoughtful Venus and blustery Jupiter at 4:39 AM EST. We may notice a mismatch between desire and opportunity that asks for gentle edits in different corners of life. Rather than forcing results, we can revise our approaches a little bit at a time to avoid frustration. By afternoon, the emotional Moon trines disciplined Saturn, which steadies our conversations and guides us toward results that actually function.
AriesMarch 21 – April 19
What support would make teamwork easier now? Your 11th House of Community brightens as connection-focused Venus quincunxes Jupiter, urging flexible expectations with your wider circle. If a group project bumps into a family errand, simplifying your plans could avoid further clashes. Check the basics first, especially team logistics, then take point so others can follow your pace without friction. Even as home priorities tug, warmth and patience keep everyone on your side through this shift. Wherever you’re at, flexibility earns lasting trust.
TaurusApril 20 – May 20
Keep putting one foot in front of the other — you’ll get there! Venus and Jupiter are involved in a rough quincunx that could put you in the spotlight with little warning. A supervisor or client may request a late change, or a neighbor could have a sudden issue with an outdoor project of yours. Be open about your plans and the logic behind them. Small edits or explanations to outsiders could gain you fresh allies while safeguarding the progress you’ve already made.
GeminiMay 21 – June 20
Progress arrives through flexible thinking and conversation. Exploration calls as pleasure-seeking Venus forms a quincunx to jovial Jupiter, activating your 9th House of Learning with a nudge to adjust expensive plans. A course or trip plan may strain your savings, but doing some price comparisons or hunting down discounts can ease the strain. Your quick mind thrives when you trade ideas with a trusted guide — you never know when casual chats will reveal smarter routes. Invest wisely, because learning grows lifelong freedom.
CancerJune 21 – July 22
Your instincts can currently inform smart money moves. Compassionate Venus angles off auspicious Jupiter, spotlighting your 8th House of Generous Intimacy, which could signal adjustments around trust and money. Someone close may suggest pooling expenses, which could have many benefits. Even so, be sure to check that the terms respect everyone’s comfort levels. Because you feel everything deeply, write down your needs before the talk, then keep your tone warm to reduce defensiveness. Straightforward questions strengthen closeness and keep trust steady.
LeoJuly 23 – August 22
When desires misalign with growth, choose grace. Partnerships deserve thoughtfulness as romantic Venus pokes jolly Jupiter, activating your 7th House of Connections and your 12th House of Karma. If a loved one wants quiet while you crave attention, propose a cozy check-in over your favorite snacks at home, then plan playtime for tomorrow. Your natural warmth glows when you listen deeply, then share your creative ideas without pressure, so the moment stays light. Lead with heart — that’s what keeps love playful.
VirgoAugust 23 – September 22
What’s your most recent habit? Once you’ve identified that, it’s time to think about whether or not it serves your life goals. With today’s Venus-Jupiter quincunx, you might notice the cost of those extra five minutes in bed each morning over time. Little delays add up! At work, a co-worker might invite you to lunch just as a deadline tightens, so you may need to reschedule to protect your flow. Resetting your workspace with some quick tidying could also improve your focus.
LibraSeptember 23 – October 22
You can be honest with them — whoever “they” are in your life. Venus and Jupiter are angling off each other from your playful 5th house and your business zone, which could draw your attention to the boundaries between fun and work. If work demands spill into game night or studio time, make an effort to protect an hour for self-expression. Your diplomacy shines when you acknowledge life’s disparate needs, propose a fair middle path, and keep smiling as you ensure that path actually works.
ScorpioOctober 23 – November 21
Certain aspects of your soul are ready to surface. Needy Venus snubs Jupiter, activating your homey 4th house and your idealistic 9th house. This is an invitation to reset your space, inside and out. If your home is set up for a past version of yourself, this is the day to change that. How does the person you want to become move about their domicile? There’s probably at least one thing you can update, and if there isn’t, some home tidying should be equally satisfying.
SagittariusNovember 22 – December 21
Social tension doesn’t have to be a bad thing right now — you can actually utilize it quite well. As stubborn Venus corroborates over-the-top Jupiter, you could be fielding some overly pointed questions. Conversely, you could be asking some questions that may not be in your wheelhouse! Any chats about delicate topics may feel awkward, so begin with appreciation and keep questions open to invite honest replies. Make an effort to accept the truth for what it is, whether or not you like hearing it.
CapricornDecember 22 – January 19
Your comfort zone may not be able to contain your latest commitments. The cautious quincunx between Venus and Jupiter today impacts your resource zone and your partnership arena, which means that your needs might not match up with those of your peers. Some practical, respectful adjustments could be necessary throughout the day. Whether it involves a partner, client, or friend, you can find success by walking them through your budget’s benefits and downsides. You’re choosing the path that supports long‑term goals while preserving goodwill.
AquariusJanuary 20 – February 18
Every day is a fresh beginning — today, more than most. Darling Venus in your sign is adapting to Jupiter in your practical 6th house, allowing you another chance to adapt to your ever-changing world. Be wary of work situations that restrict your self-expression even when off the clock. If you need to work in a very controlled environment for the moment, don’t let it get you down. You can uphold your values, even if you can’t express yourself as much as you’d prefer.
PiscesFebruary 19 – March 20
Certain people can’t be trusted with your tender core at this time. Quiet healing calls as compassionate Venus redirects lucky Jupiter, guiding your 12th House of Solitude to coexist with your 5th House of Parties. If you’ve planned a bit too much to do today, it’s okay to cancel something to give yourself room to breathe. You can journal for a while, then take a slow walk, then return ready to jump in with both feet! Give yourself enough space to recharge.
Moira Rose, Delia Deetz, Cookie Fleck and Kevin’s mom: Catherine O’Hara’s memorable roles
By JOCELYN NOVECK
Now is certainly not the time for pettifogging. But can we confabulate about the comic brilliance of Catherine O’Hara?
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These radically arcane words, like so many others, dripped off the gifted comedian’s tongue so silkily as Moira, her singularly eccentric matriarch in “Schitt’s Creek,” that you laughed well before you wondered what the heck they meant. (For the record: “pettifogging” means to emphasize petty details, and “confabulate” simply means to talk.)
But conversely, O’Hara, who died Friday at 71, could make a ho-hum phrase utterly hilarious. As when she desperately declared, trying a bit of line-cutting in the crowded “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” afterlife waiting room: “I have global entry!”
And for something even more concise, how about her simple, one-word line reading of “KEVIN!!!” — the child she kept leaving behind in the “Home Alone” movies?
In any case, as Moira would say, don’t be a dewdropper (a lazybones.) Here are some indelible O’Hara roles to catch up on:
Moira in “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-2020)The commercial that Moira Rose films for local vintner Herb Ertlinger’s fruit wine starts out reasonably well. Until she tries to pronounce the product’s name.
“Herb Ervlinger. Erv Herblinger. Bing Liveheinger,” she intones, inebriated, in a virtuosic scene that recalls Lucille Ball in her Vitameatavegamin ad.
Moira, a career-capping (and Emmy-winning) role in the comedy created by Eugene and son Dan Levy, brought O’Hara legions of new fans — and elevated a new vocabulary. She discovered much of it in obscure word books, she said.
This image released by Pop TV shows, from left, Annie Murphy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara and Dan Levy from the series “Schitt’s Creek.” (Pop TV via AP)O’Hara told The Associated Press she’d created the character by thinking of women married to wealthy men — women who wanted to be seen as special, in their own right. Her unique look included a series of eccentric wigs. “I knew a woman who would have dinner parties at her house and she would keep disappearing and coming back with different wigs. And she would appear like, ‘Tada’” — Whatever Moira was feeling on a particular day would dictate what kind of wig she would wear.”
“Schitt’s Creek” is available to rent on various platforms.
Delia in “Beetlejuice” (1988) and “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (2024)Thirty-six years after the first “Beetlejuice,” Tim Burton retuned with a 2024 sequel. Why, you ask? Well, here’s one really good reason: O’Hara.
Her Delia Deetz, the narcissistic artist stepmom of Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz, was a supporting character who stole the whole show.
Catherine O’Hara as Delia in the movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” (Warner Bros./TNS)To sample her comic timing, just take the quick scene where Delia, mounting a gallery show where she herself is the canvas, notifies Lydia: “You father has left me.”
“He’s divorcing you? Lydia asks. “What a horrible thought!” replies a shocked Delia. (Beat). “No, he’s dead.”
The “Beetlejuice” movies are available to rent on various platforms.
Kate McAllister in “Home Alone” (1990) and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992)OK, motherhood is chaotic. It’s hard to keep track of everything. Things can mistakenly be left at home. A child, even.
Once.
But, twice? That’s iconic.
Catherine O’Hara, left, and Macaulay Culkin in “Home Alone.” Culkin mourned his “Home Alone” co-star O’Hara after her death Friday at age 71. (IFA Film/ZUMA Press Wire/TNS)On the plane in that first “Home Alone” movie, Kate tells her husband she has a terrible feeling she forgot something. “Did I turn off the coffee?” “Did you lock up?” And then, the awful realization: “KEVIN!”
Kate had changed her hair into a stylish bob — but apparently hadn’t updated her mothering skills — two years later when, in the sequel, Kevin again was discovered missing, at the Miami airport. This time, O’Hara’s “KEVIN!” was squealed at a high pitch — accompanied by her falling backwards, unconscious.
Those moments allowed O’Hara, in a mostly straight role, to add bits of signature zaniness. But the reunion scenes with Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) were heartwarming, and it was hard to not tear up when she apologized and said: “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”
“Mama, I thought we had time,” Culkin said on Instagram Friday, alongside an image from “Home Alone.”
The “Home Alone” movies are available on Disney+ and can be rented on various platforms.
Cookie in “Best In Show” (2000)We have 80 episodes of “Schitt’s Creek” to see the brilliant synergy between O’Hara and Eugene Levy, but If you want to see their early magic, look no further than Cookie and Gerry Fleck, the married dogowners in Christopher Guest’s classic mockumentary “Best In Show.”
370100 06: Eugene Levy, left, and Catherine O”Hara star in Castle Rock Entertainment’s film, “Best In Show.” (Photo by Wren Maloney/Online USA)For example, when Cookie and Gerry sing an ode to their beloved Norwich Terrier.
O’Hara, for one, sings in a musical key that sounds too high to actually exist on this planet.
“God loves a terrier, yes he does” they sing. “God didn’t miss a stitch, Be a dog or be a bitch. When he made the Norwich merrier with its cute little derriere; Yes, God loves a terrier.”
“Best in Show” is available to rent on various platforms.
Judge calls Justice Department’s statements on slavery exhibit display ‘dangerous’ and ‘horrifying’
By MARYCLAIRE DALE
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A federal judge warned Justice Department lawyers on Friday that they were making “dangerous” and “horrifying” statements when they said the Trump Administration can decide what part of American history to display at National Park Service sites.
The sharp exchange erupted during a hearing in Philadelphia over the abrupt removal of an exhibit on the history of slavery at the site of the former President’s House on Independence Mall.
The city, which worked in tandem with the park service on the exhibit two decades ago, was stunned to find workers this month using crowbars to remove outdoor plaques, panels and other materials that told the stories of the nine people who had been enslaved there. Some of the history had only been unearthed in the past quarter-century.
“You can’t erase history once you’ve learned it. It doesn’t work that way,” said Senior U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe, an appointee of President George W. Bush.
Show Caption1 of 4A person moves to photograph the location of the now removed explanatory panels that were part of an exhibit on slavery at President’s House Site in Philadelphia, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) ExpandThe removal followed President Donald Trump’s executive order “restoring truth and sanity to American history” at the nation’s museums, parks and landmarks. In Philadelphia, the materials were put in a pickup truck and then into storage, leading Rufe to voice concerns about whether they were damaged.
“Although many people feel strongly about this (exhibit) one way, other people may disagree or feel strongly another way,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory in den Berken.
“Ultimately,” he said, “the government gets to choose the message it wants to convey.”
Rufe swiftly cut him off.
“That is a dangerous statement you are making. It is horrifying to listen to,” she said. “It changes on the whims of someone in charge? I’m sorry, that is not what we elected anybody for.”
Rufe heard hours of testimony Friday from former city officials who had helped plan the exhibit, and said the city had kicked in $1.5 million toward the project. She plans to visit both the storage area and the site before ruling on the city’s request to have the exhibit restored. But she asked the Justice Department lawyers to ensure that nothing else is disturbed.
In den Berken said the Park Service routinely changes its exhibits and tours, and argued that the government cannot be forced to tell a certain story. But lawyers for the city and other advocates said the park service does not have “carte blanche” to interpret the nation’s history as it sees fit.
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The exhibit includes biographical details about the nine people enslaved by George and Martha Washington at the presidential mansion. Now, only their names — Austin, Paris, Hercules, Christopher Sheels, Richmond, Giles, Oney Judge, Moll and Joe — remain engraved into a cement wall.
Michael Coard, an attorney representing one of the advocacy groups supporting the exhibit, said the president was ignoring the power held by Congress, the judiciary and the American people.
“It’s one thing to whisper that type of dictatorial power. But to send lawyers into a public courtroom to make that argument is absolutely frightening,” he said. “I’m really worried about the state of America.”
Rufe said she planned to rule quickly, noting the surge of visitors expected to visit the nation’s birthplace this year to mark its 250th anniversary of being founded.
Residents who have visited the site have shed tears, left flowers and left a handmade sign that said “Slavery was real.”
Young people are protesting ICE and reenacting immigration raids in online gaming platform Roblox
By KAITLYN HUAMANI
Roblox, the online gaming platform wildly popular with children and teenagers, is the “ultimate virtual universe” where users can “be anything you can imagine,” according to the platform’s website. Recently, some young users have been imagining themselves as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
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Some users have donned ICE gear and carried out “raids” on a popular roleplaying game within Roblox. Other young people on the platform have taken to the virtual streets with signs in their avatar’s hands in protest, expressing sentiments like “We hate ICE” (all signs are free of expletives, of course, which are banned on Roblox).
A TikTok account sharing videos of such raid reenactments and protests has racked up millions of views in recent weeks. Much of the gameplay involving raids appears to be taking place on a private server within the Brookhaven roleplaying game, which is one of Roblox’s most popular and widely played games.
Protests against ICE and immigration raid reenactments within the vast world of Roblox are not new. Video clips of such behavior on the gaming platform cropped up on social media last summer when “No Kings” protests were being held across the country, largely in response to increased immigration enforcement. But the resurgence of such content on social media and within the game suggests young people are responding to the government’s immigration operation in Minnesota and the strong resistance they’ve been met with by protesters.
This behavior, particularly the digital protests, could be a healthy way for children and teens to cope with news they’re seeing about immigration enforcement, according to Giovanni Ramos, an assistant professor of clinical science at the University of California, Berkeley. But roleplaying the raids could be more worrisome — and they go against Roblox’s own rules.
A Roblox spokesperson said Friday that the reenactments of immigration raids are in violation of the platform’s community standards and said the company takes “swift action against users found to be violating” those policies. The user guidelines state that Roblox prohibits content that “recreates specific real-world sensitive events, mocks the victims of such events, supports, glorifies, or promotes the perpetrators or outcome of such events or capitalizes on these events for commercial purposes.”
Roblox uses a multi-layered approach in enforcing community standards, with a combination of human moderators, user reports and advanced AI models. The company encouraged users in its statement to report any behavior or content that goes against our community standards so it can “investigate and take immediate action.”
“No system is perfect, but we work to strengthen our user protections every day,” the spokesperson said.
Ramos said these virtual raid reenactments could “minimize the emotional impact that immigrant youth are experiencing by being exposed to this chronic stressor,” and they may be invalidating the emotions of kids who are especially impacted if the raids are seen as fodder for jokes.
Still, he thinks in many cases, those taking on the role of immigration officers on the platform and carrying out raids could just be doing so out of curiosity. “It could be youth exploring what they’re seeing in the news or what they hear adults talking about at home and trying to make sense of those experiences,” Ramos said.
The protests and demonstrations on Roblox could also be a way children are seeking out social support, Ramos added. They are “creating community and connecting with people who actually are going through similar things, who might understand their emotional experiences,” he said.
That kind of connection is valuable and shouldn’t be dismissed, Ramos said. “That can really be a lifeline.”
Today in History: January 30, Catholic civil rights marchers killed on ‘Bloody Sunday’
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.
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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.
High school boys soccer regional quarterfinal schedule
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
High school girls soccer regional quarterfinal schedule
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
Snuggerud scores with 7.6 seconds left, Blues stun Panthers
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.
Winderman’s view: No-excuse Heat with no-excuse win in postponement rematch
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.”
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– 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.”
Heat open three-game set vs. Bulls with 116-113 victory in survival mode
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.
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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?
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.
SizeFoot 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.
DepthMost 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 controlsThe 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.
NoiseMost 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 spasConair 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.
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.
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 setsThese 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.
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.
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.
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Share this:Best shower steamers
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 steamersMost 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 steamersShower 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 steamerBeware, 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 benefitsShower steamers are formulated for specific hydrotherapy and aromatherapy benefits.
Respiratory benefitsThe 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 benefitsShower 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 benefitsThere 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 steamersEssential 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.
GiftingShower 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 steamersAn 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 steamerCleverfy 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 moneyWhat 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 outShower 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.
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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.
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Share this:Judge orders Florida elections division to update pot petition numbers on website
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.
Olympic gold medalist Sha’Carri Richardson charged with speeding at 104 mph near Orlando
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.
