South Florida Local News

PHOENIX — What does the last leg of a five-game, 10-day trip look like? Like the Miami Heat’s legs during Friday night’s 113-97 loss to the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.

Already lacking legs in their rotation, with Jimmy Butler, Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith again sidelined, the Heat melted in the second half against a Suns roster lacking sidelined Kevin Durant.

With the exception of the contributions of big men Bam Adebayo and Kevin Love there was precious little for Erik Spoelstra’s team, which closed the trip 2-3 and returns home 20-15.

Adebayo closed with 28 points and 11 rebounds, with Love scoring 20.

But against the wing-driven offense of the Suns, the Heat were unable to compete on the perimeter.

Grayson Allen led the Suns with 31 points, shooting 9 of 14 on 3-pointers. The nine 3-pointers were a career high and tied the Suns record. Phoenix also got 25 points, nine assists and eight rebounds from Bradley Beal and 20 points from Devin Booker.

“It’s a dangerous game to play with that team, with the firepower they have,” Spoelstra said of trying to match the Suns’ offense, even with Durant and Eric Gordon out for Phoenix. “We were never really able to control the game defensively.”

From the Heat, there were just nine points on 4-of-17 shooting from Tyler Herro.

“We never really found ourselves with solid footing on the offensive end,” Love said.

Five Degrees of Heat from Friday night’s game:

1. Game flow: The Suns led 33-29 at the end of the opening period and 62-55 at halftime, ending the first half on an 8-0 run.

The Suns continued their roll from there, with an 11–0 run in the third period pushing their lead to 18.

“I feel like it slipped away because we didn’t make shots,” Adebayo said.

From there, the Suns went into the fourth up 94-75.

“At the start of the third when you’re not knocking down shots, now you’re dealing with a team with great confidence,” Spoelstra said.

The Heat closed within 13 with 4:46 to play on a Duncan Robinson 3-pointer, with the Suns quickly reestablishing control and pushing their lead into the 20s.

“There’s so much firepower over there,” Love said.

2. One more time: With Butler (toe), Martin (ankle) and Highsmith (concussion) again out for the Heat, second-year forward Nikola Jovic made his second consecutive start, his fourth of the season.

The Heat opened with the same lineup as in Wednesday night’s victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, a first five rounded out by Adebayo, Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kyle Lowry.

The Heat entered 1-1 with that first five.

Jovic was scoreless until converting a 3-pointer early in the third period, later removed in favor of Jamal Cain, with those Jovic’s only points.

It was mostly a rough night all around.

“We’ve been on the road for a long time,” Adebayo said.

3. Big start: Adebayo was forced to exit with his second foul with 5:45 left in the opening period. He opened 0 for 5 from the field, with the Suns playing off him on his jumper.

He was replaced by Love, who promptly scored 15 points in his first five minutes on 5-of-5 shooting, including a pair of 3-pointers.

Adebayo then returned to make his next four shots, as part of his 15-point second period.

“I was staying confident in myself, kept going,” Adebayo said.

Love had 16 points at the intermission,

Adebayo closed with his sixth double-double in his last seven games.

“Bam, he was great tonight in every aspect,” Spoelstra said.

4. The Allen element: Allen was up to 23 points by halftime, one point shy of his career high for a half, at 7 of 10 on 3-pointers through the two periods.

Allen and the Suns essentially were making the shots against the Heat zone that the Lakers missed when they went 4 of 30 on 3-pointers against the Heat on Wednesday night.

Allen was acquired by the Suns from the Bucks in the offseason as part of the trade math that allowed Milwaukee to acquire Damian Lillard from the Trail Blazers.

5. Next up: The Heat next return for a four-game homestand, playing at Kaseya Center every other night, starting Monday against the Houston Rockets and continuing against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets.
“Hopefully,” Spoelstra said, “this disappointing game will propel us into a good homestand.”

Love said that has to be the case.

“That homestand,” he said, “is going to be huge for us.”

General Daily Insight for January 06, 2024

Staying grounded is easier said than done today. The confident Sun squares sore Chiron at 3:35 am EST, making us particularly nervous and sensitive, as we’re more likely to feel out of our depth. The sensitive Moon then disagrees with Chiron in a less intense way, but still invoking disappointment or emotional discomfort. Finally, Luna faces off with Uranus, creating the desire to both run away and cling to others. It can feel like a rollercoaster — we’d better hang on!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Authority figures may cause you to doubt yourself. You could notice your superiors flourishing in their career fields in a way that you hope you will be doing someday, but at present, just seeing them can make you wonder if you’ll ever reach that point. On top of this, you might receive some disappointing news that further fractures your hopes for such a bright future. Remember — they’ve probably had difficult times in their lives as well. They didn’t give up, and neither should you!

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Your nervous energy might surge at any moment. It’ll be difficult to calm any strained nerves when you’re faced with uncertain situations and people who won’t communicate or connect with you. You might feel awkward or out of your league throughout the day, like you’re not quite in alignment with the people around you. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you’ll never get along with your friends or loved ones again. Do your best to remember that they have no good reason to judge you.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

You may feel like a small fish in a big pond. Previously, you likely felt confident in yourself and your skills, but once you step out into the big time or begin being held to higher standards, finding your voice may be difficult. You might worry about being relegated to background roles — while this won’t be true forever, today might be the type of day to stand back and observe. There’s currently more to learn by watching than there is by striking out.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Resisting authority probably isn’t productive at the moment. Someone may give you instructions that you don’t feel are efficient, and you’re probably used to doing things your way in your domain or being given more freedom by other authority figures. The extra items that are getting piled onto your to-do list might frustrate you, especially if you feel that they’re unnecessary, but not doing them could cause excessive trouble for you later on. Odds are, it’s not worth causing a fuss over.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Current discomfort may actually be a good sign. Even if you already have a routine or certain style that you like to adhere to, today the universe is challenging you to step out of your usual mode and try something unique and unfamiliar. Your goal could be as simple as laughing at yourself or being silly with others, which aren’t always easy things to do. Ultimately, it’s healthy to joke about yourself a bit — it shows that you aren’t too self-important.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Worries and risks are walking hand in hand. You may feel a familiar FOMO, and to eliminate it, you might be tempted to splurge on expensive frivolities that seem as though they’ll prove that you’re with the in-crowd. It’s best to take a step back before you commit to any purchases. Consider your motivations — do you really want whatever you’re eyeing, or do you just want to make sure others aren’t having fun without you? Don’t pay out to impress others.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Your relationships could hurt your feelings with ongoing demands. This doesn’t have to be a romantic relationship. It can apply to friends, coworkers, or family — anyone that you spend time with, but especially relatives or those who live with you. No matter how much you want to keep the peace, it will probably be nigh impossible to avoid it when others are already rocking the boat without your agreement. Be true to yourself and know that you don’t have to fall in line.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You might feel lost today. Especially when it comes to those who don’t understand you or are even actively working against you, it’s important to play your cards close to the chest. Otherwise, you could trigger an uproar from these people, who will try to convince you of their opposing beliefs or insist that what you want to do with your life is wrong. They don’t know your heart, so don’t pay them any mind! Just smile and nod, then continue on your way.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Present events probably feel more dramatic than they actually are. You might experience drama more intensely than those around you, as the statements and actions could hit home with you in a way that they don’t with others. Be wary of exaggerating your experiences, since others are more likely to listen to your concerns when you present a grounded and realistic view of what took place. Keep your facts straight, or you may lose your credibility when your story is blown out of proportion.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Heightened emotions might end up ruling your day. You’re at risk of intense mood swings, where you’ll be having the time of your life one moment, and the next, feel like you’re plunging down faster than a roller coaster drop. You might not understand why this is taking place, but you can mitigate it by getting more sleep and eating right, so that your blood sugar and energy levels aren’t working against you. Take charge of your emotions, then take charge of the day.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Your support system might need your support. You may normally rely on these people to have your back, but when they’re calling out for help, you could be asked to put other obligations on hold in order to return the favor. They have likely done similar things for you in the past, but it’s understandable if their expectations unexpectedly weigh you down. Still, if they were really there for you in the past, show them the same kindness that they afforded you.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Any stable ground likely feels like a blessing in life’s current uncertainty. Unfortunately, this may lead you to pursue a truth that isn’t quite true, in order to find some confirmation. While firm beliefs probably feel good in the moment, they potentially aren’t as steady as they advertise — living with the vagueness of reality could actually end up being a better idea in the long run. You’d be wise to sit with a truthful lack of knowledge rather than letting yourself be deceived.

By LOLITA C. BALDOR (Associated Press)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized since Monday, due to complications following a minor elective medical procedure, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said Friday. It was the department’s first acknowledgement that Austin had been admitted — five days earlier — to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Ryder said Friday that it’s not clear when Austin will be released from the hospital, but said the secretary is “recovering well,” adding that he expected “to resume his full duties” Friday.

The Pentagon’s failure to disclose Austin’s hospitalization is counter to normal practice with other senior U.S. and Cabinet officials, including the president. The Pentagon Press Association, which represents media members who cover the Defense Department, sent a letter of protest to Ryder and Chris Meagher, the assistant defense secretary for public affairs.

“The fact that he has been at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for four days and the Pentagon is only now alerting the public late on a Friday evening is an outrage,” the PPA said in its letter. “At a time when there are growing threats to U.S. military service members in the Middle East and the U.S. is playing key national security roles in the wars in Israel and Ukraine, it is particularly critical for the American public to be informed about the health status and decision-making ability of its top defense leader.”

Iranian-backed militias have repeatedly launched drones, missiles and rockets at bases where U.S. troops are stationed in Iraq and Syria, prompting the Biden administration to strike back on a number of occasions. Those strikes often involve sensitive, top-level discussions and decisions by Austin and other key military leaders.

The U.S. is also the chief organizer behind a new international maritime coalition using ships and other assets to patrol the southern Red Sea to deter persistent attacks on commercial vessels by Houthi militants in Yemen.

In addition, the Biden administration — particularly Austin — has been at the forefront of the effort to supply weapons and training to Ukraine, and he’s also been communicating frequently with the Israelis on their war against Hamas.

Ryder said this has been an “evolving situation,” and due to privacy and medical issues the department did not make Austin’s absence public. He declined to provide any other details about Austin’s medical procedure or health.

In a statement, Ryder said that at all times, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks “was prepared to act for and exercise the powers of the Secretary, if required.”

Austin, 70, spent 41 years in the military, retiring as a four-star Army general in 2016.

By JULIE CARR SMYTH (Associated Press)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A trade group representing TikTok, Snapchat, Meta and other major tech companies sued Ohio on Friday over a pending law that requires children to get parental consent to use social media apps.

The law was part of an $86.1 billion state budget bill that Republican Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law in July. It’s set to take effect Jan. 15. The administration pushed the measure as a way to protect children’s mental health, with Republican Lt. Gov. Jon Husted saying at the time that social media was “intentionally addictive” and harmful to kids.

The NetChoice trade group filed its lawsuit against GOP Attorney General Dave Yost in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. It seeks to block the law from taking effect.

The litigation argues that Ohio’s law — which requires social media companies to obtain a parent’s permission for children under 16 to sign up for social media and gaming apps — unconstitutionally impedes free speech and is overbroad and vague.

The law also requires social media companies to provide parents with their privacy guidelines, so that families can know what content will be censored or moderated on their child’s profile.

“We at NetChoice believe families equipped with educational resources are capable of determining the best approach to online services and privacy protections for themselves,” Chris Marchese, director of the organization’s litigation center, said in a statement. “With NetChoice v. Yost, we will fight to ensure all Ohioans can embrace digital tools without their privacy, security and rights being thwarted.”

The group has won lawsuits against similar restrictions in California and Arkansas.

Husted, who leads Ohio’s technology initiatives and championed the law, called Friday’s lawsuit “cowardly but not unexpected.”

“In filing this lawsuit, these companies are determined to go around parents to expose children to harmful content and addict them to their platforms,” Husted said in a statement.

He alleged the companies know their algorithms are harming children “with catastrophic health and mental health outcomes.”

Could Miami’s professional and college football team both be quarterbacked by a Tagovailoa in 2024?

Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, the younger brother of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, entered the transfer portal Friday.

The Miami Hurricanes just so happen to be looking for a quarterback in the transfer market.

The younger Tagovailoa, who has set records with the Terrapins, is seeking an extra year of eligibility to play a sixth college season. As a redshirt senior, Tagovailoa is not currently eligible to play in 2024, but he can receive a hardship waiver from the NCAA to return to the field at a new school as a graduate transfer.

Tagovailoa became the Big Ten’s career leader in passing yards this season. He has set nearly every Maryland career passing record, including yards (11,256), touchdowns (76), completion percentage (.671) and 300-yard games (15). Tagovailoa set a season school record with 3,860 passing yards in 2021 and led the Terrapins to three straight bowl appearances.

Miami is still in need of a quarterback after last season’s starter, Tyler Van Dyke, transferred to Wisconsin. One option, Washington State’s Cam Ward, opted for the NFL draft this week.

Tagovailoa could also end up pursuing a professional career, whether he isn’t given the sixth year or by choice. Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard chose to transfer to Ohio State.

Tagovailoa, who skipped out on Maryland’s matchup with Auburn in the Music City Bowl, was expected to enter the NFL draft weeks back, and Tua Tagovailoa reacted to the rumblings.

“I’m always here for ‘Lia (Taulia). I’m always here for you. You know that. Whatever you need, I can help with,” Tua said.

“But outside of that, I just tell my brother to listen to what he thinks is best when he hires agents or when he has to go throughout that process. I’m not the one who’s going to tell you who you should go with or whatnot. That should be totally up to you. Because when it’s your decision, regardless of if it is right or wrong, in the end, you always make it right.”

Tua Tagovailoa is in his fourth professional season with the Dolphins and was named to his first Pro Bowl this week. Leading the NFL in passing yards (4,451) and completion percentage (69.6), he is bound for a pivotal Sunday night showdown with the rival Buffalo Bills to determine the AFC East winner and conference’s No. 2 seed in the playoffs.

Elijah McClain (Courtesy of McClain family)

The only police officer convicted in Elijah McClain’s death was sentenced Friday to 14 months in jail and four years of probation.

Adams County District Court Judge Mark Warner sentenced former officer Randy Roedema during a two-hour hearing in Adams County District Court.

The 41-year-old was convicted in October of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault in McClain’s 2019 death. Roedema faced between one and three years in prison on the homicide conviction and up to 24 months in jail on the assault conviction.

Warner sentenced Roedema to four years of probation with 90 days in jail, during which he will be eligible for work-release, on the homicide charge, and 14 months in jail, also with work-release eligibility, on the assault charge.

The sentences are to be served concurrently.

Roedema must report to the Adams County Jail by March 22, the judge said.

He also most complete 200 hours of community service.

Roedema did not appear to visibly react when the sentence was imposed.

People on both sides of the case cried during the sentencing hearing.

Warner noted that Roedema would have been eligible for parole in about 13.5 months had he been sentenced to three years in prison, the maximum allowable and the term requested by the prosecution.

“The court was shocked by what appeared to be indifference to Elijah MClain’s suffering,” Warner said.

Sheneen McClain, Elijah’s mother, addressed the judge before he handed down his sentence. Her son, she said, “was murdered with intent and malice.”

“My son, Elijah McClain, was a healthy young man the night Randy Roedema chose to show my son the power and privilege of the boys in blue,” she said.

Roedema also addressed the judge, saying the situation that night in 2019 had a “horrible outcome that no one intended or wanted to happen.”

“I cannot imagine the agony they must feel,” Roedema said of McClain’s family.

Some 75 people submitted letters of support for Roedema before the sentencing, court records show.

Roedema was the only one of three Aurora police officers charged in McClain’s death to be convicted. Two Aurora paramedics also were convicted of criminally negligent homicide.

McClain was walking home on Aug. 24, 2019, when officers contacted him after a teenager called 911 and reported McClain as a suspicious person. The 23-year-old unarmed Black man was wearing a ski mask, listening to music and waving his arms as he walked home.

Within seconds of reaching McClain, Aurora police officers threw him to the ground and violently arrested him. Roedema helped to restrain McClain and Aurora police officer Nathan Woodyard used a carotid hold on McClain, squeezing his neck to force him to lose consciousness.

Related Articles

• National News | MORTGAGE YOUR HOME TO INVEST? ADVISER’S PLAN STINKS
• National News | ADJUSTMENT HELPS EVANS ON PBA SENIOR TOUR
• National News | RAINY OCTOBER POSTPONES
• National News | GO EASY ON THE WATER
• National News | PARENTS NEED TO TAKE CARE WITH CHOICE
• National News | CLINTON MAY VETO GOP BILL

McClain vomited after the neck hold and inhaled that vomit into his lungs, testimony at trial revealed. He begged the officers for help, repeatedly telling them that he could not breathe, but the officers did not give him any medical aid, instead calling for paramedics.

After McClain was subdued and handcuffed, Aurora paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec injected McClain with a dose of the sedative ketamine, and he suffered a heart attack. He never recovered and died in the hospital days later.

Three officers and the two paramedics were criminally charged in connection with McClain’s death. Roedema, Cichuniec and Cooper were convicted. Woodyard and former officer Jason Rosenblatt were acquitted.

Afar, the travel media guide and magazine, has just released its annual “where to go” list for 2024 travelers. It’s a globe-circling mix of 25 destinations that ranges from Fiji to Texas, Toronto and more, all chosen with an eye to thoughtful, sustainable travel.

So while you’ll see Peru’s famous Machu Picchu on the list, editors suggest getting there via the lesser-known Quarry Trail — complete with spectacular views and waterfalls — rather than the tourist-clogged Inca Trail. Buzzy, busy Los Angeles makes the list with a shout out to the February opening of Destination Crenshaw, a 4-acre, open-air museum that showcases the work of Black artists, the largest such installation in the country. And while everyone knows all about Prague, Afar’s editors suggest Czech Republic visitors head for Brno, which was designated one of UNESCO’s Cities of Music.

Each destination, Afar’s editorial team said, “is an awe-inspiring, joy-inducing destination where human connection and creativity define the travel experience.”

Here’s just a peek. Check out the full list, along with photographs and travel tips, at www.afar.com/magazine/where-to-go-2024 or pick up the print edition, available on newsstands Jan. 9.

13 top destinations to visit in 2024

Bhutan

Brno, Czech Republic

Ronald Martinez, Getty ImagesThe Czech Republic city of Brno received recognition as one of UNESCO’s Music Cities. (Getty Images)

Fiji

Lamu, Kenya

Los Angeles

Manchester, England

Norway

Rome, Italy

John Moore, Getty ImagesRome’s Trevi Fountain is one of the world’s most iconic sights. (Getty Images)

St. Kitts

Tangier, Morocco

Hill Country, Texas

Toronto, Canada

Maldonado, Uruguay

MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker and right guard Robert Hunt have a few things in common these days.

They’ve both been ironmen over several years with the franchise, but they’ve also missed significant time lately and are trying to return for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills.

They’re also a pair of players that, in their tenure as Dolphins (11-5), have not seen success against the Bills (10-6), who have controlled the division the past three seasons. Miami now has a chance to take the AFC East in Sunday’s 8:20 p.m. kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium.

When the Dolphins went to Orchard Park Oct. 1 and lost 48-20 in their first meeting with Buffalo, Baker repeatedly said, in the locker room postgame, “I’m tired of losing to Buffalo.”

Hunt said Thursday that winning the division Sunday night, despite Miami now pressing for it after holding a three-game lead four weeks ago, would be even sweeter if it came by beating the rival Bills.

“It definitely would,” Hunt said. “I’ve been here four years, and I’ve only beat them once. So to beat these guys, it would be a good day. I’ll have a great night if we win.”

The two reliable veterans are trending toward playing.

In fact, Hunt is clear of any game status designation. He’s good to go after missing seven of eight starts with the ailing hamstring. He hadn’t missed a game in his first three NFL seasons.

Baker, who had only missed one game before this year since getting drafted in 2018, is questionable for Sunday. He has faced the minimum four-game absence on injured reserve due to an MCL injury in his left knee suffered Dec. 3 in Washington. The team would have to activate him off IR Saturday to play him Sunday.

“It went well for him,” coach Mike McDaniel said of Baker’s Thursday work before the linebacker’s limited participation again Friday. “Now, we need another day of no setbacks. I’m optimistic about him. … How he came in and responded from (Thursday’s) activities and how he’s able to move around (Friday) will kind of dictate Sunday. So, it’s still pending.”

Baker hurt his knee running behind a play against the Commanders as safety Brandon Jones swooped in for a touchdown-saving tackle, providing friendly fire on Baker.

Hunt started dealing with the nagging hamstring in the buildup to Miami’s Nov. 5 game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany. He missed the next three starts, was back at right guard in that same Washington game and aggravated the injury then, costing him the last four games.

“It happened, and I felt it pop,” he said. “When I did it, I knew what it was. I kind of just overextended and aggravated (it).”

Robert Jones has been at right guard for Hunt and has filled in serviceably. With Hunt set to return, Jones could switch to left guard or Miami could keep Lester Cotton starting there. In either scenario, the Dolphins will deploy their 12th different starting offensive line combination.

The line is happy to have Hunt return.

“He’s a hell of a player and a big part of our offense,” right tackle Austin Jackson said Friday. “He’s been with us for a long time, a big part of the chemistry we have going on, so it’ll be good to have him, for sure.”

Added center Liam Eichenberg: “It’ll be good. He’s a guy that has experience, started so many games, has played at such a high level.”

Duke Riley has filled in for Baker at his inside linebacker post and in communicating the signals to the defense. Riley has had fine moments but also some struggles in coverage, namely last week in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Thursday a return for Baker could give the Dolphins their three-man rotation back with David Long Jr. also there.

“The biggest challenge after missing four games with the sprained MCL is the speed of it, getting back out there,” linebackers coach Anthony Campanile said Thursday. “The benefit is he’s super smart, elite-level smart. It gives you a level of comfort as a coach.”

Hunt and Long know their history against the Bills. Including playoffs, Hunt is 1-7 against Buffalo and Baker is 2-9.

“Times change,” Hunt said. “Hopefully, that is what it is this weekend. We’ll see. We just have to play the game, man. It is what it is.”

Baker, while still on IR, was not made available for an interview, due to club policy.

If he were to be activated Saturday, the natural move would be to use the spot on the roster that would be freed by placing outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, who is done for the season with a torn ACL in his right knee, on IR. Veteran pass rusher Melvin Ingram also has another elevation from the practice squad available for the team to use in the finale.

Jake Wurzak, owner of the Dalmar hotel, filed a lawsuit against Fort Lauderdale late Thursday to block a high-rise project he says will cast a looming shadow over his 25-story hotel.

The new project would sit 10 feet to the south of the Dalmar, blocking its views of downtown and casting shadows over its sixth-floor pool deck, the lawsuit says.

Commissioners approved the project on Dec. 5, with Commissioner Warren Sturman casting the only “no” vote.

“No surprise,” Sturman said Friday after learning of the lawsuit from the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “I’m not surprised (about the lawsuit). That’s one of the reasons I voted against it. I feel really bad that the building is so close to them and blocking the view. It didn’t have to be that big.”

New York-based Naftali Group plans to build two apartment towers linked by a nine-story parking podium on a 1.25-acre parcel at 201 North Federal Highway. One tower would rise nearly 523 feet. The other would approach 493 feet.

To build the project as planned, the developer needed and got commission approval on two variances.

One allows the developer to build a podium that’s nearly 400 feet long despite a code that sets the maximum length at 300 feet. The other allows Naftali to exceed the maximum floor plate size of 12,500 square feet on each tower, allowing for hundreds more residential units, the lawsuit says.

“They’re not just bending the rules, but rewriting them at the Dalmar’s expense,” Wurzak told commissioners before the vote. “Their increase in the floor plates blocks our view, blocks our sunlight, blocks fresh air. It’s terrible.”

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Broward circuit court, asks the court to declare the resolution approving the developer’s deviations from the city’s downtown master plan as void and unenforceable.

City Attorney Tom Ansbro says his policy is to never comment on pending litigation.

A New York-based developer plans to build two apartment towers at 201 North Federal Highway in Flagler Village. One tower will rise nearly 523 feet into the sky. The other will be close to 493 feet. (Naftali Group/Courtesy)

The Sun Sentinel contacted the entire commission on Friday.

Mayor Dean Trantalis and Commissioners Steve Glassman and John Herbst declined to comment, citing the lawsuit. Vice Mayor Pamela Beasley-Pittman could not be reached for comment.

The lawsuit argues that the process used to consider the deviations to allow the Naftali Group to add approximately 220 extra units to the proposed project failed to meet the principles of Fort Lauderdale’s downtown master plan.

“The deviation for maximum tower floor plate size was to allow the floor plate size to be enhanced from 12,500 square feet to 15,965 square feet for each of the 47 and 45 floor towers,” the lawsuit says. “The deviations would, if granted, allow the two towers to be expanded by hundreds of units.”

The master plan encourages a diverse, walkable and mixed-income downtown along with workforce housing, live work units, family-oriented housing, a variety of building scales and pedestrian-friendly buildings.

The lawsuit goes on to point out that none of the apartments will be “affordable” housing units. In lieu of including affordable units in the project, the developer plans to make a payment of $9.36 million that would be split between the county’s and Fort Lauderdale’s affordable housing trust fund.

A Tires Plus store that sits south of the Dalmar hotel in Fort Lauderdale would be torn down to make way for a towering new high-rise project that won commission approval in December. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

If built as proposed, the project would harm the Dalmar by obscuring views and light for guests visiting the hotel’s pool deck and restaurant, the lawsuit says.

The commission, sensitive to those impacts, discussed requiring better screening and additional design related to architectural lighting or landscaping so the Dalmar’s guests would not have to look at a parking garage and headlights from vehicles, the lawsuit notes.

The lawsuit refers to comments made by Commissioner Herbst before the vote.

“If we’re going to again do a deviation from the code that’s going to have a negative impact on the Dalmar, I think they need to have an opportunity to agree or not agree,” he said. “And so I want to figure out how we wrap that up in this.”

The lawsuit also quotes the city attorney’s comments to the commission: “What I think I would recommend is that they try to meet, come to an agreement. If it fails, they bring that component back to you to solve.”

The lawsuit also includes comments made by Commissioner Sturman after his “no” vote.

“I do not think this meets intent,” Sturman said. “I cannot support this.”

Naftali Group released the following statement on Friday in response to the lawsuit.

“We plan to move forward with the development as scheduled,” Miki Naftali, Chairman and CEO of Naftali Group, said in the statement. “Naftali Group’s mission remains the same, to enhance the communities we enter with high-quality residential products. We are excited about the future of Fort Lauderdale and look forward to working with all parties involved to make this development a success.”

Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan

Which light therapy boxes for seasonal affective disorder are best?

Many people feel a little down in the fall and winter when the days get shorter and sunlight is harder to come by. But for some, the depression that sets in is more than simple “winter blues.” If you find yourself in a funk every fall and winter, you may have seasonal affective disorder.

Fortunately, light therapy often helps treat SAD by providing artificial light similar to sunlight that can change chemicals in the brain linked to mood. If your doctor has recommended light therapy, here are the best light therapy boxes for treating SAD and helping you get back to feeling like yourself.

Seasonal affective disorder and light therapy 101 What is seasonal affective disorder?

According to the Mayo Clinic, SAD is a type of depression brought about by changes in the seasons. In most cases, the symptoms start in the fall and continue through to the end of winter. Some people can experience summer SAD, though, so their symptoms begin in the spring and continue through the summer.

SAD symptoms include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in hobbies you usually enjoy, overeating, weight gain and oversleeping. You may be at greater risk for SAD if you have a family history of the disorder, live far from the equator, have low vitamin D levels or have depression or bipolar disorder. While it’s normal to occasionally feel down, you should see a doctor if you experience symptoms that last for days at a time or start affecting your daily activities.

How does light therapy work?

Light therapy is often one of the first treatments recommended for SAD. Just after waking in the morning, you sit in front of a light therapy lamp that produces bright light similar to natural light to help improve your mood and energy.

Light therapy typically only takes a few days to work. It usually doesn’t have many side effects, either. In most cases, you should use the light box 20 to 30 minutes daily, positioning it approximately 15 to 25 inches from your face.

But before you invest in a light therapy box, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor to determine what features and options are most important for your treatment. Always read the manufacturer’s directions for your light box for the best way to use it, too.

Best light therapy boxes Best light therapy boxes under $40

[ Wobrikosee Light Therapy Lamp ]

This simple, easy-to-use light therapy box offers three brightness levels and two lighting modes. It has a smooth dimming feature that lets you adjust from 25% to 100% brightness with the press of a button. It also has a timer that operates in 15-minute increments for up to an hour.

[ Verilux HappyLight VT10 Compact Light Therapy Lamp ]

If you want a light therapy box to take on the go, this compact model is for you. Despite its size, it’s extremely bright and provides full-spectrum light. It also has a simple on/off button that makes operation a breeze.

[ FitFirst Light Therapy Lamp ]

This safe, effective light therapy lamp delivers up to 15,000 lux light intensity to provide SAD relief as quickly as possible. It offers three light color temperatures and four adjustable brightness levels that let you customize the light to suit your needs. It also has a timer function and easy-to-use touch controls.

[ Verilux HappyLight VT22 Bright White Therapy Light ]

This UV-free, LED, full-spectrum light therapy box provides up to 10,000 lux light intensity to effectively treat SAD symptoms. It features 72 LED lights that are glare- and flicker-free and has an ultra-thin design that makes it highly portable. It comes with a detachable stand and allows for wall mounting, too.

Best light therapy boxes for $40-$60

[ Rsccleaner Light Therapy Lamp ]

This unique light therapy lamp is shaped like a moon and features safe UV-free LED lights. It provides up to 10,000 lux light intensity, three color temperatures and four brightness levels, so you can adjust the light to suit your preferences. It also has a built-in timer that can be set in intervals between 10 and 90 minutes.

[ PureGuardian SPA Portable Tabletop Energy Light ]

Offering white and blue light, this tabletop light therapy box has a sleek, compact design that’s portable enough to take on the go. It uses long-lasting LED lights, which are UV-free for safe treatment. You can tilt it easily, too, so you can direct the light exactly where you want it.

Best light therapy boxes for 60+

[ Verilux HappyLight Luxe Therapy Lamp ]

This UV-free, full-spectrum LED light therapy box has four brightness levels and three color temperatures, letting you fully customize your therapy sessions. It also has a countdown timer that’s programmable for up to an hour in 5-minute increments. It has a detachable stand and is wall mountable, too.

[ Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Light Therapy Lamp ]

This clinical-strength light therapy box provides glare-free white light to help treat SAD without eye strain or fatigue. It offers two light settings based on research by global light therapy experts to ensure effective treatment. It also has a flexible angle stand that lets you choose the perfect position.

[ Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp ]

One of the most compact models on the market, this light therapy lamp is ideal for small homes. It provides safe, UV-free, natural LED light and three brightness levels. The bulbs are extremely long-lasting, burning for up to 50,000 hours. The lamp has an adjustable hinge that lets you precisely direct the light, too.

Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.

Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.

Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Best products for meditation

While getting fit remains one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, this year, many people have committed to improving their mental wellness. As a result, they’re searching for new ways to manage stress, anxiety and burnout.

Meditation can offer many benefits, from improving mood to boosting self-awareness. Many practitioners also report physical benefits from meditation, such as better sleeping habits.

If you’re new to meditation, you might not know where to start. Fortunately, you can begin at home with a few products that set the stage for peaceful practice.

What is meditation?

Meditation is a practice where you pause and focus on something in particular, whether it’s clearing your mind of negative thoughts or giving deeper thought to a project. When you meditate, you tune out the world around you to focus, decompress or collect yourself. There are several practices, including mindfulness, progressive relaxation, breath awareness, and guided and spiritual meditation. Generally speaking, meditation practices share the same core elements: a quiet, distraction-free area, a comfortable seated or lying position, focus and openness.

Although meditation is a practice in and of itself, it’s often incorporated into other activities.

What are the benefits of meditation?

While most people are aware that meditation may have a calming, relaxing effect, it’s not the only benefit. In fact, there are as many physical benefits as there are emotional ones.

Emotional benefits of meditation

Studies show that meditation may help manage stress, increase patience, raise self-awareness and cope with stressful situations.

For creatives and professionals, meditation sometimes provides the much-needed “step back” to gain perspective on challenging projects. Children and adolescents may also benefit from meditation to manage their anxiety during stressful events, such as exams or competitions. Meditation is often considered a form of self-care, and many people practice it while they get massages or use skin care masks.

Physical benefits of meditation

While meditation may improve your overall mood and well-being, it often affects your body at the chemical or physical level, too.

One of the top physical benefits of meditation is lowering blood pressure, which according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Meditation is often used as a way to improve sleep health, including for individuals with insomnia and depression. Recent studies also show that for some individuals, meditation may be effective as part of a pain management program.

How do I meditate?

Meditation can be as simple or involved as you’d like it to be. Regardless, you can start by finding a calm, quiet location, whether it’s in your living room or a shady spot under a tree. Next, set up the space so it’s as peaceful as possible, which may include tidying the space, setting up aromatherapy candles or turning on relaxing music.

After you’ve created a meditation space, it’s time to begin your practice. Find a relaxing position, seated or lying, that will be comfortable to maintain for several minutes. Once you’re comfortable, close your eyes and begin focusing on your breathing and body. What comes next, however, is entirely up to you.

Some people meditate and focus only on their breathing, blocking out all other thoughts during their session. Others use breathing as a gentle springboard to enter a relaxed, concentrated phase where they focus on something specific. If you’re not sure which method to use, you can try guided meditation, where you listen to someone walk you through a breathing and thought process.

Top 6 products for meditation

[ Gaiam Meditation Cushion and Pillow Set ]

Enjoy a comfortable seated position during meditation with this cushion and pillow set. They’re filled with organic buckwheat hull, which adapts and responds to your body.

[ Amazon Echo Dot 5th-Generation ]

Place the Echo Dot in your meditation space and listen to relaxing music or guided meditation. You can also explore Alexa skills for your practice, such as ambient sounds or positive affirmations.

[ “Practicing Mindfulness” by Matthew Sockolov ]

If you’re interested in mindfulness meditation, this bestselling book features 75 meditations geared toward stress management. The book is beginner-friendly, and seasoned practitioners can also appreciate it.

[ Himalayan Glow Crystal Salt Lamp ]

Dim the lights and turn on this Himalayan salt lamp to enjoy a warm, soothing glow during meditation.

[ Ohm Tibetan Singing Bowl Set ]

For those who want to incorporate sound into their practice, this palm-size Tibetan singing bowl is a worthwhile investment. It emits calming tones that are said to sync with brainwaves.

[ Pure Enrichment PureSpa Deluxe Aromatherapy Diffuser ]

Take a deep breath with this aromatherapy diffuser during breathing exercises. The device is known for its quiet operation and works well in smaller meditation spaces.

Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.

Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.

Sian Babish writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

By W.G. RAMIREZ (Associated Press)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Hours after being named to the All-Star roster, Sam Reinhart had a goal and an assist and the Florida Panthers defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1 on Thursday night.

The Panthers won for the sixth straight time, while goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 26 saves to win his fifth consecutive start.

Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe also registered a goal and an assist, while Sam Bennett added a goal.

The Panthers completed a season sweep of the defending champs, not only exacting revenge for last season’s five-game loss in the Stanley Cup Final, but also winning in Vegas for the first time since the Knights joined the NHL.

“I think maybe we needed a little adversity to really dig down and find a way,” Tkachuk said. “We had 20-plus guys that were just completely dialed in from the start of the day today and wanted to get that job done. There’s no secret we don’t like these guys for what happened last year. That’s human nature. Especially coming into this building where a team has not had success as of late and just really wanting to beat a team that kind of ruined our summer last year. I thought in the two games that we played them have been two of our best of the season.”

Which is saying something considering the Panthers lost a pair of key forwards — Evan Rodrigues to a lower-body injury and captain Aleksander Barkov to an upper-body injury — after one period.

Florida’s special teams proved to be the difference, finishing 3 of 6 with a man advantage and going in a perfect 6 for 6 on the penalty kill.

“It’s just the mindset of our team, just playing as hard as you can for the guy next to you, especially down two forwards, it was a big performance from all 10 of us that were able to pull through,” Tkachuk added.

Pavel Dorofeyev scored for Vegas, which has lost six of its last seven.

Knights goaltender Logan Thompson made 32 saves but continues to struggle for wins, as he’s lost three of his last four starts and 11 of 17 after opening the season 5-0. Thompson has now allowed three or more goals in six of his last eight starts.

“Tonight we weren’t a great team defensively, some net-front goals against, we got to take care of those,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “The lack of winning affects everybody, goaltender more so than most, because he’s the last line of defense. But I think everyone could start to lose some confidence or question things when you don’t win.”

Thompson’s confidence might have been boosted early after captain Mark Stone’s initial shot was blocked but Dorofeyev was there to slam the rebound into an open net. It was the start Vegas needed to shake off Monday’s shutout loss at Seattle in the Winter Classic, as it dominated the action over the first eight minutes of the game.

But a penalty on William Carrier shifted momentum to Florida when Bennett one-timed a rebound off the end boards for the Panthers’ first power-play goal of the night.

They’d get another midway through the second when Tkachuk’s redirect off Brandon Montour’s shot from the point slipped past Thompson.

Verhaeghe silenced the crowd with a little more than a minute left in the period when he pounced on a loose rebound to the left of Thompson and notched his 20th of the season.

Reinhart scored his 25th goal of the season on a power play in the third when he one-timed a pass from Tkachuk from the slot to provide the final margin.

UP NEXT

Panthers: Visit Colorado on Saturday

Golden Knights: Host the Islanders on Saturday

___

More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

GAINESVILLE — SEC schedule makers appeared to do the Florida women’s basketball team few favors pitting them against top-ranked juggernaut South Carolina to open league play.

Gators coach Kelly Rae Finley instead viewed Thursday’s night 89-66 loss at O’Connell Center as valuable experience for a program pushing to return to the NCAA Tournament.

“I love it. Our team loves it,” she said. “Any time you get the chance to play the best it’s going to be a really good thing for us.”

Finley sees long-term benefits exposing her players to the gold standard in the women’s game early in the season.

“There’s a lot of things to learn from this game,” she said. “It gives us an opportunity in our SEC opener.”

The top-ranked Gamecocks (14-0, 1-0 SEC) looked the part.

Dawn Staley’s juggernaut steamrolled the Gators (9-4, 0-1) to stake a 21-6 lead and pulled away for good with a 15-0 run to open the third quarter.

To reach the NCAA Tournament for the second time in Finley’s three seasons, the Gators will have to grow from the experience.

“We have a decision to make after this game,” veteran guard Zippy Broughton said. “We can either have a pity party for ourselves or use this as an opportunity to have good film and learn from it.”

Florida coach Kelly Rae Finley is 49-30 in her third season at UF after inheriting a team that was 46-71 during the previous four. (Mark Humphrey/AP)

The Gators were unable to match the Gamecocks’ talent, depth and experience.

Yet, Staley, whose 2017 and ’22 teams won national titles, gave Finley’s squad the ultimate compliment, praising the Gators’ hard-nosed play.

“They’ll win a lot of basketball games in our league if they continue to play as aggressively as they did with us,” Staley, a 53-year-old Hall of Fame player, said.

Finley was happy to hear her fellow coach’s observations.

“They’re physical, they’re strong, they’re skilled, they play hard, their transitions are elite,” she said. “That’s what our focus is.”

The Gators’ toughest matchup to date is likely to be the most difficult on the regular-season schedule. After all, South Carolina now won 55 of 56 games and 16 straight overall in their series with UF.

“There’s a reason they’re the No. 1 team in the country,” Finley said.

Outside of a Feb. 5 trip to defending national champion LSU, the Gators will not face another opponent currently ranked in the Top 25.

Florida coach Kelly Rae Finley aims to lead the Gators to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in her three seasons in Gainesville. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP)

Last season UF failed to build on a surprising debut season under Finley, finishing 5-11 in SEC play after going 10-6 and 21-11 overall to reach the 2022 Big Dance. A run to the 2023 WNIT quarterfinals left the Gators 18-15 and with some positive momentum after a difficult, injury-riddled season.

Shooting guard Leilani Correa battled a leg injury much of her first season after transferring from St. Johns. Against South Carolina, the 6-foot senior scored 17 straight points to finish the first half with 21 points and her team trailing 48-34.

“My team needed me,” she said. “Even before the game, I was just locked in.”

South Carolina took charge to open the third quarter as UF missed 7 field goals and committed 4 turnovers while the Gamecocks locked down Correa, who shot 2 of 5 after intermission but finished with a season-high 27 points.

“We just bore down and started defending them a lot better than we did in the first half,” Staley said.

UF center Ra Shaya Kyle’s layup with 6:01 remaining in the quarter were the first points for the Gators, who were outscored 25-12 to trail 73-46 entering the final 10 minutes.

Kyle totaled 12 points, but just 3 rebounds — 7.1 below her season average. A season ago, though, the 6-foot-6 senior was not fully recovered from an ACL tear before transferring from Purdue.

An off night by leading scorer Aliyah Matharu, who was 3 of 18 for 10 points, 9 below her average, was difficult to overcome against a team entering Thursday with an average winning margin of 41 points.

But the Gators expect better — and easier — days are ahead.

“We’ve been putting in the work,” Correa said.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

In an initial selection of 32 players (one per team) for the NHL All-Star Game, Sam Reinhart was chosen as the Florida Panthers’ representative on Thursday night.

For Reinhart, who has been on a scorching run with seven goals in the Panthers’ past six games and has 25 goals and 47 points in the team’s 38 games overall, it is his first all-star game selection.

Reinhart, who came over to Florida from the Buffalo Sabres after the 2020-21 season, is on a pace for 54 goals, 47 assists and 101 points. If he finished with those numbers, he would set personal bests in goals and points. His career high in goals for a season is 33, established in the 2021-22 season, his first with the Panthers, and his best points in a season (82) was that same year.

The NHL still has more than a quarter of the honored players to be determined as the final 12 (eight skaters, four goalies) will be selected through a fan vote, which is underway and runs through next Thursday. Fans can vote at NHL.com/vote and via X (formerly Twitter) and the NHL App.

The NHL All-Star Weekend will go from Feb. 1-3 in Toronto.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby was named an all-star for the 10th time, and 18-year-old Chicago Blackhawks phenom rookie Connor Bedard became the youngest NHL all-star in history.

Reigning MVP Connor McDavid is Edmonton’s representative, and league-leading scorer Nikita Kucherov was picked from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon and defending champion Vegas center Jack Eichel are were also chosen.

Auston Matthews, the first player to 30 goals this season, is the first Maple Leafs player picked, though he’ll almost certainly not be the home team’s only representative. William Nylander is Toronto’s leading scorer with 51 points.

Panthers stalwart Matthew Tkachuk’s brother, Brady, was picked from the Ottawa Senators.

“I’m excited, especially being in Toronto where I’m going to be the enemy,” Tkachuk told reporters in Seattle. “I’m definitely going to take advantage of that opportunity.”

This year the popular player draft is back with celebrity captains being paired with NHL All-Stars to chose the four teams for the 3-on-3 tournament.

Fan voting will determine the final eight skaters and four goalies.

INITIAL NHL ALL-STARS

Goaltenders: Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg), Jake Oettinger (Dallas), Igor Shesterkin (N.Y. Rangers), Cam Talbot (Los Angeles)

Defenseman: Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo), Quinn Hughes (Vancouver)

Forwards: Sebastian Aho (Carolina), Mathew Barzal (N.Y. Islanders), Connor Bedard (Chicago), Oliver Bjorkstrand (Seattle), Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh), Alex DeBrincat (Detroit), Jack Eichel (Vegas), Filip Forsberg (Nashville), Tomas Hertl (San Jose), Jack Hughes (New Jersey), Boone Jenner (Columbus), Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota), Clayton Keller (Arizona), Travis Konecny (Philadelphia), Elias Lindholm (Calgary), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado), Connor McDavid (Edmonton), Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay), Auston Matthews (Toronto), David Pastrnak (Boston), Sam Reinhart (Florida), Nick Suzuki (Montreal), Robert Thomas (St. Louis), Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa), Frank Vatrano (Anaheim)

General Daily Insight for January 05, 2024

Nothing can break our stride. The empowering Moon makes its way into deep Scorpio, adding a strong drive and a desire for a more honest connection to our hearts. Plus, when Luna trines committed Saturn, we can channel this intense energy in ways that are constructive and dedicated to our loved ones. Finally, the Moon opposes expansive Jupiter at 6:35 pm EST, which showers us with generous camaraderie — though we will be at risk of ignoring our self-control. Keep up that momentum!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

You’re ready to cut through the haze, Aries! You may be trying to eliminate any distractions in your life today, particularly if there’s a specific issue that’s been slowing you down as of late. Look at your to-do list and ask yourself which goals you’d like to make more progress on. Are there ways in which you can be more efficient that you haven’t yet tried? That being said, watch out for a new, even bigger temptation! Don’t let it throw you off course.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Various relationships might need some revitalization at this time — especially if you’ve been devoting too much time to one person in your life. Others are possibly feeling neglected, wondering if you still want to continue your connection. This can be any bond that you have, as anyone could feel abandoned if you take opportunities to spend time with everyone except them. Alternatively, you may realize that you’ve been hiding away from all your connections. It’s time to bound out into the sunshine!

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Past bad habits can break into your present. Compulsions may tug at you as soon as you set up your routine, and it’s probably hard to resist when it feels like it’s been so long since you indulged. While relaxing likely feels like a good idea, it would be a shame to put your hard work to waste. Whether it’s a past bad relationship reentering your life, or a negative habit that you’ve stayed away from, be strong for your future self.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Honesty can be risky at this time. You might be tired of hiding your feelings regarding a certain subject or person, which may tempt you to say something inappropriate for the setting. Be wary of impulses to confront someone in public or make a social media post that puts a certain individual in a negative light. Take a deep breath and ask yourself if this is a can of worms that you really want to open. If not, set it down.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Relatives may be causing you stress. You could initially receive a burst of motivation to get things done today, but that surge of productive energy might not be able to withstand the demands of those close to you. They might not realize that they’re obstacles, but their needs can still clash with yours. Make an effort to compromise in a way that works for everyone. That said, if you genuinely can’t help or accommodate them, try to politely tell them you need space.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Communication can make the difference in the moment. You might be worried about mistakes, or maybe something is rubbing you the wrong way, but for whatever reason, it’s difficult to communicate your issue to others. It could also indicate that you have said your piece already, but that your wishes aren’t being heard. Being forced to restate your concerns is frustrating, but step back and breathe before arguing. Remind yourself of who you are and what’s important to you, then calmly bring up your needs.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

You may presently be searching for an equal. This applies to all connections where someone can act as the yin to your yang — friendships, relationships, business partnerships, even familial bonds. This person is likely a peer of yours, so around your age or maturity, and potentially has similar pursuits to you. Such empowering ties can be difficult to build, and you have a tendency to be over-optimistic at this time. Be cautious when evaluating candidates for your ride-or-die companion.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Sincerity could cause problems today, even if it typically works for you. You likely value honesty more than most, as you crave to strip away falsehoods and reach the heart of the matter, but not everyone can handle that. Plus, your delivery may seem a little harsh or come out in a more intense tone than you currently meant it to. It might be beneficial to tone down what you have to say. You can still get your message across by being gentle.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

You might be tempted to give up on something. There may be a project that you’re working on that is starting to wear on you, or perhaps even a person in your life that you’re tired of spending time with. Still, while it’s easy to ghost things, it might be a rash decision to do so. Growing long-standing relationships will be extra difficult if you continually cut and run at the first red flag, as no one is perfect. Scale back without totally disappearing.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Friends can embolden you to share more. You might not have realized you were holding back, or perhaps you’re naturally guarded, but others likely want to know you. They may wish for a stronger connection with you by hearing about your past. While your history could contain difficult situations that you don’t want to give up, a bit of vulnerability may genuinely solidify these beneficial relationships. You don’t have to infodump — just crack open the door to your heart a little.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

You may put your foot in your mouth at any moment. Ambition is relentlessly driving you forward, and because of this boost propelling you forward, you could be lured into saying whatever is on your mind — which could alienate certain people from your community or in your audience. You might feel that what you’re saying is a universal truth, but step back and recognize that the statements you’d like to make might actually be putting someone down inadvertently. Speak with consideration.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

No one can lower your spirits! You may receive some “constructive” criticism that incites the worry that you aren’t doing enough or that you’re not taking enough risks, and this may get to you if you aren’t aware of your inner strength. Knowing who you are and what’s right for yourself is important, especially when faced with peer pressure to change your pace or your energy levels. Others do not have the right to drag you down, so go at the pace you’re comfortable with.

Evan Simko-Bednarski | New York Daily News

NEW YORK — At least 19 people were hurt Thursday when a No. 1 train leaving the W. 96th St. and Broadway subway station jumped the track after an apparent collision with an MTA work train, said transit sources and the Fire Department.

An FDNY spokesman told the New York Daily News that injuries were still being tallied, but none appeared life threatening.

Service was suspended along the bulk of the No. 1, 2 and 3 lines in Manhattan as a result during the evening rush hour.

The incident happened shortly after 3 p.m., with the crew of the uptown-bound No. 1 train reporting to the MTA’s control center that it “felt like [the train] was hit from behind,” transit sources told The News.

MTA officials confirmed only that the train had derailed.

The Police Department shut W. 96th St. from Columbus to West End Aves. on the Upper West Side to make way for emergency vehicles.

______

©2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Chris Sommerfeldt | New York Daily News

Mayor Adams’ administration filed a lawsuit Thursday charging that 17 charter bus companies owe New York City at least $708 million for transporting tens of thousands of migrants to the five boroughs from Texas as part of a controversial relocation program launched by the Lone Star State’s Republican governor.

The suit, submitted in Manhattan Supreme Court, alleges that the companies, most of which are Texas-based, violated New York’s Social Services Law by contracting with Gov. Greg Abbott’s administration to transport more than 33,600 migrants to the Big Apple with little or no coordination with city officials since 2022.

The state law holds that anyone who “knowingly” brings a person to New York “for the purpose of making him a public charge” is responsible to “support him at his own expense” — and the suit argues the bus operators should thereby be on the hook to reimburse the city for the $708 million it has so far spent on providing shelter, food, health care and other services for the thousands of migrants they transported to New York City.

“Governor Abbott’s continued use of migrants as political pawns is not only chaotic and inhumane but makes clear he puts politics over people,” Adams, a centrist Democrat, said in a video message from City Hall. “Today’s lawsuit should serve as a warning to all those who break the law in this way.”

The bus operators named as defendants could not be immediately reached for comment. Gov. Abbott’s office did not immediately return a request for comment.

Abbott, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, started sending migrants to New York and other liberal cities at the outset of the asylum seeker crisis in 2022 in a bid to highlight what he considers Democrats’ overly lax immigration policies.

Adams and other Democrats have blasted Abbott for the move, saying he’s putting migrants’ lives at risk and using them as political pawns. Other states, including Democrat-run ones like Colorado, have also sent migrants to New York, but Adams says the Abbott operation is different because Texas refuses to give city officials any heads up on buses arriving.

Thursday’s lawsuit was filed on the Adams administration’s behalf by Steve Banks, a former commissioner of the city Department of Social Services.

Banks, who brought the suit pro bono in his capacity as a special counsel at the Paul, Weiss law firm, is also fighting the Adams administration in Manhattan Supreme Court over its attempt to suspend the city’s right-to-shelter mandate. In that case, Banks is helping the Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless argue against the Adams administration’s claim that the city should be absolved of its right-to-shelter requirements amid the migrant crisis.

Kayla Mamelak, a spokeswoman for Adams, said there’s no conflict in Banks representing the administration in one migrant crisis-related case and fighting it in another. “It’s two completely unrelated cases,” she said.

The legal action against the bus companies comes as Adams is fighting on multiple fronts to stop Abbott from continuing his migrant busing program.

Last week, the mayor issued an executive order that requires bus companies to give his administration at least 32 hours notice before they drop off migrants in the city.

The order also set a strict time window for when buses can drop off migrants — only between 8:30 a.m. and noon on weekdays. Any bus companies that violate the order can be fined or have their vehicles impounded under the order.

Since Adams’ order, though, some bus companies have found a workaround by dropping off migrants in New Jersey, where they’re shepherded onto city-bound trains.

On Tuesday, Adams said he hopes New Jersey municipalities close to New York City follow his lead on setting strict rules around when bus companies can do migrant drop-offs.

“Everyone that has that train line that leads into the city, everyone in the municipalities around us — they should do the same (executive order),” he told reporters.

According to the latest data from City Hall, the Adams administration has spent around $3.5 billion on sheltering and providing services for the tens of thousands of mostly Latin American migrants who have arrived since spring 2022. Nearly 70,000 migrants remain in city shelters.

______

©2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

A 5-year-old boy was rushed into surgery Monday night after he grabbed one of his father’s guns from a table inside their Hollywood apartment and shot himself in the arm, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The boy’s father, Travoynne Martin, 32, is now facing felony charges of culpable negligence and child neglect with great bodily harm, Broward County court records show. He was released from jail after posting bail.

One of Martin’s neighbors called 911 to report a suspicious incident after the neighbor said Martin came banging on his door shortly after 10 p.m. and had blood on his shoulder, according to the affidavit for Martin’s arrest. The neighbor saw Martin and his girlfriend and their son speed off in their car.

As officers were responding to the neighbor’s call, dispatchers learned that a young child who had been shot was at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Officers interviewed the boy and Martin at the hospital separately, according to the affidavit.

Martin said he and his family returned home from dinner, and as he sat on the couch, he removed his Taurus GX4 handgun from his waistband and put it on the table while still in its holster, the affidavit said. His son was sitting with him on the couch.

Not long after, Martin heard two bangs and his son “immediately lunged onto him crying and saying ‘I’m sorry,'” the affidavit said. His son was bleeding from his left arm, and he told his girlfriend to drive them to the hospital. The girlfriend told officers she did not know what happened.

An officer talked to the boy after his surgery, noting that he appeared to be telling the truth about what happened. He said he was “shot by a gun” and that he “touched it and squeezed it,” the affidavit said.

The boy said he knew he was not supposed to touch guns. His upper left arm had been grazed by the bullet, according to the affidavit.

In another interview at the Hollywood Police Department, Martin told officers he had several guns in his home but that he usually kept them unloaded on the top shelf of his closet, out of the children’s reach, according to the affidavit. His girlfriend’s 12-year-old son also lives in the home but had been staying with relatives during the holiday break.

Martin said his guns were only out while he cleaned them, when they would be unloaded, the affidavit said. Officers obtained a search warrant and found eight loaded guns, including handguns and rifles, an AR-15, a shotgun and a revolver, in the apartment, including in the living room and a bedroom.

All but one of the guns were unsecured and easily accessible to anyone in the apartment, the affidavit said.

As a condition of Martin’s pre-trial release, he has been ordered to surrender all firearms to Hollywood Police and has been placed on electronic monitoring, according to court records. He is also not to have contact with the victim or victims.

Martin’s attorney information was not available Thursday.

Martin was arrested in 2014 on charges of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, grand theft in the third degree and grand theft of a firearm, court records show. He pleaded no contest and was not formally convicted, receiving two years probation.

There were over 1,500 unintentional shootings in the United States in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive, an independent research group that tracks gun violence incidents on its website.

There were 377 unintentional shootings by children in 2023 in the country, according to Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun control advocacy organization, with 247 resulting in injuries and 145 resulting in death. The organization’s 2023 research report on unintentional shootings said children between the ages of 14 and 17 and preschoolers 5 years old and younger are the two groups most likely to unintentionally shoot themselves or other people.

“Nearly one child gains access to a loaded firearm and unintentionally shoots themself or someone else every day in America — an average of 350 children a year,” the report said.

By MELISSA GOLDIN (Associated Press)

After dozens of previously sealed court documents related to financier Jeffrey Epstein were made public on Wednesday, social media users began spreading false accusations about major public figures whose names appeared in the release — and some who hadn’t been named at all.

Two people singled out in viral false claims containing images made to look like snippets from court documents were late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who died in 2018. In both cases, the images were used in an effort to tie the men to illicit activities involving Epstein.

Here’s a closer look at the facts.

CLAIM: Court documents connected to a lawsuit involving Epstein that were released this week include details about Hawking’s “proclivities” and accusations about a sexual encounter with Kimmel.

THE FACTS: The images were fabricated to look like part of the court documents. They are not among the records that were released this week. In both cases, the images show what are alleged to be question-and-answer sessions with unidentified participants.

In the fake image involving Hawking, the questioner asks, in reference to Epstein, “Did Jeffrey ever talk to you about Stephen Hawking’s proclivities?” The respondent answers, “Yes, he liked watching undressed midgets solve complex equations on a too-high-up chalkboard.” Additionally, the respondent replies “yes” when asked whether Hawking “frequented the island for pleasure.” The other image includes an exchange about Kimmel in which the respondent says they gave him multiple massages and had sex with him at the comedian’s suggestion.

Posts that shared the images had received tens of thousands of views on X, formerly Twitter, and other social media platforms as of Thursday.

Hawking is mentioned twice in the documents that were released. One reference involves a 2015 email from Epstein offering a monetary award to friends, family or acquaintances of Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s victims, if they could help disprove allegations that the physicist had participated in an “underage orgy” on one of Epstein’s islands. The other is a request for Giuffre to turn over all photos or videos of her with a number of individuals, including Hawking. But there is no reference to any “proclivities.”

In 2006, a few months before Epstein was charged with multiple counts of unlawful sex with a minor, Hawking was one of many scientists who attended a five-day conference in the Caribbean funded by Epstein. The physicist appears in multiple pictures from the event.

Kimmel does not come up in the documents at all. Ahead of their release, social media users wrongly claimed that his name might appear, spurred by a comment New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers made Tuesday on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show.” Kimmel said in response on X that he had never met Epstein and that Rodgers’ “reckless words put my family in danger.”

Moreover, the purported document snippet that mentions Kimmel states that it is part of page 1,375, but only 944 pages of records had been made public when the image began spreading.

Other major public figures social media users have falsely claimed are named in the documents include Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, Elon Musk and many more.

There was much speculation before the release that the records amounted to a list of rich and powerful people who were Epstein’s “clients” or “co-conspirators.” But the records come from a 2015 lawsuit filed by Giuffre against Epstein’s former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, which was settled two years later.

U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska, who ordered the release, said most of the names were already public. They include many of Epstein’s accusers, members of his staff who told their stories to tabloid newspapers, people who served as witnesses at Maxwell’s trial, people who were mentioned in passing during depositions but aren’t accused of anything salacious, and people who investigated Epstein, including prosecutors, a journalist and a police detective.

There are also boldface names of public figures known to have associated with Epstein over the years, but whose relationships with him have already been well documented elsewhere.

Previous documents from the case were released in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. About 60 of 250 records currently being released had been made public as of Thursday evening, with more expected in the coming days.

Epstein killed himself in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison term for helping Epstein sexually abuse underage girls.

___

This is part of AP’s effort to address widely shared misinformation, including work with outside companies and organizations to add factual context to misleading content that is circulating online. Learn more about fact-checking at AP.