Home
 
 
 
 
 

News

Heat’s Powell eliminated at All-Star Game as his Team World falls twice

South Florida Local News - Sun, 02/15/2026 - 17:34

Norman Powell’s first appearance at the NBA All-Star Game afforded the Miami Heat forward the opportunity to play in two All-Star Games, under the World vs. USA format adopted for Sunday’s round-robin event at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.

Ultimately, it left the Miami Heat forward at a double loss, with his Team World falling in a pair of games against domestic talent.

Although born in San Diego, Powell played for the World team because of his time with the Jamaican national team, the country of his father’s heritage.

Scores aside, Powell said it was a memorable experience.

“The experience was amazing, no complaints,” he said. “Being able to participate in a full weekend for the first time, the 3-point contest and the All-Star game, just enjoying and creating memories with all the guys that I’ve gone up against and competed with and looked up to before I even made it to the NBA. So it’s an A-plus weekend for me.”

Playing off the bench in a pair of 12-minute games, Powell first went scoreless on 0-for-3 shooting in 6:55 in his team’s first game, a 37-35 loss to Team Stars, a game that went to overtime and was won on a 3-pointer by Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes.

In his team’s second game, Powell closed with five points on 2-of-4 shooting in 6:45, helping tie it late before Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, playing in his home arena, gave Team Stripes a 48-45 victory with a decisive 3-pointer.

In his 11th season, Powell, 32, was selected as an All-Star reserve by Eastern Conference coaches.

Making the experience all the more meaningful was a surprise party thrown in his honor by friends and family, as he made his South California return.

“The most memorable moment,” he said, “would be the surprise party that was put on for me. Walking in and seeing everybody that has helped me along this journey of making it to the NBA and having an 11-year career, since elementary school, you know, all the way up until the NBA, it’s just a moment that you can’t even put into words – seeing everybody that’s encouraged you, helped you in your toughest and darkest times, to stay motivated, stay focused, and stay setting out to achieve the expectations and goals that I had out for myself.”

Related Articles

The appearance came a week after the birth of Powell’s first child, a daughter.

“I think she’ll be really proud of me and hopefully just looking at my career will motivate her one day to go after something that she wants, as well,” he said. “And hopefully I’ll get some brownie points for being a cool dad amongst her friends.”

Team USA Stars won the round-robin competition, with that roster’s Anthony Edwards named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, winning the Kobe Bryant Award.

Sunday’s appearance for Powell came after he finished fifth in the 3-point contest on All-Star Saturday a day earlier. Powell remained after that contest to root on Heat teammate Keshad Johnson, who then won the All-Star dunk contest.

Sunday, Heat two-way player Jahmir Young played in the G League All-Star game, where his team was eliminated in the opening round of that four-team tournament, with Young scoring six points on 2-of-4 shooting in 7:08 of action.

The Heat are in the midst of an eight-day All-Star break, to resume their schedule Friday against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.

Daily Horoscope for February 16, 2026

South Florida Local News - Sun, 02/15/2026 - 17:00
General Daily Insight for February 16, 2026

Keeping an open mind could be crucial today. When the energetic Sun clashes with unpredictable Uranus, plans are likely to wobble, pushing us to adapt expectations and stretch comfort zones. Perhaps we’re being given space for better ideas to come in. At 4:31 pm EST, messenger Mercury harmonizes with auspicious Jupiter, turning conversations into gateways. Acknowledging rattled feelings might be necessary at first, but our moods will probably lift as our curiosity goes on to help us brilliantly connect seemingly unrelated threads!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Aries, your spark wants a clear path. Private insights can give you direction as clever Mercury in your 12th House of Secrets trines lucky Jupiter in your 4th House of Home. Perhaps you’ll recall a dream or memory during breakfast, guiding a tender talk with someone at home. Although your sign is known for quick action, pause long enough to listen this time. Your companion may not entirely agree with you, but any resistance they provide might help clarify your thinking!

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Staying steady through surprises might be necessary now. The dynamic Sun in your 10th House of Career and Status squares rebellious Uranus in your 1st House of Identity, stirring shifts in your visibility. A boss may change a deadline, or your role could expand without warning. Even if you generally handle pressure well, things like this can rattle your calm! Clarify what success looks like, and ask for specific priorities. With your careful focus, the show is likely to go on.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Putting some thought into getting ahead can pay off now. While verbal Mercury in your ambitious 10th house harmonizes with confident Jupiter in your 2nd House of Resources and Self-Worth, you’re in a strong position to nail a pitch or ace an interview. A skill or experience you rarely discuss might be just what a potential boss or client is looking for, so don’t let your preconceived notions regarding the job hold you back. Speak with heart so doors open naturally.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Your confidence can grow as you take inventory of what’s gone right lately. Articulate Mercury in your 9th House of Travel and Learning aligns with optimistic Jupiter in your 1st House of Identity, supporting clear, encouraging self-expression. You might share a story that helps a neighbor understand you better, or write a short bio that honors how far you’ve come. Lean into a caring tone, because your longing to protect your loved ones gives you great strength. Let your sincerity attract support.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

When change hurts your pride, choose patience. Public shake-ups are possible as the vibrant Sun in your 7th House of Partnership challenges individualistic Uranus in your 10th House of Career. A collaborator might push for visibility while you prefer creative control, or a manager may alter deadlines after agreement. Although things like this can feel unfair, protect your dignity and progress by choosing patience over heat. Measured courage protects your reputation and lets your generous spirit shine through your work.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Your devotion to your collaborators won’t go unnoticed today. As intellectual Mercury in your relationship sector supports joyous Jupiter in your 11th House of Community, it’s clear that you care for the people you work with on a personal level — and perhaps that has held you back from pointing out a few things that haven’t been running smoothly. No one benefits when key tasks fall through, though. Be honest about what you see, and embrace a collaborative process for finding solutions.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Your desire to finish your work and go have fun could be a good motivation to set priorities at this time. As observant Mercury in your 6th House of Responsibilities engages with authoritative Jupiter in your goal-oriented 10th house, you probably have an accurate radar concerning which tasks are truly critical to your mission. It’s possible that some won’t agree with what gets left off the list. Give any complaints a fair hearing, but know the difference between a power struggle and a real problem.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Truth could land and clear the emotional air today. The radiant Sun warms your 4th House of Home, but it squares disruptive Uranus in your partnership sector, pressing you to address a broken agreement. A partner could dodge chores, or someone may resist a boundary. Although you might have your suspicions concerning their motives, you ultimately don’t know for a fact what’s going on in another person’s head. However, you definitely have the right to describe the impact their actions have on you!

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Hope rises as home matters feel lighter. As thoughtful Mercury in your domestic 4th house aligns with abundant Jupiter in your 8th House of Shared Resources, perhaps you have reason to believe there’s enough to go around. With that in mind, certain frustrations about chores and responsibilities could wane in importance. You’ll still need to figure out a plan to reliably get things done. That said, when you know you’ll basically be okay, you can maintain a sense of perspective!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Asking for more freedom in a key relationship can go well at this time. Perhaps the other person is ready for a shift like this too. Intellectual Mercury energizes your 3rd House of Communication, forming a trine with auspicious Jupiter in your 7th House of Partnership, so you’re likely to come to agreement regarding shared goals. Keep an eye out for any legitimate potential problems, especially those involving money, but there’s no need to assume harmful intentions. Just be proactive in looking for solutions!

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Your sense of yourself could need to stretch a bit today. The willful Sun in your sign conflicts with unpredictable Uranus in your 4th House of Home, pitting your individual priorities against family rhythms. Even if a frustrating change of plans isn’t really anyone’s fault, you might be tempted to take it as a personal slight. Beyond the blow to your ego, however, your new path forward is likely to have its practical and logistical advantages. Try to stay focused on those.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Clear words can move you forward today. As messenger Mercury in your sign activates your 1st House of Identity, trining joyous Jupiter in your artistic 5th house, you might take the opportunity to update a profile while your creativity is flowing. You’re likely to share a playful idea that makes someone smile! Stay mindful of the environment you’re in, of course, but bring your human touch. Your authentic perspective may cut through the muck of a problem that has become unnecessarily convoluted.

Tyler Reddick stuns Chase Elliott, wins Daytona 500 for Michael Jordan’s team

South Florida Local News - Sun, 02/15/2026 - 16:18

DAYTONA BEACH — Tyler Reddick needed a game-winner at the buzzer to win the Daytona 500 Sunday and deliver team owner Michael Jordan another championship.

Reddick led a single lap on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway, and it wasn’t for long.

With leader Chase Elliott seemingly in command coming off Turn 4, Reddick made a move reminiscent of his boss. Reddick dove to the inside and bumped Elliott to pass him, earning a career-defining victory two days shy of the NBA great’s 63rd birthday.

“Just incredible how it all played out,” Reddick said. “Just true Daytona madness.”

Jordan met Reddick and his team in Victory Lane and helped him lift the Harley J. Early trophy.

“I can’t believe it,” Jordan said. “You never know how these races are going to end. You’re just trying to survive. We just hung in there all day.

“I’m just ecstatic.”

Jordan, like everyone in the sellout crowd, was stunned to see Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota take the checkered flag.

Tyler Reddick, driver No. 45 Toyota, celebrates after winning the 2026 Daytona 500 on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Teammate Bubba Wallace, the original member of Jordan’s 23XI Racing co-owned with NASCAR star Denny Hamlin, lead a race-high 39 laps in his bid to become the first Black Daytona 500 winner. But the two-time runner-up (2018, 2022) in the sport’s biggest race lost ground during a Lap 181 pit stop and finished 10th.

“I don’t want my emotions to take away from the monumental day they just accomplished — Happy birthday, MJ,” Wallace said. “That’s a massive birthday present.

“I thought this was our week, the best 500 I’ve ever had, and come up short, sucks. But couldn’t be more proud of the team.”

Unlike Wallace, Reddick hadn’t factored at the front of the 68th running of the Great American Race. The 200-lap affair featured 66 lead changes among a record 26 drivers in the 41-car field.

Elliott moved to the front of the pack after a restart on Lap 197. The Cup Series Most Popular Driver the past eight years, the 30-year-old would have been a celebrated winner.

Instead, Reddick spoiled Elliott’s best chance during 11 attempts.

“At that point you’re on defense. That’s a very tough place to be,” Elliott said. “If I had thrown a double-block on the No. 45, it would have just crashed us. It really sucks to be that close … and not finish it off.”

Reddick, who turned 30 Jan. 11, entered the day an afterthought following a winless 2025 ended a string of three consecutive seasons with at least two victories.

“Last year was really hard for all of us, hard for me,” Reddick said. “When you’re a Cup driver and you get to this level and drive for Michael Jordan, it’s expected you win every single year.”

Daytona 500 winner Tyler Reddick pulls away to a win as Joey Logano (No. 22), Chase Elliott (No. 9) and Riley Herbst (No. 35) lose control of their cars at the end of the race, run Sunday at Daytona International Speedway. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Reddick’s improbable ninth career victory came on a warm and breezy day at the iconic 2.5-mile oval.

Sustained winds in the teens, with gusts over 30 mph made Turn 4 trickier than usual.

The elements, coupled with aggression and risk-taking on the track, led to compelling racing. At the 200-lap race’s midpoint, the lead had changed hands 27 times, the third most in the Daytona 500 history.

The approach also led to chaos.

Multi-car crashes, including an 18-car melee on Lap 125, ended the hopes of top contenders, along with the field’s youngest competitor — 19-year-old Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch.

Zilisch, former Daytona 500 winners Austin Cindric (2022) and Austin Dillon (2018) and Chase Briscoe, who started on the front row for the second straight, finished the race,  but were multiple laps behind — 63 in Dillon’s case.

Hamlin’s push to become the third four-time champion was wishful thinking after 23-year Truck Series phenom Corey Heim, a development driver for 23XI racing, bumped the rear of Hamlin’s car to cause a crash.

Christopher Bell, a four-time Cup Series winner in 2025, got the worst of it, slamming into the outside wall. Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota limped to a 31st-place finish, two laps back.

But with Reddick, Wallace and Riley Herbst still in the mix, Hamlin still had skin in the game. When the dust settled, the 45-year-old felt like a big winner when Herbst recorded a Jordan-like assist.

“I don’t win that race without Riley Herbst,” Reddick said.

The second-year 23XI driver drafted behind Reddick until Herbst’s No. 35 Toyota was caught up in a crash with Elliott and others as Reddick pulled away.

“I know the odds of winning here are really, really small,” Hamlin said. “After I got crashed at the end, I looked at the scoreboard — how many horses have I got left in this race? It was great to see Tyler making all the right moves, and Riley giving him a push at the end.

“It certainly soothes the sting of the day for the 11 car.”

The Daytona 500 had stung Reddick time and again.

A runner-up finish in 2025 to William Byron followed six runs outside the top-25, dating to Reddick’s 2019 debut. Prior to Sunday’s race, his oldest son, Beau, put his father on notice.

Reddick responded when it mattered.

“I didn’t know if I’d ever win this race,” he said. “Honestly, the best part is my son asked before this race. Are you finally going to win this race? Something about today just felt right.”

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com.

Armed man is killed by Fort Lauderdale police. ‘The suspect fired his weapon.’

South Florida Local News - Sun, 02/15/2026 - 14:49

An armed man who approached police while they were investigating a disturbance in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday was shot and killed by officers, the city’s police chief said.

Police responded to a disturbance in the 900 Block of Chateau Park Drive, the police department said in a statement.

“While on scene, officers were approached by an armed adult male who was not involved in the initial disturbance,” Chief Bill Schultz told reporters later Saturday afternoon at the site of the incident.

Schultz said an “initial review” had been conducted. “We know the suspect fired his weapon during the encounter with the officers. Three FLPD officers discharged their department-issued firearms at that time, striking the suspect.”

He said officers “performed life-saving efforts” until Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue arrived and took the man to Broward Health Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Police hadn’t released his name or other details as of Sunday afternoon.

Schultz said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would investigate the shooting, which he said is the standard process after an officer-involved shooting.

Also, under the department’s policy, the agency said, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave with pay while the case is under review.

 
Admin Login