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Heat’s Powell eliminated at All-Star Game as his Team World falls twice
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.”
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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
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!
AriesMarch 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!
TaurusApril 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.
GeminiMay 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.
CancerJune 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.
LeoJuly 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.
VirgoAugust 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.
LibraSeptember 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.
ScorpioOctober 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!
SagittariusNovember 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!
CapricornDecember 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!
AquariusJanuary 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.
PiscesFebruary 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
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.’
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.
‘I always had a mission’: How LeBron James, 41, has maintained peak performance
By Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES — Slowly, LeBron James put on a pair of ice bath toe booties and dipped his left foot and then his right foot into a bucket that had been prepared for him following a Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena. His longtime personal trainer and athletic performance coach, Mike Mancias, next wrapped both of James’ knees and his back in ice.
James closed his eyes for a few seconds and leaned back in his chair as the media gathered around him for his postgame interview.
This was just another step James has taken to care for his body, a step that shows the lengths he takes in the maintenance of his 6-foot-9 frame that has helped him have an illustrious 23-year career, longer than any player before him.
“Obviously I didn’t know it would be 23 years. I didn’t know that, but I know I didn’t want to have no six- or seven-year career. I can’t become legendary in six or seven years,” James told The Los Angeles Times. “I always had a mission. When I knew I could play this game at a high level, like, going to Chicago and playing with MJ [Michael Jordan] and all those guys when I was a sophomore [in high school]. And then when I went up to Cleveland and played against the Cavs when I was a junior and I was like, ‘Oh … I belong. I belong.’ I knew I still had to learn and I still had to continue to get my body right, continue to learn the game and nuances.
“But I was playing against NBA guys for a long time and I was like, ‘If I get the opportunity to crack the league, if I get the opportunity to showcase what I’m able to do, the only thing that can stop me is if I don’t take care of my body. The only thing that can stop me from being the greatest or one of the greatest to ever play this game is if I do not take care of myself.’ I did take care of my body. That’s it.”
James’ dedication to self care has become legendary in the sporting world. He is known to invest more than $1.5 million annually for a comprehensive approach to keeping his body fine-tuned.
James considers himself a biohacker: someone who uses science and technology to make their body function better and more efficiently.
He talked about using Normatec leg compression boots, hyperbaric chambers to restore oxygen, cryotherapy, red-light therapy and other cutting-edge technologies to maintain elite performances and longevity at the age of 41.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots as Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31), forward Daniel Gafford (21) and forward P.J. Washington defend during the first half on Thursday in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)He talked about prioritizing sleep and nutrition, avoiding artificial sugars and fried foods.
When he missed the first 14 games this season because of sciatica, James cut back on drinking wine, one of his passions, in order to get his body back to full health.
“Obviously it’s gotten even more detailed as me and Mike have built a program,” James said. “It’s been 22 years of our program.”
It has worked for James to the highest order, as he has become the leading scorer in NBA history with 42,975 points.
Though his streak of being voted as a starter to the All-Star team was snapped at 21 years in a row, James still extended his NBA record to 22 selections when the coaches voted him in as a reserve for Sunday’s game at Intuit Dome.
Over his career, James said, he’s received plenty of offers to try new ways to do his physical therapy. For the most part, he has said no.
“It’s all type of … that is presented to you,” James said, smiling. “[People] are always trying to get you to do s—. But once we got the connection, it wasn’t really many people that we allowed to come and be in what we do. We had a couple of guys obviously throughout the process that helped along the way. But, nah, we knew what we wanted to do.”
When James was growing up in Akron, Ohio, and it became obvious he was athletic, he said his uncle, Curt, encouraged him to start taking care of his body immediately. His mother, Gloria, advised him to listen.
“I used to stretch before I went to bed and when I woke up, when I was like 10 or 11 years old,” James said. “My uncle Curt, my mom’s younger brother, used to make me do 100 calf raises a day and he used to make me do 50 pushups and 50 situps a day.”
James shook his head and laughed recalling those moments.
“He told me I had to get my calves stronger if I wanted to be great,” James said, smiling. “I never knew what that meant, whatever. But yeah, my uncle used to tell me to do that, and then a good friend of mine used to always tell me to stretch before I got in the bed and after I got out of the bed when I woke up the next morning. I don’t know, man. I’ve been doing this for a long time.”
At no time during all this did James know what that advice would mean for his future.
“No, but I had people that I trusted,” James said. “I was icing after every game my rookie year. I was 18 years old. I was icing after games when I was a high school senior, a high school junior. Like, I was lifting [weights] my senior year.”
James told a story about playing in an AAU tournament with Kendrick Perkins when he was 14 and how some players were sitting in the stands eating fast food.
“They were eating McDonald’s,” James said, smiling, “and I was eating fruits.”
Jason Kidd, the Hall of Fame point guard who’s now coach of the Dallas Mavericks, was an assistant with the Lakers when James led them to the 2020 championship, and the two were teammates on the 2008 USA Olympic team that won the gold medal in Beijing.
Kidd has watched how James is averaging 22 points on 50.2% shooting, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds this season and can’t help but marvel at how he continues to be a highly effective player with so many miles on his body.
“He’s had some injuries, but he’s taken care of his body, he’s always prepared himself for the marathon,” Kidd said. “But I think it’s the mental side. I think that’s the hardest part is to wake up and say, ‘Do I need to go play against a 20-year-old or a 19-year-old?’ He’s won championships, he’s been MVP, he’s been the face of the league. He’s a billion-dollar company.
“So, it’s the mental side. Understanding that he loves competition and he loves the game of basketball. So I think for him to do it at 41 is incredible.”
When the Lakers faced Kidd’s Mavericks on Thursday night, James was back in the lab early getting his body ready about six hours before tipoff.
It didn’t matter that it was the last game before the weeklong All-Star break. In James’ eyes, if you take care of your body, it will take care of you.
“I woke up this morning, went straight downstairs, got a stretch, did a little activation, like a little small lil’ lift” of weights, James said after the game. “Then I iced after that. Then I used the Normatec to pump my legs for an hour. Then I took a nap in the hyperbaric chamber for an hour and a half. Then I got in the cold tub, again, before I came here. So, I started my process here when I got here at 1:15 and prepared for a 7 o’clock game. It’s just around the clock.”
And as it turned out, all his work led to yet another record for James.
His triple-double of 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds made him the oldest player to accomplish the feat, pushing him past Karl Malone, who was 40 when he did it in November 2003.
And now comes another record with the All-Star Game.
UCF stumbles in second half against West Virginia, drops third straight
A Valentine’s Day showdown at Addition Financial Arena was supposed to help UCF feel the love again after a recent two-game slide. Instead, the Knights had their hearts broken as West Virginia rallied from a 14-point second-half deficit to pull out a 74-67 win on Saturday.
The loss was painful not only because it was the third in a row, but it put the Knights’ postseason hopes in peril. The team had been on track to earn an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time since the 2018-19 season, but those hopes are starting to evaporate.
West Virginia (16-9, 7-5 Big 12) went on a 28-13 run over the final 8 minutes to pull away with the win.
UCF (17-7, 6-6 Big 12) opened the second half on a 22-9 run to build up a double-digit advantage, but struggled to find an answer for the Mountaineers. The Knights continued their February swoon, falling to 5-13 overall in the month since joining the Big 12 two seasons ago.
“We didn’t execute,” UCF coach Johnny Dawkins said. “Coming down the stretch, you give them a lot of credit; that’s how they won a lot of their basketball games. We knew going in that we had to stay focused, but we didn’t sustain it. We didn’t sustain it in the second half as needed.”
WVU guard Honor Huff scored 18 of his team-high 21 points in the second half, including 10 points in the final 5 minutes. Guard Jasper Floyd added 17 and guard Chance Moore had 12.
Themus Fulks led UCF with 19 points and 7 assists, while Riley Kugel had 13 and Jordan Burks and Chris Johnson had 10 apiece.
After struggling to get off to fast starts in losses to Houston and Cincinnati, Kugel’s 30-footer to open play seemed like the right step for the Knights. But four early turnovers — three by point guard Fulks — over the first four minutes limited the damage against West Virginia.
UCF missed six of its next seven shots before a Fulks’ layup and foul, which helped the Knights retake the lead at 10-8 with 12:58 left in the half.
Show Caption1 of 25UCF guard Riley Kugel (middle) drives through West Virginia defenders Amir Jenkins (left) and Morris Ugusuk (right) during the West Virginia at UCF college basketball game in Orlando on Saturday, February 14, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) ExpandWest Virginia, however, stormed back to retake the lead, connecting on four of its next six shots to build an 18-15 advantage with 7:45 left. The Mountaineers relied on their size throughout much of the evening, scoring 38 of their 74 points in the paint.
UCF went on a 7-0 run late in the first half, fueled in part by center John Bol, who scored 4 points and blocked 2 shots in a three-minute period. The Knights built their largest lead at 29-24, but went scoreless for the final 2:22, allowing WVU to cut the advantage to 29-28 at the half.
UCF started the second half with a 23-10 run that helped the team soar to its largest lead of the game at 52-38 with 11:27 left in the game.
West Virginia responded with a run of its own — 21-7 — tying the game at 59 with 5 minutes remaining.
“This group’s been in these positions before and typically, we do a good job of not panicking,” West Virginia coach Ross Hodge said.
“We didn’t sustain the lead at all,” added a dejected Burks following the loss.
West Virginia shot 54% from the floor in the second half, while UCF shot 47%.
The Knights were without senior forward Jamichael Stillwell, who missed only his second game of the season. Dawkins said Stillwell injured himself during practice and was day-to-day.
UCF must rebound quickly as the Knights wrap up a two-game homestand by hosting TCU (7 p.m., ESPN+) on Tuesday.
“We have a talk about playing winning basketball, playing the right way, not to get out of character,” Dawkins said when asked about avoiding frustration setting in. “We know everybody means well. Everyone wants to help us be successful. But we don’t need hero ball. We need to play together. We need everybody fighting this fight in the same way, fighting our fight and that’s when we’ve had the most success.”
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
Pictures: UCF vs West Virginia College Basketball
Show Caption1 of 25UCF guard Riley Kugel (middle) drives through West Virginia defenders Amir Jenkins (left) and Morris Ugusuk (right) during the West Virginia at UCF college basketball game in Orlando on Saturday, February 14, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
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Heat’s ‘Showtime’ Keshad Johnson wins dunk contest at NBA All-Star Weekend
Delivering the same energy to the All-Star Saturday dunk contest he has delivered the past two years on the practice court and during mop-up duty in games, second-year forward Keshad Johnson on Saturday became the third player in the Miami Heat’s 38 seasons to win the competition.
“I dreamed of every year I was watching the NBA Dunk Contest, I dreamed of being out there, putting on a show for everybody,” Johnson said. “I learned from all the people that came before me, paying homage to them.”
Joining former Heat champions in the event Harold Miner and Derrick Jones Jr., Johnson defeated San Antonio Spurs rookie forward Carter Bryant in the final round of the competition at the Intuit Dome, the Inglewood, Calif., home of the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Everybody’s journey is different,” said Johnson, “so all the kids out there, keep dreaming, have crazy, crazy faith.
“Once you’re in a dream, you control your dream, you can do anything in your dream. I felt like the fans were with me.”
Nicknamed Showtime for his relentless energy and enthusiasm, the forward who went undrafted out of Arizona in 2024 turned Sunday’s All-Star Game court into his personal Saturday stage.
“I just came out here and showed the people who Showtime was,” he said in accepting his winner’s trophy. “This is for the whole West Coast right here, baby.
“In the Bay, we do it a little different. We’ve got our own little swag. So I had to bring the legend.”
Opening the competition with a Karl Malone-style dunk while jumping over platinum-selling rapper and actor E-40 from his childhood neighborhood in Oakland, Calif., Johnson utilized that energy to win over the crowd and eventually a panel of judges that included dunking legends Julius Erving and Dominique Wilkins.
“E-40 was a part of the plan,” Johnson said. “My big bro Ethan, he made a call to E-40 and we got Unc on board and he was ready. He was ready. The love and respect that he gave me just to take time out of his day to be involved in this, I can’t ask for nothing better.”
Johnson and Bryant advanced to the final round, with Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson eliminated in the first-round in the four-player competition.
It was a whirlwind of a week for Johnson, who learned of his invitation to the competition just hours before being sent down to the G League by the Heat for two games of seasoning with the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
“My journey, coming from Oakland, being able to put on for the Bay, going through my upbringing and everything. I beat the odds. I beat the odds,” Johnson said moments after winning the competition. “And I’m here, I’m here. I dreamed of being here each and every day. So once I got that call, I committed to it.”
Keshad Johnson’s swag was on a MILLION as a he walked out and dunked on E-40 in his first @att Slam Dunk!
Trailing by seven in final minute, visiting Miami scores last eight points to topple N.C. State
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Malik Reneau scored 26 points and Miami scored the last eight points of the game to beat North Carolina State 77-76 on Saturday night.
N.C. State scored seven straight points to take a 76-69 lead with 1:07 remaining. Then Reneau answered with a three-point play and Tru Washington added a layup to pull Miami to within 76-74 with 32 seconds left.
With 13 seconds to go, N.C. State’s Quadir Copeland missed a free throw. The Wolfpack’s Darrion Williams fouled Washington on a 3-point attempt on the following possession with three seconds remaining. Washington sank all three of his free-throw attempts before Matt Able missed a 3-pointer to end it.
Reneau shot 12 of 19 from the floor and grabbed six rebounds. Shelton Henderson added 17 points and nine boards for Miami (20-5, 9-3 Atlantic Coast Conference). Tre Donaldson chipped in with 14 points and Washington finished with 13 for the Hurricanes, who have won three straight and five of their last six games.
Able and Ven-Allen Lubin scored 17 points apiece to lead N.C. State (18-8, 9-4). Copeland and Williams added 11 points each. The Wolfpack have lost back-to-back games since they had their six-game win streak snapped with a 118-77 loss to No. 24 Louisville.
Able made three 3-pointers and scored 15 points, and Copeland and Lubin added nine apiece to help N.C. State build a 43-37 halftime lead. Reneau scored 16 points on 8-of-12 shooting to pace Miami in the first half.
Daily Horoscope for February 15, 2026
General Daily Insight for February 15, 2026
A fresh, wide view could be hard to handle today. With the emotional Moon entering Aquarius at 1:17 am EST, we may feel pulled toward community conversations that spark inventive ideas and build kinder bonds. That said, changing the status quo often requires letting go of dynamics we find comfortable. When Luna conjoins intense Pluto, our feelings about such shifts might burst out in unpleasant ways! There’s more to life than logic, but overwrought emotions are likely to pass if we let them.
AriesMarch 21 – April 19
A social media fracas could be more complicated than it looks today. As the caring Moon meets life-and-death Pluto in your 11th House of Community, you may feel compelled to launch into action to defend an ally who has been mistreated. Maybe you can’t not do it, even if you aren’t totally sure of some of the facts. Your desire to be a protector is probably very powerful! Try to step back from it long enough to see whether it’s what this situation genuinely needs.
TaurusApril 20 – May 20
Making big professional decisions could be risky at the moment. While the moody Moon blurs with powerful Pluto in your 10th House of Career, clarifying your role and long-term direction may be difficult. You might be drawn to a particular outcome for emotional reasons, but that energy doesn’t necessarily blend well with the need to price a project realistically or ask for a fair rate. It’s okay to enjoy a grand heroic fantasy — just recognize it for what it is!
GeminiMay 21 – June 20
Getting too bored is a bad idea at the moment. Curiosity widens your world as the intuitive Moon enters your 9th House of Higher Learning, stirring questions about subjects and plans that reach beyond your daily routine. However, as Luna encounters shady Pluto, you might become a little obsessive in trying to find out about the dark side of life. The lure of hidden information is powerful, but keep whatever you discover in perspective — weigh it against your own real-world experiences.
CancerJune 21 – July 22
Comfort grows when truths breathe in safety. The nurturing Moon unites with intense Pluto in your 8th House of Intimacy, encouraging honest talks about deep issues. You might review a shared account or open up about a sensitive worry with a loved one. Even when everyone is doing their best to be caring, these discussions often aren’t easy. If someone overreaches, calmly state boundaries and propose a fair plan for moving forward. Clarity paired with kindness heals misunderstandings faster than silence.
LeoJuly 23 – August 22
Leo, your warmth lights rooms and hearts. Relationship dynamics could shift as the emotional Moon meets intimate Pluto in your 7th House of Partnership, inviting you to build agreements that honor both voices. If a partner, collaborator, or client pushes for control, reflect your generous nature by naming shared goals and suggesting fair roles, because clear structure protects affection. Plan a heartfelt check-in, and then offer appreciation that feels sincere, since praise opens doors that pressure often closes. Build balance now so love feels spacious.
VirgoAugust 23 – September 22
Meaningful course corrections are possible at this time. Your 6th House of Work gets a reset as the temperamental Moon enters, asking you to notice habits and timelines that need practical upgrades. A co-worker might drop a task, or a system glitch could slow you, exposing the weak links — and possibly really rattling you in the process. If health routines feel off, prep a nourishing lunch or take a brief walk, because order creates steady calm. Tend the basics so your day flows smoother.
LibraSeptember 23 – October 22
A break from routine can support your relationships today. Play invites honest feeling as the unconscious Moon enters your 5th House of Romance, highlighting simple moments of joy that bring hearts closer. Plan a lighthearted date or a family game, and let your diplomatic tone set easy rules so everyone feels seen. If someone fishes for attention, offer praise while naming your need for equal give and take, because harmony grows when kindness and clarity share space. Love breathes more freely when you’re having fun!
ScorpioOctober 23 – November 21
When depth calls, your focus sharpens naturally. Your 4th House of Home becomes a deep well as the nurturing Moon conjoins unearthing Pluto there, encouraging you to cleanse closets and clear emotional dust. If a family member reveals a buried worry, listen closely, name what is true, and suggest a practical change that restores peace. Rearranging a room or taking a quiet walk together could also help break up an atmosphere cramped with heavy feelings. Create safety now so tenderness can unfold.
SagittariusNovember 22 – December 21
Which horizon tempts your curious steps now? Your 3rd House of Communication buzzes when the instinctive Moon enters, inspiring quick messages and neighborly chats that brighten your day. If a plan changes, your upbeat flexibility is equipped to turn detours into discoveries. You might become very interested in a subject that you just happen upon by accident. That said, don’t uncritically accept every piece of mental clutter that comes your way — try to have a sense of your basic priorities.
CapricornDecember 22 – January 19
Capricorn, your steady plans deserve support. Figuring out how to get it might be a challenge while the moody Moon conjoins turbulent Pluto in your 2nd House of Resources. Pricing a project realistically or asking for a fair rate may be difficult. Whether you go too high or too low, an unmet emotional need is likely the culprit. Try to get at the bigger fears that your feelings are pointing toward. Change is probably needed, but think things all the way through first..
AquariusJanuary 20 – February 18
You’re likely to feel magnetic today. The unconscious Moon fuses with dark Pluto in your 1st House of Identity, and their meeting in your sign amplifies your presence. You might as well seize the opportunity to craft a bold introduction, update a profile, or enter a room with a clear intention that sets the tone. If someone projects old expectations, kindly correct the label and show who you are now, because growth deserves breathing room. Own your story, and choices will follow naturally.
PiscesFebruary 19 – March 20
Quiet spaces could call loudly to you now. The intuitive Moon enters your 12th House of Spirituality, guiding you to rest, dream, and sort feelings that hide behind busyness. You might even notice old worries surfacing while washing dishes or listening to music. Try to write any anxieties down to get them out of your mind. A journaling session doesn’t have to be long and involved, though — sometimes it’s enough to just jot down the name of the problem and a gentle, compassionate next step!
Questionnaire: Stacy Sipple, candidate for Boca Raton City Council Seat D
Name: Stacy Sipple
Office sought: Boca Raton City Council – Seat D
Campaign website: www.stacyforboca.com
Date, place of birth: 01/27/1972 Boynton Beach, FL (Boca Raton did not have a
maternity unit at that time)
Generally speaking, is Boca Raton on the right track or the wrong track, and why?
I believe Boca Raton is shifting to the wrong track. Residents moved to Boca because it was unique and safe. We were on the smaller side, while still being a full-service city and offering every amenity you could want. We were not Ft. Lauderdale, we were not Miami. We had height restrictions, size restrictions and downtown buildings were expected to maintain the Mediterranean inspired look (e.g., clay tile roofs, limited glass percentage, specific color palettes) in recognition of the city’s historic architectural character. We were unique. A gem in the middle of overdevelopment.
Now, what has made us special is slowly disappearing. Our downtown looks like a hodgepodge of buildings, stuck wherever there was a postage sized piece of land left. No thought, no design, no plan. Now we are building up. What is thought of as “downtown” is about 344 acres or just over half a square mile. Yet, it is still not walkable. The daily essentials (e.g., groceries, drug stores, post office) require the use of a car. So, we have effectively overbuilt and ruined our unique aesthetic and increased traffic congestion. Residents that live within a mile or so from downtown avoid it because of the traffic. I know, I am one of them. We are currently in the process of approving more downtown residences and more hotels, most requiring variances and zoning changes. This constant expansion is not sustainable.
How will you vote on ballot question No. 1, and why? (police headquarters, public safety improvements)
AGAINST BONDS My main reason, at this time, is this requires us to issue bonds up to $175,000,000 plus interest and will be paid back from ad valorem taxes. There are current bills up for consideration, during the 2026 legislative session, in Tallahassee. In a worst-case scenario, our property taxes could be eliminated. How would we repay these bonds? It would be prudent to wait for the outcome, on the fate of property taxes, before making a large, costly decision such as this. We can then re-evaluate and decide the best course of action.
How will you vote on ballot question No. 2, and why? (Lease of downtown land, public improvements, Memorial Park)
NO First we need to see the results of the public vote, which I am thankful for. Public land = public vote. There is no question the area needs to be revitalized. The city can do it without handing over public land for a 99-year lease. We will need a visioning session with our residents to see what they would like to use the land for, especially east of 2nd Avenue. Memorial Park needs to be upgraded to a state-of-the-art athletic complex, with a focus on girls’ softball, as they always seem to lack appropriate fields to play on. It always HAS and WILL remain a memorial to our veterans.
The amount we are required to initially put up front for this project is ridiculous, especially when we will not see a profit for years and the amount is only based on speculation. Many do not remember the early Mizner Park years. We had a huge revenue difference concerning what was expected and what was actually received, nor do many remember the cost of maintenance and the lease agreements. The long-term lease terms of Mizner Park were in the agreements, and the courts later ruled that those terms legally encumbered the land, reducing its value. The City of Boca Raton lost because the lease itself became the encumbrance. We do not need another legal loss, to a developer, when it is our land. We own it, we can build on it and we will get all of the revenue, without involving a third party.
Are you satisfied that the ballot language approved by the City Council accurately reflects the details of the ballot questions?
Yes and No. Question #1 regarding the police department is pretty straight forward, but could be worded in a more basic manner. First time voters may not realize what some of the terminology means.
Question #2 regarding Memorial Park/Boca Raton City Center, LLC is on the reverse side of the ballot, making it very easy to miss. The wording sounds like the hundreds of advertisements we continuously receive via social media, mail, phone calls, “information sessions,” etc. It is a watered-down version of what we are constantly being brainwashed with. I am disappointed that the city had to scale down the initial wording, which was even more biased to the developer, and we still end up with a question that is misleading and placed in an easily missed location.
The Florida Legislature is considering proposals to reduce or eliminate property taxes. Do you agree the taxes are too high, and what tax cut proposals do you support?
Boca Raton has one of the lowest millage rates in the county and most of the state. We cannot eliminate them and offer the services we do now. Homeowners that are now purchasing homes are experiencing huge property taxes due to the high property values. We have to figure out a way to offer additional homestead exemptions, perhaps based on an income sliding scale. We do not want to price people out. Not everyone is wealthy. We need everyday working families as much as every other resident, and we need to ensure they can afford to live here, especially with the high property values, property taxes and homeowners’ insurance. We also need to stop penalizing people that renovate or upgrade their homesteaded property, this could be based on years lived there. If you make some improvements, you get a re-appraisal by the property appraiser and your property taxes shoot through the roof. Raising sales tax just moves tax from one place to another. We need to focus on tax reform, but elimination would scale back many of the services, offerings and functions that make Boca Raton the best place to live and raise a family.
What most distinguishes you from your opponent(s)?
I am neither a politician nor on the Planning and Zoning Board. I have no ties to developers, and I will never take developer money. I am a native resident that wants to change the direction our city is moving in. I believe our residents have the right to determine the fate of public land by a referendum vote. I would like to see this reflected in an ordinance and the city charter. I will not be catering to developers over our residents. Our council (past and current) and Planning & Zoning Board have forgotten the residents and the impact we are feeling due to their leniencies on approvals, variances, zoning changes and more. Residents are the city’s largest asset and their voices should be heard. I want transparency and notifications increased. Project approval notifications are severely lacking and I will see that this is improved. This is not a political stepping stone for me or another political seat to warm. I am a native resident, watching the destruction of
my hometown. I am up against two men that have helped it occur, and I intend to fight to bring it back. If we don’t elect some sensible people to our council and turn this town around, we will be Fort Lauderdale and then Miami and will current residents stay or go? Our city is a gem and can still be saved. Saving means many things. We are at a crossroads. If we don’t turn in the right direction, our Boca Raton will be gone. Putting either of my opponents on the council defeats the
purpose of any real change. Boca Raton is worth fighting for. Please join me in saving our city and vote on March 10th.
List in reverse chronological order, starting with most recent, colleges and universities attended with years of attendance and degrees held.
Auburn University, Auburn, AL 1991 – 1998 Pharm.D. (Doctor of Pharmacy)
Palm Beach Community College (now Palm Beach State College) Boca Raton, FL 1990 – 1991 (part time) – no degree
List in reverse the chronological order your work history for the past 10 years.
Boca Raton Regional Hospital (Baptist) 2011 – 2023
Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details and disposition.
No.
Have you ever been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
No.
Questionnaire: Bernard Korn, candidate for Boca Raton City Council Seat A
Name: Bernard Korn
Office sought: Boca Raton City Council Seat A
Campaign website: www.electbernardkorn.com
Date, Place of birth: 1954, Manhatten, NY
Generally speaking, is Boca Raton on the right track or the wrong track, and why?
WRONG TRACK: Current Council Members and most Current Candidates controlled by Builders, Developers, Political Action Committees, Lobbyists and Special Interest Groups. See their Financial Contribution Lists on http://www.myboca.us (NOT LEADERS BUT PUPPETS ON A STRING)
How will you vote on ballot question No. 1, and why? (police headquarters, public safety improvements)
I genuinely support the police and first responders. The Current Council Members and Members of the Planning & Zoning Board failed to maintain our City Hall and Police Department. An investigation and Audit are in order. A better plan is needed by a New City Council and New Planning Board Members.
How will you vote on ballot question No. 2, and why? (Lease of downtown land, public improvements, Memorial Park)
A no vote.
The City Campus Project was poorly designed with absurd Financial Projections.
Are you satisfied that the ballot language approved by the City Council accurately reflects the details of the ballot questions?
Absolutely Not. Manipulated by City Council Members.
The Florida Legislature is considering proposals to reduce or eliminate property taxes. Do you agree the taxes are too high, and what tax cut proposals do you support?
Yes, Boca Raton city taxes are too high.The incompetent City Council Members are not capable of financial budgets. A New COUNCIL TEAM is needed. We need to cut wasteful spending.
What most distinguishes you from your opponent(s)?
American Leader & Patriot, Trained and Certified Whistle Blower. (infragard.fbi.gov)
Licensed Real Estate Property Manager & Instructor. Expert in Urban Planning, Residential & Commercial Zoning Laws including, Statues, Rules and Regulations.
FICO 8 CREDIT SCORE: MAXIMUM SCORE is 850. BERNARD KORN CURRENT SCORE is 850
Chairman of Undiscovered Properties Finance & Loan Company. My Specialty is Large Scale Real Estate Development Projects throughout the world.
List in reverse chronological order, starting with most recent, colleges and universities attended with years of attendance and degrees held.
BROOKLYN COLLEGE: BACHELORS (4 YR) DEGREE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & FINANCE
List in reverse the chronological order your work history for the past 10 years.
Founder and Chairman of the United States Franchise association
Licensed Residential Real Estate Broker & Instructor
Licensed Commercial Real Estate Broker & Instructor (www.brevitas.com)
Chairman of Travel Lines Express, International Hospitality Franchise Company
Co-founder Empowering Single Mothers Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity
Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details and disposition.
NEVER
Have you ever been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
NEVER
Parkland community marks eight years since Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy | PHOTOS
Show Caption1 of 16During the Eagles’ Haven 8th Commemoration of the Parkland Tragedy, families and friends take part in a dove release ceremony on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The Forever in Our Hearts Commemoration recognizing the 17 victims of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)ExpandThe Parkland and surrounding communities gathered Saturday at Eagles’ Haven to mark the eighth anniversary of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The “Forever in Our Hearts” commemoration included a candle lighting and a dove release to honor the 17 students and staff members lost on Feb. 14, 2018. The photo gallery captures moments of reflection from the memorial service, which brought together families of the victims, survivors, and local residents for a day of remembrance and unity.
Questionnaire: Christen Ritchey, candidate for Boca Raton City Council Seat A
Name: Christen Ritchey
Office sought: Boca Raton City Council, Seat A
Campaign website: www.christenritchey.com
Date, place of birth: 12/29/1979 in Louisville, KY
Generally speaking, is Boca Raton on the right track or the wrong track, and why?
Boca Raton is generally on the right track, although we are not immune to issues created by Washington and Tallahassee. The city continues to provide strong public safety, high-quality parks, and a stable economic environment that supports property values and local businesses. However, residents are increasingly concerned about traffic, flooding, infrastructure capacity, and maintaining neighborhood character. Thoughtful planning, transparent decision-making, and continued investment in infrastructure will be essential to ensuring the city stays on a positive path. And most importantly, having the revenue and action-oriented approach needed to get results and a responsible timeline.
How will you vote on ballot question No. 1, and why? (Police headquarters, public safety improvements)
I am voting yes on ballot question No. 1. Investing in public safety infrastructure is a core responsibility of local government. Doing so will ensure our police department has modern facilities and resources helps maintain safety, supports recruitment and retention, and protects quality of life for residents. The main police station should be centrally located and enhanced to support the increased number of residents since the current station was built in 1988.
How will you vote on ballot question No. 2, and why? (Lease of downtown land, public improvements, Memorial Park)
The revised plan is responsive to what the community has demanded, but the public vote is critical in having the final say. As long as the project remains transparent and fiscally responsible, I believe strategic public-private partnerships can enhance public spaces, create long-term community benefits, and improve downtown amenities while preserving important civic areas like Memorial Park. I will vote yes.
Are you satisfied that the ballot language approved by the City Council accurately reflects the details of the ballot questions?
I believe the ballot language reflects the general intent of the questions, but I also support continued transparency and public education so residents clearly understand the scope, costs, and long-term impact of each proposal before voting. I think the language could be written better with the financial benefits included, but that is probably true of most ballot questions.
The Florida Legislature is considering proposals to reduce or eliminate property taxes. Do you agree the taxes are too high, and what tax cut proposals do you support?
Boca Raton, for the services we receive, has struck a reasonable balance on taxes. Remember, less than 25% of your tax bill is for the city, the rest is for the school district, county, and special districts. Property taxes are a concern for all residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. At the same time, these revenues fund essential services like police, fire, parks, and infrastructure. I support thoughtful, responsible tax relief that does not undermine public safety or city services. Any changes should be balanced, data-driven, and sustainable over the long term.
What most distinguishes you from your opponent(s)?
I have simply been much more involved in our community, with a far more positive approach. First, my experience serving the city from the Community Advisory Panel, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and Boca Raton’s Planning & Zoning Board give me direct insight into how city policy affects neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality of life.
Second, as a family law attorney and mediator I approach leadership with transparency, professionalism, and a commitment to listening and building consensus. Finally, I am not hyper-focused on one singular issue as my opponent is. I have a well-rounded view of what the City needs going forward.
List in reverse chronological order, starting with most recent, colleges and universities attended with years of attendance and degrees held.
University of Florida Levin College of Law — Juris Doctor
University of Florida — Bachelor of Science
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 10 years.
Johnson Ritchey Family Law, Co-Founder/Family Law Attorney — 2014 to the Present
Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details and disposition.
No.
Have you ever been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
No.
Today in History: February 14, Gang members gunned down in ‘St. Valentine’s Day Massacre’
Today is Saturday, Feb. 14, the 45th day of 2026. There are 320 days left in the year. This is Valentine’s Day.
Today in history:On Feb. 14, 1929, the “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” took place in a Chicago garage as seven rivals of Al Capone’s gang were gunned down.
Also on this date:In 1779, English explorer James Cook was killed on the island of Hawai’i during a confrontation after Cook’s attempt to kidnap Hawaiian monarch Kalaniʻōpuʻu as leverage to recover a boat stolen from one of Cook’s ships.
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In 1876, inventors Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray applied separately for patents related to the telephone. (The U.S. Supreme Court eventually ruled Bell the rightful inventor.)
In 1984, 6-year-old Stormie Jones became the world’s first heart-liver transplant recipient when the surgery was performed at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The girl died in 1990 at age 13.
In 1989, Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa calling on Muslims to kill Salman Rushdie, author of “The Satanic Verses,” a novel the ayatollah condemned as blasphemous against Islam.
In 2013, double-amputee Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, at his home in Pretoria, South Africa, saying he mistook her for an intruder; he was later convicted of murder and served nearly nine years of a sentence of 13 years and five months before being released from prison in January 2024.
In 2017, a former store clerk, Pedro Hernandez, was convicted in New York of murder in one of the nation’s most haunting missing-child cases, nearly 38 years after 6-year-old Etan Patz (AY’-tahn payts) disappeared while on the way to a school bus stop.
In 2018, a former student opened fire with a semiautomatic rifle at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people in the nation’s deadliest school shooting since the Sandy Hook Elementary School attack in Newtown, Connecticut, more than five years earlier. (Nikolas Cruz pleaded guilty to murder in October 2021 and was later sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)
In 2023, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that more than 35,000 people died in Turkey as a result of an earthquake on Feb. 6, making it the deadliest such disaster since the country’s founding 100 years earlier. (The combined death toll in Turkey and neighboring Syria would surpass 50,000 people).
Today’s birthdays:- Former New York City mayor and businessman Michael Bloomberg is 84.
- Saxophonist Maceo Parker is 83.
- Journalist Carl Bernstein is 82.
- Magician Teller (Penn and Teller) is 78.
- Opera singer Renée Fleming is 67.
- Actor Meg Tilly is 66.
- Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly is 66.
- Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio is 59.
- Actor Simon Pegg is 56.
- Rock singer Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty) is 54.
- Former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe is 54.
- Actor Danai Gurira is 48.
- Actor Freddie Highmore is 34.
- Actor Madison Iseman is 29.
Somerset Canyons boys soccer rallies by defending titlist American Heritage-Delray in PKs
BOYNTON BEACH — Somerset Canyons sophomore goalkeeper Jayden Rios didn’t play in Friday night’s 3A boys regional title game against defending state champion American Heritage-Delray until the final 1 minute, 45 seconds of the second overtime.
It was by design, as he and fellow sophomore goalie Massimo Valdepenas had split time for much of the season. Cougars soccer coach Eric De Sousa had committed to playing Rios in a penalty kick shootout to advance to the first final four appearance in school history.
“Massimo is a great keeper,” said Rios, who also had a penalty-kicks win last season. “Honestly, the save doesn’t compare to anything. Everybody was cheering the team and me on. This is the best.”
Rios, who didn’t touch the ball at all during overtime, got fingertips on three of the Stallions’ six penalty kicks in the shootout, but smothered the final shot by Oliver Pierro as Somerset Canyons stunned defending state champion American Heritage-Delray 3-2 (6-5 PKs) on Friday night.
“We knew Massimo was going to play this game,” De Sousa said. “We gave Rios the district championship final. We knew if it went to (penalty kicks), Rios was our guy.”
Mateo Kukcuoglu gave American Heritage-Delray (12-6) a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute, but Juan Casillas equalized for the Cougars on a penalty kick with a little less than four minutes remaining in regulation.
The Stallions’ Michael Harris blasted home a goal just three minutes into the first overtime before Kingston Alexis saw to it that the game went an additional 20 minutes of overtime when he scored off a brilliant left-footed cross from Emmanuel Colmenares with a little more than four minutes remaining for Somerset Canyons.
“Man, I just had to figure out my movement and get by two defenders,” Alexis said. “I don’t remember much. I just went crazy. Last year, we couldn’t go, so we wanted to do it right here on our field.
“We did this for the girls, too,” Alexis said after the defending state champion Cougars girls lost in PKs in a similar fashion to North Broward Prep just hours earlier. “They gave us motivation because we didn’t want to lose out here, too. We did it for them because it is a whole family out here.”
The Cougars (15-2-2) face Santa Fe (14-4-3) in the 3A state semifinal at Lake Myrtle Sport Complex in Auburndale on Thursday at 4 p.m. Top-seeded Downtown Doral (17-1-3) plays Cocoa Beach (16-7-1) in the other semifinal at 7 p.m.
De Sousa said the team was committed to earning a higher seed this year than American Heritage-Delray after losing the regional final last year as the visitor.
“It was a roller-coaster ride,” De Sousa said. “We wanted to play them on our field, in front of our fans. It was the same way in the district final (a 2-1 loss): we were down, came back, tied it, and then they won in the last minute.
“We knew we had to be resilient today,” he added. “They are going to make a movie someday about American Heritage and us. It is a classic. We weren’t going to change tactics, and for a freshman (Angel Morales) to make his kick at the end was incredible.”
Morales said he just started taking more penalty kicks this season, his first in high school and for his club.
“I was just blurring everything out as I was walking up to take the penalty kick,” Morales said. “I just focused, picked a side, and made it. I am happy for my team, and I believe we can win (state).”
American Heritage-Delray coach Victor Sanchez credited Somerset Canyons with being a “resilient bunch of boys.”
“They were down, and they battled through,” Sanchez said. “It’s tough. Our boys were resilient as well. There were some definite lows in the game for us, but I think we did an amazing job.
“I felt pretty confident going into the PKs, but things just didn’t fall our way,” he added. “For these boys, it is about their journey, and my heart goes out to them. We battled injuries and adversity all year, and I am proud of them, but you have to give a lot of credit to Somerset.”
Regional finals
Friday
3A
1. Somerset Canyons def. 3. American Heritage-Delray 3-2 (PKs)
2A
1. Melbourne Holy Trinity def. 2. King’s Academy 3-2 (PKs)
1A
1. Miami BridgePrep def. 3. Highlands Christian 3-1
According to FHSAA.com
Tuesday at 7 p.m. unless noted
7A
3. Columbus at 1. Cypress Bay
6A
3. Monarch at 1. St. Thomas Aquinas
5A
7. Dr. Joaquin Garcia at 4. Pembroke Pines Charter
4A
4. Mater Lakes at 2. American Heritage
State semifinals
In Auburndale
3A
Somerset Canyons vs. Santa Fe, Thursday, 4 p.m.
Munoz, North Broward Prep stun defending state champ Somerset Canyons in 3A girls soccer regional final
BOYNTON BEACH — Ella Munoz has been a multisport star at North Broward Prep since she was in the sixth grade.
The senior defender’s star never shone brighter than Friday night as her goal with a little over a minute left in the second overtime tied the game, and her game-sealing penalty kick in the shootout lifted the visiting Eagles (19-1-3) to a come-from-behind victory over the defending state champion Somerset Canyons 2-1 (4-2 PKs) in the 3A regional championship.
“I normally play defense and don’t really get a chance to shoot,” said Munoz, a multi-time Sun Sentinel All-County first-team selection for both soccer and track and field. “I can’t believe I scored. It was crazy to have the girls celebrate with me twice. … We have unfinished business (at state).”
North Broward Prep senior Ella Munoz celebrates after scoring the game-tying goal in the closing minute to force overtime in the Class 3A girls soccer regional championship game on Friday night. Munoz also scored the game-sealing penalty kick in the shootout as the visiting Eagles took down defending state champion Somerset Canyons, 2-1 (4-2 PKs). (Gary Curreri/Contributor)Munoz, whose only other trip to the state tournament came as an eighth grader when the team fell to Benjamin 4-2 in the state semifinal, will get another shot at a state championship as the No. 25-ranked Eagles face rival Cardinal Gibbons (20-0-2) at Lake Lytal Soccer Park in Auburndale on Thursday at 10 a.m.
The teams tied 1-1 on Nov. 6.
North Broward Prep has won 17 straight since a 2-1 loss to University School, including two wins over Somerset (14-3-1). The only other blemish on the Cardinal Gibbons’ record has been a 1-1 draw with Archbishop McCarthy in mid-November.
“They are an unbelievable team, unbelievably coached, and I wish them the best,” said Somerset Canyons coach Oscar Narvaez, whose only other loss was a 3-1 setback to Lourdes Academy. “It was a state championship atmosphere, and in the last minute, they stepped up. Ella Munoz is a helluva kid and a great player.”
Somerset Canyons, ranked 17th in the country by MaxPreps, had the Eagles on their heels most of the night, holding a 13-4 shot advantage.
North Broward Prep senior Lila Brown, right, battles Somerset Canyons senior Natalie Bruno in the Class 3A girls soccer regional championship game on Friday night. The visiting Eagles took down defending state champion Somerset Canyons, 2-1 (4-2 PKs). (Gary Curreri/Contributor)The Cougars grabbed a 1-0 lead when senior midfielder and FAU signee Sephora Joachim found senior midfielder and Kennesaw State signee Natalie Bruno at the top of the penalty area, where she spun to her right and rifled a shot just past the outstretched arms of Eagles’ senior goalkeeper Zoie Brown.
As she did in the district championship win, Brown was called on to make several key saves. She turned away two shots by Bruno and Joachim in the first half and then made two saves in the penalty kick shootout. The Eagles converted all four of their penalty kicks in the shootout, by Lila Brown, Sienna Lopez, Kaiden O’Neill and Munoz.
Brown, who was teammates with Joachim in winning a national championship for Team Boca, said she tried to recall where Joachim favored in the shootout.
“Since the eighth grade, we wanted this to go full circle,” Brown said. “We worked so hard all season for this. I thought she would go right. I went with my gut. Winning a national title and going back to state in my senior year is about the same level.”
Trailing 1-0 with three minutes to go in the second overtime, North Broward Prep coach Tricia Amrhein pushed Munoz forward from her center back position. The decision was rewarded less than two minutes later on a 30-yard curling shot to the far post past Somerset Canyons senior goalkeeper Mia Castano.
Somerset Canyons senior Natalie Bruno brings the ball upfield as North Broward Prep senior Isabella Cancelier, left, and senior Sophia Souza defend in the Class 3A girls soccer regional championship game on Friday night. The visiting Eagles took down defending state champion Somerset Canyons, 2-1 (4-2 PKs). (Gary Curreri/Contributor)“I told Ella to go up and play high and do what she can do,” Amrhein said. “And she put it in the back of the net. I know whenever Ella is involved in a play, something good is going to happen, and I knew once we went to PKs with Zoie that we would win it. If there was a group that I wanted it for, it was them.”
Somerset Canyons played without its leading scorer, Alexia Hansen, who was recently called in for the United States U17 National team training. Hansen was the co-Sun Sentinel 4A-1A player of the year last season and is an LSU commit.
Regional finals
Friday
3A
2. North Broward Prep def. 1. Somerset Canyons 2-1 (PKs)
1. Cardinal Gibbons def. 6. Immaculata-La Salle 3-1
2A
1. King’s Academy def. 3. Edgewood 1-0
1A
1. Berean Christian def. 2. South Florida HEAT 3-2
Tuesday at 7 p.m. unless noted
According to FHSAA.com
7A
2. Jupiter at 1. Lake Nona, 6 p.m.
2. Wellington at 1. Cypress Bay, 5 p.m.
6A
3. Cooper City at 1. St. Thomas Aquinas
5A
3. Pembroke Pines Charter at 1. Miami Lourdes Academy
4A
2. Somerset Academy at 1. American Heritage
State semifinals
In Auburndale
3A
North Broward Prep vs. Cardinal Gibbons, Thursday, 10 a.m.
2A
King’s Academy vs. Lakeland Christian, Tuesday, 10 a.m.
1A
Berean Christian vs. Canterbury, Friday, 10 a.m.
Ciscar, Sosa lead Hurricanes baseball to season-opening rout
CORAL GABLES — A combination of newcomers and returning standouts led Miami to a 13-2 season-opening victory over Lehigh at Mark Light Field on Friday night.
“We’re still undefeated, right?” UM coach JD Arteaga said. “We’re 1 and 0, so that’s a good way to start the season.”
Sophomore starting pitcher AJ Ciscar tossed five innings of one-run ball in the victory, and Miami got big hits from new catcher Alex Sosa and returning designated hitter Max Galvin.
After working a pair of relatively clean innings, Ciscar found himself in trouble in the third inning. Two infield singles and a hit by pitch loaded the bases for Lehigh with two outs, and Lehigh then scored the game’s first run on an error by star third baseman Daniel Cuvet. Ciscar got the next batter to fly out to limit the damage.
Miami struck back immediately, though. After Lehigh starter Liam O’Hearen walked the first two batters of the third inning, the Mountain Hawks turned to reliever David Andolina, who promptly surrendered a two-run double to Galvin.
The Hurricanes kept pouring it on. Sosa, a transfer catcher from N.C. State, launched a three-run home run to right-center field to extend UM’s lead to 5-1. Fabio Peralta drove in a run with a single to push UM ahead 6-1.
“All preseason, all fall, the second I committed, I talked about, as a kid, coming to these games, watching Zack Collins hit him into the parking garage,” Sosa said. “And for me to get that away on the first one, that’s definitely super cool, and I’ll remember it forever.”
Although Ciscar got into trouble early in the game, he settled down in his last few frames. He finished his first start of the year with five hits allowed and seven strikeouts over five innings.
“He gave up a lot of soft-contact singles,” Arteaga said. ” … They might not be errors, but we’ve got to make plays, and we’ve got to get outs theres. So I think if one hit out into the outfield, however many hits he gave up. But he pitched well around the zone. Got a little cutter he’s been working on that that he got some outs on and some bad swings on, so we’re excited about that.”
After Ciscar came out of the game, Lehigh center fielder Dom Patrizi cut Miami’s lead to four runs with an RBI single against reliever Brixton Logren in the sixth inning.
Miami’s offense burst again in the bottom of the eighth inning. Shortstop Jake Ogden tacked on a run with an RBI triple, and Galvin picked up his third RBI with an infield single that scored Ogden. Sosa drove in his fourth run of the night to make it 9-2. Derek Williams added another RBI single to make it 10-2. Cian Copeland, making his Miami debut, drove in two more runs with a double in his first Hurricane at-bat. Jailen Watkins, making his freshman debut, drove in a run with a single, as well, to make it 13-2.
Miami faces Lehigh in the second game of the series at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
“Obviously, a win’s a win,” Sosa said. “Tomorrow, this win doesn’t matter. So to be able to bounce back and go right into it, that’s the most important thing. I guess the performance was cool up until the game ended, and then it really is a reset because any team can go out there the next day and get you. So we’ve got to prevent that from happening.”
Wellington’s Ciriaco takes home a second and fourth in state girls weightlifting
Wellington junior Amelia Ciriaco placed second in the 3A Olympic category and fourth in the traditional competition in the 119-pound weight class to earn two medals at the FHSAA girls weightlifting state championship at RP Funding Center in Lakeland from Wednesday through Friday.
The Olympic category consisted of the combined total of the clean-and-jerk and snatch. The traditional competition included the total of the bench press and clean-and-jerk.
Ciriaco recorded a 175 in the clean-and-jerk and 135 in the snatch for a 310 total in the Olympic competition. She also finished with a 145 in the bench press for a 320 total in traditional.
“I felt very accomplished with my performance,” Ciriaco said. “It was very nerve-wracking knowing that I could’ve placed as the state runner-up. It was very important to me to stay calm and keep my focus. My performance at states was one of the best I’ve put out as an athlete.”
Ciriaco placed first in both the Olympic and traditional categories at the regional championship earlier in the season.
Wellington senior Danielle Newell (110 pounds) finished third in traditional with a 285 total and fifth in Olympic with a 265 total while teammate Audrey DellaVecchia (129) placed 10th in traditional.
Wellington placed eighth in both the traditional and Olympic competitions in the 3A state championship.
“I’m so proud of how hard Amelia worked throughout the year to finish strong in a stressful environment,” Wellington coach Peter Callovi said. “Amelia and Danielle both competed so well to earn their medals to cap a championship season for the team.”
Dwyer’s McClean earns 3A Olympic runner-upDwyer senior Ianna McClean (129) placed second in the 3A Olympic category with a 335 total. She registered a 190 in the clean-and-jerk and 145 in the snatch. McClean placed ninth in the traditional competition with a 295 total.
Palm Beach Central senior Kimberly Berg (199) earned fourth in Olympic with a 370 total and placed fifth in traditional with a 410 total.
Park Vista senior Jayda Bell (110) placed fifth in traditional while Seminole Ridge’s Carrie Didio (183) placed seventh in traditional.
Pace captured the 3A championship in both the traditional and Olympic events.
St. John Paul II’s Hardy shines in 1ASt. John Paul II junior Faith Hardy (199) placed sixth in both traditional and Olympic at the 1A championship.
Oxbridge Academy’s Sienna Burroughs (101) placed fifth in Olympic and 10th in traditional. Pine Crest’s Cat Farrell (101) placed sixth in Olympic while teammate Maddie Lemieux (101) placed seventh in traditional.
King’s Academy’s Sasha Cousins (154) placed fifth in traditional while teammates Ashlyn Martin (139) placed eighth and T’Nesha Rasmussen (183) finished 10th.
Wewahitchka placed first in both traditional and Olympic at the 1A championship.
Boynton Beach has top performers in 2ABoynton Beach’s Taikha Jean-Claude (199) placed seventh in the Olympic event at the 2A championship while teammate Clairisha Charles (169) finished ninth in the Olympic category.
Dr. Joaquin Garcia’s Keira Fritz (129) placed 10th in traditional while Atlantic’s Keymaya Louis (183) finished 10th in the Olympic event.
River Ridge won the 2A championship in traditional while Braden River captured the Olympic title.
Immigration officials plan to spend $38.3 billion to boost detention capacity to 92,000 beds
By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH
Federal immigration officials plan to spend $38.3 billion to boost detention capacity to 92,600 beds, a document released Friday shows, as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement quietly purchases warehouses to turn into detention and processing facilities.
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Republican New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte posted the document online amid tension over ICE’s plans to convert a warehouse in Merrimack into a 500-bed processing center.
It said ICE plans 16 regional processing centers with a population of 1,000 to 1,500 detainees, whose stays would average three to seven days. Another eight large-scale detention centers would be capable of housing 7,000 to 10,000 detainees for periods averaging less than 60 days.
The document also refers to the acquisition of 10 existing “turnkey” facilities.
Plans call for all of them to be up and running by November as immigration officials roll out a massive $45 billion expansion of detention facilities financed by President Donald Trump’s recent tax-cutting law.
More than 75,000 immigrants were being detained by ICE as of mid-January, up from 40,000 when Trump took office a year earlier, according to federal data released last week.
The newly released document refers to “non-traditional facilities” and comes as ICE has quietly bought at least seven warehouses — some larger than 1 million square feet — in the past few weeks in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Warehouse purchases in six cities were scuttled when buyers decided not to sell under pressure from activists. Several other deals in places like New York are imminent, however.
City officials are frequently unable to get details from ICE until a property sale is finalized.
Tensions boiled to the surface after interim ICE Director Todd Lyons testified Thursday that the Department of Homeland Security “has worked with Gov. Ayotte” and provided her with an economic impact summary.
Ayotte said that assertion was “simply not true” and the summary was sent hours after Lyons testified.
The document mistakenly refers to the “ripple effects to the Oklahoma economy” and revenue generated by state sales and income taxes, neither of which exist in New Hampshire.
“Director Lyons’ comments today are another example of the troubling pattern of issues with this process,” Ayotte said. “Officials from the Department of Homeland Security continue to provide zero details of their plans for Merrimack, never mind providing any reports or surveys.”
DHS did not respond to questions about Ayotte’s comments or the new document. But it previously confirmed that it was looking for more detention space, although it objected to calling the sites “warehouses,” saying in a statement that they would be “very well structured detention facilities meeting our regular detention standards.”
Associated Press writer Holly Ramer contributed.
