News
Parents arrested in case of social media model charged with killing boyfriend
MIAMI — The parents of a social media model charged with fatally stabbing her live-in boyfriend in South Florida have been arrested in Texas on charges related to the case, jail records show.
Deborah Lyn Clenney, 57, and Kim Dewayne Clenney, 60, were taken into custody Tuesday in Austin, Texas, on an out-of-state warrant, according to the records. A Miami-Dade circuit judge had signed arrest warrants for the couple last week, charging them each with a felony count of unauthorized access to a computer.
Their daughter, 27-year-old Courtney Clenney, faces the same new charge. Jail records show she’s been held without bond on a second-degree murder charge since August 2022.
Clenney, who had used the name Courtney Tailor on such platforms as Instagram and OnlyFans, fatally stabbed Christian Obumseli at the couple’s Miami apartment in April 2022 as the culmination of a “tempestuous and combative relationship” that began in November 2020, prosecutors said previously.
Clenney has acknowledged killing Obumseli but said she was acting in self-defense. Her attorney, Frank Prieto, previously said that Obumseli was regularly abusive.
Clenney previously told investigators that Obumseli had pushed her and thrown her to the floor, which prompted her to grab a knife and throw it at Obumseli from about 10 feet (3 meters) away. The medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Obumseli said his wound could not have been caused by a knife thrown from that distance.
Clenney was arrested in Hawaii several days after the stabbing, but investigators believe she gave Obumseli’s computer to her parents some time between the killing and her arrest. According to the arrest warrants, detectives recovered text messages where the parents discuss trying to gain access to the computer.
Jail records didn’t list attorneys for Clenney’s parents, and her attorney didn’t respond to new messages seeking comment from The Associated Press.
Two arrested in connection with shootout that injured 3 in Pompano Beach
Two men have been arrested in connection with a shootout in Pompano Beach in December that injured three men, including one of the suspects.
Fred Vilbrun, 21, of Pompano Beach, was arrested on Jan. 19. He faces one count of attempted murder, one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and two counts of probation violation from past drug-related cases, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Wednesday.
Jamiel Willis, 18, of Deerfield Beach, was arrested Monday and faces one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Willis and Vilbrun were among a group of five people who approached one of the victims outside of the Community Food Store in the area of 1750 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. about 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6, according to a probable cause affidavit for Willis’s arrest.
Known for decades as the “Ugly Corner,” police established a “special problems tactical unit” at an outreach center in an attempt to reduce the area’s crime-ridden notoriety. Rapper Kodak Black, a Pompano Beach native, has referenced the 1800 block and “Ugly Corner” in several of his songs.
Willis is a known member of the “1800 BLK Boyz” gang, according to the affidavit, who goes by the street name “X-man.” Additional details about Vilburn’s alleged involvement were not included in the warrant for his arrest available in online court records.
Fred Vilbrun, 21, of Pompano Beach, shown at left; and Jamiel Willis, 18, of Deerfield Beach, shown at right; were arrested in January in connection with a shooting in Pompano Beach on Dec. 6, 2023. (Courtesy/Broward Sheriff’s Office)One of the victims’ girlfriend was buying food at a business in the plaza while he was talking to a friend. Willis, Vilbrun and others allegedly approached him and offered to sell him marijuana and a verbal argument ensued, according to the affidavit.
As the man walked away from the group of men, several of the group lifted their shirts to reveal guns in their waistbands, the affidavit said. One said, “I’m finna do it.”
The man, whose name is redacted in the affidavit, then took out his own gun and shot at the other men, the affidavit said. The group of men fired back. The shootout was recorded by surveillance cameras.
The man was shot in the calf. His girlfriend drove him to Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale.
Two unidentified men drove Willis to Broward Health North. He had a gunshot wound underneath his arm and on the left side of his chest, a bruised lung and a broken sternum, according to the affidavit.
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue took a bystander who was hit by a stray bullet while he was shopping at the food store to Broward Health North with a gunshot wound to the hip, the affidavit said.
Detectives found at the scene 20 spent bullets, according to the affidavit.
A detective met with Willis at the hospital, and he refused to give information about what happened, according to the affidavit. The clothes he had with him at the hospital matched what one of the suspects was wearing in the surveillance camera.
A Pompano Beach Crime Suppression Team detective identified Vilbrun as another one of the suspects in the video, the affidavit said.
The Sheriff’s Office said its investigation is still ongoing. It did not say whether the three others allegedly involved in the shooting will face charges or release their identities in the news release.
FSU has turned former ACC commissioner John Swofford’s son into Hunter Biden | Commentary
Running off at the typewriter …
Florida State University has taken off the gloves in its down-in-the-dirt legal battle to get out of the ACC. Not only are the Seminoles going after the ACC; they are dredging up nepotism charges from more than a decade ago regarding former longtime ACC commissioner John Swofford.
Mover over, Joe Biden and Hunter Biden. The Seminoles in an amended legal filing earlier this week alleged that Swofford cost member schools millions of dollars by acting in the best interest of his son and his son’s company — television partner Raycom Sports.
According to the complaint, Chad Swofford — John’s son — was director of business development at Raycom Sports in 2008 when the Southeastern Conference sold all of its media rights to ESPN and cut Raycom out of its TV deal. This apparently put Raycom on shaky financial footing.
Two years later, when the ACC’s TV deal came up for bid in 2010, FSU alleges that John Swofford “cajoled” ESPN into including Raycom in the ACC’s TV package. As a result, according to FSU’s complaint, Chad Swofford got a big promotion at Raycom.
This is FSU’s side of the story and I don’t how factual it actually is, but I do know this: Nepotism and cronyism have always run rampant in the good-ol’-boy world of college sports. Just ask Seminole fans about legendary coach Bobby Bowden promoting his son Jeff to offensive coordinator — an ill-advised move that was the beginning of the end of Bobby’s tenure at FSU. When Bobby was finally forced by the school’s administration to fire Jeff, at Bobby’s behest FSU gifted Jeff a $500,000 exit bonus even though his contract had expired.
Merry Christmas!
But I digress.
The charges of nepotism against Swofford and his son are certainly juicy, but there are still these obvious legal questions: Why wasn’t FSU complaining about this 14 years ago when everybody knew Swofford’s son worked at Raycom back in 2010? And why has FSU signed off on two separate ACC grant of (media) rights contracts since then?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m rooting for the Seminoles to get out of the ACC and I certainly understand why they desperately want out of the league, which in hindsight signed a bad TV deal in 2016. At the time, though, FSU and every other school in the conference were all smiles, thinking they were getting ready to launch the ACC Network while signing a a lucrative long-term TV deal with ESPN through 2036.
Anybody who has ever dabbled in the stock market knows the buyer’s remorse FSU is now going through. Remember that tech stock you bought in the early 2000s? You thought you were going to be a millionaire, but (sigh) the stock ended up being a dog with fleas.
It sounds like that’s what FSU and all the other ACC schools did in 2016.
They bought stock in the ACC, the market shifted and now they’re losing their shorts.
I just don’t know if you can blame that on John Swofford’s son. …
Short stuff: Did you see where BYU made students take off T-shirts that spelled out “Horns Down” when Texas played the Cougars last weekend because — boo-hoo-hoo — it was offensive to the Snowflakes, er, Longhorns. Coming soon: Bevo is replaced as the Texas mascot by an emotional-support French Poodle. … Speaking of mascots, Gainesville Sun columnist David Whitley on the passing of former Georgia canine character Uga X: “The retired Georgia mascot entered the eternal transfer portal last week at age 10. The way NIL and the portal are going, I half-expect Albert the Alligator to put on a red sweater and transfer to Georgia.” … It’s kind of funny to hear Doc Rivers preaching patience after taking over as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week. Um, Doc, you took over a team that fired Adrian Griffin after he went 30-13 just 43 games into his first season as a head coach. If you want patience, then try fishing; not coaching one of the NBA’s best teams. …
It’s maddening to hear the talking heads and the clanging cymbals on social media who say things like, “I don’t care what the analytics say, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is a moron for forgoing two field goal attempts to go for it on fourth down.” Translation: “I don’t care about the facts; my opinion is all that matters.” Sadly, I guess it’s just typical of today’s blathering, bloviating world, where people care more about their own misguided viewpoints than what science says. The Lions were 15 of 20 (75%) at converting 4th-and-3 or fewer in the regular season whereas their shaky kicker Michael Badgley is 9 of 20 (45%) in his career from 48 yards or longer. In other words, Campbell’s not an idiot; his critics are! … Tennessee gets nabbed for allegedly committing NIL violations earlier this week and the state’s grandstanding attorney general immediately files a lawsuit against the NCAA. Is there anything more pathetic than pandering, jock-sniffing politicians? I think not. …
Fellow Orlandoans, if you’re looking for a team to root for in the Super Bowl, did you know San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy’s father, Shawn, was once a baseball player at St. Cloud High School, Valencia Community College and the University of Miami? … With the Olympic Marathon Trials on the streets of downtown Orlando Saturday, did you hear about the marathon runner who ended up in jail? He was resisting a rest. … The television audiences for the NFL playoffs and last Sunday’s conference championship games are the highest on record going back to 1988. Don’t act like Taylor Swift hasn’t had something to do with it. … Because NFL teams won’t hire 72-year-old Bill Belichick because he’s too old, then maybe he should run for president. Compared to Donald Trump and Biden, Belichick is Justin Bieber. … Why does perennial knucklehead Kadarius Toney still have a job in the NFL? …
Last word: With Feb. 1 being National Freedom Day, let us always remember the words of the great Eleanor Roosevelt: “True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth.”
Email me at mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com. Hit me up on X (formerly Twitter) @BianchiWrites and listen to my Open Mike radio show every weekday from 6 to 9:30 a.m. on FM 96.9, AM 740 and 969TheGame.com/listen
UCF coach Gus Malzahn needs to make up his mind about calling plays | Commentary
Head coach Gus Malzahn created quite a flood of discussion and debate a few days ago when he revealed that he will go back to being the chief offensive play-caller next season for UCF.
Personally, I don’t understand why there is so much debate about this. Malzahn, after all, has been one of the great offensive minds in college football over the last two decades.
However, I do have one question:
Why does he keep giving up the play-calling duties and then changing his mind?
I hearken back to something another renowned college football play-calling head coach, Steve Spurrier, once told me when I asked him why he was unlike so many other offensive-minded head coaches who cede the job of calling plays to an offensive coordinator?
“Why would I do that?” Spurrier replied. “Drawing up ball plays and calling them during the game is the fun part of the job. Besides, play-calling is the reason I got a chance to be a head coach in the first place.”
UCF coach Gus Malzahn gets animated with referees during a home game vs. Houston at FBC Mortgage Stadium last season. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)It’s the same for Malzahn. He was a high school coaching legend in Arkansas who would go on to become one of college football’s great offensive coordinators. Malzahn was one of the inventors of the hurry-up, no-huddle offense that has become all the rage today. Malzahn literally wrote the book on the up-tempo spread offense two decades ago.
However, Malzahn gave up the play-calling duties multiple times during his final years as the head coach at Auburn, and, quite frankly, it didn’t go well at all. When he took the job at UCF, he acknowledged that calling plays is what he is good at and what he loves, and he vowed he’d never, ever relinquish play-calling duties again.
Well, that lasted until a year ago when Malzahn decided to stop calling plays, in part, because he said he needed to focus on recruiting, the transfer portal, raising money for NIL and managing UCF’s roster.
Malzahn hired former UCF quarterback Darin Hinshaw as the offensive coordinator and play-caller before last season, but couldn’t even go the entire year without once again taking over as the main play-caller.
“About halfway through last year,” Malzahn admitted, “I felt I needed to be much more involved.”
Of course, he did, because that’s what Gus Malzahn does. He’s a play-caller and he’ll always be a play-caller.
I just wish he would make up his mind and quit waffling about it. If you’re going to call the plays then, by all means, call the plays. If you’re not then let somebody else do it.
It does seem a bit baffling that Malzahn is making this decision after a season in which UCF’s offense, under Hinshaw, was ranked eighth in the country (and second in the Big 12) in total offense. That’s the highest offensive ranking the team has had in Malzahn’s three seasons.
It’s also confusing to many fans that Malzahn now has three coaches on his staff who have “offensive coordinator” listed in their job title, and, yet, Malzahn is the one calling the plays. There’s newly hired offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr., who left the University of Miami and is now listed as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach. Meanwhile, Hinshaw (quarterbacks) and Herb Hand (offensive line) are listed as “co-offensive coordinator.”
Actually, this isn’t unusual in the wacky world of putting together a staff in college football. If a head coach wants to attract or retain good assistant coaches then he has to give the assistant some sort of official title. For instance, Florida State has a head coach (Mike Norvell), an associate head coach (Odell Haggins) and a deputy head coach (Chris Thomsen).
Harris, a former state championship-winning high school coach at Miami’s Booker T. Washington High School, is considered an excellent running backs coach, teacher of the game and recruiter in South Florida. To entice him to leave UM (his alma mater), Malzahn presumably had to offer Harris a hefty pay raise and the title of offensive coordinator.
If this is what it takes to get the best position coaches and recruiters on his staff then more power to Malzahn. As for Malzahn resuming play-calling duties, I never thought he should have given them up in the first place.
I also give UCF’s head coach tons of credit for taking full responsibility for last year’s 6-7 record — his first losing season as a college head coach — and shaking up his staff to make sure it never happens again.
“The bottom line is my job is to do whatever’s best for our team to win,” Malzahn says. “Going 6-7, that’s where it starts. You have to understand, I’ve been real fortunate, I’ve never had a losing season in my life. When you finally do that, you evaluate yourself as a head coach.
“I know how to win and last year was totally unacceptable,” he added. “This is a championship-type program. To have a losing record is unacceptable. You first evaluate yourself as a head coach, which I did, and then you make the proper adjustments so it won’t happen again. We’ll be better next year. I promise you that.”
The message is clear.
Malzahn is once again fully in charge of driving the Gus Bus.
Call the plays, Gus.
Keep calling the plays.
Don’t ever stop calling the plays.
It’s who you are.
It’s what you do.
Email me at mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com. Hit me up on X (formerly Twitter) @BianchiWrites and listen to my Open Mike radio show every weekday from 6 to 9:30 a.m. on FM 96.9, AM 740 and 969TheGame.com/listen
UM safety James Williams might be transitioning to outside linebacker at Senior Bowl; pass rusher Laiatu Latu stands out
MOBILE, Ala. — The transition continued on Tuesday for James Williams, the former University of Miami standout safety.
Williams, who will play for the American team against the National team in Saturday’s 1 p.m. Senior Bowl, practiced at outside linebacker the entire day at the Senior Bowl practice at the University of South Alabama.
“I’m adjusting to it,” said Williams, who, at 6 foot 4, 230 pounds had a team-best 73 tackles, two forced fumbles and fumble recovery this past season.
“I’m for sure adjusting to it. I’m new to it. Today was my first day fully in the box, so I had to really get my feet wet. Tomorrow I’m going to get better and prove myself.”
The Miami Dolphins, who are searching for a defensive coordinator, might need help at safety but it’s doubtful Williams would fit the bill for Miami at linebacker.
Playing outside linebacker is a transition that began at UM last season when Williams, the former Plantation American Heritage High standout, sometimes moved down to outside linebacker, requiring him to play in the box, the area about seven yards within the line of scrimmage.
ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has Williams, who projects as a second- or third-round pick, rated as the No. 8 safety prospect in the draft.
UM’s Kam Kinchens, who is also at the Senior Bowl, is the No. 2 safety prospect behind Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin.
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Whether Williams plays exclusively at outside linebacker the rest of this week remains to be seen, but he didn’t play any safety on Tuesday, and he said he’s excited to show coaches and scouts what he can do at his new position.
“It requires you to bring your heart, your toughness and show them you’ve got the grit, you’ve got the physicality to go in the box and show them you can play it,” he said.
Williams, who could develop into a hybrid safety/linebacker, said he thinks he knows how he projects in the NFL.
“I feel like I’d be (an athlete), a guy that moves around, plays half field, plays deep, plays in the box like I showed today, can play man-to-man on tight ends and running backs,” he said.
“I feel like I can do anything. Game plan-wise, you can put me anywhere, however you want to use me.”
Pass rushers excelUCLA’s Laiatu Latu, regarded as one of the top pass rushers in the draft, proved every bit as the hype in Tuesday’s practice as he showed speed and quickness in getting to the quarterback.
On back-to-back plays he blew right past Oregon State right tackle Taliese Fuaga and recorded sacks in 11-on-11 drills.
Latu leads a long list of accomplished pass rushers at the Senior Bowl that includes Alabama Chris Braswell, Penn State’s Adisa Isaac, Troy’s Javon Solomon, Kansas’ Austin Booker, Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland, and Michigan’s Jaylen Harell.
The Dolphins could have a need at pass rusher.
Edge rushers Bradley Chubb (knee) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) are both recovering from injuries.
Latu, who started his career at Washington and retired due to a neck injury, then transferred to UCLA, got doctors’ approval to continue his career and now looks to be a surefire first-round pick.
“I was told I would never be able to play again,” he said. “I think I proved to a lot of people I can, and my abilities make me one of the top-tiered pass rushers out there.”
Senior Bowl coaching staff features ex-Dolphins coachesTerrell Williams, the Tennessee Titans’ assistant head coach/defensive line coach, is the American team head coach. Williams was a Dolphins defensive line coach under Joe Philbin from 2015-17.
Jeff Ulbrich, the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator, is the National team head coach.
Kenny Baker, the former Dolphins’ assistant defensive line coach, will coach the defensive line for the National team. Baker has accepted a job to coach at the University of Texas.
This is the second year the Senior Bowl is using the “Coach Up” program in which the head coaches of the American and National teams are coordinators or assistant coaches who are put in elevated roles as head coaches of the Senior Bowl teams.
Each team can nominate an assistant coach to be Senior Bowl head coach. The nominees are then vetted by a committee of league executives and members of the General Managers Advisory Committee.
This is also the first time any player who declares for the NFL draft is eligible for the Senior Bowl. Previously, players had to at least be juniors. Now, redshift sophomores are eligible.
Former Sen. Jean Carnahan, the first woman to represent Missouri in the US Senate, has died at 90
By SCOTT McFETRIDGE (Associated Press)
Former U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan, who became the first female senator to represent Missouri when she was appointed to replace her husband following his death, died Tuesday. She was 90.
Carnahan, a Democrat, was appointed to the Senate in 2001 after the posthumous election of her husband, Gov. Mel Carnahan, and she served until 2002.
“Mom passed peacefully after a long and rich life. She was a fearless trailblazer. She was brilliant, creative, compassionate and dedicated to her family and her fellow Missourians,” her family said in a statement.
Her family did not specify the cause of death but said Carnahan died after a brief illness at a hospice facility in suburban St. Louis.
Carnahan was born Dec. 20, 1933, in Washington, D.C., and grew up in the nation’s capital. Her father worked as a plumber and her mother as a hairdresser.
She met Mel Carnahan, the son of a Missouri congressman, at a church event, and they became better acquainted after sitting next to each other at a class in high school, according to information provided by the family. They were married on June 12, 1954.
Jean Carnahan graduated a year later from George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in business and public administration, and they later raised four children on a farm near Rolla, Missouri.
She served as first lady of Missouri after her husband’s election as governor in 1992 and through his two terms.
On Oct. 16, 2000, the governor, the couple’s son, Roger, and an aide were killed in a plane crash. After Mel Carnahan was elected posthumously three weeks later, acting Gov. Roger Wilson appointed Jean Carnahan to fill the seat left vacant by her husband’s death.
She served from Jan. 3, 2001, to Nov. 25, 2002.
After her appointment, Carnahan gave a speech in the Senate in which she noted her tragic path to the chamber.
“My name has never been on a ballot. On election night, there was no victory celebration,” she said. “You are here because of your win. I am here because of my loss. But we are all here to do the work of this great nation.”
Roy Temple, a longtime aide to the Carnahans and Jean Carnahan’s chief of staff, said he saw Carnahan at her 90th birthday celebration last year and told her, “Jean, you are like a flower that blooms wherever you are planted.”
“She just did everything with a boundless amount of smarts and wit and creativity,” Temple said. “Whatever she was doing — if it was planning a party or it was pushing for legislation, it was just in her nature to do it all the way.”
Temple said that although Carnahan was only in the Senate for two years, she served at an extraordinary time. While there, she lost her house in a fire and was recovering from the loss of her husband and son. She was there during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and she was working in the Hart Senate Office Building during the anthrax scare – Temple remembers working with her in a hideaway in the basement of the Capitol at that time.
“It was an extraordinary and stressful time and she did the job well and with great dignity,” Temple said. “It was a privilege to work with her.”
Temple said Carnahan and then-Sen. Joe Biden had a bond because he was one of the few people who had suffered similar loss and could understand what she was going through.
Carnahan was the author of seven books, including two about the Missouri governor’s mansion and an autobiography that focused on her years as first lady and as a senator.
A private family service will be held at Carson Hill Cemetery near Ellsinore, Missouri, where Carnahan’s husband and son are buried. A public service is being planned in St. Louis, with details expected to be announced later.
General Daily Insight for January 31, 2024
General Daily Insight for January 31, 2024
Seemingly smooth seas are rougher than they look! The loving Moon trines the confident Sun at 1:07 am EST, easing our movements through our lives in an almost effortless way. Turbulence is on the horizon, though, as the Moon faces off with pained Chiron. Hurt feelings can enter the mix without warning, tangling everyone’s most complex emotions. When the Moon picks a fight with fiery Mars, irritation, frustration, and a short temper can cause us to overreact. Let’s keep our cool.
AriesMarch 21 – April 19
You can get your mojo back with a little help from your friends. You might be struggling with your public persona, career, or nearby authority figures — it could even involve your parents. This can inspire you to turn to your friends for comfort. Friendly encouragement should strengthen you to feel more confident and self-assured again, after what may have been a difficult interaction with someone who has power over you. Let them uplift you to dust off your clothes and try again tomorrow!
TaurusApril 20 – May 20
Responsible work is a good way to avoid drama. In particular, if you’re struggling with a student, co-worker, or roommate, it’ll be hard to avoid them. They could be focused on you in a way that causes you irritation. Make an effort to focus on tasks that you have to do or a routine that you need to keep up, because otherwise, you may continue to react to them and feed their desire for your attention. Mind your own business for the best results!
GeminiMay 21 – June 20
Emotional turbulence in your connections with others may hit you with the force of a tsunami! There’s no need to flee immediately, but you might find yourself craving a solo vacation or alone time to decompress. Escapism is a strong theme for you, and it may come on abruptly in the middle of the day. You need to honor this urge for solitude or you risk feeling resentment. Look for peace with others, but if others don’t want peace, find it for yourself.
CancerJune 21 – July 22
You’re standing firm. You may have to commit to a promise that you made recently, or it’s possible that someone is trying to push your boundaries. Specifics aside, you won’t back down from your truth. The universe is empowering you to support yourself, and you know that every relationship requires some effort from each party. If the other person in the partnership or friendship is not doing their part, then you may have to reevaluate the closeness you share with them.
LeoJuly 23 – August 22
You can shift how others see you. They may have underestimated you or written you off in the past, when you knew that you had more to give — they just weren’t seeing it! You’re currently showing them in other ways, and right now, they’re having to watch from the sidelines, hoping that you will return and give them another chance. However, you don’t automatically have to give the collaboration a second try. It’s all up to you who remains in your circle.
VirgoAugust 23 – September 22
Your passion is being amplified. You’re not ready to surrender or give up, even if you have to work around the clock to make it happen. The tenacity of a warrior can be yours, even if you’re working online or indoors — let the universe embolden you to do whatever it takes. Still, make sure that your passion doesn’t take you to places you don’t want to go, like using underhanded methods or exhausting yourself to get what you want. Find balance, not burnout.
LibraSeptember 23 – October 22
Other people might not understand what you need from them. They could be living their lives the way that they want to, while you’re making sacrifices for them. That’s not an even exchange! You may care for them enough that you are willing to make this sacrifice, but regardless of what you’re prepared to do, you have to ask yourself if they’re putting in the same effort that you are. Regardless of the type of relationship, you deserve to see effort from them.
ScorpioOctober 23 – November 21
You are not alone, Scorpio. Loved ones, whether they’re your biological family, found family, or even roommates, take heed of the ways that you’re lifted up by the people who know you best. You may feel frustrated that you aren’t having more success in various areas of life, especially when it comes to hidden enemies or weaknesses, but the groups who understand and love you are here to remind you of all the things you can be grateful for. Try to focus on the good!
SagittariusNovember 22 – December 21
It may be harder to express yourself than normal. You might not be finding the right words to say, allowing the moment to pass by, neglecting to say anything. Courage could be tough to come by, as anxiety pressures you to shrink away from confrontation or fold the moment someone asks you to explain yourself. It’s okay to go through a little spell of silence, but don’t let yourself be taken advantage of. Stand tall and ask that others respect your decision to pull back.
CapricornDecember 22 – January 19
Ambition can become cutthroat at any moment. You may feel like you’re in your element and you’re in boss mode, able to tell people what to do and when to do it, but you might be letting the power go to your head in this case. Otherwise, you run the risk of purposefully spurning valuable advice or being spitefully obstinate instead of acting as a team player. You’ve got to value collaboration and teamwork right now, or you could burn bridges.
AquariusJanuary 20 – February 18
You’re sharing your feelings through words. It may be that someone hurt you in the past and you’re telling them how you felt, or perhaps you hurt someone and you’re asking them for forgiveness. Healing comes through communication at this time. Even if the communication is difficult, it’s likely to be cathartic for you both by the end. Don’t shy away from sharing your emotions, because no one can read your mind. When you’re sharing, it encourages them to share as well.
PiscesFebruary 19 – March 20
Insecurities are valid, but they can be healed. It won’t be easy, particularly if an issue of yours keeps getting triggered by someone else or yourself. Still, the cosmos is encouraging acceptance in a way that inspires you to appreciate others at the same time as you accept yourself. There may be someone that shares the trait that you’re insecure about, and by cheering for them, you see that you are worthy of praise, too. Be a cheerleader for everyone — including yourself!
House panel OKs bill to lower age to buy rifles and shotguns to 18
A bill that would lower the minimum age from 21 to 18 to purchase rifles and shotguns was approved Tuesday by a House panel, but its future remains in doubt as the proposal has not been filed in the Senate.
The bill (HB 1223), approved by the Republican-controlled House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, would reverse an age requirement that was included in a school-safety law passed after the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
The House approved a bill last year to lower the minimum age from 21 to 18, but the Senate did not take up the measure.
“I don’t make my decisions on what bills I want to run based on what the Senate is doing,” bill sponsor Bobby Payne, R-Palatka, said Tuesday. “I make those decisions based on what I feel is part of my fundamental belief, (and) part of my fundamental beliefs is on issues such as constitutional rights.”
Federal law prohibits people under 21 from purchasing handguns.
“It feels like this is a messaging bill, because I don’t know if it is moving on the other side (in the Senate) and if it’s going to get to the governor,” Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg, said. “And if that is truly what this is, I would say this is not the message we want to send to Floridians and the state of Florida.”
Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, D-Ocoee, asked, “what has changed since 2018?”
The Legislature and then-Gov. Rick Scott, now a U.S. senator, approved the law after Nikolas Cruz, then 19, killed 17 students and faculty members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Cruz, who has been sentenced to life in prison in the murders, used a semi-automatic rifle to carry out the attack.
The law drew a legal challenge from the National Rifle Association, which contends that it violates Second Amendment rights. A federal district judge upheld the age restriction, but the case remains pending at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Asked about the proposal during a campaign stop Tuesday in Tallahassee, Scott said he was proud of the legislation and, “I support what we passed.”
Hunter Biden’s lawyers press for dismissal of gun charges by arguing they are politically motivated
By LINDSAY WHITEHURST (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden again asked a judge to dismiss the federal gun case against him on Tuesday, arguing it is politically motivated and key evidence was tested after charges were filed.
Cocaine residue found on the pouch the president’s son used to hold his gun was only identified last year, after a scuttled plea deal and subsequent indictment, Hunter Biden’s defense attorney said in court documents.
The pouch was originally found in a trash can and not tested for fingerprints or to determine how long the residue had been there, defense attorney Abbe Lowell wrote. It had been in police evidence storage since 2018, and testing it last year to bolster the case is “’clear evidence’ of selective prosecution,” Lowell argued.
Prosecutors had been ready to strike a plea deal in the case, but Lowell argued they bowed to “political pressure” after the agreement hit the skids in court and was publicly pilloried by Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, as a “sweetheart deal.”
Prosecutors, meanwhile, have said there’s no evidence the case is politically motivated, while “the strength of the evidence against him is overwhelming.” The charges were “brought in spite of, not because of, any outside noise made by politicians,” they said in court documents this month.
Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to lying about his drug use in October 2018 on a form to buy a gun that he kept for about 11 days. He has acknowledged struggling with an addiction to crack cocaine during that period, but his lawyers have said he didn’t break the law and another non-violent, first-time offender would not have been charged.
The yearslong investigation had looked ready to wrap up with a plea deal last year, but the agreement fell apart and now the president’s son is facing a possible trial this year while his father, President Joe Biden, is campaigning for another term.
Hunter was indicted in Delaware after the plea deal broke down following a hearing where a judge who was supposed to approve it instead raised a series of questions. He is also facing tax charges in Los Angeles.
NAACP calls for federal investigation into Broward jails
One of the nation’s largest civil rights organizations is demanding an investigation of Broward jails by the U.S. Justice Department, pointing out numerous recent deaths and troubling incidents that critics say could have been avoided by better supervision.
According to the NAACP, 21 inmates have died since 2021 while in custody at one of Broward’s four jail facilities, which are operated by the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Most jail inmates are not convicts — they are awaiting trial on felony charges, although some are serving sentences of under one year after being convicted of a misdemeanor.
Recent deaths include Corbin Moberg, 25, who died Jan. 1 in the jail of a suspected drug overdose, and Joseph Kirk, who died in jail on Jan. 22. Kirk, 34, had been in the jail for only a week on a charge of resisting arrest without violence — he allegedly fled from a Pompano Beach domestic violence investigation.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office declined to comment on their deaths, which are under investigation. Foul play does not appear to be a factor in either case.
A federal judge ended most monitoring of Broward County jails in 2017, leaving only inmate mental health issues under the court’s continued review. In her most recent review of jail conditions on behalf of the federal court system, dated Jan. 9, mental health expert Kathryn Burns found the Sheriff’s Office to be in compliance with the terms of its agreement with overseers.
“I remain impressed with the Defendants’ dedication and progress in addressing the requirements of the agreement,” she wrote. “Further, the commitment of the vendor, Wellpath, is also apparent in the sustained and increased number of items moving into partial and full compliance in just the last six months.”
The NAACP’s demand, based in part on complaints raised for years by the Broward Public Defender’s Office, challenges that conclusion.
“The Broward County Sheriff’s Department has failed its community,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO, in a news release. “Now, it’s time for our Justice Department to intervene, and ensure that this tragic pattern of negligence is addressed, and any bad actors are held accountable.”
The civil rights group is scheduled to hold a news conference on the issue at the Broward Public Defender’s Office later this week.
Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457.
Left tackles off to a strong start at Senior Bowl, and a few could draw Dolphins’ attention
MOBILE, Ala. — Missouri left tackle Javon Foster dropped back smoothly, identified what the pass rusher was going to do, in this case it was defensive lineman Eric Watts of Connecticut, negated his move, and promptly drove him into the ground.
It was that kind of Senior Bowl practice for Foster, the 6-foot-5, 309-pounder who projects as a fourth or fifth-round prospect.
As the Dolphins search for a defensive coordinator, they’re still doing their homework for the April draft, and Foster is someone who could interest the Miami Dolphins as a developmental player.
“I feel like it was a solid day,” said Foster, a two-time first-team All-SEC selection. “I’ll go back and watch the film. I know I’ve got stuff to work on. … I’ll know what I can improve on tomorrow and have a better day.”
But Foster wasn’t the only left tackle to have success Tuesday, the first day of three practices for the Senior Bowl, which will be played at 1 p.m. Saturday at the University of South Alabama.
This year’s Senior Bowl is full of top offensive tackles prospects including Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton, Arizona’s Jordan Morgan, Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga, and Houston’s Patrick Paul.
Guyton and Fuaga are right tackles.
Morgan and Paul are left tackles who sit atop the food chain as late first- or second-round prospects.
They could interest the Dolphins greatly, each had a good showing Tuesday, especially in pass protection.
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The Dolphins have picks in the first round (No. 21), second round (No. 55), fifth round, sixth round (two selections) and seventh round.
Foster and Maryland’s Delmar Glaze and Michigan’s Ladarius Henderson are a bit lower on the food chain as Day 2 or likely Day 3 guys, meaning lower-round picks.
The Dolphins could need immediate help at left tackle because Pro Bowl selection Terron Armstead, who is set to enter his 12th season, is contemplating retirement. Armstead has battled injuries the past two years. It seems unlikely he’d be healthy for all 17 regular-season games if he does return and the big question is whether he’d be healthy for the December/January stretch run and playoffs.
Backup Kendall Lamm, who played well last season, is a free agent and entering his 10th season. But Lamm, whose 613 snaps were seventh-most by an offensive player for Miami, has battled back problems.
Miami is OK at right tackle, where starter Austin Jackson, the 2021 first-round pick, had a solid season and received a three-year, $36 million contract extension.
The Dolphins have young tackles in Kion Smith, who did OK in spot duty last season (70 snaps), and Ryan Hayes, the 2022 seventh-round pick from Michigan who didn’t play from scrimmage.
The Dolphins have reaped decent benefits from offensive line acquisitions recently.
In the 2019-21 drafts they selected four offensive linemen in the first three rounds — guard/center Liam Eichenberg (second round, 2021), Jackson (first round, 2020), guard Robert Hunt (second round, 2020), guard Michael Dieter (third round, 2019) — and three, all except Dieter, played key roles last season.
They’ve also signed Armstead and center Connor Williams as free agents.
The problem is keeping everyone healthy, which is where an infusion of youth could help.
Armstead’s health could likely limit him in 2024 the way it has the past two years, when he’s missed an average of 5.5 games per season.
If the Dolphins take hard looks at Morgan or Paul in the first or second rounds, it’d likely indicate they think Armstead will retire or they want his backup on the roster in case the injury issue gets worse.
If the Dolphins take hard looks at Foster, Glaze or Henderson, it likely means they trust Armstead will be fairly healthy for the December/January stretch run.
Foster said he’ll use the week to learn.
“I’m obviously blessed to have this opportunity,” he said, “and I’m just trying to learn as much as I can from these coaches and soak up all the information.”
The Dolphins are doing the same thing with the left tackles.
How to strike back after deadly drone attack? US has many options, but must weigh consequences
By LOLITA C. BALDOR and TARA COPP (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has made it clear the U.S. will strike back after a deadly drone attack killed three service members and wounded more than 40 at a small base in Jordan over the weekend. What isn’t yet clear is who will be hit, where, and how hard.
Biden has a wide array of options, but the U.S. must walk a fine line: A weak response will do little to deter further attacks by Iran-backed militia groups, while a major assault risks expanding the turmoil in the Middle East and drawing America into a wider conflict.
On Tuesday, Biden bluntly said “yes” when asked if he’d decided how to respond to the attack. But he provided no details, and added that the U.S. wants to avoid triggering a broader Middle East war. “That’s not what I’m looking for,” he said.
Still, the three service members are the first to be killed in militia strikes since the start of Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza. And their deaths have triggered demands for a strong American response.
Target options range from inside Iran, including on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, to Iranian ships at sea and Tehran-backed militia groups and key militant leaders in Iraq and Syria. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby raised the possibility that the U.S. will take a “tiered approach” with several actions over a period of time.
Here’s a look as some options.
Officials across the administration have said the U.S. believes Iran bears responsibility for arming, funding and supporting the militias that have been waging an escalating campaign of drone, missile and rocket strikes on American forces in Iraq, Syria and now Jordan.
“I do hold them responsible in a sense because they’re supplying the weapons to the people who did it,.” Biden said Tuesday.
Striking inside Iran — including on the Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force — would send a strong, direct message to Tehran.
Some argue that such a move is needed, because U.S. strikes on Iran-backed militias in recent months have not deterred them. But it also would be the riskiest move, due to worries it would inflame the militias and enrage Tehran.
Attacking Iranian assets or leaders outside the country may be more palatable. The U.S. did that in 2020, when it killed Quds Force leader Gen. Qassem Soleimani, with a drone strike in Iraq, in response to attacks on U.S. bases there and an assault on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
Iran responded, launching a barrage of ballistic missiles at al-Asad air base in Iraq, injuring dozens of U.S. forces, with most suffering traumatic brain injuries.
Former Israeli intelligence official and Middle East analyst Avi Melamed said Iran has billions of dollars in military investment projects in Syria and by striking those the U.S. could punish Tehran without the escalation threat of a direct strike on Iran. One example, he said, is a large compound near Boukamal that is used for ballistic missile storage. The U.S. has previously struck facilities there in response to militia attacks.
“There is no shortage of military targets (in Syria) that the American administration can target and cause significant damage to the Iranian regime,” Melamed said.
The most likely move would be to hit Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria again. As of Tuesday, those groups had launched 166 attacks on U.S. military installations since Oct. 18, including 67 in Iraq, 98 in Syria and now one in Jordan, according to a U.S. military official.
On Tuesday, one of the major Iran-backed militia groups, Kataib Hezbollah, announced in a statement “the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces” in Iraq, referring to U.S. troops. The group, which U.S. officials consider a top suspect in the Jordan attack, said the suspension was to “prevent embarrassment to the Iraqi government.”
In response, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said “actions speak louder than words.”
The attacks on U.S. forces have put the Iraqi government in an awkward position. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani was brought to power by Iranian-allied factions but he has also worked to maintain a good relationship with the U.S.
The U.S. has struck back at the militias just a handful of times since Oct. 27. On that day, U.S. fighter jets struck two weapons and ammunition storage sites in eastern Syria near Boukamal that were used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian-backed groups. On Nov. 8, fighter jets dropped bombs on an IRGC weapons storage facility near Maysulun in Deir el-Zour. On Nov. 12, U.S. airstrikes targeted a training facility and a safe house in the Bulbul district of Mayadin. On Dec. 26, the U.S. launched strikes on three locations in Iraq used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, and on Jan. 23, the U.S. struck three sites in Iraq, again targeting Kataib Hezbollah
Across Capitol Hill, lawmakers are demanding retaliation.
Hawkish Congress members said Biden should directly target Tehran for the deadly attack on the base in Jordan. Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C., said hitting Iranian proxies hasn’t deterred them and he called on the Biden administration “to strike targets of significance inside Iran, not only as reprisal for the killing of our forces, but as deterrence against future aggression.”
Others said the U.S. should hit the IRGC and the Quds Force, which are spread around the region.
Most, however, leaned toward restraint, saying the administration should take a strategic and thoughtful approach to avoid escalating tensions and dragging the U.S. into another war in an election year.
“Direct confrontation with Iran will certainly lead to the deaths of more U.S. service members and could easily expand into a regional conflict,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., in a statement.
The White House description of a “tiered approach” could suggest the response will be more than military. And it also may reflect concerns that members of the militia groups are reportedly going into hiding, which could make it more difficult for the U.S. to locate and strike senior commanders or key locations. As a result, the U.S. may need to stagger its response over days in order to better locate and refine targets.
Others argue that anything short of a major response will make the U.S. look weak.
“When they hear proportionality, reasonable, moderate, ‘we don’t want a regional war,’ that sounds so good in Davos, but our adversaries hear that as weakness and a green light for aggression,” said Bradley Bowman, a senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
A non-military option is always economic sanctions — a punishment used routinely by the Biden administration and its predecessors.
Sen. Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the administration “must adopt an Iran policy focused on imposing meaningful economic and military costs on the regime.”
The U.S. could beef up sanctions aimed at cutting off the flow of funds to Iran and its proxies, particularly in Iraq. The administration has already slapped sanctions on some of the Iraqi militias — notably Kataib Hezbollah — as well as on businesses believed to be funneling dollars to the militias or to Iran.
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Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri, Mike Pesoli, Joshua Boak, Sagar Meghani and Kevin Freking in Washington and Abby Sewell in Beirut contributed to this report.
NFL says Super Bowl viewers will only see 3 sports betting ads during broadcast of the game
By WAYNE PARRY (Associated Press)
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Advertisements for sports betting continue to flood the airwaves, but the NFL said Tuesday that viewers will see only three such ads during the Super Bowl broadcast next month.
David Highhill, the NFL’s general manager for sports betting, told reporters there will be one sports betting ad right before kickoff and two others during the game.
The league has set limits on in-game sports betting advertising. But sportsbooks have only bought three such ads for broadcast right before and during the Super Bowl broadcast, fewer than the maximum allowed, NFL spokesperson Alex Riethmiller said.
“We’ve put some policies in place to limit the amount of advertising for sports betting that happens in our live games,” Highhill said. “It’s roughly one ad per quarter. All told, less than 5% of all in-game ads are sports betting ads.”
League officials and the leader of a problem gambling treatment group spoke during an online forum about the NFL’s first Super Bowl in Las Vegas, the nation’s gambling capital. The Kansas City Chiefs will try to defend their title against the San Francisco 49ers on Feb. 11.
The league was one of many professional sports leagues that fought the legalization of sports betting, largely on grounds that it could undermine fans’ perception of the integrity of the games. Now that sports betting has been legal for six years, it is the league’s top priority to maintain that public confidence, said Jeff Miller, the NFL’s executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy.
Part of that effort includes “being mindful of the tenor, volume and saturation of sports betting advertising and the degree with which we’re integrating that into the live game,” Highhill said.
He said the league has been surveying fans since 2019 on their attitudes toward and participation in legal sports betting. While he did not provide statistics, he said the NFL has seen an increase in those who say they like and participate in sports betting, and a decrease in those who don’t.
The topic of sports betting advertising has been contentious for years. Almost as soon as New Jersey won a U.S. Supreme Court case in 2018 clearing the way for all 50 states to offer legal sports betting (38 currently do, along with Washington, D.C.), sportsbooks flooded the airwaves, print and digital outlets with ads for sports betting.
That led to complaints from some customers, including recovering compulsive gamblers who said the constant enticements to bet make it harder for them to resist doing so. Lawmakers weighed in as well, threatening to impose restrictions on such advertising if sportsbooks could not rein themselves in.
Even the head of the American Gaming Association, Bill Miller, warned at a Dec. 2021 sports betting forum that the level of such ads was becoming “an unsustainable arms race.”
In April 2023, most of the nation’s major professional sports leagues, plus the media companies Fox and NBCUniversal, created an alliance to voluntarily ensure that sports betting advertising is done responsibly and does not target minors.
Highhill said the NFL tends to get blamed for sports betting ads that are beyond its reach.
“There’s times when we’re held accountable for ads that are not running in our games, that are running on other sports programming or sports radio throughout the week,” he said. “Unfortunately, we can’t control all ads everywhere.”
Also during Tuesday’s press conference, Jeff Miller highlighted integrity measures the league has instituted, including training more than 17,000 league personnel on what is and is not permitted regarding gambling; partnerships with third-party data and monitoring companies, and disciplinary measures for those found to have violated league rules concerning gambling.
He said Las Vegas has proven itself to be a competent city in its dealings with the league, including the relocation of the Raiders to Las Vegas, and the recent NFL draft that was held there.
Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, said a $6.2 million donation from the NFL in 2021 to help expand gambling treatment programs has helped drive “hundreds of thousands” of people with gambling concerns or problems to the group’s website or to the 1-800-GAMBLER help line.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Winderman’s view: Reality is it doesn’t take much to beat Heat these days
MIAMI — Observations and other notes of interest from Monday night’s 118-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns:
– Monday’s Exhibit of A of The Heat Still Being Too Small?
– Drew Eubanks had 11 first-quarter points for the Suns.
– Drew.
– Eubanks.
– Which can happen when there is no semblance of a combination of size and ambulatory beyond Bam Adebayo.
– Where have you gone Cody Zeller?
– Heat Nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
– Then, at halftime, Eric Gordon stood tied with Eubanks for the Suns’ scoring lead, when Phoenix led by 13.
– As in 35-year-old Eric Gordon.
– Because a 35-year-old can do that when the opposition is lacking in athleticism.
– The Heat’s roster construct continues to fail them.
– Even with some late spirit shown in this one.
– It’s either the Heat work Erik Spoelstra’s system to perfection, absolute perfection, or it goes bust.
– As it now has for seven consecutive games.
– This time the Heat defense allowing the Suns to take open shots of their preference.
– With the Heat just a week from the Feb. 8 NBA trading deadline.
– Yes, the mix worked earlier this season.
– Oddly when the Heat were not whole.
– Now, it’s as if the league has caught on.
– And the Heat are caught short.
– And slow footed.
– The Heat for the third consecutive game opened with a lineup of Bam Adebayo, Haywood Highsmith, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier,
– The only player sidelined by injury for the Heat was Dru Smith, after his December season-ending knee surgery.
– Jamal Cain was a healthy Heat scratch.
– The only other unavailable Heat players were on G League assignment with the Sioux Falls Skyforce: Orlando Robinson, Cole Swider and RJ Hampton.
– Kevin Love and Duncan Robinson entered together as the Heat’s first two reserves.
– Caleb Martin followed next off the bench.
– With Jaime Jaquez Jr. making it nine deep for the Heat.
– Josh Richardson then made it 10 deep, after not being used Saturday in New York.
– Richardson entered after Robinson was lost for the night due to illness.
– Before the game, Spoelstra addressed the slide the Heat carried into the night.
– “Sometimes,” he said, “you get to these points of the season where it can be frustrating, and what you have to do is just pour into the work, pour into each other, and the process. For whatever reason, we’re just at this point where we probably have to take a painful step back to get those hopeful two steps forward. And we can’t just gloss over things that have happened. We have to learn from that.”
– Spoelstra then was asked if his team was at a fragile moment.
– “The reality is sometimes you get into some of these funks,” he said. “And even if there is some of that, that doesn’t make you a bad human being. It’s about how you respond to that. These are normal human competitive emotions. And you can get discouraged, you can get frustrated, you can get angry.”
– He added, “We’ve probably had all of those pretty consistently for the last 10 days, two weeks. And that’s OK. But it’s how we respond. Are we learning from those things? Are we rallying around each other to push to a better level?”
– Spoelstra said he still considers Rozier in the adjustment stage.
– “We’re trying to fast track that,” he said. “What he brings us, we need. And we just want him to get comfortable. He’s an aggressive player. He brings us the speed and quickness that we think can really help us.”
– To a degree, Spoelstra said it is about getting teammates up to speed with Rozier.
– “We have to get everybody used to running, at that pace, because he can get up the court very quickly,” Spoelstra said. “He also can advance pass, which we need.”
– Of Rozier getting off to an uneven start in the Heat halfcourt offense, Spoelstra said, “He’ll settle into the halfcourt stuff and efficiency when he really fully feels it, that we want him to be aggressive and want him to be him. That’s normal. It’s coming from a great place. He doesn’t want to overstep anybody. He wants to complement. But we’ll be better when he’s aggressive.”
– Rozier’s fifth shot was the 7,000th of his career.
– Richardson’s first free-throw attempt was the 1,000th of his career.
Heat losing streak hits seven with 118-105 loss to Suns despite 26 from Butler
MIAMI — The last time the Miami Heat lost seven in a row, the consolation prize was Michael Beasley in the 2008 NBA draft lottery.
It doesn’t feel much better at the moment, with Monday night’s 118-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns at Kaseya Center leaving the Heat 0-for-two weeks.
It not only was another loss, it was another bad loss in a streak that started with defensive incompetence in a 121-97 road loss to the lottery-level Toronto Raptors and the two games prior to Monday included a season-worst 33-point home loss to the Boston Celtics and Saturday’s 14-point loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
“Obviously if you’re in this kind of hole right now,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, “the level of urgency, concern is extremely high.”
With the offense down and the defense not stepping up enough, the Heat fell behind by 28 points and lost to a team that entered on a two-game losing streak, having played the previous night in Orlando while the Heat were idle.
“We’re just not doing it consistent enough, hard enough, tough enough, with enough resolve,” Spoelstra said.
The Heat got 26 points from Jimmy Butler, 21 from Terry Rozier, 17 from Tyler Herro, but only eight from Bam Adebayo.
The Suns got 23 points from Eric Gordon, 22 points from Devin Booker, 20 from Kevin Durant and 19 from Bradley Beal.
Next up for the Heat are the 27-18 Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night at Kaseya Center.
“We have to come together to figure out solutions, dig deep,” Spoelstra said.
Five Degrees of Heat from Monday night’s game:
1. Game flow: The Suns led 33-25 at the end of the first period, after the Heat committed five first-quarter turnovers.
The Heat then fell behind by 17 in the second period and trailed 62-49 at halftime.
It got worse from there, with the Suns taking a 27-point lead in the third quarter and a 100-76 lead into the fourth.
“We’re not playing hard enough,” Herro said. “We need more out of everybody, including myself.”
Butler then returned from his rest at the start of the fourth quarter with 7:01 left with the Heat down 105-91.
From there, the Heat trimmed the deficit to 100-99 with 3:21 to play on a pair of Butler free throws, with a Butler 3-pointer with 1:33 left drawing the Heat within 115-105 in the too-late comeback.
“We can do it for periods of time but not be able to sustain it,” Spoelstra said. “We have to get over this hurdle.
“You can feel palpable discouragement when we miss shots we feel are makeable.”
2. Quick start: Rozier made his third start and scored the Heat’s first six points. The first two came on a jumper after crossing over Durant, with the next four on a 3-point play when fouled on a successful 3-pointer by Jusuf Nurkic.
For the third consecutive game, the remainder of the Heat starting lineup was Adebayo, Butler, Herro and Haywood Highsmith.
Rozier accounted for 16 of the Heat’s first 22 points, when counting his two first-quarter assists that led to 3-pointers. He was the only Heat player to make more than one basket in the first quarter.
“I’m just learning guys, still,” Rozier said afterward.
He closed 8 of 14 from the field, including 4 of 6 on 3-pointers.
“You can see his speed and quickness,” Spoelstra said. “It’s a shame we’re working through what we’re working through, so we can’t fully capitalize.”
3. Butler boost: With the Heat’s offense a study in inefficiency beyond Rozier’s play, Butler again pushed himself, after closing with 28 points in Saturday’s loss in New York.
This time Butler was 6 of 11 from the field and 8 of 8 from the line when he took his regular rest at the start of the fourth quarter. He closed 7 of 12 from the field and 10 of 10 from the line.
The Heat’s lone win since Butler returned from a seven-game absence with a toe issue remains an overtime decision in Brooklyn against the struggling Nets, when Butler scored 31.
“We’re not . . . ” Butler said, mentioning practically every element of the game. “It’s just not enough effort.
“I feel like the lack of defense is piling up.”
He then offered, “Ain’t no more to be said. We all understand what’s at stake. I still know what we’re capable of.”
4. Limited again: After attempting only 10 shots in Saturday’s loss in New York and after not getting to the foul line in that game, Adebayo this time stood 1 of 7 from the field through three quarters, closing 3 of 9.
Whether it was the bulk of Nurkic in his path or simply leaving a wide-open finger roll short in the first half, it was another night of Adebayo coming up short.
Unlike Saturday, when he still finished with a double-double, Adebayo this time never found his offense, his lone free throws in two games not coming until 5:05 remained.
“Right now, there’s a lot of things offensively where guys aren’t in rhythm,” Spoelstra said, with Adebayo declining comment afterward.
5. Always something: On a night the Heat shot 3 of 13 in the first quarter and struggled from there, Duncan Robinson, who had entered in the Heat’s first substitution along with Kevin Love, lasted only 3:55 before he was lost for the night due to illness.
Robinson missed his only attempt, a 3-point shot, and was called for two fouls during his abbreviated night.
Robinson’s illness opened the door to playing time for Josh Richardson, who was held out of Saturday’s loss in New York.
“It doesn’t matter what lineup we’re putting out there,” Butler said of the struggles.
The Heat were limited with their 3-point options, with Cole Swider on G League assignment and Jamal Cain inactive.
The Suns also lost one of their 3-point specialists, with Grayson Allen sidelined for the second half with a sprained right ankle.
Love the Grammys? We have everything you’ll need for the ultimate watch party
Award shows, such as the Grammys, are a fun way to get friends and family together in a nonsport setting to enjoy TV, laugh at unexpected moments and appreciate musical arts. With Grammy night around the corner, here are some fun ways to embrace the theme, amplify your entertainment and make your guests feel a part of the night’s festivities.
When are the Grammy Awards on TV?The Grammys air on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. on CBS and Paramount+. However, red carpet coverage and other supplementary coverage will air throughout the weekend, so plan your party early.
Make it a red-carpet eventGet into the Grammy mood by giving your guests something special. Awards shows are about spectacle and opulence. While you might not have the Hollywood designers or budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t pretend. After all, it is a celebration of the arts.
There are lots of red carpets made specifically for nights like this, so make sure you get one that fits your unique entry point, be it your front door, back gate or a trail to the screen you’re watching it on.
Want to add more Hollywood flair? Get an instant camera, and bring the selfie station back to the days of Polaroid and film. You can even get a backdrop or create your own with items around the house so people can feel as rich and famous as the people on the television.
You can buy trophies and hand them out to your most well-dressed guests or record their walk to your friends on Instagram. However, the party doesn’t start there. You’ll also need to remember the reason behind the whole musical ordeal.
Don’t stop the musicDon’t forget a good speaker to play your custom Grammy soundtrack. This might mean connecting your old sound system or purchasing a new Bluetooth speaker or set. If you’re feeling fancy, you can get a DJ station for nonstop music during commercial breaks and after-parties. If you want to do more than listen to your favorite song, you can hold a Grammy-themed karaoke party. All you’ll need is a karaoke machine.
Musically themed food and drink optionsOf course, you can’t have this party without a spread worthy of the stars. There are plenty of clever ways to keep the Grammy theme consistent. You can have themed food, drinks, plates and cups.
Lots of people love to make Grammy-themed cocktails and food items. In fact, there are cookbooks and cocktail recipe books made with this theme in mind. From recipes inspired by a particular song to your favorite performer’s favorite dish, get creative, even if it means giving a punny name to your go-to party dish.
Best products for a Grammys watch party[ Lemonsoda 15-foot Red Carpet ]
You might not be at the theater itself, but this simple and affordable red carpet rolls into place and makes for a perfect mood-setter for guests as they enter your party. The 15-foot carpets come with adhesive tape to keep them smooth and trip-free.
[ Crown Awards Microphone Trophy ]
These fun musical trophies work as centerpieces, decorations and, of course, trophies. Hold a costume contest, award the best (or worst) karaoke singer or give your Grammy trivia game something for participants to strive for.
Create a selfie booth straight from yesteryear that lets people be their own paparazzi with instant film. This Fujifilm Instax camera enables you to create a collage of all your guests’ outfits and allows people to document the night’s highlights in a new, old-fashioned way.
[ Chaiya Hollywood Photo Backdrop ]
Chaiya’s Hollywood backdrop is an easy-to-setup way to make those red carpet photos and silly group shots look like they were shot at a real-life Hollywood event. The background can also be used behind snack tables to tie your glamorous spread together.
This portable magnetic chalkboard is a fun way to keep tabs on winners, score a prediction contest and grade people’s award-show outfits. The board comes with chalk and magnetic erasers that anyone can use at a moment’s notice.
Have a karaoke night during the preshow fun or after-party with this easy-to-use Karaoke Mic. It works with your phone or computer as a speaker, microphone and interactive party device.
[ W-King Light-Up Bluetooth Wireless Speaker ]
Of course, you can’t have a Grammy party without some music. Sometimes the live performances at the ceremony only get you so far. This wireless speaker pairs with your phone or laptop and also lights up with the beats.
[ Birthday Galore Music Notes Disposable Eating Set ]
Whether you go all out on Grammy night or let the TV do the heavy lifting, this themed tableware set adds some musical flavor to your Grammy night spread with plates, napkins and cups for up to 16 guests.
[ “Mixtape Potluck” Cookbook ]
Books like this one by the iconic Questlove (with a foreword written by Martha Stewart) help build a connection between the musical arts and the culinary arts. This book also serves as a good jump-off point for your own musically inspired spread.
[ “Booze & Vinyl: A Spirited Guide to Great Music and Mixed Drinks” ]
Like the cookbook mentioned above, this one helps you pair the right mixed drinks to the musical mood you’re trying to set. It features music from the 1950s through the 2000s and cocktail recipes that complement each record.
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Think outside the chocolate box: Best nontraditional Valentine’s Day gifts
What are the best nontraditional Valentine’s Day gifts?
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, it’s time to pick out a thoughtful gift for your significant other, BFF or favorite family member, because this sweet holiday isn’t just for couples anymore. This year, instead of a cliche giant teddy bear or a bouquet of roses that definitely came from the grocery store, opt for a unique present that might better demonstrate your appreciation. Whether you’re looking for non-romantic ideas or a gift that your partner won’t roll their eyes at, think outside the chocolate box with these nontraditional Valentine’s Day gifts.
How to choose a Valentine’s Day gift Consider your relationshipSelecting a Valentine’s Day gift often feels like a tricky endeavor. For instance, the gift you give to a person you’ve been married to for 25 years looks very different from the gift you give to your girlfriend of six months. You don’t want to be too dull and not truly show your significant other how you feel, but you also don’t want to go too romantic only to receive a teddy bear in return. And then there are also Galentine’s Day gifts for the friends who have been there with you through highs and lows.
The good news is that Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be overly complicated. The first step is considering the type and length of the relationship and choosing something that matches the commitment. Just give from your heart, and don’t worry about what you’re getting in return.
Consider their interestsTo make gift giving even less complicated, consider their interests. About 250 million roses are given on Valentine’s Day, but flowers don’t always make a person feel special. What does make someone feel seen and loved is receiving a gift tailored to them. For example, consider a Kindle if they love to read or a perfume gift set if they enjoy mixing fragrances.
Think outside the chocolate boxTo truly score a homerun this Valentine’s Day, think outside the chocolate box. Imagine your partner’s surprise when they get a Bluetooth speaker or guitar (and maybe some lessons) instead of a card and a heart-shaped box of chocolates. If you’ve got heart eyes for someone, make sure they know exactly how you feel with a unique, tailored gift.
Best nontraditional Valentine’s Day gifts[ Kindle Oasis ]
Give the gift of effortless reading anywhere, anytime. Since it’s waterproof, the Kindle Oasis is ideal for relaxing in the bath or poolside on vacation. It also has a generous 7-inch display with adjustable light that’s easy on the eyes. Plus, actual buttons make this Kindle simple to operate for any person.
[ Dash Mini Waffle Maker Machine ]
While anything in a heart shape is slightly corny for Valentine’s Day, the usefulness of a waffle maker completely outshines the banality. The mini size is perfect for apartments, dorm rooms or preparing his-and-her waffles, and it’s convenient to take on the go. Clean-up is also a breeze, thanks to the dual nonstick surface.
[ Fossil Men’s Minimalist Stainless Steel Slim Casual Watch ]
Class up any outfit with this black, stainless steel watch that steps slightly outside the chocolate box, but remains a perfect Valentine’s gift. It’s water-resistant up to 100 feet, allowing it to easily withstand accidental splashes or brief immersion. As a bonus, the band is made of genuine leather and is interchangeable with other 22mm Fossil watches.
[ “The Adventure Challenge” Couples Edition ]
Use this exciting Valentine’s Day gift together to add spontaneity and romance to any relationship. Included are 50 creative scratch-off date challenges, such as baking an apple pie blindfolded or painting a canvas. Don’t forget to take a picture and journal in the provided spaces.
[ Nostalgia 6-Cup Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot Set ]
Fondue is fun together or with family and friends. What’s convenient about this electric fondue pot is the adjustable temperature control to maintain the ideal heat level and a long cord, so it can be taken anywhere. The set also comes with six color-coded dipping forks.
Add laughter and entertainment to any relationship by gifting a party game for those above 17 years old. In this card game, players compete to outdo each other by selecting the funniest or most outrageous white answer card. Included are 500 white cards and 100 black cards.
[ Craft A Brew Beer-Making Kit ]
If your loved one enjoys craft beer, consider this unique beer-making kit. Any beer lover can be a beer brewer with the right supplies, including an American pale ale recipe kit, glass carboy, transfer tubing, a guide to craft brewing and more essentials.
[ Beats Studio Buds Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds ]
These truly wireless earbuds are engineered with industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range and fewer dropouts. Plus, they’re rated IPX4, which is sweat- and water-resistant for accidental splashes.
[ Revlon One-Step Volumizer Enhanced 1.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush ]
For those who love hair and hate frizz, consider this bestselling hot air brush that blow-dries, volumizes and styles in one step. The brand’s advanced ionic technology delivers 30% less frizz than other comparable models.
[ Callaway 300 Pro Slope Laser Golf Rangefinder ]
With precise slope measurement, this accurate rangefinder calculates the slope-adjusted distance based on elevation changes and the angle of the incline or decline. It’s also equipped with 6x magnification.
[ Meta Quest 2 Advanced All-in-One Virtual Reality Headset ]
This powerful, all-in-one virtual reality headset provides the ultimate freedom to roam a new universe of experiences and possibilities. With 3D positional audio, hand tracking and haptic feedback, it makes the virtual worlds feel real.
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How to choose the best smart TV for your situation
Which smart TVs are best?
It’s hard to believe that there was a time when you needed an external device to stream content to your TV. Although some TVs still require one, smart TVs are now the standard. But which one is right for you?
There are several premium features to look out for, but it’s best to consider which ones are worth it to you, so you get a TV that suits your budget and needs.
What should I consider before buying a smart TV? SizeBig-screen smart TVs are fantastic, but they only work well if you have ample space to put one. TVs in the 50-inch to 65-inch range are ideal for large rooms such as living rooms and basements. 40-inch to 50-inch TVs are more diverse and go great in most rooms, but if you’re working with a smaller area such as a kitchen or a bedroom, it’s best to get something under 40 inches.
Screen panel typeThe most common screen type is a light-emitting diode display, but two enhanced versions are more prevalent nowadays. Quantum LEDs display vibrant colors and are cheaper than organic LEDs, but they don’t reproduce deep blacks, making some dark scenes in movies and TV shows lack visibility. OLED TVs aren’t as standard as QLED TVs, but they’re considered superior, more expensive and offer the best picture quality.
What can I do with a smart TV?Smart TVs can give you access to thousands of streaming apps where you can stream music and watch the latest TV shows and movies in high definition. TVs with ultra-high-definition resolution can stream 4K content and accurately display content from 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray players.
Top smart TV features High-dynamic rangeTVs equipped with HDR technology display more vivid and detailed images. They also help balance out the contrast and reproduce truer blacks, so you’ll be able to notice the difference when watching exceptionally dark or bright scenes in a TV show or movie.
Multifunctional remoteThe remote should have plenty of dedicated buttons for quick access to the most popular apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Spotify. Some smart TVs also have an integrated voice assistant, such as Google Assistant or Alexa, and have a button on the remote you can use to access them. You can use a voice assistant to play music, launch apps and even control other smart devices.
Refresh rateThe standard refresh rate on most TVs is 60 hertz, but if you plan on using your new TV for gaming or watching sports, it’s best to get one with a 120-hertz or higher refresh rate. A higher refresh rate significantly reduces blur and makes for a smooth image, which is beneficial for watching fast-paced content.
The best smart TVs Best smart TVs under $500[ TCL 55-inch Class 4-Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV ]
Get access to thousands of streaming apps with this TV, all in stunning HD picture quality. The interface is smooth, and the built-in Chromecast lets you cast photos and videos straight from your smartphone or tablet.
[ Insignia 42-inch F20 Series HD Smart Fire TV ]
If you’re working with a budget, this TV offers excellent value and is adequately sized for most bedrooms. The built-in Fire TV streaming service provides access to thousands of streaming apps.
[ LG NanoCell 80 Series 55-inch Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV ]
This TV has a dimming function for reproducing deep blacks and a quad-core 4K processor that delivers bright visuals. An automatic low-latency mode makes it suitable for gaming, and you can access voice assistants from the remote.
[ Vizio 43-inch D-Series Full HD Smart TV ]
You can add some entertainment to a bedroom or the basement with this affordable 43-inch TV. It has a V-Gaming engine for enhanced gaming, full-array LED backlights and an IQ picture processor for reproducing a smooth picture.
Best smart TVs for $500-$100[ Sony X80J 55-inch Smart Google TV ]
Google fans will love this smart TV thanks to the integrated Chromecast and Google Assistant. It has Dolby Vision, a high dynamic range processor for crisp visuals and the 4K X-Reality Pro database upscales content to ultra-high-definition resolution.
[ Samsung 60-inch Class QLED Q60A Series ]
This sleek QLED TV from Samsung offers smooth motion for a clear, vivid picture and millions of vibrant colors. It has dual-LED warm and cool backlights for contrast, a Quantum Processor 4K Lite feature for upscaling resolution and built-in Alexa.
[ Amazon Fire TV 65-inch Omni Series 4K UHD Smart TV ]
If you’re looking for a high-resolution TV loaded with Amazon smart functions, look no further than this large, 65-inch TV. You can control it hands-free with Alexa and an HDMI eARC port for audio equipment.
Best smart TVs for $1,000-$1,600[ Samsung 50-inch Class The Frame QLED 4K Smart TV ]
Spruce up your home with this Samsung Smart TV featuring a sophisticated art portrait mode. The visuals are dazzling, and the frame is customizable with your preference for bezel and color. Plus, it comes with a slim-fit wall mount.
[ LG OLED C1 Series 65-inch Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV ]
Some TVs have difficulty displaying accurate contrast, making some scenes appear lackluster, but you won’t have that problem with this model. Each pixel on the LG OLED is illuminated independently, and the processor calibrates settings based on the environment for the best picture possible.
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General Daily Insight for January 30, 2024
General Daily Insight for January 30, 2024
We can provide the love that we want to see in the world. The sympathetic Moon enters lovely Libra at 3:04 am EST, empowering us to strengthen our bonds with others and create more emotional balance in our lives. The Moon also works well with intense Pluto, enriching our inner lives and encouraging us to go after what revitalizes our souls. That said, Luna’s disagreement with perfectionist Venus may induce loneliness, carelessness, or even selfishness. Remember: we can give love to receive love.
AriesMarch 21 – April 19
Your feelings run deep. These sensations are frequently sparked by other people — whether these people are close to you or further out in your community, they’re causing you to feel strongly. Let them inspire you to make the world a better place for you and those whom you care about, rather than minimizing your impact as a small part of a bigger operation. You have more power than you think you do, and your impact is felt when you put in the effort.
TaurusApril 20 – May 20
Deep connections are built here and now. Perhaps you’re bonding with someone on a level that you’ve never reached with them before. Even if your first impression wasn’t great, the more that you get to know them, the more that you can see them in a different light. Sometimes what you see on the surface is clouded by experiences that you’ve had in the past. Recognizing this person for who they really are can secure your friendship. Don’t be afraid of changing your mind.
GeminiMay 21 – June 20
Your inner life is blooming. You may have felt like you’ve been operating in the dark or struggling to cling to whatever comes your way, but you may begin to feel more spiritual peace and calm without having to strive with such desperation. It may be that a person brings this spiritual peace to you, or that you are in a better work or home environment — either way, you’re allowed to relax! Take a deep breath and enjoy your peace and quiet.
CancerJune 21 – July 22
Your boundaries matter! Think back on any concessions that you made for certain people, whether you cared about them so much that you let them cross your boundaries or you just didn’t want to rock the boat and so repressed your own desires. Today, you deserve to reinstate those boundaries and ensure that you feel secure in your connections. Others involved may not react favorably at first, but you have to center your needs here. No one will maintain your boundaries if you don’t.
LeoJuly 23 – August 22
You’re showing off who you can be when you’re given the chance to perform. Whether you’re making a great first impression on an acquaintance or you’re showing a new boss that you can be the person to elevate a position or office, there’s no doubt that you’re putting your best foot forward. Being prepared is the best thing that you can do for yourself today, so dress for the lifestyle that you want. This is how you make it a reality!
VirgoAugust 23 – September 22
You’re expanding your horizons. Whether this means that you’re traveling, studying, or reading a book that’s opening your mind, you are absolutely refusing to stagnate. Life might have been more boring lately, and you’re ready to leave behind your typical walls! Even if you can’t sail to another continent, you can attend a local class or watch a foreign film. Do whatever it takes to learn about the world around you — you might be surprised by what you learn about yourself along the way.
LibraSeptember 23 – October 22
You’re making investments that will pay off. These may be investments in your finances, health, home, or even in your relationship. You’re likely thinking about the future, and you want to make sure that you’re secure when you reach a more fragile stage of your life. Now is not the time to spend time with temporary people and those who don’t have your best interests at heart! Be the self that you will look back on and thank in the future.
ScorpioOctober 23 – November 21
Your fortune appears through other people today. No matter how on top of things you normally are, you might feel somewhat confused or lost. Maybe you’re in an unfamiliar environment or just not operating at full capacity — regardless, consider asking others if they can offer some support. They can lead you to a better path when you start to stray off course, and when you’re finally heading the right way, you can then guide others. It’s okay to depend on each other.
SagittariusNovember 22 – December 21
Sticking to a routine is potentially the best thing you can do at the moment. You might feel distracted or prone to procrastinating throughout your day, especially when it comes to having fun with your friends, but don’t forget any responsibilities that you need to make sure get finished. If you’re slacking off and avoiding everything, you’ll only have to do it all at the last minute, and that invites stress and risks negatively impacting your work quality. Work first, play later!
CapricornDecember 22 – January 19
Other people might be taking more notice of you than usual. You may feel like you’ve been hiding in the background or simply passed over until this moment, but others are possibly approaching you to congratulate you or introduce themselves to you. It may be that something about you has changed, like a fresh haircut or a cool shirt that everyone can comment on, or perhaps you’re giving off an easygoing air of approachability no one’s noticed before. Let them come to you!
AquariusJanuary 20 – February 18
Positive change is a real possibility. You may have recently started some healthy habits or dedicated your time to an intriguing project — you might already be noticing the positive results taking shape in your life. You’re likely not someone who gives up when it gets hard, you only become more determined. Still, you’ll have to avoid getting distracted by all the interesting things in your life that threaten to take you away from any new endeavors. Keep your focus centered!
PiscesFebruary 19 – March 20
You might have a lot to express. That’s understandable — you’ve probably got a lot going on that you’re willing to chat about! While this isn’t a bad thing on its own, you’re currently prone to exaggerating, even if you do have a lot of interesting news to tell. Make sure that you tell your news in a concrete way and don’t leave room for misunderstandings, otherwise you could end up in a web of confusion that you didn’t even know was being spun.
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