Japan Working With Jordan, Others To Free Islamic State Hostage

MIAMI — Amid speculation of what might come next with the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler — with Butler eligible for an extension and also in the midst of media speculation about his future with the team — coach Erik Spoelstra spoke Friday of an enduring relationship. “It goes by fast,” Spoelstra said of the partnership that began with the Heat’s acquisition of Butler from the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 offseason.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS) LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Republican National Committee on Friday filed a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent Nevada from counting mail ballots received after Election Day, as the state’s law currently permits. The law, passed by Democrats in 2021, permits the tallying of mail ballots received up to four days after Election Day, provided the envelopes are postmarked before the end of the day.

An investigator’s review by a consulting firm of the Coconut Creek police department found the work environment “toxic,” officers were publicly berated and allegations of inappropriate comments by the chief. They were among a series of issues that led to suggestions for bringing changes. City Commissioner Joshua Rydell vowed Friday that “action will be taken.” “There’s some issues in the police department that need to be addressed immediately,” Rydell said.

The Delray Beach Fire Rescue chief has been fired for misconduct after he allowed firefighters to play in a charity softball game, according to the city’s termination letter. As of Thursday, Keith Tomey was fired and replaced by interim fire rescue chief Kevin Green. The decision, detailed by City Manager Terrence Moore in a letter, comes after an investigation initiated by Moore into a softball game on Nov.

MIAMI — For nearly two hours Friday, Erik Spoelstra and several of his Miami Heat players participated in exit interviews with the media at Kaseya Center. But there also were several notable absences. In many ways, that made it a microcosm of the just-completed season that concluded with a first-round playoff ouster as a No.

TALLAHASSEE — A bill sitting on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk would end the state’s support of renewable and clean energy and keep Florida reliant on fossil fuels, critics say. If signed, the law would reverse 16 years of state policy, finishing the work started by former Gov. Rick Scott and undoing Gov.