Florida
Magic Stun Heat 106–105 as Franz Wagner Drops 32 at the Kia Center
Published
4 months agoon
By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic delivered a dramatic finish at the Kia Center on Friday night, edging the Miami Heat 106–105 in a nail-biting showdown sealed only after Bam Adebayo’s jumper at the buzzer bounced off the rim.
Franz Wagner led the charge with a game-high 32 points, attacking the rim relentlessly and providing the offensive spark Orlando needed in the final minutes. Jalen Suggs added 22 points, including a critical late-game layup that gave the Magic a five-point cushion with just over a minute remaining.
The victory marks Orlando’s seventh win in its last nine outings, continuing a strong stretch as the team gains momentum heading into the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Banchero Returns, Provides Boost
Paolo Banchero made his long-awaited return after missing 10 games with a strained left groin. Though limited to 20 minutes, he contributed nine points and six rebounds, giving the Magic additional inside presence and energy.
Desmond Bane struggled from the field, finishing with five points on 2-for-16 shooting, but Orlando’s defensive effort helped compensate for the off night.
Heat Rally Too Late
Miami nearly stole the game in the final seconds behind Norman Powell’s 28 points, including two late layups that brought the Heat within one. Adebayo added a strong double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds, but his potential game-winner fell short.
The Heat played without Tyler Herro, who suffered a right big toe injury earlier in the week. Miami has now lost three of its last four following a previous six-game winning streak.
Rematch on the Horizon
The Magic and Heat will meet again Tuesday night at the Kia Center in an NBA Cup quarterfinal showdown. With emotions high and both teams showing playoff-level intensity, another thriller may be on deck.
Up Next:
Heat: Host Sacramento on Saturday night.
Magic: Travel to New York to face the Knicks on Sunday.
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J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida
Florida Legislative Black Caucus Urges Due Process Amid Calls to Impeach Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper
Published
1 week agoon
April 3, 2026TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Legislative Black Caucus says it is aware of recent calls for the impeachment of Tiffany Baker-Carper following the signing of Missy’s Law, according to a press statement released by the caucus.
The caucus acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised but emphasized that impeachment should remain a constitutional process rather than a political response.
“We recognize the gravity of these concerns and the importance of accountability in public service,” the statement said. “However, we must be equally clear: impeachment is a constitutional remedy, not a political reaction.”
Facts Before Force
The caucus stated that any consideration of impeachment must be grounded in verified evidence rather than speculation or political pressure.
“Impeachment must be based on verified evidence,” the statement said. “The integrity of our democratic institutions depends on a disciplined commitment to truth.”
Due Process and Fairness
Members of the caucus also stressed the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.
“Every individual — regardless of position — is entitled to fairness, due process and the presumption of innocence,” the statement said. “Rushing to impeachment without a complete factual record undermines the very justice we seek to uphold.”
Transparency and Public Trust
The caucus said Floridians deserve transparency and clarity as the situation unfolds.
“Any actions taken must be conducted openly, with findings made available to the public to ensure confidence in the outcome,” the statement said.
The caucus urged lawmakers and stakeholders to avoid premature political escalation and instead follow a responsible process that balances accountability with justice.
The Florida Legislative Black Caucus said it will continue monitoring developments and advocate for a process that reflects the highest standards of governance.
Florida
VIDEO: NASA Artemis II Mission Sends Astronauts Around the Moon in First Crewed Test Since Apollo
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 1, 2026By
Willie DavidThe Artemis II crewed lunar mission launches from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026. Four astronauts blasted off aboard a massive NASA rocket on a long-anticipated journey around the Moon—marking the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years. Photo by Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News.
Historic Return to Deep Space Artemis II is the first crewed mission in NASA’s Artemis program, designed to return humans to the Moon and eventually establish a sustainable presence there. The flight follows the successful uncrewed test mission, Artemis I, which demonstrated the Orion spacecraft’s ability to travel to lunar orbit and return to Earth. The Artemis program represents NASA’s long-term strategy to explore deep space, including preparing astronauts for future missions to Mars. Astronaut Crew to Circle the Moon
The Artemis II crew includes four astronauts selected to test Orion’s life-support systems and navigation capabilities during the mission.
The Artemis II crewed lunar mission launches from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026. Four astronauts blasted off aboard a massive NASA rocket on a long-anticipated journey around the Moon—marking the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years.
Photo by Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News.
Their journey will take them thousands of miles beyond the Moon before returning to Earth. The mission will also demonstrate critical technologies needed for future lunar landings planned under upcoming Artemis missions.
Florida’s Space Coast in the Global Spotlight The launch is expected to draw thousands of spectators to Florida’s Space Coast, including viewers gathering along beaches in Cocoa Beach and nearby communities to witness the historic liftoff.
Entertainment
Orlando International Fashion Week Announces Media Partnership With Florida National News
Published
3 weeks agoon
March 24, 2026By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has announced a new media partnership with Florida National News (FNN), expanding media coverage and audience reach for one of Central Florida’s premier fashion and cultural events.
Hosted annually in Orlando, Orlando International Fashion Week brings together designers, models, influencers and industry professionals from around the world. The event celebrates fashion, beauty, music, art and luxury lifestyle while showcasing emerging and established talent through runway shows, networking events and industry programming.
Through the new partnership, Florida National News will provide expanded editorial coverage of Orlando International Fashion Week events throughout 2026. Coverage will include runway highlights, designer features, exclusive interviews and digital media content designed to deliver local, national and international exposure for participating designers and industry leaders.
Expanded Media Coverage for a Global Audience
Florida National News will produce multimedia coverage throughout the event, including photo galleries, video interviews, behind-the-scenes content and feature stories highlighting designers, models and creative professionals participating in the event.
With a growing digital audience and a track record of covering major events across Florida, Florida National News aims to amplify the reach of Orlando International Fashion Week while delivering engaging storytelling and industry insights to viewers across multiple platforms.
Florida National News has served as a trusted media platform for more than a decade, providing event coverage, interviews and trend analysis that spotlight designers and fashion innovation across the state.
Leaders Highlight the Value of the Partnership
“Florida National News is proud to partner with Orlando International Fashion Week to showcase the creativity, innovation and rising talent shaping the fashion industry,” said Jenny Rosario, vice president of Florida National News. “Our platform is committed to highlighting designers, artists and industry leaders while bringing global visibility to the exceptional talent featured during this event.”
“We are excited to welcome Florida National News as an official media partner for Orlando International Fashion Week,” said Dr. Jessica Henlon. “Their strong media presence and commitment to storytelling will help elevate our designers and participants while expanding the reach of OIFW to audiences worldwide.”
Orlando’s Growing Influence in Fashion and Culture
As Orlando continues to grow as a destination for arts, culture and international events, partnerships like this are helping position the city as an emerging hub for fashion, creativity and industry innovation.
Events such as Orlando International Fashion Week attract designers and creative talent from across the United States and abroad, strengthening Orlando’s reputation as a center for global cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.
What’s Next for Florida National News’ Partnership Growth?
Florida National News continues to expand its partnerships across sports, entertainment, fashion and cultural events throughout Florida and beyond.
Looking ahead, the media organization is expected to pursue additional collaborations with major event producers, creative industry leaders and cultural institutions. These partnerships aim to broaden multimedia storytelling, increase digital and streaming distribution, and position Florida National News as a leading platform for event coverage and industry insights across the state.
With continued investment in digital media, live event coverage and strategic partnerships, Florida National News is poised to expand its role as a key media partner for high-profile events while delivering wider exposure for creators, organizations and communities throughout Florida.