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Today in History: May 18, Mount St. Helens erupts
Today is Sunday, May 18, the 138th day of 2025. There are 227 days left in the year.
Today in history:On May 18, 1980, the Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington state erupted, leaving an estimated 57 people dead or missing.
Also on this date:In 1863, the Siege of Vicksburg began during the Civil War, ending July 4 with a Union victory.
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In 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Plessy v. Ferguson, endorsed “separate but equal” racial segregation. (The decision was reversed 58 years later by Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka.)
In 1927, in America’s deadliest school attack, part of a schoolhouse in Bath Township, Michigan, was blown up with explosives planted by local farmer Andrew Kehoe, who then set off a bomb in his truck; the attacks killed 38 children and six adults, including Kehoe, who’d earlier killed his wife. (Authorities said Kehoe, who suffered financial difficulties, was seeking revenge for losing a township clerk election.)
In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a measure creating the Tennessee Valley Authority, the largest public utility in America.
In 1973, Harvard law professor Archibald Cox was appointed Watergate special prosecutor by U.S. Attorney General Elliot Richardson.
In 1981, the New York Native, a gay newspaper, carried a story concerning rumors of “an exotic new disease” among LGBTQ+ people; it was the first published report about what came to be known as AIDS.
In 1998, the U.S. government filed an antitrust case against Microsoft, saying the powerful software company had a “choke hold” on competitors that was denying consumers important choices about how they bought and used computers. (The Justice Department and Microsoft reached a settlement in 2001.)
In 2018, a 17-year-old armed with a shotgun and a pistol opened fire at a Houston-area high school, killing eight students and two teachers.
Today’s Birthdays:
- Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson is 79.
- Musician Rick Wakeman (Yes) is 76.
- Musician-composer Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo) is 75.
- Country musician George Strait is 73.
- Actor Chow Yun-Fat is 70.
- Hockey Hall of Famer Jari Kurri is 65.
- Tennis Hall of Famer Yannick Noah is 65.
- Comedian-writer Tina Fey is 55.
- Rock singer Jack Johnson is 50.
- Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter is 22.
Mexican tall ship strikes Brooklyn Bridge, snapping masts and killing 2 crew members
NEW YORK (AP) — A Mexican navy sailing ship on a global goodwill tour struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday, snapping its three masts, killing two crew members and leaving some sailors dangling from harnesses high in the air waiting for help.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the 142-year-old bridge was spared major damage but at least 19 people aboard the ship needed medical treatment.
Two of the four people who suffered serious injuries later died, Adams announced on social media early Sunday.
The cause of the collision was under investigation.
In a scene captured in multiple eyewitness videos, the ship, called the Cuauhtemoc, could be seen traveling swiftly in reverse toward the bridge near the Brooklyn side of the East River. Then, its three masts struck the bridge’s span and snapped, one by one, as the ship kept moving.
Videos showed heavy traffic on the span at the time of the 8:20 p.m. collision. No one on the bridge was reported injured.
The vessel, which was flying a giant Mexican flag and had 277 people aboard, then drifted into a pier on the riverbank as onlookers scrambled away.
Sailors could be seen aloft in the rigging on the damaged masts but, remarkably, no one fell into the water, officials said.
Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told The Associated Press they were sitting outside to watch the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge.
“We saw someone dangling, and I couldn’t tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them,” Katz said.
A masted Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtémoc, sits stranded after colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Viterbo)Just before the collision, Nick Corso, 23, took his phone out to capture the backdrop of the ship and the bridge against a sunset, Instead, he heard what sounded like the loud snapping of a “big twig.” Several more snaps followed.
People in his vicinity began running and “pandemonium” erupted aboard the ship, he said. He later saw a handful of people dangling from a mast.
“I didn’t know what to think, I was like, is this a movie?” he said.
The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the Cuauhtemoc was an academy training vessel. It said a total of 22 people were injured, 19 of whom needed medical treatment.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum regretted the loss of the two crew members.
“Our solidarity and support go out to their families,” Sheinbaum said on X.
A Mexican navy ship sits in the water after it hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Kyle Viterbo)The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600-foot main span supported by two masonry towers. More than 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross every day, according to the city’s transportation department. Its walkway is a major tourist attraction.
Traffic was halted after the collision but was allowed to resume after an inspection, city officials said.
It was unclear what caused the ship to veer off course. New York Police Department Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles said the ship had just left a Manhattan pier and was supposed to have been headed out to sea, not toward the bridge.
He said an initial report was that the pilot of the ship had lost power due to a mechanical problem, though officials cautioned that information was preliminary. Videos show a tugboat was close to the Cuauhtemoc at the time of the crash.
The Cuauhtemoc — about 297 feet long and 40 feet wide, according to the Mexican navy — sailed for the first time in 1982.
The vessel’s main mast has a height of 160 feet, according to the Mexican government.
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As midnight approached, the broken boat was moved slowly up the East River, going under and past the Manhattan Bridge, aided by a series of tugboats, before docking at a pier. Onlookers continued to gather on the waterfront to watch the spectacle.
Each year the Cuauhtemoc sets out at the end of classes at the naval military school to finish cadets’ training. This year it left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on April 6, the navy said.
It arrived in New York City on May 13, where visitors were welcome for several days, the Mexican consulate said. The ship was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations over 254 days, 170 of them at sea.
Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak and Jennifer Peltz in New York, Sejal Govindarao in Phoenix, Arizona, and Gene Johnson in Seattle, Washington, contributed to this report.
New York Fire Department says authorities are responding to injuries after ship collides with Brooklyn Bridge
NEW YORK (AP) — A Mexican navy sailing ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday during a promotional tour in New York City, the top of its three masts slamming into the iconic span and partially collapsing as the boat floated in the East River.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said 19 people were injured in the crash, four seriously, but the 142-year-old bridge was spared major damage. The cause of the collision was under investigation.
In a scene captured in multiple eyewitness videos, the masts could be seen snapping and partially collapsing as they crashed into the deck of the bridge. Videos showed heavy traffic on the span at the time of the collision.
The vessel, which was flying a giant green, white and red Mexican flag, then drifted toward the edge of the river as onlookers scrambled away from shore. Sailors could be seen aloft in the rigging on the damaged masts.
Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told The Associated Press they were sitting outside to watch the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge and one of its masts snap. Looking closer, they saw someone dangling from high on the ship.
“We saw someone dangling, and I couldn’t tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them,” Katz said.
They said they saw two people removed from the ship on stretchers onto smaller boats.
The Mexican navy said in a post on the social platform X that the Cuauhtemoc, an academy training vessel, was damaged in an accident with the Brooklyn Bridge that prevented it from continuing its voyage.
It added that the status of personnel and material was under review by naval and local authorities, which were providing assistance.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry said on X that its ambassador to the U.S. and officials from the Mexican consulate in New York were in contact with local authorities to provide assistance to “the affected cadets,” but it did not mention injuries.
The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600-foot (490-meter) main span supported by two masonry towers. More than 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross every day, according to the city’s transportation department, and its walkway is a major tourist attraction.
The Cuauhtemoc — about 297 feet long and 40 feet wide (90.5 meters long and 12 meters wide), according to the Mexican navy — sailed for the first time in 1982.
Each year it sets out at the end of classes at the naval military school to finish cadets’ training. This year it left the Mexican port of Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, on April 6 with 277 people onboard, the navy said then.
The Mexican consulate said May 13 on X that the Cuauhtemoc, also called the “Ambassador and Knight of the Seas,” arrived that day and docked at pier 17. It invited people to visit through May 17.
The ship was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations, including Kingston, Jamaica; Havana, Cuba; Cozumel, Mexico; and New York.
It also had planned to go to Reykjavik, Iceland; Bordeaux, Saint Malo and Dunkirk, France; and Aberdeen, Scotland, among others, for a total of 254 days, 170 of them at sea.
King’s Academy brings home its first boys volleyball state championship
The King’s Academy boys volleyball team captured its first state championship in school history with a 25-14, 25-14, 27-25 victory against SLAM (Tampa) in the Class 1A state championship at Polk State College in Winter Haven on Saturday afternoon.
King’s Academy (22-5) had a dominant performance in the first set. It jumped out to a 7-1 advantage, extended the lead to 19-9 and won by 11. The Lions had a 15-12 advantage in the second set and finished strong with a 10-2 run. King’s Academy trailed 25-24 in the third set before rallying for the final three points to earn the victory.
Junior middle blocker Isaiah McCoy had 10 kills and four digs and senior outside hitter Ryan Huff recorded 10 kills, 12 digs and three aces. Huff recorded the game-winning kill on an assist from McCoy.
“I think we played amazing in the last two matches at states,” Isaiah McCoy said. “We played with a lot of fire. We worked really hard. It was definitely an amazing experience.”
Senior opposite Graysen Amestoy added 10 kills and nine digs and senior outside hitter John Casey registered nine kills and 10 digs. Senior setter Jake Manning finished among the team leaders in assists.
King’s Academy defeated J.C. Bermudez 25-16, 25-10, 25-21 in the Class 1A state semifinal. They previously defeated Calvary Christian Academy in three sets in the regional quarterfinal, swept Lake Highland Prep in the regional semifinal and edged Cardinal Gibbons in five sets in the regional final.
The King’s Academy boys volleyball program first started at the school in 2021. The Lions, which have won three consecutive district championships, had previously reached the state semifinal in 2023. They were determined after falling in the regional final last year.
“We suffered a pretty tough loss last season and we were motivated to not let it happen again,” King’s Academy coach Danielle McCoy said. “We knew the regional championship was going to be one of the toughest games of the year. We were able to overcome and push through. We had a lot to prove at states and played well. It’s a great feeling. We were a lot older and stronger this year. We had some newcomers who made an impact. We had amazing team chemistry.”
Seminole Ridge falls in Class 3A state semifinalThe Seminole Ridge playoff run fell short in a five-set loss (16-25, 16-25, 25-22, 25-16, 10-15) against Southwest Miami in a Class 3A state semifinal.
Stephen Barnes had a team-high 15 kills in the loss. Senior Addison Corey added 12 kills and senior Carson Kramer recorded 11 kills.
“The boys fought as hard as possible, but we just came up a little short,” Seminole Ridge coach Scott Barnwell said. “There is no quit in these guys. Southwest is the No.3 team in the nation and we showed that we are also one of the top programs. We will be back again next year. We have nine returners coming back. The future is bright.”
Barnes led the team in kills and aces during the season while Kramer finished first on the squad in total blocks. Freshman Evan Holowecky led the Hawks in assists and sophomore Pierce Giebenrath led the group in digs.
Seminole Ridge won in three sets against Jupiter in the regional quarterfinal and in three sets against Palm Beach Central in the regional semifinal. They advanced to the state final four with a victory in four sets against Boca Raton.
Suncoast eliminated in Class 2A state final fourThe Suncoast boys volleyball team’s impressive season came to an end as they fell in three sets (17-25, 15-25, 23-25) against Lake Howell in a Class 2A state semifinal.
Suncoast (23-2) finished unbeaten against opponents from Palm Beach and Broward. They also had victories in three sets against Coral Springs, Archbishop McCarthy and St. Thomas Aquinas prior to the state final four.
“We didn’t have the most talented team in the state, but this group had a composure, work ethic and competitiveness that special teams have,” Suncoast coach Christian Spence said. “They had a strong will to win and worked hard for it every practice, every match, and every point this season.”
Suncoast senior Kyle Ross led the team in kills and aces while junior Thomas Supran led the group in total blocks. Senior Nicholas Watson led the Chargers in digs and senior Dylan Smith led the squad in assists.
Daily Horoscope for May 18, 2025
Opposing viewpoints could directly clash at this time. As stubborn Mercury in Taurus locks horns with passionate Mars in Leo at 12:36 am EDT, we may each demand our own way — at any cost! When the emotional Moon then passes into hyper-logical Aquarius and conjoins manipulative Pluto, we might convince ourselves that whatever outcome we want is the only rational choice possible. Nevertheless, admitting that great minds can come to different conclusions could actually give us more room to pursue our longings.
AriesMarch 21 – April 19
You may currently covet some item that all your friends seem to have. Buying one for yourself probably isn’t in the budget. Still, as practical Mercury in your finance sector struggles with pushy Mars in your 5th House of Pleasure, your desire might be hard to resist! Making this potential purchase about whatever your peers are doing is potentially sending you off on an unhelpful tangent. If you simply want this acquisition for your own reasons, put in the effort to reconfigure your priorities accordingly.
TaurusApril 20 – May 20
Thoughtfully shaping the image you present to the world could feel particularly important to you now. Unfortunately, you may not have as much control as you want over this — while logical Mercury in your sign complains to unsettled Mars in your domestic 4th house, some upheaval in your private life is probably going to be apparent to everyone else. Although this might embarrass you, the people you interact with have likely experienced similar struggles. Let them have this opportunity to empathize with you.
GeminiMay 21 – June 20
Going to an extreme to prove your point may seem necessary now. While busy Mercury in your 12th House of Secrets goads competitive Mars in your communication sector, you might be tempted to spill information normally regarded as private as a quick way to win an argument. It’s true that a compelling personal story can sometimes cut through the muck of a complicated philosophical discussion. Whatever you put out there can’t be unsaid, though, so make sure that the dispute is really worth it.
CancerJune 21 – July 22
Proving yourself to your peers may feel urgent. As witty Mercury in your social sector provokes boastful Mars in your self-worth zone, a joke might rub you the wrong way. Even if the comment sounds innocent to everyone else, you potentially hear more in it. There could indeed be a contentious backstory between you and the person making the comment. In contrast, your other experiences or insecurities are probably also a powerful force. Figure out what’s really going on before you blow things up.
LeoJuly 23 – August 22
Someone you’re entangled with may seem to be undermining your ongoing path to a major goal. While the delicate Moon conjoins underhanded Pluto in your 7th House of Open Enemies, you might resent that they get away with their machinations by appearing vulnerable. If you confront them, you’ll look like the villain! For the time being, try to work around them — focus on what you can do without involving them. The world should eventually take notice of your strength.
VirgoAugust 23 – September 22
The difficulty could currently be in the details as you attempt to plan an exciting adventure. It’s true that focusing on efficiency might seem to provide logistical advantages, but you can’t suppress your need for comfort forever. Any sacrifice that doesn’t truly sit well with you risks eventually ending in tears as clever Mercury in your travel sector stomps on seething Mars in your resentful 12th house. Be realistic about your requirements for things like food and rest — don’t pretend that you’re superhuman.
LibraSeptember 23 – October 22
Deciding what to prioritize in your social life could stress you out at the moment. Do you want to meet new people, or do you want to get to know whoever is already in your life on a deeper level? If you go for depth, keep in mind that you’ll have to open up about your own stuff too — all the vulnerable sharing can’t just come from other people! Be honest with yourself regarding what you’re able to offer in general conversations.
ScorpioOctober 23 – November 21
Achieving something impressive may now seem necessary to quiet one of your critics. As nagging Mercury in your adversarial 7th house incites aggressive Mars in your ambition zone, you might come out of this with a substantial accomplishment you can take pride in. Still, the underlying idea that you aren’t worthy just the way you are could deeply rattle you. You don’t have to know right this second what you consider your foundation, but at least start asking yourself the question.
SagittariusNovember 22 – December 21
Your longing for a grand adventure could crash on the rocks of your responsibilities today. Some of the items on your to-do list might be less urgent than you think, so you may ultimately be able to rearrange things in a way that gives you more freedom. Regardless of how you choose to proceed, try to rein in any resentment when you discuss the situation with others. Emphasizing your martyrdom will only raise the emotional temperature, so focus on finding a productive compromise.
CapricornDecember 22 – January 19
The togetherness you crave may seem to cost too much of your joy at present. As creative Mercury in your 5th House of Pleasure pokes at domineering Mars in your intimacy zone, you might be happy enough to spend time with a loved one — except that they’re shooting down every good idea you have! Do they have an alternative plan, or do they mainly want to mope? Find out what’s really going on, and then decide whether you can handle it.
AquariusJanuary 20 – February 18
Your brilliant idea for a home improvement project may not be appreciated by all involved today. As inspired Mercury in your domestic 4th house runs into resistance from assertive Mars in your relationship zone, someone else involved in the situation could have ideas of their own! Although you might be tempted to win them over to your side with heavy emotional arguments, stop and hear out their objections instead. A plan worth following should be able to handle a few tough questions.
PiscesFebruary 19 – March 20
Getting things done could take longer than you’d like. That being said, you might actually be having positive experiences in the moment — if you can acknowledge them as such. While chatty Mercury in your 3rd House of Communication slows down revved-up Mars in your productivity zone, the conversations you fall into along the way may broaden your perspective on whatever situation you’re dealing with. Your determination to work hard is great, but don’t forget about the benefits of working smart!
Alcantara’s horrid year continues as Rays shut out Marlins
MIAMI (AP) — Drew Rasmussen threw a season-high six innings of four-hit ball, Yandy Díaz had two hits and two RBIs and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Miami Marlins 4-0 on Saturday.
Jonathan Arranda and Chandler Simpson singled twice and drove in a run each for the Rays, who scored their runs in the fifth inning against Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara.
Rasmussen (2-4) struck out seven for his first win since March 31.
Simpson left in the ninth after he was thrown out the plate and collided with Marlins catcher Nick Fortes. Simpson remained on the ground while tended to by the training staff before walking to the dugout.
Alcantara (2-6), who lost his sixth straight outing, gave up four runs and five hits in five innings.
Arranda capped the outburst against Alcantara with an RBI single. Díaz hit a two-run single and Simpson opened the scoring with an RBI single.
Alcantara (2-6) flashed his 2022 NL Cy Young form over the first four innings. The right-hander retired 11 straight before José Caballero reached on an infield single and Danny Jansen was hit by a pitch in the fifth. Alcántara also struggled holding base runners as Caballero stole two bases and Simpson swiped one.
Edwin Uceta, Garret Cleavinger and Pete Fairbanks each threw an inning of relief for the Rays.
Kyle Stowers and Liam Hicks each had two hits to lead the Marlins.
Key momentFacing an 0-2 count against Alcantara with two out, Díaz took back-to-back balls before hitting an opposite-field line drive to right that made it 3-0.
Key statSimpson is hitting is .404 (21 of 52) in 14 road games this season.
Up nextShane Baz (3-2. 5.02) is scheduled to start the series finale for the Rays on Sunday against Cal Quantrill (2-4, 7.00).
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
One person killed after a vehicle explosion outside Palm Springs fertility clinic that police say was ‘intentional act of violence’
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — An explosion tore through a fertility clinic in the upscale California city of Palm Springs late Saturday morning, leaving one person believed to be the suspect dead in an attack the FBI characterized as terrorism.
A burned-out vehicle was seen in the parking lot behind the clinic after the blast, which caved in the building’s roof, sprayed debris across a five-lane road and shattered windows in businesses blocks away. The clinic was closed for the weekend, and the doctor who leads it told The Associated Press its staffers were safe.
“Make no mistake: This is an intentional act of terrorism,” Akil Davis, the head of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, told an evening news conference. He declined to say how authorities reached that conclusion.
A law enforcement official said investigators recovered an AK-47-style rifle from the scene. The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.
Authorities were still working to confirm the identity of the person killed, Davis said. Four people were hurt, but authorities provided no details on the severity of those injuries, how they occurred or where. Davis said law enforcement was also looking into the possibility that the explosion was livestreamed.
The act was being investigated as a possible car explosion, according to two other law enforcement officials briefed on the matter who insisted on anonymity to discuss preliminary information from an ongoing investigation.
One of the officials told AP that investigators believe the person who died was likely the person who set off the explosion, but they cautioned that the investigation was still in its early stages.
The blast gutted the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic, in a single-story building along a five-lane street lined with palm trees. Dr. Maher Abdallah, who leads the clinic, told AP in a phone interview that the explosion damaged the practice’s office space, where it conducts consultations with patients. The clinic’s IVF lab and stored embryos are offsite and were not damaged.
“Thank God today happened to be a day that we have no patients,” Abdallah said.
Palm Springs Mayor Pro Tem Naomi Soto called the clinic “a place of hope.”
“This is a building that people go to to start or expand their families,” she said. “We acknowledge their pain and concern across the community for the patients and staff.”
Rhino Williams, 47, said he was chatting with customers at a hotel restaurant he helps manage just over a block away when he heard a huge boom. Everything rattled, Williams said, and he sprinted to the scene to see if anyone needed help.
Williams covered his nose with his shirt as he smelled burning plastic and rubber. He said he saw a building had “blown out” into the street, with bricks and debris scattered everywhere, and he spotted a car’s front axle on fire in the parking lot.
He said it was the only car in the lot. He ran into the building, calling out and peering behind the counter to see if anyone was inside. He did not hear a response and did not see anyone behind the counter.
Williams then ran around to check on other buildings. Multiple windows of the neighboring liquor store were also blown out, he said. Once he saw authorities arrive, he headed back to the hotel.
Steven Michael Chacon was in his car preparing to turn into a hospital across the street from the clinic when felt and heard a massive boom as the building was torn apart, sending a massive plume of black smoke into the air. Not knowing what happened, he exited his car to flee the scene. Glass was all over the ground, and he saw what appeared to be a body part.
“I got out of my car and then people started screaming, there were people bloody, there was glass everywhere,” he said.
Palm Springs, about a two-hour drive east of Los Angeles, is known for upscale resorts, golf courses and a history of celebrity residents.
Among those investigating were investigators, bomb technicians and an evidence response team from the FBI as well as investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Trump administration condemned the attack.
“The Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. “Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable.”
UCF softball survives slugfest with Michigan to advance to regional final
UCF softball survived a grueling back-and-forth game against Michigan, ultimately outlasting the Wolverines 10-8 and advancing to the finals of the Austin Regional of the NCAA Softball Tournament on Saturday.
The Knights defeated Eastern Illinois 10-2 in five innings earlier in the regional-elimination round, setting up the evening showdown with UM. It was a rematch of the opening-round matchup between the two schools, won by Michigan 4-3.
UCF (35-23-1) will face No. 1 seed Texas (48-10) on Sunday (1 p.m.), which advanced to the final with a 16-4 win over the Wolverines earlier in the day.
“What a great team effort,” said UCF coach Cindy Ball-Malone. “It’s amazing to see them fight for each other and get us back into a regional-championship game. We haven’t been there in a couple of years, so we’re excited to have that opportunity to play against top teams.”
The Knights return to the regional finals for the first time since the 2022 national tourney when they defeated Michigan to advance to the Super Regional.
In the bottom of the first inning, Michigan (39-21) capitalized on freshman pitcher Yessenia Lopez, taking a 1-0 lead after second baseman Indiana Langford’s single and an RBI single from right fielder Ella Stephenson. However, designated hitter Lauren Putz was thrown out at home trying to score.
UCF responded in the second inning with first baseman Ashleigh Griffin’s single and a two-run RBI single from second baseman Coco Jaimes, putting the Knights ahead 2-1. Michigan tied it with an RBI single from Avery Fantucci before UCF regained the lead with a home run by Stormy Kotzelnick and a 4-3 advantage from Maddie Erickson’s RBI single.
In the fourth, UCF loaded the bases, and Aubrey Evans walked to tie the game. Sierra Humphreys then hit a double, giving UCF a 7-4 lead. Michigan answered with four runs to lead 8-7.
In the fifth, UCF’s Izzy Mertes hit a solo home run, and Madison Simon’s 2-RBI single reclaimed the lead for the Knights at 10-8, marking the fifth lead change of the game.
Knights pitcher Isabella Vega pitched the final four innings to get her 14th win.
“I know they’re tough and they’ve got their ability to play defense, run and pitch,” Ball-Malone said about facing Texas. “They’ve got a deep pitching lineup as well. It’s going to be a good matchup. We have to play our best game. The worst thing we could do is go up and play against Texas versus playing against our best selves.”
GAME 4: UCF 10, Eastern Illinois 2 (5 innings)
UCF bounced back from an opening-round loss with a decisive 10-2 victory over Eastern Illinois in the elimination game. The Knights struck early, scoring four runs in the first inning, starting with a walk by EIU pitcher McKenzie Oslanzi that allowed Ashleigh Griffin to cross the plate.
Izzy Mertes added an RBI single, followed by a blooper from Beth Damon, raising the score to 3-0. Samantha Ray grounded out, scoring Griffin for a 4-0 lead. Eastern Illinois responded with a sacrifice fly from Alisha Frederick, cutting UCF’s lead to 4-1.
UCF extended its lead with a run in the second from an RBI double by Stormy Kotzelnick, making it 5-1. Coco Jaimes hit a 2-run homer in the third, scoring Mertes. Griffin’s RBI single in the fourth boosted the score to 8-1, with Damon adding another run soon after.
Eastern Illinois managed one more run from Abbey Crain’s infield single, finishing the game at 10-2. UCF starter Isabella Vega pitched two innings before Kaitlyn Felton took over, earning her 14th win.
UCF’s first three batters — Aubrey Evans (2 for 3), Sierra Humphreys (2 for 4) and Kotzelnick (4 for 4) — combined for 8 hits and scored 7 runs.
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
More than a dozen South Florida gang members sentenced to federal prison
Eighteen people who were members of several different gangs operating across the tri-county South Florida region have been sentenced to federal prison for drug- and gun-related charges, federal prosecutors announced Friday.
The investigations, which involved the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Miami office and other federal and local agencies, resulted in the recovery of 23 guns, three kilograms of fentanyl and seven kilograms of cocaine, in addition to methamphetamine, crack cocaine and marijuana, federal prosecutors said in a news release Friday.
Each of the 18 were members of Zoe Mafia Family (ZMF), a South Florida Haitian gang; a group known as the 3rd World gang; and multiple different sects of the national Bloods gang, prosecutors said in a news release. They are residents of Broward, Miami-Dade or Palm Beach counties:
- Andre Allen, 37, sentenced to 10 years for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
- David Brown, 41, sentenced to 12.5 years for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
- Tirell Caldwell, 26, sentenced to just under five years for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon
- Johnnie Gibson, 51, sentenced to 14.5 years for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine
- Brionne Griffin, 35, sentenced to 5 years for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and methamphetamine
- Joseph Johnson, Jr., 46, sentenced to 10 years for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl
- Timothy Neil Lewis, Jr., 26, sentenced to 5 years for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Makinson Moise, 35, sentenced to 20 years for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine base
- Arnicious Odom, 48, sentenced to 2.5 years for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine
- Wendy Previl, 33, sentenced to 10 years for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl
- Joshua Robinson, 38, sentenced to just over 4 years for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
- Robert Roseme, 28, sentenced to 3.5 years for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl
- Nolan Setoute, 43, sentenced to 1 year for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
- Terrance Stanley, 40, sentenced to 5 years for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Dorshawn Tate, 20, sentenced to 8 months for possession with intent to distribute alprazolam
- British Wilkerson, 42, sentenced to 5 years for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Byron Felecio Williams, Jr., 40, sentenced to 5 years for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Kevin Williams, 31, sentenced to 1.5 years for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Many of the cases involved undercover officers communicating with the men charged, sometimes with multiple defendants at once, to arrange to buy narcotics from them. Authorities executed search warrants at numerous homes during the investigation, including in Fort Lauderdale and Lauderhill.
Among the men sentenced, Previl, was arrested in 2023 on a charge of aggravated manslaughter after his 1-year-old son, Zaire Cenatus, died from ingesting a deadly combination of drugs that included fentanyl, the South Florida Sun Sentinel previously reported.
Previl was arrested again several months later in 2023, which led to the federal prosecution. A criminal complaint filed in federal court said law enforcement conducted several investigations between 2021 and March 2023 of Previl’s possession, sale and distribution of drugs.
UF softball rides power surge past FAU at Gainesville Regional
GAINESVILLE — Florida catcher Jocelyn Erickson just wanted to get on base, do her part and help the Gators after a listless, hitless day at the plate.
Instead, Erickson ended Saturday’s NCAA Regional matchup against FAU with her first grand slam since she was a high school freshman in Phoenix to leave UF one win away from hosting a Super Regional next weekend.
“I was just trying to do whatever I could do for my team; I was not going down without a fight,” Erickson said. “I wasn’t saying, ‘I’m gonna hit a grand slam.’ I was just trying to get a good hit.”
Erickson’s bases-clearing blast to right center highlighted a power surge by the Gators (45-14) during a 14-6 mercy-rule decision.
Winner of seven straight, FAU (45-11) trailed 7-6 entering the bottom of the fifth inning. But a combination of shaky pitching and UF’s stacked lineup sank the Owls and allowed the Gators to find some shade and get some rest until returning to the field at 1 p.m. Sunday at Katie Seashole Softball Stadium.
Florida catcher Jocelyn Erickson reacts after she hit a game-ending grand slam during the Gators' 14-6 win in five innings against FAU during the NCAA Gainesville Regional Saturday in Gainesville (Courtesy UAA Communications)Florida will play the winner between FAU and the survivor of the Mercer-Georgia Tech matchup that followed the Gators’ victory.
“This is an important win to get out of here early,” coach Tim Walton said. “We’ll wait for the teams to battle it out to go tomorrow.”
Whoever reaches Sunday will face one of the game’s most potent and efficient lineups.
The Gators finished with just six hits but four were home runs — two by freshman slugger Taylor Shumaker.
“Something that makes this team so special is our lineup is very dangerous,” Shumaker said. “You get one batter on base, and all of a sudden the game can be broken open within one pitch.”
Shumaker’s big day continued her assault on the school’s record book.
With UF trailing 2-0 after a shaky opening inning, the Fullerton, Calif., native drove the first pitch she saw over the fence in left center to score leadoff hitter Kendra Falby and give Shumaker 20 home runs to break Brittany Schutte’s freshman record set in 2010.
Shumaker’s second homer followed a FAU pitching change in the bottom of the fourth inning to Gabby Sacco, a senior from Orlando who played at Lake Brantley. Shumaker’s 3-run shot easily cleared the right center field wall and knocked down a sizable chunk of Spanish moss hanging from a live oak to give the Gators a 7-3 lead.
“She has power in all directions — pole to pole,” Walton marveled. “The ball fight off the bat is the best I’ve ever seen.”
Florida freshman slugger Taylor Shumaker rounds the bases after she hit a home run – one of two on the day- during the Gators' 14-6 win against FAU during the NCAA Gainesville Regional. (Courtesy UAA Communications)Owls catcher and clean-up hitter Chloe Yeatts answered Shumaker with her own 3-run shot.
“They punched. We punched back,” Walton said. “It was a good game.”
The Gators ultimately wore out the Owls, forcing FAU to use three pitchers.
Ainsley Lambert relieved Sacco in the bottom of the fifth inning after she’d allowed three runs and recorded just a single out. Lambert promptly walked three Gators, giving them eight bases-on-balls Saturday, and allowed five runs — four of them when Erickson connected on the game’s final pitch.
“That’s our MO,” Walton said. “You have to throw the ball over the plate. We’re not going to chase.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
Today in History: May 17, Supreme Court strikes down school segregation
Today is Saturday, May 17, the 137th day of 2025. There are 228 days left in the year.
Today in history:On May 17, 1954, a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court handed down its Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision, which held that racially segregated public schools were inherently unequal and therefore unconstitutional.
Also on this date:In 1792, the Buttonwood Agreement, a document codifying rules for securities trading, was signed by 24 New York stockbrokers, marking the formation of the New York Stock Exchange.
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In 1875, the first Kentucky Derby was held; the race was won by Aristides, ridden by jockey Oliver Lewis.
In 1946, President Harry S. Truman seized control of the nation’s railroads, delaying — but not preventing — a threatened strike by engineers and trainmen.
In 1973, a special committee convened by the U.S. Senate began its televised hearings into the Watergate scandal.
In 1980, rioting that claimed 18 lives erupted in Miami after an all-white jury in Tampa acquitted four former Miami police officers of fatally beating Black insurance executive Arthur McDuffie.
In 1987, 37 American sailors were killed when an Iraqi warplane attacked the U.S. Navy frigate Stark in the Persian Gulf. (Iraq apologized for the attack, calling it a mistake, and paid more than $27 million in compensation.)
In 2004, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to allow same-sex marriages.
In 2015, a shootout erupted between members of motorcycle clubs and police outside a restaurant in Waco, Texas, leaving nine of the bikers dead and 20 people injured.
Today’s Birthdays:- Musician Taj Mahal is 83.
- Boxing Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard is 69.
- Sports announcer Jim Nantz is 66.
- Singer-composer Enya is 64.
- TV host-comedian Craig Ferguson is 63.
- Musician Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) is 60.
- Actor Sasha Alexander is 52.
- Basketball Hall of Famer Tony Parker is 43.
- Screenwriter-actor-producer Lena Waithe is 41.
- Dancer-choreographer Derek Hough is 40.
- Former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan is 40.
- Actor Nikki Reed is 37.
Dave Hyde: Panthers need to prove themselves in Game 7 — so what else is new?
SUNRISE — Paul Maurice sat in the aftermath of Game 6 and already was on to Game 7. He already was saying before this Game 7 what he said before the Florida Panthers’ last Game 7.
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- Panthers shut out against Maple Leafs in Game 6 | PHOTOS
He already was using the idea any team needs in any Game 7 where one good play or unlucky bounce can begin or end a season’s big hopes.
“They’re free,’’ the Florida Panthers coach said of Game 7s. “They are all the energy you’ve got with no concern about tomorrow. You want to have talked about your game enough all year, so everyone understands the game you’re going to try to play.
“You don’t need a lot of extra coffee. You’ll be ready to go.”
The last Game 7 the Panthers played was at home in Amerant Bank Arena against Edmonton and came with the pressure of having lost the three previous games, any one of which could’ve won the title.
They’ve lost just one such game this series against Toronto, 2-0 on Friday night. It was a game most everyone thought they’d win, and not just because these Panthers have won about every big game they could for the past three playoffs.
It was because Toronto was on the ropes after being dominated the two previous games. But Maurice doesn’t believe in momentum and Friday night showed why. Something was missing from the Panthers, some energy, some urgency — some electrical charge they give off on their best nights.
“Slow making plays, not making them when they’re there,’’ Matthew Tkachuk said of their power play, an idea that carried across their game.
Still, it was scoreless midway through the third period when defenseman Gustav Forsling made the bad clearing pass he never makes. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky let in the kind of shot he rarely does. But in Toronto they only know Auston Matthews scored the only goal the Maple Leafs needed and his first playoff goal in 11 games against the Panthers.
So, now it’s Toronto that can have a comeback to celebrate.
And now it’s the Panthers who have to remind everyone why they’re a special team. Just as any such team does. Just like this one did in starting this run with a Game 7 win at Boston in the opening series of the 2023 playoffs.
“It’s an opportunity to make a name for ourselves again,’’ Tkachuk said. “We enjoy these games, we enjoy these moments. Hopefully we’re to be ready to go.”
Tkachuk is playing like he’s not fully recovered from his injury in the Four-Nations Face-off that put him down for two months. But that doesn’t matter now. Matthews seems to be battling something. Toronto forward Matthew Knies left Friday with an injury.
“I don’t know the answer,’’ Toronto coach Craig Berube said about Knies.
Toronto played the game it needed Friday night, tight and simple. The Panthers only had two shots in the first period. Their top line with Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart had three shots all game.
Toronto once again had a big number of 31 blocked shots and goalie Joseph Woll did what he was asked to do for the shutout. Which wasn’t too much.
“A gutsy win,’’ Matthews called it, before calling Sunday night, “A special opportunity for our team.”
Toronto hasn’t made it out of the second round in two decades, so it doesn’t have anything to draw on for this Game 7. Maybe the Panthers’ Game 7 wins the past couple of years don’t mean anything for this one, either.
“We’re not going to show any video of those Game 7s,’’ Maurice said. “We’ll be looking at the video tonight and see where we can get better.”
He knows what’s coming, though.
“It’s an interesting thing, I think when you get to five or six teams left, they’re all capable,’’ Maurice said. “They can get into a Game 7 and then harness it. Sometimes it’s just who the puck bounced for.
“That’s part of the tension. But it’s about as honest a game as you can find. There’s no cheating in that game. That’s why they’re so much fun.”
Sunday night, 7:30 p.m. The fun begins. And the end for one team.
Panthers shut out against Maple Leafs in Game 6 | PHOTOS
Show Caption1 of 19Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) is bowled over by Toronto Maple Leafs center Max Domi (11) during the third period of Game 6 of the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)Maple Leafs shut out Panthers, force Game 7 in Toronto on Sunday night
SUNRISE — Toronto captain Auston Matthews has drawn the ire of Maple Leafs fans. The three-time league-leading goal scorer went five games and two periods without scoring against the Panthers.
But Matthews scored arguably the biggest goal of Toronto’s season, putting the Maple Leafs on the board in a 2-0 win over Florida in Game 6 on Friday. The goal kept the Maple Leafs’ season alive, forcing Game 7 in Toronto on Sunday.
“Just win or learn like — that’s how we’ve been,” Florida captain Aleksander Barkov said. “So today, we learned and move on from this game and recover well and get ready.”
Both teams were scoreless through the first 44 minutes of the game. But Gustav Forsling’s errant pass ended up on Mitch Marner’s stick. Marner dished a pass to Matthews, who raced into the zone and fired a shot past Sergei Bobrovsky for the game’s only goal.
After taking a beating in Game 5, the Maple Leafs came out lively. They outshot the Panthers 7-2 in the first period and had 20 shots on goal to Florida’s 17.
Toronto had nine high-danger scoring chances in the first period, according to the hockey analytics site Natural Stat Trick, but Sergei Bobrovsky continued his hot stretch and kept the Maple Leafs off the scoreboard.
The Panthers dominated the first 10 minutes of the second period, getting 25 shot attempts compared to only one for the Maple Leafs. Florida racked up 31 shot attempts to Toronto’s five, and five high-danger attempts to the Maple Leafs’ one. But the teams went to the locker room at the second intermission in a scoreless tie.
“I just thought we were late getting it off our stick,” coach Paul Maurice said. “But I thought we were waving the gun a lot but didn’t want to pull the trigger.”
Both teams’ defenses played well, clogging gaps and blocking shots. But Matthews broke the scoreless tie, and the Panthers could not beat Toronto goalie Joseph Woll. Max Pacioretty added a second goal 14:17 into the second period, securing the win for the Maple Leafs.
It was the first time the Panthers had been shut out in a home playoff game since April 20, 1997, when the Rangers rolled 3-0 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.
The Panthers last faced elimination in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final against Edmonton last year. They won that game to clinch the franchise’s first championship.
“(Game sevens are) free,” Maurice said. “They are all the energy you’ve got with no concern about tomorrow. You want to have talked about your game enough all year that everybody understands this game that you’re going to try to play. You don’t need a lot of extra coffee. You’ll be ready to go.”
Wagaman, Norby spark Marlins to 9-4 victory over Rays
MIAMI (AP) — Eric Wagaman had three hits and two RBIs, Connor Norby added a three-run double, and the Miami Marlins beat the Tampa Bay Rays 9-4 on Friday night.
Norby’s two-bagger gave the Marlins a 5-1 lead in the fourth inning. Wagaman had a sacrifice fly in the first against Taj Bradley (3-3), then added an RBI single in a four-run sixth after Tampa Bay had pulled within 5-4.
Tampa Bay’s Yandy Díaz returned to the lineup after missing a three-game series at Toronto because of a passport issue. He had an RBI single in the third that made it 1-1.
Miami’s Max Meyer (3-4) allowed four runs in five innings. Ronny Henriquez, Lake Bachar and Tyler Phillips closed it out.
Bradley surrendered five runs in four innings. Montgomery retired one batter and was tagged for three runs.
José Caballero had an RBI double, Simpson singled in a run and Josh Lowe added a two-out RBI single in the Rays’ three-run fifth.
Key momentRays reliever Mason Montgomery walked the first two batters in the sixth and Kyle Stowers chased him with a single for a 6-4 lead. Connor Seabold allowed Wagaman’s hit and a sacrifice fly by Ronny Simon before Javier Sanoja made it 9-4 with an infield single.
Key statTampa Bay has a 24-5 record against the Marlins since 2019 and leads the all-time series 81-61.
Up nextRHP Drew Rasmussen (1-4, 3.38 ERA) starts Saturday for the Rays against Marlins RHP Sandy Alcantara (2-5, 8.10).
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Daily Horoscope for May 17, 2025
An exciting influx of energy can stimulate our day. When the vital Sun conjoins electric Uranus at 7:32 pm EDT, we’re likely to feel especially alive. The guarded Capricorn Moon then sets up guidelines for both Uranus and the Sun, keeping any wild impulses from getting totally out of hand. We need change to stay fresh, but it doesn’t have to cross the line into destruction for the sake of destruction — some of the status quo is probably worth maintaining as well!
AriesMarch 21 – April 19
Taking pride in an achievement could help you see yourself differently right now. Perhaps you’ve experienced anxiety because your path to success hasn’t been the conventional one lately. Even so, as the perceptive Moon in your ambitious 10th house aligns with unusual Uranus in your 2nd House of Self-Worth, you may finally have an obvious win that you can point to. Others will potentially acknowledge that you’re on the right track, however you got there. You might as well agree with them!
TaurusApril 20 – May 20
You may currently be the spokesperson for a disruptive change in your midst. Of course, people don’t always find such events comfortable, so everyone else’s negative emotions about the situation could wind up directed at you. As the nurturing Moon in your philosophical 9th house supports unsettling Uranus in your sign, you might be better off if you can convincingly show that the agreed-upon rules were followed. They still aren’t required to like what happened, but you deserve acknowledgment that it was done fairly.
GeminiMay 21 – June 20
Holding a big secret inside could presently be challenging. As the caring Moon in your intimacy sector moderates chaotic Uranus in your 12th House of Self-Undoing, you’d potentially benefit from finding a safe person to confide in. Even if you don’t know exactly where to start when sharing a complicated and confusing story, airing whatever you can in a controlled and thoughtful way reduces the chance of impulsively exploding and creating a mess. You don’t have to carry everything all on your own.
CancerJune 21 – July 22
Letting your friends shake you out of a rut could be worth it today. As the vibrant Sun conjoins wild Uranus in your social 11th house, you might find it unsettling that the group’s activities are moving in a direction you wouldn’t have chosen — and can’t seem to control. Set aside time to ask yourself if anything truly dangerous is happening. Be realistic about the potential threat level. If you can handle it, your eventual reward may include deeper relationships. Consider taking the risk.
LeoJuly 23 – August 22
Being noticed in a public way is possible at this time. Although your big break might seem to come out of nowhere as the prominent Sun unites with shocking Uranus in your 10th House of Fame, the reality is that you’ve probably been working up to it through little acts over a long period of time. Acknowledging this can help you intentionally shape your next steps. There are some things you don’t get to control, but there are also quite a few that you do!
VirgoAugust 23 – September 22
Sharing a wild idea could get you some attention at present, but the spotlight won’t necessarily be entirely positive. When the powerful Sun and unconventional Uranus unite in your intellectual 9th house, whatever you’re interested in probably isn’t popular quite yet — you might encounter a few detractors. You’ll have to decide what’s really worth the fight to you personally. There’s also a chance that someone will totally agree with your take on things, so weigh that as you decide how to proceed.
LibraSeptember 23 – October 22
A new alliance could be transformative for you. Perhaps you’ll join forces with someone immensely different from you to work toward a common goal. However, as the delicate Moon in your 4th House of Nurturing supports the warm Sun in your intimacy zone, you might want to let this collaboration grow in private for a while before you introduce it to your larger world. Adjusting to each other’s preferences is probably a big enough task without judgment from everyone else piling on!
ScorpioOctober 23 – November 21
You may feel jerked around by someone else’s whims today. As the blazing Sun conjoins impulsive Uranus in your 7th House of One-to-One Encounters, you might be totally frustrated because it seems like you have no say in what happens next. When did you last try talking to the other person? You won’t necessarily get everything you want, but it’s possible you’ll hear that there’s more to the story than you thought. Maybe there’s a secret logic to a situation that looks like chaos.
SagittariusNovember 22 – December 21
Sticking to your carefully crafted to-do list might be a challenge at the moment. While the focused Sun meets unpredictable Uranus in your 6th House of Daily Routines, unforeseen events may require you to change your plans. Perhaps this will be a useful opportunity for you to clarify what you really value. When you don’t have time for everything on your plate, the tasks you choose to squeeze in will reveal your priorities. Make sure the resulting picture is one you’re proud of!
CapricornDecember 22 – January 19
Following your bliss can go well for you today. With the illuminating Sun and independent Uranus blowing up your individualistic 5th house, you’re potentially focused on pursuing what makes you feel good. This might initially unsettle others around you who had expected something different. As long as you don’t impose on their freedom, they could eventually come to realize that you’re setting an example they have the option to follow. Don’t look over your shoulder to make sure they’re doing it, though!
AquariusJanuary 20 – February 18
Defining stability may be difficult for you now. While the potent Sun meets trickster Uranus in your 4th House of Roots, an item or structure that you typically count on for comfort could become unavailable to you. However, your reaction might surprise you most of all — you might actually feel okay without it! When your sentiments subtly shift over time, sometimes it’s easier to let circumstances do the dirty work of breaking things off for you. Go ahead and accept it in that case.
PiscesFebruary 19 – March 20
Small talk has the potential to escalate today. While the friendly Sun and freaky Uranus unite in your communication sector, an acquaintance might reveal a tidbit you didn’t expect in the course of a casual chat. You could probably keep the conversation going without pursuing this further, but why would you want to? Learning that this person is more complex than you gave them credit for will create tons of openings for both of you. Welcome the opportunity to challenge your preconstructed opinions.
World Pride comes to Washington in the shadow of, and in defiance of, the Trump administration
By ASHRAF KHALIL, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The World Pride 2025 welcome concert, with pop icon Shakira performing at Nationals Stadium, isn’t until May 31. But for host city Washington D.C., the festivities start with a string of localized Pride events beginning with Trans Pride on Saturday.
Hundreds of LGBTQ+ rallies, seminars, parties, after-parties and after-after-parties are planned for the next three weeks across the nation’s capital, including Black Pride and Latin Pride. It all culminates in a two-day closing festival on June 7 and 8 with a parade, rally and concerts on Pennsylvania Avenue by Cynthia Erivo and Doechii.
The biannual international event typically draws more than a million visitors from around the world and across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. But this year’s events will carry both a special resonance and a particular sense of community-wide anxiety due to the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.
Trump’s public antipathy for trans protections and drag shows has already prompted two international LGBTQ+ organizations, Egale Canada and the African Human Rights Coalition, to issue warnings against travelling to the U.S. at all. The primary concern is that trans or non-binary individuals will face trouble entering the country if passport control officers enforce the administration’s strict binary view of gender status.
“I think it’s a fair assumption that the international numbers won’t be as high due to the climate and the uncertainties,” said Ryan Bos, executive director of the Capital Pride Alliance. “At the same time we know that there’s an urgency and importance to showing up and making sure we remain visible and seen and protect our freedoms.”
There’s major anxiety over Trump’s approach to LGBTQ+ rightsOpposition to transgender rights was a key point for Trump’s presidential campaign last year and he’s been following through since returning to the White House in January, with orders to recognize people as being only male or female, keep transgender girls and women out of sports competitions for females, oust transgender military troops, restrict federal funding for gender-affirming care for transgender people under age 19 and threaten research funding for institutions that provide the care.
All the efforts are being challenged in court; judges have put some policies on hold but are currently letting the push to remove transgender service members move forward. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found support for some of his efforts.
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In February, Trump launched a takeover at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, publicly promising to purge drag shows from the institution’s stages. Within days of that takeover, the Kennedy Center abruptly pulled out of plans to host the International Pride Orchestra as part of a week-long series of World Pride crossover events entitled Tapestry of Pride. In the wake of that cancellation, the Capital Pride Alliance cancelled the entire week and moved some of the Tapestry events to alternate venues.
Some potential international participants have already announced plans to skip this year’s events, either out of fear of harassment or as a boycott against Trump’s policies. But others have called for a mobilization to flood the capital, arguing that establishing a presence in potentially hostile spaces is the precise and proud history of the community.
“We’ve been here before. There is nothing new under the sun,” said D.C. Council Member Zachary Parker, who is gay. “While this is uncharted territory … a fight for humanity is not new to those in the LGBTQ+ community.”
Supporters say showing up would carry symbolic weightA recent editorial in the The Blade by Argentinian activist Mariano Ruiz argued for “the symbolic weight of showing up anyway,” despite the legitimate concerns.
“If we set the precedent that global LGBTQI+ events cannot happen under right-wing or anti-LGBTQI+ governments, we will effectively disqualify a growing list of countries from hosting,” Ruiz wrote. “To those who say attending World Pride in D.C. normalizes Trump’s policies, I say: What greater statement than queer, trans, intersex, and nonbinary people from around the world gathering defiantly in his capital? What more powerful declaration than standing visible where he would rather we vanish?”
The last World Pride, in 2023, drew more than 1 million visitors to Sydney, Australia, according to estimates. It’s too early to tell whether the numbers this year will match those, but organizers admit they are expecting international attendance to be impacted.
Destination D.C., which tracks hotel booking numbers, estimated that bookings for this year during World Pride are about 10% behind the same period in 2024, but the organization notes in a statement that the numbers may be skewed by a “major citywide convention” last year that coincided with what would be the final week of World Pride this year.
Still, as the date approaches, organizers and advocates are predicting a memorable party. If international participation is measurably down this year, as many are predicting, the hope is that domestic participants will make a point of attending.
“The revolution is now,” said Parker, the D.C. council member. “There is no greater demonstration of resistance than being present and being you, and that is what World Pride is going to represent for millions of folks.”
Associated Press reporter Geoff Mulvihill in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, contributed to this report.
NRA wants US Supreme Court to rule on Florida’s law restricting gun-buying age
TALLAHASSEE — Calling split appellate-court decisions “intolerable,” the National Rifle Association on Friday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a challenge to a Florida law that raised the minimum age to purchase rifles and other long guns from 18 to 21.
Friday’s move was the latest in seven years of legal wrangling over the law passed after a February 2018 mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 students and faculty members.
Nikolas Cruz, who was 19 at the time, used a semiautomatic rifle to gun down the victims at his former school. The NRA filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the gun-age restriction shortly after the law passed.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which hears cases from Florida, Alabama and Georgia, in March upheld the law, saying in an 8-4 ruling that the age restriction is “consistent with our historical tradition of firearm regulation.” The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a similar ruling last year in a Colorado case.
But in what is known as a “petition for writ of certiorari” filed Friday in the Florida case, lawyers for the NRA pointed to a January ruling by a panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that found a federal restriction prohibiting gun sales to people ages 18 to 20 was unconstitutional. The 5th circuit includes Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
The conflicting appellate-court decisions warrant Supreme Court review of the Florida law, the petition said.
“This split between the circuits over so fundamental a question is intolerable, and it urgently calls for this (Supreme) Court’s resolution,” the document said.
The March ruling by the full 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a three-judge panel’s decision. The ruling outlined the history of the nation’s gun laws, from its founding to recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions setting guidelines for determining how to apply the Second Amendment.
While the law barred people under 21 from buying rifles and long guns, they still can receive them, for example, as gifts from family members.
“From this history emerges a straightforward conclusion: the Florida law is consistent with our regulatory tradition in why and how it burdens the right of minors to keep and bear arms,” Chief Judge William Pryor wrote. “Because minors have yet to reach the age of reason, the Florida law prohibits them from purchasing firearms, yet it allows them to receive firearms from their parents or another responsible adult.”
But the NRA argued Friday that the Atlanta-based court’s historical analysis was faulty, in part, because 18-to-20-year-olds in Florida are adults, not minors.
“The founding-era rule, even by the en banc (full court) majority’s lights, only limited the right to keep and bear arms of legal minors — persons who were not treated as adults for most other purposes and who remained within the care, custody and protection of their parents. But Florida’s law strips the right to acquire firearms from legal adults — 18-to-20-year-olds who enjoy the practical and legal benefits of adulthood, who are not within the custody or protection of their parents, and who often have families of their own,” the gun-rights group’s lawyers wrote.
Partially quoting from a Supreme Court precedent, the petition also said, “A fundamental incident of adulthood in America is the enjoyment of constitutional rights, including the right to defend yourself, your family, and your home with common firearms. Stripping away an 18-year-old adult’s Second Amendment rights is thus fundamentally irreconcilable ‘with the principles that underpin the nation’s regulatory tradition,’ … and the court should grant the writ and reverse.”
The decision in the Florida case also erred because of “strong historical evidence that law-abiding 18-to-20-year-old citizens were understood at the founding to enjoy the Second Amendment’s protections,” the NRA’s petition said.
Florida and its experts “have not identified, and we are not aware of, any evidence whatsoever of colonial or founding-era laws restricting the keeping, carrying, or acquisition of firearms by individuals aged 18 or over because of their age,” NRA’s lawyers wrote.
Federal law has long barred people under 21 from buying handguns. The 2018 Florida law restricting long-gun sales to people under 21 says it was intended to “address the crisis of violence, including but not limited to, gun violence on school campuses.”
The NRA’s petition said the “meagre evidence” the 11th Circuit relied on to uphold the law “falls far short of establishing” that the tradition of firearm regulation “restricted 18-to-20-year-olds’ access to firearms at all.”
“In states across the country, 18-to-20-year-olds are considered legal adults for virtually all purposes: they may make contracts, vote, serve on juries, petition the government, freely express their views, and serve in (or be conscripted into) the armed services,” the petition said.
St. Louis mayor says authorities have confirmed at least 4 deaths after severe storm damaged city
By MICHAEL PHILLIS, COREY WILLIAMS and JOHN HANNA, Associated Press
ST. LOUIS, MO. (AP) — At least four people died and others were hurt after severe storms including a possible tornado swept through St. Louis.
The storms Friday afternoon tore roofs off some buildings, ripped bricks off of siding and downed trees and power lines as residents were urged to take cover.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed the deaths.
Part of Centennial Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri, collapsed on Friday, May 16, 2025 when severe storms, including a possible tornado, swept through the city. (AP Photo/Michael Phillis)At Centennial Christian Church, City of St. Louis Fire Department Battalion Chief William Pollihan told The Associated Press that three people had to be rescued after part of the church crumbled. One of those people died.
National Weather Service radar indicated that a tornado touched down between 2:30 p.m. and 2:50 p.m. in Clayton, Missouri, in the St. Louis area. It received reports of damages, mostly downed trees, weather service meteorologist Marshall Pfahler said.
The apparent tornado touched down in the area of Forest Park, home to the St. Louis Zoo and the site of the 1904 World’s Fair and Olympic Games the same year, Pfahler said.
Police were urging no travel and said on social media that first responders were being called to storm damaged areas.
“If you do not have to travel, PLEASE STAY HOME,” the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said in the post.
The St. Louis Zoo posted a message on X, the messaging platform formerly known as Twitter, that it would remain closed for the rest of the day because of the weather. The post included no information on damages, a zoo spokesperson didn’t immediately return a phone message seeking comment.
“We can’t definitively say whether or not it was a tornado — it likely was,” Pfahler said.
Radar also confirmed a tornado above Venice, Illinois, about 2:50 p.m. CDT. It could be accompanied by golf ball-size hail, the National Weather Service in St. Louis said. Venice is northeast of St. Louis, just across the Mississippi River.
The weather service described the tornado as “extremely dangerous” and moving east at 50 mph. The tornado is part of a severe weather system that spawned tornadoes in Wisconsin, downed trees, left thousands without power in the Great Lakes region and brought a punishing heat wave to Texas.
Appalachia and Midwest face dangerWeather forecasters warned that severe storms with hail and even hurricane-force winds could hobble parts of Appalachia and the Midwest on Friday. Tornadoes were also a risk there.
The National Weather Service said residents in Kentucky, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, parts of Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas and Ohio should brace for intense storms that could include baseball-sized hail.
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The weather service’s Storm Prediction Center said that “strong, potentially long-track tornadoes and very large hail” could be expected. The threat for damaging winds in excess of 75 mph will increase into this evening as storms grow into larger clusters.
Ahead of Friday night’s anticipated storm, Appalachian Power, which serves 1 million customers in West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee, said Friday it requested 1,700 additional workers from neighboring utilities along with sending its own crews from unaffected areas to assist with service restoration.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, in a post on the social media platform X, put residents on notice.
“Kentucky, there is a dangerous weather system moving through our state with a significant round this afternoon through tonight. Strong winds, hail, flooding and tornadoes are possible starting at 2 p.m. CT in Western Kentucky and reaching Louisville around 5 p.m. ET,” he said.
Shelters were opening in the Paducah, Kentucky, area.
Faith Borden, a meteorologist in the National Weather Service Nashville office, said Friday that middle Tennessee could expect “all types of severe weather. Winds up to 70 mph. We’re talking seriously large hail up to 3 inches, which for us is big hail.”
Texas hit by heat waveTexas, meanwhile, faced searing heat. A heat advisory was issued for the San Antonio and Austin, with temperatures at a blistering 95 F to 105. Parts of the southern East Coast, from Virginia to Florida, battled with heat in the 90s.
The National Weather Service Office for Austin/San Antonio said Friday the humidity coming in over the weekend is expected to make temperatures hotter.
“There are concerns of heat exhaustion for people that aren’t taking proper precautions when they’re outdoors,” meteorologist Jason Runyen said. He advised those affected to take breaks and stay hydrated.
Overnight Thursday, storms accompanied by booming thunder, lightning displays and powerful winds swept through parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, northern Indiana and Michigan — leaving scores of trees down and thousands of homes without power.
Several tornadoes touched down Thursday in central Wisconsin. None of the twisters have received ratings yet, said Timm Uhlmann, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Green Bay.
“We’re still gathering reports,” Uhlmann said. “We’re assessing some of the damage and still getting video and pictures. The damage that we have is fairly widespread. There was a lot of large hail. In Eau Claire was one report of softball-sized hail.”
No injuries have been reported.
Surveys also were underway Friday of damage in Michigan to determine if any tornadoes touched down there, said Steven Freitag, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in White Lake Township, northwest of Detroit.
The storms were fueled by temperatures in the lower 80s that stretched from Illinois into Michigan and were activated by a cold front that pushed through, Freitag said.
By midday Friday, about 230,000 customers were without power in Michigan. An estimated 60,000 were without power in Indiana. Another 27,000 in total had no electricity in Illinois and Kentucky.
The threat of severe weather in Chicago delayed a Beyonce concert by about two hours Thursday at Soldier Field.
Associated Press writer Haya Panjwani in Washington and Heather Hollingsworth in Kansas City, Missouri, contributed to this story.
Mary Tyler Moore’s personal collection up for auction
Who can take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?
Mary Tyler Moore tosses her tam into the air after the unveiling of a statue capturing her flinging her tam in Minneapolis, Wednesday, May 8, 2002. (Joe Rossi / Pioneer Press)Mary Tyler Moore — aka Mary Richards — of course.
Doyle Auctions perked up the day on Thursday with an announcement that “The Collection of Mary Tyler Moore” will go up for auction in June, including three renderings of the Minneapolis statue that celebrates the late actor’s hat-throwing moment from the opening sequence of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
Also included in 348 lots is various memorabilia from the actor’s career, including original artwork, press kits, awards and other ephemera, in addition to jewelry, silver, Americana and other collections from various eras of her life that ultimately were culled from her home in Greenwich, Connecticut, which was also recently sold.
“The sale offers an exciting opportunity to acquire property from the personal collection of one of television’s most influential figures,” the auction house stated.
The auction for Moore’s collection is being handled by Doyle, a New York-based house with branches across the United States, and the items are consigned by Dr. S. Robert Levine, Moore’s widower.
While the sale will take place at Doyle New York on Wednesday, June 4, it will also be open to live bidding online (in addition to other ways to submit bids), plus exhibit previews in both Beverly Hills and New York. Register/view the collection now at doyle.com/auctions.
A ‘Minnesota’ icon “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” co-stars – Ed Asner, Betty White, Mary Tyler Moore and Ted Knight – all won awards at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 28th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Shubert Theatre on May 17, 1976 in Los Angeles. (TVA/PictureGroup/Invision for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences/AP Images)Moore, a native not of Minnesota but of New York, died at the age of 80 in 2017. In addition to her volunteer work fighting Type 1 diabetes and as an animal advocate, the star had many big roles in her acting life, from her role on TV as Laura Petrie in “The Dick Van Dyke Show” to her performance as Beth, a mother frozen by grief, in “Ordinary People,” for which she received an Academy Award nomination.
But, especially in Minnesota, she is perhaps best known for her role as Mary Richards.
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In this award-winning ensemble show, Richards lives in the cozy, third-floor apartment of a house in the upscale Kenwood neighborhood, a house that has had fans driving by it ever since.
Many years later, in 2002, Moore was back in Minnesota for the unveiling of the bronze statue by Wisconsin sculptor Gwendolyn Gillen depicting the actor’s legendary tam toss at Seventh Street and Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis.
At the time, the Pioneer Press asked Moore if she thought the gesture would become so iconic.
“Not at all,” she said. “I didn’t even know it would make it into the opening. I remember it was a freezing day in February when we shot it.”
The collection Included in the nearly 300 lots up for auction are three renderings of Mary Tyler Moore's statue in Minneapolis. They were sent to Moore for approval from TV Land, which commissioned the sculpture. (Courtesy of Doyle Auctions)Lot 73, described by Doyle as “Three renderings of the Mary Tyler Moore TV Land statue in Minneapolis,” has an estimated value of $200 to $300.
The description on the auction site includes the background of the renderings:
“Three renderings were sent to Mary Tyler Moore for review of the proposed TV Land sculptural portrait of her in downtown Minneapolis, with a letter from TV Land about the project. Each mounted to boards about 23 1/2 x 16 inches. One with a printed notice over the image.”
TV Land commissioned the sculpture as the cable company broadcast syndicated episodes of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
Other career memorabilia in the auction includes the “M” mounted in Richards’ apartment ($5,000-$8,000); original Al Hirschfeld drawings highlighting Moore’s roles in “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” ($4,000-$6,000 each); an unused ticket to “The Last Show,” the 1977 series finale, along with a photo of the cast’s final curtain call ($400-600).
The wall-mounted "M" from Mary Richards' apartment on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" includes Moore's signature on the backside. Doyle lists the estimated value at $5,000-$8,000. (Courtesy of Doyle Auctions)The “M,” which includes Moore’s fading signature on the back, is particularly recognizable to fans of the show.
“The ‘M’ from Mary Richards’ apartment is simply iconic,” says Peter Costanzo, a senior vice president at Doyle who is readying the career memorabilia for the upcoming auction. “It can be seen in almost every episode, starting in the first episode, and then it’s in one of the last scenes of the last episode. So that is a truly identifiable piece, it’s wonderful to have it in the auction.”
In addition, there are vintage publicity photographs, press kits, sketches, notes, career awards and more, including a signed photo of Moore by Annie Leibovitz as well as an unsigned Polaroid of Moore and Dick Van Dyke dressed as clowns for a famed 1995 photo shoot for “Vanity Fair.”
Beyond her career in show biz, Moore’s collection includes designer bags, artists’ portraits of her, silver pieces, jewelry, vintage toys, and other items from her home and life.
“If you notice, our sale is organized in a very specific way,” Costanzo told the Pioneer Press on the lots. “The sale opens with a large selection of jewelry and handbags and leads into the memorabilia before leading into the wonderful collections of American and Asian antiques and really liveable items.
“Mary Tyler Moore had previously lived in Millbrook, New York, and also in Manhattan,” Costanzo said. “Her Millbrook home was filled with American antiques, many of which are whimsical and lots of fun. And then her Manhattan apartment was more styled for the city. But she came to combine both properties into a large home in Greenwich, Connecticut, which is where material was coming from now.”
The lots provide a glimpse into Moore’s personal style as well as her career.
“These items ran through the lens of Mary Tyler Moore’s creative vision,” said Costanzo. “She selected these pieces, she was very tasteful, she was definitely a collector of these items.”
Fans could possibly bid successfully on some of these items without spending a fortune. They probably wouldn’t require much room to display, like Lot 214, a selection of about 40 small dog figurines, with an auction estimate of $200-$300.
“Most items in the sale are small,” Costanzo says. “It should be very easy for fans out there to select a couple of items that they like and not have to worry about making space for them, because most things will fit on a tabletop or shelf.”
Visit Doyle.com for more info.
Jewels and tuna fishThis is not the first auction of Moore’s belongings: A 2023 Sotheby’s auction, “Magnificent Jewels,” included jewels from Moore’s collection, with proceeds benefiting The Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative, the organization working to end vision loss and blindness from diabetes; Moore, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in her 30s, suffered from related visual impairment.
While this upcoming auction of her life’s collection also includes valuable jewelry, what Moore treasured most in life couldn’t be measured in the dollar value of jewels.
Mary Tyler Moore, 45, and her then fiance, Dr. S. Robert Levine, 29, dance at Tavern on the Green, Nov. 9, 1983 in New York. (Dick Drew / Associated Press)In footage from her bridal shower shown in the 2023 documentary, “Being Mary Tyler Moore,” Moore recalls a simple but priceless moment: Levine made her a sandwich.
“He got up at 12 or 1 in the morning and made a tuna fish sandwich — not for him and me, but for me,” Moore told her friends, as reported in People magazine. “And it was the most loving thing that anybody had ever done for me before in my life.
“”I’ve been given jewels. I’ve been given a lot of things that we all think are obviously of value,” Moore said in the clip.
But those material gifts, Moore told her friends, couldn’t compare to the gesture of a sandwich made with love and care, “from someone who gave it only to me.”