South Florida Local News

There are losses. Then there are the kind of soul-crushing and job-threatening losses that rob a fan base of all its hope.

Florida’s 20-10 loss at No. 3 LSU on Saturday night falls squarely into the latter category.

It wasn’t simply that the Gators lost to a really good team on the road. It was how they lost and, more importantly, who cost them the game.

Sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway — once hailed as the golden-armed prodigy who would rescue coach Billy Napier’s teetering tenure in Gainesville — threw five interceptions. Five! That’s the second-most in a game in Florida football history.

Lagway didn’t just have a bad night. He had an historically bad night — the kind of abysmal night that reshapes narratives, shifts futures and threatens to drag down not just one career but two.

Because now, in the aftermath of another loss that feels like we are back to writing weekly obituaries on the Napier era, we have to say something we thought we’d never, ever be saying:

We know Billy Napier’s job at UF is in jeopardy, but so, too, is DJ Lagway’s.

Lagway was supposed to be the savior. The one who arrived with a cannon arm, dual-threat ability and a charisma that could reset a program stumbling through mediocrity. Florida fans didn’t just want to believe in him; they needed to believe in him.

But what they got Saturday was a quarterback who looked lost, rattled and utterly overmatched. His five interceptions weren’t just mistakes; they were monumental blunders. Each one showcased a lack of vision, a lack of confidence and a lack of the polish expected from someone whom we thought might contend for the Heisman Trophy.

“I played horrible football,” Lagway admitted.

The low point came when LSU cornerback Dashawn Spears jumped a telegraphed throw and raced 58 yards down the sideline for a pick-six. Lagway could only chase helplessly.

And here’s the cruelest twist: LSU’s offense wasn’t even very good. In fact, it was pedestrian at best. The Gators had more yardage (366 to 316) than the Tigers, more than double the first downs (23 to 10) and held the ball more than 15 minutes longer.

And still, Florida lost by double digits.

Why? Because Lagway’s turnovers were fatal. Two of his interceptions led directly to LSU points, including Spears’ touchdown return. His final pick, a desperate heave in which it looked like he was trying to throw the ball out of bounds, sealed Florida’s fate with 4:51 to play.

Lagway ended the night 33 of 49 for 287 yards with one touchdown and those five damning interceptions. He was outplayed by LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, who completed just 15 passes but made far fewer mistakes. Last week, Lagway was outplayed by USF’s Byrum Brown, who looked far more dynamic.

For Napier, this loss wasn’t just another mark in the “L” column. It was another hammer stroke to the nail in a coffin being built by his own hand.

He is now 20-21 at Florida. Of those 20 wins, six have come against non-Power 4 opponents. He’s 4-10 in true road games. He’s 0-forever against ranked opponents away from Gainesville.

That’s not a résumé. That’s a rap sheet.

And the excuses are evaporating. Last week’s shocking loss to USF — a program Miami hammered 49-12 on Saturday — looked like rock bottom. But now? It feels like a prelude to something even worse with No. 5 Miami, No. 7 Texas and No. 16 Texas A&M on deck.

Turnovers, substitution infractions, drive-killing penalties — the Gators are as sloppy as ever. This season alone, they’ve had three touchdowns erased by penalties. Against LSU, an 87-yard catch-and-run by running back Jadan Baugh was wiped out by a holding call. That’s not bad luck. That’s bad coaching.

And now there’s the Lagway dilemma. He hasn’t looked sharp all season. His passes are often high or behind receivers. His supposed dual-threat ability hasn’t materialized; he’s a reluctant runner who doesn’t stress defenses with his legs.

You can blame it on injuries, you can blame it on the pressure of all of his NIL endorsements, you can blame it on Napier’s unimaginative play-calling. But at some point, the quarterback has to make plays.

And now, instead of being the quarterback who saves Napier’s job, he may be the quarterback who costs his coach his job.

It’s not just that the Gators lost to the No. 3 team in the nation on the road Saturday night. That’s to be expected. It’s that the quarterback in whom they invested all their hope and faith almost single-handedly gifted the game to LSU. That’s what’s so demoralizing to Gator Nation.

And, so, here we are: Billy Napier on one hot seat, DJ Lagway on another, and the Florida program smoldering in between.

This was supposed to be the season where Napier proved he was more than a recruiter and culture-builder. This was supposed to be the season where Lagway took the leap from promising freshman to bona fide star.

Instead, it feels like a season where both of their careers in Gainesville could be slipping away.

Email me at mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com. Hit me up on social media @BianchiWrites and listen to my new radio show “Game On” every weekday from 3 to 6 p.m. on FM 96.9, AM 740 and 969TheGame.com/listen

MIAMI (AP) — Kejon Owens ran for 173 yards and two touchdowns to lead Florida International to a 38-28 victory over Florida Atlantic in the Shula Bowl on Saturday night.

The win was Florida International’s first victory in the Shula Bowl — the annual meeting between the two sides — since 2016, a 33-31 win.

Keyone Jenkins was the other half of the Panthers’ offensive attack. He was 18 for 24 with 184 yards and a touchdown and he rushed for a touchdown.

Caden Veltkamp was 33 of 50 for 343 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. None of his interceptions resulted in scores for Florida International, but his final one ended Florida Atlantic’s hope of a comeback with 2:39 remaining.

FIU took advantage of an early turnover on downs, resulting in Owens’ opening score in the first quarter.

The Panthers opened the second half with three consecutive touchdown drives. Jenkins rushed for the first, threw for the second, and Anthony Carrie ran in the third.

FAU blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown with 7:47 remaining.

The game was delayed more than two-and-a-half hours due to lightning.

Florida International improved to 2-1, ahead of its first Conference USA next week against Delaware. Florida Atlantic dropped to 1-2, with an American Athletic Conference opener next week against Memphis.

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MIAMI GARDENS — They’re coming to your city.

ESPN’s College GameDay is coming to South Florida for the Hurricanes’ home game against Florida next Saturday, ESPN announced on social media. It is the first time College GameDay went to a Miami Hurricanes home game in five years.

College GameDay, the most popular college football pregame show, last came to Miami for a UM home game when the Hurricanes hosted Florida State on Sept. 26, 2020.

College GameDay last went to a road Miami game last year when the show traveled to Berkeley, California, for UM’s win over California.

The Hurricanes (3-0), coming off a blowout win over No. 18 USF, have made 25 appearances on College GameDay, and they are 16-9 in those games.

The Gators are 1-2 entering next week’s game after losing at home to USF last week and on the road to LSU this week.

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK, MIAMI!

BATON ROUGE, La. — UF quarterback DJ Lagway watched helplessly as LSU cornerback Deshawn Spears raced past him down the sideline and into the end zone for a pick-six.

The worst night of Lagway’s brief collegiate career had hit a low point during a 20-10 loss Saturday night at Tiger Stadium.

Once considered a Heisman candidate, Lagway threw a career-high five interceptions — each displaying a shocking inability to see the field — to accentuate his sophomore slump and potentially begin Florida’s free fall under coach Billy Napier with a visit to No. 5 Miami coming up Saturday.

Coming off an 18-16 loss to USF they could ill afford, the Gators (1-2, 0-1 SEC) arrived at Tiger Stadium seeking their first win in Baton Rouge since 2016 and first victory under Napier against a ranked opponent away from the Swamp.

Bad blood began to boil early on a sweltering 90-degree day in Tiger Stadium. Twice the teams squared off and were separated during pregame warm-ups 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

Florida put up a fight as 6.5-point underdogs but could not overcome Lagway’s shaky decision-making and head-scratching risk-taking. With Tamarcus Cooley’s interception in the end zone with 6:26 remaining to end the Gators’ slim opens for a comeback, Lagway became the first Florida quarterback with four interceptions since Rex Grossman during a 2002 loss to LSU in the Swamp under Ron Zook.

After an LSU three-and-out, Lagway tossed interception No. 5 along the sideline to cornerback DJ Pickett to become the first Florida quarterback with that many picks since Shane Matthews during a 30-7 loss in 1992 at Mississippi State.

Aidan Mizell #11 of the Florida Gators catches a pass for a touchdown over Tamarcus Cooley #0 of the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

As they did against USF, the Gators also committed momentum-killing penalties that forced them to play behind the chains. The offensive line drew five flags, including two holding calls on guard Knijeah Harris. The first one wiped out an 87-yard touchdown from Lagway to tailback Jadan Baugh, who slipped behind the LSU defense — the third touchdown a penalty negated in two games.

UF finished with seven penalties for 57 yards a week after the Gators had 11 for 103.

With a sellout crowd of 102,158 looking on, the hometown Tigers had their own early struggles.

LSU opened with three consecutive three-and-outs and lost All-SEC linebacker Whit Weeks on the Tigers’ opening defensive series when officials flagged him for targeting Vernell Brown III. The penalty moved ball to LSU 29-yard line, leading to a 45-yard field goal by Trey Smack and a 3-0 lead.

LSU veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier came alive on the Tigers’ fifth possession after starting the game 1 of 5 for 7 yards.

Nussmeier and the Tigers found an advantage in the middle of the field and capitalized. He completed a 15-yard pass to Zavion Thomas on third-and-5 and a 23-yarder to Aaron Anders on third-and-8 to the UF 31.

Four plays later, Nussmeier found Thomas again, this time in the end zone for a 23-yard score and a 10-3 lead. The Gators generated no pressure on the play and ended the night without a sack after downing Nussmeier seven times during UF’s 27-16 home win in November.

Lagway answered with three third-down completions, including a perfectly thrown 10-yard fade to Aidan Mizell on third-and-9 to tie the game at 10-10 with 3:25 remaining in the first half. The play proved the sole highlight of the 20-year-old’s miserable night.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Idan Toklomati recorded his first career hat trick, Kristijan Kahlina made three great saves to earn his 10th clean sheet of the season, and Charlotte beat Inter Miami 3-0 on Saturday night for its ninth straight regular-season victory.

Charlotte (17-11-2) tied Seattle’s 2018 MLS record for consecutive wins in a single season, excluding the shootout era.

Miami (13-6-7), which played its first regular-season match since Aug. 23, was without suspended striker Luis Suárez.

Kahlina denied Lionel Messi’s panenka attempt (a middle chip shot on a penalty kick) in the 32nd and Toklomati opened the scoring two minutes later.

Toklomati added another in the 47th on a redirection following Brandt Bronico’s nice centering pass.

After Miami dropped to 10-men following Tomás Avilés’ second yellow card in the 79th, Toklomati converted a penalty kick five minutes later for his 11th goal of the season.

Toklomati joined Andy Williams (1998) as the only players in MLS history aged 21 or younger to produce a goal contribution in seven-straight games. Toklomati also became the second player in Charlotte history to produce a regular-season hat trick, joining Daniel Ríos from 2022.

Charlotte head coach Dean Smith watched from the Bank of America Stadium stands due to suspension (yellow cards).

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

MIAMI GARDENS — USF has been one of the upstart teams early in the college football season.

Miami put an end to that.

Despite a long weather delay, the No. 5 Hurricanes (3-0) rolled to a 49-12 win over the No. 18 Bulls at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, picking up their second top-25 win in the first three weeks of the season.

“I think our guys, they didn’t want to be part of the narrative of somebody else’s success, (a) stepping stone kind of season,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. “That’s been the story all week. There was a lot of motivation going into this thing — besides the fact that they were a ranked football team, because I have a lot of respect for their coaches and their players — but it’s an in-state game, and those things you have to play at your very best because you’re never all the way out of these games. And our guys really took it personal to not let anything get in the way of doing their job.”

The Hurricanes marched down the field on their first drive, capping a nine-play, 75-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Carson Beck to West Broward High alum Josh Moore. The catch was Moore’s first of his college career.

Moore did not need to wait much longer to get his second career touchdown. He scored on a 39-yard pass from Beck on Miami’s second drive of the game, putting the Hurricanes ahead 14-0.

USF narrowed the deficit with a 45-yard field goal by Nico Gramatica, who kicked the game-winning field goal against Florida last week.

The teams endured a weather delay that lasted 102 minutes, and the Bulls came out firing once the delay ended. Byrum Brown hit Chas Nimrod for a 52-yard pass that put USF deep in Miami territory, but the Hurricanes held the Bulls to another field goal.

Miami one-upped USF when it had its first drive after the delay, driving down the field and scoring on a 38-yard run by Mark Fletcher Jr.

“Every single time I get the ball, coach (Matt) Merritt says, ‘Every time you get that ball, you’re carrying the team on your back,'” Fletcher said. “So I just take very much pride in that.”

Although Brown is the touted dual-threat quarterback, Beck beat him to the end zone, scoring a 2-yard touchdown run that put UM ahead 28-6 late in the first half.

Miami got the ball back with less than two minutes until halftime. Although CJ Daniels made another excellent catch during the drive, the Bulls got a rare pressure on Carson Beck, who floated his first interception of the year to USF defensive back Jarvis Lee. But UM’s defense forced a three-and-out on the subsequent drive.

Beck threw a second interception on a tipped pass, but it again did not hurt Miami. Safety Jakobe Thomas forced Brown to fumble when scrambling, and Miami took possession.

Fletcher continued his strong performance this season with a second touchdown, scoring from 13 yards out to put the Hurricanes up 35-6 at the end of the third quarter.

The Bulls did score their first touchdown of the game early in the fourth quarter on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Brown to Christian Neptune, but it was too late for USF to claw its way back into the game.

Beck added a third touchdown on a 1-yard pass to running back Marty Brown, putting Miami ahead by 30 points, and the Hurricanes started rotating in their reserve players. Freshman running back Girard Pringle Jr. scored the second touchdown of his career to put an exclamation point on the win.

Five takeaways 1. Hurricanes looked focused

Entering the year, the Hurricanes had two premier non-conference games: the opener vs. Notre Dame and a Week 4 contest against Florida. USF was an afterthought. When the Bulls beat UF last week, this game skyrocketed in prominence.

The Hurricanes did not overlook the Bulls at all. Miami came out firing, scoring on its first two drives. Even after a long weather delay, the Hurricanes kept scoring. Although the Bulls entered the game as the national college football darling, Miami made sure to put an end to that storyline for now.

2. Defense shuts down Brown

Brown is a talented dual-threat quarterback, but the Hurricanes bottled him up.

Brown ended the game completing 56 percent of his passes — his lowest completion percentage of the year — for 274 yards. He also rushed for only 2 total yards (including sacks), which is also his lowest total of the year.

We knew their game plan is really much revolves around him,” defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor said. “He makes that offense go. All of our focus on was on just containing him, knocking the pocket back and just trying to keep him in the pocket and force him to throw the ball.”

3. Mark Fletcher Jr. pounds the rock

Fletcher has been the Hurricanes’ top running back through three games, and he continued rolling over defenders in the win on Saturday.

Fletcher averaged 7.5 yards per carry, plowing the way to two touchdowns for the second straight game. His 120 yards were the second-most of his career.

4. Josh Moore breaks out

Moore, a standout freshman out of West Broward High, looked impressive in practice for Miami. On Saturday, he showed his promise.

The 6-foot-4 receiver caught his first touchdown pass on a crossing route to end Miami’s first drive. On the next one, he caught a deep pass for a score, fending off good coverage for the 39-yard score.

“He’s gifted beyond measure,” Cristobal said. “He’s certainly (an) unbelievable human being, a great upbringing, great parents, hard worker, spends a ton of time and benefits a ton from being around CJ Daniels and Keelan Marion.”

5. Defense gets off the field

The Hurricanes did a good job ending USF drives. The Bulls were just 7 of 18 on third downs and 0 of 2 on fourth downs.

Miami got a key stop on fourth down inside its own 10-yard line in the third quarter. The Hurricanes went down the field and scored on the ensuing drive, effectively ending the game.

MIAMI (AP) — Rookie Troy Johnston homered twice, including a game-winning two-run drive in the 11th inning, and the Miami Marlins beat the Detroit Tigers 6-4 on Saturday.

Agustín Ramírez doubled and singled, while Otto López had two hits and drove in a run as the Marlins won their fourth straight.

After Wenceel Pérez’s RBI double put Detroit ahead in the top of the 11th, López started the bottom half with an infield single that advanced automatic runner Joey Wiemer. Heriberto Hernández’s RBI fielder’s choice scored Wiemer before Johnston drove a slider from Rafael Montero (1-2) over the wall in right-center.

It was Johnston’s first career multi-homer game.

Josh Simpson (3-2) got the last two outs in the top of the 11th for the win.

Gleyber Torres had a sacrifice fly against Janson Junk in the fifth to put the Tigers ahead 3-2 but the Marlins tied it on Johnston’s solo homer in the sixth.

Junk gave up three runs and seven hits in six innings, striking out three and walking one.

López’s run-scoring single in the first and Javier Sanoja’s RBI double in the second gave Miami a 2-0 lead.

Kerry Carpenter hit a two-run homer in the third to tie it, driving Junk’s first pitch over the wall in right-center for his 25th homer.

Detroit starter Charlie Morton gave up two runs and three hits in four innings. He struck out four and walked four.

Key moment

Simpson inherited the bases loaded with one out in the top of the 11th. A wild pitch from deflected off the backstop to catcher Liam Hicks, who tagged Spencer Torkelson as he attempted to score from third. Simpson then struck out Parker Meadows to limit the Tigers to a run.

Key stat

Marlins relievers had thrown 13 1/3 scoreless innings until Pérez’s RBI double in the 11th.

Up next

Tigers have not announced a starter for the series finale on Sunday against Marlins RHP Adam Mazur (0-3, 6.30 ERA).

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AP MLB: https://www.apnews.com/hub/mlb

General Daily Insight for September 14, 2025

A busy day should wind down on a comforting note. The Moon is hurtling through Gemini, so we’re probably more than ready to engage with the world around us. Even so, we’ll want to be specific in our approaches to anything as the Moon squares the Sun in methodical Virgo. An energizing trine between Luna and Mars in Libra will inspire further connection, but we may want to have a quieter night when the Moon finally gets cozy in Cancer at 8:30 pm EDT.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

You might want to get a running start! The Moon is spending the day in your busy 3rd house before settling into your domestic 4th house. You’ll be best served by getting up and blasting off from the starting line ASAP. Circulate and socialize to your heart’s content before changing up the program for something a little more intimate and heartfelt, perhaps dinner at your place with a few family members or other preferred people. Success can be comfortable at home.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Work hard, play hard! You’ve got plenty of things to tend to while the Moon is in your income zone, but it will only be here so long before moving into your verbose 3rd house. Don’t be surprised if you feel like hitting the town this evening! Consider calling up a few friends to go check out a new club or restaurant, or maybe take in a movie. You could meet some interesting faces along the way who make for quite a memorable evening.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Your schedule may feel a little backward. You may not have much interest in doing anything according to anyone else’s rules while the Moon is in your sign. That said, once it gallops into your 2nd House of Practical Budgets, a fire could come to life within you when others are clocking out. You might decide to suddenly plow through some additional work before calling it a night, or decide you want to fill your evening with a productive project. Use your time wisely.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

There’s no need to rush into anything. The Moon is gliding down your sleepy 12th house for much of the day, so you might feel a little out of it, as though you’re in a waking dream. You should get a strong second wind when the Moon zooms into your sign later on, giving you a burst of energy and awareness. Tune into your soul’s needs and make a point to do as you please, making up for any exhaustion or boredom during the day.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Take it easy, Leo. You’re likely in a social mindset while the Moon spends the day dancing through your friendly 11th house, crafting an ideal space for you to hang out with some of your favorite people, or perhaps a few new pals. However, the Moon will eventually slip into your absent-minded 12th house, so you may want to call it an early night. Don’t hesitate to take some solo time behind closed doors so you can decompress and take a load off.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

You can make real headway on your goals. That zest for life is real with the Moon in your accomplished 10th house! Luna is guiding your mindset toward your ambitions and the approaching finish line. You could get the green light to clock out and step back from work, however, when the Moon jumps into your social 11th house and starts cheering for a night of fun. Call up the crew and see what everyone else is doing! Go ahead and have some fun.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Soak up the world and all its experiences. There’s a current of wanderlust heading right for you while the Moon is winging its way through your broadening 9th house, opening your eyes to see the world with fresh curiosity. You can put these experiences and this knowledge to good use when the Moon then enters your high-powered 10th house, turning your attention to your achievements and reputation. A little thinking outside of the box should carry you further than usual under such stars.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You can only handle so much intensity at present. Things may seem a bit heavier than usual while the Moon is in your 8th House of Obsession, but you should be able to exchange that starkness for something much more vivid when the Moon journeys into your 9th House of Voyages later on. Dedicate your evening to enlightening experiences that can make it feel like you have opened a window to let in a fresh breeze — or just literally open a window!

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

What do you consider your most important connections? You’re potentially more than ready to double up for even the slightest reason while the Moon is in your relationship sector, but then it will move on into your 8th House of Trust, turning your attention to the finer points of your partnerships. You might need to focus on shared financial issues, or perhaps you’ll have some discussions about private matters. This may feel a bit extreme, but it can also be very cathartic.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

There might be room for improvement in some of your current connections. Useful people may make themselves known to you while the Moon lopes through your productive 6th house. It could feel more natural to focus on one particular person when the Moon moves on to your partnership-focused 7th house. A business partner could be especially helpful under this transition, or perhaps a close friend or even a significant other will step forward to lend a hand. Avoid the urge to shoulder every burden yourself.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

There’s room for pleasure and productivity today, but they might not arrive in the order that you’d think. You’re probably happy to kick back and enjoy life while the Moon spends the majority of the day in your affectionate 5th house. Your urges may take a responsible turn when the Moon steps into your efficient 6th house later on! Normally, you might prefer to get your work done and then decompress, but there’s nothing wrong with taking a nap before doing the dishes today.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

A quiet day does not mean a quiet night. You might feel a little extra sensitive and long to retreat into your shell while the Moon is settled down in your 4th House of Comfort during the day. Contrastingly, you could happily dive into the spotlight once Luna enters your 5th House of Creativity. You could get a sudden burst of inspiration, or maybe you’ll decide to hit the town and dance the night away! It won’t be easy to deny yourself fun this evening.

• Beaux Wildman competes in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. He will be competing in the finals tomorrow. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
• Wakeboarders compete in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
• Hinata Yoshihara competes in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. He will be competing in the finals tomorrow. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
• A wakeboarder competes in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. He will be competing in the finals tomorrow. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
• Jamie Lopina competes in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
• Wakeboarders compete in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
• Thomas Herman competes in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
• Stefano James Comollo from Italy, competes in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. He will be competing in the finals tomorrow. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
• Federico Dal Lago competes in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. He will be competing in the finals tomorrow. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
• Tyler Highman competes in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. He will be competing in the finals tomorrow. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
• Wakeboarders compete in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
• Anna Marie Kushkovskaia competes in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
• Luca Kidd competes in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. He will be competing in the finals tomorrow. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Show Caption1 of 13Beaux Wildman competes in the 2025 Nautique WWA Wakeboard and Wake Park World Championships at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. He will be competing in the finals tomorrow. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)Expand

PAHOKEE — Cardinal Newman senior running back Phoenix Donghia had more than 150 total yards from scrimmage and rushed for three touchdowns to lift the visiting Crusaders to a 26-10 victory against Pahokee on Friday night.

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Donghia has accounted for 10 touchdowns through the first four games of the season.

“Our game plan was to run the ball down their throats, and they couldn’t stop it,” Donghia said. “We know what we can do as an offense and we’re going to show that. I give all my credit to my O-line.”

Cardinal Newman led 8-7 at the end of the first quarter and had a 14-10 advantage at halftime. The Crusaders extended their lead to 20-10 in the third quarter, and they pulled away in the fourth as senior quarterback Jyron Hughley fired a touchdown pass to sophomore tight end Ty Kirkpatrick. Senior Leslie Mosley and sophomore Kahlil Gabaud both recorded interceptions in the fourth.

“Our O-line played great,” Cardinal Newman coach Jack Daniels said. “Phoenix ran the ball great. Jyron made some incredible throws as well. We have a bunch of young kids playing right now [on defense]. We are getting better every week. It’s exciting to watch. Our guys are coached really well.”

Pahokee (3-1) jumped out to the lead as senior quarterback Xavier Mitchell tossed a 7-yard scoring pass to senior wide receiver Odexter Simms in the left corner of the end zone to give the Blue Devils a 7-0 advantage in the first quarter.

Cardinals Newman (3-1) responded back with a scoring drive on the ensuing possession. Donghia had a 27-yard catch-and-run into Blue Devils territory. On fourth-and-3, Donghia rushed up the middle for a 13-yard touchdown. Hughley fired a pass to senior Ethan Holland for a two-point conversion to make it 8-7 with 2:29 left in the first quarter.

Cardinal Newman senior Zamarii Sanders had a punt return for a score negated after a block-in-the-back penalty, which resulted in the Crusaders starting their next drive at the Blue Devils 40-yard line. Hughley connected with Mosley on a deep pass by the right sideline to the Blue Devils 7-yard line. Donghia powered up the middle for a 5-yard touchdown run with 8:43 left in the second quarter to push the lead to 14-7.

Pahokee sophomore Mari Singleton had a touchdown run called back after a holding penalty late in the second quarter. Senior kicker Paulo Lugo drilled a 36-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 14-10 with 45 seconds remaining in the first half.

The Crusaders marched downfield for a scoring drive on their opening possession of the second half. Donghia rushed for a 10-yard score to extend the lead to 20-10 with 7:30 left in the third quarter.

Pahokee forced a turnover with a fumble recovery at their own 15-yard line later in the third quarter. The Blue Devils were unable to seize the momentum as they were stopped short on fourth-and-2 at their own 23.

Cardinal Newman scored on the first play of the fourth quarter. On fourth-and-2, Hughley threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Kirkpatrick to make it 26-10.

The two teams had to be separated by officials after an incident with 2:48 left. Hughley had scrambled on a run toward the sideline and an altercation occurred after the play while he was out-of-bounds with Pahokee senior Willie Fitzgerald. The two players were both removed from the game by their respective teams.

“[Jyron] is from Belle Glade,” Daniels said. “It’s personal with them all week. There is a lot of chatter. It’s all good. It’s great competitive football. It’s kind of sad that it had to end like that.”

Cardinal Newman has now won the last three meetings.

DELRAY BEACH — Atlantic junior running back Omari St. Fort, coping with the loss of his grandmother just a day earlier, responded with an inspiring performance in the first half to lead the host Eagles to a 47-0 victory over Blanche Ely in the District 14-5A opener for both teams on Friday night.

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St. Fort helped the Eagles (4-0) take a 34-0 halftime lead as he rushed for 127 yards and three TDs as the Eagles scored on their first four possessions.

“She passed around 8:15 yesterday morning,” said St. Fort, who scored on runs of 9, 32 and 17 yards. “That inspired me today to just push myself harder. I wanted to do it for her.”

“Our team just came out and executed really,” he added. “We saw they couldn’t really mess with our run game. We have a great offensive line, and we just came out and everybody played their role.”

Terry Gammage added a 37-yard pick-6 and quarterback Pedro Martinez scored on a 14-yard run around left end in the first half as Atlantic piled up 250 yards of offense in the first half and budgeted Blanche Ely to just 16. The Eagles finished the game with 416 yards on offense, while the Tigers ended with 44.

Blanche Ely (2-1) threatened at the end of the first half following a 72-yard kickoff return by P.J. Ford to the Eagles’ 21 with 45 seconds left, but Atlantic held on downs on a quarterback sneak by Hariston Landen-Carter for no gain.

Atlantic coach Jamelle Murray said his team executed the game plan.

“We have to continue to coach these guys up and get better every week,” Murray said. “It was a good week of practice.

“Omari played really well,” Murray added. “He had a tough loss with his grandmother passing away yesterday. It was a really emotional night for him, but that kid works hard every day, and what we saw tonight is what we see every day in practice. A lot of the kids didn’t even know about it. It is still fresh.”

Atlantic scored on its first offensive play of the second half to force a running clock on a 48-yard catch and run by Mark Hanniford on a short pass from Martinez, and the final play of the game on a 6-yard TD pass from freshman QB Tyrelle Gammage to senior wide receiver James Jones in the corner of the end zone for its final margin.

Murray also lauded his team’s defensive performance.

“It’s good to see no points go up against us,” Murray added. “It’s something we’d like every week. We are trying to hold ourselves to a higher standard and keep going. I love what I saw tonight. I see a good direction. We just have to be consistent.”

MIAMI (AP) — Sandy Alcantara pitched seven innings of two-run ball to outlast Detroit ace Tarik Skubal, who exited early after experiencing left side tightness, in the Miami Marlins’ 8-2 win over the Tigers on Friday night.

Alcantara (9-12) allowed four hits and struck out eight in the matchup of Cy Young Award winners. The 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner matched a season-high seven innings for the sixth time.

Skubal (13-5) struggled after a recent string of dominant outings. He gave up four runs and four hits before he left with one out in the fourth. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner had allowed one earned run over his previous 27 1/3 innings.

Tigers shortstop Javier Báez left after he fouled off a pitch that struck near his left eye during an at-bat in the second inning. Báez swung at a 90 mph changeup from Alcantara and the ball first deflected off the brim of his helmet before making contact near his eye.

Rookie Agustín Ramírez, Heriberto Hernández and Joey Wiemer homered for the Marlins, who won their third straight.

Ramírez put Miami on the board with a solo shot in the first. He drove Skubal’s fastball into the left-field seats for his 20th homer.

Hernández connected off Skubal to lead off the second and Javier Sanoja added an RBI fielder’s choice in the second to make it 3-0.

After Riley Greene’s solo homer in the fourth narrowed the deficit for Detroit, Miami responded with Sanoja’s two-run double.

Key moment

Wiemer helped expand the Marlins’ lead with a two-run homer against reliever Chris Paddack in the sixth.

Key stat

It was the Marlins’ first three-game win streak since a three-game home sweep of the New York Yankees Aug. 1-3 that got them to 55-55.

Up next

RHP Charlie Morton (7-13, 4.85 ERA) will start for the Tigers on Saturday against RHP Jansen Junk (6-3, 4.48) of the Marlins.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST and CHRISTOPHER RUGABER

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook referred to a condominium she purchased in June 2021 as a “vacation home” in a loan estimate, a characterization that could undermine claims by the Trump administration that she committed mortgage fraud.

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President Donald Trump has sought to fire Cook “for cause,” relying on allegations that Cook claimed both the condo and another property as her primary residence simultaneously, as he looks to reshape the central bank to orchestrate a steep cut to interest rates. Documents obtained by The Associated Press also showed that on a second form submitted by Cook to gain a security clearance, she described the property as a “second home.”

Cook sued the Trump administration to block her firing, the first time a president has sought to remove a member of the seven-person board of governors. Cook secured an injunction Tuesday that allows her to remain as a Fed governor.

The administration has appealed the ruling and asked for an emergency ruling by Monday, just before the Fed is set to meet and decide whether to reduce its key interest rate. Most economists expect they will cut the rate by a quarter point.

Bill Pulte, a Trump appointee to the agency that regulates mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has accused Cook of signing separate documents in which she allegedly said that both the Atlanta property and a home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, also purchased in June 2021, were both “primary residences.” Pulte submitted a criminal referral to the Justice Department, which has opened an investigation.

Claiming a home as a “primary residence” can result in better down payment and mortgage terms than if one of the homes is classified as a vacation home.

The descriptions of Cook’s properties were first reported by Reuters.

Fulton County tax records show Cook has never claimed a homestead exemption on the condo, which allows someone who uses a property as their primary residence to reduce their property taxes, since buying it in 2021.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

AP writer Jeff Amy in Atlanta contributed to this report.

By MICHAEL CASEY

BOSTON (AP) — A federal appeals court ruled Friday that the Trump administration can end legal protections for around 430,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela.

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The ruling by a three-judge panel of the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is the latest twist in a legal fight over Biden-era policies that created new and expanded pathways for people to live in the United States, generally for two years with work authorization. The Trump administration announced in March it was ending the humanitarian parole protections.

“We recognize the risks of irreparable harm persuasively laid out in the district court’s order: that parolees who lawfully arrived in this country were suddenly forced to choose between leaving in less than a month — a choice that potentially includes being separated from their families, communities, and lawful employment and returning to dangers in their home countries,” the judges wrote. “But absent a strong showing of likelihood of success on the merits, the risk of such irreparable harms cannot, by itself, support a stay.”

In a two-page ruling, the court lifted a stay issued by a district court and is allowing the administration to end humanitarian parole for those groups while the lawsuit plays out. The ruling Friday is a victory for the Trump administration but doesn’t change anything on the ground.

Esther Sung, the legal director of Justice Action Center, a co-counsel in the case, said the ruling “hurts everyone.”

“People who came here from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela did everything the government asked of them, and the Trump administration cruelly and nonsensically failed to hold up the government’s end of the bargain,” Sung said. “While we are deeply disappointed by this decision, we will continue to advocate zealously for our clients and class members as the litigation continues.”

A district court issued a stay in April halting the administration’s decision, but the Supreme Court lifted the lower court order at the end of May with little explanation.

The Trump administration had argued the appeals court should follow the Supreme Court and reverse the district court ruling.

The protections for people fleeing turmoil in their home countries were always meant to be temporary, and the Department of Homeland Security has the power to revoke them without court interference, the Justice Department said in a court filing.

Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that ending parole on a case-by-case basis would be a “gargantuan task” that would slow the government’s efforts to press for the removal of the migrants.

“The Secretary’s discretionary rescission of a discretionary benefit should have been the end of the matter,” lawyers for the government wrote in their brief.

Plaintiffs, including people who benefited from the legal protections, urged the appeals court to endorse the district court ruling, which found that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem could not categorically end protections for these groups, but instead had to evaluate each case individually. They also cited the district court’s finding that Noem ignored the humanitarian concerns that led to the legal protections in the first place.

“The district court applied the law correctly and did not abuse its discretion when it concluded that Secretary Noem’s action inflicted irreparable injury on the class members (among others) and that the public interest and balance of the equities tip sharply in favor of preliminary relief,” attorneys for the plaintiffs wrote in a brief.

Republican President Donald Trump promised on the campaign trail to deport millions of people. Since taking office, he has sought to dismantle Biden administration policies that expanded paths for migrants to live legally in the U.S.

The Trump administration’s decision was the first-ever mass revocation of humanitarian parole, attorneys for the migrants said in court papers, calling it “the largest mass illegalization event in modern American history.”

General Daily Insight for September 13, 2025

No solution is perfect — but today could provide a lot of answers to our questions. The Virgo Sun is invigorating us with efficient energy to improve our life systems. That aura of productivity is additionally boosted by the Sun’s conjunction with lively Mercury at 6:52 am EDT. Mercury naturally governs Virgo, so this combination will go hand-in-hand, allowing us to succeed at our goals without feeling like we are pulling teeth. Think carefully about how to proceed, then jump on it!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Productivity isn’t out of reach, no matter how chaotic things are. A fabulous conjunction between the Sun and Mercury in your capable 6th house is encouraging you to be your most efficient and responsible self — and it could be a much simpler process than you’d think. A co-worker or other close acquaintance could prove especially helpful, so don’t be shy about delegating or asking for a little assistance when it would be very much to your advantage. All you have to do is ask.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Consider how you choose to enjoy yourself. There is a thoughtful energy to the day as the Sun conjoins mental Mercury. That said, since they’re coming together in your playful 5th house, you can put this energy to use both productively and joyfully. This would be the perfect time to be creative and put your talents on display, but don’t worry too much about the end results. The best thing to do is simply lose yourself in the art of making and enjoy the process.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

There is a difference between being open with your emotions and being emotional. The Sun is coming together with your ruler Mercury in your 4th House of Sensitivity, which can tempt you to speak your mind without reserve. There is nothing wrong with saying how you feel or releasing certain emotions into the open, but be wary of letting your emotions take total control. You’re at risk of unloading on others, rather than engaging in productive sharing. Avoid dumping overly heavy feelings on unprepared pals.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

This is going to be a busy day for you. The Sun is strolling through your 3rd House of Neighbors, showing you plenty of people to see and places to visit. This vibration will be majorly amplified, however, when the Sun conjoins Mercury in this same sector, turning the volume up several notches — and giving you plenty to say about it. You could meet someone very interesting who proves pivotal to your future, so don’t turn up your nose at any social interactions.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Get your mind on your money, Leo. There is a potent conjunction between the Sun and chatty Mercury in your 2nd House of Banking. Their efforts can do wonders to help you think up new ways to earn while simultaneously guiding you to make the most of what you already have. If you’re looking for a fresh gig, then be sure to be vocal about it. Between that galactic good energy and your superb skills, you’ve got everything you need to find your perfect fit.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Let it out as loud as you can! This is no time to put yourself on “silent” or dim your shine in any way — not while the Sun and your ruler Mercury are syncing up in your impactful 1st House of Action! They’re charged up and ready to energize you. Whether you’ve got a message to share or are still working on your million-dollar idea, this is the perfect time to pick up the cosmic bullhorn and let everyone know what you’re about.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Your dreams could feel incredibly vivid today, almost stronger than reality. A special conjunction between the Sun and Mercury in your 12th House of the Subconscious will invoke a wealth of energy pulsating in a sector that you can’t quite see or touch just yet. Don’t worry — there are still benefits to be found. Your imagination may feel much stronger than usual, and you could have epiphanies or sudden realizations out of the blue. This is very much a “eureka!” kind of energy.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

This is the perfect day to circulate. Your 11th House of Worldwide Connections is positively glowing as the primal Sun conjoins messenger Mercury in this communal territory, putting a major emphasis on coming together for a common cause. You can have a wonderful time with time-tested friends. On the other hand, you could meet some new people who quickly come to feel like your chosen family. Either way, hanging out by yourself is the last thing you should do under such glorious skies.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Let your ambitions take the wheel. High-octane fuel is filling your tank as the Sun and Mercury come together at the same degree in your 10th House of Reputation, giving you a shot at making your mark upon the world. This can act like a boost at the perfect moment of a race! Perhaps you’ll have a brilliant idea that will blow away the competition or even inspire an influential figure to support you. Chase your goals — you might catch them very soon!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

The world is calling your name, loud and clear. The Sun is parading along your audacious 9th house — and it’s specifically uplifting excitable Mercury, adding an extra touch of pizzazz to everything. Banish any mental ruts by looking beyond your usual boundaries and experiencing more of the world. If the chance to do a bit of traveling comes your way, then by all means, jump on board. Make a point of bringing different ideas into your life, then enjoy the cosmic bounty.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Take today one step at a time. A cannonball of emotional potency is aimed right for you — or are you the cannonball? Either could happen during this meeting of the Sun and Mercury in your 8th House of Depth. You might find yourself dealing with some rather intense or even extreme issues, but just because you have to confront them doesn’t mean that you’ll fail or get overwhelmed. Have faith in your abilities to handle everything and anything that comes your way.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Teaming up can transform your time today. The Sun and Mercury are coming together for an astrological picnic in your 7th House of Pairings. In turn, this encourages you to pick a partner and get down to business, or pleasure, or whatever it is you have in mind. These would also be the ideal circumstances to hammer out any contracts or important agreements. There should be room for everyone involved to benefit from this arrangement, regardless of the topic at hand.

By MATTHEW BROWN

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A cloud of smoke from two pounds of methamphetamine seized by the FBI and incinerated inside a Montana animal shelter prompted its evacuation and sent workers to the hospital, city officials in Billings said.

The smoke started to fill the building during a drug burn on Wednesday, apparently because of negative pressure that sucked it back inside, Billings Assistant City Administrator Kevin Iffland said Friday. A fan was supposed to be on hand in such situations to reverse the pressure so smoke would flow out of the building, but Iffland said it wasn’t readily available.

The incinerator is used primarily to burn the carcasses of animals euthanized or collected by the city’s animal control division. But every couple of months local law enforcement or FBI agents use it to burn seized narcotics, Iffland said.

Fourteen workers from the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter went to the hospital as a precaution, he said. The dogs and cats at the shelter were relocated or put into foster homes.

Animal crates sit outside the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in Billings, Mont. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown)

Some workers had symptoms such as not feeling well. “I don’t know if it was from the smoke inhalation or exactly what it was,” Iffland said.

Billings resident Jay Ettlemen went to the shelter on Friday to donate dog food and said he was angry when he found out about the drug burns.

“Why the hell are they destroying drugs inside the city limits?” Ettlemen asked. “There’s so many other places in the middle of nowhere.”

The FBI routinely uses outside facilities to conduct controlled drug evidence burns, agency spokesperson Sandra Barker said. She referred further questions to Billings officials.

A sign is posted on the door of the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in Billings, Mont. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown)

A city animal control supervisor who was present for Wednesday’s burn declined to go the hospital, Iffland said. The FBI agents were told to go to the hospital by their supervisor.

The incinerator is meant to operate at a certain temperature so it doesn’t emit toxins. Iffland said officials were trying to determine if it was at the appropriate temperature Wednesday.

The shelter will remain closed until it can be tested for contamination. Shelter workers were tested for potential exposure and Iffland said he did not know the results.

By JAIMIE DING

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A dying octopus in a Southern California aquarium is receiving an outflowing of love and well wishes as she spends her final days pouring her last energy into caring for her eggs — even though they will never hatch.

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Many on social media have reminisced about seeing the giant Pacific octopus named Ghost when they had visited the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Some shared that they had a tattoo of Ghost or would wear a sweater emblazoned with the beloved cephalopod in her memory.

“She is a wonderful octopus and has made an eight-armed impression on all of our hearts,” the aquarium said on Instagram.

Ghost laid eggs earlier this week and entered the last phase of her life cycle, known as senescence. During this period, the octopus will neglect her own basic needs like eating, instead focusing on protecting her eggs and aerating them to prevent bacteria or other harmful agents from growing on them.

Ghost’s eggs are unfertilized and will never hatch, however. In the wild, giant Pacific octopuses spend their whole lives alone and only come together for a brief instance to reproduce.

“You really can’t combine males and females for any period of time because they don’t naturally cohabitate,” said the aquarium’s vice president of animal care, Nate Jaros. “They’re at high risk or aggression or even potentially death.”

Ghost is originally from the waters of British Columbia, Canada, and arrived at the aquarium in May 2024 from a scientific collector. She was only 3 pounds then but now weighs more than 50 pounds.

The average giant Pacific octopus lives for three to five years. Ghost is estimated to be between two and four years old, Jaros said.

Ghost was a “super active and very physical octopus” who enjoyed spending time with humans, Jaros said.

She was trained to voluntarily crawl into a basket so staff would weigh her and monitor her diet. Sometimes, she would push aside food her caregiver was offering just to interact with them more, Jaros said.

“Octopus in particular are incredibly special because of how charismatic and intelligent they seem to be, and we really form tight bonds with these animals,” Jaros said.

Her caregivers engage her in enrichment activities multiple times a day, putting food inside of toys and puzzles with moving parts to simulate what a octopus would do to hunt live crabs and clams in the wild.

One time, staff spent hours building a large acrylic maze for Ghost to explore.

“She mastered it almost instantly,” Jaros said.

While Ghost receives special attention in a private tank during her last days, the aquarium has already received a new octopus that will carry on her mission of educating the public. Staff will name the 2-pound octopus after spending some time assessing its personality, but it is already “super curious” and “seems to be a very outgoing animal,” Jaros said.

Marine biology student Jay McMahon, of Los Angeles, said he was glad he was able to visit the aquarium in the last few weeks and see Ghost one more time. He said he was inspired to pursue his studies after his parents brought him to the aquarium when he was 4.

“When you make a connection with an animal like that and you know they don’t live for that long, every moment means a lot,” he said. “I just hope she encourages people to learn more about the octopus and how important they are.”

By CHRISTINE FERNANDO and OBED LAMY

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — When Ukrainian immigrant Alex Babich stands in his Indiana backyard craning his neck to look 35 feet into the sky, he isn’t just staring at a sunflower. He is looking at his roots — and his future legacy.

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The flower, nicknamed “Clover” and confirmed Wednesday by Guinness World Records as the tallest sunflower ever measured, stretches as high as a telephone pole.

Achieving the feat holds special significance for the 47-year-old Babich since sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine.

Born and raised in Ukraine, he immigrated to the U.S. at age 14 in 1991 after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Seven years ago, he started growing sunflowers as a symbol of his love for his home country. Babich’s first sunflower was 13 feet tall, then 15, then 19. Quickly, he began asking himself, “How far can we take this?” Babich said the record-breaking flower was the result of “trial and error over years.”

“It’s one of my kids,” he said. “You’re out there every day taking care of it.”

Babich’s 10-year-old son also had an important contribution that earned the towering flower its name. He would climb onto the scaffolding and place four-leaf clovers on the sunflower’s leaves, for good luck.

“I’m going to die someday, but the stories of this flower will live on,” he said. “My kids will be telling this story to the grandkids.”

Alex Babich, pose in front of the structure that surrounds his nearly 36-feet high sunflower that holds the world record for the tallest flower at his home in Fort Wayne, Ind., Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

When measuring day came on Sept. 3, Babich was nervous.

About 85 people had gathered to watch, including several master gardeners from a local university and representatives from the Allen County Department of Weights and Measures. Babich was on a WhatsApp call with a representative from Guinness World Records. A camera crew was filming, and a drone flew overhead. Even Icy D. Eagle, the mascot of the Fort Wayne Komets minor league ice hockey team, was there, according to Guinness.

They used a 40-foot cherry picker to measure the flower. Clover was 35 feet and 9 inches, 5 feet taller than the previous world record holder in Germany.

“It’s very emotional,” Babich said. “It’s as good as it gets for someone who grows giants.”

Alex Babich, climbs on the structure that surrounds his nearly 36-feet high sunflower that holds the world record for the tallest flower at his home in Fort Wayne, Ind., Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Growing up amid food shortages in Ukraine sparked Babich’s love for gardening. His affection for sunflowers deepened after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

“We just pray that the war will end, that the killing will stop,” Babich said. “We just hope this inspires some people in the right places. It’s been long enough.”

The sunflower has long been a national symbol representing peace in Ukraine, and since 2022, it has become a symbol of solidarity with the embattled country. In one viral video clip in the war’s early days, a Ukrainian woman confronted a Russian soldier, ultimately offering to “put sunflower seeds in your pocket so they grow when you die.”

In 1996, ministers from the U.S., Russia and Ukraine planted sunflowers at the Pervomaysk missile base to mark the country’s nuclear weapon disarmament. In 1986, after the explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant that later brought Babich’s family to the U.S., scientists planted sunflowers to remove toxins from the soil.

Alex Babich, climbs on the structure that surrounds his nearly 36-feet high sunflower that holds the world record for the tallest flower at his home in Fort Wayne, Ind., Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Babich’s sunflower will soon be the star of a documentary, titled “Bloom,” planned for release this summer. In the meantime, Babich has started planting sunflowers around campsites he visited with his family and passing out seed packets to children at festivals.

Plastered onto the seed packets are stickers with the words “Spread the love – sunflower seeds.”

Fernando reported from Chicago.

By ROD McGUIRK

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A regulator has approved a world-first vaccine to protect koalas from chlamydia infections, which are causing infertility and death in the iconic native species that is listed as endangered in parts of Australia.

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The single-dose vaccine was developed by the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland state after more than a decade of research led by professor of microbiology Peter Timms.

The research showed the vaccine reduced the likelihood of koalas developing symptoms of chlamydia during breeding age and decreased mortality from the disease in wild populations by at least 65%.

The recent approval by Australia’s veterinary medicine regulator means the vaccine can now be used in wildlife hospitals, veterinary clinics and in the field to protect the nation’s most at-risk koalas, Timms said on Wednesday.

“We knew a single-dose vaccine — with no need for a booster — was the answer to reducing the rapid, devastating spread of this disease, which accounts for as much as half of koala deaths across all wild populations in Australia,” Timms said in a statement.

“Some individual colonies are edging closer to local extinction every day, particularly in southeast Queensland and New South Wales, where infection rates within populations are often around 50% and in some cases can reach as high as 70%,” Timms added.

Deborah Tabart, chair of the conservation charity Australian Koala Foundation, said resources being spent on vaccinating koalas should be redirected at saving koala habitat.

“At the risk of sounding flippant, how can anyone be so delusional as to think that you can vaccinate 100,000 animals? It’s just ridiculous,” Tabart said on Friday.

• A Koala is seen being treated for chlamydia by senior Veterinarian Dr Julian Grosmaire at the Endeavour Veterinary Ecology at Toorbul, north of Brisbane, Australia, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (Darren England/AAP Image via AP)
• A Koala is seen being treated for chlamydia at the Endeavour Veterinary Ecology at Toorbul, north of Brisbane, Australia, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (Darren England/AAP Image via AP)
• FILE – A koala sits in a tree at a koala park in Sydney, Australia, May 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Baker, File)

Show Caption1 of 3A Koala is seen being treated for chlamydia by senior Veterinarian Dr Julian Grosmaire at the Endeavour Veterinary Ecology at Toorbul, north of Brisbane, Australia, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (Darren England/AAP Image via AP) Expand

Tabart’s foundation estimates there are fewer than 100,000 koalas in the wild. The government-backed National Koala Monitoring Program estimated last year there were between 224,000 and 524,000 koalas.

“I accept that chlamydia is an issue for koalas, but I also want people to understand that they’re sick because they haven’t got any habitat,” Tabart said.

The Queensland Conservation Council, an umbrella organization for more than 50 environmental groups across the state, welcomed the vaccine. But the council’s director, Dave Copeman, echoed Tabart’s focus on preserving koala habitat.

“It’s really good news. Chlamydia is one of the key stresses that has been putting pressure on koala populations,” Copeman said.

“Koalas were at risk before chlamydia outbreaks, and they will remain at risk even if we manage chlamydia perfectly, because we keep on destroying their habitat,” he added.

Koalas are listed as endangered species in the states of Queensland and New South Wales and in the Australian Capital Territory, with habitat loss due to wildfires and urban expansion as the major threats. Chlamydia can cause urinary tract infections, infertility, blindness and death.

FILE – A koala sits in a tree at a koala park in Sydney, Australia, May 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Baker, File)

Treatment with antibiotics can disrupt an infected koala’s ability to digest eucalyptus leaves — its sole food source — leading to starvation, the university said in a statement.

The research has been supported by the federal, New South Wales and Queensland governments.

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt said his government had contributed to the vaccine’s development through a 76 million Australian dollar ($50 million) Saving Koalas Fund.

“We know that koalas need help to fight diseases like chlamydia. It’s a widespread threat impacting their reproductive health and causing infertility,” Watt said in a statement.

Koalas are iconic Australian marsupials, like wombats and kangaroos. They spend most of their time eating and sleeping in eucalyptus trees, and their paws have two opposing thumbs to help them grasp and climb up tree trunks.

Australia’s wild koala populations have declined steeply in the past two decades.

Facing compounded threats from disease, habitat loss, climate change and road collisions, koalas could become extinct by 2050, according to a 2020 assessment from the New South Wales government.

Today is Friday, Sept. 12, the 255th day of 2025. There are 110 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Sept. 12, 2008, a Metrolink commuter train struck a freight train head-on in Los Angeles, killing 25 people.

Also on this date:

In 1857, the S.S. Central America (also known as the “Ship of Gold”) sank off the coast of South Carolina after sailing into a hurricane in one of the worst maritime disasters in American history; 425 people were killed and thousands of pounds of gold sank with the ship to the bottom of the ocean.

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In 1940, the Lascaux cave paintings, estimated to be 17,000 years old, were discovered in southwestern France.

In 1958, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Cooper v. Aaron, unanimously ruled that Arkansas officials who were resisting public school desegregation orders could not disregard the high court’s rulings.

In 1959, the Soviet Union launched its Luna 2 space probe, which made a crash landing on the moon.

In 1962, in a speech at Rice University in Houston, President John F. Kennedy reaffirmed his support for the manned space program, declaring: “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”

In 1977, South African Black student leader and anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, 30, died while in police custody, triggering an international outcry.

In 1994, truck driver Frank Eugene Corder piloted a stolen single-engine Cessna airplane into restricted airspace in Washington, D.C., and crashed it into the South Lawn of the White House. He died in the crash.

In 2003, in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, U.S. forces mistakenly opened fire on vehicles carrying police, killing eight of them.

In 2011, Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal to win his first U.S. Open championship.

In 2013, Voyager 1, launched 36 years earlier, became the first man-made spacecraft ever to leave the solar system.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Actor Linda Gray is 85.
• Singer Maria Muldaur is 82.
• Author Michael Ondaatje is 82.
• Actor Joe Pantoliano is 74.
• Photographer Nan Goldin is 72.
• Composer Hans Zimmer is 68.
• Actor Rachel Ward is 68.
• TV host-commentator Greg Gutfeld is 61.
• Actor-comedian Louis (loo-ee) C.K. is 58.
• Golfer Angel Cabrera is 56.
• Country singer Jennifer Nettles (Sugarland) is 51.
• Rapper 2 Chainz is 48.
• Singer Ruben Studdard is 47.
• Basketball Hall of Famer Yao Ming is 45.
• Singer-actor Jennifer Hudson is 44.
• Actor Alfie Allen is 39.
• Actor Emmy Rossum is 39.
• Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman is 36.
• Country singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini is 32.
• Actor Sydney Sweeney is 28.