South Florida Local News

Finding fault in a 57-3 win is like pointing out a missed comma in a bestselling novel — unless that comma happens to be in the book title.

While UCF ran all over New Hampshire to 454 yards in Thursday’s season-opening victory, the Knights struggled to get the passing game off the ground.

Quarterback KJ Jefferson started slowly, missing on six of his first seven pass attempts, with his first completion coming at 2:24 of the first quarter. His second completion came at 3:08 of the second quarter.

Coach Gus Malzahn isn’t concerned about the slow start by his fifth-year senior transfer.

“It’s his first rodeo [here] and anytime you’ve got a new offense with new teammates … plus we didn’t do a great job around him early, either,” said Malzahn. “He didn’t play his best in the first quarter and he knows that and he’ll respond. In the second half, he settled down.”

Pictures: UCF Knights over New Hampshire 57-3!

Jefferson completed five of his next six passes before being replaced in the fourth quarter by backup Jacurri Brown. Five of his seven completions went for double-digit yards, including touchdown passes of 49 and 22 to Myles Montgomery and Johnny Richardson.

“He settled down,” said junior receiver Xavier Townsend. “I think coming out and being his first game [at UCF], everybody has those jitters and wants to make plays so that he might have gotten a little tense, but he calmed down and started playing football like he usually does.”

Added Malzahn: “He will get more comfortable each game out.”

How important is the passing game vs. Sam Houston?

While the Knights figure to lean heavily on their No. 1-ranked rushing attack Saturday, they hope to avoid another slow start in the air.

Still, it all comes down to how the game unfolds, according to Malzahn.

“The bottom line is being able to take what a defense gives you,” he said. “We’re going to be able to run the football, but defenses know that so when they bring extra guys, you’ve got to be able to throw the football. We need to be balanced, there’s no doubt.”

UCF not surprised by ground game, eager to showcase potential

The Bearkats allowed Rice to throw for 227 yards in their 34-14 win last weekend. Owls quarterback E.J. Warner completed seven consecutive passes at one point before finishing 27 of 44.

Jefferson knows it comes down to patience.

“I’m extremely comfortable [in this offense], but the main thing was it was the first game,” he said following the opening win against the Wildcats. “The main thing is me being able to get settled in as quick as possible and understand what coach Gus is going to call, ways that me and him can communicate better and get me going early and get me into a rhythm.”

Will there be more of a pass rush?

UCF held New Hampshire to 162 yards but failed to secure a sack for the first time since last season’s 24-23 loss at Texas Tech.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Knights pressured the Wildcats 14 times, resulting in 8 quarterback hurries and 6 hits.

New UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson is not Cam Newton, but who is? | Commentary

“We did hit the quarterback quite a few times, but give him credit, he was getting the ball out and we had pretty good coverage, too,” said Malzahn.

Fifth-year defensive tackle Ricky Barber, who finished with a team-high 5 pressures, has been impressed with the defensive scheme under new coordinator Ted Roof.

“The defense we’re in is way more aggressive,” said Barber. “It lets the D-line go and be more playmakers.”

Sam Houston quarterback Hunter Watson was pressured 15 times and sacked 7 times by Rice.

“We should just keep doing what we’re doing,” added Barber. “Every week, that ball isn’t going to come out as quick, so we just have to keep hitting the quarterback and eventually we’ll get the ball.”

How has the return game improved?

After a disappointing 2023 season in the return game, UCF got off to a much better start.

The Knights amassed more than 190 return yards, pushing the team into the top three in punt and kick returns in the Big 12.

3 things learned from UCF’s win over New Hampshire

The big reason was Townsend, who finished with 170 combined yards on nine punt and kick returns, ranking him third in the conference in both categories.

“I feel comfortable back there,” said Townsend. “With experience comes comfortability, so I trust the guys holding up on kick and punt returns. Knowing that they’re blocking their guys, it’s a trust factor, so I got to try to do my job.”

The junior receiver has earned the trust of his coaches, too.

“Xavier has a chance to be one of the better returners in all of college football, but we have got to do a great job and that needs to be our strength this year,” said Malzahn.

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com

If you go …

UCF vs. Sam Houston

When: Saturday, FBC Mortgage Stadium, 6:30

TV: ESPN+

 

Florida’s third season under Billy Napier could not have gotten off to a worse start than a 41-17 drubbing in the Swamp by rival Miami. The Gators were beaten on both sides of the ball in every way possible. Napier’s offseason overhaul, optimism and assurances fell as flat. Talk of a much-improved defense proved to be false hopes and empty words. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark keep it real discussing Napier’s worst loss and potentially the beginning of the end of his time in Gainesville.

• Billy Napier over sold and under delivered (:00)
• Turning point (7:15)
• Thumbs up (11:45)
• Thumbs down (14:14)
• Second guess(19:53)
• Biggest concern (27:51)
• Reason for optimism (30:20)
• On the spot (32:40)
• Billy’s banter (35:07)
• Defining move (39:49)
• Final thought (42:24)
• Jeremy Foley’s Corner (46:25)

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

By MARK SCOLFORO

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A man arrested last week at a Pennsylvania rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump had hoped to hang a banner to protest Trump’s policies, Johnstown’s police chief said Tuesday.

Authorities announced that misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest were filed against Stephen A. Weiss, 36, of Pittsburgh, who was taken into custody at Friday’s Trump rally.

Johnstown Police Chief Richard Pritchard said investigators do not know what the banner said because arena staff apparently discarded it. He said it was made from a bed sheet and that Weiss told a detective that he does not believe in Trump’s policies.

Pritchard said Weiss faked a foot injury and concealed a tube of glue in a metal crutch.

Weiss declined comment when reached by phone Tuesday, saying he was seeking legal advice.

The arrest affidavit by a Johnstown police detective said Weiss “ran onto the arena floor, jumped onto the media stage (and) began to yell towards the main stage where President Trump was speaking.” Weiss allegedly would not release himself from steel barricade fencing “and force had to be used,” police said in the charging document.

A man who accompanied Weiss to the rally told police he was unaware of Weiss’ plan, Pritchard said. The second man was not charged, the chief said.

Weiss also was charged with disrupting a public meeting, a misdemeanor. The Secret Service questioned Weiss on Friday and he was released later that night. He has a court hearing scheduled for Oct. 9.

A Trump campaign spokesman offered no immediate comment Tuesday.

The disruption occurred shortly after Trump criticized major media outlets for what he said was unfavorable coverage.

As Weiss was led away, the former president told the crowd: “Is there anywhere that’s more fun to be than a Trump rally?”

There has been heightened scrutiny of security at Trump rallies since a gunman fired at him, grazing his ear, during an outdoor rally in July in Butler, Pennsylvania. Security at political events has been noticeably tighter since then.

In this Dolphins Deep Dive video, the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Chris Perkins and David Furones break down Miami’s season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars and make their picks for Week 1.

(new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=40bacbdb-084a-4980-bafa-92da3b5cd8f1&cid=38d5daa3-18ac-4ee1-a905-373c67622f25'; cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "40bacbdb-084a-4980-bafa-92da3b5cd8f1" , mediaId: "660c1f13-7377-430d-ba58-c6f615a9230e" }).render("929d41db7cd34c8fa82bf6f024b2b770"); });

By MARK LONG

GAINESVILLE — It sure feels like it’s over for Florida coach Billy Napier.

It might not even be close, but the lack of tangible progress in Napier’s third season seems to be more of a head-scratcher than the Gator’s six-game losing streak and a 41-17 shellacking at the hands of Cam Ward and No.19 Miami in the Swamp.

And the outside noise is deafening.

“You’re going to get criticism when you perform the way we did Saturday in certain parts of our team,” Napier said Monday.

It was merely one, ugly home game. And the Gators insist they have the talent, the time and the conviction to bounce back and turn the season around. They should get a reprieve against lower-division Samford (0-1) on Saturday night.

Then again, that game could be a sign of how far the Florida fan base has swung from enthusiastic to apathetic during Napier’s tenure.

“I think ultimately a loss early can be a blessing if you don’t waste it,” Napier said. “We got to go to work on the football part. I think we got to become a more consistent team, and we have to execute better.

“If we can focus on those things and not necessarily what some guy in his basement is saying in rural central Florida on social media, then we got a chance to get better. I think that’s the key. Sometimes you deserve criticism. I have no excuses. We got to go get it fixed.”

Florida had significant issues on both sides of the ball against Miami — which entered the season with a strikingly similar resume under a third-year head coach — and closely resembled Napier’s previous two versions. And that’s the problem.

Undisciplined penalties? Check. Pushed around on the lines of scrimmage? Check. Inconsistent quarterback play? Check. Throw in Napier’s continued conservativeness — he twice dialed up runs on third-and-5 — and there’s an argument to be made that the Gators have actually regressed from Game 1 (a last-second victory against then-No. 7 Utah) to Game 26 (a lopsided loss to an in-state rival).

Napier is now 11-15 at Florida, including 2-10 against ranked opponents and 1-8 against rivals Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami and Tennessee. There also are those back-to-back, double-digit losses to Kentucky and a 3-11 record in his last 14 games against Power Four teams.

And with seven ranked teams remaining on the schedule, it could get worse.

The Gators are unlikely to fire Napier anytime soon; the last four Florida coaches sent packing lasted until at least late October. Moving on from Napier could be complicated, too.

Florida would be on the hook for more than $25 million to fire him during or after this season, with half of that due almost immediately. However, the school could try to use Georgia quarterback Jaden Rashada’s lawsuit against Napier — the one regarding a failed, $14 million name, image and likeness deal — or the related NCAA investigation to mitigate Napier’s buyout.

And is anyone at Florida really ready to fire Napier? Current Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin hired Napier and has preached patience through the rebuild. Plus, Florida is searching for a new school president after Ben Sasse recently resigned to be closer to his wife, who was diagnosed with epilepsy.

Former school president Kent Fuchs agreed to serve as Florida’s interim. Fuchs hired Stricklin and approved the hiring of Napier.

Napier will get chances to silence some of his critics in the coming weeks. The Gators would need to beat No. 20 Texas A&M next week and then Mississippi State and UCF to create some breathing room.

“It’s only Week 1,” running back Montrell Johnson said. “I’d say we still have time. The message to the team has been just to respond. … It’s not the end of the world. Go out there and fix our mistakes. Look back on this as motivation and use it throughout the whole entire season.”

South Florida’s police oversight boards have been forced to a halt after a state law went into effect in July that bans civilian boards from investigating police misconduct.

Fort Lauderdale’s Citizens’ Review Board no longer has access to internal affairs investigations of excessive force or discrimination, or the ability to tell a city manager what a proper punishment should look like.

Nor will Miami-Dade’s Independent Civilian Panel or the city’s Civilian Investigative Panel, which the city informed last week it could not continue funding.

Broward’s Police and Criminal Justice Review Board, created to study issues in policing after the racial justice protests in 2020, was suspended in June, and a proposed ordinance set to be heard at a commission meeting on Thursday would discontinue it.

Elsewhere in the state, the trend continues. In Tallahassee, the minutes for the Citizens Police Review Board’s final meeting in May simply state, “House Bill 601 will go in effect on July 1, 2024 and the CPRB will be dissolved.” In Orlando, the web page for the board now gives an error. A spokesperson told Orlando Weekly it has been “disassembled for the time being.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis had signed the bill, HB 601, in April, describing the oversight boards at a news conference as “stacked with activists.”

“You have review boards, that’s fine, but it’s got to be done in ways where you have the Sheriff or Chief of Police appointing people,” the governor said. “It can’t be people that have an agenda.”

Related Articles

• Crime and Public Safety | DeSantis signs controversial bill banning civilian boards from investigating police misconduct
• Crime and Public Safety | Bullets that killed UPS driver, bystander in 2019 shootout traced to indicted police officers’ guns, FDLE report says

The new law forbids civilian boards from overseeing internal affairs cases or use-of-force complaints and prohibits local governments from appointing their members. As an alternative, it allows law enforcement agencies to create their own “civilian oversight” boards composed of three to seven members, all appointed by the chief or sheriff. Those boards can offer opinions only on policies and procedures, not cases of misconduct or internal investigations.

In Fort Lauderdale, after the bill was signed, members of the board awaited instructions from the city attorney as to what would happen next. The city commission then discussed the item at a June meeting.

“It completely eviscerates a longstanding policy and practice we have in our city,” Mayor Dean Trantalis said.

Around the same time, Paul Eichner, who was chair of the board, said he received word from the city essentially saying “this is the end of the board as you know it based on the new state law.”

“The city followed the law, which is what it’s obligated to do,” Eichner said. “And the law eliminated the police review board, which I think is contrary to what the city wanted and what the community wanted, and I think ultimately it’s doing a disservice to community. But the law must be followed.”

Eichner and the board’s vice chair, Marc Dickerman, had tried to raise alarms when the bill was moving through the Legislature, hoping the city would lobby against it. Lobbyists for Florida’s local governments and for Miami’s Civilian Investigative Panel appeared to speak on the bill, state records show, but to no avail.

In June, Fort Lauderdale’s board held a final meeting to review its last cases, one involving officers who overlooked several gunshot wounds in a man they called in as an overdose and another involving an officer calling people the N-word. Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bill Schultz was there, Dickerman said, and thanked them. So were members of the police union and NAACP Broward president Marsha Ellison.

Related Articles

• Crime and Public Safety | DeSantis signs controversial bill banning civilian boards from investigating police misconduct
• Crime and Public Safety | Bullets that killed UPS driver, bystander in 2019 shootout traced to indicted police officers’ guns, FDLE report says
• Crime and Public Safety | ‘Hot spots’ for harmful police misconduct include Broward and Miami-Dade, study reveals

Prior to the law, Florida had approximately 21 civilian police oversight boards, according to the LeRoy Collins Institute, a nonpartisan policy organization at Florida State University. Many are now closed or will be soon. Some tried harder to fight it. Earlier this month, Tampa’s city council decided not to scrap its board after hearing Miami had not yet shut its own board down, though the board is suspended until further notice. And Miami’s CIP filed a lawsuit against the city Friday to try to keep its funding.

Supporters of the bill said the boards undermined police officers’ work and were made up of civilians who did not understand policing. The statewide police unions, the Florida Police Benevolent Association and Fraternal Order of Police, openly advocated for it.

“These boards were basically put together to, in my opinion, second-guess some of the police officers’ decisions,” Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, said during a committee meeting about the bill.

Members of the boards argued they did not have such an effect. Many, like Fort Lauderdale’s, served only an advisory role, without the power to issue punishments or subpoena people for investigations. Their recommendations were not always for a harsher punishment; sometimes, they defended officers accused of misconduct and argued for less severe discipline.

Even without much power, members felt their work was vital, serving as a window into the world of policing and the disciplinary process that is often invisible to the public and offering “solace to the community that the right thing is being done,” Eichner said.

Dickerman recalled two times in particular he felt thankful for the board’s existence. Once, when a transgender person complained about being misgendered by an officer, he said he found a video from the Department of Justice with advice for officers dealing with transgender people that officers began to use in their trainings. Another time, an officer open-hand slapped a homeless person. The case went to court, and the officer got a 20-day suspension, but the board recommended a harsher punishment.

In Miami, the CIP had more power, reviewing complaints from civilians and within the police departments themselves. It independently investigated officers accused of misconduct and their histories and issued reports on patterns of abuse of power.

“We were a place where members of the community or even members of the police department could come to us and say: ‘Hey, I was wronged either by a police officer or the department itself, can you help me?’ And we never turned anyone away,” Rodney Jacobs Jr., the CIP’s executive director, told WLRN.

Related Articles

• Crime and Public Safety | DeSantis signs controversial bill banning civilian boards from investigating police misconduct
• Crime and Public Safety | Bullets that killed UPS driver, bystander in 2019 shootout traced to indicted police officers’ guns, FDLE report says
• Crime and Public Safety | ‘Hot spots’ for harmful police misconduct include Broward and Miami-Dade, study reveals

Now, local police agencies may follow the new law and launch advisory boards with only a policy recommendation role. Some existing boards already appeared to do that and closed down anyway.

Broward County’s board, launched, like many others, in 2020 after the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by a police officer during an arrest in Minnesota. It focused on research and recommendations about “police use of force, police misconduct, and such other matters pertaining to bias in the criminal justice system” and did not analyze specific cases, according to its website. Still, it will likely close its doors. Members met in late July and decided “it would be impracticable to retain the purpose of the Review Board while complying with HB 601,” the proposed ordinance states.

A member of the board told the South Florida Sun Sentinel Friday that the group discussed the matter at length and not everyone wanted to shut down. But they ultimately decided the law was too broad and restrictive to follow while trying to research policing issues like use-of-force and decided that continuing to meet could make Broward County a target of possible retaliation by the state.

The Delray Beach Police Advisory board discusses general issues like the number of crimes or internal affairs cases in a given time frame, meeting minutes show. It is unclear whether that board will remain active. Multiple members did not return voicemails Friday.

Some see a board that only makes policy recommendations as ineffective. Eichner said he had already emailed Schultz and let him know he wasn’t interested, should the police chief create such a board.

“Being in a committee appointed by the police chief to review policy and procedure is sort of like a bite without teeth,” he said. “And it doesn’t do anything to help the community by way of reviewing police cases that we were doing.”

Dickerman does hope to join such a board if it comes into existence, even if it’s a “rubber stamp type of committee.” Regardless, he said, the state of police oversight in Florida has taken a turn.

“There’s going to be less transparency,” he said. “We’re not going to know what officers are doing. We’re not going to know what kind of consequences they face.”

Here are the top stories for Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. Get the weather forecast for today here.

SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get our free Morning Update email. Sign up here.

Fort Lauderdale’s Historic Downtowner and Maxwell Room set to close in October

Spirit Airlines furloughs 186 pilots over Labor Day weekend; number is less than projected

Dolphins Deep Dive: Watch premiere of our live stream Tuesday at noon as 2024 season kicks off

Broward can’t arrest its way out of homelessness | Gregory Tony

‘We all failed you.’ Heartbreak at funeral for Israeli-American hostage in Jerusalem

Tropical depression could form in Caribbean this week; system emerges off Africa

Florida man sentenced for attacking Jewish teens

Rep. Amesty indicted after state ignores multiple red flags | Scott Maxwell

Labor Day hotel strikes reflect the frustrations of a workforce largely made up of women of color

Asking Eric: Daughter-in-law wants to be too close

Omari Maynard thought life was great when his partner Shamony came home from the hospital with a baby boy, their second child.  Shamony died two weeks later from a pulimnary embolism, a pregnancy complication.

Maynard now has two small children to care for and speaks out often to let single fathers whose partners died from childbirth know they are not alone.

Losing a loved one from childbirth complications is more common than many realize.

A five-year average shows 24 women per 100,000 births in Florida died during pregnancy, delivery, or shortly after delivery. Research shows the vast majority of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Only a year ago, the state’s high death rate triggered the Florida’s Hospital Association to issue a statewide call to action urging hospitals to play a stronger role in reducing the incidence of maternal death in Florida.

Now, more public and private funding is coming to the Sunshine State to keep new mothers alive and healthy.

Last week, the Biden administration announced it is focusing on maternal health in this election year and will provide $568 million in funding to states to make improvements. The U.S. has a growing maternal mortality crisis.

Florida’s Association of Healthy Starts Coalition will receive $12.9 million to support the home visiting program it oversees in 35 counties.

Also last week, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention announced a new $118.5 million five-year investment to build the public health infrastructure to better identify pregnancy-related complications and prevent pregnancy-related deaths. It will do that through funding for states, including Florida, to improve their Maternal Mortality Review Committees. Those groups review deaths that have occurred within one year of the end of a pregnancy, determine if those pregnancy-related deaths were preventable, and recommend ways to prevent them in the future. Florida has a Maternal Mortality Review Committee, but its last updated report on the state website is from 2020.

In April, six Florida organizations secured federal funding through a program sponsored by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The agency gave more than $6 million in funding to Florida organizations, $1 million to each of six programs: North Broward Hospital District (Broward Health); Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition in Jacksonville; University of Miami; Florida Department of Health (Orlando); the Center for Health Equity in Quincy; and Reach Up in Tampa.

Private donors also are recognizing the need for more investment in maternal health in the state. The Florida Blue Foundation announced this month it is accepting grant applications from Florida-based nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to advancing maternal health. Florida Blue spokesman Jorge Martinez said the foundation will give $3 million to groups that address maternal health, each receiving a three- or four-year grant ranging from $270,000 to 400,000.

“Nearly one-fifth of Florida counties are considered maternity care deserts where almost 21% of pregnant women receive inadequate or no maternal care,“ said Susan Towler, executive director of the Florida Blue Foundation. “By working together with nonprofits that are focused on increasing access to quality maternal health care services and support, we can improve health outcomes by ensuring that all mothers, regardless of where they live, have access to the care they need at every stage of their pregnancy and beyond.”

The winners of the Florida Blue grants will be announced in the first quarter of 2025.

After learning about maternal deaths, leaders at the Health Foundation of South Florida also have been investing in improving maternal health. So far in 2024, the foundation has invested $2.6 million dollars in maternal health projects in South Florida. This money has gone towards improving community-based doula access in Miami-Dade County, increasing access to prenatal care in maternity care deserts like Monroe County, and supporting the opening of an OB/GYN clinic and Community Resource Center in Broward.

“South Florida has a health equity crisis, especially when it comes to maternal health,” said Loreen Chant, President and CEO at Health Foundation of South Florida. “Unnecessary deaths and complications are occurring far too frequently.”

Chant said the Health Foundation of South Florida works with community-based organizations, hospital systems and government agencies to remove obstacles to quality maternal care.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel published Born To Die: Florida’s infant mortality crisis earlier this year, a series that offered a deeper look into Florida’s high infant mortality rate. Maternal care experts said a baby’s outcome and a mother’s health are closely tied. Some experts say more funding and training of doulas and midwives will help.

In Florida’s rural areas, the ability to access care is worsening. A report in Becker’s Hospital Review shows that 20 of the 22 rural hospitals in the state have lost their labor and delivery units. That leaves 91% of Florida’s rural hospitals without obstetric services, making it the state with the highest percentage of rural hospitals lacking OB or maternity care.

Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com.

Q: Gotta get guys with born skill and talent, and stop relying on working hard. – Darius.

A: What I have found most interesting amid this slow period of the offseason is the emerging notion that some type of serious revamp in franchise approach is required after the Heat dared fail to qualify for the Eastern Conference finals for the fourth time in five seasons. Granted, consecutive play-in appearances hardly is the desired path to playoff success. But the best way to rework with the type of talent you suggest is to bow out of the playoffs and into the lottery, something that has not happened for the Heat since 2019, when Tyler Herro was drafted. Meanwhile, an argument could be made that with Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware and even Nikola Jovic that the Heat have mined lottery-level talent without falling to lottery-level depths. Yes, talent matters. But so does effort. Through it all, including those three runs to at least the East finals during the Jimmy Butler era, the Heat hardly are void of talent. What they have been void of recently is . . . getting and keeping players on the court. What needs to stop is the attendance issue (moreso, the lack thereof). That starts with Jimmy and Tyler.

Related Articles

• Miami Heat | Submit your “Ask Ira” question here!

Q: So Jimmy Butler is going to leave the Heat next summer to sign with the Nets? And the Nets are going to stop rebuilding to sign a player who will be 36? Come on. – Orie.

A: Hey, nothing else is going on, so someone is going to throw stuff somewhere. While the Nets will be flush with cap cash next summer, if that is going to be broadcast as Sean Marks’ rebuilding plan in Brooklyn then someone else likely will be rebuilding there. Having cycled through Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving, expect something a bit more sensible, low-key from the Nets. Of course, sensibility hardly has been a Nets touchstone over the past two decades.

Q: Jimmy Butler touring China reminds me of Dwyane Wade there in the offseasons. – Andy.

A: Such are the trappings of the same sneaker deal, an arrangement that started with Dwyane Wade and then became part of the Marquette alumni club. The difference is that with so much more social media these days, Jimmy’s tour comes off more as a travelog. Jimmy’s passport tends to be flush with stamps by the time he returns for training camp.

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 3, the 247th day of 2024. There are 119 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Sept. 3, 1935, Sir Malcolm Campbell became the first person to drive an automobile more than 300 miles-per-hour, speeding across the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

Also on this date:

In 1861, during the Civil War, Confederate forces invaded the border state of Kentucky, which had declared its neutrality in the conflict.

In 1894, the United States celebrated the first federal Labor Day holiday.

In 1783, representatives of the United States and Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized U.S. sovereignty.

In 1939, Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand declared war on Germany, two days after the Nazi invasion of Poland; in a radio address, Britain’s King George VI said, “With God’s help, we shall prevail.”

In 1943, Allied forces invaded Italy during World War II, the same day Italian officials signed a secret armistice with the Allies.

In 1976, America’s Viking 2 lander touched down on Mars to take the first close-up, color photographs of the red planet’s surface.

In 1999, a French judge closed a two-year inquiry into the car crash that killed Princess Diana, dismissing all charges against nine photographers and a press motorcyclist, and concluding the accident was caused by an inebriated driver.

In 2019, Walmart said it would stop selling ammunition for handguns and short-barrel rifles, and the store chain requested that customers not openly carry firearms in its stores; the announcement followed a shooting at a Walmart store in Texas that left 22 people dead.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Singer-musician Al Jardine (The Beach Boys) is 81.
• Actor Valerie Perrine is 81.
• Filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet is 71.
• Rock guitarist Steve Jones (The Sex Pistols) is 69.
• Actor Steve Schirripa (TV: “The Sopranos”) is 66.
• Author Malcolm Gladwell is 61.
• Actor Charlie Sheen is 59.
• Filmmaker Noah Baumbach is 55.
• Dance-rock musician Redfoo (LMFAO) is 49.
• Actor Garrett Hedlund is 40.
• Olympic gold medal snowboarder Shaun White is 38.
• Model-actor Kaia Gerber is 23.
• Actor Jack Dylan Grazer is 21.

General Daily Insight for September 03, 2024

It’s almost impossible to know what’s what under today’s stars in advance. Energetic Mars is making a difficult square to watery Neptune at 12:10 am EDT, which is going to leave us all feeling like we’re wading through a swamp. Meanwhile, the Moon in Virgo will oppose Saturn, then square Jupiter, making it difficult to know whether to step on the gas or hit the brakes. A final lunar quincunx to Chiron will encourage healing, but it may be a rather confusing process.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Knowing where you’re going isn’t a simple thing, by any means. This cosmic confusion is due to a tough square between Mars and Neptune, making it almost impossible to feel like you’re making genuine progress. With Mars in your communication sector, you’ll want to be especially careful when it comes to using your words. Neptune is very present in this picture, fogging over your view of the details. You could wind up with your foot in your mouth if you aren’t cautious.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

The urge to be your most giving self is strong today, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best idea. Mars in your money-focused 2nd house is squaring off against Neptune in your altruistic 11th house. Neptune loves to be self-sacrificing, which could tempt you into making a big donation or even giving away a bunch of your things to a good cause. That’s certainly admirable, but you may give more than is wise, so don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

It’s not your imagination if you feel all out of sorts. You’ve got more energy than normal while Mars is in your busy sign, but using that energy productively or helpfully will be almost impossible as Mars locks into a confusing square with foggy Neptune in your 10th House of Ambition. Don’t have a panic attack if your goals suddenly seem to evaporate or your motivations become far less of a driving force. Things aren’t clear with Neptune involved, so avoid overthinking them.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Every sentence may feel punctuated with a question mark. You’re prone to being a little out of sorts while Mars stumbles through your subconscious sector, but things will become even stranger when it picks a fight with illusory Neptune in your high-minded 9th house. You may feel like you’re tumbling down a rabbit hole toward wonderland, only to keep falling with no destination in sight. That’s okay — when it’s so difficult to get anywhere meaningful, you’re allowed to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Your mind is caught in a game of tug-of-war. Your popularity is undeniable while Mars moves through your social 11th house, but the disagreement between Mars and Neptune in your deeply private 8th house could make you feel like people are expecting too much from you. There’s nothing wrong with taking space for yourself, so be willing to draw a line in the sand if need be. That said, Neptune can blur boundaries, so it may be difficult to decide where that line should be.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

You may feel like you have to do it all yourself today. Mars is in your career sector, giving you the impetus to make a name for yourself, but watch out for the red planet’s clash with Neptune in your partnership sector! Someone might not be living up to your expectations. This can be especially frustrating if you can normally rely on this particular person. The more you lean on others at this time, the more likely you are to be disappointed with their efforts.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Your responsibilities aren’t exactly taking top priority right now. You’re much more eager to go off on an adventure or dive into a good book while Mars wings its way through your 9th House of Growth, but you may feel like you’re missing something when Mars squares Neptune in your 6th House of Practice. Neptune is a rather confusing planet, however, so even if you try to be your most responsible self, it will be difficult to make any progress. Let yourself daydream instead.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

It’s difficult to know how much of yourself to share with others, at least under the current stars. You’re prone to keeping your cards close to your chest while Mars moves through your concentrated 8th house, but its square to Neptune in your expressive 5th house could make it feel like the spotlight will find you, no matter what. The danger here is oversharing — especially information that involves others — because you might spill a secret without even realizing. Choose your words carefully.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Someone may push your buttons without even understanding the impact of their actions. Mars is stirring up your 7th House of Relationships while currently struggling against mysterious Neptune in your 4th House of Emotions, so be wary of someone saying or doing something that leaves you reeling. That being said, Neptune can obscure the truth, so you may not grasp exactly why you’re so upset — or perhaps you simply don’t know how to react. There’s no need to force a conclusion.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Don’t be surprised if you can’t accomplish a lot right now. You’re more capable than usual as motivator Mars moves through your efficient 6th house, but the red planet will make a difficult alignment to Neptune in your busy 3rd house, which could result in you aimlessly spinning your wheels. Co-workers or other people in your vicinity could prove especially unhelpful or unreliable as well, so try not to expect too much from anyone for the time being — yourself included.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Fun can be free, but it can also come with a price tag. Mars is encouraging you to enjoy yourself while it tours your 5th House of Pleasure, but you’ll need to be wary of throwing your money around when it snaps at Neptune in your income sector. An opportunity could present itself, only for it to wind up costing way more than you originally anticipated, or perhaps a few little indulgences add up to break the bank. A strict budget is your best friend.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Knowing your mind isn’t always easy, especially on a day like this. Mars in your demonstrative 4th house is riling up your feelings, which can be cathartic but also heavy. However, you’ll likely have trouble knowing what to do with all that internal motion when Mars squares Neptune in your sign, casting a veil of confusion and mystery over your soul’s inner workings. Instead of trying to force things, let yourself float around in this place of uncertainty. Certainty will arrive soon enough.

The 49ers placed Ricky Pearsall on the reserve/non-football injury list Monday as he recovers from being shot during an attempted robbery over the weekend, ruling him out for at least the first four games of their season.

Pearsall, 23, will be eligible to come off the list for their Oct. 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals, though the team has given no indication whether he is expected to be ready to play by then.

The 49ers signed offensive tackle Brandon Parker to a one-year deal to take Pearsall’s spot on the 53-man roster.

Pearsall, the 49ers’ first-round pick in this spring’s NFL draft, was shot Saturday in San Francisco’s Union Square, police said. He was shot in the chest and the bullet exited his back, according to a Facebook post by his mother, who also said he was “extremely lucky” that his vital organs were not hit. Video from the scene showed Pearsall holding a bandage over an apparent wound on the upper right part of his chest.

Related Articles

• College Sports | Hurricanes showcase tight ends in Week 1 win over Gators
• College Sports | Star defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. will miss Hurricanes’ second game of the season
• College Sports | UF freshman QB DJ Lagway could be in line for first start with Gators
• College Sports | UCF not surprised by ground game, eager to showcase potential
• College Sports | Where is UF’s defensive improvement as Gators host Samford? / Analysis

The rookie wide receiver was released from San Francisco General Hospital on Sunday. The attempted robber, a 17-year-old male from Tracy, was also admitted to the same hospital with a gunshot wound after a struggle with Pearsall. Police officers took him into custody at the scene, and his condition is unknown.

The 49ers’ wide receiver corps without Pearsall will include the recently extended Brandon Aiyuk as well as Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Chris Conley, Ronnie Bell and rookie Jacob Cowing.

San Francisco also signed defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu to its practice squad and released offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez from the squad.

By REGINA GARCIA CANO and JORGE RUEDA

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A Venezuelan judge on Monday issued an arrest warrant for the opposition’s former presidential candidate Edmundo González as part of a criminal investigation into the results of the disputed July election.

The warrant was issued at the request of authorities who accuse Gonzalez, a former diplomat, of various charges including conspiracy, falsifying documents and usurpation of powers.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan authorities on Monday sought an arrest warrant for the opposition’s former presidential candidate Edmundo González, just over a month after election officials declared President Nicolás Maduro the winner of a disputed election that his opponents say he lost.

The prosecutor seeking the warrant in its request to a judge focused on terrorism-related crimes cites various charges against González, a former diplomat, including conspiracy, falsifying documents and usurpation of powers.

The request comes after González failed to appear three times to answer questions from prosecutors in a criminal investigation stemming from the disputed election results.

Ruling party-loyal electoral authorities declared Maduro the victor of the July 28 election, hours after polls closed. They did not show any detailed results to back up their claim as they had offered in previous presidential elections.

The lack of transparency has drawn international condemnation against Maduro and his allies.

The opposition, however, managed to obtain more than 80% of vote tally sheets, which are printed by every electronic voting machine, and said they show Maduro lost by a wide margin against González.

González was summoned to the prosecutor’s office as recently as Friday. Attorney General Tarek William Saab opened the investigation against González after he and opposition leader María Corina Machado revealed what they said were the results shown in the tally sheets and published them online.

Maduro’s ruling party and the National Electoral Council have refused to publish their copies of tally sheets that the electronic voting machines printed after polls closed.

Instead, as international pressure mounts to release a breakdown of results, Maduro asked the country’s high court to audit the electoral process. The Supreme Tribunal of Justice, stacked with Maduro loyalists, concluded on Aug. 22 that the vote counts published by the opposition were false and certified Maduro’s victory.

González, 75, has not made any public appearances since the day after the election. His campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

González has questioned the prosecutors’ actions for lack of due process guarantees and accused Saab, a longtime Maduro ally, of being a “political accuser” who “condemns in advance.” He rejected the interview summons arguing, among other issues, that they did not specify the condition under which he was expected to appear.

“They have lost all sense of reality,” Machado, referring to Maduro’s government, wrote on X after the attorney general’s office published the warrant request on Instagram. “By threatening the President Elect, they only manage to unite us more and increase the support of Venezuelans and the world for Edmundo González.”

An AP review of the tally sheets released by the opposition indicates that González won significantly more votes than the government has claimed. The analysis casts serious doubt on the official declaration that Maduro won.

The AP processed almost 24,000 images representing the results from 79% of voting machines, resulting in tabulations of 10.26 million votes. The processed tally sheets also showed González receiving more votes on 20,476 receipts compared to only 3,157 for Maduro.

___

Garcia Cano reported from Mexico City. ___

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

Fort Lauderdale is about to lose one of its longest-running drinking, dining and dancing venues — the Historic Downtowner and Maxwell Ballroom — which for decades welcomed patrons who sought to celebrate, commiserate or just chill out on the south bank of the New River.

“Sadly, I must announce the closure of the Historic Downtowner and Maxwell Room, effective October 6,” owner Roger Craft wrote in a Facebook post that took staffers by surprise.

“This decision was not made lightly,” he said. “I carefully weighed the hard facts and numerous complex issues against every possible solution and alternative.  In the end, there just wasn’t a reasonable or viable option to keep the business going at this location. I hope that the legacy of the Downtowner will live on through the fun times, the friendships, the happy guests, and the countless memories we’ve all created.”

The post said his “greatest joy” in owning the establishment was the “incredible people I’ve had the privilege to meet, and the friendships formed over the years. As this chapter of the Downtowner and Maxwell Room closes, I sincerely thank you all for your unwavering support, love, and the unforgettable memories we’ve shared together.”

The Labor Day announcement stunned patrons and staff members. The latter declined to comment for the record until they heard the news in person from their boss. He was not available at the restaurant Monday afternoon and did not respond to a voicemail.

But responses to his social media post quickly mounted, with more than 500 posts accumulating by 5 p.m.

“My first Hurricane experience in South Florida was in 2004 when I moved there and it was at the Downtowner,” wrote Dusty Wigmore. “I was amazed how the business stayed open to support the locals and be there when they may have not been able to go home, or didn’t want to venture out far from home. They were amazing and it was a great experience for just getting settled into the neighborhood. Thanks for all the great memories!”

Visitors enjoy the waterfront atmosphere along the New River in front of the Downtowner in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, the day its ownership announced the popular establishment will shut its doors for good in early October. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

But inside the restaurant,  one longtime customer, Brewster Knott, who said he lives in a nearby high rise, was not as charitable.

“I am upset because the staff of this establishment has made every day more powerful and happy for everyone,” Knott said. He vowed to mount a personal campaign to find a job for each employee.

The venue is nestled in a 23,000-square foot riverfront building at 10 South New River Drive E., just east of South Andrews Avenue, near a neighborhood where development has exploded with high-rise residential buildings. To the southeast is a familiar taxpayer-funded gated community, better known as the Main Jail, which is adjacent to the Broward County Courthouse.

Downtowner patrons who dine outdoors have a close-up view of recreational and commercial boats of all sizes as they ease their way along the New River. At one point Monday, one of the vessels represented another symbol of Fort Lauderdale history: a passenger boat belonging to the venerable Jungle Queen tour franchise stopped to wait for the Andrew Avenue drawbridge to rise and allow it to pass through.

To the rear of the restaurant, the Historic Maxwell Room with its wooden dance floor and a history that dates back to the Roaring 1920s, was empty and silent Monday.

A century-old history

According to the venue’s website, the ballroom was named after a developer, Fred Maxwell, and “opened its doors in 1925, showcasing the timeless elegance of Mediterranean Revival architecture. The hurricane of 1926 dealt a devastating blow to the Maxwell Arcade, damaging its iconic electric-lit sign, and much of the structure. Despite the destruction, the arcade endured and now houses both the Historic Downtowner and Historic Maxwell Room.”

The site notes the Downtowner has served the community for more than 30 years. The Maxwell Room hosted weddings, receptions and corporate gatherings while the Downtowner became “a cherished venue for various experiences such as Sunday brunch.”

In 2018, the building changed hands for $5.75 million, with the investor saying he was “just going to hold onto it in the short-term and mid-term and see what happens.” There was no immediate indication that another potential deal is in the offing this time.

One staffer who declined to be be quoted by name wondered Monday what the Downtowner’s customer traffic will be like through October, now that word of the impending closing has gone public.

There is one major event that could serve as a fond farewell for all: a “Craftober Fest,” a street festival with live music, craft beer and food.

It’s scheduled for Sept. 28, according to the restaurant’s Facebook account.

The recent controversy over Florida’s plan to build golf courses and pickleball courts in state parks is not just a state-level issue — it’s happening locally.

Our local parks are under siege, led by our own officials. Fort Lauderdale voters approved a $200 million parks bond, now on your tax bill, to expand and protect our green spaces. Instead, local politicians gave away these parks and now we have to pay to use them.

For example, the city gave away a significant portion of Snyder Park for the private development of 40-plus pickleball courts and a stadium. The same officials pushed for the private development of portions of Holiday Park and Huizenga Park. They also have been at the forefront of efforts to hand over other public lands, like One Stop Shop and Bahia Mar, to private interests.

Even more troubling, environmental groups have endorsed these candidates despite these officials violating everything that these groups stand for. These same politicians, responsible for environmental damage, are once again seeking our votes.

We must elect city leaders who will protect our parks and public lands.

John E. Rodstrom III, Fort Lauderdale

A misuse of money at UF

It’s astounding to read about the tripling of the University of Florida president Ben Sasse’s budget expenses in 17 months.

It included awarding contracts to friends and political allies for amounts far exceeding previous employees in similar positions, and millions in consulting contracts, mostly to his former employer, McKinsey & Company. New hires worked long distances from Gainesville, with additional travel expenses to bring them to UF occasionally.

Now we learn he will be paid an astonishing $1 million per year for four more years with health benefits for Sasse and his family.

It is sad that Sasse’s wife has serious medical issues that forced his resignation. But his record in the U.S. Senate shows he opposed the Affordable Care Act, which removed the ability of insurance companies to deny health care to millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions. He further supported cuts of Medicare benefits, which he called a “middle class entitlement,” and Medicaid reimbursements.

I thank the Independent Florida Alligator, which first brought our attention to this outrageous expenditure of public funds. UF is a public university. Someone had to approve this excessive use of public funds, and it must be investigated.

My two daughters graduated from UF. I do not want to see tuition or fees increase for current and future students to compensate for Sasse’s continuing expense entitlement.

Steven Pomerantz, Plantation

Where conspiracy theories lead

Cult leader Jim Jones led more than 1,000 people to drink Kool-Aid laced with cyanide in 1978. He led a cult, like Donald Trump, and I fear that if Trump told his “faithful” to do the same, they would.

Such is the strength of “leaders” like Trump. C’mon, people, wake up, and remember what blindly following a flawed person steeped in conspiracy theories like stolen elections can do.

Do you want your loved ones or friends to do the same and follow Trump off the cliff of reason? All you can do to prevent that is to vote for Kamala Harris. Democracy. Now. Always.

Barbra Nightingale, Hollywood

Submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the form below. Letters should be less than 150 words and must be signed. You must include your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. 

[contact-form]

Q: As a 15-year season-ticket holder, I’m as disappointed as I can recall. Seems like they are accepting of mediocrity. – Lily.

A: I’m not sure we can, or should, be making any value judgments until we see what this Miami Heat roster looks like on the floor, during games. The best of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier stands to be pretty good. Now, can or will you get their best? That’s why there has to be a degree of patience. Quality talent and outstanding coaching still can take you a long way in the NBA. We remain at the on-paper portion of this projection, just as we are in projecting out with the Dolphins. So I would reserve any disappointment until disappointing times.

Related Articles

• Miami Heat | Submit your “Ask Ira” question here!

Q: Ira, the Canes are good. The Dolphins are supposed to be good. So how are the Heat supposed to compete with that? – Richard.

A: Since the Heat aren’t in the NFL or NCAA, they don’t have to. And the reality in these parts for years has been to be ready for the non-football spotlight when that arrives over the second half of the schedule, after the University of Miami football team and the Dolphins do whatever they do. That’s when the greatest inspection arrives.

Q: What’s going on with Alondes Williams? – Hank.

A: Still an unsigned free agent. Still available to be signed by any team or invited to any camp, including the Heat’s.

Today is Monday, Sept. 2, the 246th day of 2024. There are 120 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Sept. 2, 2013, on her fifth attempt, U.S. endurance swimmer Diana Nyad became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without the help of a shark cage.

Also on this date:

In 1666, the Great Fire of London began, which would destroy more than 13,000 homes and hundreds of additional structures, including St Paul’s Cathedral, over the ensuing three days.

In 1789, the United States Treasury Department was established.

In 1864, during the Civil War, Union Gen. William T. Sherman’s forces occupied Atlanta.

In 1935, a Category 5 hurricane slammed into the Florida Keys on Labor Day, claiming more than 400 lives.

In 1945, Japan formally surrendered in ceremonies aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, ending World War II.

In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Defense Education Act, which provided aid to public and private education to promote learning in such fields as math and science.

In 1963, Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace prevented the integration of Tuskegee High School by encircling the building with state troopers.

In 1969, in what some regard as the birth of the Internet, two connected computers at the University of California, Los Angeles, passed test data through a 15-foot cable.

In 1998, a Swissair MD-11 jetliner crashed off Nova Scotia, killing all 229 people aboard.

In 2005, a National Guard convoy packed with food, water and medicine rolled into New Orleans four days after Hurricane Katrina.

In 2018, a huge fire engulfed Brazil’s 200-year-old National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, as firefighters and museum workers raced to save historical relics.

In 2019, a fire swept a boat carrying recreational scuba divers that was anchored near an island off the Southern California coast; the captain and four other crew members were able to escape the flames, but 34 people who were trapped below died.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Former Sen. Alan K. Simpson, R-Wyo., is 93.
• Horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas is 89.
• Former United States Olympic Committee Chairman and former Major League Baseball commissioner Peter Ueberroth is 87.
• Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw is 76.
• Basketball Hall of Famer Nate Archibald is 76.
• Actor Mark Harmon is 73.
• Tennis Hall of Famer Jimmy Connors is 72.
• Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson is 64.
• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is 62.
• Actor Keanu Reeves is 60.
• Boxing Hall of Famer Lennox Lewis is 59.
• Actor Salma Hayek is 58.
• R&B singer K-Ci is 55.
• Electronic music DJ/producer Zedd is 35.

By TIA GOLDENBERG

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — A rare call for a general strike in Israel to protest the failure to return hostages held in Gaza led to closures and other disruptions around the country on Monday, including at its main international airport. But it was ignored in some areas, reflecting deep political divisions.

Tens of thousands of Israelis had poured into the streets late Sunday in grief and anger after six hostages were found dead in Gaza. The families and much of the public blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying they could have been returned alive in a deal with Hamas to end the nearly 11-month-old war.

But others support Netanyahu’s strategy of maintaining relentless military pressure on Hamas, whose Oct. 7 attack into Israel triggered the war. They say it will eventually force the militants to give in to Israeli demands, potentially lead to more successful rescues and ultimately annihilate the group.

Israel’s largest trade union, the Histadrut, called for a general strike for Monday, the first since the start of the war. It aims to shut down or disrupt major sectors of the economy, including banking, health care and the country’s main airport.

Airlines at Israel’s main international airport Ben-Gurion were halting outgoing flights between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Those flights either departed early or were slightly delayed, and travelers were seen lining up at check-in counters despite the limited disruption. Arriving flights were continuing as usual during that time, according to the Israel Airports Authority.

Banks, some large malls and government offices were all closed due to the strike and public transit was limited. Municipalities in Israel’s populated central area, including Tel Aviv, were participating in the strike, leading to shortened school hours and cancellations for public daycares and kindergartens.

Many municipalities, however, including Jerusalem, were not participating in the strike. Israeli media reported that the state appealed to a labor court to cancel the strike, saying it was politically motivated.

The demonstrations on Sunday appeared to be the largest since the start of the war, with organizers estimating that up to 500,000 people joined nationwide events and the main rally held in Tel Aviv.

They are demanding that Netanyahu reach a deal to return the remaining roughly 100 hostages held in Gaza, a third of whom are believed to be dead, even if it means leaving a battered Hamas intact and withdrawing from the territory. Many Israelis support this position, but others prioritize the destruction of the militant group over freedom for the hostages.

Netanyahu has pledged “total victory” over Hamas and blames it for the failure of the negotiations, which have dragged on for much of this year.

Israel said Hamas killed all six hostages shortly before Israeli forces arrived in the tunnel where they were being held. Three of them, including an Israeli-American, were reportedly scheduled to be released in the first phase of a cease-fire proposal discussed in July. The Israeli Health Ministry said autopsies had determined the hostages were shot at close range and died on Thursday or Friday.

Netanyahu blamed Hamas, saying “whoever murders hostages doesn’t want a deal.”

Hamas blamed their deaths on Israel and the United States, accusing them of dragging out the talks by issuing new demands, including for lasting Israeli control over two strategic corridors in Gaza. Hamas has offered to release the hostages in return for an end to the war, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants.

One of the six hostages was Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, a native of Berkeley, California, who lost part of his left arm to a grenade in the attack. In April, Hamas issued a video that showed him alive, sparking protests in Israel.

He was one of the best-known hostages, and his parents had led a high-profile campaign for the captives’ release, meeting with President Joe Biden, Pope Francis, and addressing the Democratic National Convention last month.

Biden on Sunday said he was “devastated and outraged.” The White House said he spoke with Goldberg-Polin’s parents and offered condolences.

Some 250 hostages were taken on Oct. 7. Israel now believes about 100 remain in captivity, including 35 who are thought to be dead. More than 100 were freed during a cease-fire in November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Eight have been rescued by Israeli forces. Israeli troops mistakenly killed three Israelis who escaped captivity in December.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, when they stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not say how many were militants.

The war has displaced the vast majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, often multiple times, and plunged the besieged territory into a humanitarian catastrophe.

___

Follow AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

By COLLEEN LONG

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden are co-headlining a campaign event Monday in the marquee battleground state of Pennsylvania as Harris balances presenting herself as “a new way forward” while remaining intensely loyal to Biden and the policies he has pushed.

The pair will attend Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade and offer some remarks, the first time the two have shared a speaking slot on the political stage together since the surprising election shakeup that provided a fresh jolt of Democratic enthusiasm to the 2024 election.

Harris’ campaign has said Pennsylvania voters are newly energized since Harris moved to the top of the ticket six weeks ago, with tens of thousands of new volunteers signed up to canvass for her and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee. Harris’ and Biden’s appearance at the parade, one of the largest such gatherings in the country, is part of a battleground state blitz with just over two months until Election Day.

Harris, 59, has sought to appeal to voters by positioning herself as a break from poisonous politics, rejecting the acerbic rhetoric of her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, while looking to move beyond the Biden era as well. Yet while her delivery may be very different from Biden’s, Harris’ agenda is chock-full of the same issues he has championed: capping the cost of prescription drugs, the Affordable Care Act, the economy and helping families afford child care.

“We fight for a future where we build what I call an opportunity economy, so that every American has the opportunity to own a home, start a business and to build wealth and intergenerational wealth. And a future where we lower the cost of living for America,” she said at a recent rally, echoing Biden’s calls to grow the economy “from the bottom out and the middle up.”

Harris briefly appeared on stage with Biden after the president delivered his remarks on the opening night of last month’s Democratic National Convention, but the two haven’t shared a microphone at a political event since Biden himself was running for office. At that time, the campaign was using Harris mostly as its chief spokeswoman for abortion rights, an issue they believe can help them win in November as restrictions grow and health care worsens for women following the fall of Roe v. Wade.

The pair have appeared at official events and met together at the White House since the ticket-swap.

For more than 3 1/2 years, Harris has been one of Biden’s chief validators. Now the tables are turned, as Harris looks to lean on Biden — a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania — to help win the potentially decisive state. Biden, for his part, has laid low since ending his reelection bid. He was last at the White House on Aug. 19 and has since been vacationing in Southern California and Delaware.

But even as she’s taken on the mantle of leading the Democratic Party, Harris has stood steadfastly at Biden’s side. In her first sit-down interview of her candidacy, Harris delivered an impassioned defense of Biden’s record and ability to do the job, even despite the events of the past two months that ended with her running for the Oval Office and Biden a lame duck.

The 81-year-old president stepped aside in July following a disastrous debate performance with Trump and a growing chorus within his own party for him to make room for a new generation. Harris and Trump will debate on Sept. 10.

“He cares so deeply about the American people. He is so smart and — and loyal to the American people. And I have spent hours upon hours with him, be it in the Oval Office or the Situation Room. He has the intelligence, the commitment, and the judgment and disposition that I think the American people rightly deserve in their president,” she said in last week’s interview.

She added of Trump: “By contrast, the former president has none of that.”

Harris said during the CNN interview that serving with Biden was “one of the greatest honors of my career,” and she recounted the moment he called to tell her he was stepping down.

“He told me what he had decided to do and … I asked him, ‘Are you sure?’ and he said, ‘Yes,’ and that’s how I learned about it.”

The vice president said she didn’t need to ask Biden for his support because “he was very clear that he was going to endorse me.”

Harris has also defended the administration’s record on the southern border and immigration, one of the administration’s most persistent and vexing problems. She notes that she was tasked with trying to address the “root causes” in other countries that were driving the border crossings, though Republicans have tagged her as the “border czar.”

“We have laws that have to be followed and enforced, that address and deal with people who cross our border illegally, and there should be consequences,” Harris said.

Although Harris has appeared more forceful in speaking about the plight of civilians in Gaza, as Israel’s war against Hamas there nears the 11th month mark, the vice president has also endorsed Biden’s efforts to arm Israel and bring about a hostage deal and ceasefire.

Israel said early Sunday that it had recovered the bodies of six hostages captured during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that ignited the Gaza war, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The revelation prompted tens of thousands of Israelis to demonstrate in the streets demanding a ceasefire deal.

Harris will join Biden on Monday in the Situation Room to meet with the U.S. hostage deal negotiating team to discuss their continuing efforts on a deal that would secure the release of the remaining hostages.

General Daily Insight for September 02, 2024

Transparency is the name of the game. There is a huge focus on being open with our feelings and inner thoughts as messenger Mercury forms a healing trine to wounded Chiron, soothing old hurts and turning them into something much more processable. A New Moon in Virgo will occur at 9:56 pm EDT, crystalizing this energy into a healthily productive vibe. These aspects form an opportunity for us all to make our lives a bit easier, so don’t miss out on the cosmic encouragement.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

You get to be your most efficient self today. There is a New Moon setting off tidal waves of energy in your 6th House of Daily Routine, helping you implement strategies to maximize your potential productivity without burning out. Don’t get overwhelmed with trying to make massive changes — focus on small adjustments you can easily adapt to. These little alterations will add up to big results down the line. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you won’t be, either.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

You’ve got something to share with the world, so don’t keep holding it in. This expressive energy is thanks to the lovely New Moon in your 5th House of Passion Projects, encouraging you to focus on the things that make you happiest and are the most fulfilling. Whether you love to find the spotlight as often as possible or prefer to hide out in the wings, your contributions to the show deserve to be acknowledged. Step up and take a bow.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Your place is potentially the hottest spot in town! Domestic positivity is a true blessing as your homey 4th house hosts a spectacular New Moon. This lunation serves as beauteous inspiration to improve your surroundings. If you’ve been thinking about making any adjustments to your abode, be it redecorating, renovating, or even removing yourself from a home you’ve outgrown, Luna is guiding you to make the right choices in order to find exactly what you’re looking for. Dust off the welcome mat.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

There’s no point in keeping your ideas to yourself. There’s an emphasis on being open and honest as a New Moon electrifies your 3rd House of Communications, making it more important than ever that you interact with others and don’t hide yourself away. Even the smallest interaction can lead to something special, so be open to a little chit-chat with that person next to you in line or a neighbor you’ve never met. Get out and start saying bonjour to people!

Leo

July 23 – August 22

You deserve to live a bountiful life. Fortunately, the stars are helping you do that with a New Moon in your 2nd House of Material Security, beginning a fresh chapter of prosperity. Whether you’re looking to earn more money or make wiser financial decisions with your current resources, this is the perfect day to explore your options. The universe has plenty of attractive choices laid out! A little splurge also couldn’t hurt — just make sure you focus on quality over quantity.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

It’s all about you, Virgo! The stars are telling you to put yourself first as a New Moon strikes your intelligent sign, making this the perfect moment to focus on yourself and your needs — especially if you don’t normally do that. Ask yourself what you want, and if you’re not getting it, then start figuring out a way to make it happen. Remember that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so start walking toward your happiness.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Let it all go. There’s no need to hold on to things which no longer serve you as your 12th House of Endings receives an extra boost from a potent New Moon. This acts as a wonderful chance for you to eliminate old baggage or drama from your life, allowing your future self to welcome plenty of wonderful experiences. On a more physical note, this is also a good time to make sure you’re getting proper rest. Go catch up on your sleep!

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Don’t even think about flying solo right now. Your 11th House of Social Networks is receiving a fresh jolt of energy due to today’s New Moon, making it more important than ever that you work together with others to achieve your goals. Of course, you don’t need to make this about work — fun is absolutely on the table as well. Regardless of your specific plans for the day, keep in mind that this is not the time to do it all by yourself.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Right now, mountains are movable! Your impressive strength is thanks to a remarkable New Moon invigorating your 10th House of Success, reminding you just how capable you truly are when you put in the effort. Whether you’re just starting to climb the career ladder or are already doing your dream job, there’s still room for further achievements. Don’t sit on your laurels just because you can. There is endless potential ahead of you, so you should make the most of it.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

There’s nothing to be gained by imposing unnecessary limitations on yourself. Now more than ever you can explore unfamiliar territory and ideas, thanks to a special New Moon in your 9th House of Expansion, so don’t even think about playing it small right now. Whether you decide to embark on a whirlwind tour of the globe or enter a new course of study that will expand your mind and soul, don’t hesitate to dive into new experiences and embrace the adventure on offer.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Today’s most difficult experiences may turn out to be the most rewarding. Life might send you a complicated matter under today’s New Moon in your intense 8th house, which rules over many extremities like sex, death, and money. Whether you’re dealing with a sense of loss or wrapped up in lots of paperwork with financial ties, there’s a better, more accomplished version of you waiting on the other side. The journey will take time and effort, but you are capable of getting there.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

It only requires one person to drastically improve your life. Happily, that person won’t be easy to miss as your 7th House of Partnerships gets boosted by an ingenious New Moon, kicking off opportunities for connection and collaboration. Contractual agreements are also ruled by this sector, especially those pertaining to equal partnerships. If you’ve been thinking about signing on the dotted line, then know you’ve got the green light from the universe. Don’t ignore it or you might miss out on something special.