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MIAMI — Observations and other notes of interest from Wednesday night’s 115-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings:

– This was about the little things.

– Which, to a degree, is what this superstar-less Miami Heat team is about.

– (With all due respect to playoff Jimmy Butler.)

– To be at their best, the Heat have to be at their collective best.

– Which means Jaime Jaquez Jr. again bringing the energy.

– Caleb Martin playing with a fast twitch.

– Kevin Love adding the subtleties.

– Josh Richardson getting back to his Rook 2 form from a previous Heat era.

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– Those all were there Wednesday night.

– Which makes life easier for Butler.

– And Bam Adebayo.

– And Tyler Herro.

– And Terry Rozier, in his adjustment.

– Those four remain the primary consideration.

– But those four are not a big four.

– They need more.

– Like what was offered in assistance in this one.

– The Heat made it four consecutive games with a starting lineup of Adebayo, Haywood Highsmith, Butler, Herro and Rozier.

– Adebayo then was forced to the bench with his second foul 3:16 into the game, leading to an early entrance for Thomas Bryant.

– Bryant’s stint was brief, with Love and Jaquez then entering together as part of the regular rotation.

– Martin and Richardson followed.

– That left Nikola Jovic and Cole Swider as the only available players not to see action in the first nine minutes.

– Although Bryant’s stint was limited to 2:41.

– Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was asked about having to go without the 3-point shooting of Duncan Robinson, who is in NBA concussion protocol.

– “We have enough spacing and I feel like a handful of our guys are due and are ignitable,” he said. “Our whole offense doesn’t have to be built on that.”

– Spoelstra then reiterated his stance that a turnaround has to be a product of the Heat defense.

– “The defense is something that we definitely want to collectively have more commitment and resolve on that side of the floor,” he said. “We just feel like a lot of these things will take care of themselves if you get the karma of the game going in the right direction.”

– As for Robinson, he hit his head against the court in Saturday’s loss in New York but was not formally placed into concussion protocol until after a brief stint in Monday night’s home loss to the Suns.

– “He felt OK in the New York game and the next day was off, and he felt fine in the shootaround,” Spoelstra said of Monday’s sequence. “And then during the beginning of the game, he felt a little bit off and that’s when we had him go back in the training room and get checked out.”

– It appears Robinson will miss more than just Wednesday.

– “He’s at the beginning of the process of that,” Spoelstra said of the league’s concussion protocol. “But we’re glad the we caught it, because sometimes you don’t recognize and move around and do something at that speed.”

MIAMI — The last time the Miami Heat had won a game:

– Taylor Swift wasn’t yet headed to the Super Bowl.

– Joel Embiid and Luka Doncic had yet to score 70.

– And Ron DeSantis still was a presidential candidate.

That was back on Jan. 15 when there was a one-point escape in overtime at Barclays Center against the Brooklyn Nets.

Much had changed in the interim, except for the losses that extended the Heat’s losing streak to seven, their longest in nearly 16 years.

Wednesday night at Kaseya Center, there finally was an exhale, with a 115-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings, the 1,500th victory in the franchise’s 36 seasons.

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“It sure feels a lot better than where we were,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “For one day, it feels great. I’m fine with everybody having a little bit of an exhale,”

No, it wasn’t easy, blowing an early 18-point lead and surviving some shaky late moments.

But the skid is over.

Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 31 points, with Bam Adebayo adding 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Tyler Herro 14 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. There also was an unexpected and welcomed 24-point boost off the Heat bench from Josh Richardson.

Those efforts, a season-high 38 assists, and stout play with the Heat’s zone defense, were needed to offset 33 points from Sacramento’s Keegan Murray and a 19-point, 17-rebound, 13-assist triple-double from Kings center Domantas Sabonis.

“We were smiling,” Butler said of the feel-good night. “We were legit having fun again.”

Said Adebayo, “Everybody held each other accountable.”

Five Degrees of Heat from Wednesday night’s game:

1. Closing time: The Heat led 28-22 at the end of the first period, went up 18 in the second period, with their lead down to 59-54 at the intermission.

In an eventful third period, the Heat then fell behind, went up 10, and wound up ahead 90-84 going into the fourth.

Butler then took his usual rest at the start of the fourth quarter, entering with 7:49 to play and the Heat up 97-88.

Sabonis later coveted a three-point play with 5:41 left to draw Sacramento within 99-93, before the Heat pushed back to complete their first victory in two weeks.

“The group poured a lot into the last 24 hours, poured into each other, poured into this process, poured into solutions,” Spoelstra said. “We just kind of circled the wagons.”

2. Attack mode: With Adebayo called for two fouls in the first 3:16, Butler went into attack mode early, putting his fingerprints all over the offense.

That included an alley-oop finish off a Kevin Love pass midway through the period, and then a drive-and-kick assist for a Love 3-pointer moments later.

Butler had five rebounds in his first seven minutes, aggression needed with Adebayo forced to be bench early, with nine points in his initial 10-minute stint.

Butler was up to 23 points going into the fourth quarter.

“That guy Jimmy,” Spoelstra said, “he was pretty good tonight.

“When he attacks aggressively, that solves a lot of problems for us.”

He closed 10 of 14 from the field and 9 of 12 from the line, also 2 of 3 on 3-pointers, with seven rebounds and six assists.

“That’s the way we want to play,” Butler said of the ball moving and the defense playing in lockstep.

3. Fitting in: With Duncan Robinson in NBA concussion protocol from a fall in Saturday’s loss to the New York Knicks, it opened the door for playing time for Richardson, who seized the moment by opening 4 of 5 on 3-pointers.

Richardson scored 11 points at the start of the second period to spark a 13-0 Heat run, with 16 at the intermission.

With Richardson, it becomes less a case of the defensive sacrifice made when Robinson is called upon on that end, with Richardson helping stabilize the Heat’s zone defense at the close.

Richardson closed 9 of 15 from the field, including 6 of 10 on 3-pointers.

“Once I got going in the game,” Richardson said, “it was let it fly.”

4. Terry tracker: It continues to be an adjustment for Terry Rozier in his adjustment from last week’s trade from the Charlotte Hornets, this time scoreless on 0-for-3 shooting in his initial stint, as well as the lone Heat starter to go scoreless in the first half.

Rozier opened 0 for 5 before converting a 3-pointer with 1:59 left in the third period, a stage when he already had nine assists.

He closed 1 of 8 from the field for three points, but also with a team-high 10 assists.

“The offense started with our backcourt,” Spoelstra said, “making winning plays.

“Tyler and Terry set the tone with that. They were assertive and aggressive. So they set the tone.”

Rozier showed particular chemistry with Adebayo.

“T was making plays tonight,” Adebayo said. “He was all over the court.”

5. Sizzle season: Sabonis continues to play as the fulcrum of the Kings’ success, this time reaching his 13th triple-double of the season. Only Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, with 14, has more.

It was Sabonis’ seventh triple-double in January, the fourth player in NBA history with seven or more triple-doubles in January, joining Oscar Robertson (four), Nikola Jokic (two) and Russell Westbrook (two).

It also was Sabonis’ 29th consecutive double-double, tying Robertson for the longest double-double streak in a single season in franchise history.

Sabonis now has recorded 17 career triple-doubles with at least 15 rebounds, passing Magic Johnson (16) and Larry Bird (16) for fifth-most in NBA history.

Pride event organizers are forging ahead with this year’s celebrations across Florida. And they’re hoping to draw larger crowds than last year, when some celebrations were canceled due to the state’s political climate.

Among the hurdles that organizers say they’re now facing: It has become more challenging to secure sponsors.

Not all companies want their names connected to Pride events “because of economic concerns but also political concerns,” said Patrick Gevas, spokesman for Miami Beach Pride, which will start its week of events April 5. “Sponsors are worried about spending going into an election.”

The Stonewall Parade & Street Festival, one of South Florida’s largest pride celebrations, will take place on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors on June 15. Finding sponsors has risen as a primary concern, said Jeffrey Sterling, CEO of Stonewall Pride Inc. “It’s a No. 1 topic,” Sterling said.

He said he hopes to pick up new sponsorships after losing some business support last year. To ensure it succeeds, the city of Wilton Manors also is considering kicking in some financial help.

LGBTQ advocates decried many Florida bills last year as a “slate of hate,” ranging from keeping children out of drag shows, to pronouns in schools, to transgender treatments for minors. And additional initiatives are being advanced this year. One bill would ban teachers and other government employees from displaying a rainbow flag. There’s also the recent state effort to ban gender changes on driver’s licenses.

“Overall with the political climate, the LGBTQ community still feels under attack by the governor,” said Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida. “The atmosphere has not overall changed, but there is a renewed sense of determination for a lot of people in the LBGBTQ community to show up and support the parade marchers.

“They have to, right? To show they are visible, real people, not a threat and they don’t need all these bills … that curtail their rights.”

Robert Kesten, the executive director of the Stonewall National, Museum, Archives, & Library in Fort Lauderdale, said he expects more participation in 2024 because “people are more comfortable this year than last year.”

“The pushback by the courts on things like drag queens” has made people feel empowered, he said. “So I think people are starting to feel a lot more confident that the government is being put back in its place to serve the people and not run the people.”

“I think people will have the confidence that the community is on the right side of history, and those who were trying to push people back into closets really are getting pushed back from the at-large community.”

Many Pride events are scheduled this year:

• Miami Beach Pride will start its week of events April 5, with the festival April 13-14. The drag pageant will remain after-hours, behind closed doors, only open for ages 21 and older. Organizers are “continuing be mindful of the legislative landscape,” Gevas said.
• Palm Beach Pride will take place at Bryant Park in Lake Worth Beach on March 23 and 24.
• Tampa Pride in 2023 canceled its ‘Pride on the River’ event, but it will be back in March this year.
• Key West Pride will go on as scheduled June 9. The event is a family-friendly parade, so there’s no concern about running afoul of any law, said Rob Dougherty, executive director of the Key West Business Guild.

Even though some Pride events were canceled last year, other organizers last year presented their events, but with new rules meant to comply with new legislation that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law in May.

A legal battle

The new law, labeled by its sponsors as the “Protection of Children Act,” prohibited any person from knowingly admitting a minor to an adult performance. It also authorized the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to fine, suspend, or revoke the operating or alcohol licenses of hotels or restaurants if they admit a child into an adult performance such as a drag show.

While the law did not specifically mention drag shows, it came as the state cracked down on venues in South Florida and Central Florida where children attended drag shows. The legislation also was passed amid a wave of bills in Florida and other Republican-led states targeting LGBTQ-related issues.

In response to a lawsuit filed by an Orlando restaurant, U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell issued a preliminary injunction against the new law, concluding that it violated First Amendment rights.

The state is currently appealing that decision before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. In November, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a request from DeSantis’ administration that would have allowed enforcement of the law during the legal battle.

Making changes

Because of the new law last year, organizers for the Stonewall Parade made several changes toward establishing a family-friendly atmosphere. That included a push for good conduct, a new dress code, and demanding no vulgar language.

There was some hesitation to proceed with the event at the time: As Sterling described it last year, the state law was gray on purpose, so “no matter what we do, they can find wrong. That’s what we fear.”

But the Stonewall Parade & Street Festival has been too vital to consider canceling, he said. For years, it has been a staple for Wilton Manors, known as the unofficial capital of the LGBTQ community in South Florida. The city’s first Stonewall festival was held in 1999 and has run every year, except in 2020 because of the pandemic.

Last year’s event ended up drawing tens of thousands of eventgoers, and was deemed a success.

The crowds showed up even though there was some heavy rain that day. But the weather still presented a setback of the unexpected kind: A large number of eventgoers got past the gates without paying to enter, Sterling said.

“We don’t always catch that,” Sterling said. “We’re not overly effective” stopping the uncaptured door revenue.

Because of the rain, the organizers “didn’t bring in the money they thought they would,” said Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton.

It has left some financial hurdles. The festival organizer still owes the Broward Sheriff’s Office an outstanding balance of $33,396, and also another $8,000 to the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department.

The city of Wilton Manors is willing to help. The City Commission is expected to vote in February whether to approve a $50,000 sponsorship to help pay for last year’s overdue security and public safety bills. Any funds that remain from the city’s support will be applied toward the 2024 bills.

The June 15 festival and all-day entertainment starts at 3 p.m. and the parade is at 7 p.m. The event ends at 11 p.m.

Sterling said he hopes the city becomes an official sponsor, with the potential for contributing $50,000 each year. “It’s an opportunity for our inclusive city to make a public statement and lead by example,” he said. “We need a leader to stand up and say this is important.”

Mayor Newton added, “No matter what happens, we’re going to make sure Stonewall is part of the fabric of Wilton Manors. One way or the other, it will continue to go on.”

Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sunsentinel.com. Follow on X, formerly Twitter, @LisaHuriash

General Daily Insight for February 01, 2024

Conflict might currently run deeper than it first appears. As the image-focused Libra Moon badgers fretful Mercury, we may pick at each other over the tiniest of perceived flaws. After Luna shifts into emotional Scorpio at 3:37 pm EST, it squares manipulative Pluto, bringing more complicated dynamics into the light. Even seemingly well-intentioned corrections possibly contain an element of seeking to wield power over others! Not every want is destined to be fulfilled, but being honest about our valid needs can help.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

A major personal goal of yours could currently be stirring strife in one of your close relationships. Perhaps you need to be more careful about balancing your pursuit of your ambitions with a commitment you’ve already made. Whatever is ultimately decided between the two of you, you don’t need to rush to tell all your peers, as fear of their judgment might stop you from seeing the entire situation with clarity. Focus on who really has a stake in the outcome.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Trying to decide between duty and adventure could weigh on you today — especially if you think that someone else is nudging you too hard in a particular direction. After the perceptive Moon shifts into your relationship sector, this provocation might start you studying your overall dynamic with this person. Are they always allowed to call the shots, no matter what the circumstances, because they seem vulnerable or needy in some way? A confrontation can be clarifying, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Joking around runs the risk of hitting a nerve at this time. Even so, that potentially feels safer than pushing directly against someone with a forceful and dogmatic attitude. Contesting this person on specific details that they’re rigidly attached to isn’t likely to go anywhere productive. They probably know the intricacies of their position too well. Playfully zoom out a bit — who put them in charge of everyone else, anyway? There’s no need to argue, but you can attempt to avoid their drama.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Picking at a loved one has the potential to push them away now. Perhaps you’re motivated by a longing for closeness. That said, criticism, however lovingly meant, isn’t a good way to achieve that. As the nurturing Moon moves into your 5th House of Pleasure, you’ll probably have a better time if you can find something fun to do together. Even a seemingly shallow activity could spark the intimacy you crave, so make an effort to release your expectations and live in the moment.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Getting bogged down in details could bury an important message you’re currently trying to communicate. The real problem might be that you don’t feel emotionally secure in one of your close relationships — and no amount of nit-picking will fix that. Ultimately, you can’t coerce the other person into meeting all your needs for connection. On the other hand, telling them how you’re feeling may clear the air. Stay open to suggested solutions you wouldn’t have thought of on your own.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

A risky financial move could appeal to you at present. Whether or not your get-rich-quick scheme succeeds, however, it may not solve your underlying problem. Even if you managed to bring more money into the picture, you still might be stuck with an uncomfortably heavy workload. Talking to someone who can do something about that probably won’t be easy. Whatever discomfort you think such a conversation is likely to cause, weigh that against your resentment regarding the way things already are.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Making room for your needs in a family context may now be challenging. It’s probably possible to get at least part of what you want, but it won’t necessarily be handed to you for free. As the nourishing Moon enters your resource sector, perhaps spending some extra money could give each person involved more space to do their own thing. Even if you didn’t plan for this in your budget, it still might be a relief to learn that you have options.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You may be reluctant to comment directly on an issue that’s troubling you at the moment. Perhaps you think you can get your message across by dropping pointed hints. Unfortunately, that probably won’t succeed in the way you imagine — it could just provoke arguments about minor details. Being vulnerable is definitely a scary prospect, but it has the potential to quickly reach the heart of the matter. When you tell the other person what you want, you can actually receive it!

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Hanging out with friends could encourage you to spend beyond your budget right now. It’s easy to get swept along when there’s a fun activity on offer. You may also feel like it’s a choice between being included on the group’s terms and ending up alone. If you have concerns, try to voice them clearly instead of oppressively hinting. A better plan that satisfies everyone might be possible, but it’ll be nigh impossible to find unless people believe they have a say in things.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

You might currently feel like obtaining the approval of an authority figure is necessary for you to move forward. Even so, going through them probably isn’t the only way for you to reach your goal. While the impressionable Moon slides into your social 11th house, you may have better luck letting the masses decide for themselves whether you’re on to something. Crowdfunding has its share of challenges, but at least it doesn’t have a gatekeeper. Succeed or fail on your own terms.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Thinking about an unusual experience you’ve had could currently test your attachment to a comforting belief. The problem could really be a question of authority. Who gets to decide what happened — is that your call, or do you feel obligated to defer to some other person in a position of power? Connecting the dots in your own way may lead you to conclusions that no one else has yet reached, but that doesn’t necessarily make them wrong. Seize the opportunity to lead.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Finding comfortable boundaries with your current friends may be a challenge. When the emotional Moon in your intimate 8th house clashes with inquisitive Mercury in your social zone, an innocent question might provoke you to spill a deeply personal story! Even if your outpouring is received well, the aftermath could still leave you feeling unsettled just because it’s different. Changing the established norms of a group doesn’t mean dropping the idea of limits altogether — try to define your new normal.

TALLAHASSEE — A federal judge on Wednesday refused to issue injunctions sought by pro-Palestinian student groups in First Amendment lawsuits against the state amid the war between Israel and Hamas, saying the students hadn’t shown that their speech has been chilled or that they face imminent punishment.

Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Florida and Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of South Florida filed lawsuits in November alleging that efforts by Gov. Ron DeSantis and state university leaders to disband the groups violated their First Amendment rights.
The lawsuits came after state university system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues issued an October memorandum to university presidents linking the organizations to the National Students for Justice in Palestine.

Rodrigues’ memo said the national group had released a “toolkit” supporting Hamas combatants’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and set off the deadly war that has included Israel leveling large parts of Gaza. The memo also pointed to a state law that makes it a crime to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations.

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The lawsuits were filed against Rodrigues, the state university system Board of Governors and DeSantis. Lawyers for the state officials asked Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker to dismiss the cases, arguing that only the universities’ boards of trustees — not DeSantis or Rodrigues — had the power to deactivate the groups. The universities have remained silent but have not taken actions against the student organizations.

Walker, who heard arguments last week in the lawsuits, on Wednesday dismissed DeSantis as a defendant and rejected the groups’ request for preliminary injunctions to block efforts to dismantle them.

“In short, the record demonstrates that neither deactivation nor criminal investigation is imminent. Instead, this court finds that no actions have been taken in pursuit of deactivation under the chancellor’s memorandum. And, as this court has already found, the defendants with legal authority to directly regulate registered student organizations do not intend to deactivate plaintiff,” Walker wrote in a 15-page ruling in the UF case.

During last week’s arguments, lawyers for the student groups told Walker that Rodrigues’ “deactivation order” had caused a “chilling” effect and made students afraid to be associated with the organizations and participate in their activities.

But Walker on Wednesday noted that students were still meeting and speaking out.

“This court’s finding is based on the fact that nobody introduced any evidence of additional actions the university took in furtherance of the memorandum before plaintiff filed its complaint,” the judge wrote.

Walker pointed to comments Rodrigues made at a Nov. 9 Board of Governors meeting, where the chancellor said that university officials hadn’t taken any action to dismantle the groups. Rodrigues at the time also said both universities had obtained legal opinions raising concerns about “potential personal liability for university actors” charged with dismantling the groups.

“Ultimately, the evidence before this court demonstrates that ‘deactivation’ remains simply an amorphous threat contingent upon either the BOT (university board of trustees) reevaluating its aversion to possibly incurring personal liability or the BOG (board of governors) taking some action to pass a new regulation to take back its delegation of authority over student organizations. Absent any evidence to suggest either of these future contingencies are imminent, the asserted injury of threatened deactivation remains merely speculative,” Walker concluded.

Walker also said the record “is devoid of any evidence” that the student groups’ members have self-censored.

The plaintiffs filed a declaration from a member of one of the groups saying that the organization’s members and prospective members were “scared,” “disheartened,” and “disappointed” following the October memo.

“But evidence of subjective fear or anxiety, on its own, does not give rise to a cognizable constitutional injury,” Walker wrote.

An attorney representing the University of Florida student group said Walker’s ruling signaled to higher-education officials that they should not interfere with the organizations.

“Florida officials are now on notice that if they attempt to enforce the deactivation order, we will be back in court to uphold our client’s First Amendment rights,” Brian Hauss, senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberty Union’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, said in a prepared statement. “The chancellor should formally acknowledge that the deactivation order will not be enforced by removing it from his official website.”

In dismissing DeSantis from the lawsuits, Walker found that the plaintiffs failed to show that an injunction against the governor would have any effect.

“Plaintiff’s factual allegations fail to demonstrate that an injunction against the governor would redress plaintiff’s asserted injuries when the governor has no authority to ‘enforce’ the chancellor’s memorandum, discipline student organizations, or retract the chancellor’s memorandum,” the judge wrote.

At the same time, Walker chided DeSantis for making repeated comments linking the student groups to terrorism.

“This court does not fault plaintiff’s members for feeling anxious about the fact that the governor — arguably the most powerful man in Florida — has repeatedly disparaged plaintiff’s members as ‘terrorists’ who support ‘jihad’ and repeated the falsehood that their organization has been ‘deactivated.’ But this court rejects (plaintiff) counsel’s suggestion that it should infer that because students are fearful, that means that they are going to self-censor or continue to speak under the threat of future punishment,” Walker’s wrote.

In a news release Wednesday, the Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Florida group said its members “have had to look over our shoulders, knowing we are under threat of being shut down at any minute” in response to Rodrigues’ memo.

“We refuse to let those in power intimidate us into staying silent, and hope that our lawsuit to protect our First Amendment rights will give heart to other students speaking out for Palestinian rights and calling for an end to the current violence in Gaza,” the group said.

By HALELUYA HADERO and ALI SWENSON (Associated Press)

NEW YORK (AP) — A graphic video from a Pennsylvania man accused of beheading his father that circulated for hours on YouTube has put a spotlight yet again on gaps in social media companies’ ability to prevent horrific postings from spreading across the web.

Police said Wednesday that they charged Justin Mohn, 32, with first-degree murder and abusing a corpse after he beheaded his father, Michael, in their Bucks County home and publicized it in a 14-minute YouTube video that anyone, anywhere could see.

News of the incident — which drew comparisons to the beheading videos posted online by the Islamic State militants at the height of their prominence nearly a decade ago — came as the CEOs of Meta, TikTok and other social media companies were testifying in front of federal lawmakers frustrated by what they see as a lack of progress on child safety online. YouTube, which is owned by Google, did not attend the hearing despite its status as one of the most popular platforms among teens.

The disturbing video from Pennsylvania follows other horrific clips that have been broadcast on social media in recent years, including domestic mass shootings livestreamed from Louisville, Kentucky; Memphis, Tennessee; and Buffalo, New York — as well as carnages filmed abroad in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the German city of Halle.

Middletown Township Police Capt. Pete Feeney said the video in Pennsylvania was posted at about 10 p.m. Tuesday and online for about five hours, a time lag that raises questions about whether social media platforms are delivering on moderation practices that might be needed more than ever amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and an extremely contentious presidential election in the U.S.

“It’s another example of the blatant failure of these companies to protect us,” said Alix Fraser, director of the Council for Responsible Social Media at the nonprofit advocacy organization Issue One. “We can’t trust them to grade their own homework.”

A spokesperson for YouTube said the company removed the video, deleted Mohn’s channel and was tracking and removing any re-uploads that might pop up. The video-sharing site says it uses a combination of artificial intelligence and human moderators to monitor its platform, but did not respond to questions about how the video was caught or why it wasn’t done sooner.

Major social media companies moderate content with the help of powerful automated systems, which can often catch prohibited content before a human can. But that technology can sometimes fall short when a video is violent and graphic in a way that is new or unusual, as it was in this case, said Brian Fishman, co-founder of the trust and safety technology startup Cinder.

That’s when human moderators are “really, really critical,” he said. “AI is improving, but it’s not there yet.”

Roughly 40 minutes after midnight Eastern time on Wednesday, the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, a group set up by tech companies to prevent these types of videos from spreading online, said it alerted its members about the video. GIFCT allows the platform with the original footage to submit a “hash” — a digital fingerprint corresponding to a video — and notifies nearly two dozen other member companies so they can restrict it from their platforms.

But by Wednesday morning, the video had already spread to X, where a graphic clip of Mohn holding his father’s head remained on the platform for at least seven hours and received 20,000 views. The company, formerly known as Twitter, did not respond to a request for comment.

Experts in radicalization say that social media and the internet have lowered the barrier to entry for people to explore extremist groups and ideologies, allowing any person who may be predisposed to violence to find a community that reinforces those ideas.

In the video posted after the killing, Mohn described his father as a 20-year federal employee, espoused a variety of conspiracy theories and ranted against the government.

Most social platforms have policies to remove violent and extremist content. But they can’t catch everything, and the emergence of many newer, less closely moderated sites has allowed more hateful ideas to fester unchecked, said Michael Jensen, senior researcher at the University of Maryland-based Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, or START.

Despite the obstacles, social media companies need to be more vigilant about regulating violent content, said Jacob Ware, a research fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

“The reality is that social media has become a front line in extremism and terrorism,” Ware said. “That’s going to require more serious and committed efforts to push back.”

Nora Benavidez, senior counsel at the media advocacy group Free Press, said among the tech reforms she would like to see are more transparency about what kinds of employees are being impacted by layoffs, and more investment in trust and safety workers.

Google, which owns YouTube, this month laid off hundreds of employees working on its hardware, voice assistance and engineering teams. Last year, the company said it cut 12,000 workers “across Alphabet, product areas, functions, levels and regions,” without offering additional detail.

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AP journalists Beatrice Dupuy and Mike Balsamo in New York, and Mike Catalini in Levittown, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report.

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The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about AP’s democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

MIAMI — The parents of a social media model charged with fatally stabbing her live-in boyfriend in South Florida have been arrested in Texas on charges related to the case, jail records show.

Deborah Lyn Clenney, 57, and Kim Dewayne Clenney, 60, were taken into custody Tuesday in Austin, Texas, on an out-of-state warrant, according to the records. A Miami-Dade circuit judge had signed arrest warrants for the couple last week, charging them each with a felony count of unauthorized access to a computer.

Their daughter, 27-year-old Courtney Clenney, faces the same new charge. Jail records show she’s been held without bond on a second-degree murder charge since August 2022.

Clenney, who had used the name Courtney Tailor on such platforms as Instagram and OnlyFans, fatally stabbed Christian Obumseli at the couple’s Miami apartment in April 2022 as the culmination of a “tempestuous and combative relationship” that began in November 2020, prosecutors said previously.

Clenney has acknowledged killing Obumseli but said she was acting in self-defense. Her attorney, Frank Prieto, previously said that Obumseli was regularly abusive.

Clenney previously told investigators that Obumseli had pushed her and thrown her to the floor, which prompted her to grab a knife and throw it at Obumseli from about 10 feet (3 meters) away. The medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Obumseli said his wound could not have been caused by a knife thrown from that distance.

Clenney was arrested in Hawaii several days after the stabbing, but investigators believe she gave Obumseli’s computer to her parents some time between the killing and her arrest. According to the arrest warrants, detectives recovered text messages where the parents discuss trying to gain access to the computer.

Jail records didn’t list attorneys for Clenney’s parents, and her attorney didn’t respond to new messages seeking comment from The Associated Press.

Two men have been arrested in connection with a shootout in Pompano Beach in December that injured three men, including one of the suspects.

Fred Vilbrun, 21, of Pompano Beach, was arrested on Jan. 19. He faces one count of attempted murder, one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and two counts of probation violation from past drug-related cases, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Wednesday.

Jamiel Willis, 18, of Deerfield Beach, was arrested Monday and faces one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Willis and Vilbrun were among a group of five people who approached one of the victims outside of the Community Food Store in the area of 1750 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. about 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6, according to a probable cause affidavit for Willis’s arrest.

Known for decades as the “Ugly Corner,” police established a “special problems tactical unit” at an outreach center in an attempt to reduce the area’s crime-ridden notoriety. Rapper Kodak Black, a Pompano Beach native, has referenced the 1800 block and “Ugly Corner” in several of his songs.

Willis is a known member of the “1800 BLK Boyz” gang, according to the affidavit, who goes by the street name “X-man.” Additional details about Vilburn’s alleged involvement were not included in the warrant for his arrest available in online court records.

Fred Vilbrun, 21, of Pompano Beach, shown at left; and Jamiel Willis, 18, of Deerfield Beach, shown at right; were arrested in January in connection with a shooting in Pompano Beach on Dec. 6, 2023. (Courtesy/Broward Sheriff’s Office)

One of the victims’ girlfriend was buying food at a business in the plaza while he was talking to a friend. Willis, Vilbrun and others allegedly approached him and offered to sell him marijuana and a verbal argument ensued, according to the affidavit.

As the man walked away from the group of men, several of the group lifted their shirts to reveal guns in their waistbands, the affidavit said. One said, “I’m finna do it.”

The man, whose name is redacted in the affidavit, then took out his own gun and shot at the other men, the affidavit said. The group of men fired back. The shootout was recorded by surveillance cameras.

The man was shot in the calf. His girlfriend drove him to Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale.

Two unidentified men drove Willis to Broward Health North. He had a gunshot wound underneath his arm and on the left side of his chest, a bruised lung and a broken sternum, according to the affidavit.

Pompano Beach Fire Rescue took a bystander who was hit by a stray bullet while he was shopping at the food store to Broward Health North with a gunshot wound to the hip, the affidavit said.

Detectives found at the scene 20 spent bullets, according to the affidavit.

A detective met with Willis at the hospital, and he refused to give information about what happened, according to the affidavit. The clothes he had with him at the hospital matched what one of the suspects was wearing in the surveillance camera.

A Pompano Beach Crime Suppression Team detective identified Vilbrun as another one of the suspects in the video, the affidavit said.

The Sheriff’s Office said its investigation is still ongoing. It did not say whether the three others allegedly involved in the shooting will face charges or release their identities in the news release.

Running off at the typewriter …

Florida State University has taken off the gloves in its down-in-the-dirt legal battle to get out of the ACC. Not only are the Seminoles going after the ACC; they are dredging up nepotism charges from more than a decade ago regarding former longtime  ACC commissioner John Swofford.

Mover over, Joe Biden and Hunter Biden. The Seminoles in an amended legal filing earlier this week alleged that Swofford cost member schools millions of dollars by acting in the best interest of his son and his son’s company —  television partner Raycom Sports.

According to the complaint, Chad Swofford — John’s son — was director of business development at Raycom Sports in 2008 when the Southeastern Conference sold all of its media rights to ESPN and cut Raycom out of its TV deal. This apparently put Raycom on shaky financial footing.

Two years later, when the ACC’s TV deal came up for bid in 2010, FSU alleges that John Swofford “cajoled” ESPN into including Raycom in the ACC’s TV package. As a result, according to FSU’s complaint, Chad Swofford got a big promotion at Raycom.

This is FSU’s side of the story and I don’t how factual it actually is, but I do know this: Nepotism and cronyism have always run rampant in the good-ol’-boy world of college sports. Just ask Seminole fans about legendary coach Bobby Bowden promoting his son Jeff to offensive coordinator — an ill-advised move that was the beginning of the end of Bobby’s tenure at FSU. When Bobby was finally forced by the school’s administration to fire Jeff, at Bobby’s behest FSU gifted Jeff a $500,000 exit bonus even though his contract had expired.

Merry Christmas!

But I digress.

The charges of nepotism against Swofford and his son are certainly juicy, but there are still these obvious legal questions: Why wasn’t FSU complaining about this 14 years ago when everybody knew Swofford’s son worked at Raycom back in 2010? And why has FSU signed off on two separate ACC grant of (media) rights contracts since then?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m rooting for the Seminoles to get out of the ACC and I certainly understand why they desperately want out of the league, which in hindsight  signed a bad TV deal in 2016. At the time, though, FSU and every other school in the conference were all smiles, thinking they were getting ready to launch the ACC Network while signing a a lucrative long-term TV deal with ESPN through 2036.

Anybody who has ever dabbled in the stock market knows the buyer’s remorse FSU is now going through. Remember that tech stock you bought in the early 2000s? You thought you were going to be a millionaire, but  (sigh)  the stock ended up being a dog with fleas.

It sounds like that’s what FSU and all the other ACC schools did in 2016.

They bought stock in the ACC, the market shifted and now they’re losing their shorts.

I just don’t know if you can blame that on John Swofford’s son. …

Short stuff: Did you see where BYU made students take off T-shirts that spelled out “Horns Down” when Texas played the Cougars last weekend because — boo-hoo-hoo — it was offensive to the Snowflakes, er, Longhorns. Coming soon: Bevo is replaced as the Texas mascot by an emotional-support French Poodle. … Speaking of mascots, Gainesville Sun columnist David Whitley on the passing of former Georgia canine character Uga X: “The retired Georgia mascot entered the eternal transfer portal last week at age 10. The way NIL and the portal are going, I half-expect Albert the Alligator to put on a red sweater and transfer to Georgia.” … It’s kind of funny to hear Doc Rivers preaching patience after taking over as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week. Um, Doc, you took over a team that fired Adrian Griffin after he went 30-13 just 43 games into his first season as a head coach. If you want patience, then try fishing; not coaching one of the NBA’s best teams. …

It’s maddening to hear the talking heads and the clanging cymbals on social media  who say things like, “I don’t care what the analytics say, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is a moron for forgoing two field goal attempts to go for it on fourth down.” Translation: “I don’t care about the facts; my opinion is all that matters.” Sadly, I guess it’s just typical of today’s blathering, bloviating world, where people care more about their own misguided viewpoints than what science says. The Lions were 15 of 20 (75%) at converting 4th-and-3 or fewer in the regular season whereas their shaky kicker Michael Badgley is 9 of 20 (45%) in his career from 48 yards or longer. In other words, Campbell’s not an idiot; his critics are! … Tennessee gets nabbed for allegedly committing NIL violations earlier this week and the state’s grandstanding attorney general immediately files a lawsuit against the NCAA. Is there anything more pathetic than pandering, jock-sniffing politicians? I think not. …

Fellow Orlandoans, if you’re looking for a team to root for in the Super Bowl, did you know San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy’s father, Shawn, was once a baseball player at St. Cloud High School, Valencia Community College and the University of Miami? … With the Olympic Marathon Trials on the streets of downtown Orlando Saturday, did you hear about the marathon runner who ended up in jail? He was resisting a rest. … The television audiences for the NFL playoffs and last Sunday’s conference championship games are the highest on record going back to 1988. Don’t act like Taylor Swift hasn’t had something to do with it. … Because NFL teams won’t hire 72-year-old Bill Belichick because he’s too old, then maybe he should run for president. Compared to Donald Trump and Biden, Belichick is Justin Bieber. … Why does perennial knucklehead Kadarius Toney still have a job in the NFL? …

Last word: With Feb. 1 being National Freedom Day, let us always remember the words of the great Eleanor Roosevelt: “True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth.”

Email me at mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com. Hit me up on X (formerly Twitter) @BianchiWrites and listen to my Open Mike radio show every weekday from 6 to 9:30 a.m. on FM 96.9, AM 740 and 969TheGame.com/listen

Head coach Gus Malzahn created quite a flood of discussion and debate a few days ago when he revealed that he will go back to being the chief offensive play-caller next season for UCF.

Personally, I don’t understand why there is so much debate about this. Malzahn, after all, has been one of the great offensive minds in college football over the last two decades.

However, I do have one question:

Why does he keep giving up the play-calling duties and then changing his mind?

I hearken back to something another renowned college football play-calling head coach, Steve Spurrier, once told me when I asked him why he was unlike so many other offensive-minded head coaches who cede the job of calling plays to an offensive coordinator?

“Why would I do that?” Spurrier replied. “Drawing up ball plays and calling them during the game is the fun part of the job. Besides, play-calling is the reason I got a chance to be a head coach in the first place.”

UCF coach Gus Malzahn gets animated with referees during a home game vs. Houston at FBC Mortgage Stadium last season. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

It’s the same for Malzahn. He was a high school coaching legend in Arkansas who would go on to become one of college football’s great offensive coordinators. Malzahn was one of the inventors of the hurry-up, no-huddle offense that has become all the rage today. Malzahn literally wrote the book on the up-tempo spread offense two decades ago.

However, Malzahn gave up the play-calling duties multiple times during his final years as the head coach at Auburn, and, quite frankly, it didn’t go well at all. When he took the job at UCF, he acknowledged that calling plays is what he is good at and what he loves, and he vowed he’d never, ever relinquish play-calling duties again.

Well, that lasted until a year ago when Malzahn decided to stop calling plays, in part, because he said he needed to focus on recruiting, the transfer portal, raising money for NIL and managing UCF’s roster.

Malzahn hired former UCF quarterback Darin Hinshaw as the offensive coordinator and play-caller before last season, but couldn’t even go the entire year without once again taking over as the main play-caller.

“About halfway through last year,” Malzahn admitted, “I felt I needed to be much more involved.”

Of course, he did, because that’s what Gus Malzahn does. He’s a play-caller and he’ll always be a play-caller.

I just wish he would make up his mind and quit waffling about it. If you’re going to call the plays then, by all means, call the plays. If you’re not then let somebody else do it.

It does seem a bit baffling that Malzahn is making this decision after a season in which UCF’s offense, under Hinshaw, was ranked eighth in the country (and second in the Big 12) in total offense. That’s the highest offensive ranking the team has had in Malzahn’s three seasons.

It’s also confusing to many fans that Malzahn now has three coaches on his staff who have “offensive coordinator” listed in their job title, and, yet, Malzahn is the one calling the plays. There’s newly hired offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr., who left the University of Miami and is now listed as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach. Meanwhile, Hinshaw (quarterbacks) and Herb Hand (offensive line) are listed as “co-offensive coordinator.”

Actually, this isn’t unusual in the wacky world of putting together a staff in college football. If a head coach wants to attract or retain good assistant coaches then he has to give the assistant some sort of official title. For instance, Florida State has a head coach (Mike Norvell), an associate head coach (Odell Haggins) and a deputy head coach (Chris Thomsen).

Harris, a former state championship-winning high school coach at Miami’s Booker T. Washington High School, is considered an excellent running backs coach, teacher of the game and recruiter in South Florida. To entice him to leave UM (his alma mater), Malzahn presumably had to offer Harris a hefty pay raise and the title of offensive coordinator.

If this is what it takes to get the best position coaches and recruiters on his staff then more power to Malzahn. As for Malzahn resuming play-calling duties, I never thought he should have given them up in the first place.

I also give UCF’s head coach tons of credit for taking full responsibility for last year’s 6-7 record — his first losing season as a college head coach — and shaking up his staff to make sure it never happens again.

“The bottom line is my job is to do whatever’s best for our team to win,” Malzahn says. “Going 6-7, that’s where it starts. You have to understand, I’ve been real fortunate, I’ve never had a losing season in my life. When you finally do that, you evaluate yourself as a head coach.

“I know how to win and last year was totally unacceptable,” he added. “This is a championship-type program. To have a losing record is unacceptable. You first evaluate yourself as a head coach, which I did, and then you make the proper adjustments so it won’t happen again. We’ll be better next year. I promise you that.”

The message is clear.

Malzahn is once again fully in charge of driving the Gus Bus.

Call the plays, Gus.

Keep calling the plays.

Don’t ever stop calling the plays.

It’s who you are.

It’s what you do.

Email me at mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com. Hit me up on X (formerly Twitter) @BianchiWrites and listen to my Open Mike radio show every weekday from 6 to 9:30 a.m. on FM 96.9, AM 740 and 969TheGame.com/listen

 

MOBILE, Ala. — The transition continued on Tuesday for James Williams, the former University of Miami standout safety.

Williams, who will play for the American team against the National team in Saturday’s 1 p.m. Senior Bowl, practiced at outside linebacker the entire day at the Senior Bowl practice at the University of South Alabama.

“I’m adjusting to it,” said Williams, who, at 6 foot 4, 230 pounds had a team-best 73 tackles, two forced fumbles and fumble recovery this past season.

“I’m for sure adjusting to it. I’m new to it. Today was my first day fully in the box, so I had to really get my feet wet. Tomorrow I’m going to get better and prove myself.”

The Miami Dolphins, who are searching for a defensive coordinator, might need help at safety but it’s doubtful Williams would fit the bill for Miami at linebacker.

Playing outside linebacker is a transition that began at UM last season when Williams, the former Plantation American Heritage High standout, sometimes moved down to outside linebacker, requiring him to play in the box, the area about seven yards within the line of scrimmage.

ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has Williams, who projects as a second- or third-round pick, rated as the No. 8 safety prospect in the draft.

UM’s Kam Kinchens, who is also at the Senior Bowl, is the No. 2 safety prospect behind Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin.

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Whether Williams plays exclusively at outside linebacker the rest of this week remains to be seen, but he didn’t play any safety on Tuesday, and he said he’s excited to show coaches and scouts what he can do at his new position.

“It requires you to bring your heart, your toughness and show them you’ve got the grit, you’ve got the physicality to go in the box and show them you can play it,” he said.

Williams, who could develop into a hybrid safety/linebacker, said he thinks he knows how he projects in the NFL.

“I feel like I’d be (an athlete), a guy that moves around, plays half field, plays deep, plays in the box like I showed today, can play man-to-man on tight ends and running backs,” he said.

“I feel like I can do anything. Game plan-wise, you can put me anywhere, however you want to use me.”

Pass rushers excel

UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, regarded as one of the top pass rushers in the draft, proved every bit as the hype in Tuesday’s practice as he showed speed and quickness in getting to the quarterback.

On back-to-back plays he blew right past Oregon State right tackle Taliese Fuaga and recorded sacks in 11-on-11 drills.

Latu leads a long list of accomplished pass rushers at the Senior Bowl that includes Alabama Chris Braswell, Penn State’s Adisa Isaac, Troy’s Javon Solomon, Kansas’ Austin Booker, Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland, and Michigan’s Jaylen Harell.

The Dolphins could have a need at pass rusher.

Edge rushers Bradley Chubb (knee) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) are both recovering from injuries.

Latu, who started his career at Washington and retired due to a neck injury, then transferred to UCLA, got doctors’ approval to continue his career and now looks to be a surefire first-round pick.

“I was told I would never be able to play again,” he said. “I think I proved to a lot of people I can, and my abilities make me one of the top-tiered pass rushers out there.”

Senior Bowl coaching staff features ex-Dolphins coaches

Terrell Williams, the Tennessee Titans’ assistant head coach/defensive line coach, is the American team head coach. Williams was a Dolphins defensive line coach under Joe Philbin from 2015-17.

Jeff Ulbrich, the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator, is the National team head coach.

Kenny Baker, the former Dolphins’ assistant defensive line coach, will coach the defensive line for the National team. Baker has accepted a job to coach at the University of Texas.

This is the second year the Senior Bowl is using the “Coach Up” program in which the head coaches of the American and National teams are coordinators or assistant coaches who are put in elevated roles as head coaches of the Senior Bowl teams.

Each team can nominate an assistant coach to be Senior Bowl head coach. The nominees are then vetted by a committee of league executives and members of the General Managers Advisory Committee. 

This is also the first time any player who declares for the NFL draft is eligible for the Senior Bowl. Previously, players had to at least be juniors. Now, redshift sophomores are eligible.

By SCOTT McFETRIDGE (Associated Press)

Former U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan, who became the first female senator to represent Missouri when she was appointed to replace her husband following his death, died Tuesday. She was 90.

Carnahan, a Democrat, was appointed to the Senate in 2001 after the posthumous election of her husband, Gov. Mel Carnahan, and she served until 2002.

“Mom passed peacefully after a long and rich life. She was a fearless trailblazer. She was brilliant, creative, compassionate and dedicated to her family and her fellow Missourians,” her family said in a statement.

Her family did not specify the cause of death but said Carnahan died after a brief illness at a hospice facility in suburban St. Louis.

Carnahan was born Dec. 20, 1933, in Washington, D.C., and grew up in the nation’s capital. Her father worked as a plumber and her mother as a hairdresser.

She met Mel Carnahan, the son of a Missouri congressman, at a church event, and they became better acquainted after sitting next to each other at a class in high school, according to information provided by the family. They were married on June 12, 1954.

Jean Carnahan graduated a year later from George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in business and public administration, and they later raised four children on a farm near Rolla, Missouri.

She served as first lady of Missouri after her husband’s election as governor in 1992 and through his two terms.

On Oct. 16, 2000, the governor, the couple’s son, Roger, and an aide were killed in a plane crash. After Mel Carnahan was elected posthumously three weeks later, acting Gov. Roger Wilson appointed Jean Carnahan to fill the seat left vacant by her husband’s death.

She served from Jan. 3, 2001, to Nov. 25, 2002.

After her appointment, Carnahan gave a speech in the Senate in which she noted her tragic path to the chamber.

“My name has never been on a ballot. On election night, there was no victory celebration,” she said. “You are here because of your win. I am here because of my loss. But we are all here to do the work of this great nation.”

Roy Temple, a longtime aide to the Carnahans and Jean Carnahan’s chief of staff, said he saw Carnahan at her 90th birthday celebration last year and told her, “Jean, you are like a flower that blooms wherever you are planted.”

“She just did everything with a boundless amount of smarts and wit and creativity,” Temple said. “Whatever she was doing — if it was planning a party or it was pushing for legislation, it was just in her nature to do it all the way.”

Temple said that although Carnahan was only in the Senate for two years, she served at an extraordinary time. While there, she lost her house in a fire and was recovering from the loss of her husband and son. She was there during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and she was working in the Hart Senate Office Building during the anthrax scare – Temple remembers working with her in a hideaway in the basement of the Capitol at that time.

“It was an extraordinary and stressful time and she did the job well and with great dignity,” Temple said. “It was a privilege to work with her.”

Temple said Carnahan and then-Sen. Joe Biden had a bond because he was one of the few people who had suffered similar loss and could understand what she was going through.

Carnahan was the author of seven books, including two about the Missouri governor’s mansion and an autobiography that focused on her years as first lady and as a senator.

A private family service will be held at Carson Hill Cemetery near Ellsinore, Missouri, where Carnahan’s husband and son are buried. A public service is being planned in St. Louis, with details expected to be announced later.

General Daily Insight for January 31, 2024

Seemingly smooth seas are rougher than they look! The loving Moon trines the confident Sun at 1:07 am EST, easing our movements through our lives in an almost effortless way. Turbulence is on the horizon, though, as the Moon faces off with pained Chiron. Hurt feelings can enter the mix without warning, tangling everyone’s most complex emotions. When the Moon picks a fight with fiery Mars, irritation, frustration, and a short temper can cause us to overreact. Let’s keep our cool.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

You can get your mojo back with a little help from your friends. You might be struggling with your public persona, career, or nearby authority figures — it could even involve your parents. This can inspire you to turn to your friends for comfort. Friendly encouragement should strengthen you to feel more confident and self-assured again, after what may have been a difficult interaction with someone who has power over you. Let them uplift you to dust off your clothes and try again tomorrow!

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Responsible work is a good way to avoid drama. In particular, if you’re struggling with a student, co-worker, or roommate, it’ll be hard to avoid them. They could be focused on you in a way that causes you irritation. Make an effort to focus on tasks that you have to do or a routine that you need to keep up, because otherwise, you may continue to react to them and feed their desire for your attention. Mind your own business for the best results!

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Emotional turbulence in your connections with others may hit you with the force of a tsunami! There’s no need to flee immediately, but you might find yourself craving a solo vacation or alone time to decompress. Escapism is a strong theme for you, and it may come on abruptly in the middle of the day. You need to honor this urge for solitude or you risk feeling resentment. Look for peace with others, but if others don’t want peace, find it for yourself.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

You’re standing firm. You may have to commit to a promise that you made recently, or it’s possible that someone is trying to push your boundaries. Specifics aside, you won’t back down from your truth. The universe is empowering you to support yourself, and you know that every relationship requires some effort from each party. If the other person in the partnership or friendship is not doing their part, then you may have to reevaluate the closeness you share with them.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

You can shift how others see you. They may have underestimated you or written you off in the past, when you knew that you had more to give — they just weren’t seeing it! You’re currently showing them in other ways, and right now, they’re having to watch from the sidelines, hoping that you will return and give them another chance. However, you don’t automatically have to give the collaboration a second try. It’s all up to you who remains in your circle.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Your passion is being amplified. You’re not ready to surrender or give up, even if you have to work around the clock to make it happen. The tenacity of a warrior can be yours, even if you’re working online or indoors — let the universe embolden you to do whatever it takes. Still, make sure that your passion doesn’t take you to places you don’t want to go, like using underhanded methods or exhausting yourself to get what you want. Find balance, not burnout.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Other people might not understand what you need from them. They could be living their lives the way that they want to, while you’re making sacrifices for them. That’s not an even exchange! You may care for them enough that you are willing to make this sacrifice, but regardless of what you’re prepared to do, you have to ask yourself if they’re putting in the same effort that you are. Regardless of the type of relationship, you deserve to see effort from them.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You are not alone, Scorpio. Loved ones, whether they’re your biological family, found family, or even roommates, take heed of the ways that you’re lifted up by the people who know you best. You may feel frustrated that you aren’t having more success in various areas of life, especially when it comes to hidden enemies or weaknesses, but the groups who understand and love you are here to remind you of all the things you can be grateful for. Try to focus on the good!

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

It may be harder to express yourself than normal. You might not be finding the right words to say, allowing the moment to pass by, neglecting to say anything. Courage could be tough to come by, as anxiety pressures you to shrink away from confrontation or fold the moment someone asks you to explain yourself. It’s okay to go through a little spell of silence, but don’t let yourself be taken advantage of. Stand tall and ask that others respect your decision to pull back.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Ambition can become cutthroat at any moment. You may feel like you’re in your element and you’re in boss mode, able to tell people what to do and when to do it, but you might be letting the power go to your head in this case. Otherwise, you run the risk of purposefully spurning valuable advice or being spitefully obstinate instead of acting as a team player. You’ve got to value collaboration and teamwork right now, or you could burn bridges.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

You’re sharing your feelings through words. It may be that someone hurt you in the past and you’re telling them how you felt, or perhaps you hurt someone and you’re asking them for forgiveness. Healing comes through communication at this time. Even if the communication is difficult, it’s likely to be cathartic for you both by the end. Don’t shy away from sharing your emotions, because no one can read your mind. When you’re sharing, it encourages them to share as well.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Insecurities are valid, but they can be healed. It won’t be easy, particularly if an issue of yours keeps getting triggered by someone else or yourself. Still, the cosmos is encouraging acceptance in a way that inspires you to appreciate others at the same time as you accept yourself. There may be someone that shares the trait that you’re insecure about, and by cheering for them, you see that you are worthy of praise, too. Be a cheerleader for everyone — including yourself!

A bill that would lower the minimum age from 21 to 18 to purchase rifles and shotguns was approved Tuesday by a House panel, but its future remains in doubt as the proposal has not been filed in the Senate.

The bill (HB 1223), approved by the Republican-controlled House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, would reverse an age requirement that was included in a school-safety law passed after the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

The House approved a bill last year to lower the minimum age from 21 to 18, but the Senate did not take up the measure.

“I don’t make my decisions on what bills I want to run based on what the Senate is doing,” bill sponsor Bobby Payne, R-Palatka, said Tuesday. “I make those decisions based on what I feel is part of my fundamental belief, (and) part of my fundamental beliefs is on issues such as constitutional rights.”

Federal law prohibits people under 21 from purchasing handguns.

“It feels like this is a messaging bill, because I don’t know if it is moving on the other side (in the Senate) and if it’s going to get to the governor,” Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg, said. “And if that is truly what this is, I would say this is not the message we want to send to Floridians and the state of Florida.”

Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, D-Ocoee, asked, “what has changed since 2018?”

The Legislature and then-Gov. Rick Scott, now a U.S. senator, approved the law after Nikolas Cruz, then 19, killed 17 students and faculty members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Cruz, who has been sentenced to life in prison in the murders, used a semi-automatic rifle to carry out the attack.

The law drew a legal challenge from the National Rifle Association, which contends that it violates Second Amendment rights. A federal district judge upheld the age restriction, but the case remains pending at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Asked about the proposal during a campaign stop Tuesday in Tallahassee, Scott said he was proud of the legislation and, “I support what we passed.”

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST (Associated Press)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden again asked a judge to dismiss the federal gun case against him on Tuesday, arguing it is politically motivated and key evidence was tested after charges were filed.

Cocaine residue found on the pouch the president’s son used to hold his gun was only identified last year, after a scuttled plea deal and subsequent indictment, Hunter Biden’s defense attorney said in court documents.

The pouch was originally found in a trash can and not tested for fingerprints or to determine how long the residue had been there, defense attorney Abbe Lowell wrote. It had been in police evidence storage since 2018, and testing it last year to bolster the case is “’clear evidence’ of selective prosecution,” Lowell argued.

Prosecutors had been ready to strike a plea deal in the case, but Lowell argued they bowed to “political pressure” after the agreement hit the skids in court and was publicly pilloried by Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, as a “sweetheart deal.”

Prosecutors, meanwhile, have said there’s no evidence the case is politically motivated, while “the strength of the evidence against him is overwhelming.” The charges were “brought in spite of, not because of, any outside noise made by politicians,” they said in court documents this month.

Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to lying about his drug use in October 2018 on a form to buy a gun that he kept for about 11 days. He has acknowledged struggling with an addiction to crack cocaine during that period, but his lawyers have said he didn’t break the law and another non-violent, first-time offender would not have been charged.

The yearslong investigation had looked ready to wrap up with a plea deal last year, but the agreement fell apart and now the president’s son is facing a possible trial this year while his father, President Joe Biden, is campaigning for another term.

Hunter was indicted in Delaware after the plea deal broke down following a hearing where a judge who was supposed to approve it instead raised a series of questions. He is also facing tax charges in Los Angeles.

One of the nation’s largest civil rights organizations is demanding an investigation of Broward jails by the U.S. Justice Department, pointing out numerous recent deaths and troubling incidents that critics say could have been avoided by better supervision.

According to the NAACP, 21 inmates have died since 2021 while in custody at one of Broward’s four jail facilities, which are operated by the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Most jail inmates are not convicts — they are awaiting trial on felony charges, although some are serving sentences of under one year after being convicted of a misdemeanor.

Recent deaths include Corbin Moberg, 25, who died Jan. 1 in the jail of a suspected drug overdose, and Joseph Kirk, who died in jail on Jan. 22. Kirk, 34, had been in the jail for only a week on a charge of resisting arrest without violence — he allegedly fled from a Pompano Beach domestic violence investigation.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office declined to comment on their deaths, which are under investigation. Foul play does not appear to be a factor in either case.

A federal judge ended most monitoring of Broward County jails in 2017, leaving only inmate mental health issues under the court’s continued review. In her most recent review of jail conditions on behalf of the federal court system, dated Jan. 9, mental health expert Kathryn Burns found the Sheriff’s Office to be in compliance with the terms of its agreement with overseers.

“I remain impressed with the Defendants’ dedication and progress in addressing the requirements of the agreement,” she wrote. “Further, the commitment of the vendor, Wellpath, is also apparent in the sustained and increased number of items moving into partial and full compliance in just the last six months.”

The NAACP’s demand, based in part on complaints raised for years by the Broward Public Defender’s Office, challenges that conclusion.

“The Broward County Sheriff’s Department has failed its community,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO, in a news release. “Now, it’s time for our Justice Department to intervene, and ensure that this tragic pattern of negligence is addressed, and any bad actors are held accountable.”

The civil rights group is scheduled to hold a news conference on the issue at the Broward Public Defender’s Office later this week.

Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457. 

MOBILE, Ala. — Missouri left tackle Javon Foster dropped back smoothly, identified what the pass rusher was going to do, in this case it was defensive lineman Eric Watts of Connecticut, negated his move, and promptly drove him into the ground.

It was that kind of Senior Bowl practice for Foster, the 6-foot-5, 309-pounder who projects as a fourth or fifth-round prospect.

As the Dolphins search for a defensive coordinator, they’re still doing their homework for the April draft, and Foster is someone who could interest the Miami Dolphins as a developmental player.

“I feel like it was a solid day,” said Foster, a two-time first-team All-SEC selection. “I’ll go back and watch the film. I know I’ve got stuff to work on. … I’ll know what I can improve on tomorrow and have a better day.”

But Foster wasn’t the only left tackle to have success Tuesday, the first day of three practices for the Senior Bowl, which will be played at 1 p.m. Saturday at the University of South Alabama.

This year’s Senior Bowl is full of top offensive tackles prospects including Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton, Arizona’s Jordan Morgan, Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga, and Houston’s Patrick Paul.

Guyton and Fuaga are right tackles.

Morgan and Paul are left tackles who sit atop the food chain as late first- or second-round prospects.

They could interest the Dolphins greatly, each had a good showing Tuesday, especially in pass protection.

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The Dolphins have picks in the first round (No. 21), second round (No. 55), fifth round, sixth round (two selections) and seventh round.

Foster and Maryland’s Delmar Glaze and Michigan’s Ladarius Henderson are a bit lower on the food chain as Day 2 or likely Day 3 guys, meaning lower-round picks.

The Dolphins could need immediate help at left tackle because Pro Bowl selection Terron Armstead, who is set to enter his 12th season, is contemplating retirement. Armstead has battled injuries the past two years. It seems unlikely he’d be healthy for all 17 regular-season games if he does return and the big question is whether he’d be healthy for the December/January stretch run and playoffs.

Backup Kendall Lamm, who played well last season, is a free agent and entering his 10th season. But Lamm, whose 613 snaps were seventh-most by an offensive player for Miami, has battled back problems.

Miami is OK at right tackle, where starter Austin Jackson, the 2021 first-round pick, had a solid season and received a three-year, $36 million contract extension.

The Dolphins have young tackles in Kion Smith, who did OK in spot duty last season (70 snaps), and Ryan Hayes, the 2022 seventh-round pick from Michigan who didn’t play from scrimmage.

The Dolphins have reaped decent benefits from offensive line acquisitions recently.

In the 2019-21 drafts they selected four offensive linemen in the first three rounds — guard/center Liam Eichenberg (second round, 2021), Jackson (first round, 2020), guard Robert Hunt (second round, 2020), guard Michael Dieter (third round, 2019) — and three, all except Dieter, played key roles last season.

They’ve also signed Armstead and center Connor Williams as free agents.

The problem is keeping everyone healthy, which is where an infusion of youth could help.

Armstead’s health could likely limit him in 2024 the way it has the past two years, when he’s missed an average of 5.5 games per season.

If the Dolphins take hard looks at Morgan or Paul in the first or second rounds, it’d likely indicate they think Armstead will retire or they want his backup on the roster in case the injury issue gets worse.

If the Dolphins take hard looks at Foster, Glaze or Henderson, it likely means they trust Armstead will be fairly healthy for the December/January stretch run.

Foster said he’ll use the week to learn.

“I’m obviously blessed to have this opportunity,” he said, “and I’m just trying to learn as much as I can from these coaches and soak up all the information.”

The Dolphins are doing the same thing with the left tackles.

By LOLITA C. BALDOR and TARA COPP (Associated Press)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has made it clear the U.S. will strike back after a deadly drone attack killed three service members and wounded more than 40 at a small base in Jordan over the weekend. What isn’t yet clear is who will be hit, where, and how hard.

Biden has a wide array of options, but the U.S. must walk a fine line: A weak response will do little to deter further attacks by Iran-backed militia groups, while a major assault risks expanding the turmoil in the Middle East and drawing America into a wider conflict.

On Tuesday, Biden bluntly said “yes” when asked if he’d decided how to respond to the attack. But he provided no details, and added that the U.S. wants to avoid triggering a broader Middle East war. “That’s not what I’m looking for,” he said.

Still, the three service members are the first to be killed in militia strikes since the start of Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza. And their deaths have triggered demands for a strong American response.

Target options range from inside Iran, including on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, to Iranian ships at sea and Tehran-backed militia groups and key militant leaders in Iraq and Syria. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby raised the possibility that the U.S. will take a “tiered approach” with several actions over a period of time.

Here’s a look as some options.

Officials across the administration have said the U.S. believes Iran bears responsibility for arming, funding and supporting the militias that have been waging an escalating campaign of drone, missile and rocket strikes on American forces in Iraq, Syria and now Jordan.

“I do hold them responsible in a sense because they’re supplying the weapons to the people who did it,.” Biden said Tuesday.

Striking inside Iran — including on the Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force — would send a strong, direct message to Tehran.

Some argue that such a move is needed, because U.S. strikes on Iran-backed militias in recent months have not deterred them. But it also would be the riskiest move, due to worries it would inflame the militias and enrage Tehran.

Attacking Iranian assets or leaders outside the country may be more palatable. The U.S. did that in 2020, when it killed Quds Force leader Gen. Qassem Soleimani, with a drone strike in Iraq, in response to attacks on U.S. bases there and an assault on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

Iran responded, launching a barrage of ballistic missiles at al-Asad air base in Iraq, injuring dozens of U.S. forces, with most suffering traumatic brain injuries.

Former Israeli intelligence official and Middle East analyst Avi Melamed said Iran has billions of dollars in military investment projects in Syria and by striking those the U.S. could punish Tehran without the escalation threat of a direct strike on Iran. One example, he said, is a large compound near Boukamal that is used for ballistic missile storage. The U.S. has previously struck facilities there in response to militia attacks.

“There is no shortage of military targets (in Syria) that the American administration can target and cause significant damage to the Iranian regime,” Melamed said.

The most likely move would be to hit Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria again. As of Tuesday, those groups had launched 166 attacks on U.S. military installations since Oct. 18, including 67 in Iraq, 98 in Syria and now one in Jordan, according to a U.S. military official.

On Tuesday, one of the major Iran-backed militia groups, Kataib Hezbollah, announced in a statement “the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces” in Iraq, referring to U.S. troops. The group, which U.S. officials consider a top suspect in the Jordan attack, said the suspension was to “prevent embarrassment to the Iraqi government.”

In response, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said “actions speak louder than words.”

The attacks on U.S. forces have put the Iraqi government in an awkward position. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani was brought to power by Iranian-allied factions but he has also worked to maintain a good relationship with the U.S.

The U.S. has struck back at the militias just a handful of times since Oct. 27. On that day, U.S. fighter jets struck two weapons and ammunition storage sites in eastern Syria near Boukamal that were used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian-backed groups. On Nov. 8, fighter jets dropped bombs on an IRGC weapons storage facility near Maysulun in Deir el-Zour. On Nov. 12, U.S. airstrikes targeted a training facility and a safe house in the Bulbul district of Mayadin. On Dec. 26, the U.S. launched strikes on three locations in Iraq used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, and on Jan. 23, the U.S. struck three sites in Iraq, again targeting Kataib Hezbollah

Across Capitol Hill, lawmakers are demanding retaliation.

Hawkish Congress members said Biden should directly target Tehran for the deadly attack on the base in Jordan. Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C., said hitting Iranian proxies hasn’t deterred them and he called on the Biden administration “to strike targets of significance inside Iran, not only as reprisal for the killing of our forces, but as deterrence against future aggression.”

Others said the U.S. should hit the IRGC and the Quds Force, which are spread around the region.

Most, however, leaned toward restraint, saying the administration should take a strategic and thoughtful approach to avoid escalating tensions and dragging the U.S. into another war in an election year.

“Direct confrontation with Iran will certainly lead to the deaths of more U.S. service members and could easily expand into a regional conflict,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., in a statement.

The White House description of a “tiered approach” could suggest the response will be more than military. And it also may reflect concerns that members of the militia groups are reportedly going into hiding, which could make it more difficult for the U.S. to locate and strike senior commanders or key locations. As a result, the U.S. may need to stagger its response over days in order to better locate and refine targets.

Others argue that anything short of a major response will make the U.S. look weak.

“When they hear proportionality, reasonable, moderate, ‘we don’t want a regional war,’ that sounds so good in Davos, but our adversaries hear that as weakness and a green light for aggression,” said Bradley Bowman, a senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

A non-military option is always economic sanctions — a punishment used routinely by the Biden administration and its predecessors.

Sen. Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the administration “must adopt an Iran policy focused on imposing meaningful economic and military costs on the regime.”

The U.S. could beef up sanctions aimed at cutting off the flow of funds to Iran and its proxies, particularly in Iraq. The administration has already slapped sanctions on some of the Iraqi militias — notably Kataib Hezbollah — as well as on businesses believed to be funneling dollars to the militias or to Iran.

____

Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri, Mike Pesoli, Joshua Boak, Sagar Meghani and Kevin Freking in Washington and Abby Sewell in Beirut contributed to this report.