South Florida Local News

Today is Sunday, Oct. 27, the 301st day of 2024. There are 65 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Oct. 27, 2018, a gunman shot and killed 11 congregants and wounded six others at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history; authorities said the suspect, Robert Bowers, raged against Jews during and after the rampage. (Bowers was convicted and sentenced to death in 2023.)

Also on this date:

In 1787, the first of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays calling for ratification of the United States Constitution, was published.

Related Articles

• National News | Trump veers away from swing states for his Madison Square Garden moment
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• National News | Trump’s lawyers urge appeals court to uphold dismissal of classified documents case
• National News | Today in History: October 26, Shootout at the O.K. Corral

In 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a U-2 reconnaissance aircraft was shot down while flying over Cuba, killing the pilot, U.S. Air Force Maj. Rudolf Anderson Jr.

In 1995, a sniper killed one soldier and wounded 18 others at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. (Paratrooper William J. Kreutzer was convicted in the shootings and condemned to death; the sentence was later commuted to life in prison.)

In 1998, Hurricane Mitch cut through the western Caribbean, pummeling coastal Honduras and Belize; the storm caused several thousand deaths in Central America in the days that followed.

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918, sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in four games.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Actor-comedian John Cleese is 85.
• Author Maxine Hong Kingston is 84.
• Country singer Lee Greenwood is 82.
• Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is 79.
• Author Fran Lebowitz is 74.
• Actor-director Roberto Benigni is 72.
• Golf Hall of Famer Patty Sheehan is 68.
• Singer Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran) is 66.
• Internet news editor Matt Drudge is 58.
• Author Anthony Doerr is 51.
• Violinist Vanessa-Mae is 46.
• TV personality Kelly Osbourne is 40.

Q: Ira, Erik Spoelstra always is talking about cleaning things up. Well, they didn’t clean up the offensive rebounds against the Hornets. Missed shot, offensive rebound, 3-pointer. How many times did that happen? – Eddie.

A: Enough to make it way closer than it needed to be against a shorthanded opponent playing on the second night of a back-to-back set. And, yes, the Hornets did maximize their offensive rebounds to the tune of 20 second-chance points, compared to eight second-chance points for the Heat. But the raw numbers were far better than Wednesday night’s 57-41 beatdown on the boards in the loss to the Magic. This time the Heat were only outrebounded 46-43 and had 13 offensive rebounds compared to the Hornets’ 15. Those are numbers you can live with. But this remains a smallish team that plays plenty of small ball, as evidenced by Nikola Jovic at center for the Heat in the second half Saturday.

Related Articles

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

Q: Keep Haywood Highsmith out of  the rotation. Alec Burks gives more energy. – Culee.

A: But they play different positions. Haywood is more of an element of the power rotation, more of a combo three-four. Considering how much Alec Burks was handling the ball on Saturday night, he’s more of a two-three. The minutes decision with Haywood likely could come down to whether he takes some of Nikola Jovic’s playing time. But also don’t discount Haywood’s energy level; he plays with as much as anyone on this roster.

Q: At training camp, Jimmy Butler bragged how he was staying out until 5 a.m. playing dominoes. After the humiliating loss on Pat Riley Night, he posts him and Nikola Jovic eating fine foods and laughing. – Tom.

A: And then he comes out with a big game and a big fourth quarter to salvage the night on Saturday in Charlotte. And that’s the problem with social media, is that players have always done the same things for years, but only now does it get publicized.  Unless there is a proven correlation between a player’s off-court approach and his performance, then his time away from the game is his own. As for a player enjoying a meal with a teammate two nights after a loss, is that any worse than a team celebration at a postgame party in Pat Riley’s honor shortly after the season-opening loss? Still, if a player pumps out such volumes of content that it makes it appear as if the game is secondary, then I can appreciate the outside perspective, even if it doesn’t take into account the full picture.

Every day we hear of another shooting or attempted shooting. Students, politicians, domestic partners and the general public are all targets. Suicides and accidents make the news. Do you see the common denominator?

Cecile M. Scoon is the co-president of the League of Women Voters of Florida.

In the aftermath of each of these events we often hear that America is not like this — but we are. And we are unique among developed countries in the number of gun violence deaths and injuries recorded. We are also unique in the number of guns in the hands of private citizens: over 400 million, which is more than the population of America.

What sets us apart is easy access to guns with very few safeguards for the public. Easy access is built into the fabric of life in the United States. But there are ways to address the scourge of gun violence that don’t involve fundamental changes to the laws we already have.

But, we first must face an uncomfortable truth — not all gun owners are responsible gun owners, and the law-abiding citizen is a law-abiding citizen until he is not. To protect our communities, we must alter the way we respond to the level of gun violence that has developed. Doing more of the same will not result in change.

Debbie Chandler is co-president of the League of Women Voters of Florida.

We could curb the sale of guns without any additional laws by simply curbing the sale of guns to persons who shouldn’t have access to them through the use of universal background checks. We could use the resources available to us through red-flag laws to remove guns from people who are a danger to themselves or others. We could invest in community violence intervention programs. We could make sure that there is access to important mental-health services to decrease the stress that might lead a person to harm himself or others.

We could embark on an all-of-government, coordinated messaging campaign to promote safe, secure storage of firearms. This will have an immediate impact in several crucial areas. Most guns used to commit crimes are stolen guns, most often stolen out of cars. Decrease a criminal’s easy access to a gun, and you will decrease violent crime.

Cathy Swerdlow is the LWVFL gun violence prevention chair.

Millions of children live in homes where there are unsecured, loaded firearms within reach. This is the primary cause of unintentional shootings that most often kill or injure family members or friends. It is also a driving force behind the alarming rise in suicide among children. Unsecured guns in the home of family or friends account for 76% of guns used in school shootings.

We have a responsibility to make America a safe place for everyone. It is the most patriotic thing we can do. We need not choose between having the Second Amendment or having safety and security. We can and should have both.

Cecile Scoon and Debbie Chandler are co-presidents of the League of Women Voters of Florida. Cathy Swerdlow is the LWVFL gun violence prevention chair.

Many people may not be aware that Kamala Harris has overwhelming bipartisan support from current and former military brass and national security experts.

A letter was recently signed by 741 current and former national security leaders, including 15 four-star generals and admirals, 10 Cabinet secretaries, 10 service secretaries and 148 ambassadors.

They characterized the 2024 election as “a choice between serious leadership and vengeful impulsiveness. It is a choice between democracy and authoritarianism.”

These experts believe that Donald Trump is a threat to our national security and that Harris is the best choice to be our next commander-in-chief.

Richard Scott Ryan, Fort Lauderdale

Trump, still standing

Where does Kamala Harris stand on anything?

Are you confident that she won’t say one thing to get elected and will flip her position when her backers tell her to do the opposite? Are you familiar with her life experiences? How much real-world work has she accomplished that makes her empathetic to all Americans, not just a select few?

Trump has survived lawsuits, bullets, liars and an incompetent Secret Service and he is still standing and working hard for re-election. He loves America and is doing it to save America for future Americans.

Harris is doing it to enrich herself and a small circle of Marxist socialists who will profit, while the remainder of Americans will become as the masses in China, North Korea, etc., with minimal freedoms.

Are you better off today than four years ago? If you aren’t and you still vote for Harris, I pray that true American patriots will out-vote you.

Richard C. Russell, Port Charlotte

Eight years is enough

Trump Fatigue.

It’s a phrase that’s long overdue. To ignore it is dangerous.

It has been more than eight years of nonstop information about the doings of Trump and the un-doings of his associates. Those voters who are undecided or the so-called hold-your-nose-and-vote-Trump people should listen to their bodies.

Feeling tired? It could be Trump Fatigue. There’s a cure for this, so use it wisely.

Jay Pellis, Coral Springs

Keep the Electoral College

That was an interesting editorial on why you think the Electoral College should be dismissed.

While I’m sure that some readers will put forth a much more eloquent argument, the Electoral College has mostly worked as it was intended. Sure, there have been a few instances where it didn’t, but those were during very divisive times.

The more interesting question to consider is this: Do we want to give one party’s candidate a significant advantage over the other party? If we move to a straight popular vote, a Democratic candidate would have a vote surplus of about 5 million, just from New York and California. That doesn’t sound fair to me.

Let’s stick with the current system, since it is essentially a popular vote system but on a state level.

Tim Nolan, Ed.D., Lake Worth Beach

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. Include your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. 

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Millions of Americans are looking to Florida in one of the most pivotal races in the country. The Senate race between former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and incumbent Sen. Rick Scott is a dead heat, with Mucarsel-Powell trailing by just one point in a recent poll. The winner of this race could decide control of the Senate and the future of American policy. It is time for Florida voters to elect a senator who will fight to enact policies that build a prosperous future for everyone, not just the wealthy few. That person is Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.

Let’s look at the bigger picture: Democratic policies are working. Inflation is back down to 2.4%, almost to the 2% target; GDP is growing at 3% annually; the price of insulin was capped at $35 a month; out-of-pocket prescription drug costs will be capped at $2,000 per year in 2025; and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act approved over $1 trillion in spending for roads, bridges, ports and public transportation. More importantly, these policies help Americans who are the most in need.

Kirk Orr is a senior studying economics and political science at Florida Atlantic University. (courtesy, Kirk Orr)

On the contrary, Scott’s 12-point Rescue America Plan advocates for the expiring Donald Trump tax cuts to be made permanent. Multiple nonpartisan studies conclude that the extension of these cuts would add trillions to the deficit and would disproportionately benefit wealthier Americans while middle-income Americans become worse off. That is not a plan that will lead America into the future and keep more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans such as teachers, farmers and first responders.

Future economic policy must build the economy from the middle out, not the top down. One of Mucarsel-Powell’s top priorities is bringing good-paying clean-energy jobs to Florida and cutting back on the outsourcing of jobs to China. This will create a cycle of job and wage growth that will also increase solar-panel and clean-energy production, which in turn will bring the electricity costs of Floridians down while also benefiting the environment. “Republicans and Democrats alike want someone who works for them and puts partisan politics aside. Rick Scott voted against the CHIPS and Science Act, which would have a firm hand against China and bring jobs here to Florida,” Mucarsel-Powel said.

Why does Senator Scott deserve your vote? He has voted against bill after bill that would benefit everyday hard-working Americans. Even bills with bipartisan support. Some of those bills include the:

• Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act;
• Inflation Reduction Act;
• CHIPS and Science Act;
• Bipartisan Safer Communities Act;
• American Rescue Plan;
• and Respect for Marriage Act.

Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, we all share common aspirations: affordable prescription drugs, opportunities for our children to buy homes and start families, and to one day enjoy retirement. Given Scott’s track record and current views, it is clear that he has put his own interests ahead of the people he was elected to serve. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is the obvious choice for the U.S. Senate in the 2024 election, ready to deliver for Florida and the American people.

Kirk Orr is a senior studying economics and political science at Florida Atlantic University.

MIAMI GARDENS — There was no doubt Mark Fletcher Jr. would be on the field at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday night.

Fletcher’s father, Mark Fletcher Sr., died at the age of 53 on Thursday. But the sophomore running back was determined to be with his team.

“Even the day of, as emotional as it was, wanted to be around his brothers and his team,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said after UM’s win over Florida State. “You trust that guy with your life because he does everything the right way, regardless of situation and circumstance. Just looking at him, just hearing him out, this is what he wanted and, on top of that, just as importantly, this is what he deserves. … I think if any of us was in that situation, can you imagine? Can you imagine being able to do that?

“He’s just an elite, unique, off-the-charts human being. He’s just made of the right stuff and credit to his parents. He was raised a certain way. That guy is as resilient as it gets. Our hearts, man. What can you say?”

Fletcher got his second straight start on Saturday, and he scored the game’s first touchdown with a 1-yard run. After scoring, he knelt to the ground and pointed to the sky. Teammates celebrated with Fletcher, patting him on the helmet as he left the field.

“We were all excited for him,” said fellow running back Damien Martinez, who called Fletcher “one of the brightest guys I’ve ever been around.”

Fletcher ended the game with 71 rushing yards on 15 carries. He has 367 rushing yards and five touchdowns this season.

Quarterback Cam Ward said Fletcher received the game ball after the win.

“This game was for him and his family,” Ward said. “What he’s going through outside of football, I don’t wish on no man. He got the game ball, and he deserves it. He’s one of the best teammates that you could ask for, as a player on this team. He does all the little things. He never takes days off. He deserves it and everything that’s going to come his way down the future, five, 10 years from now when he gets a chance to play in the league.”

Cristobal said Mark Fletcher Sr. was a frequent presence around the Hurricanes, so the whole team is mourning his loss.

“We see big Mark all the time. He’s always at practice,” Cristobal said. “It’s kind of neat if you are a local player. Parents, they find their way to practice. (They) get away from their bosses a little bit and come out and get to see their sons. It’s one of the greatest things in the world. I remember seeing my parents, may they rest in peace, and that was about as difficult of a thing I’ve seen. Mark Jr. is about as good of a human being, competitor, teammate, brother as you can imagine. It was felt by the entire organization. I mean, everybody knows (Mark Fletcher Sr.). He’s got the best seat in the house going forward, looking from above. I know he’s super proud of Mark.”

Ward said the whole team has been supportive of the American Heritage alumnus as he grieves his father.

“Even when he found out the news, he stayed there for practice,” Ward said. “So that let us know right there what type of person he is for us as a team and what type of human he is. We’ve got Mark each and every day. We know it’s going to be hard for him, but he knows he’s got us. We all sent him texts. We’re there for him. We’re a phone call away. We’re just praying for (him), his family as they get through this. It’s only going to be better days ahead for Mark.”

By JILL COLVIN

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is finally getting his Madison Square Garden moment.

With just over a week to go before Election Day, the former president will take the stage at one of the country’s most iconic venues, hosting a hometown rally to deliver his campaign’s closing message against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

“Madison Square Garden is the center of the universe,” said Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller, noting the venue’s storied history hosting events including the 1971 “Fight of the Century.”

The rally is one of a series of detours Trump has made from battleground states, including a recent rally in Coachella, California — best known for the famous music festival named after the town — and one over the summer on the Jersey Shore. This summer he campaigned in the South Bronx.

While some Democrats and TV pundits have questioned Trump’s decision to hold what they dismiss as vanity events, the rally guarantees Trump what he most craves: the spotlight, wall-to-wall coverage and a national audience.

Along with trying to energize his base, Trump’s campaign has been trying to court the few remaining undecided voters, many of whom don’t get their news from traditional outlets.

To reach them, Trump has spent hours appearing on popular podcasts. And his campaign has worked to create viral moments like his visit last weekend to a McDonald’s restaurant, where he made fries and served supporters through the drive-thru window. Video of the stop posted by his campaign has been viewed more than 40 million times on TikTok alone.

“He’s not just going to be speaking to the attendees inside Madison Square Garden. There will be people tuning in from battleground states all across the country,” said former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, a New York Republican and ally of the former president, who said Trump has been talking about holding an event at the venue since the start of his campaign.

Harris has also traveled to non-battleground states for major events intended to drive a national message. She appeared in Houston Friday with music superstar Beyoncé to speak about reproductive rights, and will deliver her own closing argument Tuesday from the Ellipse in Washington, where Trump spoke ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

Trump will be joined at the rally by supporters including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who has spent tens of millions of dollars to boost his campaign.

‘The world’s most famous arena’

Trump often compares himself to the country’s greatest entertainers. The former reality TV star has long talked about wanting to hold a rally at the venue dubbed “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” raising the idea in interviews and private conversations.

“New York is part of his DNA. Madison Square Garden is part of his DNA,” said New York State Republican Chairman Ed Cox.

While Trump continues to insist the rally is part of his effort to win New York — a state President Joe Biden carried four years ago with more than 60% of the vote — he’s made clear it’s also personal.

“It’s the New York, but it’s also, you know, it’s MSG, it’s Madison Square Garden,” Trump said during a recent radio interview. “Guys like you and I, that means a lot, those words. Madison Square Garden, right? Don’t you think so? … It’s a very big stop.”

The venue also has a history in politics, hosting events with Dwight Eisenhower and Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1962, John F. Kennedy Jr. held a birthday celebration at the stadium where Marilyn Monroe famously sang “Happy Birthday to You, Mr. President.”

But if there’s one bit of Garden history Trump might want to replicate, it’s when Grover Cleveland accepted his party’s nomination in 1892, three years after leaving the White House. He went on to win the election, becoming the first and only president to serve two non-consecutive terms.

House control could run through New York’s suburbs

Beyond the national spotlight and the appeal of appearing on one of the world’s most famous stages, Republicans in the state say the rally will also help down-ballot candidates.

New York is home to a handful of competitive congressional races that could determine which party controls the House next year.

Zeldin ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2022, but did better than expected, driving turnout in competitive districts that helped House Republicans win a tiny majority. That underscored, he said, the importance of the top of the ticket doing as well as possible. He said the Garden event is sure to be featured on newscasts in areas with high-stakes races like suburban Long Island, where Trump held a packed, raucous rally last month.

Trump will also use the stop as a major fundraising opportunity as he continues to seriously lag Harris in the money race.

A native returns to the city that made him and convicted him

New York has not voted for a Republican for president in 40 years. But that hasn’t stopped Trump from continuing to insist he believes he can win.

“We think there’s a chance,” he said on “The Brian Kilmeade Show” earlier this week, pointing to frustrations over an influx of migrants to the city and concerns over crime.

Trump routinely uses his hometown as a foil before audiences in other states, painting a dark vision of the city that bears little resemblance to reality. He’s cast it as crime-ridden and overrun by violent, immigrant gangs who have taken over Fifth and Madison avenues and occupied Times Square.

Trump has a complicated history with the place where he built his business empire and that made him a tabloid and reality TV star. Its residents indicted him last year on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. He was found guilty in that case, and also found liable in civil court for business fraud and sexual abuse.

___

Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price in Novi, Michigan, contributed to this report.

General Daily Insight for October 27, 2024

Speak with caution. As communicative Mercury struggles to work with awkward Chiron, discomfort can arise from words that were either miscommunicated or misinterpreted. When Mercury has similar struggles with overconfident Jupiter at 4:50 am EDT, we may open our mouths before thinking things through. Prideful thoughts can stumble into serious verbal blunders! The sensitive Moon is then at odds with both perfectionist Venus and serious Saturn — we might feel like we’re failing to be balanced or consistent. Choose words, and battles, wisely.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Be careful what you don’t wish for. You could be spending a lot of time talking about what you want to avoid rather than what you crave to achieve, which risks unintentionally damaging your inner drive forward. Continually bringing up your fears, your insecurities, or your dislikes might seem to draw them to you like a magnet, so it’s a better idea to focus on what you do want to keep around or attain. Try speaking with more positivity than you necessarily feel.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

What you don’t say may impact you more than usual. When people in your life are waiting for you to make a statement, the more that you delay, the more anxiety can creep into their minds. You’d be wise to make an intentional effort to set up a time to meet with them in the near future. Even if you aren’t ready to say everything that’s on your mind just yet, you can show them they’re on your mind and you want to connect.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Certain friends may turn out to be not-so-friendly. Pay attention to your circle — is someone noticeably less happy for you when you succeed or staying quiet during celebrations in a way that doesn’t sit right with you? They may say something today that, one way or another, pushes you over the edge and makes it seem like they’re more satisfied by your failures than your triumphs. You don’t need people like this around you! Don’t hesitate to bring up your concerns.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Watch what you say to authority figures. Your parents or boss may have a conversation with you that doesn’t sit right with your soul, and it might be difficult to bite your tongue when you want to correct them. Speaking up and facing the responding backlash or staying quiet and potentially regretting your silence later are both options. If possible, step back and contemplate the possible consequences. You may not be able to “win” the situation, but you can mitigate the risk of further conflict.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Take what you learn with a grain of salt. You may be in a class that is teaching you information that doesn’t quite resonate with your prior knowledge, or someone may be telling you a story without quite sharing all the details. It can be difficult to make your decisions based on this information, so you’d be wise to reserve full judgment until you can obtain more solid facts to go off of. People might sound immensely convincing, but trust your gut.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Telling tales could get you in trouble. Whether you feel tempted to exaggerate the truth to drive your point home, or you have some gossip that’s so juicy you can hardly contain yourself, it’s important to reel yourself back in and make sure that you’re not speaking out of turn. What you say today could come back to bite you in the near future. You might think it’s inconsequential in the moment, but it’s unlikely to stay that way. Watch your mouth!

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Watch out for what’s being sold to you. There may be someone trying to make you feel secure, but they themselves might not trust what they’re telling you. Maybe they believe that if they’re able to get you on board, everything will work out, but they’re unlikely to be sure. Be aware of who is talking fast and trying to sell you a dream, because it could dissipate as fast as waking up. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You may be tempted to skip any hard work. Today could contain an opportunity to jump a few steps and end up further along than you’re meant to be at this point. Even if you’re certain that you’re capable of going that far, you might not be as ready for the consequences as you think. Consistency and showing up for each step of the journey is a gift to yourself, even when it feels like a slog. Don’t rob yourself of the process.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Now is not the time to rely on unknowns. If someone’s asking you to take a leap of faith that doesn’t have a safety net below, consider the whole situation. Would going along with them put you more at risk than they are? While they could have the best, most genuine motivations, their ideal results might not have the staying power that you’re both hoping they would. Sometimes you have to be the voice of reason, and this is one of those times.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Wires can get crossed when people in your life communicate with each other. This is less likely to involve you directly, but tragically likely to get you caught in the middle. Maybe someone that you’ve known for a long time is starting arguments with someone that you don’t know as well, like a family member debating with a new friend. Recognizing where you stand with everyone, regardless of your actual opinion, won’t be simple. Do your best to stay out of the hectic back-and-forth.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

You might have a wide audience to what you’re saying. Your current words could be on a grand stage, whether you’re literally speaking in public or making a statement on social media. This means that it’ll be hard to take back whatever you’re saying, so be certain that you’re using your words carefully and paying attention to public perception of them. Stay tuned in and aware, because a lack of focus can and will cause you to lose face if you’re not careful.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Watch out for incorrect information! There may be some knowledge that you impart to someone else in your life today that isn’t quite aligned with the facts, and while you’re unlikely to be aware of this, other people could accuse you of being dishonest. Only you know in your heart whether or not you meant to bend the truth. Regardless, it’s a good idea to fact-check what you want to say before making any sweeping or intense statements. This is for your benefit and theirs!

MIAMI GARDENS — Mark Fletcher Jr. knelt to the ground in the Hard Rock Stadium end zone and pointed to the sky.

The sophomore Miami running back and American Heritage alumnus took the field with a heavy heart just days after his father, Mark Fletcher Sr., died.

“That’s about as difficult of a thing I’ve seen,” UM coach Mario Cristobal said. “And Mark Jr. is about as good of a human being, competitor, teammate, brother as you could imagine. That was felt by the entire organization. Everybody knows (Mark Fletcher Sr.). He’s got the best seat in the house going forward, looking from above. I know he’s super proud of Mark.”

Fletcher scored the No. 6 Hurricanes’ (8-0, 4-0 ACC) first touchdown as they picked up a 36-14 win over scuffling rival Florida State (1-7, 1-6 ACC) in front of a sell-out crowd on Saturday night. The victory was Miami’s first over FSU since 2020 and Mario Cristobal’s first over the Seminoles as UM’s head coach.

“Two years ago, we stood up here and talked about building it, and it’s good to, a couple of years later into this, to see a picture like that and earn the title of state champions,” Cristobal said.

After Fletcher scored his emotional, game-opening touchdown, Damien Martinez kept the running game moving. Martinez caught a key first-down pass on third-and-20 and capped a 95-yard scoring drive with an 18-yard rushing touchdown.

The Seminoles, who have one of the nation’s worst offenses this year, got on the board after freshman quarterback Luke Kromenhoek broke a 42-yard run on a fourth-and-1 quarterback sneak. The Seminoles got to the 1-yard line and needed four plays for running back Caziah Holmes to get past UM’s defensive line and score FSU’s first touchdown.

Miami drove down the field in the final minutes of the first half but came up 2 yards short of the end zone. UM had to settle for a field goal and took a 17-7 lead into halftime. Borregales opened the second half with his second field goal of the game, putting Miami up 20-7.

The Seminoles tried to get back in the game with a fourth-down attempt late in the third quarter, but Miami brought a blitz on the pass play, and Akheem Mesidor took Kromenhoek down to give the ball back to UM’s offense. The ensuing drive ended with Borregales’ third field goal of the game.

FSU’s defense gave UM fits, notching four sacks and holding Miami to 445 yards of offense — the fewest the Hurricanes have accumulated all season and the first time they were held under 500 yards this year. But the Hurricanes did get a spark from a trick play late in the fourth quarter, as Elijah Arroyo got a pitch from Martinez and tossed a touchdown pass to Cam Ward — the first touchdown catch of his college career. Cristobal said the play is called “Texas” because both Arroyo and Ward are native Texans.

“I was smiling in the huddle,” Ward said. “The O-line, they already knew the play as soon as I started smiling.”

Martinez added a second touchdown late in the game, rushing 12 yards to put an exclamation point on Miami’s victory, even though Florida State scored a final touchdown in the final minute of the game.

Five takeaways 1. Offensive slowdown

The Hurricanes opened the game by carving up the Seminoles’ defense. Miami rolled down the field, capping the drive with a 1-yard score by Fletcher.

The rest of the first half would not come as easily. Miami did score on a 95-yard drive, but the offense, which entered the game ranked second in the nation, ended the first half with 17. Ward, who has played so well all season, had just 110 yards with no score in the first half. He ended the game with a season-low 208 yards and no passing touchdowns.

“They weren’t doing anything,” Ward said. “When you can run the ball like we can, it makes my job easier. Got the best two running backs in the country in Damien and (Fletcher).”

Miami’s offense could not find the end zone in the third quarter, coming just short of a pair of first downs that led to a pair of Borregales field goals. They utilized a trick play to score in the fourth quarter and added a rushing touchdown late in the game, but Miami still scored its fewest total points in a game Saturday.

2. Strong defense against a bad offense

FSU’s offense has been putrid this season, and the unit did not get anything going against a Miami defense that has been struggling.

If the Hurricanes had struggled against a bad Seminoles offense, warning bells would be ringing. But UM did its job against a bad offense, holding the Seminoles to 248 total yards — the lowest total by a Power 4 team against UM so far this year. The Hurricanes had three sacks and four tackles for loss.

“These guys came out and played,” linebacker Francisco Mauigoa said. I think the front four set the tone. These guys were getting pressure on the quarterback, they were rushing, and the DBs were their job, locking down. Overall, everybody did their job.”

3. Running game carries Miami offense

While FSU was creating issues in the passing game, the Miami running game picked up the slack.

Martinez led the team with 148 rushing yards — his first 100-yard game with the Hurricanes. Fletcher ended the game with 71 yards, and Ajay Allen had another 9 yards. Martinez and Fletcher combined for three of UM’s four touchdowns on Saturday. UM had 232 total rushing yards.

“Now he is really feeling comfortable in the system and what you see if just a very physical, tough dude,” Cristobal said of Martinez. “He’s hard to bring down. You’re not going to arm tackle him and he takes a lot of pride in making the first guy miss or running him over.”

4. Offensive line struggles

FSU’s pass rush has been solid this season, entering the game with 17 sacks (tied for 33rd nationally). Miami struggled to keep the defenders out of the backfield.

The Seminoles had four sacks in a losing effort and got a lot of pressure on Ward, who had to avoid FSU blitzers for much of the night.

5. Rivalry flips

Florida State won the last three entries in this rivalry series, and Miami coach Mario Cristobal was 0-2 against the Hurricanes’ biggest rival since arriving as UM’s head coach before the 2022 season.

Last year, it looked like the Seminoles were ascending, going undefeated in the regular season and winning the ACC title. That undefeated season included a close win over UM in Tallahassee. But now the Hurricanes are the undefeated team, and FSU is spiraling, likely missing out on a bowl game this year (five-win teams can qualify for a bowl in certain circumstances).

The two programs appear to have swapped spots, with the Hurricanes looking like a team on the rise and the Seminoles have a big hole to climb from.

“Critically important to go out there and beat this program and to be undefeated in the state of Florida,” Cristobal said. “I think it sends a strong message. I think all recruits in state, out of state, can now clearly see the trajectory of this program vs. the trajectory of the other programs.

 

By: SCOTT CHARLES

NEW YORK (AP) — Matthew Tkachuk scored twice, Sam Bennett got the go-ahead goal in the third period, and the Florida Panthers rallied from three goals down to beat the New York Islanders 6-3 on Saturday night.

Sam Reinhart also scored, Mackie Samoskevich got his first NHL goal and Gustav Forsling added an short-handed empty-netter in the closing minutes to seal the Panthers’ win. Dmitry Kulikov and Anton Lundell each had two assists, and Spencer Knight finished with 25 saves as the defending Stanley-Cup Champions won their second straight.

Dennis Cholowski, Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson scored in the first period for New York. Semyon Varlamov finished with 22 saves as the Islanders lost for the second time in three games.

Knight allowed three goals on the first seven shots and then denied the next 22 shot attempts from the Islanders.

Takeaways

Islanders coach Patrick Roy has been unable to get the Islanders to protect leads, a characteristic that has plagued New York since Lane Lambert took over behind the bench after Barry Trotz was fired in May 2022. New York scored three straight goals in first period but allowed Florida to score six unanswered to win it.

Bennett has stepped up in captain Aleksander Barkov’s absence, scoring in four straight games including a go-ahead goal in third period against Islanders.

Key moment

Tkachuk found loose puck behind Varlamov and pulled the Panthers to within one goal. Florida seized momentum and completely erased the Islanders’ three-goal advantage by end of the second period.

Key stat

The Islanders have scored at least three goals in five of their eight games. They have been shut out in other three.

Up Next

The Panthers visit Buffalo on Tuesday while the Islanders wrap up a brief two-game home stand against Anaheim.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

HOLLYWOOD — Chaminade-Madonna junior Jasen Lopez made his presence felt on senior night Friday night as he scored three first-half touchdowns in a 62-17 victory over Cardinal Gibbons.

Lopez scored on a 67-yard punt return and added scoring receptions of 51 and 16 yards from senior Bekkem Kritza as the nation’s 17th-ranked team cruised to its eighth consecutive win.

Now, they will have two weeks rest to heal up before the playoffs, which gives Chaminade-Madonna coach Dameon Jones time to get his players back from injury.

“We could use the two weeks off,” said Jones, whose team rebounded from two early losses to nationally ranked teams and ran the table winning its last eight. “We haven’t had a bye week. We had five starters out tonight and it has been a next-man-up mentality.”

After being thwarted on their opening drive by an interception. The host Lions (8-2) held the Chiefs on downs and forced a punt. Lopez returned the punt for the score and a 7-0 lead with 7:24 left in the first quarter.

“Coming out early and setting the tone was important,” said Lopez, a transfer from True North Classical Academy in Miami. “We can’t really play down to or up to the competition. We just have to stay consistent and ready.”

Cardinal Gibbons (5-3) took the ensuing kick and marched to the Chaminade-Madonna 30 where the drive stalled and Brent Fardette III connected on a 47-yard field goal to trim the lead to 7-3. It was the closest the Chiefs would get all night as Cardinal Gibbons’ four-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt.

Chaminade-Madonna tacked on five scores in the second quarter as Camari Hall scored on two 9-yard runs, while Derrek Cooper added an 8-yard TD run to give the Lions a 42-10 halftime cushion. Kritza finished the first half 14 of 16 for 180 yards, an interception, and two scores.

“This is big for us, ending off the season with an eight-game win streak,” added Lopez, who hauled in six catches for 112 yards to go over 1,000 yards for the year. He has 1,051 receiving yards.

“It’s also big for me coming from True North because people doubted me coming over here saying I wasn’t going to do anything,” he said. “Being able to come here, make a statement, and being able to impact this team is really big for me.”

Cardinal Gibbons got its lone first-half touchdown on a 6-yard TD pass from Jayden Torres to Trent DuBuc.

“We thought about this all week and thought if we executed it could be a game like this as sound and disciplined as we were,” Jones said. “It’s been adversity all year. We came in with the mindset today to dominate and we did. All in all, I am proud of the kids and the coaches.”

The Lions padded the lead to 48-10 on a sizzling 82-yard scoring run by Kyle Washington, forcing a running clock early in the third quarter. Cardinal Gibbons answered with a 15-yard TD pass by Tyler Jackson from Torres. Jackson finished the game with five catches for 79 yards. Torres completed 13 of 22 for 188 yards and two scores.

The Lions added two more scores to close out the scoring on a 5-yard run by Arwin Jackson and a 2-yard TD run by Jaquari Lewis in the fourth quarter.

 

General Daily Insight for October 26, 2024

Incoming! As the sensitive Moon squares innovative Uranus, it may feel like the universe is throwing curveballs, and rolling with its punches is easier said than done. When the Moon moves into organized Virgo at 11:47 am EDT, finding a rhythm in the chaos should become easier. Finally, when the Moon works with the confident Sun, we can be proud that we made it through the craziness. It’s hard to understand the whirlwind while it’s still going, so take the time to process afterward.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

The ground beneath your feet may shake for a moment. You might have thought that you found stability and that your journey would be smooth sailing from there, but an unexpected twist can knock you off balance without warning. Taking risks that you don’t have to take isn’t advised, and keeping a level head can help you to right yourself sooner rather than later. When the dust settles, you can get right back on track. You’re not that far off course, so don’t worry!

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Your emotions could lead you back to the past. While you may have thought that you left stagnancy and toxic nostalgia behind you, you may suddenly look around and see that you’re right back where you started, or close to it. It can be scary to take a leap of faith, but you can sense if this is the ideal way to shake off the cobwebs of the past and boldly go into the future. Reach out for a friend’s hand when you need help.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Unexpected statements can shock you. There may be someone in your life who approaches you with something on their mind, something that you never expected them to communicate to you. Even if you suspected that they felt this way, the way that they’ll tell you is less predictable. Transportation could also be a chaotic factor, preventing you from getting wherever you’re going. There is real value in nurturing your heart, as well as spending time with family. Let your soul lead the way.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

A dream that you thought was coming together may suddenly start unraveling. Whether someone is breaking promises that they were making to you, or you find that a path to success runs right into a roadblock, you may be discouraged by the lack of progress you’re making toward your current goals. You might feel as if this is your fault or something you should have seen coming, but you can’t prepare for every eventuality. There’s nothing wrong with going back to the drawing board!

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Someone in authority over you may surprise you. You could be assigned tasks that you weren’t expecting to complete, given a leadership position that you didn’t feel ready for, or placed in a surprise evaluation. They’ll be sure to keep you on your toes, whether this is in the workplace or another area of your life. Do your best to stay both confident and humble in your response. The more inner security you can wield, the more success you’re likely to achieve.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

You may be learning something that you never expected to understand. This information might be the kind that shatters your worldview, in a pleasant or unpleasant way, and you then have to pick up the pieces and rebuild the lesson in your mind. It can feel disheartening to know that you are learning such vital information so abruptly, but this is the wrong perspective to take. Take comfort in your refreshed and clarified foundation — it will serve you far better than familiar falsehoods would.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

You might feel stuck with someone that you weren’t expecting at the moment. This person may not necessarily gel well with you, as you have different approaches or personalities, and you’re not sure how to make it work when you’re working as a duo. Maybe they’re a family member, an acquaintance, or a coworker. Whatever the specifics are, don’t let awkwardness slow you down. They likely have similar underlying motivations, and you might be able to cut the tension by extending friendly compassion.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Your influences might be at odds with your responsibilities. Perhaps pals are unexpectedly begging you to come out and play, while you have work or chores that you know that you have to complete ASAP. This is one of those times where you’ll want to get your to-do list out of the way first, and hang out later, because the vibes will be oh-so-much better when you don’t have various tasks hanging over your head. Ask if you can join up later!

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Someone may doubt your abilities. You potentially believed that everyone was on board with you, but an unexpected irritant could be right around the corner. They may be playing devil’s advocate with valid critiques or just trying to poke holes in your game plan, but either way, you don’t have to let them bring you down. Rise to the challenge by showing them that you came prepared to answer any such questions. You know your stuff, inside and out! Channel your inner leader.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Another person’s risk might require your effort to work out. Maybe you’re tied (voluntarily or not) to someone who has taken a gamble that didn’t pay off. This could be an emotional, financial, or physical risk that they took on their own, and as a connection of theirs, you’re in a position to boost them back onto their feet — despite not taking the leap yourself. Instead of trying to put the process all on them, share the load. Everyone needs a little support sometimes.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Being true to your heart can be difficult when there’s so much noise. Other people in your life could be trying to push you in a thousand different directions, and it’s happening so fast that you’re unable to keep up in the way that you want to. Processing unfamiliar information will take time, and you might want to take some solitude or get in touch with a trusted confidant before you make any decisions. Don’t commit to choices while your head is still spinning!

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Your mind could be stuck in day-to-day muck. While the bigger picture might be something that you’re avoiding, it might make itself known at any moment, preventing you from keeping your head down and getting through your routine. Watch out for something you’ve been putting off manifesting as car troubles, confrontations, or missed opportunities — you may regret not acting sooner. Don’t keep living the same day over and over without thinking about whatever you’re contributing to. Your future will be your present soon enough.

WELLINGTON — Palm Beach Central junior quarterback Chance Routson passed for 225 yards and three touchdowns and senior wide receiver Preston Parker had two scores as the host Broncos cruised past Wellington 50-6 in a District 12-7A matchup to capture the Wellington Cup on Friday night.

Palm Beach Central (7-1), which is on a six-game winning steak, celebrated senior night and remained unbeaten in district play.

Senior wide receiver Nedrick Boldin and senior Kamare Willams both had touchdown catches in the victory.

“We are excited for our seniors,” Palm Beach Central coach Kevin Thompson said. “I have a lot of our seniors here who had vouched for me when I first got the head coaching job. I am excited for what they are going to become and where they are going.”

Palm Beach Central led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter and pulled away for a 28-6 advantage at halftime.

“We were able to set the tone and we executed,” Routson said. “We have guys all over the field that can do everything and make plays. We can play at that high level.”

Palm Beach Central jumped out to the lead on their opening possession. Routson connected with Parker for a 16-yard scoring pass to make it 7-0 with 8:35 left in the first.

The Broncos offense capitalized with another scoring drive in the second quarter after junior Emmanuel Toussaint stepped up with an interception. On their next series, Routson fired a pass to Parker for a 22-yard catch-and-run down the left sideline for a touchdown to increase the lead to 14-0 with 10:43 left in the first half.

The Wolverines (4-4) attempted a fake punt and failed to convert on a run as the Broncos defense made the stop before midfield.

Senior running back Frankie Vomero powered his way into the end zone for a 7-yard score to push the lead to 21-0 with 3:16 left in the second.

Junior linebacker David Harmon had a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown as the Broncos scored just 10 seconds later on the first play of the ensuing possession to extend the lead to 28-0.

Wellington responded on offense late in the second. Junior quarterback Jonathan Paul tossed a 39-scoring pass to senior wide receiver Trey Allen with 39 seconds left in the first half.

Allen had a kickoff return for a score on the opening play of the second half negated due to a block in the back penalty.

Junior running back Andrew Ulysse had a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 35-6 with 5:53 left in the third quarter.

Routson fired a 60-yard pass to Williams down the right sideline late in the third. On the next play, Routson connected with Boldin for a 20-yard touchdown pass in the left corner of the end zone.

Sophomore quarterback Julian Ayala connected with Williams on a 35-yard scoring pass in the fourth quarter. Senior Matis Gibson scored for a two-point conversion to make it 50-6.

Junior Tiago Mendes recorded an interception late in the fourth for the Broncos.

“We are looking for a certain type of excellence,” Thompson said. “We were on the field way too long on defense and we have some things to work on. We need to stay consistent. That is what we are really looking for right now.”

By TIM REYNOLDS

FORT LAUDERDALE — Lionel Messi had chances at goals time and time again, only to keep being denied. Turns out, all he needed to do was deliver the right pass at the right time.

Jordi Alba turned a pass from Messi into the go-ahead goal in the 60th minute, Luis Suarez also scored and Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 2-1 on Friday night in the opening game of a best-of-three first round Major League Soccer playoff series.

It was not the easiest of openers for the Supporters Shield winners, the No. 1 overall seed in the MLS Cup playoffs — a team that set a league record with 74 points in the regular season, 34 points ahead of wild-card Atlanta in the standings.

Saba Lobjanidze scored for Atlanta, which got nine saves from goalkeeper Brad Guzan. Game 2 will be Nov. 2 at Atlanta — the last road game of the season, no matter what, for Inter Miami. Game 3, if necessary, will be Nov. 9 in Fort Lauderdale.

Inter Miami’s first-ever home playoff game and Messi’s MLS playoff debut was sold out — Messi games almost always are, everywhere in the world — and MLS even had a camera isolated on him throughout the match, streaming that view on TikTok. There were plans to also show the match live on a massive screen in New York’s Times Square; that ended up getting called off Apple will schedule a viewing of another match there.

Atlanta was the only team that beat Inter Miami when Messi was in the lineup this season, and it was almost like the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner — and finalist for MLS MVP honors — knew it wouldn’t be easy.

“It gets settled on the field,” Messi said in an interview taped before the playoffs, one that MLS teased on social media and said will be distributed on its Season Pass platform. “Anything can happen in a match.”

And for 60 minutes, the scoreboard said these teams were even.

Suarez scored with the match barely a minute old, and Messi had three high-quality chances later in the half.

Messi’s left foot nearly made it 2-0 after six minutes; Guzan had to sprawl to his right to barely deflect the shot away. Messi found a bit of space and fired again in the 26th minute; this time, Guzan punched it over the crossbar. And in the 29th minute, it wasn’t Guzan that denied Messi — it was the post. The rebound came to Inter Miami’s Marcelo Weigandt and his shot got punched away by Guzan.

If not for Guzan, it could have been 2-0, 3-0, maybe even 4-0 at that point.

Instead, it was 1-1 at intermission. Lobjanidze got behind the defense and beat Drake Callender from close range in the 39th minute, and Atlanta — which won at Chase Stadium in May — was all square going into the second half.

In the 52nd minute, Messi’s direct kick from 25 yards nearly gave Inter Miami the lead again but curled just wide of the post to Guzan’s left. The breakthrough came about eight minutes later, with Messi getting lifted into the air by Alba in celebration after the goal.

The night took a bad turn for Inter Miami late. Ian Fray, a South Florida native who has already dealt with three ACL tears, left in the 90th minute after a non-contact injury left him unable to put any weight on his right leg. There was no immediate word on the severity of Fray’s injury.

___

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

A 50-foot boat exploded while being fueled at a Dania Beach marina Friday afternoon, killing one man and critically injuring four other men, a Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue official said.

The blast about 4:30 p.m. at the marina at 4470 Ravenswood Road was powerful enough for it to be heard at the Rustic Inn Crabhouse that is diagonally across a canal from the marina, Battalion Chief Michael Kane said.

The boat, which was delivered to the marina earlier Friday, was being prepared for an upcoming boat show and was fixed on a trailer while being fueled when a “large, intense blast” erupted, Kane said. The call initially came in as an explosion.

About 50 firefighters arrived and found one person dead at the scene, Kane said. In a news release Friday night, Kane said the firefighters saved the other four men “from the burning vessel.”

Two of the critically injured men were taken to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale and two were taken to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood.

Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue fought a fire that destroyed a 50-footboat at a marina in Dania Beach about 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024, killing one man and critically injuring four others, the department said. (Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue/Courtesy)

Kane they were burned and had “injuries consistent with an explosive blast,” he said. He did not know Friday night whether they were employees at the marina.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze within 20 to 30 minutes, Kane said. He did not know whether the show the boat was preparing for was the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which runs Wednesday through Nov. 3.

The scene west of Interstate 95 near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is now considered a crime scene because of the death, Kane said. The State Fire Marshal is investigating.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.

A steady stream of false and misleading information is circulating online around the 2024 election. Since early voting began there have been false reports of ballots for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania being destroyed; more registered voters than those eligible to vote in Michigan; and a voter’s choice being “flipped” by a Dominion voting machine in Georgia.

Here’s a look at the facts.

Video of Trump ballots being destroyed in Pennsylvania was fabricated

CLAIM: A video shows ballots marked for Trump being destroyed in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, while those for Vice President Kamala Harris were put back in their envelopes to be counted.

THE FACTS: The Bucks County Board of Elections identified the video as “fake” Thursday afternoon.

“The envelope and materials depicted in this video are clearly not authentic materials belonging to or distributed by the Bucks County Board of Elections,” the board said in a statement. The video was reported to law enforcement.

Bob Harvie and Diane Ellis-Marseglia, chair and vice chair of the board, respectively, called the video “dangerous misinformation″ in a joint statement.

The Bucks County district attorney’s office said in an emailed statement Thursday evening that they and the Yardley Borough Police Department investigated the video and “concluded that this video was fabricated in an attempt to undermine confidence in the upcoming election.”

The X user who popularized the inauthentic video has previously shared multiple narratives created by a Russian disinformation network known as Storm-1516 or CopyCop, raising questions over whether it originated as part of a foreign influence campaign.

— Associated Press writers Melissa Goldin and Ali Swenson in New York contributed this report.

Posts spread misinformation about Michigan’s voter rolls

CLAIM: Michigan has 500,000 more registered voters than people eligible to vote, which creates the potential for widespread fraud.

THE FACTS: This is missing context. While the state does have more total voter registrations than eligible voters, that number includes voters who are inactive but cannot yet be removed from voter rolls under federal and state laws. The number of active voters is far less than those who are eligible to vote, and experts say there is no reason to believe that widespread fraud will result.

Still, numerous social media users suggested the numbers were proof that Michigan is trying to cheat in the 2024 election. Among them was billionaire X owner Elon Musk, who has committed at least $70 million in support of Trump.

“Jocelyn Michelle Benson, shame on you for blatantly lying to the public!” Musk wrote in an X post directed at Michigan’s secretary of state. “You only plan to remove ineligible voters AFTER this election. That necessarily means that there are far more people registered to vote than there eligible voters.”

Benson responded on X, stating: “Let’s be clear: @elonmusk is spreading dangerous disinformation. Here are the facts: There aren’t more voters than citizens in Michigan. There are 7.2 million active registered voters and 7.9 citizens of voting age in our state. Musk is pushing a misleading number that includes 1.2 million inactive records slated for removal in accordance with the law.”

Musk did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

There were approximately 7.9 million people of voting age in Michigan as of July 1, 2023. This figure is 500,000 fewer than the total registered voters — approximately 8.4 million. But that’s because the total registered voters include 1.2 million voters who are inactive. Those labeled inactive have not voted for six consecutive years or have not responded to a notice confirming their residency. Inactive voters are still eligible to vote.

Under state and federal law, voters are only removed from voter rolls after they have been sent a notice that their registration is subject to cancellation and two subsequent federal election cycles have passed without any response or voting activity. Voter registration cannot be canceled only because of a failure to vote.

This waiting period is why there are more total registered voters than eligible ones in the state.

More than 339,000 voter registrations are slated for cancellation in 2025 and more than 257,000 in 2027. As of March 2024, Michigan had canceled more than 800,000 voter registrations since 2019, including 273,609 for possible changes of residency, 532,513 for deaths and 16,716 at the request of the voter, according to its Department of State.

The Republican National Committee and two individual voters filed a federal lawsuit in March against Benson and Michigan Bureau of Elections Director Jonathan Brater for allegedly failing to “maintain clean and accurate voter registration records.” The suit was dismissed Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Jane Beckering, who said the plaintiffs lacked legal standing and, regardless, did not state a plausible claim.

Michigan is hardly the only state with large numbers of inactive voters on its rolls. Every state — aside from the six which are exempt from the National Voter Registration Act — must send voters a cancellation notice and wait two federal election cycles before removing inactive voters.

The large number of inactive voters is a sign of robust list maintenance, according to David Becker, the founder and executive director of The Center for Election Innovation and Research, who served as a co-chair on Michigan’s Election Security Advisory Commission.

Read the full fact check here.

— Melissa Goldin

Georgia voting machines are not flipping votes

CLAIM: A Dominion voting machine in Whitfield County, Georgia, flipped a vote to a candidate not marked by the voter.

THE FACTS: That’s false. The Whitfield County Board of Elections and Registrars issued a press release Oct. 19, noting the case involved one voter out of 6,000 ballots cast since early voting began Oct. 15. The ballot was spoiled, and the voter cast a replacement that was counted. Officials said there was no problem with the voting machine.

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Gabriel Sterling, chief operating officer for the Georgia secretary of state’s office, said every report they’ve seen so far of someone saying their printed ballot didn’t reflect their selections on the touchscreen voting machine has been a result of voter error.

The statements followed a post by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who claimed on X that a voting machine had changed a voter’s ballot in her Georgia district during early voting. She later updated her post to include a statement from county election officials explaining what happened and thanking them for resolving the issue.

Whitfield County election officials said in the press release that the voter noticed when reviewing their printed ballot that it didn’t reflect their choice. A poll worker assisted the voter in marking their choice and casting their vote.

“Georgia law allows voters to spoil their printed ballot if they make the wrong selection on the ballot marking device. If a voter requests to change their selections, they are immediately given a new opportunity to make and print the correct choice,” officials said.

They noted that if there was reason to suspect that the machine made an error it would be taken out of service. No machines were taken out of service, county election officials said.

Friday

American Heritage 42, St. Thomas Aquinas 38

Atlantic 21, Benjamin 14

West Boca Raton 48, Palm Beach Gardens 0

Boca Raton Christian 41, Berean Christian 6

Gulliver Prep 34, University School 17

Western 36, Deerfield Beach 0

Hallandale 34, Pembroke Pines Charter 27

Palm Beach Central 50, Wellington 6

North Broward Prep 21, Pine Crest  7

Park Vista 45, John I. Leonard 0

Boyd Anderson 48, Hollywood Hills 20

Chaminade-Madonna 62, Cardinal Gibbons 17

Jupiter 46, Palm Beach Lakes 0

Santaluces 77, Lake Worth 0

Holy Trinity 35, Palm Beach Christian 0

Thursday

Dillard 23, Boynton Beach 0

Flanagan 17, South Broward 6

Monarch 22, Piper 20

Miami Norland 37, Plantation 20

Stranahan 48, Pompano Beach 3

Somerset Prep 36, Avant Garde 22

Inlet Grove 36, Jupiter Christian 12

Glades Central 17, King’s Academy 14

Dr. Joaquin Garcia 35, Northeast 14

Forest Hill 37, Suncoast 14

By Bob Ferrante

Orlando Sentinel Correspondent

Marvin Jones Jr. grew up around the Florida State–Miami rivalry, living in South Florida and in a bedroom where a poster of his dad’s memorable hit against the Hurricanes in the early 1990s was up on a wall.

“All I know is he hates the Hurricanes,” Jones Jr. said of Marvin Jones, who was an All-American linebacker before enjoying a career in the NFL with the New York Jets from 1993-2003.

Jones never earned a victory over Miami, with the Hurricanes winning two of the games on Wide Right field goals in 1991 and ’92. And now his son, who is in his first rivalry game following a transfer from Georgia, has a chance to impact the series as a defensive end and perhaps pull off one of the biggest upsets in the FSU-Miami rivalry.

Few teams have been as electric as Miami, which is 7-0, averaging nearly 50 points per game and is a 21-point home favorite against FSU on Saturday (7 p.m. on ESPN). The Hurricanes have been tough to slow down. A Washington State transfer, quarterback Cam Ward has been mistake-prone but also shown chemistry with Miami’s deep receiving corps.

Ward has been tough to sack or wrap up, showing good footwork as he moves up in the pocket, side to side or finds rushing lanes.

“Very elusive guy,” Jones Jr. said. “He can make plays, knows how to extend plays. We have to put a lot of effort and never give up. The play can go 10-11 seconds.”

The problem for FSU? It’s not just slowing down Miami. It’s avoiding a shootout because FSU’s offense is averaging just 15 points per game.

While no defense has found a way to stall Ward and the Hurricanes, FSU could start Brock Glenn and then turn to Luke Kromenhoek to provide a spark. Glenn committed three turnovers — including an interception return for a touchdown — in last week’s 23-16 loss at Duke.

Coach Mike Norvell wasn’t definitive about how the Seminoles plan to use Kromenhoek this week, but FSU (1-6) needs to continue to evaluate the quarterbacks not just for the rest of the fall but also 2025.

“I was pleased with Brock and how he was able to respond coming back in the game,” Norvell said. “Those guys will continue to work. We’re going to continue to push forward and every single one of us, we’re going to go be better.”

Coaches: Mike Norvell, 5th season at FSU, 32-23 (70-38 overall); Mario Cristobal, 3rd season at Miami, 19-13 (81-73 overall).

Quick slant: FSU has started six OL combinations in seven games and could make a shift again. Norvell hasn’t offered an update on LT Darius Washington. … Norvell hasn’t committed to using true freshman QB Luke Kromenhoek vs. Miami, but he could learn from the experience. … FSU has won three straight games in the rivalry, including a 27-20 victory in 2023.

About FSU (1-6, 1-5 ACC): FSU has 21 drops in seven games, among the highest totals in the FBS … The Seminoles are 131st in the FBS (of 134 schools) in rush offense, but they are coming off a 162-yard performance at Duke. … Ja’Khi Douglas leads FSU with 22 catches for 354 yards and two touchdowns.

About Miami (7-0, 3-0): The Hurricanes have scored 38 or more points in each game this season, averaging 48.3 points (second in the FBS). … Ward is the first Miami quarterback to record seven straight 300 passing yards in each game. … Miami is looking to start 8-0 for the first time since 2017.

 

3 things to watch

Capitalize on Cam Ward’s risks:  Ward takes risks and often gets away with throws into tight windows. Amazingly, he has just five interceptions in 246 attempts. FSU has just two interceptions (one apiece by Edwin Joseph and Justin Cryer) but also 25 pass breakups. If the Seminoles can turn a few pass breakups into interceptions, FSU can grab momentum and perhaps a shorter field to help the offense get points out of a Miami mistake.

 

Build confidence on offense: The Seminoles allow mistakes to impact the collective efficiency of the offense: a drop that doesn’t allow for successful moments; a missed block that prevents a play from developing; a Brock Glenn turnover when he might be trying to do too much to help the team. FSU needs positive moments early in games to develop confidence and underscore the thought that an upset could happen.

 

FSU has kicker, punter to keep it close: Ryan Fitzgerald is 9 of 9 on field-goal attempts while Alex Mastromanno leads the FBS in punting (49.4). FSU covers Mastromanno’s punts very well, enjoying the nation’s best net punting average (46.34). A roadmap to keeping this game close? Make field-goal attempts and flip fields to force Miami to build long drives.

 

UP NEXT

Where: Hard Rock Stadium (65,326)

When: 7 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN; Radio: 106.7 FM / 810 AM in Orlando; SiriusXM Ch. 391.

Weather: 79 degrees, 10% rain chance

Favorite: Miami by 21 points

By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS and KEVIN MCGILL

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A federal appeals court on Friday revived a lawsuit that challenges Mississippi’s practice of counting mailed absentee ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but received up to five days later.

It appears unlikely that the ruling will affect the Nov. 5 election. The judges issued an order saying the ruling would not officially be returned to a lower court until seven days after the deadline for appealing their decision has passed — which is usually at least 14 days. That would put the effect of the ruling well past Nov. 5.

UCLA law professor Richard Hasen wrote on his election law blog that the appeals court ruling was a “bonkers opinion” and noted that “every other court to face these cases has rejected this argument.”

The three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday reversed a July decision by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr., who had dismissed challenges to Mississippi’s election law by the Republican National Committee, the Libertarian Party of Mississippi and others. The appeals court order sent the case back to Guirola for further action, but the issue may wind up at the Supreme Court.

Republicans filed more than 100 lawsuits challenging various aspects of vote-casting after being chastised repeatedly by judges in 2020 for bringing complaints about how the election was run only after votes were tallied.

While the ultimate outcome may be negligible in most elections in heavily Republican Mississippi, the case could also affect voting in swing states.

Mississippi is one of several states with laws allowing mailed ballots to be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The list includes swing states such as Nevada and states such as Colorado, Oregon and Utah that rely heavily on mail voting.

In July, a federal judge dismissed a similar lawsuit in Nevada. The Republican National Committee is asking the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to revive that case.

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Guirola wrote that Mississippi’s law does not conflict with federal election laws. The suit challenging the Mississippi law argued that the state improperly extends the federal election and that, as a result, “timely, valid ballots are diluted by untimely, invalid ballots.”

Guirola disagreed, writing in July that “no ‘final selection’ is made after the federal election day under Mississippi’s law. All that occurs after election day is the delivery and counting of ballots cast on or before election day.”

Although the Mississippi challenge was led by Republicans and Libertarians, there is bipartisan support for the Mississippi practice. Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch is defending the state’s top election official. Secretary of State Michael Watson a defendant in the case. Both are Republicans.

The members of the appellate panel that reversed Guirola were judges James Ho, Stuart Kyle Duncan and Andrew Oldham, all nominated to the 5th Circuit by former President Donald Trump.

McGill reported from New Orleans. Associated Press reporter Mark Sherman contributed from Washington.

By MELISSA GOLDIN, MIKE CATALINI and ALI SWENSON

YARDLEY, Pa. (AP) — Russian actors made a widely circulated video falsely depicting mail-in ballots for Donald Trump being destroyed in Pennsylvania, U.S. officials said Friday.

A video that showed mail-in ballots for Trump apparently being destroyed in a suburban Philadelphia county took off quickly on social media Thursday afternoon.

U.S. officials said in a statement sent by the FBI that they believe the video was “manufactured and amplified” by Russian actors. The officials say it’s part of “Moscow’s broader effort to raise unfounded questions about the integrity of the U.S. election and stoke divisions among Americans.”

The information was released in a joint statement by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

This latest claim involving a key county is an example not only of attempts to influence voters in the final weeks of a contentious election, but of how election officials have learned to move swiftly to counter false narratives over the last four years.

Since 2020, distrust in the voting process has taken hold among many Americans, creating an additional challenge for state and local officials who must not only administer elections but repeatedly explain and highlight the safeguards in place to protect the vote.

Election officials around the country have spent recent years preparing for the onslaught of false claims, from running worst-case-scenario tabletop exercises to shoring up emergency procedures with law enforcement to publishing proactive fact checks on their websites. Many have also increased transparency with the public, opening their doors for all-access tours in hopes it will head off some of the most damaging conspiracy theories.

The Bucks County video isn’t the only case in which this work has paid off. When AI-generated robocalls targeted Democratic voters in New Hampshire days before its primary in January, state authorities quickly issued statements and began investigations, which ultimately led to criminal charges and fines for the person responsible.

Disinformation experts say the Bucks County video signals a trend that’s likely to increase in the days leading up to Election Day — insidious disinformation, sometimes from foreign sources, that aims to undermine the public’s confidence in the electoral process.

This particular video is “almost certainly” connected to a Russian disinformation network known as Storm-1516 or CopyCop, according to Darren Linvill, the co-director of the Media Forensics Hub at Clemson University, who has closely studied the group.

The user who popularized the video on X had been an early amplifier of several other narratives from this network, he said. These included a fake video that spread earlier this month with unfounded allegations against Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz. The user also amplified the very first narrative Linvill’s team tracked from Storm-1516, back in August 2023.

The style and appearance of the latest video matches other videos from the network, including its use of a Black actor, Linvill said.

That’s long been a trend in fake videos originating in Russia, said Josephine Lukito, an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Texas at Austin who has researched Russian disinformation. She said the video’s use of a Black actor with an accent is intentional as a way to inflame existing divisions on American soil.

“It tends to amplify racism, right?” Lukito said. “There’s already this kind of groundswell of discussion about immigrants that are illegally voting or immigration broadly. Russian disinformation absolutely exploits that.”

After the video had been debunked, the X user deleted their original post and shared multiple posts from other accounts decrying it as fake.

America PAC, a super political action committee launched by billionaire X owner Elon Musk to support Trump in his bid for a second term, was among those denouncing the video — a stark contrast to the misinformation that frequently spreads on X, often spurred by Musk himself. The PAC declined a request for further comment.

There were multiple clues that immediately indicated the Bucks County video was fabricated. For example, under Pennsylvania law, election officials must wait until 7 a.m. ET on Election Day before they can begin to process ballots cast by mail and prepare them to be counted.

Other tip-offs included the dark green color on the left side of the outer envelopes — it is actually more of a kelly green — and the glossiness of the inner and outer envelopes, which in reality have a matte finish. Plus, none of the envelopes in the video had voters’ return addresses written on them.

Citizen complaints from across Bucks County and a call from the Yardley Borough police chief alerted District Attorney Jennifer Schorn that the video was circulating online. Schorn was in a pretrial conference Thursday and when she emerged she saw the calls about the video pouring in.

“Immediately at that point, we began investigating the video and made our ultimate conclusion that it was, in fact, fabricated,” she said in a phone interview Friday.

The district attorney’s office initially investigated the video along with the Yardley Borough Police Department.

Schorn was reluctant to describe how authorities reached their conclusion, citing concerns that subsequent fraudsters could improve their tactics. She said the FBI picked up the investigation immediately and is aiming to find who made the video. The FBI declined to comment on its investigation.

Schorn said her office has assigned two attorneys to screen allegations of fraud and that they’ll be on “24/7” on Election Day.

Both Republicans and Democrats in the county called the video out as bogus and expressed concern about how it could affect the election.

“To us, this is disinformation, aimed at scaring voters and dissuading them from using mail-in ballots or on-demand voting that uses the same mail-in ballot process,” the Bucks County Republican Committee wrote in a statement. “We have seen dirty underhanded tactics this year, from the defacing of signs, letters threatening Trump supporters, and now this video trying to scare Bucks County voters.”

Pennsylvania Sen. Steve Santarsiero, chair of the Bucks County Democratic Committee, called the video an attempt to “cast doubt on our vote by mail system and, ultimately, the outcome of the Presidential Election” in a statement.

Neither the origin of the video nor its intent have been confirmed.

The fast response to the video was possible because people spoke up, according to Schorn. She added that she thinks this incident showed officials are ready for what could be coming and hopes that it “continues in that vein.”

“I don’t at all blame Americans for wanting to be reassured that the system can be trusted,” she said. “I don’t blame that because, sadly, you know, there are criminal entities out there that do undermine processes. I felt reassured yesterday. I felt like it worked the way it was supposed to.”